Russell Crowe has opened up about his assault arrest in 2005.

Russell Crowe has opened up about his assault arrest in 2005

The New Zealand-born actor, 61, was seized by police in New York in 2005 for assault after throwing a telephone at a hotel employee, and he has now reflected on the incident in an interview with the Daily Telegraph on Sunday (17.08.25.)

He said: Look man, at 61, I can forgive my bad days.

Im not at all one of those people that say you shouldnt have regrets, I absolutely respect regret, he said. Regret is one of the greatest processes. He added: You know, youre not gonna be finding any improvement by not being honest with yourself about who you are and what you did, what you mightve said.

Russell was led from the Mercer Hotel in handcuffs during the incidence after lashing out at staff when he was unable to place a call to his then-wife, Danielle Spencer.

He spent six hours in custody before being charged.

Russell references the incident in the music video for his latest single Save Me, recorded with his band, The Gentlemen Barbers.

The Gladiator actor was in New York in June 2005 to promote his film Cinderella Man, about the heavyweight boxer Jim Braddock at the time.

He had attempted to call Danielle, then 36, at their Sydney apartment so he could say goodnight to their young son.

After failing to connect through the hotels phone system, Russell went down to reception and threw the device at Nestor Estrada, a 28-year-old concierge.

Police said the actor broke down in tears when he was handcuffed.

At the time he admitted: I cant communicate how dark my life is right now. I was at the bottom of a well.

He also said he was very sorry and acknowledged problems controlling his anger.

Russell initially faced felony charges but later pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a reduced offence. He was fined and avoided prison.

In August 2005 he settled a civil case brought by Nestor, reportedly paying about $100,000.

Speaking about the incident in connection with his new music, Russell said: The song is just a reminder that not every night you get to play in front of 12,000 people  sometimes youre singing Irish folk songs to the prison officer who is looking after you in jail.

Russell and Danielle, now 56, had met in 1989 on the set of The Crossing.

They married in 2003 at his farm in Nana Glen, New South Wales, separated in 2012 and finalised their divorce in 2018.

They share two sons  Charlie, 21, and 19-year-old Tennyson.
SYDNEY, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- One man was dead and another has been hospitalized with serious injuries following a shooting outside a hotel in Sydney's inner west.

Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a shooting outside a hotel in the inner-western Sydney suburb of Forest Lodge around 6:40 p.m. local time on Sunday night.

Officers arrived to find that two men had been shot multiple times by unknown assailants, who subsequently left the scene in a vehicle.

Ambulance paramedics treated both victims, but one died at the scene. The second man was transported to hospital in a serious condition.

According to local media, witnesses reported hearing between six and 12 gunshots.

NSW Police said that a crime scene has been established and that detectives have commenced an investigation into the attack with assistance from the state homicide squad. 
COLOMBO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government plans to sign more free trade agreements (FTAs) with foreign partners to diversify its export markets and boost foreign exchange earnings, state media reported on Sunday, citing a senior official.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said market diversification is critical to building a competitive and resilient export sector.

He noted that expanding trade partnerships will not only help diversify products but also strengthen integration into global supply chains. The government is also focused on increasing value addition and building stronger brand recognition, he said.

Abeysinghe highlighted that Sri Lanka's apparel exports generated more than 5 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. The government aims to raise that figure to 8 billion dollars by 2030. 
COLOMBO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 250 people have died from drowning in Sri Lanka so far this year, police said on Sunday.

Police spokesman F. U. Wootler told reporters that 257 people have lost their lives in drowning accidents so far in 2025. Among the victims were 37 women.

During the same period, the Police Life Saving Division rescued 69 Sri Lankans and 33 foreign tourists from drowning, according to police. 
SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and 13 others were injured on Sunday in South Korea's apartment fire, according to Yonhap news agency.

The fire broke out at the 20-story apartment building in Seoul at about 8:10 a.m. local time (2310 GMT Saturday).

A man in his 20s died at the scene, while his mother in her 60s was taken to the hospital after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but died.

One person was seriously wounded and 12 others suffered minor injuries. Evacuated were 89 residents living in the apartment.

The fire started from a household on the 14th floor, where no sprinklers were installed.

The authorities were investigating the exact cause of the accident. 
BRUSSELS, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that she and other European leaders, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will travel to Washington on Monday for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

"At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow," von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X.

The German government announced on Sunday that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining other European leaders and Zelensky for talks with Trump.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, a statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed.

The French presidency told the press on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington on Monday together with Zelensky and other European leaders to advance coordination between Europe and the U.S.

ANSA news agency reported that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Washington on Monday to attend a meeting with Trump at the White House, together with Zelensky and other European leaders.

Other leaders also making the trip include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Mark Rutte. 
ISTANBUL, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- A forest fire that erupted Saturday in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale is threatening the country's Gallipoli Historic Site on Sunday, forcing a partial closure as strong winds continue to drive the flames.

The closure "in the northern section" affected many historically significant sites related to World War I, including the Sunken Ship, Mimosa Beach, Conk Hill, and the 57th Regiment Memorial, according to the Directorate of the Gallipoli Historic Site.

Ottoman forces defended the area during the war against allied troops from Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand, and the site commemorates soldiers from all the countries involved.

Each year, memorial events draw thousands of visitors from various countries.

Nearby museums and cultural centers have also been temporarily closed as a precaution, the directorate said.

Canakkale Governor Omer Toraman noted that ground efforts continued throughout the night, and aerial firefighting operations resumed at daybreak as the strong winds continued to drive the flames. 
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The governors of three U.S. states are sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as President Donald Trump asserted that crime and homelessness have been out of control in the nation's capital.

Governor of West Virginia Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday that he is sending 300 to 400 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. at the request of Trump. The governor's office stated in a news release that Morrisey has directed the troops to support Trump's initiative to restore cleanliness and safety to D.C.

Later on Saturday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said he was authorizing the deployment of 200 National Guard members from his state to Washington at the Pentagon's request, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he is sending 150 National Guard members at the request of the secretary of the U.S. Army, local media reported.

Some National Guard troops deployed to D.C. will begin carrying firearms to conduct their mission, local media quoted two U.S. officials on Saturday.

Trump announced on Monday that 800 National Guard troops would be sent to Washington, D.C. to respond to a "public safety emergency" he declared in the district on the same day.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has rejected the president's depiction, saying that the violent crime in his city is at a 30-year low.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially sought to take over control of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department at the direction of Trump, but dropped the effort after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday. 
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another eight injured in an overnight shooting at a club in Brooklyn, New York, NBC News reported early Sunday, citing the city's police.

The shooting took place at the "Taste Of The City Lounge" in the Crown Heights neighborhood, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference.

Tisch said there were multiple shooters involved, adding that police were still investigating and nobody was in custody.

Those wounded in the shooting are being treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries, she said.

"It's a terrible shooting that occurred in the city of New York," Tisch said. 
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another eight injured in an overnight shooting at a club in Brooklyn, New York, NBC News reported early Sunday, citing New York City police. 
sanctuary wealth

You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter.

An Orange County, Calif.-based firm managing about $1.2 billion in client assets is joining Sanctuary Wealth from UBS.

Dial Square Private Wealth was founded by Jim Chiate and Tony Guianne, who first partnered at Merrill Lynch in 2003 before joining UBS in 2013. Theyll be joined by Owen Galasso, as vice president, registered operations manager, and Nazgol Nekoomaram, as vice president, wealth associate. The team will custody with Schwab and Goldman Sachs.

According to Chiate, the firm didnt make the decision to go independent lightly, but once they did, Sanctuary became the obvious choice.

While we could have easily moved to another traditional wirehouse or private bank, once we understood the evolution of the independent space over the last decade, we couldnt ignore the value independence would provide to our clients, Chiate said.

According to Chiate, the move to Sanctuary offers back-office support with access to alternative investments, tax mitigation strategies and philanthropic legacy building.

Sanctuary acts as a hybrid RIA, with more than 125 partner firms in 32 states on the platform (totaling over $55 billion in assets either on its platform or in transition). The firm has backing from the Italy-based asset manager Azimut, as well as Kennedy Lewis Investment Management.

In the past year, Sanctuary brought in 16 partner firms with over $10 billion in assets, including 1280 Financial Partners, another former UBS team managing about $2 billion with offices in Florida, Ohio and South Carolina.

In addition to wealth management services, 1280s team includes an institutional consulting division, with asset management for insurance, corporate, government, nonprofit and endowment clients. The company will also offer a captive insurance business to other Sanctuary partner firms, which it said was rarely available in the independent space.

Earlier this year, Sanctuary also attracted Hillguard Wealth Management, a $700 million Miami-based team managing assets for about 20 U.S. and international families.
Brisbane Hotels Achieve Record Highs in July Amid Rugby Tour Surge - Image Credit Unsplash

Brisbane hotels experienced unprecedented room rates and revenue in July 2025, driven by major rugby events.

The British and Irish Lions Tour significantly boosted hotel performance, with record metrics during key game nights.

Brisbane's hotel industry reached new heights in July 2025, thanks to the influx of visitors for the British and Irish Lions Tour. According to preliminary data from CoStar, a leading real estate analytics provider, the city posted its highest-ever monthly average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR).

Throughout July, Brisbane maintained a strong occupancy rate of 81.0%, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous year. The ADR soared to AUD274.52, a substantial 17.9% rise, while RevPAR climbed 18.7% to AUD222.42.

The peak performance occurred during the Lions vs Wallabies game at Suncorp Stadium on July 19. That night, occupancy reached 88.6%, with ADR and RevPAR hitting record highs of AUD504.91 and AUD447.33, respectively. Earlier in the month, another rugby match featuring the Queensland Reds against the British & Irish Lions on July 2 also boosted hotel metrics significantly, coinciding with the IPPA World Congress 2025.

Overall, Brisbane's hotel occupancy exceeded 70% for most of July, surpassing 80% for the first time since 2017. Looking ahead, August's forward occupancy is projected at 62%, consistent with the previous year's figures.
Denzel Washington doesn't care about cancel culture.

Denzel Washington has no interest in cancel culture

The Oscar-winning actor was dismissive of the concept when asked if he feared being "cancelled" during an interview to promote his new movie Highest 2 Lowest.

Denzel asked Complex News in response: "What does that mean - to be cancelled?"

When told by interviewer Jillian Hardeman-Webb that "it means you lose public support", the Gladiator II star said: "Who cares? What made public support so important to begin with?"

Washington also poured scorn on the interviewer's claim that "followers are now currency".

The 70-year-old star said: "I don't care who's following who. You can't lead and follow at the same time, and you can't follow and lead at the same time. I don't follow anybody. I follow the heavenly spirit. I follow God, I don't follow man. I have faith in God. I have hope in man, but look around, it ain't working out so well."

Denzel continued: "You can't be cancelled if you haven't signed up. Don't sign up."

The star has won two Oscars for his roles in Glory and Training Day and says that he's "not that interested" in landing another Academy Award.

Denzel - who has received 10 Oscar nominations during his career - told Jake's Takes: "I don't do it [make movies] for Oscars. I really don't care about that kind of stuff.

"Ive been at this a long time, and theres times when Ive won, shouldnt have won, didnt win, should have won.

"Man gives the award, God gives the award. Im not that interested in Oscars. People say: 'Well, where do you keep it?' I say: 'Next to the other one.'"

He went on to add: "Im not bragging. Im just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, it aint going to do me a bit of good."

Denzel found it hard to take when he missed out on the Best Actor gong at the 2000 ceremony for his role in Hurricane to Kevin Spacey's performance in American Beauty.

He recalled to Esquire magazine: "At the Oscars, they called Kevin Spaceys name for American Beauty. I have a memory of turning around and looking at him, and nobody was standing but the people around him.

"And everyone else was looking at me. Not that it was this way. Maybe thats the way I perceived it. Maybe I felt like everybody was looking at me. Because why would everybody be looking at me?

"Thinking about it now, I dont think they were. Im sure I went home and drank that night. I had to. I dont want to sound like: 'Oh, he won my Oscar', or anything like that. It wasnt like that."
Key Points

Novo Nordisk's shares have been trending downward due to clinical setbacks and underwhelming results.

However, the company has some potential catalysts on the way that could jolt its stock price.

Novo Nordisk looks attractive given its lineup and pipeline, especially at current levels.

10 stocks we like better than Novo Nordisk 

Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) first earned U.S. approval for its now-famous weight management medicine Wegovy in June 2021. That marked the beginning of a strong run for the company on the stock market. However, the Denmark-based drugmaker has given up most of these gains over the past year; the stock is down by 40% since January alone.

Despite its recent misfortunes, Novo Nordisk's shares could still deliver strong returns to patient investors. Here's why.

The weight management opportunity

Novo Nordisk primarily develops medicines for diabetes and, in recent years, weight management. Its stock has plunged over the past year because its financial results haven't been as impressive as the market had hoped. It also faced some clinical setbacks, while its biggest rival in its core markets, Eli Lilly, earned some important wins.

However, there's more to the story. The market for anti-obesity medications could grow at an incredibly rapid rate. Some analysts estimate that it will be worth $150 billion by 2035, compared to $15 billion last year.

Image source: Getty Images.

Novo Nordisk still has one of the deepest pipelines in the industry. In fact, it's challenging to find a company other than Eli Lilly that has more promising products. Recently, Novo Nordisk expanded its pipeline through various licensing deals.

Here's one more thing that recently broke its way: Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron, did not perform nearly as well as expected in a phase 3 study. This opens the door for Novo Nordisk to catch up to its longtime rival.

The company's oral version of Wegovy is currently awaiting approval from regulators in the U.S. The oral version led to an average weight reduction of 13.6% in a phase 3 clinical trial, slightly higher than the 12.4% that orforglipron recently posted in its late-stage study.

While it's always hard to compare across clinical trials, the data at the very least suggests that oral Wegovy is comparable to orforglipron -- but only the former drug is closing in on approval. Novo Nordisk also has yet another promising anti-obesity candidate in phase 3 studies, amycretin, which the Denmark-based pharmaceutical giant is testing in both subcutaneous and oral formulations.
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US president Donald Trump has played down the prospect of imposing so-called secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil after his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Trump had proposed the levies as a new way of pressuring Russias war-time economy if it failed to stop its invasion of Ukraine, and they were largely due to impact China and India, by far the two biggest buyers of Russian crude.

Mr Trump earlier this month doubled duties on Indian products to 50 per cent after imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff for buying Russian oil, kicking off from 27 August.

New Delhi was facing the risk of even higher tariffs if Mr Trumps summit in Alaska failed to end Russias war in Ukraine after the US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that secondary tariffs could go up if things dont go well at the meeting.

In recent days, Mr Trump has expressed his anger with India for its refusal to stop buying oil from Russia. He has accused India of financing Russias war in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude from Moscow.

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One ( Getty Images )

China remains the largest market for Russian oil exports. However, raising tariffs on Beijing threatens to break a delicate truce deal between China and the US after it was extended for another 90 days. The truce saw both countries lowering tariffs on each others goods after the trade war between the two biggest economies threatened to upend global markets.

On board Air Force One on his way to meet Mr Putin in Alaska, Mr Trump still appeared undecided on whether he would impose secondary tariffs or not, saying they would be very devastating for China in particular and suggesting Russia had already lost an oil client in India. If I have to do it, I'll do it. Maybe I won't have to do it, he said.

After the nearly three-hour-long meeting with Mr Putin, Mr Trump hailed the Alaska summit as a great and very successful day although we didnt get there on agreeing an immediate ceasefire. He instead endorsed Russias longstanding position  that Kyiv and Moscow would need to agree a full peace deal while fighting continued in the background.

And in a post-summit interview with Hannity, Mr Trump said he would hold off on imposing secondary tariffs on China for buying Russian oil after making progress with Mr Putin. He did not mention India directly.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter from first lady Melania Trump about missing children, according to White House officials ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images )

"Because of what happened today, I think I don't have to think about that now," Mr Trump said of the tariffs. "I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don't have to think about that right now."

India has previously said that it needs Russian oil to meet the energy needs of its fast-growing economy. The country has been sourcing nearly a third of its oil from Russia since the Ukraine war began in early 2022 and Moscow started offering it at a discounted rate.

New Delhi has decried the double standards of the US sanctioning its oil purchases while continuing to buy Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium and fertiliser.

Narendra Modis government called the US tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and vowed to "take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.
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At least 29 people were injured after a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesias central Sulawesi, sending residents scrambling from buildings in the early hours of Sunday.

The shallow quake, striking at a depth of 1 km (6.2 miles), shook Poso Regency and was felt across nearby areas, the country's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) said.

Two people were critically injured and were receiving treatment at a hospital.

One church was reportedly damaged, and sections of another church that were under renovation gave way during the earthquake, trapping several people under the rubble.

A video from Poso shows worshippers gathered in a church singing hymns when the tremors struck. As the shaking intensified, the congregation abruptly stopped, with people screaming and rushing towards the exits in panic.

Another video captured by a surveillance camera showed intense shaking inside a grocery store.

There were no immediate reports of deaths, BNBP added.

It comes a month after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's far eastern coast sent tsunami waves heading towards Japan, Hawaii and the US west coast. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded and triggered alerts in China, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand and even as far as Peru, Chile and Mexico.

There were no tsunami warnings in the wake of Sundays earthquake.

Indonesia sits on the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire", a highly seismically active zone, where different plates on the Earth's crust meet and create large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

More than 600 people were killed in one of the most destructive earthquakes in Indonesia in 2022 after a shallow 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Cianjur town in West Java. More than 7,729 were injured and many remain missing to date, with more than 62,628 homes damaged across 16 districts in Cianjur Regency and the surrounding areas.
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Smoke from wildfires in Southern Europe has brought hazy conditions to the UK, disrupting the current heatwave, forecasters have said.

The UK experienced the fourth heatwave of the summer this week, with some areas seeing the mercury climb above 33C in the hottest places.

However, the Met Office said "smoke from wildfires in Spain and Portugal, plus Saharan dust, has drifted over the UK.

This means the UK should expect "enhanced sunsets and sunrises in the coming days - deeper reds and oranges thanks to light scattering, the forecaster added.

Scientists say the phenomenon is linked to two processes known as Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering.

Rayleigh scattering, caused by tiny air molecules, normally makes the sky appear blue by scattering shorter wavelengths of light, such as violet and blue, according to the Royal Meteorological Society.

But larger particles released by wildfires, such as soot and ash, trigger Mie scattering, which scatters all wavelengths more evenly and allows longer red and orange wavelengths to dominate.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst told Sky News the haze "will hang around for the next few days".

The Met Offices forecast for Sunday says low clouds retreating towards the North Sea means there will be plenty of sunshine for most. There will be strong winds in the South West of England, and it will remain warm along the eastern coast.

Spain battled 14 major fires driven by high winds and aggravated by heat on Friday as authorities warned of "unfavourable conditions" to tackle flames that have already killed seven people and burned an area the size of London.

open image in gallery Wildfire in Santa Baia De Montes, northwestern Spain, on Thursday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Firefighters have been battling to put out blazes across southern Europe in one of the worst summers for wildfires in 20 years.

An early two-week heatwave and southerly winds were worsening the situation in Spain, Virginia Barcones, director general of emergency services, said.

Wildfires have burned more than 157,000 hectares in Spain so far this year, almost double the annual average, according to the European Union's Forest Fire Information Service.

open image in gallery Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire approaching Trancoso, Portugal, on Wednesday ( Reuters )

In neighbouring Portugal, meanwhile, thousands of firefighters were battling five large blazes in central and northern parts of the country, with one fire in Trancoso, some 350 km northeast of Lisbon, now raging for six days.

Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The EU monitoring agency says that 2024 was the hottest year on record both globally and in Europe, which experienced its second-highest number of heat stress days.
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King Charles Street, in central London, is a road Colonel Chris Romberg knows well. It was his postal address during his final posting in the military, a link to home while he was overseas.

Last week, the address became significant in Col Rombergs life once again after he was arrested for the first time in his life and taken to a processing station  set up by the Metropolitan Police  on that same street.

Hundreds of protesters, many of whom  like 75-year-old Col Romberg  were retired, had silently held up placards in Parliament Square, Westminster to protest genocide and express support for the group Palestine Action.

Due to the home secretarys proscription of Palestine Action under terror laws, expressing support for them on a T-shirt or on a sign is now a criminal offence. As a result, 522 arrests were made by the Met Police  some 112 of whom were over-70-year-olds.

A former defence attache at the UK embassies in Jordan and Egypt, Col Romberg waited around five hours before he was arrested, and then a further three to be processed by officers and released on street bail.

He had been involved in campaigning for the Palestinian cause for some years, feeling motivated by the oppression he saw during his time in the Middle East. His father, aunts and grandparents, who were Christians of Jewish descent, fled Nazi-controlled Austria in 1938, he explained.

open image in gallery Organisers of the protest will try to bring together 1,000 people together next month for another demonstration ( Tom Dale )

This history, he said, has also driven him to oppose what is happening in Gaza, and what he described as western governments complicity in the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Speaking about his decision to take part in last weekends protest, he said: I did think about it and I did discuss it with family because its not an easy decision to make. Although it wasnt certain we would be arrested, there was a high likelihood we would be.

It was my first time being arrested. But all our freedoms and all the best movements that there have been in democratic and non-democratic history have been achieved by people taking risks, and people taking action. My motivation is to defend freedom of speech and expression, and also to prevent a genocide  which we have a moral and legal duty to do.

open image in gallery Col Romberg being escorted away from Parliament Square by police ( Tom Dale )

He added: For a lot of people there, I believe it was the first time they have been arrested, and the first time they have taken action in that form. The implications are serious because we are being arrested under a very serious piece of legislation  the terrorism act. For many people, especially younger people, that can have serious implications for their lives. For those that are older like me, then those long-term consequences may not be quite the same, but nevertheless they are serious.

His familys history has connected him to descendants of Holocaust survivors who are part of the pro-Palestine protest movement. He explained: In my case, my father and his parents and sisters survived because they fled. They fled Austria in 1938 after the German takeover.

Because of our family connections, we are horrified that a genocide should again be taking place. And for many, this brings back horrible memories from what they heard from their own parents and grandparents, and therefore we are determined to oppose it.

open image in gallery Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti has warned of an I am Spartacus moment after hundreds were arrested for holding signs ( Tom Dale )

Labour peer and former shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti has warned that the ban is at risk of becoming an I am Spartacus moment, urging the government to think again.

Former Labour minister Peter Hain has described the mass arrests as madness, saying Palestine Action was not equivalent to real terrorist groups like al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

Co-founder of Palestine Action Huda Ammori has been granted permission by the High Court to challenge the groups ban in the courts  the first case where such a legal battle has been allowed to go ahead.

Defend Our Juries, who co-ordinated last Saturdays protest, have pledged that they will demonstrate again in September if 1,000 people agree to take part.

With the demonstrators taking to the streets in protest at the genocide and to stand up for civil liberties, home secretary Yvette Cooper has sought to emphasise the dangers of Palestine Action.

In a statement released after the weekends arrests, she said: Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage... Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear  this is not a non-violent organisation.

Ms Ammori said that the proscription of the group was solely based on property damage, and any insinuation that it is based on other things is categorically untrue or unavailable to the rest of us to be able to rebut.
ChatGPT is in the process of rolling out its latest-and-greatest model, ChatGPT 5, while the investment world continues to trudge on despite considerable macroeconomic headwinds and overall turbulence. For years now, ChatGPT has been leveraged by artificial intelligence (AI)-savvy investors looking to solidify their holdings while also seeking out new opportunities.

For You: 12 Best Safe Investments To Grow Your Money in 2025

Check Out: 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025

However, support for plug-ins was discontinued earlier this year, with OpenAI pivoting to incorporate the functionality of plug-ins into a variety of curated GPT models (found under the GPTs tab when using the ChatGPT interface) which can be of great utility for investors  below are a few examples.

Also here is ChatGPTs simple explanation of investing.

Finance and Economics  Stock, Crypto, Trade, Invest

According to OpenAI, it is ranked No. 1 by users in the research and analysis category  and having racked up over 1 million conversations and 10,000 user reviews (coming in at 4.4 stars out of five)  this particular GPT submodel is equipped with a number of finance-centric parameters which could be useful to investors.

When asked to provide a list of 10 worthwhile investments drawn from the ranks of the S&P 500, the model provided recent stock price charts, EPS (earnings per share) and P/E (price-to-earnings) data and contextual reasoning for why each company was worth a buy.

Read Next: How To Get a 10% Return on Investment (ROI): 10 Proven Ways

Notable entries included Apple, Google, Visa, Nvidia and Exxon Mobile.

In more general terms, the ChatGPT submodel is also able to provide deep dives on daily market reports, particular company earnings or financial health and other key metrics of interest to investors.

AskYourPDF Research Assistant

A frankly impressive piece of kit, the AskYourPDF Research Assistant is able to scour the internet for news articles as well as PDFs (professional, scholarly, business, etcetera) and provide them to you, alongside viewable source links, alongside a comprehensive and accurate breakdown of the contents.

A request to scour recent investment-related news tied to Nvidia produced a list of 10 items in short order, with each source being both relevant and recent. AskYourPDF Research Assistant also begins its reply chain by approaching results from the top down, with users being able to zero in on more granular data with a simple ask.

Wolfram

Based on the long-standing Wolfram Alpha model, the Wolfram GPT excels at math, meaning that for those investors obsessed with stats and regression or correlation analysis, its likely to be an invaluable asset when considering dropping serious cash on a particular buy-in.
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Choosing godparents for your firstborn child is generally considered to be a joyous occasion for any parent.

But for the Duke of Westminster, a close friend of both Prince William and Prince Harry, it is likely to be turning into a headache as the estrangement between the formerly close brothers continues.

Hugh Grosvenors wife Olivia gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Cosima, last month, and it is understood that the Duke is debating whether to ask the Duke of Sussex to be godfather.

Known as Hughie to his friends, he has retained close friendships with both Princes having known them since childhood. He is also the only mutual friend chosen to be a godfather to their eldest sons, Prince George, 12, and Prince Archie, six.

open image in gallery Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, and Olivia Henson announced the birth of their first baby in July (PA) ( PA Wire )

While friends of the Westminsters have said they have not made a final decision on whether to include Harry, it is understood William has been made a godfather.

Last June, Grosevenor, 34, and his wife, 32, married at Chester Cathedral in a lavish ceremony with the Prince of Wales serving as an usher.

While the Sussexes had initially been invited and Grosvenor wanted them to be present, it was decided against them attending due to the risk of any drama with the Royal Family overshadowing the special day for the couple.

A friend of the brothers told The Times: Its incredibly sad it has come to this. Hugh is one of very few close friends of William and Harrys who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both. He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises its unlikely to happen before the wedding.

He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesnt want any awkwardness.

open image in gallery Prince of Wales attending the wedding last June where he served as an usher ( Peter Byrne/PA Wire )

By naming both brothers as godfather, it could be seen as an attempt to improve their relationship, which has been estranged since Harry and Meghan left the Royal Family in 2020.

It is understood that the two have not spoken since Queen Elizabeths death and funeral in September 2022.

King Charles has also not seen his youngest son since February 2024 after revealing his cancer diagnosis, with Harry travelling back to Clarence House from California for a brief meeting.

In a recent BBC interview after he lost his legal battle with the government over his tax-payer funded security in May, Harry said that he was keen to end the estrangement between himself and the Royal Family.

There is no point continuing to fight any more  Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive lots of things. But I would love a reconciliation  I dont know how much longer my father has. He wont speak to me.

In his memoir Spare, Harry claimed that his fathers wife Camilla had sacrificed him on her personal PR altar to improve her own image, that Charles office had leaked stories of his drug misuse and that he and William had a physical altercation over his relationship with Meghan.
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Nigel Farage and Reform UK risk failing a generation of young women if they scrap online safety laws aimed at preventing revenge porn, Angela Rayner has said.

The Deputy Prime Minister demanded Mr Farage explain how his party would keep young women safe when they use the internet, after Reform vowed to repeal the Online Safety Act.

Her warning is the latest intervention in a row between senior Labour figures and Mr Farages party over the Act.

Under new rules introduced through the legislation at the end of July, online platforms such as social media sites and search engines must take steps to prevent children from accessing harmful content such as pornography or material that encourages suicide.

Reform has vowed to repeal the law and replace it with a different means of protecting children online, though the party has not said how it would do this.

Among their criticisms of the Act, Mr Farage and his colleagues have cited freedom of speech concerns and claimed the Act is an example of overreach by the Government.

This prompted backlash from Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, who claimed people like Jimmy Savile would use the internet to exploit children if he was still alive, and insisted anyone against the Act  like Mr Farage  was on their side.

The Reform leader demanded an apology, but ministers have been trenchant in their defence of the Act.

Now, the Deputy Prime Minister has questioned how Mr Farage would seek to prevent the devastating crime of intimate image abuse, also known as revenge porn, without the Online Safety Acts protections.

Ms Rayner claimed: Nigel Farage risks failing a generation of young women with his dangerous and irresponsible plans to scrap online safety laws.

Scrapping safeguards and having no viable alternative plan in place to halt the floodgates of abuse that could open is an appalling dereliction of duty. Its time for Farage to tell women and girls across Britain how he would keep them safe online.

Under the Online Safety Act, revenge porn is classified among the most severe online offences, the Deputy PM added.

Citing figures from the charity Refuge, the Labour Party claimed a million young women had been subject to revenge porn: either intimate images being shared, or the threat of this.

Some 3.4 million adults in total, both men and women, have been affected, Labour also said.

Ministers have previously had to defend the Online Safety Act against accusations from Elon Musks X social media site that it is threatening free speech.

In a post at the start of August titled What Happens When Oversight Becomes Overreach, the platform formerly known as Twitter outlined criticism of the act and the heavy-handed UK regulators.

The Government countered that it is demonstrably false that the Online Safety Act compromises free speech and said it is not designed to censor political debate.

Mr Farage has meanwhile suggested there is a tech answer for protecting children online, but neither he nor the Government have outlined one.

He also suggested children are too easily able to avoid new online age verification rules by using VPNs (virtual private networks), which allow them to circumvent the rules by masking their identity and location.

When Reform UK was approached for comment, its Westminster councillor Laila Cunningham said: Women are more unsafe than ever before thanks to Labour. Starmer has released thousands of criminals back onto the streets early with no regard for womens safety.

I am calling on Jess Phillips to debate me on womens safety  she ignored the grooming gangs scandal and now shes wilfully deceiving voters on this issue.

Reform will always prioritise prosecuting abuse but will never let womens safety be hijacked to justify censorship.

You dont protect women by silencing speech. You protect them by securing borders, enforcing the law, and locking up actual criminals, and that is exactly what a Reform government would do.
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An adviser who helped Nigel Farage to boost his social media presence has suggested that the UK would have been better off had it not got involved in the Second World War, rather than deciding to fight Nazi Germany.

In his personal blog, Jack Anderton also suggested Britain should not support Ukraine in its fight against Putins illegal invasion, saying: Russia is not our enemy.

The 23-year-old, who helped to run Mr Farages TikTok account, has never been an official Reform UK employee.

The blog, first revealed by The Observer, also saw Mr Anderton claim the UK could regain former colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa, as well as suggesting the UK should copy the policy of mass incarceration carried out in El Salvador, which has been condemned as a breach of human rights.

We get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine, wrote Anderton ( Jack Anderton/YouTube )

In a post from June 2024, titled A Self-Interested British Foreign Policy, Mr Anderton wrote: Britain spent nearly 3trn on WW1 and WW2. What did we get for that? We are no longer the great power we once were, we dont even get a thanks anymore.

We impoverished ourselves for decades, we didnt finish paying the loans off to America until 2006.

Our economy stagnated, we lost an empire, and we are pushed around by America. And Germany, a country we beat, has been richer than us since the 1970s.

He said the only wars that were truly in Britains interests were the Falklands conflict and the invasion of Egypt for control of the Suez Canal, adding: If Britain had not fought in WW1 and WW2, it would not have had to rely on America for economic support, and it would have had the independence to act accordingly.

Britain could have developed India, Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, The Bahamas, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. In the coming Meritocracy, perhaps Britain could regain some of these nations.

Suggesting Britain should not be supporting Ukraine, he wrote: Whilst yes, we are not at war with Russia, we are sending billions of pounds (that we cannot afford) to prop up a country that we have no allegiance to.

Russia is not our enemy, they have not attacked Britain. Its perfectly acceptable and preferable to state that Russia is not our enemy, but they are not our friend either, we treat them with suspicion, but we do not escalate a conflict with them.

Why are we fighting a European war? We do not border any of these countries. In their pursuit of all that is good and a handshake from Zelensky, the British ruling class is pushing this country into a war that we have nothing to do with.

He added: At least in WW1, we got some land in the Middle East, we get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine.

In a second post from, also from June 2024, Mr Anderton issues an endorsement of the policies of Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who has been accused by Amnesty of committing massive human rights violations, including thousands of arbitrary detentions and violations of due process, as well as torture and ill-treatment. At least 18 people have died in state custody, the organisation said.

Seemingly endorsing his policies, Mr Anderton said: Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Id even argue the measures arent that extraordinary and should be in place in times of normalcy.

He added: El Salvador is perhaps a lesson for those in Britain who wish to take back control of their country. Power works, and it is all that matters. State power when used effectively is basically omnipotent.

The meritocracy will be established, criminals and corrupt officials will be jailed, immigration will drop to zero, houses will be built, and our citizens will once again feel proud of the country they call home.

Mr Farage has previously suggested that British criminals could be sent overseas to El Salvador to serve their sentences as part of a crackdown on crime.

Jack Anderton and Nigel Farage have been contacted for comment.
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Sir Keir Starmer hailed Volodymyr Zelenskys desire for a just and lasting peace ahead of joining him alongside European leaders in Washington on Monday for crucial talks with Donald Trump over the future of Ukraine.

The prime minister, along with Frances Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte, will travel to the White House in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.

The show of support from the coalition of the willing comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his countrys territory.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is understood to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, several news outlets said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trumps negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

On Sunday Steve Witkoff, the US presidents special envoy, said Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit, despite initial fears that little progress had been made.

We were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, he told CNN.

open image in gallery EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will be among those accompanying Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington ( AP )

Article 5, at the heart of the 32-member military alliance, states that an armed attack against one or more of the members shall be considered an attack against all members.

Mr Witkoffs claim appeared to be backed up by Mikhail Ulyanov, Russias envoy to international organisations in Vienna, who said late on Sunday that his country agreed with calls for security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace agreement.

On Sunday evening, following a meeting of the coalition of the willing, a Downing Street spokesman said the groups leaders commended President Trumps commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

He added that they had reasserted a readiness to deploy a reassurance force once fighting had stopped to help secure Ukraines skies and seas.

The leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskys desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC, he said.

Speaking in Brussels alongside the Ukrainian president ahead of Mondays meeting, Ms Von der Leyen also signalled that Ukraines borders cannot be seen to change through force.

With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force, she said.

These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

The EU chief also suggested Mr Trumps move away from seeking a ceasefire with Russia ahead of a full peace agreement was not important, and claimed either arrangement would stop the killing.

She added: Its not the term itself, its the content that matters.

Mr Zelensky said he totally agreed with Ms Von der Leyen, adding that negotiations needed to result in the correct steps to have lasting peace, to stop Putin rather than simply a pause in the war.

Posting on social media, he also railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation, he said.

If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

It came after European leaders on Saturday piled pressure on Mr Trump not to cave in to some of Mr Putins demands, reiterating that no limitations should be placed on Ukraines armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putin is understood to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war in Ukraine ( AP )

Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraines pathway to EU and Nato, they added, reiterating that the coalition of the willing is ready to play an active role.

On Saturday, Sir Keir said President Trump has brought us closer than ever before to ending Russias illegal war in Ukraine, despite the US and Russian presidents confirming that no deal had been reached in the early hours of Saturday morning.

However, in a brief media appearance during which they offered little detail and refused to take questions from reporters, Mr Trump said some great progress was made with many points agreed and very few remaining.

Meanwhile, Mr Putin said the negotiations were held in a constructive atmosphere and raised the prospect of another meeting in Moscow  a suggestion which is likely to spark concern from those fearing the US president could capitulate to Russias demands.

In a statement on Monday, Sir Keir welcomed the US presidents suggestion that he could provide robust security guarantees to support Ukraine, but reiterated that the next step in the peace process must be further talks involving President Zelensky after Fridays summit excluded the Ukrainian leader.

[Donald Trumps] leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended, the prime minister added.
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A key senator on the Foreign Relations committee called Donald Trumps Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin a disaster Sunday and blamed the U.S. president for legitimizing his Russian opponent in front of the world.

It was an embarrassment for the United States. It was a failure. Putin got everything he wanted, said Chris Murphy, the ranking Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on European security cooperation.

Murphy told NBCs Meet the Press that Trump was forced to abandon his main commitment  a call for a ceasefire  during the meeting and was similarly unable to convince Putin to drop demands for Ukraine to cede more territory, something the senator from Connecticut said was stunning to see a U.S. president consider.

He wanted to be absolved of his war crimes in front of the world. He was invited to the United States  war criminals are not normally invited to the United States of America, Murphy said.

open image in gallery Sen. Chris Murphy said that Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin was a 'disaster' for America ( NBC/Meet the Press )

Trump walked out of that meeting saying, I didn't get a ceasefire. I didn't get a peace deal. And I'm not even considering sanctions, the senator continued. And so Putin walks away with his photo op, with zero commitments made, and zero consequences. What a great day for Russia.

Murphys comments to NBC come as two top Trump officials who traveled with the president to Alaska for the summit Friday, Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, did the rounds on separate Sunday morning programs defending the outcome of the presidents meeting with Putin.

The optics of the meeting are being endlessly scrutinized in the mainstream press, partly due to the few specifics released so far about what the two men discussed.

Among those moments been picked apart by analysts included the arrival of the Russian president, which was preceded by U.S. troops, in uniform, rolling out a red carpet on the tarmac.

On Sunday, Witkoff told CNNS State of the Union that the U.S. secured what he claimed was a game-changing development in the discussions: Putins willingness to consider accepting a U.S. security agreement protecting the future sovereignty of Ukraines borders. This was the first time negotiators were able to gain ground on the issue, he explained.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO," he said.

open image in gallery Putin and Trump shake hands during their Alaska meeting ( REUTERS )

Witkoff wouldnt specify whether the security guarantee could lead to what Trump and his followers have long opposed  a promise to directly engage U.S. troops in defense of Ukraine should Russia continue crossing Trumps red lines.

Murphy, on Sunday, seemed to imply that such a guarantee would be the bare minimum standard necessary for any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

That [security guarantee] is an essential element of a peace agreement because any commitment that Vladimir Putin makes to not invade Ukraine again isn't worth the paper that it's written on, said the senator. He's made that commitment many times. So yes, there has to be a guarantee that if Putin were to enter Ukraine after a peace settlement, that there would be some force there, a U.S. force, a U.S.-European force there to defend Ukraine.

He would go on to hammer Trump over reports that Witkoff wouldnt confirm when pressed by CNNs Jake Tapper, which revealed that Trump had signaled his own willingness to accept Russian demands for Ukraine to cede the entire occupied Donbas region as part of a potential agreement. Murphy said that the reported development was another sense that Putin is just in charge of these negotiations.

Chris Van Hollen, another Democrat on the Foreign Relations panel, was equally critical of Trumps meeting with the Russian president during an interview with ABCs Martha Raddatz on This Week.

Heading into Fridays summit, Trump warned of severe consequences if Russia continued to oppose peace efforts and said that he was working towards an immediate ceasefire. Afterwards, he claimed in a Truth Social post that "It was determined by all [in attendance] that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

Van Hollen called this news a setback for the U.S.s European allies and Ukraine, while accusing Trump of being flattered by Putin.

Theres no sugarcoating this. Donald Trump, once again, got played by Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin got the red carpet treatment on American soil. But we got no ceasefire, no imminent meeting between Putin and Zelensky, said Van Hollen.

Jake Sullivan, national security adviser to the Biden administration, agreed.

"President Trumps stated goals were very simple, get an immediate ceasefire, and in the absence of a ceasefire, impose what he called severe consequences," Sullivan said. "Well, the summit has come and gone. There is no ceasefire. There are no consequences.

Trump is now scheduled to meet Monday with European leaders including Finnish president Alexander Stubb, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron and the UKs Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Stubb is known for his personal relationship with Trump, and is poised to be on-hand to quell any disputes between Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, who will also be in attendance.

Zelensky is reported to be wholly opposed to any demand to recognize Russian occupation of the Donbas as legitimate.
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Far-right activist Laura Loomer is taking a victory lap for a new State Department policy decision: halting all visitor visas from Gaza.

The State Department announced Saturday it was stopping the visas for people from Gaza, one day after Loomer posted a series of videos capturing alleged flights bringing people from the territory to the United States. She questioned why they were allowed into the country, and demanded that whoever approved their visas be fired.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the State Department said in a statement Saturday.

In a social media post, the conservative firebrand celebrated the departments decision as fantastic news, noting that it was made following the release of my reports yesterday exposing flights of GAZANS arriving at airports all across the US.

She added: Hopefully all GAZANS will be added to President Trumps travel ban. There are doctors in other countries. The US is not the worlds hospital!

open image in gallery Laura Loomer is taking credit for the State Department's decision to halt visitor visas for people from Gaza, which was made one day after she went on a posting spree, highlighting children seeking medical treatment in the U.S. ( Getty Images )

The Independent has asked the State Department whether Loomer had any influence on the decision.

Throughout the day Friday, Loomer posted videos allegedly showing people from Gaza arriving at airports across the U.S., including Seattle, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Houston, in the past few weeks. The videos were originally posted by HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering urgent and long-term support to Palestinian children and families.

The videos, posted by HEAL Palestines Instagram account, show children coming to the U.S. for medical treatment. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war in Gaza since Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, according to Gazas Health Ministry last month.

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the U.S. temporarily. The B-1 visa covers business, and the B-2 visa is for tourism which includes medical treatment, according to the State Department.

In one heart-wrenching example, a 14-year-old girl, who arrived in San Francisco this month, was injured when a school that her displaced family was using as shelter was bombed. She sustained second-and third-degree burns across her body and face, shrapnel wounds to her head and leg, and is still living with embedded fragments, the nonprofit wrote in an August 6 post. The child also suffers from malnutrition, weighing just 20 kilograms, or 44 pounds.

The Independent has asked the nonprofit for comment on Loomers posts.

Who from the State Department is assisting Heal Palestine? Loomer wrote in a Friday social media post. Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the U.S. under the Trump admin?

She continued: This is a national security threat. We didnt vote for more Islamic immigration into the United States. Who signed off on these visas? They should be fired.

open image in gallery Far-right activist Laura Loomer has demanded the Trump administration fire certain staffers  and occasionally those people have been terminated ( Getty Images )

Loomers posts picked up some traction, including from GOP members of Congress.

Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy remarked Friday: Deeply concerned about the incoming flights - including to Texas - allegedly filled with folks from Gaza as reported by @LauraLoomer. Inquiring.

Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine similarly said he was troubled by Loomers report. If true, this is absolutely unacceptable. My office will be working with the relevant authorities to confirm the truth, understand how it happened, and seek immediate expulsion, he wrote on X Friday.

After the State Departments announcement Saturday, Fine gave Loomer a pat on the back. Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura, he wrote on X.

The far-right activist seems to have some sway within the Trump administration as a pattern seems to have emerged. Not long after Loomer makes an online complaint, a change seems to happen within the administration.

Last month, Loomer boasted after Maurene Comey, who prosecuted Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend and sex offender, Ghislaine Maxwell, and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, was fired from the Justice Department.

After she was terminated, Loomer took a victory lap, writing on X: This comes 2 months after my pressure campaign on Pam Blondi [sic] to fire Comeys daughter and Comeys son-in-law from the DOJ.

In May, Loomer urged President Donald Trump to pick a new nominee for surgeon general after she called his pick, Janette Nesheiwat, not ideologically aligned with Donald Trump or his admins health initiatives. The president later withdrew Nesheiwats nomination.

In April, Loomer met with Trump, urging him to fire members of the National Security Council who had been disloyal to him. Not long after, the president terminated several NSC staff.

Its not clear how much Loomers demands played a role in the decisions. Asked how many staffing decisions shes had a hand in, Loomer told the New York Times last month: I dont even knowI really enjoy and take great pleasure in humiliating people who suck at their job.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately opened and read a letter from First Lady Melania Trump at an Alaska summit focused on the war in Ukraine, according to a new report.

The letter on the plight of children in Ukraine and Russia was hand-delivered by President Donald Trump to Putin, who read it in front of both delegations, Fox News reported, citing White House officials. The Independent has requested comment from the White House.

Trump met with Putin for nearly three hours Friday at a U.S. military base in Anchorage. In their first meeting in six years the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump has pushed for peace in the region but no ceasefire deal came out of the talks.

Melania Trump, who was born in Slovenia, wrote Putin a letter that mentioned the abductions of children over the course of the war, two White House officials told Reuters. The first lady did not travel to Alaska with the U.S. delegation.

While the exact number of missing children remains unclear, the Institute for the Study of War reported in March that Ukraine verified nearly 19,500 children have been deported by Russia. But the research non-profit said: The true figure is likely to be much higher because Russia frequently targets vulnerable children without anyone to speak for them.

open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin and US First Lady Melania Trump shake hands in Hamburg, Germany in 2017. The First Lady sent Putin a letter, which he read immediately, according to White House officials, during President Donald Trumps summit in Alaska with the Russian leader ( EPA )

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of the war crimes of unlawfully deporting children and unlawfully transferring them from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the questions raised by the ICC outrageous and unacceptable, Reuters reported at the time. He also mentioned Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the court, so any decisions of this kind are null and void for the country.

Prior to Fridays summit, Trump had spoken on the phone with Putin on several occasions, but it didnt seem to move the needle on the war in Ukraine. In recent months, Trump grew more frustrated with the Russian leader, as he continued his military campaign in Ukraine.

open image in gallery The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, looks on as President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, greet each other before a face-to-face meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. ( AP )

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15 ( (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) )

Last month, Trump talked about the first lady reminding him of the deadly toll of Russias bombardments on Ukraine.

I go home, I tell the first lady, I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation. And she says, Oh really, another city was just hit, he said from the Oval Office.

During a joint speech to reporters Friday, where neither leader took questions, Trump called his meeting with Putin very productive.

Later in a Fox News interview with host Sean Hannity, Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was notably not invited to the summit, to make a deal with Putin. Trump is set to meet with Zelensky at the White House Monday.
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The president has posted the full letter from First Lady Melania Trump that he hand-delivered to Russias Vladimir Putin at Fridays summit in Alaska regarding the fate of the Ukraine war.

In the letter, which Putin reportedly read immediately in front of delegates at the summit, the first lady appealed the Russian leader to remember the innocence of the children caught in the midst of the fighting.

Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or magnificent city-center, the letter begins. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger.

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope, the letter continues. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all  so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology, the letter adds.

open image in gallery First ladys letter to Putin, delivered by President Trump during Alaska summit, urges Russian leader to think of children impacted by war in Ukraine ( Associated Press / Melania Trump )

Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them  a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future, the first lady wrote. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

The message concludes with an urgent appeal to end the war.

In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone  you serve humanity itself, Trump wrote. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with the stroke of the pen today. It is time.

President Trump revealed the letter on Truth Social, after making multiple posts criticizing reaction from the media and Democrats to the Alaska summit, which did not result in a deal to end the Ukraine war.

Senator Chris Murphy, the ranking Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on European security cooperation, said the VIP welcome for Putin gave the Russian everything he wanted and was an embarrassment for the United States.

"It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me," Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. "There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me."

open image in gallery First Lady Melania Trump met Vladimir Putin in 2017, but she was not present at Anchorage summit over the weekend ( EPA )

"If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal, he wrote in another.

Following the Alaska summit, both Trump and Putin claimed the controversial meeting had been productive and a success, though little concrete information has emerged about what the two leaders discussed behind closed doors.

We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to, Trump told reporters. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didnt get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.

Speaking to Fox Newss Sean Hannity after the Friday summit, Trump said both Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky would like him to be present at a potential second meeting.

open image in gallery Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage dead not result in any lasting ceasefire, though U.S. claims Russia open to NATO-style Western security guarantee for Ukraine ( AFP via Getty Images )

They both want me there, and Ill be there, he said.

On Sunday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Putin agreed to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a NATO-like security guarantee.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Witkoff told CNN.

The reported concession was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, Witkoff added, calling the step game-changing.

The envoy also signaled that the fate of the occupied Donbas region, which Putin reportedly demands Ukraine cede to Russia to end the invasion, will be a major topic during continued discussions around ending the war.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Trump Monday at the White House. A delegation of European leaders is also attending including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Frances leader Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
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National Guard troops mobilized in Washington, D.C., are preparing to carry weapons in the coming days, according to a new report.

Some troops were told to expect an order to start carrying weapons late Friday, though no official order had come as of Saturday morning, The Wall Street Journal reports. This comes after the U.S. Army said in a statement that weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory.

President Donald Trump mobilized about 800 members of the D.C. National Guard in the nations capital this week. As of Thursday, about 200 troops were on the streets of D.C., the Defense Department said. Now, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is set to send additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at the request of the Trump administration

The West Virginia National Guard will provide mission-essential equipment, specialized training, and approximately 300-400 skilled personnel as directed, according to a Saturday statement from Morriseys office. The mission, which will be funded at the federal level, is a show of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation, the statement adds.

More states could follow in West Virginias footsteps.

open image in gallery National Guard troops stand in Washington, D.C., near the U.S. Capitol. Some troops deployed to D.C. could start carrying weapons, a new report reveals ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A White House official told The Independent that the National Guards role has not changed, and additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC.

The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime, the official said.

D.C. National Guard spokesman Capt. Tinashe Machona told The Washington Post that other states want to participate in the mission, but he couldnt provide a specific number.

The Independent has contacted the Washington, D.C. National Guard for comment.

Trump claimed he mobilized troops and federalized D.C. police in response to out of control crime that was getting worse. However, data shows that violent crime in Washington, D.C. has been decreasing since 2023. Violent crime in D.C. even hit its lowest point in more than 30 years in 2024, according to the Justice Department.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called Trumps takeover of the police force an authoritarian push on Tuesday.

open image in gallery A member of the National Guard keeps watch outside Washington, D.C.s Union Station. President Donald Trump mobilized about 800 National Guard troops, and West Virginia is sending up to 400 more ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Trump threatened a D.C. takeover earlier this month after Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer, was assaulted in an attempted carjacking. Coristine, 19, is better known by his online nickname Big Balls.

I have to say that somebody from DOGE was very badly hurta young man who was beat up by a bunch of thugs in DC, and either theyre gonna straighten their act out in the terms of government and in terms of protection or were gonna have to federalize and run it the way its supposed to be run, Trump said on August 5.

Trump also said he was placing the D.C. police under federal control this week. The Justice Department then attempted to name DEA Administrator Terry Cole as the Metropolitan Police Departments emergency police commissioner. D.C. sued in a response, challenging the administrations appointment of Cole and its attempts to assert control over the department.

Following an emergency court hearing on Friday, the Trump administration walked back its order, allowing the D.C. government and current police chief Pamela Smith to retain control over the department.

Attorney General Pam Bondi instead named Cole her designee.

I have just issued a new directive to Mayor Bowser requiring MPD to provide the services found necessary by my designee, @DEAHQ Administrator Terry Cole, to comply fully and completely with federal immigration law and authorities, regardless of any policies MPD might otherwise have, Bondi wrote on X.

Unfortunately, the DC Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, DC, she added.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb celebrated the judges decision on Friday.

The outcome of todays hearing is a win for Home Rule and upholds the Districts right to operate its own local police force, he wrote on X. The Court recognized that it was clearly unlawful for the Administration to try to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Chief Smith and @MayorBowser rightfully remain in command of MPD.
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Donald Trumps top Middle East envoy said that a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. was likely to occur in the days ahead but did not provide specifics regarding the deal reached between the president and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

However U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that Putin agreed to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee at his meeting with Trump.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Witkoff told CNN.

He added that it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that and called them game-changing.

But the envoy wouldnt specify whether the security guarantee could lead to what Trump and his followers have long opposed  a promise to directly engage U.S. troops in defense of Ukraine should Russia continue crossing Trumps red lines.

Steve Witkoff spoke about the Trump-Putin meeting on CNN Sunday ( CNN/State of the Union )

Trump met with Putin for nearly three hours Friday at a U.S. military base in Anchorage. In their first meeting in six years the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump has pushed for peace in the region but no ceasefire deal came out of the talks.

Also during the Sunday CNN interview, Witkoff declined to say whether a Russian demand for Ukraine to cede the entire occupied Donbas region was being considered by the U.S.

There is an important discussion to be had with regard to Donetsk and what would happen there. And that discussion is going to specifically be detailed on Monday, when President Zelensky arrives with his delegation, he said.

We made so much progress at this meeting with regard to all the other ingredients necessary for a peace deal that President Trump pivoted to that place, he continued. We are intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently very, very quickly, quicker than a ceasefire.

All eyes are now on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky's crucial meeting with Trump at the White House Monday. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join Zelensky, and other European leaders at the talks. Finnish president Alexander Stubb, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and French president Emmanuel Macron are among those who will be on hand to prevent any flare-ups between the Ukrainian president and Trump.

Coverage of that meeting has largely centered around the theme of damage control, with European leaders insistent on having a seat at the table for future negotiations.

At the same time, the Trump administration is signaling that it will not put significant pressure on Russia to force a peace agreement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing separately Sunday on ABC, said that further sanctions on Russia were, for the time being, likely off the table.

The minute you levy additional sanctions, strong, additional sanctions, the talking stops. Talking stops. And at that point, the war just continues, Rubio said. He and Witkoff were part of th delegation to join Trump in Alaska for the summit.

Rubio added that meant more people dead. More people killed. More people maimed. More families destroyed.

Many Republicans have come out publicly to state that Trump was wrong about his assumption in February that Putin wants peace in Ukraine.

I think hes going to be very careful about what he does, Sen. Mike Rounds said of Trump backing further Russian sanctions in early August. But I think he is clearly disappointed in Putin and I think he is now coming around to recognizing that many of us were right.
Key Points

If you were earning an average dividend yield of, say, 3%, you'd need a huge portfolio to generate $1 million in passive income from dividends.

A smaller portfolio can still produce meaningful amounts of dividend income.

Dividend-focused ETFs make dividend investing easy.

10 stocks we like better than Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF 

We're all going to need income in retirement, and that could come from shaving off some of our assets every year -- for instance, selling shares of stock from our portfolio. That can work, but if you live a long time, you do run the risk of running out of dollars before you run out of breath. So, consider generating passive income from some great exchange-traded funds (ETFs) -- funds that trade like stocks.

For my own retirement, I plan to generate a significant amount of income passively via dividends from dividend-paying stocks. I own various dividend payers along with a dividend-focused ETF or two. Here are three for you to consider.

Image source: Getty Images.

Can you get $1 million in passive income?

I have to say, collecting $1 million in passive income, presumably annually, is a tall order. It's not like you're going to be able to have a $2 million portfolio and a 50% dividend yield, generating $1 million.

A more typical dividend yield for good blue chip companies is between 2% and 4%, with plenty of exceptions higher and lower. Some well-regarded companies do have yields of 5% or 6% or more, though. Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), for example, recently yielded 6.4%, and Realty Income (NYSE: O) yielded 5.7%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index, which holds 500 of America's biggest companies, sported an overall dividend yield of only 1.2% recently. (Many of those 500 companies don't pay a dividend at all.)

So, here are some scenarios that show how much passive income you might generate with different kinds of portfolios:

Portfolio Value Overall Average Dividend Yield Annual Income $500,000 3% $15,000 $1,000,000 3% $30,000 $2,000,000 3% $60,000 $33,333,333 3% $1,000,000

Source: Calculations by author.

You'd need a portfolio worth $33,333,333, per the table above, if you want to collect $1 million annually via an overall average dividend yield of 3%. The table below doubles that to 6% and shows that you'd only need a $16,666,667 portfolio.

Portfolio Value Overall Average Dividend Yield Annual Income $500,000 6% $30,000 $1,000,000 6% $60,000 $2,000,000 6% $120,000 $16,666,667 6% $1,000,000

Source: Calculations by author.
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Australia has granted asylum to Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Ted Hui, he said in a social media post, in a move likely to raise tensions with China.

Mr Hui, a former Hong Kong parliamentarian, fled the city four years ago and first arrived in Europe in December 2020. In March 2021, he became the first Hong Kong politician to be granted a special travel exemption during coronavirus restrictions to enter Australia.

In 2022, Mr Hui was convicted in Hong Kong in his absence on charges of taking part in a pro-democracy protest and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail.

On Saturday, Mr Hui said he had received formal notification from the Australian Department of Home Affairs that I have been granted asylum in Australia.

In an emotional post, he said: When people around me say congratulations to me, although I politely thank them, I cant help but feel sad in my heart. How to congratulate a political refugee who misses his hometown?

If it werent for political persecution, I would never have thought of living in a foreign land. Immigrants can always return to their hometowns to visit relatives at any time; Exiles have no home.

open image in gallery File Pro-democracy legislator Ted Hui (C) is detained by police during a pro-democracy rally in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on June 12, 2020 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Hui, who is now an Adelaide-based lawyer, said he identifies more closely with Australia today than he did when he arrived four years ago, and said he believe[s] asylum also carries responsibility. My family and I are determined to give back to Australia in every way we can  through our work, our civic engagement, and our commitment to the values of democracy and freedom, he said.

The Australian governments decision reflects values of freedom, justice, and compassion that my family will never take for granted, he added.

The 42-year-old father, a prominent critic of both the Hong Kong government and Beijing, was one of several overseas activists hit with Hong Kong police bounties of HK$1m (about 94,281) each in 2023.

While these bounties have drawn condemnation from western governments, they are largely viewed as symbolic gestures, since most of those targeted live in countries with little prospect of extradition to Hong Kong or mainland China.

In Adelaide, where Mr Hui is based, the campaign against him has taken a more personal turn. Earlier this year, his colleagues received an anonymous letter offering $203,000 Australian dollars for information about his movements and family.

Around the same time, fake pamphlets portraying Mr Hui as a pro-Israel lawyer bent on waging war against Islamic terrorism were reportedly circulated to local mosques, apparently in an effort to threaten and discredit him.

open image in gallery File Pro-democracy lawmakers Ted Hui and Leung Kwok-hung are blocked by security guards as they try to stop the process of electing council chairman at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, China in 2016 ( Reuters )

At that time, Mr Hui blamed the Chinese regimes long arm for harassing him internationally.

Mr Hui concluded his post by requesting the Australian government not to forget those still suffering in Hong Kongs prisons, mentioning a number of activists including Jimmy Lai, the media mogul and British citizen who is currently on trial in the city.

Australia must do more to rescue them and to speak up for their humanity, Mr Hui said. Its stance matters internationally, and its protection of Hongkongers sets a precedent for other democracies.

The Hong Kong government said in a statement that it was against the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese visited Beijing last month as part of his administrations years-long push to improve ties with China, Australias No 1 export market. The relationship suffered a number of blows during the pandemic as both countries hit each other with punitive trade tariffs.

During the visit, Xi Jinping said the China-Australia relationship has risen from the setbacks and turned around, bringing tangible benefits to the Chinese and Australian peoples.
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The future of Ukraines industrial heartland in the east of the country is uncertain, after Vladimir Putin reportedly demanded it be handed to Russia during his meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday.

Those demands will set a tense backdrop to a potential meeting between Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. The latter said he was ready for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin, after he held a friendly meeting with the US president in the White House on Monday.

Were going to work with Ukraine. Were going to work with everybody, and were going to make sure that if theres peace, the peace is going to stay long term. This is very long term, Trump said after Mondays meeting.

But territorial disputes, such as Putins demands for the Donbas, will pose a major challenge for mediators.

The Russian leader demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk as part of any ceasefire deal, and said he would be prepared to stop fighting on the rest of the frontline if Kyiv gave in to the demand and addressed the root causes of the conflict.

The Ukrainian president has said that Putin wants to take the remaining 30 per cent of the eastern region, which has been the location of some of the fiercest battles in the three-and-a-half-year war.

But losing Donetsk would give Russia control of almost all of the Donbas, the collective name for Ukraines eastern industrial heartland, which has been long coveted by Putin.

Last week, Zelensky vowed that Ukraine would never leave the Donbas and warned that Putin could use it as a springboard for a future invasion.

However, sources close to the meeting told The Independent that the dramatic move appears to have been endorsed by Mr Trump as a means to bring an end to the war.

As Kyiv fights to keep the Donbas from Trumps so-called land swap deal, heres all you need to know about the region.

Where is the Donbas?

Situated along Ukraines eastern border, the Donbas takes its portmanteau name from Donets Basin, a further abbreviation of Donets Coal Basin, in reference to the coal basin along the Donets Ridge and River.

The Donbas stretches across the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, two large regions of Ukraine that have been on the front line of the war that followed Russias invasion.

How long has it been occupied?

The Donbas has been partially occupied by Russia since 2014, around the same time that Putin annexed the Crimean peninsula. Russian-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government to proclaim the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk independent peoples republics and, as a result, Moscow captured more than a third of Ukraines eastern territory.

Russia classes inhabitants of the Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol, the Luhansk Peoples Republic, the Donetsk Peoples Republic, and the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as subjects of the Russian Federation. Ukraine insists these territories are part of Ukraine.

It is believed that around 88 per cent of the Donbas is under Russian control. This includes almost all of the Luhansk region and 75 per cent of the Donetsk region, according to Reuters. Approximately 6,600 sq km is still controlled by Ukraine, but Russia has been focusing most of its energy along the front in Donetsk, pushing towards the last remaining major cities such as Pokrovsk.

open image in gallery Donbas is known for its coal-mining industry ( Reuters )

A key strategic region in the war

The hyper-industrialised Donbas economy is dominated by coal mining and metallurgy. The region has one of the largest coal reserves in Ukraine. When conflict broke out in 2014, Ukraines coal-mining enterprises saw a 22.4 per cent decline in the production of raw coal compared with 2013, according to the Kyiv Post, showing the countrys reliance on Donbas as an energy powerhouse.

But as well as its economic significance, Donbas has been described as a fortress belt by the Institute for the Study of War in terms of its strategic value. Donetsk forms the main fortified defensive line across the front line, stretching through Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka.

Ukraine is holding a key defensive line across Donetsk, says Elina Beketova, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, describing a fortified zone buildup over years because the war began 11 years ago. She adds that Russia hasnt been able to break through since 2014, and has lost many people there. The entire region is heavily mined, and Ukrainian troops have been preparing it for years.

open image in gallery Ukrainian soldiers train in the east of the country ( Anadolu Agency via Getty )

Its not just trenches, its a deep, layered defence with bunkers, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and industrial areas built into the terrain. The area includes dominant heights, rivers, and urban zones that make it extremely hard to capture, explains Beketova.

She says that losing this fortified line would have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, as it holds back Russias advancement into central and western parts of the country. The front would shift approximately 80km west, and Russia would gain open ground  flat steppe with no natural barriers  giving it a direct path towards Kharkiv, Poltava, and Dnipro.

What Zelensky has said about the Donbas

Zelensky has repeatedly rejected calls from Russia to give up the Donbas.

In response to Putins request that Ukraine withdraw from eastern Donetsk, Zelensky vowed that his people would never leave the Donbas, and warned that Putins troops could use it as a springboard for a future invasion.

We will not leave Donbas. We cannot do this. Everyone forgets the first part  our territories are illegally occupied. Donbas for the Russians is a springboard for a future new offensive, he said.
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Donald Trump says he believes Vladimir Putin is avoiding meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky simply due to personal animosity.

The US president has been pushing to arrange a peace summit between the two leaders but his efforts have so far been rebuffed by Moscow.

Asked yesterday why Putin was refusing to meet Zelensky, Trump appeared once again to sympathise with the Russian leader.

Because he doesnt like him, Trump said, adding: I have people I dont like, I dont like to meet with them.

Trump also admitted that he has spoken on the phone with Putin again since their call on the sidelines of a summit with European leaders in the White House last Monday.

Meanwhile, Zelensky said US and Ukrainian officials would meet later this week to discuss plans for a possible summit with Putin, as well as the broader issue of post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine.
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European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, will join Volodymyr Zelensky for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

The prime minister will travel to Washington alongside several European leaders in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a disastrous clash with Mr Trump.

Mr Trump will receive Mr Zelensky at 1pm local time and hold a bilateral engagement with him at 1.15pm.

He is set to meet the delegation of European leaders at 2.15pm in the State Dining Room. A multilateral meeting with the European leaders is planned for 3pm, the White House said.

The summit comes just days after the US president met Vladimir Putin in Alaska, in which it is understood that the Russian president demanded that Ukraine cede the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as a condition for ending the war.

Mr Trump is said to have privately endorsed the proposal, a move that Kyiv has strongly resisted.

The night before the high-level meeting in the White House, Mr Trump put the onus on Mr Zelensky to agree to concessions and suggested that Ukraine could not regain Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Ukraines leader has warned that Russias refusal to halt hostilities before agreeing to a settlement would complicate any attempt at securing lasting peace. Speaking ahead of his trip, Mr Zelensky said: Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

Downing Street said Sir Keir and other leaders stand ready to support this next phase of talks and will stress that their backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.

Who is going to Washington?

European leaders confirmed to be attending include:

Sir Keir Starmer, UK prime minister

Emmanuel Macron, French president

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor

Alexander Stubb, President of Finland

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary General

Giorgia Meloni, Italys prime minister

open image in gallery Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Sir Keir Starmer ( PA )

The Ukrainian president will travel with a strong backing after participating in a coalition call on Sunday afternoon, hosted by the UK, France, and Germany.

The so-called coalition of the willing aims to provide security guarantees, including policing any future peace deal with troops on the ground in Ukraine.

What will be discussed on Monday?

The talks are expected to cover territorial questions, including Russias demand for Ukraine to cede Donetsk and Luhansk.

They are also expected to address security guarantees for Ukraine, which could be backed by US air power.

The role of Nato and European allies in enforcing a settlement is likely to be discussed, alongside sanction pressures on Russia.

European leaders want to also ensure Ukraine is at the table for all negotiations.

open image in gallery European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greets Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels on Sunday ( AP )

Speaking alongside Mr Zelensky in Brussels, Ms von der Leyen said: With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force.

These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

European powers also want to help set up a trilateral meeting between Mr Trump, Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky to make sure Ukraine has a seat at the table to shape its future.

What are Russias demands?

At the Alaska summit, Mr Putin reportedly insisted Ukraine must surrender Donetsk and Luhansk in full, abandon its Nato aspirations and declare neutrality. He offered to freeze the front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, sources close to the meeting told The Independent.

Around 88 per cent of the Donbas is under Russian control. This includes almost all of the Luhansk region and 75 per cent of the Donetsk region.

Russia controls nearly 44,600 square miles or 19 per cent of Ukraine in total, including the Crimean peninsula, according to open-source maps of the battlefield.

open image in gallery At the Alaska summit, Mr Putin reportedly insisted Ukraine must surrender Donetsk and Luhansk in full ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Zelensky has rejected the idea of handing over territory, insisting talks must be based on current front lines and begin with a ceasefire.

Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said Mr Putin agreed to allow the US and its European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee at his meeting with the US president on Friday.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Mr Witkoff told CNN.

He added that it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that and called them game-changing.

Article 5, at the heart of the 32-member military alliance, states that an armed attack against one or more of the members shall be considered an attack against all members.

Sir Keir commended Mr Trumps commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, following a meeting of the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon.

What happened the last time Zelensky met Trump?

Their previous Oval Office meeting in February ended in a dramatic confrontation.

A planned mineral deal signing ceremony collapsed as Mr Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Mr Zelensky of being ungrateful and gambling with World War III.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speak amid a chaotic meeting at the Oval Office in February ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Zelensky pushed back, insisting there could be no compromises with a killer  a reference to Mr Putin.

The meeting was cut short, the joint press conference cancelled, and Mr Trump declared afterwards that Zelensky could come back when he is ready for peace, and temporarily suspended aid to Ukraine.
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With Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin potentially set to meet within weeks, the prospect of relinquishing land to secure peace for Ukraine has been floated by the US.

Despite launching an illegal invasion, Putin is understood to have demanded that Kyiv surrender the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces as a condition for ending the war.

Such a move would effectively hand over Ukraines industrial heartland, giving Russia control of the Donbas region, where some of the heaviest fighting of the war has taken place since February 2022.

During a meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, the Ukrainian president said he is ready for a trilateral meeting involving Putin to try and reach a peace deal.

Trump is keen on a lasting peace deal and, like Putin, has rejected a temporary ceasefire - a proposal initially made by the US president himself.

Were going to work with Ukraine, he said on Monday. Were going to work with everybody, and were going to make sure that if theres peace, the peace is going to stay long term. This is very long term.

Any concession of large regions of Ukrainian territory would be a bitter pill to swallow for Kyiv.

While Russia controls almost all of Luhansk, it holds about 70 per cent of Donetsk.

Zelensky has previously insisted he would reject any proposal to withdraw from the industrial Donbas region, claiming it would open a bridgehead for a wider Russian offensive.

However, sources close to the White House have said that Mr Trump appears to have endorsed the move, and will likely be raising the issue during his meeting with Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Monday.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said Ukraine will not give up the Donbas region ( Getty Images )

The Russian president also said he would freeze the frontline in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where his forces occupy a large territory.

These areas have been long coveted by Putin, who first entered the Donbas region during an offensive in 2014, which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula.

Russian-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government to proclaim the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk independent peoples republics and, as a result, Moscow captured more than a third of Ukraines eastern territory.

It is currently believed that around 88 per cent of the Donbas is under Russian control, while approximately 6,600 sq km is still being held by Ukraine.

In recent months, Moscow has reinforced its efforts to seize these remaining areas, pushing towards cities like Pokrovsk and intensifying drone and air strikes.

It is crucially important to Ukraine, given that the region holds one of the largest coal reserves and is viewed as an energy powerhouse by Kyiv.

It has also been described as a fortress belt by the Institute for the Study of War, given that Donetsk forms the main fortified defensive line along the eastern region, halting Russia in their tracks.

Ukraine is holding a key defensive line across Donetsk, says Elina Beketova, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, describing a fortified zone buildup over years because the war began 11 years ago.

open image in gallery Putin is said to have made the demands during his meeting with Trump in Alaska ( AP )

Its not just trenches, its a deep, layered defence with bunkers, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and industrial areas built into the terrain. The area includes dominant heights, rivers, and urban zones that make it extremely hard to capture, explains Beketova.

Relinquishing the territory would be catastrophic for Russia, especially if they are not given concrete security guarantees such as Article 5 protection from Nato.

However, Putin made it clear that he would not fall back on core demands to resolve root causes of the conflict, that includes Ukraine becoming a neutral state and abandoning Nato aspirations.
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Donald Trump says he believes Vladimir Putin is avoiding meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky simply due to personal animosity.

The US president has been pushing to arrange a peace summit between the two leaders but his efforts have so far been rebuffed by Moscow.

Asked yesterday why Putin was refusing to meet Zelensky, Trump appeared once again to sympathise with the Russian leader.

Because he doesnt like him, Trump said, adding: I have people I dont like, I dont like to meet with them.

Trump also admitted that he has spoken on the phone with Putin again since their call on the side lines of a summit with European leaders in the White House last Monday.

Meanwhile, Zelensky said Monday he had a good meeting with US envoy Keith Kellogg, discussing pressure on Russia for real" ceasefire talks and the United States' role in Ukraines security.

Plans for a possible summit with Putin and post-ceasefire guarantees were also due to be discussed this week. It is unclear if this will be separate from the Kellogg meeting.
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Spain is deploying an additional 500 soldiers to combat raging wildfires, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, as the country grapples with a prolonged period of scorching weather. The new deployment adds to the more than 1,400 troops already battling blazes across parched woodland.

Authorities are particularly struggling to contain forest fires in the northwestern Galicia region, where 12 major wildfires are currently active near the city of Ourense. Alfonso Rueda, head of the Galician regional government, confirmed the severity of the situation during a joint press conference with Mr Sanchez. The country is also awaiting promised aircraft reinforcements from other European nations to aid the firefighting efforts.

Homes are still under threat so we have lockdowns in place and are carrying out evacuations, Rueda said. Galicia has been battling the spreading flames for more than a week.

Temperatures in Spain could reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas on Sunday, the Spanish national weather agency AEMET said. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was 44.7 degrees Celsius (112.46 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern city of Cordoba, it said.

open image in gallery Spain Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 ( AP )

This Sunday, when extraordinarily high temperatures are expected, the danger of wildfires is extreme in most of the country, AEMET said on the social platform X.

The fires in Spain this year have burned 158,000 hectares (390,000 acres), according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That is an area roughly as big as metropolitan London.

Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists say that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.

Spain was expecting the arrival of two Dutch water-dumping planes that were to join aircraft from France and Italy already helping Spanish authorities under a European cooperation agreement.

Firefighters from other countries are also expected to arrive in the region in coming days, Spains Civil Protection Agency chief Virginia Barcones told public broadcaster RTVE.

National rail operator Renfe said it suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the fires.

Galician authorities advised people to wear face masks and limit their time spent outdoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash.

Portugal is set for cooler weather in coming days after a spate of severe woodland fires. A national state of alert due to wildfires was enacted Aug. 2 and was due to end Sunday, a day before two Swedish firefighting planes were to arrive.

open image in gallery Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire approaching Trancoso, Portugal, August 13, 2025 ( Reuters )

As in Spain, Portugals resources have been stretched. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters and more than 1,300 vehicles were deployed, as well as 17 aircraft, the countrys Civil Protection Agency said.

The scorched area of forest in Portugal so far this year is 17 times higher than in 2024, at around 139,000 hectares, according to preliminary calculations by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, a government body.

Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have also requested help from the EUs firefighting force in recent days to deal with forest fires. The force has already been activated as many times this year as in all of last years summer fire season.
The value of Irish exports fell back to more typical levels in June, as a period of stockpiling by US importers in advance of tariffs came to an end.

Compared to May, exports declined by 6.1bn in June, down 26pc to 17.2bn, according to the latest figures from the CSO. However the value of overseas sales was still up by almost 5pc on the same month last year, when the figure was 16.7bn.
Echelon action over alleged hijacking of US data centre plans should be thrown out, say former business partners

The two American companies argue the Irish firms complaint was a thinly veiled and redundant breach of contract claim

Echelon said the US firms 'improperly used' confidential information to 'co-opt the data-centre development plans'

Sean Pollock Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Fraud claims by one of Irelands largest data centre developers should be thrown out of court, two ex-partners on a proposed multi-billion dollar project in America have told a US judge.
Estate agents say planning compliance issues are biggest cause of deals collapsing at sale-agreed stage

Banks delaying release of deeds, and building regulations are also problematic

Gerard OToole of the SCSI said issues arose in 20pc-25pc of sales

Sean Pollock Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Planning compliance problems are the leading cause of house sales falling through, with issues arising after a sale has been agreed one of the biggest challenges affecting the market, following the lack of supply.
Key Points

The new regulatory landscape has helped XRP and its issuer, Ripple, which had been fighting the SEC in court since 2020.

XRP has real-world utility through its role as a bridge currency in Ripple's payment network.

Institutional investors have bought over $1 billion in XRP tokens in 2025.

10 stocks we like better than XRP 

No top cryptocurrency has done better than XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) in 2025. It's up 59% for the year through Aug. 12, more than Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all the other big names. It has also added more than $50 billion to its market cap over that time frame.

It's not always easy to figure out why certain cryptocurrencies catch fire like this. As meme coins have demonstrated, there can be an element of randomness to it. But in XRP's case, there are a few legitimate reasons why it has been so successful this year.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. A crypto-friendly regulatory landscape

XRP's bull run started with the 2024 presidential election, when it went from a price of $0.50 to over $2.50 in about a month. The election of Donald Trump as president was considered good for the crypto industry, as he campaigned on promises to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the planet and to fire then-SEC chairman Gary Gensler, who had led a crackdown on cryptocurrencies.

While the election was a tailwind for the entire crypto industry, it was especially good news for XRP. Ripple, XRP's parent company, had been battling the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in court since late 2020 over allegations that sales of XRP were an unregistered securities offering. After taking office, Trump immediately appointed Paul Atkins, who's known for being supportive of cryptocurrencies, to lead the SEC, and Atkins was sworn in on April 21.

The expectation was that new SEC leadership would finally lead to a resolution in its lawsuit with Ripple. Although it didn't happen overnight, Ripple and SEC both agreed to drop their respective appeals on Aug. 7.

2. Its role in cross-border payments

One of the reasons XRP has caught on with investors is because it has legitimate real-world utility as part of Ripple's payment network. Ripple uses blockchain technology to provide faster and cheaper cross-border payments. It can settle transactions in just 3 to 5 seconds for less than $0.01 in fees.

XRP enters the picture when a transaction involves multiple fiat currencies. Ripple offers a service called on-demand liquidity (ODL) that uses XRP as an intermediary for these cross-border transactions. The sender converts the payment to XRP tokens and sends them over the Ripple network. The recipient then converts those XRP tokens to its local currency. By using XRP, neither party needs to hold any foreign currency.
Partner content

Across the EU, smart meters are being rolled out. Photo: Getty

In an era where sustainability is no longer a nice to have but an imperative for businesses of all sizes, smart metering is becoming an increasingly important tool for companies in terms of managing energy and water consumption.

For manufacturers in particular, where operational costs are tightly linked to resource use, the ability to monitor and respond to consumption patterns in real time is proving transformative.

Smart meters offer more than just data, they provide clarity.

By tracking usage across a 24-hour cycle, businesses can identify inefficiencies, spot unusual patterns and make specific and targeted interventions that can lead to savings of between 5pc and 15pc.

These insights dont just support greater cost efficiencies, it also helps improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and support sustainability goals.

To support manufacturing companies adapt smart metering, Enterprise Ireland is offering financial support through its capital investment for energy monitoring and tracking (EM&T) systems grant.

Aimed at manufacturing firms, this support covers up to 50pc of eligible costs, which includes meters for electricity, gas, diesel, oil, water, and steam, as well as installation and commissioning.

Projects can range from 10,000 to 100,000, making it accessible to both small and large enterprises.

If youre not sure where to start, or if your companys current system is lacking, Enterprise Ireland also provides expert guidance through its climate action voucher and greenstart grant.

These help businesses develop a metering roadmap, conduct gap analyses, and interpret data effectively. The goal is to empower companies to take control of their energy and water use, not just react to it.

Across the EU, smart meters are being rolled out. Photo: Getty

Recent case studies shared during an Enterprise Ireland webinar demonstrate the positive impact of smart metering on a business.

Caroline Sugrue of DCS Group, an energy and sustainability services firm, highlighted how real-time data enabled targeted actions and the correct sizing of renewable energy systems like solar PV and heat pumps.

At Lee Strand Co-Op Creamery, operations manager John Murphy described how they achieved an initial 12pc reduction in electricity usage by installing submeters and making a few operational tweaks without any additional capital investment.

Donal Budds of FreeFoam Building Products shared how FreeFoam metered individual machines and subsystems.

By switching to low-energy vacuum systems, they achieved a 10pc energy saving for that subsystem. Energy monitoring helped underpin an energy savings culture within the company.

With growing pressure from customers to reduce carbon footprints, FreeFoam is now well-positioned to set and meet ambitious sustainability targets.

Installing smart meters and having a better understanding of your energy and water usage profile enables accurate carbon accounting, supports life cycle assessments and product carbon footprint labelling.

As customer expectations around environmental performance grow, having robust data is no longer optional, its a necessity.

For further information, you can visit enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/become-more-sustainable

Kathleen ORegan is a senior executive for sustainability solutions with Enterprise Ireland
Gig economy insurer Zego pulls out of Irish motor market, denting State efforts to increase competition

Insurance policies remain active and valid until they reach their expiry date

The firm specialised in cover for self-employed drivers, especially taxi and delivery drivers. Photo: Getty

Charlie Weston Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Government efforts to promote competition in the motor insurance market have suffered a blow with the decision of an insurer to pull out of the market.
Anti-sunscreen lies sweeping social media are dangerous, dermatologist warns

Professor Anne Marie Tobin of the HSE says there is no truth to claims over toxic ingredients

Influencers on platforms such as TikTok claim chemicals in sunscreen are harmful. Stock image. Photo: Getty

Lynne Kelleher Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

One of Irelands leading dermatologists has called the anti-sunscreen trend sweeping social media anti-science.
From Gemma O'Doherty to Syria, Catherine Connolly isn't fond of hard questions - and she doesn't like some of the easy ones either

Presidential hopeful says she is a committed European but opposes militarisation and the neoliberal agenda

Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly on cost of living, Gaza and her views on the European Union

Mary Regan Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

The front doors of Catherine Connollys constituency office, a stones throw from the Spanish Arch in Galway, are thrown wide open. But as we talk, it doesnt take much for the presidential hopeful to pull certain shutters down.
How Irish orphan Nicholas Rossi created lies of a childhood in Dublin and faked his own death, but is finally facing justice in the US
Ireland to airlift 18 more Gazan children for medical treatment

Country is expected to host 30 children from war-torn enclave by the end of the year.

Palestinian children carry jerrycans after collecting water from a distribution point in Gaza City. Photo: AP

Lynne Kelleher Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Ireland will carry out potentially three more airlifts of sick and injured children from Gaza this autumn, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) looks for countries to scale up medical evacuations.
Musically, Oasis have never sounded this good

Two hours, 23 songs and the most feverish atmosphere imaginable. Oasiss first Irish gig since Slane 2009 had a huge amount to live up to, but the recently reunited Gallagher brothers didnt disappoint.

They rode into town, pitched up in Croke Park and took 80,000 souls with them for a journey back to Britpops halcyon days, when their band slugged it out with rivals  as well as each other  and released era-defining songs that continue to hoover up new generations of fans.
Obituary: William Duncan, Trinity College Dublin professor, father of Irish family law and key figure in Hague Conventions

Legal expert was one of three members, of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes

William Duncan worked with organisations seeking family law reform and supported the Traveller community

Deaglan de Breadun Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

A former professor of law at Trinity College Dublin who received major awards for his role in the development of international legislation, Dr William Robert Duncan has died at the age of 80.
Our lives are being hijacked by this asylum centre  it is absolutely killing the town: locals object to Citywest Hotel plan

Residents are protesting against a State deal to buy the site in Saggart, south Dublin, which has been leased as a migrant hub since 2022

Residents in Saggart have opposed the Governments plan to spend almost 150m on the Citywest Hotel and turn it into a permanent centre to accommodate migrants

Wayne O'Connor Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Hotels for tourists not asylum centres, reads a placard on a lamppost in Saggart, Co Dublin.
Multinationals criticised the impact of EU rules on how they do business

Major pharmaceutical companies raised concerns about Irelands competitiveness, ahead of Donald Trumps opening shots in early April which began the tariff war with the EU.

Correspondence released under the Freedom of Information Act to the Sunday Independent show that companies called on the Government to address supply chain issues and ensure there was a diverse and skilled workforce here. They also criticised the impact of EU regulations on how they do business.
Importantly, Amazon is positioning itself to monetize AI beyond its core e-commerce and cloud businesses. Its subsidiary Zoox builds robotaxis, and the company will launch its first autonomous ride-hailing service in Las Vegas in 2025, followed by other cities in subsequent years. Morgan Stanley estimates Zoox could have commercial robotaxi services in seven U.S. cities by 2028.

Meanwhile, AWS is ideally positioned to monetize AI simply because it is the largest public cloud. It accounted for 30% of infrastructure and platform services spending in the recent quarter, while the next closest cloud platform was Microsoft Azure with 20% market share. AWS has also designed custom chips for AI training and inference, and added tools that let developers build generative AI applications and agents.

Amazon is leaning on artificial intelligence across its retail business to improve customer service, product listings, supply chain management, and developer productivity. Brian Nowak at Morgan Stanley says Amazon's retail business could be the most underappreciated generative AI beneficiary in the technology space, and he estimates cost savings initiatives could raise its operating margin by several percentage points.

Amazon has a strong competitive presence in three markets. It operates the largest online marketplace in North America and Western Europe as measured by gross merchandise sales. It is the third-largest adtech company as measured by revenue. And Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the largest public cloud as measured by infrastructure and platform services spending.

Presently, he has 30% of his portfolio invested in two brilliant artificial intelligence (AI) stocks: 9% is allocated to Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and 21% is allocated to Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER). Here's why the stocks are compelling investment ideas.

Bill Ackman's hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, outperformed the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) by 7 percentage points in the last year and 19 percentage points in the last five years. That makes Ackman a good source of inspiration.

Uber runs the largest ride-sharing platform in the United States, and that scale makes the company a valuable partner for autonomous driving companies.

Amazon's investments in artificial intelligence should boost profitability in its retail business and drive revenue growth in its cloud business.

Billionaire Bill Ackman runs Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund that handily beat the S&P 500 over the last five years.

Story Continues

Looking ahead, Wall Street expects Amazon's earnings to grow at 18% annually over the next three years. That makes the current valuation of 35 times earnings look reasonable, especially when the company beat the consensus earnings estimate by an average of 22% in the last six quarters. Patient investors should take a cue from Bill Ackman and buy a few shares of this stock today.

Uber Technologies: 21% of Bill Ackman's portfolio

Uber leads the U.S. ride-sharing market with 76% share, according to Bloomberg. It also ranks second in the restaurant food delivery market with 24% share. That scale affords the company a competitive advantage in that it creates a significant amount of data that lets Uber predict demand, route drivers, and set prices more efficiently over time.

Uber has another important advantage in its ability to offer ride-sharing and food delivery services through a single mobile app. That makes customer acquisition very cost-efficient because the company can cross-sell users on both sides of its platform. For instance, 31% of first delivery trips come from mobility users, and 22% of first mobility trips come from delivery users.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently told analysts that autonomous vehicle (AV) technology will be a $1 trillion opportunity for ride-sharing platforms. Uber is uniquely positioned to benefit given its unparalleled scale. "Uber can deliver the lowest operational costs for our AV partners because we are leaps and bounds ahead on every aspect of go-to-market capabilities," Khosrowshahi said.

Indeed, Uber may not be a traditional AI stock, but it could be a major winner as robotaxis become more prevalent due to the many partnerships it has formed with AV companies, according to Mark Mahaney at Evercore. Most notably, Uber connects riders with Waymo robotaxis in Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta. And it connects riders with WeRide robotaxis in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 15 additional cities to follow in the next five years.

Wall Street estimates Uber's earnings will increase at 26% annually over the next three years, a reasonable estimate given the ride-sharing market is forecast to expand at 21% annually through 2033, according to Straits Research. That makes the current valuation of 16 times earnings look relatively cheap. Long-term investors should feel confident buying a small position in this stock today.

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Trevor Jennewine has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Microsoft, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Billionaire Bill Ackman Has 30% of His Portfolio Invested in 2 Brilliant AI Stocks was originally published by The Motley Fool
Psychotherapists warn new regulations water down standards and risk retraumatising patients

Outrage and shock among psychotherapists as minimum requirements are to be lowered

Jackie Grainger, chair of the IAHIP. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Mark Tighe Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Two major psychotherapy bodies have expressed concern that new standards set by the regulator will be dangerous for patients.
This is going to be epic  devoted fans make the pilgrimage for second Oasis concert in Croke Park

Gallagher brothers comeback tour brought every type of fan to Dublin over the weekend

Mollai Hughes from Armagh pictured with Kathy Magee, Frances McGoran and mum Bernadette Hughes. Photo: Frank McGrath

Sarah O'Mahony Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 20:08

The Gallagher brothers return to GAA HQ tonight, performing their second sold-out performance. From young to old, it was bucket hats galore on Jones Road as fans readied for another night of Mancunian showmanship.
My favourite room: Growing up gay in rural Ireland and being bullied is what I figured is at the root of my alcoholism  inside Noel Cunninghams renovated childhood home

Broadcaster, hotelier and author Noel Cunningham spent many years living in luxury in plush hotels here and abroad, however hes delighted to make his base the house in Donegal where he grew up with his five siblings, now furnished in a riot of joyful colour

Hotelier, TV personality and author Noel Cunningham outside the cottage in which he was born and which he moved into again eight years ago following renovations. Photo: Tony Gavin

Mary O'Sullivan Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Half doors used to be a common sight in the Irish countryside, and while they were designed for ventilation, an open half door also meant the occupants were at home and welcoming. So, it seems fitting that Noel Cunningham put a half door on his family cottage when he took it over nine years ago. Noel, the second most famous hotelier in Ireland after Francis Brennan, has spent his life welcoming people in his professional capacity as a hotel manager.
President Michael D Higgins condemned the recent spate of attacks on members of the Indian community

The number of racially motivated attacks on members of our Indian population is a sad state of affairs.

An attack recently on a chef going to work, in which he was beaten and had his mobile phone, cash, credit cards and electric bike stolen, was a despicable act of terrorism on an innocent man.

Last month, a taxi driver of Indian origin was assaulted in north Co Dublin and needed a dozen stitches to a head wound.

A six-year-old Indian girl was attacked by a group of 12- to 14-year-old boys while playing outside her house in Waterford.

Some Indian children are now afraid to go for a walk for fear of being attacked. What a sad situation in our country of a hundred thousand welcomes.

President Michael D Higgins is quite rightly upset by this treatment dished out to these people who have come to our country to work and raise their families.

They make an immense contribution to our community in many aspects of life. Many are nurses, doctors, caring professionals, cultural leaders and politicians.

Indeed, Ireland was led by Leo Varadkar (of Indian parentage) for a number of years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic, when his great leadership skills were to the fore.

In my own experience of being attended by Indian nurses and doctors in a Dublin cancer centre of excellence over a long period, I have nothing but the greatest respect for these wonderful healthcare professionals.

Let us all hope that as more awareness is being brought to this unfair treatment of our Indian population, we will remember the philosophy of the great Mahatma Gandhi: no violence, please.

Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo

Its time for diplomats to use their skills to hold UN Security Council to account

Is it not blindingly clear to everyone that the United Nations, an organisation that was set up to ensure a degree of peace in the world, is not fit for purpose?

Countless letters to your newspaper over the years on the appalling situations in Gaza, Ukraine and other places around the world express public frustration indignation and disgust. But to what avail?

Aggressors are still protected by their powerful international partners in crime as they proceed with their atrocities in defiance of worldwide opprobrium. Nothing seems to change.

Has the time not come to put a stop to this protection by removing the veto that the five UN permanent members of the Security Council have abused so egregiously over the years?

I would suggest that Irelands diplomats, who are highly regarded internationally, should start the ball rolling on this before it is too late.

Bobby Carty, Templeogue, Dublin 6

Impotent governments doing nothing about Gaza must answer to electorates

Mary Robinson recently referred to the possibility of complicity by many governments in relation to the actions of Israels government in Gaza and the West Bank.

While many democratically elected governments continue to express concern at Israels actions, not one has taken any direct action against its government.

These governments also seem to refuse to listen to their electorates in this regard, raising questions relating to democracy.

We need to let our elected representatives know our views. There can be no justification for the continuing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

We should and must hold our elected representatives to account  democratically, of course.

Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Cork

Ireland does not have a teacher shortage, it has a compensation deficiency

It has been reported that more than 600 teaching posts remain vacant ahead of the new school term. The shortage of teachers is a growing concern.

Reasons are multifaceted and involve recruitment and retention challenges related to pay, housing and working conditions.

A teacher friend of mine said to me that this was not only a workforce issue, but the paucity of teachers was a sign of our housing crisis too.

It is no coincidence that most of the schools that are reporting serious recruitment difficulties are located in the capital and the commuter belt areas, where accommodation is both scarce and prohibitively expensive.

It could also be argued that there is no teacher shortage in this country. Ostensibly, we have thousands of qualified teachers who are no longer teaching.

Its my assertion that theres a shortage of respect and proper compensation for teachers.

I believe that a key factor behind the teacher supply crisis in Ireland is that teaching is no longer seen as being an attractive and sustainable career.

It is interesting to note that many Irish teachers are now pursuing opportunities to teach abroad.

This is often driven by factors like professional development, cultural exchange and a desire to experience new educational systems.

This should be a clarion call to Education Minister Helen McEntee to take up the cudgels on behalf of our teachers.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Trump and Putin forgot their table manners when sending out invites to talks

The world will surely note the scenes in Alaska, where Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the fate of Ukraine without Ukraines president present.

It was a worrying precedent: great powers deciding borders as if drawing lines on someone elses kitchen table.

If this is to become the way of things, one wonders what might happen should Mr Trump turn his attention to uniting Ireland.

The negotiations would no doubt be held somewhere suitably neutral, such as Florida, with our own leaders invited only to admire the pens used to sign the agreement.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh

US and Russia making a meal of things as they try to cook up a peace deal

Its early days yet, but what are the odds on the Putin-Trump summit being remembered as half-baked Alaska?

M OBrien, Dalkey Co Dublin
Naoise Dolan: Four Gaza protests in six days prove to me that the Government is hopelessly out of step with the people

If we dont act against Israel, we are aiding and abetting its war crimes

The protest at the Spire in Dublin last week over the killing of journalists in Gaza

Naoise Dolan Sat 16 Aug 2025 at 06:30

I went to four Palestine protests in the past six days. Each confirmed that the Irish State and the national broadcaster are wildly out of touch with the public.
Lifestyle

Do you have the cutest dog in Ireland? Send us your photos

International Dog Day takes place on Tuesday, August 26th. To celebrate the holiday we want to see your pawsome pups. Send us their photo with their name, age and a story about them that you want everyone to know about.
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will deliver this years address at the Michael Collins Commemoration in Beal na Blath on Sunday, August 24, at 3pm.

The Michael Collins Commemoration is an annual event which takes place at Beal na Blath, located near the village of Crookstown to honour the memory of General Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary leader who was shot at the location on August 22, 1922, at the age of 31.

Each year, a commemoration is held at the site of his death on the Sunday closest to August 22.

Ms Carroll MacNeill said: It is an extraordinary honour to have been asked by the Michael Collins Commemoration Committee to speak at this years Beal na Blath commemoration.

This significant event allows us to remember and honour the legacy of Michael Collins, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our country and its people continue to inspire us all, she added.

Ms Carroll MacNeill continued: His legacy of leadership and dedication to public service is something I see as I visit our healthcare community around the country and their unwavering dedication to caring for people.

I am really looking forward to speaking at the commemoration and reflecting on Collinss legacy and values, she said.

The address last year was delivered by then taoiseach Simon Harris, while in August 2023 the main address was delivered by former RTE northern editor, the late Tommie Gorman.

In August 2022, there was an historic address by the Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin when he became the first Fianna Fail Taoiseach to speak at a commemoration for Mr Collins.

He was joined by the then Tanaiste Leo Varadkar in delivering a joint oration.

Mr Collins was part of the delegation which signed the Anglo-Irish treaty in 1921, leading to a split in the Irish parliament and to the Irish Civil War.

Michael Collins was shot and killed during an ambush by anti-Treaty forces on August 22, 1922.

The identity of the shooter remains a mystery nearly 123 years later.

Descendants of Mr Collins will travel from across the world to attend the commemoration.

They will join the thousands of people who will travel from across Ireland to mark the anniversary of his death.
A very special anniversary was celebrated in Enniscorthy recently, as a popular shoe shop marked 50 years of being in business.

Billy Doyle Shoes Ltd, located on the Main Street, have been providing quality service and footwear to the people of Wexford for five decades, progressing and moving with the times and technology as required.

The beginnings of the shop can be traced back to 1975 when Billy and Ita Doyle opened the doors of their first footwear shop in the heart of Enniscorthy to great acclaim.

With a passion for quality, customer care, and community, they laid what has become a trusted and reliable name in Irish footwear in Enniscorthy and further afield.

"From our humble beginnings to where we are today with Kevin at the helm this milestone is a testament to the loyalty of our customers and the dedication of our team, a member of staff said.

"Whether you walked in for comfort, style, or a perfect fit, Billy Doyles has always been about more than just shoes, they added.

The shop has become a source of strength in fundraising activities around the town, often selling raffle and draw tickets and lending shoes for charity fashion shows.

The anniversary is also a testament to their resilience as within those 50 years, the business has experienced the Covid-19 Pandemic, the introduction of new technology, and the industry trend of joining social media to advertise their products to a wider audience.

However, they believe that their loyal customers have played a big part in their continuing success.

"Thanks so much to all our customers for your loyalty throughout the years. Without you, we wouldnt be here. Heres to the future, they said.
Our columnist has a few clever tricks to help you deal with lines and sagging on your neck and jawline

The neeeeeccccckkkkk! So Kim Kardashians Skims brand is normally associated with getting our wobbly bits under control, but now it has launched shapewear for your face. Yes, you heard that right. Kims face wraps are meant to de-puff your face to give you a jawline that is shaped and sculpted, thanks to pressure and heat retention  but if you dont fancy wearing knickers on your visage, here are some of the products that Im loving for skin-smoothing.

Trinny London The Elevator, 84, trinnylondon.com

Riding The Elevator

The skin on your neck is thinner, drier and has less collagen than the skin on your face, and Trinny London The Elevator (84, trinnylondon.com) lifts sagging skin, smooths the neckline and sculpts the jawline. Trinny herself demonstrates the results on her own neck, showing how it helps to strengthen the genes that glue the epidermis and dermis together, and restores the connection between the skin layers to improve the skins resistance to gravity. Its peptide blend helps to boost collagen and elastin levels to smooth neck lines and to firm and restructure skin lacking in volume. And this one, my friends, is what all my girl gang repurchase over and over again  because it works!

Cosaint RF & EMS Eye, Face & Neck Device, 169, cosaintskincare.ie

Youre a Saint

I love a good device and Irish brand Cosaint  which means protection in Irish  has one that uses radio frequency and healing red and yellow LED light to bust those wrinkles. The Cosaint RF & EMS Eye, Face & Neck Device (169, cosaintskincare.ie) is designed to tighten the eye and facial contours and neck area, and decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Its like a facial gym that does the same exercises as face yoga, but goes deeper into the muscles to give results that improve with regular use.

Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream with MicroDiPeptide 229, 79.95, neostrata.ie

Firm Up

To help reduce the appearance of uneven tone on the neck and decolletage, try Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream with MicroDiPeptide 229 (79.95, neostrata.ie). It targets signs of ageing and wrinkles caused by tech neck  where you are looking down at your phone or laptop for extended periods. You just smooth it over your neck and decolletage twice daily and your skin will appear firmer, lifted and more evenly toned.

SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter Ultra Serum, 165, skinceuticals.co.uk

Interrupt Me, Please

To improve the look of your face, forehead wrinkles and nasolabial folds and to boost firmness, give SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter Ultra Serum (165, skinceuticals.co.uk) a go. Youll look more sculpted with regular use of this firming serum, which gives the skin a more lifted appearance in three areas  the forehead, cheeks and jawline. This is because it harnesses potent ingredients to reduce the signs of ageing  including wrinkles, laxity, and a reduction in smoothness and firmness  caused by glycation and collagen loss.

Trick

Chocolate-scented locks I love this DIY cocoa powder dry shampoo trick to keep your hair looking amazing and smelling great. If your hair is light-coloured, mix 7 tbsp organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder with 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. If your hair is dark, use 3 tbsp organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder, a quarter cup plus 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and add a dash of cinnamon if you have red or auburn hair. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil if you like.

Connie ODriscoll, right, launching the Drinagh Sunsafe Initiatve which gives three free bottles of SPF50 to the co-op's farmer customers

Treat

Factor 50 for farmers It was my uncle Connie ODriscoll who kicked off the Drinagh Sunsafe Initiative, having read an article in this very paper about how skin cancer is so prevalent. Drinagh Co-op was granted funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines dedicated farm safety budget to help provide free factor-50 sunscreen for their farming customers at Drinagh agri branches in Co Cork. Its vital as farmers are exposed to two to three times more UV than people who work indoors so are more likely to develop skin cancer.

Treatment

Snatch that jawline To address the dreaded double chin, head to the Eavanna Breen Clinic in Dublin 2 for the InMode Lift (350, eavannabreen.ie). Dubbed the snatched jaw treatment, it lifts and tightens sagging skin and is designed to sculpt and rejuvenate your jawline. It uses the most advanced tech out there (Joanne and Vogue have praised it on their pod), is non-invasive, and enhances collagen production with no downtime for a more youthful complexion.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is one of the top cheap stocks that will go to the moon according to Reddit. On August 13, BNP Paribas Exane upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) to Neutral from Underperform with a $54 price target.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO): "Canada's A Backdoor," Says Jim Cramer

An elderly couple receiving insulin from a pharmacist, representing healthcare company's successful pharmaceutical products.

The firm told investors that it sees a more balanced risk/reward now that the companys reality is better reflected in the shares.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) announced results for the January 1 to June 30 period on August 6, reporting an operating profit growth of 25% in Danish kroner and 29% at constant exchange rates (CER) to DKK 72.2 billion.

Management also stated that sales in US Operations rose by 16% in Danish kroner (17% at CER), while sales in International Operations grew by 16% in Danish kroner (19% at CER).

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is a global healthcare company specializing in diabetes care. It develops, discovers, manufactures, and markets pharmaceutical products.

Its operations are divided into two business segments: biopharmaceuticals and diabetes and obesity care. The latter segment covers GLP-1, insulin, and other protein-related products.

While we acknowledge the potential of XXXX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The country has endured abnormal rainfall which experts link to climate change

Rescuers in north-west Pakistan have pulled 63 more bodies from homes flattened by flash floods and landslides, raising the death toll from rain-related incidents to at least 220, officials said.

One witness who escaped the deluges in Buner described seeing floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders and tons of rocks crashing down.

Pakistan has had above-normal rain which experts link to climate change, leading to floods and mudslides that have killed about 541 people since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

Hundreds of rescue workers are still searching for survivors in Buner, one of several districts hit in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where torrential rain and cloudbursts triggered massive flooding on Friday, said Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for the emergency services. Dozens of homes were swept away.

First responders have been trying to recover bodies in the worst-hit villages of Pir Baba and Malik Pura, where most people died on Friday, according to Kashif Qayyum, a deputy commissioner in Buner.

A local police officer, Imtiaz Khan, who narrowly escaped the deluges, said floodwaters carrying hundreds of boulders flattened dozens of homes within minutes in Buner.

A stream near the Pir Baba village in Buner swelled without warning. At first, we thought it was a normal flash flood, but when tons of rocks came crashing down with the water, 60 to 70 houses were swept away in moments, he told the Associated Press, adding that many bodies were left mutilated.

Our police station was washed away too, and if we hadnt climbed to higher ground, we would not have survived, he said.

Rescuers said that as water started to recede, they saw large swathes of the village destroyed, wrecked homes and giant rocks filling the streets.

It was not just the floodwater, it was a flood of boulders as well, which we saw the first time in our lives, said Sultan Syed (45) who suffered a broken arm.

Car buried in rubble in Pir Baba, Pakistan. Photo: AP

Mohammad Khan (53) said the floods came so fast that many could not leave their homes, he said. Most of the victims died before reaching hospital, said Mohammad Tariq, a doctor at a government hospital in Buner. Many among the dead were children and men, while women were away in the hills collecting firewood and grazing cattle, he said.

Mourners attended mass funerals yesterday as authorities supplied tents and food to people in Buner.

Pakistani leaders, including the prime minister and president, offered their condolences to the families of the dead and said they were praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, said efforts were under way to repair roads and other damaged infrastructure. According to the provincial disaster management authority, at least 351 people have died in rain-related incidents this week across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistans Meteorological Department predicted torrential rains in the coming days and warned that monsoon activity was likely to intensify from today onwards, including in the north and northwest.

Meanwhile, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, rescuers scoured the remote village of Chositi in the district of Kishtwar yesterday, looking for dozens of missing people after it was hit by flash floods two days ago, killing 60 and injuring 150.

Thursdays floods struck during an annual Hindu pilgrimage in the area. Authorities have rescued more than 300 people while 4,000 pilgrims have been taken to safety.

Such cloudbursts are increasingly common in Indias Himalayan regions and Pakistans northern areas, and experts have said climate change is a contributing factor. Pakistani officials said rescuers have evacuated more than 3,500 tourists.
Selina Scott blames London mayor Sadiq Khan after she was mugged by gang

Broadcaster says Khan took on the job to keep people safe, the police come under him

Selina Scott said she does not feel safe on the streets of London

Ellie Crabbe Press Association Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Broadcaster Selina Scott has said she blames the mayor of London for her mugging by a gang in Londons West End.
Europe

For all the fuss and posturing at the White House, no progress was made on the Ukraine war
Parents and baby girl killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Pressure is ramped up on Netanyahu over hostages, as US says its halting visas for all individuals from Gaza

Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Gaza City. Photo: AP

Sam Mednick Reuters Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 06:30

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a baby girl and her parents yesterday, hospital officials and witnesses said, while families of hostages called for a nationwide day of stoppage in Israel to express growing frustration over 22 months of war.
Police officers disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem, on Sunday. Photo: AP
The Big Four are expanding into new areas to put them closer to tech innovators and move away from what one expert called their "stodgy audit reputation." : Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Household names turn to the Big Four professional services firms for consulting and accounting.

But the Big Four are moving into industries like space and venture capital.

One industry observer says this helps distance them from a reputation for being "stodgy" as consulting changes.

This year, Deloitte became the first of the Big Four consulting and accountancy firms to launch a satellite into space.

No, really.

You may know Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG for consulting, accounting, audit, and tax, which embed them in some of the world's biggest organizations and generate billions in annual revenue for each firm.

But space, advertising, and venture capital are among the buzzier projects they've been developing.

These ventures are a way for the companies to show they are adapting to industry changes, Tom Rodenhauser, managing director of the consulting industry research firm Kennedy Intelligence, told Business Insider.

They "demonstrate their innovation and creativity" while distancing the Big Four from their "stodgy audit reputation," he added.

They also boost their profiles and serve as a recruitment tool, he said.

The initiatives also bring consulting arms closer to tech companies and AI innovators, Rodenhauser said, as the firms pin their future success on the technology.

"I do expect more of these as consulting becomes even more technical," he added.

Here are some Big Four's ventures that may not come to mind when you picture accountants and consultants.

EY Studio+

Your creative ad campaign isn't typically led by a team of corporate suits, but EY has acquired 37 agencies and firms specializing in design, marketing, and customer experience since 2014.

In June, it announced that it was launching a business unit focused on marketing and sales, called EY Studio+. The division launched with 7,000 employees, and EY said it plans to expand it by 10% to 20% in the following year.

EY was playing catch-up with rivals Deloitte, which has offered marketing solutions through Deloitte Digital since 2012, and Accenture, which created Accenture Song in 2022.

EY Studio+ offers design, marketing, sales, customer service, and customer technology services. Its website features case studies that set out how it can advise clients on the back-office systems and strategies of marketing departments  as with its existing consulting work  but also take the lead in designing customer experiences.

Laurence Buchanan, global leader of EY Studio+, told Business Insider, that they were targeting chief marketing officers who were "under increasing pressure to re-imagine their customer experience and business models" because of AI.
Alia Bhatt trolled for endorsing drug-free Bharat with NCB

Alia Bhatt joins hands with NCB to spread the message of a #DrugsFreeBharat#NashaMuktBharat#azadifromdrugspic.twitter.com/blY2Jnxifq  Narcotics Control Bureau Chandigarh (@ncbchandigarh) August 14, 2025

Alia Bhatt dressed in a stunning outfit ( Image credit : Alia Bhatt poses for the camera | Credit: IG )

Internet reacts to the announcement

Start from the home https://t.co/xDBHOeWHxB  Sam . (@Abhivridhi_Vani) August 14, 2025

Bol bhi kon raha hai   hid (@x_laddu) August 14, 2025

Seriously , these guys as brand ambassadors is such a brainless idea. Dont get the fetish for using them ever.  Anup Kumar (@Anuptalks) August 15, 2025

Alia Bhatts upcoming projects

Alpha

Love & War

Brahmastra: Part Two  Dev

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has joined forces with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to promote a drug-free Bharat. However, her initiative has stirred controversy online, with many social media users criticizing her. Several netizens trolled the actress, suggesting she should start from home before advocating for such campaigns.Taking to X, in a video shared on their official X handle (formerly Twitter), NCB Chandigarh shows Alia Bhatt addressing her fans and highlighting the harmful effects of drug use.In the video, the actress can be heard saying, Namaskar Saathiyo, main hu Alia Bhatt. Today I want to talk to you about a very serious issue of drug addiction and how it's becoming a threat to our lives, society and nation. I support the Narcotics Control Bureau in this special campaign against drugs. Say yes to life and no to drugs. Aap niche diye gaye link par jaa karke ya QR code ko scan karke drugs ke khilaf E-Pledge le sakte hai aur NCB ke saath zarur jut sakte hai. Jai Hind."Reposting the video, a social media user wrote, Start from the home.Another added, Bol bhi kon raha hai. A third went on to add, Seriously, these guys as brand ambassadors is such a brainless idea.: Alia Bhatt is joining the YRF Spy Universe with this upcoming action thriller, starring alongside Sharvari and directed by Shiv Rawail.: Sanjay Leela Bhansalis historical drama stars Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, combining romance, action, and intense emotions set during a time of conflict.: The sequel to Brahmastra: Part One, directed by Ayan Mukerji, continues the epic saga filled with magic, adventure, and the expansive universe of the first film.
DailyMail

Leonardo DiCaprio, Vittoria Cerettis caught in steamy yacht PDA: 23 year age gap to $296 M net difference, all you need to know ( Image credit : Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti were recently spotted sharing a steamy PDA. | Credit: TMZ/X )

Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti are living it up before summer comes to an end 



 Backgrid pic.twitter.com/zckNgSJXuC  TMZ (@TMZ) August 17, 2025

Timeline of their romance

Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted on board of a yacht with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Ibiza (August 3, 2025).



 More photos: https://t.co/QJRLcBAjT4pic.twitter.com/eFt6bbtLHA  Leonardo DiCaprio Fan (@dicapriofans) August 5, 2025

 Leonardo DiCaprio Fan (@dicapriofans) August 3, 2025



Daily Mail reports that DiCaprio is besotted with Ceretti, saying, Vittoria is a beautiful girl, but Leonardo is of course surrounded by many beautiful girls most of the time. But he adores her [he] finally settled down.



The yacht trip comes shortly after DiCaprio sparked conversations by telling Esquire magazine that he feels emotionally 32, despite being 50.



Age difference

Leonardo DiCaprio, Vittoria Cerettis caught in steamy yacht PDA: 23 year age gap to $296 M net difference, all you need to know ( Image credit : Vittoria Ceretti is an Italian fashion model. | Credit: Dan Mortensen, Vogue )

There is a 23-year age gap between the couple. Ceretti is 27, while DiCaprio is 50. Despite often being teased for dating women under 25, Ceretti breaks that pattern, as she is over 25.



Net worth difference

Vittoria Ceretti is an Italian fashion model with a net worth of $4 million, while Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor, producer, and philanthropist, has a net worth of $300 million, reflecting his long career in Hollywood, according to Celebrity Net Worth .



For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.

Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, and girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti, 27, have caught attention again after recent photos of the couple on a yacht in the Mediterranean went viral. The images, obtained by, show the pair sharing kisses and playful moments, with Ceretti even smacking DiCaprio on the bum as they walked up the yacht stairs.The couple appeared very close, enjoying the sun, swimming together, and exploring the luxury yacht. According to another report by Yahoo, this marked the first time fans saw them fully embracing in public.Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Cerettis romance began in summer 2023, shortly after both came out of previous relationships. Rumours sparked in August 2023 when they were spotted on an ice cream date in California and partying in Ibiza, with DiCaprio joining Ceretti in Milan for Fashion Week the next month.Over the following months, they celebrated birthdays together, traveled frequently, and stayed supportive of each others careers. In the April 2025 issue of Vogue France, Ceretti gave rare comments about dating DiCaprio, saying, As soon as youre in a relationship with someone who has a larger following than you, you become girlfriend ofor boyfriend of, for that matter. And that can be extremely annoying. The duo attended the Met Gala together in May 2025Leonardo DiCaprio was recently seen enjoying Tygas concert in Saint-Tropez with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti. pic.twitter.com/frWWmZIBbR
Superman

The Independent

Personal life

The Guardian

Popular films

The Long, the Short and the Tall

Alfie!, Dracula

The Lady from the Sea.

Billy Budd (1962)

New Star of the Year

Superman villain Terence Stamp dies at 87; heres what actor's family revealed about his death ( Image credit : He began his acting career with a debut in Billy Budd. | Credit: IMDb )

Superman

Smallville

Stamps role as Bernadette Bassenger

Superman villain Terence Stamp dies at 87; heres what actor's family revealed about his death ( Image credit : Stamps role as Bernadette Bassenger. | Credit: AJ Pics/Alamy )

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Deadline

His last role

Last Night in Soho

Rare Stamps

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.

British actor Terence Stamp, known for his iconic role as General Zod in, has died at the age of 87. His family confirmed to Reuters that he passed away on Sunday morning, August 17, but did not reveal the cause of death.According to, the statement read, He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.Stamp was the first of five children born to a tugboat stoker and grew up in London during World War II. He later worked at advertising agencies before winning a scholarship to attend drama school. His only marriage was in 2002 to an Australian pharmacist 35 years younger than him, but it lasted just six years, according toStamp studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art before performing on stage in plays such as, andHe began his acting career with a debut in, earning an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role. He also won the Golden Globe forin 1963.He became widely known for playing General Zod opposite Christopher Reeve in the 1978and its 1980 sequel. Stamp later voiced Supermans father, Jor-El, on the showStamps role as Bernadette Bassenger, a transgender woman, in Stephan Elliottsearned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations and remains an LGBTQ classic.The film follows a trans woman and two drag queens, played by Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce, and Hugo Weaving, who travel across the hot, nearly treeless deserts of southern Australia in an old bus they call Priscilla. Along the way, they perform disco classics while dressed in glamorous outfits and elaborate wigs. Over the years, the movie has gained a huge audience, attracting new generations who continue to discover it.In April 2024, director Stephan Elliott toldthat a sequel is happening and confirmed that the original stars, Stamp, Pearce, and Weaving, are on board for the project, 30 years after the first films release.His last role was in the 2021 horror-thriller. Stamp published a series of memoirs between 1987 and 2017. In 2011, he released, describing it on his website as a look into the tent poles that enabled me to keep a roof over my head for 50 years while I encouraged the artist within to show its face.
Watch The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9 online: How to download Vishal-Shekhar, Shaan and Neeti Mohan episode? ( Image credit : YouTube/Netflix )

How to watch The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9 online?

How to download The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9 for offline viewing?

Open the Netflix app on your smartphone, tablet, or compatible device. Sign in using your active subscription credentials. Search for The Great Indian Kapil Show and tap on Season 3, Episode 9. Look for the download icon (a downward arrow) next to the episode. Tap it, and the episode will be saved to your devices offline library.

The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9 online: The show's episode releasing on August 16, 2025 is available to be downloaded and streamed online. The Independence Day special episode featured well-known celebrities from the world of music - Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani and Shaan. The new episode has aired at 8 pm IST on Netflix.This week, Kapil Sharma welcomed the most loved musicians from Bollywood to his show. With musical performances, comedy skits, and heartwarming stories, episode 9 has become a must-watch for viewers who enjoy both music and laughter under one roof.Fans can stream The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9 online exclusively on Netflix. Since the streaming giant holds the official rights to the series, new episodes of season 3 get released weekly on the platform.To watch the latest episode featuring Vishal-Shekhar, Shaan and Neeti Mohan, viewers simply need an active Netflix subscription. The platform offers multiple plans in India, including the affordable mobile-only pack as well as standard HD and premium Ultra-HD streaming plans. Once subscribed, users can head to the app or website, search for The Great Indian Kapil Show, and enjoy the full episode without missing a moment of fun.Netflix also allows its subscribers to download episodes for offline viewing, ensuring fans can watch Kapil Sharma and his celebrity guests even without an internet connection.Heres how you can download The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3 episode 9:Once downloaded, you can watch the episode featuring Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Shaan, and Neeti Mohan anytime, whether traveling or relaxing at home, without depending on internet speed.
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the biggest Hindu festivals in Indian that is celebrated with a lot of devotion, enthusiasm and austerity. This auspicious festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed with devotion, faith, and enthusiasm, as devotees welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes and temples.

The festival typically lasts for ten days, featuring prayers, rituals, and cultural celebrations. Huge processions carrying beautifully decorated idols of Lord Ganesha, devotional music, and dance add to the festive spirit.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Date and Puja Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025 will begin on 27th August. The most auspicious time to perform the Ganesh Chaturthi puja is the Madhyahna Muhurat, which symbolises the exact time of Lord Ganeshas birth.

Ganesh Puja Muhurat: 11:05 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. (2 hours 35 minutes)

11:05 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. (2 hours 35 minutes) Shukla Yoga (Auspicious Period): 12:35 p.m. to 1:18 p.m.

12:35 p.m. to 1:18 p.m. Rahukaal (Inauspicious Period): 12:22 p.m. to 1:59 p.m.

Ganesh Visarjan 2025 Date and Timings

Ganesh Chaturthi image | Credit: Freepik

After ten days of festivities, the grand farewell to Lord Ganesha takes place on Anant Chaturdashi. In 2025, Ganesh Visarjan will be held on 6th September 2025. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in rivers, lakes, or seas with chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya, marking the end of the festival.

Performing the Ganesh Chaturthi puja during this midday timing is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to invite divine blessings for prosperity and success.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2023 Puja Vidhi

- Devotees must wake up early, take a bath and wear nice clean clothes.

- Take a chowki, cover it with red or yellow cloth and place the idol.

- Sprinkle Ganga Jal, Light a diya, Put haldi - kumkum tilak on forehead, offer Laddo or Modak, yellow flower vermillion, Meetha Paan, Paan supari laung, 5 types of dry fruits, 5 types of fruits and cover the head with a beautiful dupatta.

- Decorate the place where the idol is placed with different decorative materials.

- Start Pooja with the "Om Gan Ganpataye Namah" Mantra.

- Recite Bindayak Katha, Ganesh Stotram and chant Ganesh Aarti.

- People must do bhajan kirtan during these days.

- These days are considered to be most auspicious and sacred so those who are not able to bring Lord Ganesha at home, can offer prayers by visiting temples and offering laddoos and Durva to the Lord Ganpati.

The visarjan symbolises the natural cycle of creation and dissolution, reminding devotees that everything in life is temporary, yet spiritual devotion remains eternal.

Moon Sighting on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

An important tradition linked to Ganesh Chaturthi is avoiding moon sighting. In 2025, devotees are advised not to see the moon during the following times:

- 26th August 2025: 1:54 p.m. to 8:29 p.m.

- 27th August 2025: 9:28 a.m. to 8:57 p.m.

According to Hindu mythology, looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi can bring false accusations and dishonour. This belief comes from a fascinating legend involving Lord Ganesha and the moon god.

Why We Should Not Sight The Moon on Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi image | Credit: Freepik

The story goes that once, Lord Ganesha attended a feast hosted by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. Known for his unmatched appetite, Ganesha consumed everything served and even all the food in Kuberas kingdom.

Later, as Ganesha rode back on his mouse mount, the moon god (Chandra) mocked him for his unusual appearance and large belly. Offended, Ganesha cursed the moon, declaring that anyone who looked at it on Ganesh Chaturthi would face baseless accusations and humiliation.

When the moon apologised, Ganesha softened the curse, limiting its effect to just one day of the year - Ganesh Chaturthi. Since then, avoiding moon sighting during Ganesh Utsav has become a customary practice.

Why Ganesh Chaturthi Is Celebrated With Devotion

Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a festival but a spiritual journey. It reminds devotees of Ganeshas qualities - wisdom, strength, and the power to remove obstacles. Families and communities gather to worship him, seek his blessings for success, and celebrate unity and joy.

The story of his rebirth - when Lord Brahma placed an elephants head on young Ganesha after Lord Shiva mistakenly severed it - symbolises hope, renewal, and divine protection.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi wishes and messages to share

On this occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I wish Lord Ganpati visits your home with bags full of happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of Lord Ganesh. Spread the message of honesty, and love through this world.

Destroy your sorrows; Enhance your happiness; And create goodness all around you! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Hope this year is super joyous and prosperous. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family!

Wishing you a Happy Vinayak Chaturthi. May the grace of God keep enlightening your lives and bless you always.

Modak for energy and taste, Boondi Laddoo to drown your sorrows, and Peda to relish worldly offerings. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May the Lord Vighna Vinayaka remove all obstacles and shower you with luck and prosperity. Happy Vinayak Chaturthi.

Om Gan Ganapatay Namo Namah! Shri Siddhivinayak Namo Namah! Ashta Vinayak Namo Namah! Ganapati Bappa Moraiya!

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I pray to Ganpati to always keep us safe from problems in life and show us the right path to walk on. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

Let us offer prayers to Lord Ganesh with all our hearts and best of our intentions to seek his blessings and love for a beautiful life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

I heartily wish Lord Ganesha fills your home with prosperity and fortune. Best wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi!

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Wishes, Messages and WhatsApp status to share with loved Ones

Wishing you joy, peace, and Ganpati Bappas blessings this Ganesh Chaturthi.

As you bring home Ganpati, may he light the way toward brighter days and deeper connections with loved ones.

Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha bless you with all the happiness & success. Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi!

As rains bless the Earth, likewise, may Lord Ganesha bless you with never-ending happiness. Keep smiling and chanting Ganapati Bappa Morya! Happy Vinayak Chaturthi

Lets welcome Bappa with a heart full of love and devotion. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Wishing you a Ganesh Chaturthi filled with joyous celebrations, meaningful prayers, and infinite blessings.

Modak for energy and taste, Boondi Laddoo to drown your sorrows, and Peda to relish worldly offerings. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May the Lord Vighna Vinayaka remove all obstacles and shower you with luck and prosperity. Happy Vinayak Chaturthi.

To the one whos always there, may Bappa bless your path with happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

May Ganesha's blessings make every day a little brighter and your heart a little lighter. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

On this occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I wish Lord Ganpati visits your home with bags full of happiness, prosperity, and peace.

May God give you a rainbow for every storm, a smile for every tear. A promise for every care and an answer to every prayer. Wishing you a happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

Lord Ganesha is here to remove your worries and fill your life with joy. 

Wishing you good health, wealth, and endless happiness on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025.

May Lord Ganesha shower his love and blessings on you and your loved ones.

Wishing you moments of joy, peace of mind, and success in all endeavors this festive season.

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with joy in your heart and positivity in your life.

Happiness is welcoming Bappa home  Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! 

Wishing you a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi filled with love, happiness, and prosperity. 

May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and shower you with success. 

May the arrival of Bappa bring sweetness into your life, just like modaks bring joy to every home. 

Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstaclesmay He clear your path toward happiness and success. 

Modaks, music, and divine blessings  its time to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! 

May the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi light up your life with positivity and peace. 

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 will begin on 27th August and end with Ganesh Visarjan on 6th September 2025. Devotees must also remember the tradition of avoiding moon sighting on 26th and 27th August to stay clear of bad omens. This ten-day festival of faith, rituals, and celebrations unites people in devotion to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of prosperity.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Social media creator Rebel Kid, also known as Apoorva Mukhija, is once again making buzz. Known for her quirky content, appearances on Karan Johars reality show The Traitors, and the movie Nadaaniyan, she recently became the center of online discussions following a friendship fallout with fellow creator Sufi Motiwala, this following her popular fallout with Rida Tharana.

Friendship fallout with Sufi Motiwala

Apoorva and Sufi, who became friends during The Traitors, which was released in June 2025. They featured in each other's Instagram stories, collaborated on Rebel Kids YouTube videos, and shared fan-made reels celebrating their friendship. However, the duo recently seemed to drift apart.

When invited by Netflix for Wednesday 2 in Sydney, both creators avoided tagging each other in posts, sparking online chatter that even reached Reddit. Sufi addressed the situation on his Instagram stories on August 17, writing:

What he said

NO MORE LIES. I wanted to be friends with Apoorva Mukhija, not the Rebel Kid. When there was no accountability for how I was being treated, I distanced myself. I even requested her to ask her audience to calm down because they were abusing me for no reason. Sadly, this person who called me her best friend has no concern for that or for the fact that I might be hurt. THAT is why Im not friends with her anymore. Keep it cute, keep it moving. At the time of writing, Motiwala and Tharana, both have unfollowed Rebel Kid on Instagram.

Sufi addressed the situation on his Instagram stories on August 17. | Credit: Instagram/ sufimotiwala

Ex claims she cheated

Amid the friendship drama, Rebel Kids ex, Utsav Dahiya, also made buzz. The two had dated in early 2023 before announcing their breakup on January 31, when Rebel wrote: Most of you all guessed it already, but Utsav and I are not together anymore. I can't wait for the slut-shaming, gold-digging gossip threads on me now. But lesson learned, agla jiju reveal shaadi pe karungi ab.

The two had dated in early 2023 before announcing their breakup on January 31. | Credit: Reddit/r/InstaCelebsGossip

Following their split, Mukhija continued sharing content that allegedly appeared to hint at Dahiya being in the wrong, ranging from lighthearted videos with Anupam Mittal to calling her ex-partners ghatiya log, which drew significant backlash toward him.

However, as the Indias Got Latent controversy surrounding Mukhija cooled down, Dahiya posted a video on August 17 hinting that Apoorva cheated on him. His song, titled Cute Little Red Flags, also references a phrase Mukhija frequently uses in her videos.

The caption of the post read, Ab agar koi aur bakwaas karega toh main seedha receipts nikalunga. Never try to gain sympathy by fabricating lies or pushing false narratives just to make content and assassinate someones character online. Having a big following doesnt give you the right to bully your way by rage-baiting your audience and unleashing them on others. Truth doesnt need followers; it stands on its own. Toh tum chalao apna ghar kalesh se, but kisi ke baare mein jhoot bolna band karo. Baki logo ko life mein dhanke kaam karne do. Grow up, kid.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Beyond the Bar Episode 6 online: Fans awaiting the K-drama Beyond the Bar can stream Episode 6 online, August 17, 2025, at approximately 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST, as per the official schedule.

The story follows Yun Seok Hun, a brilliant but cold partner at Yullim Law Firm, known for his bold strategies and sharp logic. Working with him is Kang Hyo Min, a socially awkward but confident rookie lawyer. Though they constantly clash, their partnership challenges them both - and helps Hyo Min grow into a true lawyer.

Beyond the Bar poster. Credit: X

Beyond the Bar: Release date and time for Episode 6

Episode 6 airs on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in South Korea and will go live around 10:40 PM KST on the JTBC channel. Viewers in other time zones can expect the release at approximately 2:40 PM BST in the UK and 7:10 PM IST in India on the same day. The episode will also be available for international audiences via streaming on Netflix, which provides English subtitles to make the series accessible worldwide.

Where to Watch Beyond the Bar Episode 6 Online?

Episode 6 is available to stream on Netflix, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Netflix continues to be the top choices for watching the series.

Beyond the Bar: Plot highlights of Episode 6

At Yullim Law Firm, cold and brilliant partner Yun Seok Hun is forced to work with rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min, who's awkward but fiercely principled. Their constant clashes spark unexpected growth, as both begin to redefine what it means to be a lawyer.

The case in ep 5 was also pretty good and so well executed. Hyo-min nailed this ep, it was her first case that she handled almost single-handedly.



When he called her "Attorney Kang", now he was really proud of her.#BeyondTheBarEp5#BeyondTheBar pic.twitter.com/H8hYtK0kZu  Sudakshina (@Sudakshinab3) August 16, 2025

Beyond the Bar episode 6: Spoilers

Here are the spoilers for Episode 6 of the Korean series Beyond the Bar based on the YouTube preview:

In the upcoming episode, Hyo Min faces a shocking case involving a woman whose body is covered in wounds inflicted by her ex-boyfriend. If the acts were non-consensual, they could qualify as assault. Seok Hun explains that proving assault requires showing that consent was invalid, while Hyo Min raises a provocative question: "Can love ever be considered a form of diminished capacity?" Despite her insight, Seok Hun doubts their chances of success.

Lee Jin-wook in Beyond the Bar. Credit: X

The case becomes even more complicated when Hyo Min recognizes her opposing attorney as someone she previously met at a nightclub, where he had accidentally spilled her drink. His relaxed approach during the trial draws Seok Hun's ire, who warns Hyo Min that getting too close to the other side violates professional ethics, even accusing her of acting like a "low-class attorney." Beneath his strict admonishments, there's a hint of jealousy as Hyo Min grows closer to the client, blurring the line between personal feelings and professional duty.

Beyond the Bar: Cast and Characters

JTBC and Netflix team up once again for the upcoming legal drama Beyond the Bar, starring Lee Jin-wook of Squid Game and Sweet Home fame. The series also features Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo, and Jeon Hye-bin in key roles.

FAQs

1. When will Episode 6 of Beyond the Bar be released?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 6 will be released on August 17, 2025, and will air at 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST.

2. Where can I watch Episode 6 of Beyond the Bar online?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 6 will be available for streaming on Netflix, the platform offering English subtitles.

3. Does Beyond the Bar have English subtitles?

Answer: Yes, Beyond the Bar is fully subtitled in English on Netflix, including Episode 6.

4. What is the plot of Episode 6 of Beyond the Bar?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 6 will see a rookie lawyer with strong ideals faces the legal world under a cold, demanding mentor.

5. Is Beyond the Bar available on Netflix?

Answer: Yes, Beyond the Bar is available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on this site.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Janmashtami in Lucknow with the citys police personnel, emphasising Lord Krishnas virtues as a guiding framework for their duties. Speaking at the Police Reserve Lines, he appealed to officers to emulate Krishnas compassion, righteousness and service-driven leadership. He said police must not only enforce law and order, but actively nurture peace and moral responsibility in society. The event, organised with due tradition and solemnity, underscored spirituality as a source of civic inspiration. CM Yogis address sought to reinforce ethical foundations within the police force, inviting each member to reflect Krishnas valuesintegrity, empathy and duty. By linking religious symbolism to public service, the celebration aimed to foster a culture of principled policing anchored in Indian spiritual heritage.

Embodying Krishnas ideals in policing

Police must mirror Krishnas compassion, justice and devotion. CM Yogi highlighted these principles to guide police conduct beyond enforcementtowards service and harmony.

Connecting spirituality with civic duty

The Janmashtami celebration at the Reserve Lines served as a reminder that spiritual heritage can reinforce institutional morale and public faith.

Strengthening discipline through ethical inspiration

By invoking Lord Krishnas virtues, the CM charged officers to remain disciplined, compassionate, and mindful of societal responsibilities even in trying circumstances.

Legacy of tradition in modern governance

Linking ancient symbolism with administrative conduct reinforces cultural continuity, framing policing as both a functional and value-based endeavour.
In yet another alarming case of a dating app scam in the Delhi-NCR region, a Reddit user recently shared his harrowing experience after being lured into what appears to be a well-planned extortion scam involving fake dates, restaurant overbilling and physical assault in Karkardooma, East Delhi.

According to the now viral post, the victim, who currently resides near Sector 59, Noida, connected with a girl through a popular dating app. After some initial chatting, the girl invited him to meet in Kakardooma, East Delhi.

Later, upon arriving at the location, he discovered that she was accompanied by another woman. The trio then proceeded to a nearby restaurant, as per the victim's post.

A Tinder date turns suspicious: Attempt to escape the trap

Following this, when the victim entered the restaurant, things quickly turned suspicious. While the victim was still browsing the menu, the woman ordered four to five items without his input.

Upon checking the prices, he was shocked to find that the items amounted to nearly Rs 7000. Realising something was off, he immediately went to the receptionist and asked them to cancel the order. However, in the short span during which he approached the counter, the two girls discreetly slipped away.

Following this, the victim tried to follow them outside, but the restaurant bouncers blocked his way, and he was allegedly forced to pay. After a long negotiation, he reluctantly paid Rs 1000 to settle the matter.

Attempt to escape the trap | Credit: Reddit | @RevolutionaryWay6066

Victim spotted the scammers again

The victim went on to explain in the post that a staff member from the restaurant escorted him to the main road. Still determined, the victim decided to return back to the premises, but later, to his surprise, he spotted the same girls again.

He called the Delhi Police emergency helpline (112) right in front of them, alerting a PCR van. Moreover, during this, several individuals from the restaurant repeatedly interrupted the situation, urging him to settle the matter privately.

One even attempted to physically pull him back into the restaurant. Eventually, the girl handed him Rs 500, and another Rs 500 came from one of the restaurant staff members, likely to de-escalate the incident.

Netizens react to the dating app scam in Delhi

On Sunday, the victim shared the post along with all the data he documented about the incident on his mobile phone, recording the girls as evidence and communicating with police on another device.

However, the situation escalated again when a man from the restaurant's side suddenly assaulted him, kicking him multiple times. Fortunately, the attackers face was also captured on video, adding crucial evidence to the ongoing case.

As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly went viral, and netizens shared their reactions. One said, "Damn! I was scammed at the same cafe with a bill of Rs 11000 in 2023."

"You have all the proof you need, man. Dont let this slide, go to the nearest police station asap!," another added.

Netizens react to the dating app scam in Delhi | Credit: Reddit | @RevolutionaryWay6066

One shared, "Bro, I am hearing this story for the 5th time now. Same cafe. Same story. Its all out there. Please do some research about the place at least."

"I am new here in Delhi NCR, and I know about these scams but I thought it was happening a long time back."

India really is cooked. Scamming to the level where online dates have the girl lead the guy to meet at a fake restaurant and pay for super-inflated items, which the girl gets a kickback from the pimp (restaurant owner). No wonder why the whole world is fed up of India when yall bring that culture to other countries.

Not the first time, a dating scam busted in Delhi

According to NDTV, in March 2025, lured to bars, slapped with massive bills, and pressured into paying, what starts as a casual date has turned into a nightmare for many dating app users in Delhi.

Delhi Polices Special Task Force busted a gang involved in a dating app scam operating out of a bar in an East Delhi mall, arresting four individuals.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to creating fake female profiles on dating apps to trap unsuspecting men. Popular platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Happn, Aisle, and Woo were used to bait victims, officials confirmed.
Popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav was caught in a shocking incident when his Gurugram home came under heavy gunfire. Over two dozen bullets were reportedly fired at the residence, sparking panic in the neighborhood and raising concerns over his security. Police have launched an investigation into the attack, which has since become a major talking point online. Social media users flooded platforms with reactions, with many pointing to Yadavs constant sharing of his personal life as a possible factor, reigniting the debate on the dangers of oversharing in the digital age.

Elvish Yadav poses for a photo | Credit: IG

YouTuber Elvish Yadavs Gurugram home attacked with over 2 dozen bullets - When did this happen?

The firing incident occurred between 5:30 and 6:00 am, according to PTI. Elvish Yadavs father, Ram Avtar Yadav, reported that three assailants opened fire with nearly 2530 rounds at their Gurugram residence. He said the family was at home during the attack, though he was asleep when it took place. He further noted that the police are handling the matter appropriately, and CCTV footage shows three miscreants, with two clearly identifiable.

SHOCKING. Dozens of rounds FIRED at Elvish Yadavs house in Gurugram Sec-56 at 6 AM

~ 3 shooters carried out the attack



Celebrating Hindu fests to fearlessly EXPOSING anti-Hindu ecosystem, Elvish has earned both Love & ENEMIES. Prayers for his safety pic.twitter.com/Jc2ZGhYJRh  The Analyzer (News Updates) (@Indian_Analyzer) August 17, 2025

Video of Elvish Yadavs house after attack

A viral video from the scene shows several bullet marks on the walls and glass panels of Elvish Yadavs Gurugram residence. The footage captures the severity of the attack, with shattered windows and damaged interiors clearly visible.

Take a look at the video here:

VIDEO | Gurugram: YouTuber Elvish Yadavs father, Ram Avtar Yadav, claims that three miscreants fired around 2530 rounds at their residence in Gurugram. He says, The police administration is doing its job well. Our family was present at home when the Firing incident happened. I pic.twitter.com/4gcWnPOth9  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 17, 2025





Internet reacts to the unfortunate incident

Comments on Elvish Yadav incident | Credit: X

Comments on Elvish Yadav incident | Credit: X

Comments on Elvish Yadav incident | Credit: X

Following the incident, many people online expressed concern for Elvish Yadav and his familys safety. Reports clarified that the YouTuber was not at home during the firing, which came as a relief to fans. At the same time, the attack also drew criticism, with several netizens pointing out that constantly sharing personal details, such as a house location or car number, on social media can make one more vulnerable to such dangers.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey delivered tough love to a 30-year-old caller considering buying a home with her parents, warning the move could trap her in lifelong financial dependence.

Caller Weighs Home Purchase With Parents Lacking Retirement Savings

On Thursday, The Ramsey Show, a caller named Karina explained she had taken a second job to save for a home she planned to purchase with her parents, immigrants from Ukraine with no retirement savings.

She also considered gifting her father money to start retirement investments.

Trending: Would You Have Invested in eBay or Uber Early? The Same Backers Are Betting on This Vacation Home Platform

Ramsey Pushes Back, Citing Language Barrier And Financial Risks

Ramsey pushed back, calling the arrangement not sustainable and criticizing her parents' lack of financial preparation. "You're broke... and you're asking how to take care of your parents who don't even make a good enough living to save for themselves," he said.

He also addressed the language barrier, noting her parents had been in the U.S. for more than 25 years. "When you've been here 25 years, it's no longer an excuse," Ramsey said, urging them to learn English to improve job prospects.

Co-host Jade Warshaw warned that buying a house with them could lead to "more codependence, more enabling, more entitlement," leaving Karina's parents with no incentive to become self-sufficient.

See Also: In a $34 Trillion Debt Era, The Right AI Could Be Your Financial Advantage  Get Your Demo

Ramsey's Formula For Building Lasting Wealth

In March, Ramsey told followers on X that failing to retire a millionaire if you're under 40 is "no one's fault but yours," urging older Americans to "get serious" if they're behind.

Emphasizing discipline over quick wins, he said investing just $100 a month from age 25 to 65 could yield about $1.17 million, while investing 15% of the average U.S. household income could grow to roughly $11.6 million.

In 2024, he explained that avoiding debt isn't just about money management but about securing control over one's future.

Ramsey stresses that income is the most powerful wealth-building tool, and by keeping it free from loan payments, people can invest and build lasting wealth through financial discipline.





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A quiet evening on Floridas Turnpike turned into a nightmare when a crash claimed the lives of three people and left a truck driver facing not only criminal charges but also deportation over the allegation that he illegally entered the United States in 2018. The driver, identified as Harjinder Singh, was arrested after investigators said his reckless decision caused the deadly collision. The crash near Fort Pierce has sparked grief, outrage, and debate across social media.

When and how the crash unfolded on Floridas Turnpike

On August 12, 2025, the Florida Highway Patrol responded to one of the deadliest crashes the Turnpike has seen in recent years. Singh was driving a semi-truck when, according to reports from The Space Coast Rocket and Tampa Free Press, he attempted to make an illegal U-turn in a section marked for official use only. That sudden manoeuvre put his truck directly in the path of a Chrysler Town & Country minivan heading north.

The impact was catastrophic. The minivan became lodged under the truck, leaving passengers trapped. A 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami died at the scene. The 30-year-old driver, from Florida City, was rushed to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital but tragically did not survive.

Unbelievable footage of the Florida wreck. Why haven't names been released? Probably because they can't pronounce them. More foreigners driving trucks. More lives lost! pic.twitter.com/ezCHPd2Zye  Bonehead Truckers (@boneheadtruckrs) August 15, 2025

Harjinder Singh was charged and is now facing deportation

Singh was arrested on the spot and later charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, according to CBS12. The charges alone carry heavy penalties, but Singhs situation is even more complicated. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that he is also being held on an immigration detainer, meaning once his state charges are addressed, he will be handed over to federal authorities for deportation proceedings.

Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, didnt mince words. He called Singhs actions recklessness that cost innocent lives, adding that justice would be pursued both through state law and immigration enforcement.

How Singh entered the US in 2018

Whats added to the controversy is Singhs immigration history. Reports further state that Singh crossed into the United States illegally through the southern border with Mexico in 2018. Despite his undocumented status, he was later able to obtain a commercial drivers license in California and work as a truck driver. That revelation has fuelled criticism of licensing loopholes and how someone without legal status could end up behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler.

Per @FLHSMV: The truck driver in the video has been arrested for vehicular homicide.



FLHSMV says Harjinder Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 but was able to get a CDL in California.



At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported. https://t.co/mPBVEoQ7dn pic.twitter.com/grfD5XGIGj  Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 17, 2025

Social media outrage and cultural backlash

The crash didnt just make headlinesit also went viral online. A dashcam video that captured the deadly moments was widely shared on social media. The clip sparked outrage not only over Singhs actions but also over the way some people responded. Many online comments unfairly tied the tragedy to Singhs Indian heritage, with some stereotyping it as Indian driving habits.

The incident also comes at a time when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is operating at full force, stepping up efforts to identify and deport undocumented immigrants across the country. That wider context has fuelled even sharper debates online, with some calling for stricter enforcement and others warning against the dangers of linking immigration status to individual tragedies.

Deported? He needs to spend time in jail first. A long time.  Uranium Chicken   (@FredSan37316166) August 17, 2025

I have drove semis for 15 years, what he did was illegal and dangerous. He crossed 3 lanes of traffic to make sure he had enough room for his trailer to clear the u turn. The van had NO escape and no chance.



PULL ALL NON DOMICILE CDLs ESPECIALLY THOSE ISSUED IN CALIFORNIA  Sir Damon Eric (@RealSirDamon) August 17, 2025

Can California be held legally liable, like as a state or whoever even granted them this CDL?  Mike Jones (@realpacman12) August 17, 2025

This is horrific. My brother lives in Fort Pierce, Florida.



Florida should start stopping drivers from blue states to see if theyre illegals. Trucking companies would then think twice about hiring them.  Anthony Galli (@RallyWithGalli) August 17, 2025

Three lives were lost in a matter of seconds, and now a truck driver sits in custody facing a future of prison time and likely deportation. Beyond the legal consequences, the case has reignited discussions on road safety, immigration policies, and the dangers of reckless driving on one of Americas busiest highways.

What remains clear is that for the families who lost their loved ones, justice cannot undo the painbut it may bring some accountability for a tragedy that should never have happened.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Pooja Pal, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Chail known for her long-standing fight for justice, was expelled on 14 August 2025 for publicly praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths zero-tolerance policy against crime and his role in helping bring justice in her husbands murder case. Just days later, she met with the Chief Minister at his Lucknow residence, an unexpected move raising speculation over her political future.





The meeting has intensified speculation about shifting political allegiances, especially in the run-up to upcoming elections. Her expulsion letterwhich used Ms instead of Mrssparked controversy, with critics calling it disrespectful to her identity as a married widow. Now independent, Pooja Pals next steps could reshape regional power equations.

Expulsion from SP: Zero-Tolerance Praise as the Trigger

On 14 August 2025, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav expelled Pooja Pal for anti-party activities and serious indiscipline after she publicly praised CM Yogi Adityanath during the 24-hour Vision 2047 assembly debate. The expulsion also involved a ban from all party events.

Emotional Justice: Her Husbands Case and Public Praise

Samajwadi Party expelled MLA Pooja Pal met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow



(Source: UP CMO) pic.twitter.com/H2Bv99U2SM  ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025

Pooja Pal, whose husband Raju Pal was murdered in 2005, credited the CMs zero-tolerance approach for helping secure justice in her case, noting that it helped eliminate the criminals responsible.

Controversy Over Ms: Identity and Respect

Rebel SP MLA Rakesh Pratap Singh condemned the use of Ms instead of Mrs in the expulsion letter, calling it an insult to a widows dignity.

The Meeting: Spark for Political Speculation

On 16 August 2025, expelled from her party, Pooja Pal met CM Yogi Adityanath at his official residencefueling debate over a possible political realignment.

Oppositions Reaction: Criticism and Support

BJP leaders defended the move, calling her now-independent status a freedom to choose new affiliations, while critics labelled SPs expulsion as anti-women and intolerant of dissent.

What Comes Next: A Political Pivot in UP

Her defiance, combined with the CM meeting, intensifies scrutiny around her next political steps. Analysts now watch if Pooja Pal joins another partypossibly BJPor builds a new platform of her own.
Former Zamfara governorship candidate and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja on Friday,

The attack occurred shortly after Friday mosque prayers when masked gunmen in a black Prado Jeep, without a number plate, blocked and targeted his vehicle.

Shinkafi recounted the harrowing incident to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, urging the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

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He stated, My life was threatened today when some persons dressed in black, wearing masks, and carrying big guns blocked and attacked my car after Friday Mosque prayers in Abuja and zoomed off.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/nsa-nuhu-ribadu-announces-arrest-of-top-ansaru-terrorrists-leaders.html

Highlighting the violation of his constitutional rights, Shinkafi said, This attack is a violation of my fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, including the right to life, right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty.

He added, It also infringes on my right to private and family life, and right to freedom of expression.

Shinkafi linked the assassination attempt to his outspoken stance on national security, particularly his call for families of kidnapped victims in Zamfara not to pay ransom.

He stated, This attack may not be unconnected with my views on national security, particularly in Zamfara State, where I urged families of kidnapped victims not to pay ransom as bandits used the funds to acquire more sophisticated weapons for their attacks on innocent citizens.

He further appealed to the military to intensify operations against criminal groups nationwide.

I called on the military to intensify their operations to flush out these criminal elements in the North West in particular and the entire nation, which will make the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu easier, Shinkafi said.

He also noted that his anti-ransom stance had drawn threats from notorious bandit kingpin Turji Bello.

Adding further, he stated, Nigeria is the only country we have; we must join hands to make it great again in the spirit of President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the weekend announced that its enforcement team successfully intercepted two forty-foot containers, identified as HLBU 1067338 and HLBU 2239792, containing expired pharmaceutical products.

The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized consignment was estimated at N130 million.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of the KLT Command, Comptroller Eghosa Edelduok, revealed that the command recorded a total revenue generation of N89.2 billion from January to June 2025, compared to N54.8 billion collected in the corresponding period of 2024.

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During the presentation of the operational report for the first half of the year, Comptroller Edelduok stated that the 2025 half-year figures represented a 63 per cent growth, highlighting the commands improved operational efficiency and enhanced compliance levels.

READ MORE: NDLEA Seizes 270kg Of Drugs, Arrests 121 In Kebbi

According to Edelduok, the revenue increase was achieved through strategic reforms, targeted enforcement initiatives, and practical measures aimed at boosting compliance. She emphasized that these actions produced tangible results and strengthened the commands capacity to fulfill its mandate.

During the period under review, the Command recorded a total revenue collection of N89.2 billion. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which stood at N54.81 billion. The difference of N34.4 billion reflects a 63 per cent growth, demonstrating the Commands enhanced operational efficiency and improved compliance levels, she said.

On anti-smuggling efforts, Comptroller Edelduok noted that the command maintained a posture of vigilance, discipline, and zero tolerance for violations. She added that the intercepted containers, loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, contravened provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other import regulations. The seized goods have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

The commands commitment to enforcing the law without compromise protects public health while upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in all operations, Edelduok stated.

She assured that the KLT Command would continue to engage constructively with stakeholders through open communication, inter-agency collaboration, and compliance-focused facilitation.

Comptroller Edelduok also expressed sincere appreciation to all stakeholders and partner agencies for their continued support, noting that their contributions were critical to the effective delivery of the commands mandate and the growth of the national economy.

Concluding her address, Edelduok reaffirmed that the KLT Command remains dedicated to the diligent execution of its statutory responsibilities in line with national security objectives, economic development, and service excellence.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 29-year-old Bello Azeez for allegedly faking his own kidnapping to extort N500,000 from his family and acquaintances.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Olushola Ayanlade, the commands spokesperson, the suspect staged the scheme after his father refused to lend him money to repay a debt.

When his request was turned down, he staged his abduction, Ayanlade revealed in a statement on Saturday.

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On August 11, he claimed he was travelling to Ibadan, then started making distress calls to his parents and friends, alleging he had been kidnapped.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/okpebholo-calls-for-inec-review-as-bvas-causes-delay-in-edo-by-election.html

The suspect reportedly instructed that the ransom, collected through family contributions and a GoFundMe account, be transferred directly into his personal bank account.

The family initially complied, but suspicion arose when they questioned why a kidnapping victim would demand payment into his own account.

The family alerted the police, prompting an investigation.

Investigators tracked Azeezs phone and discovered that he had remained in Owo throughout the alleged abduction. He was subsequently arrested and confessed to the crime.

This case underscores the dangers of greed and deceit, which can ruin lives, Ayanlade said on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Parents and guardians are urged to guide their children against crime, peer influence, and moral decadence.

Ayanlade further called on the public to reject all forms of deception and support law enforcement to maintain peace, security, and societal progress.

Azeez will face charges in court upon completion of investigations.
The Rivers State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the state.

The initiative, supported by UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is designed to mobilize communities and stakeholders towards the complete abandonment of FGM in Rivers State.

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The programme was formally launched with a two-day stakeholder engagement session in Port Harcourt. The meeting brought together representatives from the justice, legislative, and security sectors, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, survivors, NGOs, adolescents, and trained facilitators.

Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Professor Justina Jumbo, explained that the initiative will begin in four Local Government AreasAbua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, and Emohuabefore extending to other parts of the state.

She disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with UNICEF, has already trained 60 community facilitators. Each facilitator is expected to mentor 15 adolescents within their communities, empowering them with knowledge and advocacy skills to campaign against FGM and support its elimination.

READ MORE: Four Arrested As Rivers Police Bust Robbery, Kidnapping Syndicate

Professor Jumbo described FGM as a harmful traditional practice that infringes on human rights and causes severe long-term health challenges. FGM is an evil that should be stopped, she emphasized.

She further cautioned against subtle forms of the practice, such as rubbing, pressing, or massaging the genital area of baby girls with hot water or vaseline, often carried out under cultural or traditional pretexts. According to her, such practices damage nerve endings and can lead to reduced sexual sensitivity, childbirth complications, and other lifelong consequences.

The state has been collaborating with UNICEF and UNFPA to tackle the menace of FGM and other gender violence for a while now. People practice FGM due to fear of stigmatisation and ignorance, Jumbo stated.

Highlighting the governments commitment, she noted that Rivers State has shown strong political will by being the first to host and support participants in training programs aimed at ending FGM.

The Permanent Secretary also stressed that existing laws in Rivers State provide legal backing against the harmful practice, citing the Rivers State Dehumanising and Harmful Traditional Practice Abolition Law No. 11 of 2015, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and the Child Rights Act.

The communique from the training will be forwarded to the state administrator, and UNICEF will also receive the outcome of the deliberations, she added.

Also speaking, Victor Atuchukwu, UNICEFs Child Protection Specialist for the Enugu Field Office, warned that the prevalence of FGM among women aged 15-49 and girls aged 0-14 in Rivers State remains alarming.

The prevalence of FGM is something that should be declared a state of emergency, Atuchukwu said, stressing the urgency of coordinated action. Weve been engaging with critical stakeholders in Rivers State for the past two months, and the data speaks for itself. We need to work double time to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls, including FGM, are eradicated by 2030.

He explained that UNICEFs strategy in the state is a multi-faceted programme focusing on community engagement, stakeholder training, and capacity building, with an emphasis on empowering adolescent girls and households to champion the fight against FGM.

A survivor of FGM, Veronica Odum, shared her personal ordeal, recalling how the procedure led to severe health complications and multiple miscarriages. I lost my first child due to infection from FGM, and my second child nearly didnt make it at Borikiri Specialist Hospital. After moving to the UK, I suffered three miscarriages, including one set of twins, and had two infections. A nurse told me, Shes one of them, referring to women whove undergone circumcision. This was the reason for my complications. Im speaking out to warn others: female genital mutilation is extremely dangerous, and we must stop it, she narrated.

In his remarks, Chief Ipalibo Oguge, Paramount Ruler of Uwema Otari Community in Abua/Odual LGA, called on fellow traditional rulers to lead the campaign against FGM in their communities.

According to Martha Igbiks, Head of Media in the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, the joint initiative between the state government and UNICEF demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting women and girls. She noted that Rivers States proactive approach should serve as a model for other states in Nigeria.
Popular Nigerian cleric, Apostle Johnson Sulaiman, has publicly criticized Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, following a tragic accident allegedly caused by a Dangote truck in Auchi, Edo State.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred near the headquarters of Omega Fire Ministries in Auchi, where Apostle Sulaiman is the presiding pastor.

Reports confirmed that a Dangote truck rammed into several vehicles, crushing over three cars in the process. Sadly, three persons were instantly killed in the accident.

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Reacting to the tragedy, Apostle Sulaiman took to his verified social media handle to call out the billionaire industrialist, accusing him of negligence in the management of his business operations. The cleric alleged that Dangotes company entrusts trucks to inexperienced and untrained drivers who, in many cases, are under the influence of drugs.

READ MORE: Phyna Calls Out Dangote As Sister Loses Leg In Alleged Company Truck Crash

In his words:

@AlikoDangote you are not the only rich man on earth. Your recklessness in managing your business has caused harm to families and made many parents childless. Your truck just killed 3 persons few minutes ago in Auchi. You give trucks to little boys who are high on drugs and untrained. This wont go unchallenged.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions in Edo State, with many residents calling for stricter regulations on the operation of heavy-duty trucks.

As of press time, the Dangote Group is yet to release an official statement regarding the fatal accident.
As employers and tech companies rush to deploy artificial intelligence software into workplaces to improve efficiency, labor unions are stepping up work with state lawmakers across the nation to restrict its use.

The renewed drive to regulate AI could change how workers are exposed to AI in their jobs and complicate industry plans to roll out technology such as robotaxis or tools that track individuals productivity. It comes after the Senate killed a proposed federal moratorium that would have banned states from regulating AI for the next 10 years.

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In Massachusetts, the Teamsters labor union is backing a proposed state law that would require autonomous vehicles to have a human safety operator who can intervene during the ride, effectively forbidding truly driverless rides. Oregon lawmakers recently passed a bill supported by the Oregon Nurses Association that prohibits AI from using the title nurse or any associated abbreviations. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, a federation of 63 national and international labor unions, launched a national task force last month to work with state lawmakers on more laws that regulate automation and AI affecting workers.

Union leaders say they must intervene to protect workers from the potential for AI to cause massive job displacement or infringe on employment rights. The technology has already become a sticking point in some labor disputes, such as the Hollywood writers strikes in 2023.

In February, Gallup found that one-third of workers in the United States feared AI would lead to fewer job opportunities. AI proponents and some economists argue that in the past, technologies that have disrupted some careers also created many new jobs.

Lorena Gonzalez, co-chair of the new AFL-CIO task force on AI, said last week that AI was set to become a defining issue for the labor movement, similar to the impact in the 1990s of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which created a free-trade zone in North America and drove major changes in U.S. employment including the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to Mexico.

We cannot allow AI and technology to be our next NAFTA, she said on an episode of the podcast Power at Work released Tuesday by the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. It is up to us to determine what kind of society we want to live in and what kind of regulations we live around that protect us.

President Donald Trump has rolled back AI rules introduced by President Joe Biden and made clear he wants to give the tech industry and its clients free rein with the technology.

The AFL-CIO task force plans to help unions take on problematic use of AI in collective bargaining and contracts and in coming months and develop a slate of model legislation available to state leaders, modeled on recently passed and newly proposed legislation in places including California and Massachusetts.

As soon as the [federal] moratorium got taken out, there was an urgency of How do we prepare other states to move forward, Gonzalez told the Washington Post. She is also president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, which supports a proposed state law that would prevent employers from primarily relying on AI software to automate decisions like terminations or disciplinary actions. Instead, humans would have to review decisions. The law would also prohibit use of tools that predict workers behaviors, emotional states, and personality.

If we dont start thinking about how to protect workers, were going to have a lot of problems, said Democratic State Sen. Jerry McNerney, who introduced the California bill. People will be dismissed and demoted from jobs without sufficient cause.

Proposals like McNerneys have met pushback from some tech companies and employers. Rob Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a tech industry trade group, said societal progress often comes from worker-replacing technologies that sometimes lead to the decline of certain jobs such as elevator operator or gas station attendant.

The AFL-CIOs efforts to limit AI-driven productivity will only lead to slower wage and economic growth, he said in an emailed statement Post. Rather than engaging in a Luddite-inspired campaign against a critical new technology, organized labor should push Congress to improve programs for displaced workers.

Seth Harris, who served as Labor Secretary under President Barack Obama and labor adviser to Biden, said despite the considerable unknowns about the effects of AI on jobs, it is reasonable to try to blunt risks to workers. This is the critical moment, not only for AI guardrails, but for collective bargaining over AI in workplaces and industries, said Harris, who is now a senior fellow at the Burnes Center.

In Massachusetts, the Teamsters have argued that autonomous vehicles threaten public safety as well as jobs and fought the expansion of Alphabets robotaxi service, Waymo, into the state.

The union declined to comment but cited a July statement by Tom Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25. Waymo is steamrolling into cities throughout our country without concern for workers or residents, his statement said. Theyre doing this because they want to make trillions of dollars by eliminating jobs. Waymo did not respond to a request for comment.

Maris local supports a bill currently in the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Transportation that requires autonomous vehicles to have a human safety operator who can intervene during the ride.

We cant just be the Wild West where tech companies can experiment on our roads unregulated, said Massachusetts State Sen. Paul Feeney, a Democrat, who introduced the bill to the state legislature. Lets make sure were introducing commonsense regulations that keep people safe and employed.
More young adults are living at home with their parents these days.

Fifty-seven percent of individuals ages 18 to 24 are residing in a parents home, compared with 53% in 1993, according to surveys of parents and young adults published last year by the Pew Research Center, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan nonprofit.

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Meeting their needs calls for lighthouse parenting, says Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician and director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Ginsburg said he coined the term to help parents apply what research shows works best to establish a lifelong bond with their children, particularly with young adults. Lighthouse parenting is about balancing your love and trust with your need to protect and guide, he said.

Just think about what a lighthouse denotes, Ginsburg said. Its a stable force. Its shining the path. Its making sure you dont crash against the rocks, but its trusting you to navigate the waters with its guidance.

Ginsburg is author of the recently published book Lighthouse Parenting: Raising Your Child With Loving Guidance for a Lifelong Bond. He spoke to The Inquirer about how parents can navigate friction and challenges, including drug or alcohol use, with their adult children living at home. The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

What advice do you have for parents struggling to connect with their young adult children?

It is literally never too late to repair a relationship if your relationship is rooted in love. Start with three steps: One, tell them what you hope your relationship to be. Two, honor them as a growing, developing individual, and tell them that your role is to always love and guide them no matter how old they are. Three, if you havent gotten it right, how about you give the kind of apology that resets the relationship. It is shocking and transformative when you get an apology that actually has meaning. You say, I am truly sorry for what I have done, or how this has impacted our relationship, or how you might feel that I dont trust you. Then you do the course correction and say what you intend to do moving forward. You want to be a guide. You want to be in their life. You want to show up and listen. Only they know exactly the waters that they are navigating. Ask, What do you need to be healthy? To be safe? To be successful? Tell me what you think you need, and what I can do to support your journey.

What should a parent do if their adult child is using drugs or alcohol?

Dont buy into the thinking that anything I do or say enables their drug habit. That model is not correct. Instead, you stand by your child and you look beyond what theyre doing. You begin understanding that theres a why behind what theyre doing. You, as a parent, have the ability to not only explore the why, but to support them to not need the drugs or alcohol. So if the why might be depression, anxiety, fear of failure, self doubt, stress reduction, whatever it is, theres always better ways than drugs. Your role is to be an unconditionally loving guide. It is not to be a drug-addiction counselor. If you believe that substances play a large role in your childs life, then you deserve and your child deserves to get a professional assessment.

What if your child refuses to see a professional?

If you frame it as, You are broken, and you need help, nobody is going to move toward support. If you frame it as, I love you. I see you. I know theres a why behind what youre doing. You deserve better, then youre moving in the right direction. Nobody wants help if theyre perceived as broken, but if theyre seen in their very best light and see what they deserve to get past their challenges, then theyre much more likely to get there. Also, let them know that you not handing them off to a professional. You always remain available as a loving parent.

How do you talk to them about the why of substance abuse?

Many of the intense feelings humans are blessed with, like sensitivity, anxiety, and deep feeling, are not the ones society says are good to have, especially for men. But they are wonderful to have. It is wonderful to be sensitive and caring and to notice things that other people dont notice, even if sometimes you get hurt by experiencing these emotions. When we speak to our children of their strength and of their gifts, rather than suggest that they stop feeling, you help them learn how to work with the superpower they have, while learning to manage their feelings.

How can parents manage their emotions when their adult child chooses a different life path from the one they envisioned?

Ultimately, your child is going to decide to contribute to the world in the way in which they want to contribute, and you dont have an option of forcing them into the mold you desire. If they launch into adulthood feeling like they disappointed you, theyre going to feel like a failure. Focus on the things that you want your child to be when theyre 35 years old. Focus on the kind of human theyre going to be. Are they going to have healthy relationships? A sense of belonging? Will they be compassionate? Will they be resilient? Keep your eye on that ball, and it will take pressure off you and your child today and your relationship will be healthier tomorrow. Acknowledge that theres a lot of different paths to being a good person.

When your adult child lives at home, does the relationship change from parent to roommate?

You never stop being a parent. You will always love and you will always guide. You never want to be a roommate, nor a landlord, because your love is unconditional. But, youre raising an adult to learn to be responsible in the world, and part of responsibility is contributing to the household. You have absolutely, not only a right, but an obligation to help your child learn how to function in a household. Its good to know how to do laundry. Good to know how to manage your bills, right? That doesnt make you a roommate. Youre still a parent, but the developmental need is different.

Any final words of advice?

If theres anything I could teach you, its not to look at the behavior in the moment. Instead, start dealing with any problem by reminding yourself how deeply and why you love. It is only when we start with the root of why we care so much that we really gain the power to guide our children past a problem.
Volunteers Kaitlyn Hammer, of Center City and Joe McMonagle of Baltimore clean the workspace after dental work was done at the Remote Area Medical Clinic at the School of the Future in Philadelphia on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Read more

Tens of thousands of refugees, victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, and others who legally immigrated to Pennsylvania and New Jersey will lose Medicaid coverage next fall, when new eligibility rules established under President Donald Trumps signature big beautiful bill take effect.

Currently, people with certain legal immigration statuses can qualify for Medicaid, the publicly funded healthcare program for low-income families and people with disabilities.

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But beginning October 2026, only legal permanent residents and immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, and certain Pacific Island countries will continue to be covered. All others  including individuals granted asylum and those who are temporary humanitarian parolees  will no longer be eligible for Medicaid.

 READ MORE: The big, beautiful bill is poised to cut Medicaid. Heres whats at stake for five Philly-area families.

New Jerseys Department of Human Services estimates that between 15,000 and 25,000 immigrants with legal status will lose coverage.

Pennsylvanias Department of Human Services isnt sure yet how many of the 150,000 noncitizen immigrants with legal status who are covered by Medicaid will be dropped. Administrators will need to manually parse out who remains eligible and who will lose coverage, sometimes requiring them to dig deep into notes added to files during their initial enrollment.

Republicans who championed the legislation say the changes will ensure public resources go to those in greatest need.

But public health officials and advocates say the move unfairly penalizes immigrants who have taken every necessary step to enter the country legally. Many are on a path to permanent residency or citizenship and have been living in the United States for years, with full-time jobs and families.

Pennsylvanias Department of Health said stripping coverage for thousands of immigrants poses a serious public health risk for families who will lose access to important health services, such as prenatal care.

 READ MORE: 300,000 Pennsylvania residents could lose Medicaid under big, beautiful bill

Chilling effect on healthcare

Advocates worry that the Trump administrations focus on deportations will have a chilling effect on healthcare access, even for immigrants who remain eligible for public programs, said Colleen McCauley, policy and advocacy director at Camden Coalition, a nonprofit healthcare advocacy group.

 READ MORE: Two more patients say they faced questions around citizenship at hospitals in Philly and Abington

She worries families that will forgo medical care out of fear that disclosing personal information could make them a target for immigration officials.

Its pretty devastating for parents to have to make a decision about how easy or hard its going to be to access healthcare for their kids, balanced with their ability to stay here in their community, she said.

 READ MORE: We are hiding on the roof. I love you. An ICE raid in Montco has left families bereft after 14 were arrested.

New Jersey is among a handful of states that allows all children  including undocumented immigrant children  to enroll in Medicaid. (Early versions of the federal legislation would have slashed federal funding for states like New Jersey, but the provision did not make it into the final version.) Pennsylvanias Medicaid program does not cover undocumented immigrants.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have sought access to data from Medicaid and food assistance programs as part of its effort to ramp up deportations.

Raids have not targeted immigrants that have legal status, but have made people hesitant to seek health services, especially as healthcare facilities are no longer protected from ICE raids.

Next steps for states

For now, state officials are urging people who currently are enrolled in Medicaid to continue using their health plan while they can.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials are working with advocacy groups and community organizations to communicate changes as they get more information.

Pennsylvania officials said they are awaiting more guidance from the federal government on new rules that will require some people with Medicaid to report their work hours every month and renew their coverage every six months.

In New Jersey, stakeholders are looking ahead at what policy maneuvers can minimize the number of people who could lose coverage. Most of the decline in Medicaid enrollment is expected to come from people who lose coverage because theyre unable to navigate the complex new reporting requirements  not because they arent working enough or otherwise arent eligible.

New Jersey could consider a buy-in program to Medicaid-like coverage for people who cant afford a private health plan through the states Obamacare marketplace, but who are also no longer able to be covered under Medicaid, said Laura Waddell, healthcare program director for NJ Citizen Action, which helps people enroll in coverage.

Lawmakers could also codify a healthcare cost transparency and affordability office, tasked with trying to tamp down rising healthcare costs, she said.
Last August, SoundHound acquired another conversational AI specialist called Amelia. The joint companies recently launched a new platform called Amelia 7, which allows businesses to create custom AI agents that can assist customers with their inquiries or even help employees troubleshoot technical issues. Of course, these agents can be controlled entirely with voice commands.

In the automotive industry, companies like Hyundai and Stellantis (Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge) are using SoundHound's Chat AI software in their latest vehicles. It can give drivers information about the weather, stocks, and everything in between with a simple voice command, and manufacturers can customize its personality to suit their brand.

In the restaurant space, SoundHound's Voice AI technology can accept customer orders autonomously in-store, over the phone, and in the drive-thru. It can also answer queries from employees, whether they need help making menu items or need clarity on a particular store policy. Chains like Chipotle , Krispy Kreme , and Papa John's are just a few of SoundHound's customers.

SoundHound's conversational AI applications are popular in a variety of industries, but they are experiencing particularly high demand in quick-service restaurant chains and with automotive brands that want to include a powerful AI assistant in their new vehicles.

SoundHound's revenue tripled during its most recent quarter, and its stock is up by a whopping 40% in the past month alone. Did Nvidia make a mistake by dumping its position? Read on for the surprising answer.

SoundHound is a specialist in conversational AI technologies, and its customers include some of the world's biggest brands. Nvidia first revealed its stake in the company in a 13-F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in February 2024, but the chipmaker had sold its entire position by December.

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has become the world's largest company on the back of surging demand for its data center chips, which are the gold standard for developing artificial intelligence (AI) models. The chip giant occasionally puts its vast financial resources to work by investing in other AI companies, and SoundHound AI (NASDAQ: SOUN) was one of them.

SoundHound stock is soaring right now, but that doesn't mean Nvidia made the wrong move.

Nvidia used to be a SoundHound shareholder, but the chip giant sold its entire stake towards the end of 2024.

SoundHound AI stock is generating blistering revenue growth right now, as some of the world's biggest brands adopt its conversational artificial intelligence software.

Story Continues

SoundHound's revenue is absolutely skyrocketing

SoundHound generated a record $42.6 million in total revenue during the second quarter of 2025 (ended June 30), which was a blistering 217% increase from the year-ago period.

The strong result gave management the confidence to increase its full-year revenue guidance for 2025 from $167 million to $169 million (at the midpoint of the forecast range), which would be a 99% increase compared to 2024. That would mark an acceleration from the 85% growth SoundHound generated last year, highlighting the significant momentum in its business.

But that growth is coming at a significant cost, because SoundHound continues to burn truckloads of cash. It lost $74.7 million on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis during the second quarter, which was twice as much as it lost in the year-ago period.

SoundHound did suffer a one-off, $31 million hit to its bottom line from a liability associated with one of its acquisitions during the quarter, but even after stripping it out -- along with every other one-off and non-cash expense -- the company still lost $11.8 million.

SoundHound has a solid balance sheet with $230 million in cash on hand and no debt, so it can sustain losses of that size for the foreseeable future. However, the company will eventually have to prioritize profitability, or else it might need to raise capital, which could dilute existing shareholders. Cost cuts would almost certainly dent SoundHound's revenue growth, which is something for investors to keep in mind.

Here's why Nvidia didn't make a mistake by selling SoundHound stock

Nvidia never told investors why it sold SoundHound stock, but if I had to speculate, I think its valuation likely had something to do with the decision. Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is trading at an eye-popping level of 48.6, which is more than a 50% premium to Nvidia's P/S ratio of 29.9.

It was even more expensive when Nvidia sold it toward the end of 2024, because its P/S ratio was hovering near 100.

SoundHound will quickly grow into its current valuation if its revenue continues to increase at such a blistering pace, but the financial results of companies in the early stages of commercialization are notoriously unpredictable, so there's no guarantee it will. Moreover, Nvidia is one of the highest quality companies in the world with a track record of success that spans decades, a rock-solid balance sheet, and surging profits, so I don't think SoundHound deserves to trade at a premium to the chip giant.

Nvidia held 1.73 million SoundHound shares, which would've been worth around $27.7 million at the current price of $16. Given the chip giant's market cap of $4.4 trillion, a total loss would've been a mere rounding error. However, holding a stock with such a steep valuation opens the door to substantial downside if the underlying company falters, so I don't think Nvidia made a mistake by closing its position.

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Did Nvidia Make a Mistake by Selling SoundHound AI Stock? The Answer Might Surprise You. was originally published by The Motley Fool
Amanda Souza and Andres Paredes Morales after Morales proposed to Souza in her family home in Norristown. Read more

Amanda Souza and Andres Paredes Morales moved quickly for a young couple in a budding relationship.

Just months after they met at their workplace, the Fogo de Chao steakhouse in King of Prussia, the 23-year-old Paredes Morales proposed to Souza.

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Paredes Morales wanted to do the right thing, Souza said, presenting her with a ring in front of her mother in the familys Norristown home in March.

He told me many times, In the future were gonna be OK, and Im gonna help you, Souza said.

But Souza didnt think that before the summer was through, she would be the one trying to help her fiance out of impending detention at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in central Pennsylvania.

On July 31, four plainclothes immigration agents detained Paredes Morales while he was working as a prep cook for his other employer, the District Taco restaurant at the King of Prussia Town Center, according to Souza.

A video taken by one of Morales coworkers shows Paredes Morales wave back to the kitchen as he is led out by agents who, according to Souza, said they wanted to question him outside after receiving a complaint that he was involved in a crime.

Paredes Morales does not speak English and called Souza, who said the agents would not share details about the complaint or whether there was a warrant for his arrest as she spoke with them by phone while rushing to District Taco.

Souza was five minutes away from the restaurant when an agent told her Paredes Morales had already been taken away.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Paredes Morales detainment comes as Montgomery County continues to see a flurry of ICE activity, with agents raiding local businesses and rounding up undocumented workers on immigration violations.

Norristown, the county seat, has become a particular hotbed, and community advocacy groups like MontCo Community Watch have tracked at least 65 ICE arrests in the county since May.

Across the country, ICE arrests have doubled since President Donald Trump took office, and the number of migrant detentions is at an all-time high, according to ICE data.

Paredes Morales, a Venezuelan who immigrated in 2024 and obtained a work authorization permit, has no criminal record in the U.S. or Venezuela and has been in the country for less than a year, according to Souza.

He received a temporary authorization to stay in the United States via humanitarian parole, and is awaiting an immigration court hearing scheduled for May 2026 after applying for an extended visa this spring, Souza said. He was carrying his permit at the time of his arrest, she added.

Hes always working, Souza said. I live with him. Theres no crime.

Paredes Morales migrated to the U.S. to seek a better life and a respite from rampant violence and government corruption in his home country, Souza said.

He took on two restaurant gigs near the bustling King of Prussia Mall, sending extra money back home to his mother in Venezuela when he could.

The work permit Paredes Morales obtained through DHS expires on May 21, 2026, according to documents viewed by The Inquirer.

Alexis Price, a Montgomery County-based immigration attorney who is representing Paredes Morales, said she was not authorized to share details about her client.

However, asked whether there was a pending criminal case against Paredes Morales, Price said, To my knowledge, there isnt one.

Scenarios similar to Paredes Morales  where immigration agents coax an employee from their workplace by asking to question them outside  are becoming more common in Montgomery County, according to Price.

Its a bit like the Wild West here, she said. Every day theres something new we havent seen before.

Americans have a mixed view on the Trump administrations policies.

A Pew Research Center survey taken in June found 78% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents favored the presidents approach toward immigration. Just 9% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters approved.

The administration has stripped deportation protections from hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants  a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in May  and was found to have deported hundreds of Venezuelans to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador despite most of those deportees not having U.S. criminal convictions.

Just cause youre from Venezuela, they associate you with a gang, Souza said.

Following his arrest, Paredes Morales was transported from King of Prussia to Philadelphias Federal Detention Center, where he has been able to speak with Souza over the phone.

Paredes Morales expects to be transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest ICE detention center in the Northeast and about a four-hour drive from Norristown, according to Souza.

The distance is not her only concern. Difficult conditions at the facility were recently condemned by immigration justice advocates.

Former Moshannon inmates have complained of issues accessing medical and mental healthcare at the facility as well as mistreatment by staff and the use of racial and derogatory slurs, according to a 2024 report by the Social Justice Lawyering Clinic at Temple University.

Only weeks ago Paredes Morales was encouraging Souza, a Ursinus College graduate, to pursue her dream of becoming a painter.

Now, instead of planning their wedding, Souza has embarked on a process that the families and partners of migrants fear most.

In addition to enlisting Price to handle Paredes Morales case, Souza has started a GoFundMe effort to raise money for legal fees. The fundraiser had raised more than $6,700 out of an $8,000 goal as of Friday.

Andres deserves to be home, not behind bars, Souza wrote on the page. He deserves justice, and I need him back. We need each other.
We REIGN takes a group photo in front of a new mural celebrating Black girlhood located at 41st and Wallace Streets, in Philadelphia, on Saturday. Read more

Jordyn Battle loved drawing with chalk, and playing double Dutch and hopscotch. But, as soon as her age became double digits, the world around her began trying to take her girlhood away.

As a Black girl, she felt that where other children were afforded space to show their emotions, she was expected to carry herself with the emotional maturity of a woman or risk being perceived as angry or overemotional.

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They expect you to carry yourself as an adult would, when I am still a child, I am still a teenager like everybody else, same teenage emotions, same teenage hormones as everyone else, said Battle, who just turned 18.

A June study done by CHOPs PolicyLab and nonprofit We REIGN, exploring the impact of adultification on the health and well-being of Black girls and young women showed that for many Black girls the premature death of girlhood is not a feeling but a reality.

When Black girls walk the streets, when they are trying to go to school, go to the grocery stores; instead of having their community support surrounding them, they are catcalled, hypersexualized, even criminalized in the very places that they are supposed to be safe, said Daniela Brissett, a faculty scholar at PolicyLab.

To honor and celebrate their girlhoods, a mural featuring Battles smiling face at age 11 staring at the reflection of a joyful infant version of herself, surrounded by flowers, was unveiled on Saturday at 41st and Wallace Streets.

For two years, muralist shanina dionna worked with more than 20 girls from We REIGN to capture the strength, innocence, and tenderness of childhood. To her, the mural is a way to tell the community: Honor my youth, honor my tender space while I am growing in my formative years, honor that part of me so I can grow and thrive.

For We REIGN founder Tawanna Jones, the idea is to acknowledge the issue while not letting the joy of being a Black girl be overshadowed, so that when the girls look at the mural, they remember that they have a community that is still taking care of them as they continue to grow.

Jordyn, the little girl in the image, in the mirror, she is still a child, Jones said. They need to know, Even tho I am growing in my body, in my mind, I am still a child and the community is still taking care of me.

Battle was picked by her peers at We REIGN to represent their girlhood. Its a gesture she feels is the perfect farewell to Philadelphia as she heads to college to major in biology.

My sisters in We REIGN are the reason why I got through times, so when I see [the mural] I think of them, of us being girls together, Battle said.

That feeling warms Glenda Stewarts heart. The 66-year-old grew up at a time when she didnt feel free to enjoy her girlhood. So, when Jones approached her to ask if they could paint a mural on the side wall of her home, she jumped on board.

Sisterhood is part of girlhood, Stewart said. It was hard growing up as a Black girl. I had to struggle by myself, then I had children, and it was just us three against the world. Its good to have sisters to support you in life.
When Black children show signs of distress, like when they act out in school, shut down emotionally, or defy authority, medical professionals rush to diagnose them with disruptive behavior disorder, writes Victoria Fisher. Read more

Black youth across our city are crying out in ways that are often loud, sometimes violent, and almost always misunderstood.

Too often, when Black children show signs of distress, like when they act out in school, shut down emotionally, or defy authority, medical professionals rush to label them. Oppositional defiant disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mood dysregulation disorder. Conduct disorder. The diagnoses roll off the tongues of clinicians.

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These disruptive behavior disorders share common clinical threads, including difficulties in self-control, emotional regulation, and navigating the demands of authority. The risk factors for oppositional defiant disorder, for example, often overlap with the realities many Black children face, such as lower socioeconomic status, harsh or inconsistent discipline, and family stress or instability.

But whats too often missing from the clinical picture is the context of inequities, racialized trauma, and the chronic stress of navigating a world where their very identity can be treated as a threat.

Diagnosis bias makes the picture even starker. In one study of 1,173 youth in residential treatment, African American and Hispanic youth were vastly overrepresented, with 77.7% of those diagnosed with conduct disorder, compared with their non-Hispanic white peers.

In another study of justice-involved youth, 17% of 519 adolescent males in a juvenile detention center had been given a sole diagnosis of conduct disorder. Yet, when these same youth were assessed for other mental health needs, an overwhelming 92% met criteria for conditions like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or had a history of manic episodes or panic attacks.

These findings reveal a troubling pattern: The labels given to Black youth often pathologize behavior without addressing its roots. Instead of being met with trauma-informed care or sustained emotional support, they are frequently met with prescriptions for powerful medications like antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. These tools may quiet behaviors, but rarely heal wounds.

And these children carry more than the daily weight of being misunderstood. They bear the labels in their medical charts, their school files, and the way future educators, doctors, and even employers may see them.

The label becomes part of their identity in the eyes of others, shaping opportunities and expectations long before they have the chance to define themselves. A diagnosis becomes not just a moment, but a new identity that follows them through every system.

When I tried to remove a bipolar I diagnosis from the insurance records of a justice-involved youth, I was told it could not be erased. The only allowable action was to add a note in the chart stating disagreement with the diagnosis, yet the original label would remain.

Lets be clear: Mental health diagnoses and treatment can be lifesaving. But what we are seeing in Philadelphia isnt trauma-informed care, its trauma-ignorant labeling. We are quick to pathologize normal responses to abnormal conditions.

What happens when a child grows up hearing gunshots at night? When they see a parent overworked and underpaid, or incarcerated for petty offenses? What happens when school feels more like a battleground than a safe space? This is the daily reality for too many Black children in our city.

And what about the parents? We expect them to lead by example, to help their children self-regulate, to provide emotional support, structure, and discipline. But many of these parents are navigating their own unprocessed trauma. Theyre dealing with job instability, eviction notices, grief, and a lack of access to basic resources like quality healthcare and childcare. When they reach out for help, theyre often met with judgment, bureaucracy, and more labels.

The system doesnt ask what support these parents need; it asks why they havent done better. This cycle is not just unjust, it is unsustainable. We cannot continue to medicate our way out of collective trauma.

To the mental health professionals working in our communities: You are trusted. Families come to you vulnerable, hopeful, desperate for something better. That trust comes with responsibility. You are not just treating people; you are shaping how entire communities heal.

This means culturally competent mental health services that see children in context, not just through a diagnostic manual. It means family support that honors the complexity of raising kids in structurally violent environments.

Above all, it means listening. Listening to young people when they tell us, through words or actions, that they are hurting. Listening to parents when they say theyre overwhelmed.

Philadelphia has no shortage of talent, resilience, or brilliance among its Black youth, as well as organizations like YEAH Philly, which are really reaching Philly teens.

YEAH Philly is providing a space for the Black youth to not only come together but participate in workshops that focus on areas such as understanding and managing stress, healing from trauma, conflict resolution, career readiness, and healthy relationships.

Its 2024 annual report shows that its program has supported more than 500 teens in Philadelphia with a goal to continue expansion and connection with local resources. These are the types of programs that mental health professionals need to be aware of, support, and encourage youth to participate in.

Another organization located in Philadelphia with a mission to support teens and parents is the Federation of Neighborhood Centers (FNC). It offers a Parent Empowerment Program that supports multiple classes, such as general parenting classes, autism in the family class for parents/caregivers of kids on the autism spectrum, parenting your teenager, and classes for LGBTQ parents.

The FNC offers classes virtually, hoping to increase accessibility to Philadelphia communities. So often, mental health professionals feel obligated to give something to a client, but please consider simply giving a referral to a great organization.

We, as clinicians, are educated on adverse childhood experiences and the negative effects they can have on our clients. Consider adding an adverse childhood experience questionnaire to your assessment tools. Ask the questions. Get the whole picture. When treatment extends beyond individual and community support, consider the goal of treatment. Pause. Think. How will a diagnosis help this child, the family? Psychiatry is a very interpretive field. Meeting checklist criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not, on its own, require or even justify a diagnosis.

But if we continue to ignore our youths trauma, to mislabel their struggles, and to medicate their pain, we will squander that potential. We are not failing because we dont know what to do; were failing because we arent doing it.

Victoria Fisher is a Philadelphia-based psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner working in juvenile justice.
Nineties nostalgia this certainly aint. Or if it is, then nostalgia has just been given a long overdue snarky 2020s facelift, less pop collagen and more rock venom.

"I dont think weve played here before, have we?" asks Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher early on.

"All I do know is that this is the most sober Ive ever been in Ireland. Thats not good. That had to change," he mouths silently, walking away from the mic.

And you lot have been missed and all. F****** lunatics.

Hes in great voice, arguably better than ever, and he dedicates Roll With It to his friends and family in Mayo. More very very surprising familial affection will follow by the end of this show. Stay tuned.

Liam is doing most of the chat tonight.

Noel is focused on slaying the guitar, notably on his vintage Gibson. Hes just an awesome melodic guitarist, seemingly even better with Liam around to cover the banter.

Oasis on stage at Saturday's gig in Croke Park. Picture: Chani Anderson

Walking away from Croker after a mesmerising show, groups of people are singing "So Sally can wait ...", the epic chorus of Don't Look Back In Anger.

We overhear an emphatic 'Yes' reply from the 20-something asked if this night was worth the 600 she'd paid for her ticket?

Was it worth it? After all, with that money she could be going home now to sit on a comfier new couch. But you can't get a couch into heaven.

Drunken logic works for me.

This was an epic night, one that rose above the extortionate costs, probably in the thousands when you tot up the tickets, hotels, merch and the rest. But why was it so good?

Firstly, this band and these songs rock just as much now as they did prior to their split. Secondly, there's no denying the gripping appeal of the reunion of two fighting brothers, resolving (to some degree) a long period of silence.

We can't all captivate 160,000 people over two nights with our talent, but most of us have at least one sibling we'd love to throttle. Theyre oddly relatable. And we can also relate to their proud Irish parents, happy that Noel and Liam are reformed(ish) and clearly back having fun with their old chums.

Noel Gallagher performing on stage at Croke Park during the Oasis Live 25 concert on Saturday. Picture: Chani Anderson

And what a beautiful collective noise they make. Noel and Liam are joined by original guitarists Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs and Gem Archer, plus bassist Andy Bell. They are also joined by drummer Joey Waronker, along with a brass section and backing singers including Jess Greenfield of Noel Gallagher's High-Flying Birds.

Like most people in Croker, I've been to see Noels and Liam's Oasis-hiatus solo projects, both of which featured incredible musicians. Brilliant as those bands were, however, there's nothing out there quite like an Oasis show. Why?

A crowd of 80,000 fans singing in unison at Croke Park in Dublin as Oasis returned for their Live 25 reunion. Picture: Chani Anderson

Maybe it's the sheer monster weight of the songs, starting with Hello, Acquiesce, Morning Glory and Some Might Say, through to Supersonic, Roll With It, Half The World Away, Live Forever and Rock 'N' Roll Star.

Then there are The Masterplan, Champagne Supernova, Wonderwall and Don't Look Back In Anger, iconic masterpieces for which 'song' is too small a word.

Maybe it's the fact that they've been off our radar for so long, but it does feel like we've not seen anything at once as visceral and as poetic as Oasis for the past 16 years.

Bucket hats adorned every railing and corner in Dublin as the city geared up for Oasis Live 25 at Croke Park. Picture: Chani Anderson

"Yeve been incredible," concluded Liam, "but Ive got to go to bed now, like the little princess that I am."

He is the first to exit the stage, and he runs past Noel and pats his back warmly as he passes him by. What odds on a full-on hug before the tour is done?

So what next?

Borrowing from Bacharach and David, it's fair to say that what the world needs now is a new Oasis album, stuffed with classic hits, that closes the circle on the world's all-time greatest rock 'n' roll comeback. No pressure, lads.

Meanwhile, after Liverpool indie band Cast warmed up the early-door fans, ex-Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft wowed them; he had the crowd joining on hits including Bitter Sweet Symphony and The Drugs Dont Work and, perhaps even more impressively, he downed a pint of Guinness in one gulp.
A planning row has broken out between a priest and a residents group over the seeking of retrospective planning permission for changes to a church in a Limerick village.

Residents have lodged an appeal with An Coimisiun Pleanala against a decision of Limerick City and County Council to grant retention permission to Fr Tim Wrenn, the parish priest of Kilcornan, Co Limerick for floodlights installed at the villages Catholic church.

Stonehall-Kilcornan & District Residents Group claims that the councils decision to grant retention permission for the floodlights is legally flawed and contrary to proper planning. The group claims the council failed to comply with national and EU wildlife legislation over the failure to require surveys of bats and other protected species to be carried out.

The residents have also complained that the floodlights illuminate rooms in a neighbouring property and have an overbearing impact while its occupants have experienced sleep disturbance and a loss of residential amenity, especially privacy.

However, a consultant engineer representing Fr Wrenn says the floodlights have been in existence for more than 16 years.

Council planners said the floodlighting at the church, which consists of four sets of lights approximately four metres in height, was relatively small in scale and does not detract from the setting/character of the protected structure.

The objection by Stonehall-Kilcornan & District Residents arose as a result of an application by Fr Wrenn for retention permission for several works carried out within the church grounds, including an opening in a drystone boundary wall.

The parish priest has also sought approval for the retention of the floodlight and a concrete base behind the church as well as permission to complete an associated meeting room.

Meeting room

Fr Wrenn told Limerick City and County Council there was no adequate space within the confines of the church building for private meetings with him.

The priest claimed the location of the detached meeting room behind the church had been decided as the best area.

He explained it would only ever be available for use in the presence of the local parish priest or his representative and would not be open to the public on an ongoing basis.

In a split decision, however, the council rejected such proposals and only gave permission for the floodlights to be retained.

Council planners described the design of the proposed meeting room as being of low architectural quality and having the appearance of a small mobile home.

They recommended that a revised design was necessary because the existing design was considered inappropriate in a setting adjacent to a protected structure.

Council planners noted that no details had been provided which indicated the works already undertaken had been carried out under the supervision of a qualified professional with specialised conservation expertise".

A council conservation officer also suggested that the stone wall should be reinstated.

Kilcornan Catholic Church, which was constructed in 1828, is a protected structure and is described as a fine example of early 19th Century Gothic Revival architecture".

Unauthorised works

The planning application for retention permission was made by Fr Wrenn after the council issued a warning letter to the Limerick Diocesan Office in March 2025 over unauthorised works within the church grounds.

The residents group claimed the changes raised significant concerns about the protection of built heritage and biodiversity as well as compliance with planning policy.

It also questioned the authority of the parish priest to lodge the planning application on behalf of the beneficial owners of the church which they claim is the Diocese of Limerick.

They noted Fr Wrenn  a member of the Salesian order who returned to Ireland in 2024 after spending 37 years working in South Africa  had indicated in planning application forms that he was the owner of the building.

The opponents claim there was further unauthorised development of bathroom/washroom facilities with an associated septic tank in a small shed within the grounds of the church for which there is no record of planning permission.

Similarly, the group allege that an unauthorised boundary structure was erected on a commonage area located to the east of the church in early autumn 2023.

The groups secretary, Patrick Fleming, claimed it removed established rights of way for residents as well as representing a potential hazard for road users.

They took issue with claims by the parish priests consultant engineer that the commonage area had been acquired from an unnamed landowner as a gift to alleviate parking on the public road.

Dr Fleming claimed the unauthorised lighting degraded the tranquillity and aesthetic values of this heritage asset and its intensity was likely to negatively impact on nocturnal wildlife.

A ruling by An Coimisiun Pleanala on the appeal is expected in early December.
It was a near-death experience that persuaded former soldier Paul OHalloran to turn shaman - and pursue a career helping the owners of Irelands most haunted homes rid them of unwanted spirits.

The Galway native is now the first port of call for families who believe they are being tormented by paranormal house guests. He says demand is high, and he frequently travels the length and breadth of the country conducting shamanic healing as well as house and land clearing.

Paul said he had an awareness of his clairvoyance from a young age but suppressed his gift out of fear of a negative reaction from people and a desire to conform.

I was about four years old when I saw an old woman accompanied by a man and child outside my bedroom. It was a dark night and I could see them clearly. I knew they were spirits.

"I remember years later my dad telling me not to play by that window. When I asked him why, he told me that this was where the spirits walked.

I discovered later on that people from famine times walked there to find food. Some people died on the way but their soul kept walking that path.

"I was very frightened after seeing the spirits. I didnt tell anyone, not just because I was scared but also because I wanted to fit in. Looking back, they knew that I could help them but I couldnt see that at the time.

Paul says he experienced an awakening, however, that prompted him to re-assess his relationship with death when fighting in Lebanon with the Irish Army.

As a young man I believed the army was my calling. Shortly after we arrived in Lebanon and got organised and found our building all hell broke loose. Machine guns were fired under the window sills.

"The idea was to kill us while we were asleep but they were about two inches too high. A good buddy of mine took three bullets that night. Two hit him in the stomach and the other one hit his wrist but he survived.

Paul O'Halloran says he experienced an awakening that prompted him to re-assess his relationship with death when fighting in Lebanon with the Irish Army. Photo: Ger Rogers Photography

"A tracer bullet, which is designed to visually track the path of a fired bullet went over my stomach. I was trying to get my trousers on amid all the commotion. Its crazy looking back but my initial thought was that I didnt want to die without my trousers on.

"That didnt affect me as much as being held at gunpoint at a checkpoint. A young man put a M16 rifle to my head and told me he was going to blow my head off. I can remember pointing to the submachine gun on my lap and saying 'You pull, I pull'. Having that machine gun saved my life.

What followed after that tour in Lebanon was an extremely dark period for Paul but one that would eventually lead to his career in shamanism. Over the years he trained with various spiritual leaders including South African healer, Zanemvula (Peter Von Maltitz).

When I finished up with the army I did a course in shamanism. I had to do a 21-day clearing of the chakras. For some reason I decided to do it for a year.

This was at a time when I was suffering from suicidal thoughts and post traumatic stress. They train you for a lot of things in the army but not how to react when someone points a gun to your head.

"I believe that year of meditation cleared my body of all the trauma.

It was at this point that Paul - who now owns a school of shamanic studies known as Pathway teaching - decided to embrace his gift of clairvoyance.

I dont deny it anymore. The first thing that happens to me is I feel it. This feeling is experienced in certain parts of my body. The vision usually comes after that. I would see something and there may be communication.

"I believe everyone has a gift because we all come from spirits and this is what we go back to. We are all just spirits in a human body.

But for the understandably sceptic, how does helping occupants of haunted houses actually work?

Paul points to the work he did with a haunted home in Hollywood Estate on Corks northside in 2010 as a good example. The young family living in the house at the time had fled it in fear, after reporting some disturbing and inexplicable occurrences that included flying dishes, elevating tables and visions of spirits.

It attracted media attention at the time, particularly with the claim that the couple's five-year-old son had been 'flung' from his bed.

The 'haunted house' in Hollywood estate off Blarney Road that experienced inexplicable occurrences in 2010 such as flying dishes, elevating tables and visions of spirits. File picture: Cillian Kelly

Paul said he used a "cleansing" technique that involves an ancient shamanic ritual to help free the spirits trapped in the home. Among other methods, he constructed an altar using sticks, stones and crystals from sacred locations to channel positive energy.

His approach is inspired by the medicine wheel, used by the Aboriginals, native Americans and Celts. And rather than being 'evil', he felt the spirits' actions were simply a way of getting the familys attention so that they could be set free - many of them the spirits of children who had been buried in unmarked graves.

Paul says that house calls by fearful occupants vary in nature.

It could be garments or items going missing. There are many signs that spirits are present. Ive had reports of noises and shadows that cant be explained as well as cracks and movements.

"What happens a lot of the time is that the energy starts very gently before it escalates. Most of the time the spirits are just looking for help. Sometimes, they are happy to stay in the same place but they have to evolve on some level because the soul wont evolve if theyre landlocked.

Graffiti on the front door of the 'haunted house' in the Hollywood estate off Blarney Road in the north side of Cork City. File picture: Cillian Kelly

He is keen to point out that these spirits are worlds apart from their depictions in films and television shows.

It really annoys me the way Hollywood and the media paint spirits in a negative light. They are not evil or even bad. Most of the time they are just looking for help. Spirits come under a couple of different categories.

"Sometimes when they die suddenly, they don't realise they're dead and remain landlocked. Other times they might have an attachment to a place like a farm or land they dont want to let go of. You get some who have a guilt complex where they are afraid to cross over.

"There are also spirits with attachments. These are cases of true love where one doesnt want to go without the other. There are so many different reasons why people might become landlocked. They become trapped and our job is to help them cross over.

He gave examples of the spirits he encounters.

There was one woman who was afraid to cross over because she didn't believe she was worthy. It all came down to conditioning. She had created her own hell around her and was sitting in that energy. We had to tell her that there was no such thing as hell and break that energy surrounding her.

"She was trapped in the energy because of her belief system. She thought she was a bad person and feared being judged. Luckily, we were able to break that energy around her to allow her cross over safely.
European leaders will join Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky for his crucial meeting with Donald Trump, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

The move in relation to the key White House meeting on Monday is an apparent effort to prevent a repeat of the heated encounter Mr Zelensky faced when he met Mr Trump in February.

This afternoon, I will welcome @ZelenskyyUa in Brussels.



Together, we will participate in the Coalition of Willing VTC.



At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 17, 2025

The European leaders presence at Mr Zelenskys side, demonstrating Europes support for Ukraine, could potentially help ease concerns in Kyiv and in other European capitals that Mr Zelensky risks being railroaded into a peace deal that Mr Trump says he wants to broker with Russia.

Ms Von der Leyen, head of the European Unions executive branch, posted on X that at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.

In a quick succession on Sunday, a stream of European leaders also announced that they will be going.

They included French president Emmanuel Macron, the chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, and the secretary general of the Nato military alliance Mark Rutte.

The grouped trip underscored European leaders determination to ensure that Europe has a voice in Mr Trumps attempted peace-making, after the US presidents summit on Friday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin  to which Mr Zelensky was not invited.
European leaders will join Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House on Monday.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish president Alexander Stubb were the first leaders to confirm they will join Mr Zelensky in Washington DC.

Mr Zelenskyys Oval Office rendezvous with the US president will take place after Western allies meet for a coalition of the willing video call on Sunday afternoon.

The call will be hosted by British leader Keir Starmer, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Mr Merz.

Downing Street would not comment on whether Sir Keir plans to travel to Washington to join other European leaders on Monday.

The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his countrys territory, according to reports.

Several news outlets have reported Russian president Vladimir Putin has demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk  two occupied Ukrainian regions  as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, several news outlets said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trumps negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelenskyy about it when they meet in the Oval Office

The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelenskyys last visit to the White House at the end of February.

The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine.
Elon Musk urged businesses to incorporate outside Delaware. Pool/Getty Images

Elon Musk urged businesses to leave Delaware after a 2024 clash with its Court of Chancery.

Other states, like Nevada, are eager to attract those corporations.

Clark County, home to Las Vegas, is building an innovation district focused on tech.

Elon Musk has made his feelings about the state of Delaware clear.

"Companies should get the hell out of Delaware," Musk wrote last August on X.

Although Delaware's Secretary of State told Business Insider its role as the "corporate capital of the world" is not under threat, states like Wyoming, Texas, and Florida  and especially Nevada  have emerged as popular alternatives.

Musk's unhappiness with Delaware began in 2024 after a judge for the state's Court of Chancery denied his multi-billion-dollar pay package. In response, Musk attacked the court on X and advised others to avoid incorporating in Delaware. The billionaire has since moved Tesla and SpaceX to Texas.

The Tesla headquarters in Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Musk wasn't the only business leader ready to ditch Delaware, as it turns out. VC firm Andreessen Horowitz announced its departure from the state in July, saying recent rulings in the Court of Chancery undermined its "reputation for unbiased expertise."

Roblox, Dropbox, and Trump Media have also left Delaware.

Delaware is considered a premier state for businesses to incorporate, in part, because of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The business-friendly statute is the foundation of its corporate law.

While there are various reasons a business might incorporate outside Delaware, Musk and companies like Andreessen Horowitz said they are seeking a more favorable legal landscape.

Nevada sees an opening

Some of the companies that have left Delaware have chosen Nevada as their new corporate home.

Andreessen Horowitz is one. The company said in its blog post that Nevada law provided less "legal uncertainty" than Delaware. Bill Ackman, the billionaire CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, said in February that his firm would also move from Delaware to Nevada.

"Top law firms are recommending Nevada and Texas over Delaware," Ackman posted to X at the time.

Nevada isn't just seeking companies to incorporate there, however, it also wants to attract their offices and workers.

"What it's about is making sure that we're not just getting those businesses to incorporate on paper, but we also want their physical assets here," Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft told Business Insider. Clark County is home to Las Vegas.

Len Jessup, a general partner with Desert Forge Ventures, which is based in Las Vegas and invests in early-stage companies, told Business Insider that he's seen more corporations choose Nevada as a home.
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The Israeli army's chief of staff said Sunday the military was pressing ahead with plans for the next phase of its Gaza offensive, with a focus on Gaza City.

"Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said during a field visit to the Palestinian territory, according to an army statement.

"We will maintain the momentum of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots' while focusing on Gaza City. We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas," he said.

The large-scale operation in Gaza, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" by the Israeli army, began in mid-May.

"We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas, with the hostages always at the forefront of our minds," Zamir added.

In response Hamas said the plans would result in "a new wave of extermination and mass displacement".

The Palestinian militant group also condemned the proposals a "a major war crime" which it said reflected Israel's "disregard for international and humanitarian law".

Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his plan, approved by his security cabinet, for a new phase of operations in Gaza.

Israel has said it is preparing to take control of Gaza City and neighbouring refugee camps with the stated aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the 22-month war.

Zamir said Israel's ongoing offensive had "achieved its objectives", that "Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities", and the military had dealt the Palestinian militant group a "severe blow".

"The current campaign is not a pinpoint one; it is just another layer in a long-term and planned strategy," he added.

On Friday, the army said its troops were conducting a series of operations on the outskirts of Gaza City, where residents have been reporting intense strikes and ground incursions for days.

Israel on Saturday said it was preparing "to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection".

Hamas said Israel's statements on this, including its plans for the installation of tents in southern Gaza, were "a blatant deception to cover up the imminent massacre and forced displacement".

Israel's army radio reported on Sunday residents would be evacuated before troops encircle the Gaza City and finally seize it, beginning "in the coming weeks".

Tens of thousands of reservist soldiers would be called up for the mission, the report added.
Cheat: Unfinished Business has been axed.

Amanda Holden's show Cheat: Unfinished Business has been axed

The dating programme - which saw eight former couples who had split due to infidelity attempt to work out their differences at a luxury retreat in Mallorca - will not be returning for a second series, despite being one of Netflix's most streamed shows.

While the news will come as a disappointment to Amanda Holden - who fronted the show along with dating expert Paul C. Brunson - the Britain's Got Talent judge is said to have various other projects in the pipeline with the streaming service.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Despite Cheat being popular with audiences Netflix has decided to pursue new show formats.

"Bosses love Amanda and are in talks with her on three different show ideas, so it's likely fans will see a lot more of her on the platform in the future."

And the 54-year-old star is very busy with other projects.

The insider added: "Amanda is still very much one of the hardest working women in showbiz and is booked and busy for the foreseeable future.

"On top of hosting the UKs biggest radio show Heart Breakfast every weekday, it recently overtook Radio 2, BGT auditions commence in October.

"Plus, Amanda is currently filming Series 4 of Alan and Amanda in Greece while her brand-new prime-time quiz show ,The Inner Circle, launches on BBC1 in October."

A Netflix spokesman confirmed the show had been axed.

They said: "Cheat: Unfinished Business wont be returning."

Amanda - who has been married to her second husband Chris Hughes since 2008 and has daughters Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13, with him - previously admitted she couldn't help but get emotionally attached to those involved in the series.

She told OK! magazine: "I did get emotionally involved, as you would expect. In the early days of filming, I was trying my best to not show too much, because when you've read the research on the couples that are taking part and then you see the body language and the tears and them trying to calm down.

"All the vulnerabilities that humans go through when something like this happens... it's hard not to be invested in that yourself. I was trying so hard not to give anything away, and then I just sort of let that go because it was a bit impossible for me."
We recently published 12 Latest Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is one of the largest courier and transportation companies in the world. Its shares have lost 17% year-to-date as weak earnings reports, coupled with trade and tariff uncertainties, have affected them. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) has also suffered due to the Trump administrations decision to revoke the de minimis exemptions, which meant that the volume of shipments sent to the US dropped significantly. In his previous remarks about FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX), Cramer has praised the firms CEO. This time, he commented on the firms warehouse operations:

So I think that, there isnt anything in my mind that says that, you take warehouses being up, that employing people in warehousing and then you look at FedEx, which has got a gigantic warehouse in the Boston area with no people.

FedEx Corporation (FDX) Has A Warehouse With No People, Says Jim Cramer

Previously, the CNBC TV host was full of praise for FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX)s CEO Raj Subramaniam:

UPS, look, one of the things that Ive got to hand, FedEx, Raj Subramaniam was in there. Man, hes giving you numbers. And Subramaniams a hitter, okay. We have a lot of hitters today. Kelly Ortberg, hitter. Whos a misser?

While we acknowledge the potential of FDX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.






Saturday, August 16, 2025 - US President Donald Trumps administration has issued a warning to Kenyans travelling to the United States, cautioning them against overstaying beyond the permitted period of stay.

The US Government termed overstaying a violation of immigration laws that could jeopardize future visa eligibility.

In a statement released by the US Embassy in Nairobi on Saturday, August 16th, officials clarified that holding a US visa does not guarantee how long one may remain in the country.

Instead, a visa only permits a traveler to present themselves at an American port of entry - such as an airport or seaport - where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers decide the duration of their stay.

A US visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter. How long you are allowed to stay in the United States is not your visas expiration date, the embassy explained.

The CBP officer issues an Admit Until Date upon arrival, which can be checked online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

The embassy noted that the clarification followed numerous questions from Kenyans on the difference between visa validity and authorized stay in the United States.

This advisory comes barely two weeks after Washington announced new requirements for visa applicants.

Beginning July 25th, all Kenyans applying for US visas must disclose all social media handles they have used in the past five years.

The embassy warned that failure to provide accurate information could result in visa denial and ineligibility for future applications.

Applicants must also certify that all information provided is true and correct before submitting their applications.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Erastus Ethekon, has officially gazetted Consolata Nabwire as the new nominee replacing Gloria Orwoba in the Senate.

Orwoba, who had been nominated by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), lost her seat after the High Court in Nairobi dismissed her petition challenging her expulsion from the ruling party.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the matter had already been properly handled by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.

In a gazette notice issued on Friday, August 15th, Ethekon confirmed Nabwires appointment to the Senate, where she will serve for the remainder of the term until the 2027 General Elections.

Orwobas troubles with UDA began in April when she was spotted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the company of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, who had just returned from the United States.

The party accused her of promoting the agenda of rival political formations, a move it termed as indiscipline. She was summoned before a disciplinary committee, which later resolved to expel her.

Her initial petition in May temporarily blocked Nabwires nomination, but the courts have since cleared the way for her replacement.

The Senators ouster adds to her legal woes. In July, a Nairobi court fined her KSh 10.5 million for defaming Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye and ordered her to issue a public apology.

Meanwhile, Orwoba has shifted allegiance to the opposition and is expected to contest the Bobasi parliamentary seat in 2027 under Matiangis political camp.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested David Onyango Ochanda, a man long on the police radar for orchestrating a sophisticated gold scam that fleeced an American investor of USD 225,968.64.

The elaborate scheme dates back to April 3rd, 2024, when the unsuspecting investor jetted into the country to finalise a deal involving the purchase of 3,370 kilograms of gold.

Upon arrival, he was ushered into an office at Gate 53, Chalbi Drive in Lavington, Nairobi, where he signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement.

The investor even witnessed a smelting process at the sellers agent's office, an act meant to reinforce the illusion of legitimacy.

On April 25th, 2024, the agent introduced the investor to Toureg Insurance Brokers Limited, allegedly tasked with insuring the gold during transit, whose contact person was David Onyango Ochanda.

An addendum to the original agreement was signed to include insurance charges, and an invoice was issued for USD 226,012.76.

Four days later, the investor wired USD 225,968.64 to the companys bank account.

The gold, however, never arrived.

Today, detectives executed a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of Ochanda, director of Toureg Insurance Brokers Limited and signatory to the account that received the funds.

Ochanda is currently in custody and undergoing processing, with arraignment scheduled for Monday, August 18th, 2025.










Saturday, August 16, 2025 - A video of a well-endowed lady showing off her mouth-watering curves has caused commotion on social media.

In the viral video, the stunning lady, who was rocking a figure-hugging dress that accentuated her curves, is seen strutting her stuff like a runway model.

From her playful dance moves to a slow, confident walk that showcased her natural charm, the video has quickly become a talking point.

Netizens - particularly the gents - couldnt hold back their compliments, flooding the comments section with words of praise and admiration.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, August 16, 2025 - A man has caused a stir online after sharing the hefty dowry demands presented to him by his Kikuyu in-laws as part of marriage negotiations.

In a viral post, the man revealed a detailed list that included cows and goats inform of cash, crates of soda, and several crates of beer, soda, muratina, and a significant cash amount.

The list resembled a shopping order rather than a cultural rite of passage.

The demand from the mans in-laws has ignited a heated debate across social media, with many Kenyans weighing in on the rising cost of traditional dowry payments.

Some defended the practice, saying dowry is a sign of appreciation to the brides family, while others felt the demands were outdated and exploitative.

Hii si dowry, ni biashara safi kabisa, one netizen quipped.

If you cant afford, marry from another community. Culture must be respected, another argued.





The Kenyan DAILY POST
Jefferies analyst Randal J. Konik thinks Nike Inc.s turnaround is showing more than just a few green shoots  and that could stall Ons growth.

Nikes Vomero Plus is outperforming Ons Cloudsurfer Max in both consumer interest and retail sell-through, he noted in a reports, adding that Google Trends shows materially higher search volume for Vomero, signaling stronger buzz.

More from WWD

According to Konik, Nikes new running product is also selling out on Dickssportinggoods.com, reinforcing its broader appeal. This momentum aligns with Nikes commentary around a strengthening order book heading into the holiday season, the analyst concluded.

So how does this impact On Holding AG?

Nike has ramped up product innovation, particularly in running, and is correcting its wholesale distribution strategy. Both initiatives will present a stronger competitive challenge for On, both in sell-throughs and sell-in dynamics. That could potentially slow Ons momentum in key markets, Konik concluded in a report on Thursday.

The Jefferies analyst noted that much of Ons past wholesale growth came while Nike pulled back its in-store presence. Nikes order book is trending higher as retailers get excite about it new releases. And with Ons U.S. door expansion opportunities becoming limited, Konik believes that retailers may decide to allocate more of their open-to-buy budgets to Nikes products. That, in turn, would leave fewer incremental orders for On.

In short, retail buyer enthusiasm  and dollars  could pivot back to Nike, constraining Ons future sell-in growth, Konik said.

On posted second quarter earnings results on Tuesday, reporting a net loss of 40.9 Swiss francs, against net income of 30.8 million Swiss francs a year ago. Net sales grew by 38 percent to 749.2 million Swiss francs, from 567.7 Swiss francs a year ago. The company also raised 2025 guidance following is strong performance for the quarter and what it saw as continued momentum in the first weeks of the third quarter. On also raised guidance in the first quarter following an earnings report that was ahead of expectations.

Following Ons earnings report, Konik was an outlier among Wall Street analysts, downgrading shares of On to Underperform from a Hold rating in May after the running brand posted first quarter results. He reasoned that 2025 could mark the peak in Ons sales growth rate as U.S. door count expansion slows and sell-in moderates in 2026 as retailer orders flow back to Nike. In addition, Ons high pricing and narrow product assortment limits its total addressable market, the analyst concluded.






Saturday, August 16, 2025 - The Milimani Law Courts has sentenced Nigerian national Alabi Tunde Lateef to eight years in prison after finding him guilty of trafficking narcotic drugs valued at Ksh. 890,800.

The court heard that on September 11th, 2017, at the General Post Office (GPO) area in Nairobis Central Business District (CBD), Lateef was found trafficking by conveying 75.4 grammes of cocaine with a street value of Ksh. 377,000.

On the same day, at Kasaranis Mwiki area, he was also found trafficking by storing 102.7 grammes of cocaine worth Ksh. 513,800.

Chief Magistrate Hon. Susan Shitubi handed him eight years imprisonment for each of the two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, after ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Prosecution, led by Counsels Wanjiru Naomi and Nyakira Kibera, called four witnesses whose evidence was instrumental in securing the conviction.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 16, 2025 - A 26-year-old man believed to be behind a series of violent robberies in Rweno and Kiambaa has been arrested in a dramatic police raid.

The suspect, identified as Stephen Igogo Kariuki, had reportedly unleashed a reign of terror in the area before finally being smoked out of his hideout.

According to authorities, the arrest was made possible following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public.

Law enforcement officers from Kiambaa Sub-County swiftly moved in and cornered Kariuki, ending his run from the law.

Upon interrogation, he led the officers to his residence, where a thorough search was conducted.

During the operation, police recovered a retay falcon pistol, a weapon suspected to have been used in a string of violent robberies that left residents living in fear.

The recovered firearm has since been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic testing to establish its link to past crimes.

Kariuki is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court soon to face robbery-related charges.

Authorities praised members of the public for their cooperation in the operation.




Saturday, August 16, 2025 - State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has dismissed claims that Nairobi youth were shortchanged during President William Rutos empowerment programme held on Saturday, August 9th, at State House grounds.

The event saw thousands of young people gather as the President unveiled an array of items meant to kickstart small-scale ventures.

Among the distributed wares were motorcycles, water tanks, catering equipment, sewing machines, hawking trolleys, and event organizing materials.

Allegations later surfaced online that some of the targeted beneficiaries did not receive the promised items.

One youth claimed that he was denied a motorcycle despite being assured of one and alleged he later received threats for speaking out.

In a statement issued on X, Hussein Mohamed rubbished the reports, saying that all 11,000 participants benefited as envisioned by the President.

He explained that the youth had been organized into 1,100 registered groups of ten members each, with proposals submitted, approved, and funded. Group chairpersons oversaw the orderly distribution process.

A total of 1,100 registered groups from Nairobi submitted proposals for their empowerment programmes or projects, all approved, all funded, all received, Hussein stated.

He criticized sections of the media for relying on two dissenting voices against thousands of beneficiaries, terming the reports as misleading.

Besides the distributed wares, President Ruto also pledged KSh 50,000 for each group of 70 youth in every ward nationwide to boost self-employment ventures.

The initiative marked his return to grassroots empowerment after months of delegating the programme to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.






Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Detectives have launched investigations after a young Kenyan lady who went missing last week was found brutally murdered and her body dumped in a well.

The victim, identified as Maria, had been reported missing by her family after she failed to return home, sparking frantic searches and emotional appeals on social media.

According to witnesses, her lifeless body was discovered by locals who noticed a foul smell coming from the well.

Authorities were called to the scene, where the heartbreaking retrieval was carried out.

The news has devastated family, friends, and neighbors who had been holding onto hope that she would be found alive.

Her murder has now left residents demanding justice and stronger measures to protect women.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
AN immediate Emergency Care Order was granted to the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) at the vacation sitting of Portlaoise District Court last week over serious concerns it had for the wellbeing and safety of a four-year old boy.

At the outset of the case, a solicitor for Tusla said he had some concerns about the press being present to report on the proceedings, as it dealt with some serious and sensitive issues.

Judge William Aylmer said that the proceedings were being held in-camera and assumed the press would observe in-camera rules and not identify those involved in the case.

The solicitor said that the care order was quite urgent as Tusla believes the mother might leave the jurisdiction with the child, as she had threatened to do so to a social worker.

A social care worker told Judge Aylmer that she had visited the mothers home after receiving a report that two men had been seen in it with a shotgun, that turned out to be a false report.

She said following that, gardai had carried out a welfare check at the home and expressed their dissatisfaction that two men were residing in it.

She said she had attempted to put in place a safety plan with the mother, but she refused to co-operate and threatened to take her son to England with her.

The care worker said: I believe there is open drug dealing and intimidation taking place from the house. People that go to the door are intimidated and told to strip in return for drugs. The mother told me that she felt under threat and would leave her son in the house and go to the UK. She said the day before the court hearing she had gone to the house but was told the mother was not present. She rang me back and told me we were not taking her son. Gardai searched the house later that night and found a pellet gun, a slash hook and drug paraphernalia. The social worker said another concern she had was that the mother had informed her that she had not taken her prescribed medication for months.

She said that since the child was two years of age there has been concerns for his wellbeing, with several reports of neglect and told Judge Aylmer that a foster family was in place to take care of the child should he grant the care order application.

The solicitor said that he was also making an application for a warrant allowing gardai to accompany care workers to the premises to rescue the child. Judge Aylmer said that he was satisfied with the evidence given in the ex-parte application and granted the order for Tusla to take the child into care and for the garda to accompany them while doing do.
James Cox

There were joyous scenes at Croke Park on Saturday night as Oasis made a triumphant return to Ireland with their first show here in 16 years.

The 90s Britpop superstars performed to 80,000 people at Croke Park on Saturday and will do it all again on Sunday night.

Fans who have been lucky enough to take in their gigs so far - in Manchester, Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, and now Dublin - have noted the Gallagher brothers' emotion on stage.

This was evident again at Croke Park as Noel and Liam looked delighted to be playing together again.

Liam Gallagher told the crowd: Youve been missed as well  you lunatics.

He also paid tribute to Charlestown, Co Mayo, where his mother hails from. He also dedicated Stand By Me to their mother Peggy, who was in attednance at GAA HQ.

The set list was full of the band's hits including Acquiesce, Some Might Say, Cigarettes & Alcohol and Supersonic.

Oasis saved the best for last finishing up with three of their biggest hits Don't Look Back in Anger, Wonderwall, and Champagne Supernova.

You can read our review of the concert here.

For a flavour of the joyous scenes, and what to expect tonight, check out this gallery of pictures from the night.

Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis at Croke Park. Photograph: Harriet TK Bols/Big Brother Recordings

Oasis on stage at Croke Park on Saturday. Photograph: Big Brother Recordings

Noel Gallagher of Oasis at Croke Park. Photograph: Harriet TK Bols/Big Brother Recordings

Liam Gallagher of Oasis at Croke Park. Photograph: Harriet TK Bols/Big Brother Recordings

Oasis fans, Johnny Fitzpatrick, Mark O'Shea, Anto Kelly, and Shannon Doyle, outside Croke Park, ahead of the first night of the Oasis Live '25 tour in Dublin. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA Images

Oasis fans, Sarah and Neil Charlton who have travelled from Southampton for the gig, outside Croke Park, ahead of the first night of the Oasis Live '25 tour in Dublin. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA Images

Oasis fans, Anthony and Tara Hayes (back left and right) with Paudie and Nicky Hayes (front left and right), outside Croke Park, ahead of the first night of the Oasis Live '25 tour in Dublin. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA Images

Oasis fans, Lisa and Alan Roe from Dublin, outside Croke Park, ahead of the first night of the Oasis Live '25 tour in Dublin. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA Images

Oasis fans, Mary O'Connor from Cork (left) and Sinead Millea, from Kilkenny, outside Croke Park, ahead of the first night of the Oasis Live '25 tour in Dublin. Photo: Cillian Sherlock/PA Images
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramers radar. During the episode, a caller inquired about the company, and Cramer said:

Okay, I know Joby. I recommended it [at] 7. Now, remember Joby did buy a part of Blade that I think is an expensive part, which is consumer. I do believe that what they should do is raise money. If I were them, I would do a gigantic equity offering. And if you did that, then I would say that thats what you have to do. You have to strike when the irons hot. Let them, they offer some stock, or let it come in. But Im with you I see where its going. Lets go buy it.

Jim Cramer on Joby: "Lets Go Buy It"

A futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft soaring through the sky.

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for aerial ridesharing services. The company is also creating an app-based platform for booking air transportation. In a July episode, Cramer mentioned the company and said:

Same with Joby Aviation, known to some as the flying car company. I was hesitant to say anything positive about this one. It had gone straight up for six to eight bucks, but then I read that Boeing had a flying car too, one with a vertical takeoff feature, and I believe that Joby is ahead of Boeing, so I recommended it on a small pullback. Next thing you know, the stocks at 17 and change, more than a double. Again, the parabola fear, wrong.

While we acknowledge the potential of JOBY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning drizzle. High 77F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable.
The image depicts an individual seated on a swing, back to the viewer, within a serene, nature-filled setting. Golden sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm and peaceful ambiance.
Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) is one of the stocks stocks Jim Cramer shed light on. Cramer discussed the companys earnings and said:

You heard about it all day: This earnings season has been filled with disappointment in the restaurant space. You know, we got the CAVA that was really bad, the Sweetgreen. But some of these companies always seem to come through because they have something different, like Brinker International, the parent company of Chilis and Maggianos. This morning, Brinker reported a beautiful top and bottom line beat with a mindboggling 23.7% same-store sales numbers from the Chilis business. They just keep doing it. Even better, management issued a strong forecast for the year ahead, which is why the stock rallied over 1.6% today, although at one point it was up even bigger. Brinkers been a winner in this environment because they offer their customers an incredible value proposition.

Jim Cramer States "Brinkers Been a Winner in This Environment"

A stock market data. Photo by Alesia Kozik on Pexels

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) owns, operates, and franchises casual dining restaurants under the Chilis Grill & Bar and Maggianos Little Italy brands. The company also operates virtual brands.

While we acknowledge the potential of EAT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We recently published 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed As He Asserted He Could Beat The Governments Numbers. Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) is a car retailer that rang the opening bell on the day this program was aired. The firms shares have lost 9.7% year-to-date. However, the shares have gained 8.7% since the firms investor presentation and earnings report at July end. The results saw Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD)s earnings per share of $9.24 beat analyst estimates of $10.24 but miss revenue estimates of $9.69 billion by posting $9.58 billion. As the firm rang the opening bell, Cramer recalled that he had bought a car with Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD):

By the way I actually bought a car at Lithia, so Im like a, Lithias a metaphor, its a town. . .thats where Brian Deboers from, he lived very close to my daughter. But my daughter did not live in the same style of Brian Doboer, the CEO of Lithia. . .she lived in a tent, she lived outside.

Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD): I Actually Bought A Car At Lithia, Says Jim Cramer

Copyright: sonyae / 123RF Stock Photo

River Road Small-Mid Cap Value Fund discussed Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD) in its Q4 2024 investor letter. Here is what the firm said:
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Dublin City is buzzing as Oasis return to Ireland for the first time in 16 years, fans said.

Tens of thousands of fans have descended on the capital for the first of two sold-out gigs at Croke Park.

The 90s Britpop superstars will perform to 80,000 people on Saturday and Sunday night.

Croke Park will see Oasis first performance in Ireland since a dramatic split in 2009 (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

After an in-demand dynamic pricing model left a poor taste for some fans last year, ticket-holders will roll with it and enjoy the music in temperatures above 20 degrees.

Health officials advised revellers to wear their bucket hats, with high UV levels predicted amid warm and dry sunny spells in Dublin on Saturday.

The bands first gig in the country since 2009, the Dublin leg of the reunion world tour will hold a special meaning for once-feuding brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher.

The Mancunian brothers have spoken about their ties to Ireland through their Irish-born parents, Peggy and Thomas.

Sarah and Neil Charlton travelled from Southampton to see the band, after a determined search for standing tickets saw them clinching access in Dublin.

Mr Charlton said they have both been waiting a long time to see the band reunite  having seen Oasis multiple times before their extended hiatus.

The Oasis reunion has been a huge event in the cultural calendar (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

He told the PA news agency: We thought: what a great city to come to and see the gig and have a couple of nights out in Dublin.

Mr Charlton said Its just so nostalgic  all the songs and all the music from when we were growing up.

When we first started seeing each other, we went to a gig and so its always been a part of our lives together.

Oasis formed part of the romantic story for Lisa and Alan Roe too, who said their love of the band dates back to when they got married in the 1990s.

Mr Roe said: Because the two of them are after getting back together after so many years, to be able to sell out a world tour the way they did  and their music going back to the late 80s and 90s.

That brings an aura about in everybody and a buzz and the memories of growing up in Dublin with them  its absolutely out of this world.

The atmosphere is building for Oasis fans, Anthony and Tara Hayes with Paudie and Nicky Hayes (front left and right) (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Having had to wait a long time for the reunion tour, Sinead Millea from Kilkenny  who previously saw the band in Limerick in 1996  said: Maybe were all going through a bit of a midlife crisis  I turned 50 this year, and look, Noel and Liam, theyre in their 50s as well.

And maybe things just dawned on them that life is too short and just, lets put grievances to bed.

They seem to be getting on great, and its fabulous. And at the end of the day, music transcends everything, and were all here to enjoy a brilliant night and to share it with the people that mean the most.

Its just amazing. The weather is fabulous and its a brilliant venue.

The support acts for the Dublin dates are Richard Ashcroft from The Verve and Cast, formed by John Power after he left The Las.

The setlist has crowd-pleasing hits such as Cigarettes And Alcohol and Wonderwall.

Fans have also been treated to favourites including Acquiesce, Some Might Say and Morning Glory  before a Dont Look Back In Anger, Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova crescendo.

Oasis announced their reunion tour in August last year, 16 years after their dramatic split in 2009, when Noel quit after a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.

The highly anticipated 41-date run has already seen the band play Cardiff, Manchester, London and Edinburgh before taking them half the world away to major cities, including in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Japan.
See photos from the launch in the current (12 August) edition of the Laois Nationalist, now in shops and online

AN art exhibition by artist and art tutor Ray Murphy was launched in The Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ, Mountrath and will run throughout August, featuring a poignant piece titled Pieta  Gaza which depicts a father holding his deceased son in his arms.

Born in Cork, Ray moved to Dublin in 1989 before taking on the role of live-in caretaker in Emo Court House. Two of his three children were born in Emo Court House during his 21 years there and his family are the last family to have lived in the huge mansion, where they resided until 2016. The family moved back to Kanturk in Cork in 2023, where Ray now has his art studio.

The talented and dedicated artist travels from Cork by train every single Monday to teach his beloved Redline Art Group, which he founded in 2010 in his cottage in Redline, Portarlington, hence the name.

The Redline Art group meets in Killenard Community Centre every week. Ray has proudly kept the group together for over 15 years, which is quite unusual in the art world and the amazing group exhibited their works in the same venue during the month of July.

Before the launch, Ray told the Laois Nationalist that he works in graphite, pen and ink and mainly oils. He said that his subject matter varies from environmental to social issues.

Ray said: I was born opposite the MTU Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork and I hung around the Crawford Gallery looking at the art, until I left home at 18. I was always drawing when I was young and my wife Siobhan still keeps the first drawing that I did. Its of a horse jumping over railings.

Im a figurative artist, although I have departed slightly with this exhibition by freeing it up more. I have done a Gaza painting with a paintbrush from start to finish in the one sitting, which is unusual for me because Im usually kind of a Dutch artist.

I have changed over the last couple of months, because of a book I read titled Thunderclap by a woman in England called Laura Cumming. The book is based on Dutch artist Karl Fabritius, a student of Rembrandt, who died in an explosion in 1654 aged just 32. The book changed my life when I read it and Ive read it three times. Laura is so articulate in explaining art, Dutch art and her fathers art.

In the book, Laura spoke about her fathers grey-green eyes and how she would love to see those eyes again, so Im doing a painting of his face in colour and Im going to send it over to her as a way of thanks for her wonderful book, that has enlightened me so much.

Well-known artist Kevin McCann is the curator of the Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ. Commenting on Rays exhibition, he said: It is an absolute pleasure to have Ray Murphy exhibiting his work with us for the month of August. Hes a fabulous artist. He is not just a painting artist; he is a bit of a musician and a character as well. I am very impressed with his works which are all reasonably priced. Fair play to him for coming all the way from Cork to display his works here in Mountrath.

Ray's wonderful display can be viewed throughout the corridors of Bloom HQ until the end of August. Ray Murphy Art can be found on Instagram and further enquiries can be made at the reception desk or by phoning Bloom HQ on 057 9300036.
A LAOIS food producing business is among 30 ambitious suppliers from across Ireland who have earned their spot to showcase their products in 164 ALDI stores nationwide.

Aymar Gourdet from 'Le Skinny Chef' was selected as one of the finalists following a nationwide search for Irelands most talented and innovative suppliers in the food and drink industry.

The winning businesses will have their products on sale in all ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period from Thursday 11 September.

Aymar Gourdet is a multi- award-winning chef and restaurateur who specialises in French Irish Fusion Cuisine.

From an early age Mr Gourdet was interested in cooking and opened his first Gastronomic Restaurant in Ireland over 20 years ago.

The company produces a range of award-winning artisan products which Aymar creates from locally sourced organic ingredients, many of which are both dairy and gluten free. He also prides himself on using locally sourced dips, spreadable pestos, concentrated soups, chutneys, jams, oils and cordials.

'Le Skinny Chef' products are currently available to buy directly from his factory shop at Unit 6, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, from the Food Academy section in selected SuperValu stores, independent stores across Ireland and at Farmers Markets around the country.

The Grow with ALDI programme is delivered in partnership with Bord Bia and is now in its eighth year and is a leading developmental platform for Irish suppliers.

Since its inception seven years ago, ALDI has invested over 10 million in the programme, helping elevate Irish-made products to new levels of success.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

International borders must not be changed by force, the Taoiseach has said, ahead of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

Micheal Martin attended a virtual leaders meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine on Sunday.

The call was convened by Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.



We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskyy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington. pic.twitter.com/0tI5AXikOB  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 17, 2025

On Monday, Volodymyr Zelenskiy is meeting Donald Trump with several EU leaders, including Sir Keir, also travelling to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president.

Mr Martin, who will not be in Washington, said he had assured Mr Zelenskiy on Sunday that Ireland will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine.

EU leaders have agreed that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia continues its military action.

The Taoiseach also said that he believes Ukraine needs long-term security guarantees.

Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Russias President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference in Alaska following their talks over Ukraine (Jae C Hong/AP)

Speaking after Sundays online conference, Mr Martin said: I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.

We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskiy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.

I welcome the initiative by President Trump to seek the ending of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland, together with our European partners, continues to contribute to these efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The meeting of European leaders follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Martin said it is essential that Ukraine is a full participant in any discussions regarding its future.

He said: I therefore welcome that President Zelenskiy will meet with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, together with other European leaders.

Mr Martin said he stressed that international law and principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected for security in the region.

It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

I fully agree that Ukraine needs strong, credible, long-term security guarantees. This will mean sustained support from Europe, the United States and other partners.

Ireland stands ready to play our part. Earlier this year we committed to providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine and we will look to do more.

At todays meeting, I also reiterated Irelands readiness to contribute to any peacekeeping force that is in line with the UN Charter.

French President Emmanuel Macron attending the video conference with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (Philippe Magoni/AP)

The Taoiseach said Ireland will also continue to support Ukraines EU membership ambitions, adding that Russia cannot have a veto on the matter.

Our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.

We agreed today that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia does not stop the killing.

The human dimension and accountability must also be at the centre of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Russia must urgently return Ukrainian children who they have abducted as well as prisoners of war and civilians being held unlawfully.
Times Staff Writers

A helicopter being used in filming of the television series Airwolf crashed and burned on a hillside near Newhall on Friday, killing a stuntman and injuring the pilot, Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies said.

The crash occurred without warning as the Bell 205 helicopter was making its third pass through a canyon, flying within 200 feet of the ground, as part of a chase scene involving another helicopter, Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Dick Stirling said.

Dead at the scene was 22-year-old stuntman Reid Rondell, the lone passenger in the helicopter. Officials said they could not immediately determine whether Rondell died as a result of the crash, or in the fire that engulfed the craft shortly after rescuers pulled pilot Scott Maher, 46, from the wreckage.

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Maher was in fair condition at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, where a spokeswoman said he was being treated for a concussion and numerous bruises.

The crash occurred in gently rolling terrain about 25 miles north of Los Angeles. The site is several miles from the area where actor Vic Morrow, 53, and two child actors were killed in July, 1982, when a helicopter being used in filming the movie Twilight Zone crashed.

Airwolf, an hourlong, action-oriented CBS series, stars Jan-Michael Vincent and Ernest Borgnine as pilots of a high-tech helicopter on secret missions for an unnamed government agency. The helicopter featured in the show was on the ground at the time of the crash.

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People on the set Friday, who asked not to be identified, said Rondell was doubling for Vincent.

The crash area was sealed off to the news media by officials of Newhall Land & Farming Co., which leased the site to Sun Oil Co., which in turn rented the site to Universal Studios and Belisarius Productions Inc., co-producers of Airwolf.

Stirling said eyewitnesses to the crash could provide no immediate clue as to what caused the helicopter to hit the hillside. He said that Maher had made two passes through the same canyon just before the crash.

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There were two helicopters involved in the chase scene, but Stirling said he could not determine whether the crashed helicopter, which was chasing the other craft, was carrying a camera, and it was not clear whether actual filming was under way at the time of the accident. He said the scenes stunt had been approved by county fire officials.

Relatives of several crew members rushed to the site to learn the identity of the victims after hearing media reports of the crash.

Ray Holt, a still photographer employed by the show, said crew members were very upset, especially because there had never been an accident on the Airwolf set.

Ben Halprin, vice president of Universal Televison, said production of Airwolf will continue as scheduled and expressed his sympathy for the families of the crash victims.

Considered Among Best

Rondell was one of the youngest stunt coordinators and considered among the best in his field, said David Ellis, a fellow stuntman and a member of the committee which advises studios on the saftey aspects of all stunts.

Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board officials were at the scene within hours, but had no immediate comment.

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The Bell 205 is a civilian version of the Huey choppers used in the Vietnam War. The shows featured helicopter is a twin-engined Bell 222 that has been heavily modified to carry make-believe guns and rocket pods.

Lawsuit Settled Universal and Belisarius Productions, which together also co-produce the Magnum, P.I. series, Monday announced settlement of a lawsuit stemming from a fatal helicopter crash that occurred during filming of that series in Hawaii in 1980.

Universal attorney David McGovern said Friday the firm agreed to pay $610,000 to the widow of camera technician Robert Vanderkar, who was killed when the craft in which he was a passenger crashed into the ocean.

Times staff writer Jay Sharbutt also contributed to this article.
Missing out on a great deal is never fun, but keeping up with every deal thats out there? Thats nearly impossible, so let us lend a helping hand.

Things are more expensive than ever, so were rounding up all the best sales from this week that are still going on this weekend, including deals on Nike sneakers, a markdown on a soon-to-be-discontinued Le Creuset hue and the ultimate Hexclad starter bundle.

After all, if youre going to spend your hard-earned dough, you should do it wisely.

Nike Air Max 90 Sneaker $135 Now $108 Save $27 off when you use the promo code SPORT. $108 at Nike

Nikes Air Max 90 sneaker has been a fan favorite for decades, and the popular style is still on trend  and now on sale.

Nike dropped a surprise discount on the Air Max 90 sneaker for men and women in every color. Not only is the popular shoe marked down up to 44% off, but you can score an extra 20% off when you use the promo code SPORT.

Stanley All Day Madeleine Midi Cooler Backpack $170 Now $130 Save $40 off for a limited time. $130 at Stanley

If youre kids have been begging to get a Stanley lunch box this back-to-school season, youre in luck, as you can grab one now at a discount.

The All Day Madeleine Midi Cooler Backpack is on sale for $130, instead of $170, for a savings of $40 off.

Kansas City Steak Co. All Beef Hot Dogs (Pack of 28) $89 Now $80 Save 10% off these fan-favorite hot dogs, just in time for your end-of-summer BBQs. $80 at QVC

Labor Day is almost here, and no end-of-summer BBQ is complete without a good hot dog. If you really want to impress your guests this year, I have one deal you wont want to pass up.

Right now, you can nab a 28-pack of Kansas City Steak Co. All Beef Hot Dogs for just $80 at QVC. The best part? Now through August 18, you can save an extra $25 if youre new to QVC with the code NEWQVC25 at checkout.

Aokeyee Shoe Organizer in Beige and Grey $60 Now $38 Save 37% off for a limited time. $38 at Amazon

Considering the number of shoes on sale lately, weve got to keep our new finds organized.

A discount deal on the Aokeyee Shoe Organizer from Amazon is now 37% off. With the ability to store up to 32 pairs of shoes per organizer, this is one deal you wont want to miss.

Apartment Bundle $511 Now $300 Save over $200 for a limited time. $300 at HexClad

Starting fresh in a new home often comes with housewarming gifts. If you really want to make a statement with your gift, weve got just the thing.

HexClads new Apartment Bundle has all the high-performing basics anyone needs in one deluxe set, and right now its on sale for just $300  thats a whopping 41% off.

ALLSWIFIT Women's Slip On Walking Shoes in Pink $57 NOW $46 Currently 20% off at Amazon and available in sizes 6-11, including half sizes. $46 at Amazon

If your 24/7 sneakers have been put through the ringer this summer, then youll want to check Amazon out for a major HOKA dupe deal.

The retailer has the ALLSWIFIT Womens Slip On Walking Shoes on sale for 20% off, but only for a limited time.

Signature Round Dutch Oven in Caribbean $460 Now $368 Get the colorway for 20% off before it's gone for good $368 Le Creuset

Say goodbye to Caribbean Blue, one of Le Creusets brightest summer colors, as the shade is retiring from the regular lineup.

Grab the iconic cookware line at a 20% discount before it goes. With a rare sale on popular styles including Dutch ovens, braisers, skillets and more, Caribbean blue is selling out quickly in every style.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella in Black $44 NOW $20 Take 55% off for a limited time. $20 at Amazon

If youve ever sprinted through a parking lot in a torrential downpour with a coat over your head and shoes squishing as you regret every life choice that led to leaving your umbrella at home, we feel you.

Fortunately, Amazon has a colossal markdown on the Repel Umbrella, bringing your total spend down to just $20  thats cheaper than its priced-to-buy Prime Day deal.

Ninja Thirsti 24 oz. Travel Bottle in Stone $20 You can get the viral travel bottle in every color Ninja offers it in, for the same prices that Amazon and Target have it for ($40 and up). But, if you're not particular about colors, you can shop it for 50% less at Walmart. $20 at Walmart

If youve been stalking the Ninja Kitchen website for months, hoping to snag the elusive Ninja Thirsti Travel Bottle, youre not alone.

The 24 oz. insulated tumbler (which also comes in an 18 oz. version) has been out of stock seemingly forever, but Walmart has it.

Whats more, its not just in stock, its available in exclusive colors like Lavender and Stone, and priced as low as $20  depending on the shade you choose. And thats a steal compared to Amazon and Target, where the same bottle starts at $40 and up.

Milwaukee PACKOUT 40QT XL Cooler $299 $264 Take $35 off while supplies last. $264 at Walmart

Finally, Walmart has the always sold-out Milwaukee Packout XL Cooler in stock and you can grab it on sale in this cool deal.

The Milwaukee Packout XL Cooler is on sale for $264, instead of $299, for a savings of $35 off.

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Key Points

Lyft's decision to focus on North American ride-hailing has improved efficiency and driven growth.

It is transitioning from a growth-at-all-costs company to a more sustainable profit generator.

Investors should track key financial metrics and FreeNows integration to assess Lyfts ongoing progress.

10 stocks we like better than Lyft 

Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT) has long been the smaller player in U.S. ride-hailing, overshadowed by Uber's global reach and diverse business lines. However, in 2025, the company's focused and disciplined approach is quietly turning heads.

By concentrating on its core North American ride-hailing business and strategically expanding into Europe through its recent acquisition of FreeNow, Lyft is charting a path toward sustainable growth and profitability.

Image source: Getty Images.

The power of focus

Lyft's geographic and product focus has two clear advantages. First, it avoids the complexity of managing multiple business lines across dozens of countries. Instead of figuring out the regulations, pricing dynamics, and competitive threats in every region of the world, Lyft can concentrate resources on improving service, increasing driver supply, and fine-tuning pricing where it already operates.

Second, this singular focus allows management to dedicate attention and capital to its primary product -- ride-hailing. That's showing up in the numbers. In Q2 2025, Lyft reported a record 26.1 million active riders, a 10% year-over-year increase, and facilitated nearly 235 million rides, up 14% from the prior year. These gains suggest Lyft is successfully attracting and retaining customers and drivers alike, crucial ingredients for long-term viability.

This strategy contrasts with Uber's expansive portfolio, which includes food delivery, freight, and fintech businesses across more than 70 countries. While Uber benefits from diversification, its leadership has to balance competing priorities and capital allocation. Lyft's leaner model is simpler but also potentially more efficient.

Focus reflected in the bottom line

That focus isn't just a talking point -- it's showing up in Lyft's financials. The company reported $4.5 billion in gross bookings for the second quarter of 2025, representing a 12% year-over-year increase. Net income expanded to $40 million, up from $5 million the previous year. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew 26% to $129 million, reflecting steadily improving margins, up from 1.2% in the second quarter of 2023 to 2.9% in the current period.
Petrol stations are the businesses and service that is most in-demand in Leitrim it was revealed by a new study which identified which local businesses and services are most in demand across Ireland, and where there may be gaps that new businesses can fill.

The research, from business utility consultants Procure.ie, analysed search interest for 25 common local businesses alongside the number of suppliers currently listed in each county, highlighting which industries have more demand than supply.

READ MORE: Suit Yourself: Young Fleadh star Seamie Sean to collect dream outfit in Leitrim

Procure.ie analysed average monthly search data for 25 common business and service categories in each Irish county, combined with local listing data from Goldenpages.ie and supply vs demand was calculated by comparing local search volume with the number of active providers.

The findings show that restaurants top the list nationally, with strong consumer demand but low supply in comparison to searches and pet shops, bakeries, and pizza services also rank highly, suggesting that practical, everyday services are where local gaps still exist.

Meanwhile, beauty salons and builders remain some of the most popular businesses, but with so many providers already in the market, new entrants will face tougher competition and higher costs to stand out.

At a county level, the study highlights some unexpected local opportunities

Clare reveals a similar trend, while larger counties like Cork show steady demand for hospitality and retail, although competition can vary street by street.

READ MORE: Five leaks in two weeks and no fix: South Leitrims water supply crisis deepens

Keith Donohoe at Procure.ie said: Right now, every euro counts for local businesses, so knowing where theres genuine demand is vital for anyone planning to open or expand.

This research shows there are still real opportunities for entrepreneurs to fill local gaps, but it also highlights how important it is to run a business efficiently, especially in crowded sectors.
Members of emergency services in Mayo had to come to the aid of paddleboarders after an easterly breeze blew them away from the Achill coast.

The Achill Island RNLI lifeboat was requested by the Irish Coast Guard to help three paddleboarders at Keem Bay on Saturday afternoon, August 16.

The crew had been attending an open day, as part of the local Feile Chill Damhnait, when the alarm was raised and had to make an abrupt exit.

Concerns mounted after a lifeguard at the popular Mayo beach noticed the three paddleboarders were taking a long time to return from Moyteoge Head. He became worried about them due to the off-shore easterly breeze at the idyllic Keem Bay.

READ MORE: JOB ALERT: Garda HQ are seeking a Chief Information Officer and the salary starts at 168k!

The Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also requested to assist. The all-weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody launched shortly after 3pm with a crew of six on board under the command of Declan Corrigan, Coxswain. Weather conditions were sunny with flat calm sea conditions at the time.

The lifeboat made haste in a north easterly direction towards Keem Bay. By the time the lifeboat arrived on scene, one paddleboarder had managed to make their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat who came to their aid prior to the arrival of the lifeboat.

Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI Coxswain, Declan Corrigan, said: The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and as a result, the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves.

Thankfully, the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance. We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested," he added.
Hundreds of people have participated in an event marking India Day in Dublin, as gardai and the Government sought to assure the community it was taking action against racially motivated crime.

The free event at Merrion Square came despite a separate celebration being called off following concern over recent attacks on the Indian community.

Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan has expressed concern over totally unacceptable attacks on the Indian community, adding that the majority appear to have been carried out by young people.

Mr OCallaghan said he engaged extensively with the Garda commissioner on the matter, and senior investigating officers had been assigned to investigate all reported incidents.

Sundays celebration, organised for Indias 79th independence day, featured music, dance, food stalls, exhibition stands and a range of cultural activities.

Sanjeeb Barik, the secretary of organising group the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, said the event had gone well amid fantastic and beautiful weather.

Lots of people are here, theres food and dancing and lots of fun.

Asked about the engagement with Government and gardai, Mr Barik said the event had received good support.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Naturally, because there has been so many incidents there was some concern.

We have been actively discussing with ministers, junior ministers and the Minister of Justice and they have all assured us that appropriate safety measures would be in place  and they are.

Were working very closely to make sure everyone would be safe and, importantly, that it would be enjoyable for everyone.

Mr Barik said they wanted to go ahead with the celebrations to send a message about the importance of standing together.

It has been a challenging time but the main thing is to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage

There are people from all backgrounds here  Indian, Irish and others  from all over the the island.

It is about the strength of bonding and sowing the richness of India and Irelands multicultural spirit.

He added: We are saying come together, stand together. Celebrate unity and diversity  and I hope that will continue.

Inspector Ciaran Nunan from the Garda diversity unit said hate crimes are attacks on the whole community.

The mission statement of An Garda Siochana is keeping people safe, and this refers to individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

It also now includes hate crime. Hate crime is not just an attack on a person, its an attack on the community.

An Garda Siochana is very aware of the impact that hate crime has upon individuals and communities, and we take it very, very seriously.

Since our last India Day celebration last year, we now have hate crime legislation in force and were applying that legislation at every opportunity  but we need people to report incidents of hate crime to us so that we can then take them on board and react to those.

He added: So I would encourage everybody or anybody that perceives to be a victim of a hate crime to please report it to An Garda Siochana, and allow us to continue what were doing and work with our communities to keep people safe.The Dublin event was attended by Akhilesh Mishra, ambassador of India to Ireland, and Minister of State Emer Higgins.

The Ireland India Council, a separate group, said there had been an organised social media campaign against the Indian community in the country and the number of violent attacks has intensified since January.

Last week, it said it took the difficult decision to postpone its planned event at Farmleigh House over concerns for the safety of the community.
Roscommon-based musician Martina Rynn recently celebrated the successful launch of her new album Songs from the Valley on July 19 at the Arigna Mining Experience.

A highly trained and accomplished vocalist, Martina studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and now runs her own music school in Roscommon, offering professional tuition in piano, voice, and theory.

The launch night in Arigna was a vibrant celebration of local talent and community spirit. Martina expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, as well as to the performers who took to the stage.

It was such a special night, said Martina. To celebrate this album in the heart of the valley, surrounded by friends, family, and fellow musicians, meant the world to me.

Artists who performed on the night included Charlie McGettigan, Katie and Emily McNamara, Billy Faughnan, Pat Sweeney, Aoife Duignan, and Brendan Kelly.

READ NEXT: Free lunches for preschool children in Sligo and Leitrim

Martina also extended special thanks to Leitrim musician Charlie McGettigan for his inspiration, encouragement, and guidance throughout the albums creation, including radio interviews and invaluable advice.

Charlie McGettigan and Martina Rynn.

She acknowledged all those involved in the album's production, including Leo Logan and his parents Rosalie and Martin at Vibe Studio in Drumshanbo, Debra Dowler for CD production and outreach, and the outstanding musicians Udo, Mark, and Andrei who contributed to several tracks.

Martinas own son Brendan features on two songs on the album, with his backing vocals heard throughout.

She also thanked Valerie and the team at Arigna Mining Experience for their warm hospitality and for providing the venue, as well as Phillipa Duignan and John Lynch for their support.

Martina expressed her joy at the positive response to the CD. Thank you all who came along and bought my CD, your presence contributed immensely to the events success, and I truly appreciate your support.

READ NEXT: Tributes pour in as community rally to support loved ones of David O'Callaghan

Songs from the Valley is available to purchase at several local shops, including Scollans in Drumshanbo, Gala in Drumshanbo, Drumshanbo Post Office, and the Shed Distillery; Arigna Post Office and Arigna Mining Experience; Mulveys in Carrick-on-Shannon; Healys in Ballyfarnon and Killorans in Ballyfarnon; Roddys in Keadue and McCormacks in Leitrim Village.
Supporters of candidate Samuel Doria Medina gather at an end of campaign rally in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, August 9, 2025. IPA IBANEZ / REUTERS

In Patamanta, a small town in the heart of the Andean Altiplano, an hour and a half from La Paz, the seat of government, residents donned their finest attire for the occasion: embroidered blouses for women, red ponchos for men. On Wednesday, August 6, Bolivia celebrated the bicentennial of its independence. But spirits ran low in this traditional stronghold of the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), the left-wing party that has dominated Bolivian politics for two decades. "It is an important date and we are patriots," said Luis Valenciano, a secondary school teacher, as he marched with a flag pin on his jacket. "But there is nothing to celebrate. We have to queue for everything: fuel, flour, oil. And the government [of Luis Arce, in power since November 2020, MAS] acts like everything is fine," he added.

Just days before the elections, in which more than 7.5 million Bolivians are set to vote on Sunday, August 17, to choose a new president, MPs and senators, residents of this province near Lake Titicaca, who are mostly farmers but also miners and small traders, were more worried about their wallets than the lackluster campaign. Many admitted they would not bother voting if it were not compulsory.

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The NWA 16,788 meteorite is the largest Martian rock ever discovered. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP

Arriving straight from Mars, a meteorite weighing around 25 kg was sold on July 16 by the auction house Sotheby's to an anonymous private buyer for a record sum exceeding $5 million (about 4.3 million).

The sale of the largest Martian meteorite ever found has angered Niger, where it was discovered in November 2023 by a meteorite hunter "in the remote Agadez region of Niger." The government announced that it would open an investigation following the auction to "shed light on the matter."

The incident "very likely has all the characteristics of illicit international trafficking," according to officials in the Nigerien capital, which suspended exports of precious stones and meteorites on Friday, August 8, until further notice. Sotheby's denies the allegations and insists the stone was "exported from Niger and transported in accordance with all applicable international procedures." However, in light of the controversy, a review of the case is underway.

Read more Subscribers only Boko Haram lures young people with no prospects from the Lake Chad area

No universal legal status

For American paleontologist Paul Sereno, who has worked closely with authorities in Niamey for years, all evidence suggests the stone left Niger "illegally." "Everyone is anonymous" in this story, he said. It was then sold to an international dealer, briefly exhibited in Italy, and eventually appeared in auction catalogs in the United States.

"If they had caught the meteorite as it was speeding toward Earth and before it landed in a country, then they could have claimed it (...) but in this case, I'm sorry, it belongs to Niger, even if its origin is Mars," he explained. Meteorites do not have a universal legal status; their ownership is governed by international law as well as the specific laws of the country where they land.

Invaluable scientific value

In the United States, for example, ownership of these rocks fallen from the sky goes to the landowner if the property is private, which is not the case in Niger. Niger has a law protecting its cultural heritage, which includes "rare mineralogical specimens," noted Matthieu Gounelle, professor at the Museum national d'histoire naturelle, and his father, university professor Max Gounelle. Both are specialists in the regulations surrounding the collection and sale of meteorites. According to them, "there is no doubt (...) that meteorites must be included among the rare mineralogical specimens" that are protected.

Beyond the legal disputes and the possible involvement of trafficking networks, the sale of this meteorite also raises ethical questions. This rock, named NWA 16,788, is of inestimable scientific value. Much larger than other known Martian meteorites  which are extremely rare  it offers a unique record of the geological history of the Red Planet.

"In my opinion, this is not something that should be sold at auction and risk disappearing into someone's private collection," argued Professor Sereno, who called for its return to Niger, where it could be studied and displayed to the public.
WHO DOESNT love the morning drive to work when the schools are off?! The roads are quieter, the traffic lighter, and, for many of us, the daily commute is much less stressful. But theres a flip side - with the fewer cars comes a temptation for some drivers to treat the open road like a racetrack.

On Monday of last week, at precisely 8.35am, this writer witnessed two motorists who clearly fancied themselves as Max Verstappen or Lando Norris.

One was in what looked like a Toyota Corolla (though the speed made it hard to be sure), the other in a Volkswagen. None of the three drivers ahead of them travelling towards Limerick near the end of the straight stretch past Grange School could be described as Sunday drivers. The speed of these two motorists was crazy.

READ ALSO: National Heritage Week brings a 'vibrant array' of events to Limerick

One driver decided overtaking three cars in the one go was a good idea only to meet an oncoming vehicle seconds later. They swerved back into their lane just in the nick of time. It was a near miss that could have been fatal.

Later in the week, at the same time of the morning, this writer came upon a car lying on its side in a ditch, again in the area of Grange. We dont know what caused it, so it would be wrong to assign blame, but it was another reminder of just how quickly something can go wrong.

But reckless speeders arent the only danger.

Drivers going far below the limit without a valid reason can pose just as much danger, forcing risky overtakes by those stuck behind them.

The same goes for tractors, sulkies and other slow-moving vehicles. Pulling in to let long lines of traffic pass is plain common sense and good safety at that peak time of the morning.

Yes, the drivers of those vehicles have destinations to get to too, but the bigger picture has to come into focus.

We re all busy. Mornings are hectic. But in the earlier case, those two would-be racing drivers still ended up stuck behind a truck for the rest of the journey into the Kilmallock Road roundabout with no chance of overtaking thanks to the bends. All that risk for nothing.

Its one thing to endanger yourself. Its another to put the lives of others in danger. The roads may feel emptier when the schools are off, but thats no excuse to turn them into a personal Grand Prix track or indeed a funeral cortege.

More on this next week!
STAFF of two city centre firms are coming together to support a local charity which provides financial support to parents of seriously ill children.

Workers at Metis Ireland Financial Planning, based at OConnell Street in the city, and MHP Sellors Solicitors, Glentworth Street, will take part in a fun-run next month to raise money for Clionas Foundation.

Based in Castletroy, Clionas Foundation provides assistance to help the non-medical expenses incurred by parents supporting their children with life-threatening illnesses.

On Thursday, September 11, the second annual Run for Clionas will take place. The 5km run is targeted at professionals working across the city.

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Participants will congregate at the Clayton Hotel, before running across the Shannon Bridge, out the Condell Road embankment for 2.5km and return by the same route.

The Clayton Hotel will provide changing facilities and a bag drop, with check-in from 5pm, just after the working day concludes.

Open to all fitness levels, the emphasis will be on fun and fundraising.

The entry fee for the run is 25 with all proceeds going directly to Clionas Foundation. And the first 100 to register are also guaranteed an event specific T-shirt. Following the run, those taking part are being encouraged to enjoy refreshments in the hotel and meet other participants.

Carl Widger, managing director of Metis Ireland said: This is a fun run with a serious focus. Were challenging the business community in Limerick to come out of their offices and support this event.

The work that Clionas Foundation do is so important and all of the money raised in entry fees will go directly to helping families who need the support so badly. While raising awareness for the work that Clionas Foundation do, we also hope to create a novel networking opportunity for everyone involved in business in Limerick.

Stephen Keogh, managing partner at MHP Sellors, encouraged people to swap the evening commute for a cause.

Every stride, every euro, makes a difference, he added.

Brendan Ring, the chief executive and co-founder of Clionas Foundation, added: In the absence of any government funding, these fundraising events are a lifeline to us. This year to date we have provided support in the amount of 237,500 to 95 families across 27 counties and are projecting the same again for the second half of the year. These families are struggling emotionally and financially with their childs diagnosis and treatment and need support.

You can register online for the run by visiting: https://eventmaster.ie/event/60GrfEpT5G

Alternatively, please telephone 061-331333.
BANK of Ireland has announced three Limerick charity and community groups to benefit from their 500,000 Community Fund.

Focus Ireland  PETE Limerick, Dochas Midwest Autism Support and Doras are the three Limerick-based community projects to be allocated grants in the sixth year of the Community Fund.

The three Limerick grantees will each receive supports for a range of projects and initiatives including enhancing financial literacy, overcoming barriers to education, providing employment opportunities for neurodiverse people and tailored education programs.

The current round of grants will bring the total value of Community Fund grants issued to 3 million for 307 community projects across the island of Ireland since 2020. Initiatives will receive grants starting from 10,000 all the way up to 80,000.

The Community Fund is Bank of Irelands flagship community investment initiative, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland.

Commenting on the announcement, Eamonn Corcoran, director for Area South, Bank of Ireland said: Since 2020, the Community Fund has been working with Community Foundation Ireland to help to make our society stronger by allocating funds to those in greatest need. I am very proud of the support that we provide to these Limerick-based groups who do incredible work.

We are focused on supporting projects that will broaden inclusion levels in our society, equipping people with the requisite skills, and providing opportunities for them to be connected through education, enterprise, or work. I would like to wish all the successful Limerick grantees well as they embark on their programmes.

READ MORE: Limerick sows seeds of change with biodiversity workshop

Denise Charlton, chief executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland, said: Our partnership with the Bank of Ireland Community Fund continues to deliver support to groups like the Limerick-based ones who are receiving this years grants. We use our experience as a philanthropic hub across Ireland to assist in the identification of projects which are responding to existing as well as new and emerging challenges.

As a long-standing partner, Bank of Ireland continues to show its strong commitment to be an active member and a supporter of groups transforming lives every day. We congratulate the latest awardees and look forward to hearing the progress of their valuable work

A full list of 2025 Community Fund grantees is available to view on the Bank of Ireland website: Begin Together Fund - Bank of Ireland

The Community Fund recently won the Chambers Ireland Best in the Community award at the 2025 InBusiness Chambers Ireland Recognition Awards and has been shortlisted for Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards.
HIBERNIA College, Irelands largest educator of school teachers, has announced three senior leadership appointments.

The new appointments include Miriam McCarthy, who was previously the Health Sciences Academy manager at the University of Limerick (UL).

Ms McCarthy has been appointed as dean of the soon-to-be-established School of Health Sciences, as Hibernia College prepares to expand into allied healthcare education following its acquisition of the Institute of Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy (IICP).

A spokesperson for the Dublin-based college said that Ms McCarthy brings a wealth of clinical and academic expertise that will shape Hibernia Colleges future direction in healthcare education.

In her role as Health Sciences Academy manager, Ms McCarthy worked across UL and HSE Midwest leading collaboration in research, innovation, education and training.

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She originally trained as a physiotherapist, is faculty with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and established a range of services including an Adult Cystic Fibrosis physiotherapy service in University Hospital Limerick before moving to primary care and a patient advocacy and liaison service across the acute hospitals in HSE Midwest, the spokesperson continued.

CEO of Hibernia College, Paul Farrell, said: Im delighted to welcome Miriam, a seasoned leader with a national profile in health and education, to the Hibernia College team. I know Miriams leadership skills and proven track record in driving significant improvements will benefit us as we expand our education programmes to include Allied Health Sciences.

Also joining the senior leadership team are Dr Julie Ui Choistealbha as registrar and Niamh OLoughlin as group commercial director.

These appointments reflect Hibernia Colleges ambition to lead from the front in a continuously evolving education landscape, continued Mr Farrell. With an exceptional team on board, our focus now is to continue to deliver much-needed highly trained graduates to the education and healthcare sectors.
If youve got a 401(k) through your employer, you may be in set it and forget it mode. Its easy. You contribute your part, you choose your funds and you never think about it again. When you do have to visit it, its usually an emergency and you make desperate decisions on your own.

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For this reason, many people are not doing as well with their employer-sponsored retirement plan as they could be. To help you avoid that pitfall, we spoke to financial experts who focus on 401(k) plans in their line of work. Theyve offered us these five things people always regret doing with their retirement fund.

Not Contributing More

You hear it all the time, right? People dont lie on their deathbeds thinking, I wish I didnt have all those adventures. Or I wish I hadnt spent all that quality time with my family. You rarely regret doing those things. Instead, you regret not doing the things. The same philosophy applies to your money.

The number one regret people have regarding their 401(k) is not contributing more and earlier to their 401(k) [plan]s. Ive been doing this for over 15 years and Ive never once heard a client say, Man, I wish I didnt have all that money saved in my 401(k). I have, however, heard, I just wish I started earlier,' said David Silversmith, certified public accountant (CPA) and certified financial planner (CFP) at the Eisner Advisory Group LLC.

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Remember, the more you contribute, the more interest youll earn and the more interest you earn, the more interest youll earn. Its a compounding financial equation that can make you very wealthy by the time you retire.

According to Bob Wood, Ph.D., professor of finance at the University of South Alabama, you should at the very least be contributing what your employer will match. Foregoing a 100% return on those funds is inexcusable, he explained.

But, as Wood said, even that is not enough. An employee should contribute up to the legal maximum contribution, he added.

In short, cut corners in other places if you have to, but do everything you can to max out your 401(k) contribution.

Withdrawing Early

Emergencies happen. We get it. Virtually everyone has been there. But you cannot think of your 401(k) as a savings account.

Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxable income. Withdrawals before the age of 59 and a half are subject to an additional 10% penalty. The IRS gives a list of exceptions to this penalty. If one makes an early distribution without meeting one of the exceptions, the individual could be subject to a hefty tax bill, Silversmith said.
THE 41st EVA International will take place across venues in Limerick city this autumn, featuring several new commissions and presentations by Irish and international artists.

Titled It Takes a Village, the programme borrows from the proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child' to focus on ideas of collaborative partnership, social justice, and historical repair.

From August 29 through to October 26, the programme will be presented across venues in Limerick city, and through a number of local and international partnerships  from fishmongers, to community networks, to other biennial organisations  inviting thinking, from many different perspectives, about the ways in which we might contribute to a more shared and equitable future.

Limerick will see many performances including Ana Bravo-Perez on August 29 at Peoples Park, Lyonn Wolf in collaboration with Jamie Transboy_Dom, Makode Linde, and Theresa Stroetges in The Kasbah, Dolans. DYKE NITE x The Breeding Room, featuring Golden Disko Ship, Abrakedavre, Freya Femme, Robert Von Hart, Dick Von Dyke, DJ Egg, and Lunasa in Dolans Warehouse. An artist talk and broadcast at Ormston House, where artist Sean Hannan will talk along with a wireless broadcast.

READ MORE: Limerick Car Club still motoring after 40 years

Eimear Walshe will launch A National Tour in Fragments in Studio Saol and Pharmacia, and Noor Abuarafeh will give a lecture performance in The Cinema Cafe. A performance by Eimear Walshe, at St John's Pavilion will finish the programme.
LIMERICK woman Leah McMahon will fly the flag for the county when she dons the iconic silk sash at this years Rose of Tralee festival.

Speaking about what makes her proud when wearing the sash, particularly given her roots in Southill which has been one of Limericks most disadvantaged areas, Leah, 29, said: Its about representing Limerick and representing it from the side of growing up in Southill. I think about all the kids that have grown up in similar areas, and I want them to have that self-belief and see what the path to education can bring.

The financial planner who spent her teens growing up in Castletroy was selected as this year's rose in May at the prestigious Limerick Rose selection where she was chosen over 17 other contestants to represent the Treaty County.

Speaking at The George Hotel last Tuesday as part of the national rose tour, Leah remarked that the bond she and the other Roses have formed is "just amazing, we're laughing, joking, we are just having the time of our lives".

"There is just a unique sense of girlhood among the group".

SEE ALSO:WATCH: Limerick turns out in force to welcome Rose

A proud University of Limerick alumna, Leah completed the Bachelor of Business Studies at Kemmy Business School in 2019 and has since forged a successful career in financial planning.

Leah went on to complete the Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA) and Specialist Investment Advisor (SIA) exams before attaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning  the highest qualification that professionals in her field can attain. Of the 1,000 certified financial planners in Ireland, 23% are female  and Leah intends to count herself among them when she completes the course in early 2026.

Her motivation truly shone during third year of her undergraduate degree when she discovered she was pregnant just before starting her co-operative placement.

Leah recalled finding out the news the week before her Christmas exams and resolving to power through. She sat and passed her exams, and proceeded to complete her full co-op placement just weeks before welcoming daughter Ella, now seven, with her partner, Al.

"I put a really high importance on education; that, in all the circumstances and barriers I faced, I never said Ill drop education. I always kept it at the top of my priorities, because it was something that I believed would build me up, she explained.

Now working as financial planner with Castle Capital Financial Planning, Leah also delivers a female-focused financial literacy workshop, Blathu (the Irish word for blossoming) and is a regular media contributor.

She has found her niche in using her expertise to educate and empower women in financial literacy, from the basics of finance to salary negotiation. She feels strongly that every woman has the power to be financially independent.

This coming week, Leah will be achieving a goal of her own as she takes to the stage as the Limerick Rose at the 2025 Rose of Tralee contest.

Being selected is a dream come true for Leah, who is passionate about being a role model for the next generation.

"Its really important for me to show off what the Rose of Tralee is about, how educated, strong and independent all the women in it are".

Leah volunteers with Novas, a charity working with families and single adults who are disadvantaged and socially excluded; primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Alongside all the amazing opportunities being the Limerick Rose presents Leah is determined to give back to society and use her platform for good.

I want to continue to share that message about the importance of education. Im on the other side where Im not homeless, Im not in addiction. Im very grateful to be in the position that Im in, but I know that a lot of the people availing of Novas services are from the same areas that Im from. So I have the opportunity to highlight the importance of Novas, and even the Limerick Youth Service, and helping people to build their lives.

You can watch Leah on the live RTE Rose selection nights this Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19, on RTE 1 and RTE Player from 8pm.
Mumbai: Global private equity firms Blackstone, Brookfield and Ascendas have placed binding bids to acquire the warehousing portfolio of ESR India, as global investors consolidate their hold on the country's logistics infrastructure.

The deal, which is likely to value the business at 3,500 crore ($400-420 million), is in its final stages, three people with direct knowledge of the development said.

The binding bids came in on Thursday night. The firm will now sign exclusivity and proceed with one of the bidders," one person said. Mint first reported the companys plan to sell its warehousing portfolio on April 11. Real estate advisory firm JLL is advising ESR.

Spokespersons for Blackstone, Brookfield and Ascendas declined to comment on the matter. ESR and JLL did not respond to Mints requests for comment.

ESR India, a joint venture between Hong Kong-based ESR Group and Germany's Allianz Real Estate, is a logistics and industrial real estate company with about 24 mn. sq. ft of warehousing assets, including those under construction. The company's parks are located in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Odisha.

This is ESR-Allianzs second attempt at selling a controlling stake in the company. In 2023, the company planned to sell about 90% of the stake and retain the remaining 10%. The deal didnt go through, although Blackstone Group came close to clinching it.

This time, the firm is looking to exit fully and hence the heightened investor interest," the first person added.

Blackstone has been bulking up its warehousing portfolio. Earlier this year, it spent 1,700 crore to acquire Logos Indias three warehousing parks in Luhari in Haryana and Chennai.

As of mid2024, AscendasFirstspace (AFS) manages 12 logistics and industrial assets in India.

Earlier this year, Brookfield said it expects its India portfolio to expand to $100 billion over the next five years. Currently, its Indian assets under management are at $30 billion. Of this, $12 billion each is in infrastructure and real estate, while renewable power and transition, and private equity and Brookfield special investments are at $3 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively.

ESR tied up with Allianz in 2018, stating they would invest $1 billion, including debt, to develop large-scale warehousing and industrial facilities in India.

Warehouse deals

Xander Investment Management is also looking to monetize its warehousing assets in the country. Private equity firms such as Alta Capitals logistics platform LogiCap, Horizon Industrial Parks, CapitaLand Ltd, Firstspace Realty-backed Ascendas Firstspace and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing had placed bids for the asset, Mint reported in June. While the transaction is still in progress, Alta Capital may be inching closer to concluding a deal.

Private equity investment in Indian real estate hit $4.2 billion in 2024, a 32% surge from the prior year, according to data from Knight Frank India, a real estate consultancy. Warehousing led the charge, accounting for 45% of these investments and surpassing the office sector, which had held the highest share of PE investments since 2017.

An estimated 50-55% of Grade A warehouse stock is backed by global investors such as US private equity firm Blackstone, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC, Singapore-based GLP, and Hong Kong-based ESR Group.

According to JLL, India's warehousing stock has reached 533.1 million sq. ft, with emerging tier II-III cities contributing about 100 million sq. ft  a fourfold increase since 2017  as of 2024.

This shift signifies a fundamental change in the country's logistics landscape, aligning with the hub-and-spoke model envisioned during the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," JLL said. The centralized model helps to improve deliveries and reduce costs.

There was robust demand across both established and emerging markets last year, with a combined absorption of 60 million sq. ft across 20 warehousing markets in India.

The growth was driven primarily by the consumption boom, with 60% of online purchases now originating from tier II and III cities, it said.
New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) Amid a growing regulatory scrutiny on online platforms, Amazon India head Samir Kumar has asserted that the e-commerce company is a "big believer" in customer-centricity and adherence to local laws, and is fully prepared to address any findings and ensure consumers remain well supported.

The comment comes at a time when there is rising regulatory glare on online companies. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had issued an advisory to e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits to detect 'dark patterns' and ensure they are swiftly eliminated. The self-declarations by the platforms will enable fair digital ecosystem along with building trust between consumers and e-commerce platforms, CCPA had said in June.

On how the company views and responds to the regulatory scrutiny in the market, Kumar told PTI that Amazon has always prioritised customer focus.

"So we have always believed that first of all, whatever we do, we should make sure that the customers love it. So that's my take on this...that there will always be some of these things that will come our way in terms of making sure here are things that you should be doing, and we'll go and audit our systems and make sure we are doing all the right things," he said.

Kumar added: "We always have believed that we put customers front-and-centre of everything, and when we see issues with our customer experience, we go and spend all our energy in fixing that, and we'll continue to do that in future."

Asked if the company believes that the regulatory lens from authorities such as CCPA or CCI signal a vibrant, expanding market, Kumar emphasised that Amazon is firmly committed to abiding by the country's laws.

"We are a big believer in complying with the law of the land, we have always made sure that wherever we operate, we operate in a compliant way.

"So that way, whether it's Competition Commission or CCPA, all those bodies are making sure that Indian consumers are not hurt, and we are a big believer in making sure that we take care of our customers," he said.

He emphasised that Amazon is fully prepared to address any findings and ensure customers remain well supported.

"So I am more than happy to make sure that whatever the finding is, we address them and we take care of our customers," Kumar said.

India is expected to be one of the biggest contributors to Amazon's growth in the long run, with the e-commerce giant doubling down on its focus in this market where it is pouring in billions of dollars in long-term investments.

India is still not as deeply penetrated in terms of online consumption and therefore presents a "very large opportunity" for Amazon, according to Kumar - who is now helming operations here as Country Manager of Amazon India.

Amazon has committed to significant investment in its India infrastructure, about 2,000 crore for 2025 alone. It had previously outlined a broader investment pledge of USD 26 billion by 2030, close to about USD 15 billion of it between 2023 and 2030.

Kumar said India is among the fastest growing markets for the company.

"And we are a big believer that in the long run, India will be one of the biggest contributors to our growth," Kumar said but did not give a timeframe.

India is still not deeply penetrated in terms of consumption, he said, adding while users are online, buying products and watching videos there is a huge headroom for growth when it comes to online shoppers.

"...not everyone is shopping online. If you look at just mobile phone penetration, maybe it's in close to a billion people who have mobile phones, but only 100 million plus of them are shopping online. So the next 200 million (that the company is aspiring to reach) are going to be part of that," he said.

Kumar believes that as the economy grows, and so does consumption, and as GDP per capita rises, India is poised to have "many more consumers who will value the convenience of shopping online".

"We have seen this phenomenon around the world. So we have a very large opportunity still remaining in India... We have 1.4 billion people," he said.

The company has set its sights on what Kumar describes as a broader 'Bharat' living in tier 2, 3 cities and beyond.
Teslas Senior Vice President, Xiaotong Zhu (also known as Tom Zhu), has sold more than 82% of his Tesla holdings. The stock sales occurred between 2023 and 2024 at prices ranging from $174 to $323 per share, according to securities filings.

This major sale by a top executive has raised questions about insider confidence in the company.

Elon Musks warning to short sellers Amidst the news of the stock sale, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has issued a strong warning to short sellers. In a post on X (formerly twitter), he stated that short sellers would be obliterated if they do not exit their short positions before Tesla reaches autonomy at scale.

Musks comment was a direct response to a list of current net short sellers of the Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturer.

What is short selling Short selling isa trading strategy where an investor profits from a decline in a stocks price. The process involves:

Borrowing: An investor borrows shares of a company from a broker

Selling: The borrowed shares immediately sold at the current market price.

Buying back: Later, if the stock price drops, the investor buys back the same number of shares at a lower price.

Profit: The shares are then returned to the broker and the difference between selling price and buy-back price is the investors profit. Short selling is considered a high-risk strategy because potential losses are unlimited if the stock price rises instead of falls, as the investor must still buy back the shares at a higher price to return them to the broker.

Elon Musks past feud with Bill Gates Elon Musk has a history of clashing with short sellers, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Their feud stems from Gates reported short positions against Tesla stock. According to Walter Isaacsons 2023 biography of Musk, this short position has allegedly resulted in a $1.5 billion loss for Bill Gates.

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New Delhi [India], : India's reskilling market is witnessing accelerated growth, driven by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres across the country.

As demand for advanced digital and technical skills rises due to the emergence of GCCs, international players are increasingly focusing on Indian professional markets, top executives in reskilling and experts said, adding that investing in reskilling programmes has become a central part of the strategies of many global firms to keep their Indian teams skilled to global standards.

GCCs, also known as Global In-house Centres or Captive Centres, are fully owned and integrated hubs established by multinational corporations in talent-rich locations to build value and intellectual property.

They leverage global talent pools and technological advancements to enhance organisational capabilities and drive business transformation.

Observing the emerging trends, Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute , which is a global non-profit professional membership association, said, "In today's dynamic business environment, organisations are increasingly prioritising internal competencies through well-structured 'study-at-work' and upskilling initiatives. This marks a clear shift from the earlier "individual-driven" learning model to a more strategic, "organisation-led" approach."

Goyal added that corporates are recognising that investing in employee development is not just a retention strategy but a competitive advantage.

"Global Capability Centres are playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Many are actively sponsoring learning programmes to ensure their workforce is equipped with the critical skills required to stay relevant and drive innovation," PMI's South Asia Director added.

Goyal said that most GCCs prefer having globally accredited certifications, as these help them establish benchmarks and compare their internal capabilities with global best practices.

Smitha Hemmigae, Managing Director, ANSR, highlighted that every GCC today recognises that upskilling, L&D, and well-defined career pathing are no longer "good to have" but a true differentiator for attracting and retaining top talent.

"Unlike traditional delivery roles, GCC careers are increasingly positioned as leadership tracks, where employees can see a clear pathway to senior, global, and cross-functional positions," said the MD of ANSR which specialises in helping businesses build and manage Global Capability Centres .

Citing the vast demand for reskilling activities, executives highlight that, among many reasons, the nascent stage of skilling is one of the key factors driving the emerging demand for reskilling programmes in Indian corporates.

A report titled "Skills for the Future: Transforming India's Workforce Landscape", developed by the Institute for Competitiveness, pointed out that data analysis based on PLFS shows that in 2023-24, 88 per cent of India's workforce is in low-competency occupations, while only 10-12 per cent are in high-competency roles.

Using PLFS data, five sectors which accounted for over 66 per cent of vocational training in India were identified. These sectors are IT and ITeS, Textile and Apparel, Electronics, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Beauty and Wellness.

The report added that industries need to be incentivised to recruit from a skill-certified talent pool and take accountability for creating market-aligned training, besides offering them higher wages.

Gaurav Makhijani, Head of Tax at Roedl and Partner India, who closely works with foreign companies, also supported the trend, adding that many GCCs are partnering with universities and skilling platforms to ensure their India teams are ready for the future.

"In my experience, the view of India as only a low-cost destination is changing quickly, especially for GCCs. While cost advantage still matters, most established companies now see India as a strategic talent hub. From the start, they are including plans for long-term upskilling, leadership development, and innovation in their India strategy. The aim is to build strong expertise, R&D capabilities, and end-to-end operational support," Makhijani added.

GCCs are set to contribute 2 per cent of India's GDP and generate 2.8 million jobs by 2030, and are emerging as a key growth and employment generator, according to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants .

With over 1700 GCCs in 2023-24, which is expected to rise to over 2200 by 2030, India has become the prominent destination for the MNCs to set up their centres.

In Financial Year 2024, GCCs generated approximately USD 64.6 billion in export revenue: a 40 per cent increase from USD 46 billion in FY23.

The growth of GCCs in India is most prominent in Tier-1 cities, with Bengaluru leading the pack with 487 centres . Hyderabad follows closely with 273 GCCs , while the NCR region hosts 272 centres. Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai are also contributing significantly.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 17 (ANI): Mandhira Kapur Smith, sister of former Chairperson of Sona Comstar late Sunjay Kapur, has voiced strong concerns over the treatment of her family, particularly her mother by the company founded by their late father Surinder Kapur.

Speaking to ANI, Mandhira said that her mother Rani Kapur, who stood by her father in building the Company from its beginnings in the jewellery business to an automotive major, has been sidelined.

"There should have been some respect given to my mother who is one of the founders with my father, the company that is Sona. Sona Comstar was built because of my father," she said, adding that her mother deserved at least a non-executive board position.

Sona Comstar's official stance was that Rani Kapur has not held any direct or indirect involvement in the company since 2019.

In her letter to the board, Rani Kapur had said that she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur's estate, and the majority shareholder of the Sona Group including Sona Comstar.

Mandhira also criticised the Company's decision to ask her mother to publicly apologise for requesting a postponement of a Board meeting after Sunjay's passing.

"She has been literally thrown on the curb. They have not cared about her or her sentiments or the fact that she is the only person who stood behind my father while he built it," she claimed.

The family, she alleged, has been treated like outsiders. "Within days everything has been snatched from the family," she said.

Mandhira further claimed that the names of the siblings, including hers, was excluded from obituaries and public acknowledgments.

For her, the dispute is about more than business or money.

"People who have not built it will only see money, people who have built it, which is us, see much more than that. We see (this as) a legacy, we see dad's dreams," she said.

Mandhira also spoke about her mother's unanswered questions concerning Sunjay's passing.

"He was fit. Who is giving her answers? My mum's asking me every day, how did this happen?" She has raised doubts about her brother demise," she said.
Some of the buzziest startups in Silicon Valley share something in common: their founders once worked at Palantir.

The founders lean on other ex-Palantir executives and engineers for support and financing, tapping the network for hiring and funding. Venture-capital firms have sprung up whose mission is to invest in companies founded by people with Palantir experience.

Palantir, the data analysis firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, is best known as the rare Silicon Valley company that works with the U.S. military and intelligence agencies, including with the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. It also has many commercial clients. Its stock has quintupled in the last 12 months.

In conversation, alumni will refer to themselves as the Palantir mafia. The invitation to a panel last October, hosted by venture fund South Park Commons in partnership with Palantir, advertised that several members of the Palantir Mafia" would be speaking. There are WhatsApp groups and Signal chats for alumni to keep in touchone is called Palantir Pals."

Alumni have either started or are leading more than 350 tech companies, and at least a dozen have been valued at over $1 billion, says Luba Lesiva, who was head of investor relations at Palantir from 2014 to 2016. Lesiva runs a venture firm called Palumni VC, a play on the words Palantir alumni, which invests in startups founded or led by ex-Palantir employees.

These engineers are dropped either in the middle of the desert or an office park in the Midwest with a server rack and a screwdriver," says Lesiva. Wherever theyre sent, no one really wants to be there, but its the high capacity for work and pain. They can chew glass."

Ross Fubini, founder of venture firm XYZ Capital, made an investor pitch deck in 2017 where he predicted that Palantir would become the next founder mafia."

VC interest in the Palantir mafia has increased in the last few years but its been frenetic this last year," said Fubini, who has invested in over a dozen startups founded by Palantir alumni. Theyre just starting exceptional companies in hard industries."

Palantir is known for producing good operators. A big appeal of the Palantir alumni is their common strategy, developed at Palantir, called forward-deployed engineering," which is basically a glorified term for consulting.

Palantir software engineers often travel to their clients and embed themselves. Engineers can find themselves in conflict zones or locales as varied as Omaha or Oman. Once there, they use technological acumen to help solve their clients thorniest and most vexing problems.

Barry McCardel was a forward-deployed engineer at Palantir from 2014 to 2018. During his last two years at the company, he helped build a real-time monitoring platform for oil and gas giant BP to help the company analyze its oil wells around the world. He traveled every other week to places like Anchorage and Houston, Scotland and Azerbaijan.

The magic of Palantir was we took proper software engineers, the type who had offers from Google and Facebook, and put them on planes and sent them to where the customers were," he said. Thats not for everyone, and thats ok."

A year after leaving Palantir, McCardel started building Hex Technologies, a data-analysis startup in 2019. To staff up, he and his co-foundersalso ex-Palantirturned to the mafia. That year, he went to a Halloween party of Palantir alumni in San Francisco where he, dressed as a grizzly bear, reconnected with a former co-worker, dressed as a bumblebee. He hired him as Hexs founding designer.

In a little over five years at Palantir between 2012 to 2017, Nick Noone led the companys military special-operations deployment projects and traveled to Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Germany as a Palantir engineer.

When Noone left in 2017 to start what would become Peregrine Technologies, a data-intelligence platform that now sells primarily to local government and law enforcement agencies, he applied that forward-deployed engineering approach.

In 2017, Noone and his co-founder embedded themselves with the police department of San Pablo, a city about a 40-minute drive from San Francisco. The initial scope of the work was to enhance the agencys data-analytics tools. But soon, they were pulled in to help investigators solve a homicide case. They pieced together information from cellphone towers, historical police records and license plate data to help detectives create a timeline of where the murder suspects had been during the time of the crime.

During the resulting murder trial, Noone was called as an expert witness, and the suspects were found guilty. This experience in assisting investigators became the bedrock of Peregrine. Earlier this year, the company began landing federal contracts.

Peregrine closed a round of financing in March led by Sequoia Capital, valuing the company at $2.5 billion.

Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz worked on agricultural, military and national-security projects for Palantir for over six years, deploying with the Marines in deserts in the Middle East and East Asia, before starting Chapter, a Medicare and retirement-technology company.

Blumenfeld-Gantz co-founded Chapter with Vivek Ramaswamy, biotech entrepreneur and Ohio governor candidate. Thiel is an investor and served on its board of directors for just under two years. The company today is valued at around $1.5 billion.

Im proud of the work I did for the government while at Palantir," Blumenfeld-Gantz says. I think most people who join Palantir can handle the nuances of the company."

One of the highest-profile companies tapping into the Palantir alumni network is Anduril Industries, one of the few privately held tech companies to land contracts with the Defense Department. It includes three former Palantir employees on its founding team: Trae Stephens, Matt Grimm and Brian Schimpf. The company, which makes software and hardware products and systems for national-security operations, was last valued in June at $30.5 billion. Stephens said in a TV interview with Bloomberg Technology the round was eight to 10 times oversubscribed.

Last summer, Stephens, in his role as an investor in Thiels venture firm Founders Fund, hosted a luxury camping trip in Sonoma, Calif., for Palantir alumni. Stephens kicked off the two-day trip with brief opening remarks that touched on nostalgia from his days at Palantir, according to people familiar with the matter.

Among the couple dozen attendees who floated down the Russian River and went paintballing that weekend were founders, investors and operators in tech, including Ryan Beiermeister, vice president of public policy at OpenAI.

Other names that frequently come up when alumni talk about the network include 8VC venture capitalist and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale; Garry Tan, venture capitalist and chief executive of Y Combinator; and Melody Hildebrandt, chief technology officer at Fox Corp.nbsp;

Association with Palantir is delicate in some spheres. Shreya Murthy, founder of the event platform Partiful which is popular among Gen Z users, was recently criticized on social media for working at Palantir due to its government contracts after an article about her appeared in The Cut.

I joined Palantir when I was 23 and met a lot of smart people that helped me learn what to do (and not do) when running a company," Murthy said in an email statement. I left and chose to build something different, aligned with my values and passions."

We do recognize that it can come with baggage," said Pratap Ranade, an engineer who joined Palantir when it acquired his first startup in 2016. He says hes proud of his work there and doesnt hide his experience.

Ranade stayed at Palantir for nearly two years as a forward-deployed engineer and after leaving founded his second startup, Arena. The company makes AI-driven software to assist hardware engineers to test and fix machines, akin to J.A.R.V.I.S.the fictional AI software that Tony Stark from Marvel Comics makes to power the Iron Man suit, among other hardware products.

Write to Angel Au-Yeung at angel.au-yeung@wsj.com
The proposed trade agreement between India and the United States has likely been delayed as a visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi scheduled this month is called off amid rising tensions, Reuters reported citing sources.

The visit was originally scheduled between August 25 to 29; and this development has now dashed hopes of a reprieve from the 50 per cent tariffs regime set to kick in from August 27, as per the report.

Another date for talks not set yet, say sources The sources added that a new date for negotiations related to the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) is yet to be decided, it added.

The report noted that the US embassy in New Delhi said it has no additional information on trade or tariff talks, adding that the matter is being handled by the United States Trade Representative (USTR); while the Union Trade Ministry did not immediately respond to queries.

Donald Trump's 50% tariff bomb escalates tensions Earlier in August, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, claiming that it is punishment for India's continued trade ties with Russia. He further stated that India buying Russian oil is contributing to Russian President Vladimir Putin's offensive in Ukraine.

The new import tax, which will come into effect from August 27, will raise duties on some Indian exports to as high as 50 per cent  lining up India among the highest penalised trading partners of the US.

After Donald Trump's hike duties, trade talks between India and the US collapsed despite five rounds of negotiations. The sticking point has been disagreement over on opening India's vast farm and dairy sectors and stopping Russian oil purchases.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that India is being unfairly singled out for buying Russian oil while the US and its ally, the European Union (EU), themselves continue to purchase goods from Russia.
If you paid attention to the stock market back in 2021, you might remember the meme stock craze that pushed otherwise struggling companies to record highs.

Explore More: Self-Made Millionaires Suggest 5 Stocks You Should Never Sell

Find Out: 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025

You might also remember those price surges were almost entirely the result of social media buzz rather than business fundamentals. Investors poured into the stocks mainly because they liked turning conventional Wall Street wisdom inside out  not because they thought the companies made good investments.

At the time, it seemed like a passing fad. Suddenly, however, meme stocks are a thing again. Shares of Opendoor, Kohls, Wendys, American Eagle Outfitters and other embattled companies have all seen recent surges similar to four years ago, Business Insider reported.

This trend is certainly good for the companies. But is it good for investors?

Most financial advisors warn against jumping on meme stocks because they tend to sink as fast as they rise. However, you can earn a profit if you follow the right rules. Here are three ways you can potentially cash in on meme stocks in 2025.

Review the Fundamentals

This is something you should do with any stock  review its business fundamentals to make sure it is on solid financial footing. But its especially important with meme stocks.

TD Bank recommended looking over the companys quarterly and annual reports, as well as its analyst reports. Once youve done that, ask yourself the following questions:

Are the companys revenues rising?

Are its earnings increasing year after year?

Does it have a product lineup that makes sense to you?

Does its current stock price have room to grow based on consensus analyst price targets?

If the answer is yes to these questions, then you might be able to cash in on a meme stock.

I Asked ChatGPT: How To Get Rich Off of Bitcoin

Pick Recognizable Brands

At the very least, a meme stock should have a brand that is recognizable to most investors, according to Fidelity. Meme stocks are volatile enough. What you dont want is a stock that regular investors have never heard of.

[This] could mean those investments share features of a certain kind of trend trading, creating the potential for them to get caught up in irregular trading activity, Fidelity noted. Following the herd or any other impetus that is not grounded in a strong fundamental basis for investing your money is never prudent.

Think Short Term  Not Long Term

As Forbes noted, a couple of the more famous meme stocks didnt have much staying power in terms of share price. GameStops price surged above $480 per share during its meme stock peak in early 2021, but it soon crashed back to reality and currently trades near $22.
India's current account deficit is projected to nearly double in the financial year 2025-26, increasing from 0.6 per cent to 1.2 per cent of GDP FY25, according to a report by Union Bank of India.

The estimate has an upward risk due to changing trade conditions and fluctuations in global commodity prices.

"We see an upward risk to our estimate for the current account (C/A) deficit for FY26 GDP. We expect higher; almost double versus last year of widening in C/A deficit in FY26 to 1.2 per cent in GDP vis-a-vis an 0.6 per cent in FY25," news agency ANI quoted the report.

Also Read | India's fiscal deficit widens in Q1 amid surge in capex

The report noted that geopolitical factors, such as tariff issues and possible trade deals between India and the US or Europe, are likely to greatly influence trade patterns.

Focus on oil prices Oil prices continue to be a crucial factor, with estimates indicating that a $10 per barrel change could influence the annual current account balance by about $15 billion. When oil prices drop, the current account balance might benefit, due to its high sensitivity.

Although the deficit is expected to widen, the overall current account should stay manageable. This is mainly due to a solid invisible surplus, fueled by a strong services trade surplus of $188.75 billion in FY25. In comparison, the oil import deficit for the same period is $122.45 billion.

Also Read | India scores a current account surplus in Q4, but Q1 may see a deficit

India's merchandise trade deficit increased significantly in July this year, reaching $27.35 billion compared to $18.78 billion the previous month. This level, last seen in November 2024, was driven by the normalisation of imports after a temporary spike last month, even as the pattern of frontloading exports continued.

The rate of import growth, especially in fossil fuels and capital goods, greatly exceeded export gains, creating an imbalance and increasing concerns about sustainability amid changing global trade dynamics, it added.

In terms of sub-segments, trade dynamics in July '25 were broadly driven by widening across all three major components. The NONG (Non-Oil, Non-Gold) trade deficit saw the sharpest increase, rising to $12.28 billion from $7.83 billion in June'25.

The oil trade deficit also grew, amounting to $11.24 billion versus $9.19 billion last month. At the same time, the gold trade deficit nearly doubled, increasing to $3.83 billion from $1.76 billion in June 2025.

The services trade surplus experienced a slight month-on-month fall after an upward revision to the data recorded in June.

The Services trade surplus decreased to $15.63 billion in July 2025 from $16.21 billion in the previous month. The average for April to July 2025 was $15.88 billion, compared to $13.59 billion during the same period last year.

The total trade deficit, including both goods and services, surged to a double-digit figure in July 2025, reaching $11.72 billion, compared to $2.57 billion last month.
Amid the postponement of bilateral trade talks scheduled for August 25, the US is advocating for increased market access in sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and dairy. This greater access has been denied by India, as it threatens the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.

India has affirmed that it will not hamper the interests of farmers and cattle rearers, news agency PTI reported.

The US team was initially set to visit India on August 25 for the next round of negotiations on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, but the visit is likely to be delayed to a later date.

India-US trade talks Five rounds of talks on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) have been completed so far, with a US team scheduled to visit India for the sixth round. The talks were scheduled to be conducted from August 25-29. "This visit is likely to be rescheduled," PTI quoted an official, who did not wish to be named.

The postponement of trade talks becomes more important as the US has announced a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

The US and India have announced plans to finish the first phase of bilateral trade talks by September-October of this year. They aim to more than double their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, up from the current USD 191 billion.

US tariffs on India The 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods exported to the US took effect on August 7. An additional 25 per cent tariff, announced as a penalty for India purchasing crude oil and military equipment from Russia, will be implemented from August 27 onwards.

India-US trade - Where do numbers stand? According to commerce ministry data, the country's exports to the US increased 21.64 per cent to USD 33.53 billion during April-July, while imports rose 12.33 per cent to USD 17.41 billion.

The US was India's largest trading partner in the April-July period of the current fiscal year, with $12.56 billion in bilateral trade. India's exports to America have been recording positive growth since April this year.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 17 August rebuked Rahul Gandhi over his vote chori allegation and said that the Congress leader's remarks were nothing but an insult to the Constitution of India. The poll panel, without naming Rahul Gandhi, said people making vote chori allegations should either sign an affidavit or apologise to the nation with seven days.

"When more than 7 crore votes of Bihar are standing with the Election Commission of India, then neither can any question mark be raised on the credibility of the Election Commission nor on the credibility of the voters. When the voter doesn't challenge his candidate selection in the courts and then wrong words like 'vote chori' are used to mislead the people, isn't it insult to Constitution of India," Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said during a press conference on 17 August.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi responds to Election Commission notices

People making such allegations should either submit it on an affiavit or else apologise to the nation within seven days, Kumar said.

The Election Commission's remarks came on a day when Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi launched his 1,300 km-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from poll-bound Bihar's Sasaram to step up the Opposition INDIA bloc's campaign against its "vote chori" (vote theft) claims.

Rahul Gandhi was joined by his party chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav.

Gandhi said the Yatra, which will cover over 20 districts in the poll-bound state, is a "fight to save the Constitution". "In the entire country, assembly and Lok Sabha polls are being stolen," he said.

In a press conference on 7 August, Rahul Gandhi had alleged vote chori (theft) of 1,00,250 votes in a Karnataka constituency, with 11,965 duplicate voters in the segment, 40,009 voters with fake and invalid addresses, 10,452 bulk voters or single-address voters, 4,132 voters with invalid photos, and 33,692 voters misusing Form 6 of new voters.

On CCTV footage demand Kumar also asked whether the Election Commission should share the CCTV videos of any voter, including their mothers, daughters-in-law, and daughters. "Only those whose names are in the voter list cast their votes to elect their candidate," Kumar said.

Kumar also questioned Rahul Gandhi's double voting allegations. The CEC said no answer was given when asked for proof.

"Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations. When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination, is standing and will continue to stand," he said.

'EC always open for everyone equally' The CEC said that the doors of the Election Commission are always open for everyone equally. At the ground level, all the voters, all the political parties, and all the booth-level officers are working together transparently, verifying, signing, and also giving video testimonials, he said.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 17 (ANI): Days after Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa was arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy Murder Case, the actor's wife, Vijayalakshmi Darshan, announced that she will take control of Darshan's social media to share updates regarding the actor's projects.

Taking to Darshan's social media handle, Vijayalakshmi wrote that she would be handling the social media of the actor and share updates and movie promotions on his behalf.

She asked Darshan fans to shower love on the actor and showcase "unity and positivity".

"My Dear #DBoss Celebrities. Your Challenging Star carries each one of you in his heart. Until he returns to connect with you directly, I will be handling his Social Media, to share updates and movie promotions on his behalf. The love, prayers, and patience you continue to show give him and our family immense strength. Let's hold on to that unity and positivity--he will be back soon, with the same love and energy you've always known. With gratitude and love, Vijayalakshmi Darshan," wrote Vijayalakshmi through Darshan's account.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested in the Renukaswamy murder case shortly after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail on Thursday.

The actor has been taken to the Annapoorneshwarinagar police station and will be later produced before the court.

Visuals show the actor being taken away in the police van amid heavy security.

As confirmed by S Girish, DCP Bengaluru South, four others have also been arrested in the matter, including Kannada actor Pavithra Gowda, Lakshman, Pradosh, and Nagaraj.

Earlier in the day, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan quashed the interim bail granted to Darshan by the Karnataka High Court, stating that he was given bail without adequate consideration of the witness intimidation and other illegalities.

The Karnataka government had also filed a plea in the apex court against the actor's bail order.

Speaking on the same, advocate DL Chidananda told ANI, "The Supreme Court said that the High Court has not followed the principles of law which apply for granting bail. It also reiterated that the rule of law prevails in the country and, however influential an individual may be, they must be treated in accordance with the law."

On the other hand, Karnataka Chief Minister's legal advisor, AS Ponnanna, asserted that granting bail to Darshan would have hampered the investigation and the ongoing trial.

"The state government and the prosecution agency were vindicated. It was the state government's decision that, in a case like this, where a serious offence has been registered, granting him bail would hamper the investigation and trial, as he is a powerful person. They did not want him to use his muscle to derail the prosecution's case," he said.

Darshan Thoogudeepa has been named in the chargesheet in the Renukaswamy murder case involving the killing of the 33-year-old Chitradurga resident.
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day announcement of long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms has raised hopes of consumer goods becoming cheaper, giving relief to households and packaged goods makers.

There is a proposal to retain two major GST rates going ahead, eliminating the 12% and 28% slabs. Most of the products and services that currently attract a tax rate of 12% and 28% will be shifted to the 5% and 18% slabs, respectively. A few remaining items in the 28% bracket, currently the highest, will be moved to a new 40% slab, Mint reported earlier. This new slab will cover only a few sin goods such as tobacco products, pan masala, and luxury cars.

We expect the demand outlook for the FMCG sector to improve, supported by the Central governments focus on accelerating consumption in the economy," analysts at Emkay Securities said in a note dated 17 August. The government is now aiming to reduce the indirect tax burden by simplifying the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure."

The move will aid both consumers and producers, said Jayen Mehta, managing director at the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, which markets dairy products under the AMul brand.

This will benefit farmers. While products such as curd are already taxed at 5%, products like ghee, butter, ice cream, and cheese will move down to the 5% slab," he said. Both ghee and butter currently attract a 12% tax.

Ghee, in particular, is a very important product after milk. However, high tax rates have kept consumption restricted to the unorganized sector. The lower GST will help change that and give consumers access to better quality and branded ghee," he said.

Overall, Mehta said the move would boost consumption and benefit local producers.

Analysts at Emkay Securities said the move is likely to have limited price benefits for categories such as home and personal care due to their predominant classification under the 5% and 18% slabs. In contrast, food and beverage companies may see direct benefits from a decrease in rates.

Food and beverages have varied products across the 5%, 12%, and 18% slabs.

Many products currently in the 12% slabghee, savouries, bottled water, butter, cheese, paneer, juice, instant noodles, pasta, Chyawanprash, soya chunks, and wafersare likely to see a reduction to the 5% slab, in our view, analysts said.

"If the tax rate reduces to 5%, Bikaji (approx. 80% of revenue) and Gopal Snacks (approx. 85% of revenue) are likely to benefit; Nestle will see a tax reduction in approximately 30% of its portfolio (instant noodles, pasta, and ketchup)," per the report.

Further, Dabur will see a partial benefit in beverages and Chyawanprash, which make up approximately 23% of its India revenue. ITCs 11% revenue in the other FMCG segment (noodles, juice, and dairy) may benefit. Britannias dairy and wafers portfolio would benefit, which is less than 5% of its India revenue. Marico and HUL are likely to benefit, although their share of revenue is limited."

Home and personal care

In the home and personal care segment, most products are currently taxed at 18% GST. Exceptions include hand wash and toothbrushes (5%, likely to remain), sanitary pads (nil), baby care (12%, potentially moving to 5%), and mouthwash (12%, possibly moving to 18%). As such, direct benefits for for the category are expected to be minimal.

Modi, in his speech, said the central government is working with states to reform GST and bring significant relief to people. In this Deepavali, you will be getting a double Deepavali," he said.

Any step towards a more simplified and rational GST structure will provide much-needed relief to the FMCG sector, particularly for companies like ours in the packaged foods and snacks space where margins are under pressure," Manish Aggarwal, Director, Bikano, Bikanervala Foods Pvt Ltd. said.

A predictable and streamlined tax regime not only eases compliance but also helps us pass on benefits to consumers, ensuring better affordability and growth of the category, Aggarwal added.

However, the industry is awaiting further clarity on the revised rates.

Indias FMCG sector reported 13.9% growth in the June quarter, up from 3.3% in Q1FY25 driven primarily by price growth in food products. Volume growth remained steady at 6% year-on-year.

The rationalization of GST rates could provide a strong tailwind to the FMCG sector. A large share of items currently in the 12% slabmilk-based products, dry fruits, processed and frozen foods, and daily-use essentialsare expected to shift into the 5% bracket. This reduction will improve affordability, lift consumption, and help an industry that has been struggling with a prolonged demand slowdown," said said Manoj Mishra, partner and tax controversy management leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

Mishra said the move, coming ahead of the festive season, is crucial and may translate into stronger volumes, better consumer sentiment, and a measurable push to overall economic growth.

Rationalization of GST slabs has the potential to unlock demand across consumer segments, said Krishna Khatwani, head of sales (India), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.

In urban centres, we could see consumers upgrading more easily to premium formats as affordability improves. In rural areas, companies would look to pass more value to their customers through lower price points or higher volume for the relevant categories. This could accelerate trials and category adoption, thereby improving volume growth for the FMCG sector," said Khatwani.
Quick-commerce medicine delivery is heating up, with Zepto recently joining Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in the race. But as the space gets crowded, concerns are mounting over prescription-only medicines without proper checks.

Industry body All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called for regulatory scrutiny and tighter oversight. Medicines are not groceries that should be delivered within 10 minutes. These are highly regulated and need utmost care while handling  something that cant always be assured in a dark-store model," said Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, AIOCD.

On 13 August, the association wrote to the home affairs ministry stating that easy access through online quick-commerce delivery has led to a sharp rise in misuse, including of Schedule H drugs such as Pregabalin, used for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. It alleged that medicines are being issued online without genuine prescription verification, raising concerns about ghost prescriptions"  fake or fabricated prescriptions used to procure restricted drugs.

The same day, Zepto announced its entry into pharma, offering medicine delivery within 10 minutes across metropolitan cities, according to its press release.

Prior to this, Swiggy had entered the segment in August 2024, launching its Instamart grocery servicewhich included medicines in select marketsthrough a partnership with PharmEasy that operated as a shop-in-shop inside dark stores in Bengaluru.

Blinkit last month introduced 10-minute delivery across its dark-store network and later piloted prescription-medicine delivery (including antibiotics, eye drops, antihistamines, and skin treatments) in Bengaluru. Blinkit has entered deeper into healthcare by piloting a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram.

Queries sent to all three companies on 13 August did not elicit a response until press time.

If platforms commit to only e-prescriptions issued and signed by registered doctors, run an automatic check against the National Medical Register, and keep a pharmacist in the loop before dispatch, leakage can be driven close to zeroeven with fast delivery," said Nilaya Varma, co-founder at Primus Partners, a management consultancy firm in Delhi.

Prescription verification still murky

Prescription verification for Schedule H/H1/X drugs on quick-commerce is a legal mandate, not a best-efforts standard, said Aditya Patni, Partner at Khaitan & Co.

Schedule H includes prescription-only drugs like antibiotics and anti-epileptics, dispensed by pharmacists without mandatory record-keeping. Schedule H1 adds stricter controlrequiring prescriptions and three years of records for abuse-prone drugs. Schedule X is the most stringent, mandating duplicate prescriptions ((two copies of the doctors prescription), special licences, and secure storage for narcotics and psychotropics.

India still lacks a clear e-pharmacy rulebook; the draft regulations were never finalised. Platforms operate under older statutes like the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which never envisaged online prescription verification or instant delivery. Draft e-pharmacy rules, 2018requiring licensed premises, pharmacist verification, and prescription uploadsremain unnotified.

"This has left a regulatory vacuum, with enforcement fragmented among state drug inspectors," said Rishabh Gandhi, founder, Rishabh Gandhi and Advocate.

Many platforms leverage the marketplace model  which merely connects registered pharmacies to customers  to distance themselves from liability, even while facilitating the sale of prescription-only medicines, said Patni.

Since they act as intermediaries or aggregators under the Information Technology Act, 2000, they do not require a licence for sale of drugs as the actual dispensation happens through physical pharmacies which are already registered," he said, adding that quick-commerce models  which rely on dark stores  may blur this line, leading to unlicensed storage and distribution.

Moreover, JPEG prescriptionsphotos of paper scriptsare easy to forge, reuse, or edit, said Varma.

The last mile is often not a licensed premise with a pharmacist on record, even though the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules mandate pharmacist supervision for retail supply. In addition, catalogue mis-tags (H/H1/X drugs flagged as regular SKUs) can let restricted medicines slip past controls," he added.

Regulatory concerns circle established players too. Patni notes that in February 2023, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued show-cause notices to 20 e-pharmaciesincluding Tata 1mg, Amazon, Flipkart, and Netmedsfor allegedly selling drugs without valid licenses or prescriptions. These entities claimed intermediary status.

The Delhi high court had imposed an interim ban on unlicensed e-pharmacy operations in December 2018, and in March 2024 specifically directed the health ministry to finalise a policy on online sale of drugs. Licensed pharmacies can still sell online, but with the March 2024 deadline missed, the e-pharmacy legal framework remains unclear and enforcement patchy.

Pregabalin predicament

Meanwhile, Pregabalin has been a flashpoint recentlyits rising misuse triggered the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to recommend moving it from Schedule H to H1, highlighting gaps in verification and enforcement.

Pregabalin can only be sold on a doctors prescription with record-keeping and labelling compliance. Some states such as Punjab have even tightened controls on high-dose formulations and bulk sales to curb misuse and diversion.

In April 2025, the DTAB recommended reclassifying pregabalin and its formulations under Schedule H1, but the change awaits a gazette notification to take legal effect.

While regulators and chemist bodies flag the broader system risk, all Schedule H, H1, and X drugsincluding antibiotics, opioids, and psychotropicscan be misused if prescription verification is weak, enabling diversion and unsafe consumption.

"Traditional pharmacies sometimes dispense medications without strict prescription checks, especially if they know the patient personally. A physical pharmacy isnt going anywhere, so such practices are easier to trace, but with e-pharmacies, its much harder to monitor or track, which is why the scrutiny often feels uneven," said Dr. Chitra Raju, a general practitioner in Delhi.

That said, quick commerce and e-pharmacy can improve healthcare for chronic patients and expand access, particularly for the elderly and in high-traffic urban areas, said Varma of Primus Partners.

E-pharmacies already serve 20,000+ pincodes, and quick-commerce pharmacy networks have penetration access to 100+ cities. For an ageing India10.5% of the population is 60+, projected to reach 20.8% by 2050reliable refills and doorstep delivery can reduce drop-offs for long-term therapies," he added.

Indias e-pharmacy market has around 50 players and was valued at $0.5 billion in 2019 (~23% of total pharmacy sales), projected to grow to $4.5 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 44%.

Major players like PharmEasy, Tata 1mg, Netmeds, and Medlife combine medicine delivery with services such as doctor consultations and lab tests, according to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) under the commerce ministry.
Prime Minister Narendar Modi, in his Independence Day speech, announced that the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation  including ministers from Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka  is scheduled to meet next week to deliberate on the proposed GST reforms.

On Friday, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of GST reforms, stating that they would benefit the common man, farmers, the middle class, and MSMEs. The Finance Ministry also expressed confidence that the GST Council would approve the proposal.

Also Read | Stocks to buy under 100: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 3 shares to buy on Monday

As part of its goal to create an Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Centre is advancing GST reforms focused on three key pillars: structural reforms, rationalisation of rates, and improving ease of living.

"The upcoming GST meeting on September 9 is expected to bring significant reforms that could benefit various sectors. The government proposes eliminating the 12% and 28% tax brackets, retaining only the 5% and 18% slabs, and introducing a new 40% "sin tax" for select items like tobacco and gutka. This restructuring could lead to rate reductions for consumer goods, making items like air conditioners, white goods, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo more affordable," said Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities.

Stocks to buy According to market experts, the market is likely to cheer PM Modi's announcement of GST reforms in his Independence Day speech.

 Bulls are expected to cheer PM Modi's announcement of GST reforms in his Independence Day speech. PM Modi has hinted at next-generation GST reforms by Diwali 2025, which is expected to boost consumption in India because GST is a consumption-oriented tax levied nationwide, said Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth.

According to Seema Srivastava of SMC Global Securities, these stocks may benefit from these reforms -

Tata Motors Tata Motors share price closed in green at 664 apiece on Thursday, August 14.

DLF Limited DLF Limited share price closed in red at 750.35 per share on Aug 14.

Godrej Properties Godrej Properties share price was down 1.15 per cent to close at 1,937.

Dixon Technologies Dixon Technologies share price was up 1.49 per cent to close at 16,190.

Sun Pharma Sun Pharma shares closed in red at 1,638.60.

UPL UPL share price closed in red at 682.85.

Bharat Electronics Bharat Electronics shares were down 1 per cent at 384.70 apiece.

TVS Motor TVS Motor share price closed in red at 3,016 apiece.

Coromendal International Coromendal International share price rallied 4.40 per cent to close at 2,357.

Godrej Agrovet Godrej Agrovet share price fell over 3.44 per cent to 750 apiece.
The combined market capitalisation of five of the countrys top-10 most valued companies rose by 60,675.94 crore last week, with State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank leading the gains, supported by an overall positive sentiment in equities.

In the holiday-shortened week, the Sensex advanced 739.87 points (0.92%), while the Nifty gained 268 points (1.10%).

Top 10 gainers and losers Among the top-10 firms, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, SBI, and Infosys recorded an increase in valuation. In contrast, TCS, ICICI Bank, Hindustan Unilever, LIC, and Bajaj Finance saw their market capitalisation decline.

SBIs valuation jumped the most, rising by 20,445.82 crore to 7,63,095.16 crore, followed by HDFC Bank, which added 14,083.51 crore to reach 15,28,387.09 crore. Infosys gained 9,887.17 crore, taking its valuation to 6,01,310.19 crore. Bharti Airtels mcap climbed 8,410.6 crore to 10,68,260.92 crore, while Reliance Industries increased 7,848.84 crore to 18,59,023.43 crore.

On the other hand, LICs valuation fell the most by 15,306.5 crore to 5,61,881.17 crore. Bajaj Finance shed 9,601.08 crore to 5,35,547.44 crore, ICICI Bank dropped 6,513.34 crore to 10,18,982.35 crore, TCS slipped 4,558.79 crore to 10,93,349.87 crore, and Hindustan Unilever dipped 3,630.12 crore to 5,83,391.76 crore.

Also Read | Stocks to buy under 100: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 3 shares to buy on Monday

Despite the mixed trend, Reliance Industries remained the most valued company, followed by HDFC Bank, TCS, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, SBI, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, LIC, and Bajaj Finance.

(With inputs from PTI)
Ask any writer and its likely they will admit that it takes a village to put a book out in the world. Starting with the author, the process usually unfolds through a widening circle of actors, most of them working behind the scenes, but each having a hand in the chain of events that turns words typed on a screen into pages, printed and bound, then displayed on shelves, real or virtual.

If the book happens to have a formal launch event, thats when a different village" gets a public airing. A case in point is an invitation I recently received to attend one such event with not one, not two, but eight people on a panel to discuss a bookexcluding the author.

While this may be an extreme case of traffic jam on stage, its usually par for the course to have a four-five-person panel at such events. As someone whose career has revolved around the publishing industry in one capacity or another for nearly 20 years, Ive been part of many book discussions, either as audience or participant. Until the mid-2000s, a certain novelty and anticipation would inform these gatherings.

Readers would keenly await the chance to meet and interact with authors. In the heyday of the Jaipur Literature Festival, serpentine queues after sessions were a common sightand not just to get signed copies from celebrity" authors. I recall standing for an hour, one year, to meet the writer Geoff Dyer, who, until then, I had assumed to have, at best, a niche fan base in India.

Then social media arrived and turned writers into brands," who became all too accessible and, at times, all too disappointingly transparent. The pandemic and the lockdown only made things worse. Even as online promotional events emerged from the crevices of the internet, it brought in attendant troubles: economic downturn, bookshop closures, shifting habits of reading, lower advances and royalties for authors.

Book launches somehow survived the crisis. For influencer-writers, there is a logic to these events as they can draw large attendance and big sales. Lesser mortals would be lucky if the cost of the chai and samosas served to the guests could be recovered from book sales.

And then you have a travestyhalf a dozen or more panellists on stage trying to get their 5-10 minutes of speaking time at an hour-long event. Thats assuming everyone is as good at time management as the moderator. Sometimes the moderator needs to channel the aggression of prime-time news anchors to restrain the alphas in the group. Which is why my thumb rule is to agree to moderate only one-to-one conversations or, at most, with two other people. But Ive not always been lucky.

From a business perspective, the outcome of a launch is to get as many people as possible to buy the book. But most attendees dont buy. Some come for the free snacks. Installing an entourage on stage, creating a cacophony of views, is even less likely to persuade attendees to buy the book. Reading is meant to be a private pleasure, not a competitive sport which makes you keep multiple tabs open in your brain to track whats being said.

Of late, indie bookshops around the country have started organising events that pair an author with an interrogator to ensure a more focused and intimate conversation. Ticketed book events are catching on as well. Having to pay to attend a launch is likely to bring in genuinely interested readersand put the onus on the organisers to curate the event well. Some will call it gatekeeping. I laud it as strategic business acumen.

Also Read | Lessons in design from Geoffrey Bawa's Sri Lankan homes
Colombo is beautiful, like a sane, disciplined version of Thiruvananthapuram or Bengaluru. Heritage structures sit elegantly beside contemporary buildings in peaceful self-assured coexistence. The traffic is polite; cars keep a safe quarantine line of distance from one another. It is tropical and familiar yet its non-chaos is strangely foreign. It could be India but the city is so orderly and courteous that it doesnt feel like our countryin a bad, good and sad way.

For years Id wanted to visit Number 11, architect Geoffrey Bawas home in the Sri Lankan capital, and Lunuganga, his estate in Bentota. Very recently, I made the pilgrimage.

Perusing images of his spaces in books, I always focused on the way he put things together, his skill for cajoling the natural surroundings to provide the vistas he wanted, his seemingly preternatural skill at creating places that taught the viewer how to see. But to see images of Bawas work without seeing Sri Lanka itself is to miss the intricate ways in which he was influenced by the place where he was born.

Bawa was a citizen of the tropics but spent a significant part of his time as a young adult in Europe, which had a significant impact on him. It was a failed attempt at building a home for himself in Italy that finally brought him back home to Sri Lanka at the cusp of 30. Bawa chose Bentota because that was where his elder brother, the landscape designer Bevis Bawa, lived on a property christened The Brief". If you do go on a Bawa pilgrimage then Bevis property is a must-visit for comparison. The younger brothers estate is a much more architecturally articulated space than Bevis somewhat ghoulish Brief.

Also Read | How did we become so scared of colour in our own homes?

Lunuganga, now a boutique hotel, appears in various garbs, depending on where you look and what you see. Bawa was able to realise here the many scenographies that had impacted his design language. Back in 1949 he took the 25-acre rubber and cinnamon plantation and cut through its rough-and-tough foliage to create multiple personalities. In some parts, the nondescript tropical foliage of the estate has been left to grow, controlled but not manicured. In other scenes, the estate feels European, a disciplined rolling-hill and stone-sculpture montage that could have been in Italy. Somehow Bawa stitched these seemingly incongruous instincts together, placing them quite seamlessly on the estate. He tinkered with Lunuganga for decades, till his death in 2003.

If you work with decor, as I do, it is sometimes difficult to be truly captivated by a space. Theres too much criticality and rationalising. So I was surprised to feel so deeply moved at No.11 in Colombo, smaller in scale and ambition than Lunuganga. I felt a deeply emotional stirring in the city propertyfor the first time ever in response to someones home. Im not entirely sure how to explain it, except to admit that my eyes welled up. The space had a feeling of nurturing, of ensconcing, of shelter. I sat on a bench off the side of the living room and with my little notebook and ink pen, tried to make sense of what this home, once occupied by a tall architect whose life had nothing in common with mine, was trying to teach me. What lessons had he left behind?

Architect Channa Daswatte, writing a few years ago in Architectural Digest about Number 11, described the series of cottages that made up the home as an extraordinary labyrinth of spaces" that became Bawas inner landscape". Bawa died 22 years ago, and visitors have been traipsing through that inner landscape, which has been under the cloche of time, in tableau, yet it doesnt feel like a mausoleum. Theres a cosy energy, the anticipation of someones arrival. The objects tell you stories about a man you never met, about his whims and its fancies. Theres bric-a-brac, precious things and random collectibles, all sitting next to one another; Riten Mozumdars textiles on one wall, a collection of stones somewhere else.

Also Read | Why locally inspired design makes for a more meaningful home

View Full Image The bedroom at Number 11, Geoffrey Bawas home in Colombo. (photograph courtesy geoffreybawa.com)

Bawas objects told me that for a room, a sense of humour is more important than one may think. Peering into the iconic architects bedroom from behind the cordon, I could see an orange transparent inflatable armchair at the foot of his bed. On either side of the bed, teddy bears sat comfortably on old wooden chairs. The architect mixed materials and blended high-design with humble materials. Shiny epoxy white paint on the floor reflected and doubled the light coming through a small cutout in the roof of the tunnelled entrance of the home. There were mismatched Sri Lankan colonial armchairs but also a set of furniture resembling Eero Saarinens plastic Tulip series. Wood sat with metal sat next to textile, next to stone, next to caneinstead of mix-and-match, it was all just mix.

Bawa had a natural ability to create aesthetic balance, and he achieved that perfection with enviable nonchalance. Many of the pieces of furniture seemed like off-cuts or experiments or not designed at all. The checkered lounge at the heart of the living roomthe eye-candy of every image taken herewas quite low, with a very deep seat and the perfect throne for a man who was reportedly almost 7ft tall. The pieces in that world were simple, created to exemplify and masquerade shortcomings in craft and material available in those times in Sri Lanka. The side tables and coffee table, in stone and metal, clean-lined perfect impervious partners to the dramatic textile on the sofa. (Incidentally, Bengaluru-based studio Phantom Hands is now exclusively licensed to produce edits of Bawas furniture designs for the contemporary market.)

I imagined how the very tall architect must have moved around this space, how its scale must have seemed like a cocoon, a womb-ish sanctuary in the centre of his city. Instead of a palace that soared upwards, Bawas home wrapped itself around him. Its physical features all appeared to have the same intention: to capture and move light appropriately through the cavernous home. Its poetry was personal, a feeling that if you accumulate objects you love, they will sing together like a well-practiced choir, even if some of it is plastic and some of it is stone. Mix it up, dont stay just with wood or just with stone or any other preciousness, let the limitations of the materials, craftsmanship and resources be your guide to simpler, more tactile solutions. Have a bit of fun, Bawa seems to say.

Manju Sara Rajan is an editor, arts manager and author who divides her time between Kottayam and Bengaluru.

Also Read | How sound and smell define the spaces we inhabit
Warren Buffett is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Nati Harnik/AP

This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.

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It was the moment Wall Street had been waiting for.

Investors have been on tenterhooks since May, when a 13F filing revealed that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had been buying mystery stocks. Now, at last, we know what they are.

From time to time, prominent investors seek permission from regulators to withhold certain details of their trading activity  a move that allows them to quietly build large positions.

If you're Warren Buffett, people tend to follow your lead. And if they were to catch even a whiff that you're building a large stake in a company, copycat traders could spark a premature price spike and make your purchase more expensive.

Berkshire's assets may be worth over $1 trillion, but Buffett still likes a good bargain.

Since that May filing, his mystery bet has been the talk of Wall Street.

Could it be FedEx? UPS? Caterpillar? I bet it's Caterpillar.

Buffett's headline move last quarter was a $1.6 billion bet on an industry that is home to something he once described as "the tapeworm of American economic competitiveness." He bought more than 5 million shares in UnitedHealth.

UnitedHealth's stock had plummeted since its CEO, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot in December. Along with other major US health insurers, the company has also been grappling with an unexpected rise in medical costs. In April, it missed profit forecasts for the first time in over a decade.

Few saw Berkshire's move coming. Perhaps there were signs only the "Oracle of Omaha" could read. One thing's for sure, he practises what he preaches: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful."

And, as usual, when Buffett makes a move, the market moves with him. UnitedHealth shares are up nearly 13% in premarket trading.

Oh, and UnitedHealth wasn't the secret stock.

This isn't just any old filing; this is Berkshire's filing. Investors pick at it, pore over it, and pull it apart. It's a map of how one of the world's most disciplined investors is navigating a world of economic uncertainty.

The wait is over. Drum roll, please ...

The secret stocks were steelmaker Nucor and homebuilders D.R. Horton and Lennar. These are companies tied to real assets like housing and infrastructure. Less hype, more resilience. At the end of June, Berkshire's stakes were worth a combined $1.8 billion.

These may be among Buffett's final moves as CEO before he steps down at the end of the year. Approaching 95, he seems to be positioning Berkshire for the long term. For the 11th straight quarter, the firm was a net seller. While it built some positions, it pruned others  including its crown jewel, Apple.
In Tehran, director Arun Gopalan adapts the high-stakes geopolitics of 2012 into a tense espionage drama. The films premise is rooted in a real incident: the February 2012 bomb attack near the Israeli Embassy in Delhi, part of a coordinated series of assaults on Israeli diplomats in Georgia, Thailand, and India. Based on a story written by Bindi Karia, with screenplay and dialogues by Karia and Ritesh Shah, the film uses that flashpoint as the launchpad for a fictional covert mission that spans continents and moral boundaries.

At the heart of the narrative is ACP Rajiv Kumar, known as RK (John Abraham), a Delhi police officer described as obsessive by nature and a loose cannon. At the start of the film, RK is focussed on bringing down the Makwana gang, which has threatened his family. But after the bombing of the Israeli diplomats car, RK is assigned to investigate the attack.

The deadly car-bombing sequenceexecuted with emotional, dramatic and cinematic intensitysets off RKs vendetta. As the mission stretches from Delhi to Georgia, the UK, Abu Dhabi, and finally to Tehran, it becomes clear that this is not just a spy gameits about the messy entanglements of global politics, energy deals, and fractured alliances.

The screenplay smartly incorporates geopolitics: where Israel provides valuable technology to India, Iran is a key oil supplier. But an imminent oil deal between Iran and India is at risk if RK is not stopped in time. RK is chasing Iranian operative Afshar Hosseini (Hadi Khanjanpour), who is directly tied to the Delhi bombing. The stakes are more than personal, and RK finds himself trapped in the age-old logic of covert warfare. As he says, You kill theirs, they kill yours. No one is clean here.

John Abraham lives the part, delivering a performance that balances focus and motivation with sensitivity and thought. When RK defies both departmental and government orders to infiltrate Tehran, the film briefly picks up pace and urgency. Dinker Sharmas Vijay, RKs colleague, deserves special mention. The cast also includes Alyy Khan as DCP Neeraj of the Special Cell and Neeru Bajwa as R&AW officer Sheilaja, Manushi Chhillar is cast as S.I. Divya Rana, an underwritten and underutilised agent, Quashik Mukherjee plays agency head Mr. Himadri and Madhurima Tuli as RKs wife.

From a production standpoint, Tehran excels in world-building, aided by Ievgen Gubrebko and Andre Menezes cinematography and Bishwadeep Dipak Chatterjees sound design, lending weight to action set-pieces and political exchanges alike. The casting of Iranian and Israeli characters feels authentic, and the film benefits from being shot in the UK and India.

However, while the film starts briskly and builds steadily, and the second act expands the moral stakes, the third actwhen events should escalateslackens. A late-film car chase and gunfight is oddly scored with an ill-fitting song, draining tension from what should be a pulse-pounding moment. The reduced urgency means the climax doesnt hit as hard as its setup promises.

Tehran is an ambitious political thriller with credible world-building that doesnt simplify geopolitical realities into easy heroes and villains. If one is able to overlook the few flaws, Gopalans film is occasionally gripping, offering an un-bombastic take on patriotism while acknowledging the complicated, transactional nature of international alliances and the ethical complexities of espionage.
Mahatma Gandhi advocated against tea. It was a colonial product, after all, and he was promoting Swadeshi. He also disapproved of teas effects on the body. He thought the tannin in teas had the same effect on the body as that used in the tanneries to harden leather. In his time, even as the nationalists set out to discourage tea drinking, the East India Company was keenly marketing it in India, a country with no prior culture of tea, except in the far eastern parts.

Eighty years later, tea is far from being a colonial habit.

A recent LinkedIn post by tea veteran Abhijeet Hazarika spoke of the first commercial production of tea extracts in Assam. Hazarika has been mentoring the team behind the company Evolving Innovations, started by tea planter Shekib Ahmed, tea taster, buyer and broker Yubaraj Baruah and botanist Kiran Gogoi. For the last four years, they have been working with experts Roshan Borkar (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research) and Arup Das (Tezpur University) to determine the optimum way to extract tea nutrients. Their experiments have led them to using green tea leavesnot processed leavesas the source material while determining the most suitable pathways for extraction.

Tea nutrients include a host of polyphenols like L-theanine, theaflavins and catechins, now made available as an ingredient to fortify food products such as cookies and chewable snacks. The team has seen a good run in their lab tests. What the success of this project does is offer tea farmers another avenue to sell their tea leaves, while providing consumers access to nutrients from tea in other forms. Combining tea extracts with those from other locally grown fruits and spices expands the possibilities even more. Where once tea tannins were thought to be harmful, todays developments offer a science-backed stand to teas uses, placing it within a growing band of good-for-you natural products. Its exciting to think about what this could mean for tea growers, especially in a state like Assam where its such a significant crop.

On teas place in the world today, it seems to have assumed a role as a symbol, of hope or defiance, depending on what the campaign is, and also a great leveller. In Brooklyn, New York, Miles (who goes by one name only) runs The Tea Stand, a community building exercise that he has begun. I read about it in the last edition of the Leafhopper newsletter by tea scribe, Max Falkowtiz. Miles distributes free tea every month at pre-defined spaces like parks, food distribution centres and even his own home. In 2019, while still in university, he travelled around south-west Asia and North Africa and experienced the communal nature of their teahouses.

Returning to the US, he started working in biotech but he was still thinking about the camaraderie a cup of tea carries. So he set up a tea table in a neighbourhood park. It has since grown into his full-time job, and a hyperlocal movement. On his website, Miles writes, Sharing tea with our neighbors is how we create opportunities for stillness and conversation in a world that could use a lot more of both."

That tea today connotes new meanings, a beverage for good, even a gentle resistanceGandhi would have approved.

Also Read | The rise of matcha bars in India

Tea Nanny is a fortnightly series on the world of tea. Aravinda Anantharaman is a tea drinker, writer and editor. She posts @AravindaAnanth1
Multi-designer luxury store Aashni + Co., recognised for its highly curated edit of Indian luxury fashion, welcomed the retail residency of design house Pankaj S. Heritage at its Mumbai store earlier this month. Marking his first ever physical presence in the city, the designer's residency presents a refined range of occasion wear, along with an appointment-only couture experienceoffering clients rare access to the brands celebrated design vocabulary.

Pankajs design ethos draws from Indias storied traditions inflected with a contemporary edge. Not surprisingly, this partnership came from a shared respect for craft and storytelling. Exclusivity is at the heart of what we do and its also how I believe true luxury is bought. Most of the brands we carry are exclusive to us in Mumbai, and bringing Pankaj S. Heritage into that roster felt incredibly aligned," says Aashni Shah, founder & creative director of the eponymous luxury store that first launched in London in 2012. His work is deeply rooted in craft yet completely evolved in its expression. Dedicating a curated, standalone space for him within the store allowed us to honour that depth while offering clients a more immersive experience," she adds.

Also Read | How Indias textiles and fabrics inspire Parisian brand Maje

Designer Pankaj had always felt that Mumbai was the right city for this kind of launch. Theres a generation here that understands the richness of heritage crafts but wants to wear them in new, expressive, modern forms. So when I received a DM on Instagram from Aashni & Co., it felt like a natural alignment. It didnt feel like a business deal; it felt like two parallel visions meeting at the right moment," shares Pankaj.

Prior to the residency, Pankaj had tested the waters twice through trunk shows with Aashni & Co. And both the experiences were encouraging. What stood out to the designer at the time was how personally involved Aashni was in every aspect of the process  from curation to production details. She doesnt just host designers, she collaborates with them and treats each collection with genuine thoughtfulness. That kind of hands-on, invested partnership is rare. The success of those trunk shows and the resonance we saw with the audience gave us the confidence to move toward a more permanent presence," he adds. Thats also how the idea of a shop-in-shop came together  not just as a retail format, but as a natural extension of a shared vision. Lounge sat with Aashni and Pankaj for an extensive chat on this unique retail partnership.

What was the process of curating the collection for the residency?



Aashni: Curating this was like piecing together a mood, one that feels true to Pankajs philosophy, but also speaks to our clients. Along with our merchandisers, I spent time with him and his team looking at pieces that told a complete story  from bridal to occasion wear  with a balance of craft, wearability, and a certain timelessness. Every piece had to earn its place in that space.

Pankaj: The process was incredibly thoughtful and intentional. We wanted the collection to feel naive yet smart  deeply rooted in tradition but styled with a modern, global eye. Its a refined assortment of classics: heritage textiles and techniques reimagined into pieces that are both timeless and versatile. You'll see traditional silhouettes alongside modern separates  kurtas that can be worn as jackets, dupattas that double as statement scarves, and dresses that easily transition across cultures. Every piece is designed to stand alone or mix effortlessly, making it appealing to both the culturally rooted and the contemporary dresser.

What's your take on the evolving landscape of bridal and occasion wear in India?

Aashni: I think its moving towards intentionality. Brides and families are making choices based on what resonates with them personally rather than following trends blindly. Theres a greater appreciation for understated luxury, finer details, and craftsmanship that will hold meaning beyond the wedding day or for that matter even day-to-day dressing.

Pankaj: Bridal wear in India is definitely evolving. Todays bride is far more self-aware  she doesnt want to be styled into someone elses vision; she wants her outfit to be an extension of her own character. Its less about trends and more about personal expression. I see a clear shift towards custom-made pieces that feel intimate, meaningful, and rooted in personal aesthetics. And honestly, I think its a beautiful change. Its her day  and everything she wears should speak to who she is, not just whats expected of her.

Also Read | Wedding fashion trends from India couture week

Do you see consumer preferences for Indian heritage crafts and heirlooms shifting?

Pankaj: Absolutely. Ive witnessed a significant shift over the years, and it became especially clear when we pivoted our brand around eight years ago  committing ourselves entirely to authentic, GI-certified crafts. At the time, it felt like a risk. We were entering the age of fast fashion and instant gratification, and here we were choosing to focus on slow, meticulous processes that often take 12 to 18 months  whether its hand-embroidered Chikankari or intricate Gota work. But our vision was clear: to create timeless, museum-worthy heirloom pieces rather than seasonal fashion. Today, were seeing that choice resonate. Theres a growing appreciation for meaningful, enduring craftsmanship. Consumers are no longer just buying clothes  theyre investing in stories, legacy, and artistry. Its heartening to see people becoming more open to slow fashion, understanding the value of process and provenance. Heritage is finally being seen not as nostalgia, but as a future-forward design statement.

Aashni: Absolutely. I think people are realising that heritage craft isnt just nostalgia, its a form of cultural investment. Younger clients are asking about provenance, techniques, and even the names of artisans. Theyre seeing these pieces not just as clothes, but as future heirlooms.

View Full Image The Pankaj S. Heritage collection at Aashni + Co has been curated to reflect the labels quiet luxury and artisanal depth.

How has the process of building an ecosystem that champions legacy, storytelling, and craftsmanship been across London and Mumbai?

Aashni: Its been organic but very intentional. London taught us how to tell the story of Indian craft to a global audience. Mumbai is about deepening that story in its homeland. In both cities, its about creating trust, clients know that when they come to Aashni + Co, theyre going to encounter something authentic, thoughtful, and beautiful.

Pankaj: Weve been experimenting with different formats and formulae, always trying to strike that balance between honouring legacy crafts and presenting them in a fresh, international context. The goal has never been to over-brand or commercialise the story, but rather to let the craftsmanship speak quietly and powerfully  the way couture or true luxury does. Whether in London or Mumbai, were building a space where heritage meets restraint, where the product feels rich in narrative but refined in design. Its about creating pieces that resonate across cultures  not just because theyre beautiful, but because they carry history, intention, and artistry within them.

What's your vision for crafts such as Chikankaari, Paithani, Zardosi, Kamdani, Zeengari, Danka and several others?

Pankaj: Why must international luxury houses be the gatekeepers of our heritage? Why should Prada take credit for Kolhapuris, Chanel for a Badla jacket, or Dior for centuries-old embroidery? These crafts are the heartbeat of our culture  born from the hands, hearts, and stories of generations long before global spotlights shone on them. For too long, they have been waiting in the wings, yearning not for validation but for recognition rooted in respect and pride from within. It is time for us  the revivalists, the artisans, and every Indian designer  to come together as custodians of this legacy. To celebrate, elevate, and reimagine these crafts in ways that honour their soul and tell their stories boldly to the world.

Our vision is to weave these ancient threads into the fabric of contemporary life  not as relics or novelties, but as vibrant, living art forms that define Indias identity and inspire future generations. This is more than revival; it is a reclamation of pride, culture, and creative sovereignty.

Aashni: For me, the vision is to see them thriving in both traditional and modern contexts. I want to work with designers who can reinterpret these crafts without losing their essence, so they dont just survive as museum references, but live in peoples wardrobes and are worn, loved, and passed down.

For a lot of luxury brands, it has been a challenge to generate an interest in the merchandise season after season. How do you ensure there's a sense of freshness and newness with each collection?

Aashni: For me, freshness isnt about reinventing the wheel every time, its about context and curation. We work with designers who are consistent in their vision but still open to experimenting. And at Aashni + Co, we style and present each season differently, so our clients always have a new way of experiencing the collection.

Pankaj: Its a real challenge to keep collections feeling fresh without becoming repetitive. Were fortunate to have access to an extensive library of textiles, embroidery techniques, and jewellery references that fuels our creativity. Beyond that, I invest a lot of time in deep research and travel, exploring handcrafted traditions not only across India but globally  from African beadwork and glass beads to Japanese sashiko stitching, Peruvian alpaca textiles, Moroccan leatherwork, and the intricate Persian miniature painting tradition. There is an incredible creative energy around the world, and with India now being recognized as a mecca of design and heritage, we are uniquely positioned. Our craft traditions  embroidery, sculpture, textiles  offer endless inspiration. Its about being sensitive and open, acting as a medium to absorb these influences thoughtfully and translate them into contemporary, fresh expressions every season.

How has the process of collaborating with weavers and artisans been?

Pankaj: The journey really unfolded organically. After covid, I felt a strong urge to adopt craft clusters, almost in the way large CSR arms do  not just for preservation, but to find new relevance for these art forms in todays world. I wanted to place regional embroideries on a global platform, but in a way that respected their roots while exploring modern interpretations, silhouettes, and uses. When I began working with Chikankari or any other craft, I intentionally dove into the more complex and delicate stitches, many of which were getting lost because theyre difficult to replicate or appreciate at first glance. It wasnt easy  the intricacy made it challenging for people to understand their value, especially in a fast-fashion mindset. But gradually, as we introduced these crafts in well-designed, globally palatable formats, the audience began to connect  not just aesthetically, but emotionally.

My vision is to continue building this bridge  where these heirloom techniques arent just seen as traditional, but as timeless and versatile, with a place in both couture collections and everyday wardrobes around the world.

Aashni: Even though I work primarily with designers, the artisans voice is always part of the conversation. I think the most successful collaborations happen when theres mutual respect, when we dont just treat them as a production unit, but as artists with their own vision.

Do you see a new push in people taking pride in investing in India Proud labels?

Pankaj: Absolutely, theres a strong and noticeable shift happening. Todays audience is much more art-driven and conscious of cultural heritage. The new generation is actively moving back to its roots, seeking authenticity and meaning in the products they invest in. They want to connect with stories, craftsmanship, and traditions that reflect Indias rich legacy, which is a very encouraging trend for India Proud labels.

Aashni: Yes, and its so encouraging! The India Proud/Make in India mindset is growing, especially among the younger generation who want to wear their heritage with pride. Theyre not buying these pieces out of obligation, but out of genuine love and connection to their culture.

What do you do to stay inspired?

Pankaj: For me, inspiration isnt something you chase  it's something you let flow to you naturally. I truly believe the best way to stay inspired is to look back at our own history. And I dont mean in an academic or textbook sense  it could be as simple as watching a beautifully made film by an inspiring director, wandering through a modern art festival, or even noticing the smell of nargis flowers on a quiet morning. Sometimes it's food, sometimes it's travel  a texture, a colour, or a moment can trigger something creatively profound. I try not to overthink it. Whether Im looking at Tanjore art, a vintage textile, or a modern sculpture, I allow myself to be moved by what speaks to me. That openness  that space to absorb without forcing  is what keeps the ideas flowing.

Aashni: Travel has become my greatest source of inspiration but not in the way it used to be. A few years ago, I was driven by the idea of checking countries off a list. Now its completely shifted. I travel with purpose, with curiosity, and often in search of an experience, culture, design, or history that grounds me and opens me up. That kind of travel has become sacred. Its not just about a break, its where my mind unlocks, where I see more clearly, and where creative visions start to form. Its been transformative for my children too. Watching them experience places with meaning, rather than just sightseeing, has created subtle but beautiful shifts in how they see the world. I protect that time fiercely because every journey, if you let it, changes you a little.

Manish Mishra is an independent fashion journalist and commentator based in Delhi.

Also Read | Celebration of traditional craft does not need a viral moment
Remember the days of calling out, Ma, Im bored"? That simple universal refrain now almost seems alien and challenges the current hustle culture riddled with constant notifications, places to go to and to-do lists. Yet, for a growing chorus of voices  from therapists to educators, musicians, and artists  boredom is an unlikely gateway to emotional clarity, creativity, and deeper well-being.

For Bengaluru-based artist and general physician Dr Bhoomika Ananth, boredom at 2 am resulted in a spur-of-the-moment Instagram story which in turn led to one of her most iconic works. After a day spent sleeping, I was wide awake in the middle of the night and decided to recreate Van Goghs The Starry Night in the city. I posted a story requesting people to join me  there was no venue, no plan  just an idea born out of boredom," recollects the founder of Creatibeeti, an artist collective specialising in mural art.

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What she expected to be a quiet, quirky idea shared with a handful of friends quickly snowballed. Interest poured in, messages began stacking up, and before she knew it, dozens of art-lovers had committed to join. On the D-day, they gathered at the iconic Airlines Hotel, brushes and paints in hand. Over plates of crisp masala dosas and steaming cups of filter coffee, the group of 40 transformed a 35-foot-wide wall in five-and-a-half hours, reimagining the masterpiece in bold, vibrant strokes!

THE SPACE TO THINK

In todays hyper-stimulated world, with constant notifications and the pressure to always be active, we often view idleness or boredom as unproductive," says Deepti Chandy, therapist and COO at Anna Chandy & Associates. But in reality, boredom offers us an invaluable opportunity: the space to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. When we allow ourselves to be bored, to sit without an agenda, we create the mental room necessary for emotional clarity and creative thinking."

Research too supports this. A study cited by the Academy of Management, USA, found that people given a boring, repetitive task  like sorting beans by colour  later came up with more and better creative ideas than those who skipped the monotony. More recently, the UK-based scientific journal Nature reported that brief periods of low-stimulation or mental idleness" can help improve problem-solving and foster cognitive flexibility.

Deepti expresses that our most powerful insights often emerge during moments of pause  like on a quiet holiday or in between tasks." Even children benefit when not constantly entertained, she says, because theyre more likely to invent games and think in new ways. The same holds true for adults too," she adds.

BOREDOM IN CURRICULUM

Education spaces are also embracing this idea. At Openhouse, a learning centre co-founded by Yashovardhan Poddar, boredom is woven into the curriculum. Boredom isnt emptiness, its a blank canvas. When children are given time to just be, their imagination and inner voice come alive," he says.

These findings echo what Poddar sees in his classrooms  that unstructured time, far from being wasted, actually boosts cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and independent thinking. At Openhouse, boredom is embraced, not eliminated, through thoughtfully curated open-ended activities, quiet corners, and time for free play," Poddar explains. These calm moments let children guide their own learning, explore emotions, and build resilience. Instead of being void, boredom becomes a doorway to creativity, clarity and well-being."

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TUNING INTO TEDIUM

For Mumbai-based musician and storyteller Raman Iyer, boredom is rare in todays hyper-connected reality. With our phones being an extension of our limbs, the art of deriving wisdom from boredom seems to be losing its essence! With AirPods on, we always have something to consume while completely cutting ourselves off!"

He defines boredom as a sudden, unexpected availability of time"  often arriving after frustration when plans are cancelled, meetings rescheduled, or a phone signal drops. I feel boredom in today's times is the only window to listen to our own selves," he says.

THE PRACTICE OF STILLNESS

So, what are the signs that one needs to calm down and not be immersed in back-to-back tasks? Chandy lists them out: feeling constantly on edge, the need for continuous stimulation, emotional exhaustion, burnout, chronic irritability, or the sense of always being in a state of flux. These are indicators that your nervous system is overstretched and that youre operating outside your window of tolerance," observes Chandy. Instead of waiting for burnout, she recommends making boredom a regular practice  Stillness isnt a void; its a powerful space of possibility."

Iyer believes that boredom doesnt come easily to the privileged! So, take up a long-distance train journey, trek or hike to a network-free place, or seriously commit to Screen-free Sundays to actually know what it means to get bored. And dont forget to keep a notebook handy to jot down the thoughts and ideas that dance freely in the stage of boredom," he wraps up.

Deepa Natarajan Lobo is an independent journalist based in Bengaluru.

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On the occasion of Indias 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the nation a festive promise well ahead of the festival seasona double Diwali bonanza" in the form of GST 2.0.

Eight years after the launch of the indirect tax regime, the Prime Minister signalled that the next generation goods & services tax (GST) reforms are on the way. These could put more money in peoples pockets, ease the burden on businesses, and inject fresh energy into the economy before the year ends.

The governments new blueprint, now being considered by a group of ministers (GoM), rests on three big goals: simplifying tax rates; fixing structural issues; and making life easier for both businesses and consumers. While these may sound like technical policy terms, they have a very real impact on everyday livesfrom the price you pay for groceries to how quickly a small shopkeeper gets his tax refund.

GST rate rationalisation is the first pillar of major reform actively being pursued by the GoM, signalling a clear intent to make the tax regime simpler, fairer, and more growth-oriented.

Right now, there are multiple slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. The plan is to move towards just two main slabsa standard rate of 18% and a lower merit" rate of 5%with only a handful of exceptions. Under the proposed rate rationalisation, many daily-use essentials such as household groceries, cleaning supplies, stationery, basic kitchenware, and common footwear, which currently attract 12% GST, could be moved to the 5% slab.

This shift would directly reduce prices for the common man, making everyday living more affordable and putting more disposable income in peoples hands. With the end of the GST compensation cess, the government has more fiscal room to realign rates sustainably, without hurting state revenues.

The second pillar of structural reforms includes inverted duty structure correction and resolving classification disputes. The inverted duty structureis a persistent problem where the GST rate on raw materials is higher than the rate on the final product. This results in excess input tax credits stuck in the system, effectively locking up money businesses could otherwise use for salaries, new stock, or expansion.

Garment makers, for example, buy synthetic fabric taxed at 18% but sell readymade garments at 12%. Footwear manufacturers pay 18% GST on inputs like soles and uppers but sell shoes under 1,000 at 12% GST.

Mobile phone makers pay 18% on some components but collect only 12% on the finished phone. The newspaper and printing industry faces a similar headacheprinting ink and certain types of paper are taxed at 12% or 18%, but newspapers themselves are exempt, meaning publishers cant claim back the tax theyve paid on inputs.

For small regional newspapers, already battling declining ad revenue, this is a serious cash flow drain. Fixing these mismatches would free up working capital across industries, making them more competitive and resilient.

Also Read | Profiteering worries cast cloud over GST cuts

Sore spots

Classification disputes in situations where similar products or services are taxed at different rates, are another sore spot, leading to confusion, compliance headaches, and court cases.

The paratha versus roti" saga is one widely publicised example. But disputes go far beyond that: whether printing school textbooks is a supply of goods at 12% or a service at 18%; or whether a mobile charger counts as a component" taxed at 12% or an accessory" taxed at 18%.

These might sound technical, but for businesses, the difference can mean substantial demand in unexpected tax bills. Simplifying and clarifying classifications could dramatically cut litigation and bring much-needed predictability.

The third pillar, ease of living, focuses on making GST less of a burden to comply with, especially for small traders, startups, and exporters. Business registration is set to become fully online, faster, and less paperwork-heavy. GST returns could come pre-filled, based on data the system already has, leaving taxpayers to simply verify and submit. Refunds, often delayed for months, could be processed faster and more automatically, easing cash flow pressures.

For exporters, especially in sectors like textiles, engineering goods, and processed foods, the proposed GST reforms could be a much-needed buffer against rising global trade pressures, including recent tariff hikes by the US. By correcting inverted duty structures and ensuring faster GST refunds, exporters would enjoy lower input costs and improved liquidity, helping them stay competitive in international markets despite external headwinds.

In essence, GST 2.0 could put more money in peoples pockets, ease the way for businesses, and power the economy forwardall while keeping tax rates in check.

Mayank Mohanka is the founder of TaxAaram India and a partner at S.M. Mohanka & Associates. Views are personal
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda on Sunday announced that Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan will be the Vice Presidential candidate of ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The announcement was made soon after the BJP Parliamentary board meeting which was held at party headquarters in New Delhi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The vice president's post fell vacant on July 21 following the surprise resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health reasons for his decision. His term was to end in August 2027.

In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, posted on the Vice-President's official X account, he wrote, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution."

Also Read | BJP parliamentary board meet on 17 Aug to pick vice president candidate: Report

"We want next vice president to be elected unanimously, we have reached out to opposition leaders," said JP Nadda.

The BJP chief added that CP Radhakrishnan considered a statesman, commands respect in all sections of society in Tamil Nadu.

In July 2024, Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years.

Always focused on community service Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate CP Radhakrishnan as the Vice Presidential candidate.

In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect, said PM Modi, adding, During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.

The Prime Minister added that CP Radhakrishnan has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states.

His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President, said Modi.

Vice President election schedule The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.

 The Election Commission notified the schedule for the election of the Vice President of India.

 According to the notification, August 21 is the last date for filing nominations and the documents will be scrutinised on August 22.

Also Read | Nomination process for V-P election kicks off from today

 August 25 is the last date for the withdrawal of nomination.

 The poll, if contested, will be held between 10 AM and 5 PM on September 9 at the First Floor of the Parliament House.

Will INDIA bloc announce candidate? The leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are likely hold a meeting to discuss the candidate for the Vice Presidential election.

Also Read | Khushbu Sundar appointed as Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President
Amid increasing tensions in India-US relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit India for two days beginning Monday, August 18. During his visit, India and China are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border.

Wang's visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two neighbours to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

The trip assumed greater significance in view of increasing tensions in India-US relations following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, which included an additional penalty of 25 per cent for purchasing Russian oil.

What's on the agenda? The Chinese foreign minister will be in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks.

Both sides are expected to deliberate on new confidence-building measures besides reviewing the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), people familiar with the matter said.

Though the two sides disengaged troops from the friction points, they are yet to de-escalate the situation by pulling back the frontline forces from the border.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the eastern Ladakh region.

The Chinese foreign minister will also meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

It is learnt that the two sides will also use the opportunity to lay the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31 and September 1.

Modi's China visit As per the plan, PM Modi will visit Japan around August 29. After concluding the trip, he will travel to the northern Chinese city of Tianjin for the summit, which will be held on August 31 and September 1.

Modi's visit to China is being planned amid efforts by the two sides to repair their bilateral ties which came under severe strain following the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

NSA Doval travelled to China in December last and held the SR talks with Wang, weeks after Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi decided to revive various dialogue mechanisms between the two sides at a meeting in the Russian city of Kazan.

Also Read | Trump to hold off hiking China tariffs over Russia oil purchases

Galwan Valley standoff The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and the clashes at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in bilateral ties.

The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21 last year.

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi met in Kazan on 23 October 2024 to decide to revive various dialogue mechanisms.

The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.

The two sides also initiated a number of initiatives to rebuild the ties that included the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and New Delhi restarting the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals.

Both sides are also discussing modalities to resume direct flight services between the two countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visited China in the last two months to attend SCO meetings. China is the current chair of the SCO.
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the license of A.R. Dairy Food Pvt. Ltd, based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, for manufacturing, transporting, and selling ghee. The suspension, effective from 13 June 2025, follows a detailed investigation into serious violations, according to a person in the know and documents seen by Mint .

Based on the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, A.R. Dairy and its representatives could face a range of severe penalties like heavy monetary fines, imprisonment, and blacklisting.

The company allegedly supplied adulterated ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), with potential foreign fats detected.This action comes after a previous suspension order from 14 February 2025, which was set aside by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which directed FSSAI to conduct a personal hearing.

Multiple tests, such as gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were performed as per the Food Safety Standards Act to check for ghee adulteration. These tests analyze the ghee's fatty acid profile. The presence of plant-based compounds like -sitosterol, which are not found in pure milk fat, confirms adulteration.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust manages the operations and finances of the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, and is one of the most visited religious centres globally.

The FSSAI's decision follows a previous suspension order from 14 February 2025, which was set aside by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The court had directed the FSSAI to give the company a personal hearing before issuing a new decision.

Following this directive, a hearing was held on 3 June 2025, where A.R. Dairy Food representatives failed to provide satisfactory explanations or documentary evidence to FSSAIs Designated Officer addressing these allegations.

The FSSAI cited several serious contraventions. First, the company was found to be selling and distributing ghee to TTD without a proper license for repackaging or relabeling. The company was not licensed for this activity.

Second, the dairy provided false information to both FSSAI and TTD, claiming that the ghee was manufactured at their Dindigul facility. In reality, the ghee was procured from another firm, Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialties in Andhra Pradesh. During the personal hearing, company representatives admitted there was no written agreement with Sri Vyshnavi Dairy, stating the arrangement was made in "good faith". They also could not provide information about the traceability of four lots of ghee that were rejected by TTD and returned to Sri Vyshnavi Dairy.

Also Read | In a first, FSSAI app lets diners flag food safety issues via QR code at outlets

Queries sent to the Union health secretary, health ministry spokesperson, FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, FSSAIs Southern Regional Office in Chennai, Central Bureau of Investigation and A.R. Dairy remained unanswered till press time. TTD and Sri Vyshnavi Dairy could not be contacted.

The FSSAI noted this was a violation, as the company failed to report the rejection of the supplied ghee to the food authority.

The suspension order, seen by Mint, stated that the Designated Officer concluded that the company's submissions did not clear them of the violations. The FSSAI stated that the company appeared to have the intention of deceiving consumers and manipulating the process by providing false information.

The FSSAI highlighted a major discrepancy between A.R. Dairys declared production and the quantity supplied to TTD. According to annual returns, the company produced 14.15 MT of ghee in 2021-22 and 155 MT in 2023-24. Yet, the tender agreement required them to supply 850 MT over six monthsfar exceeding their reported capacity.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is still investigating the matter.

The case serves as a warning to other food businesses that such violations will not be tolerated, protecting consumers from potentially adulterated products and false information," the person familiar with the matter said, requesting anonymity.

The FSSAI ensures food safety through regular, risk-based inspections and random sampling of food products. Both the central and state food safety departments conduct these checks to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
In Gaza, the problem isnt just the daily struggle to find food. It is also finding enough clean water to drink.

Most of the enclaves water facilities have been damaged or destroyed in nearly two years of war. Residents trek long distances and queue for hours to fill up jerrycans with groundwater from wells for washing and with desalinated water distributed by water trucks for drinking. Families ration how much water they drink and sometimes drink the groundwater, even though it is often contaminated by seawater or sewage.

It is common for people to go days without washing themselves. Some have resorted to using seawater. Soap is a rare commodity, with infectious diseases spreading rapidly.

We drink one cup of water a day," said Iman Masri, a mother of four, who is currently sharing a tent with 24 family members on land owned by her family near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.

Her family gets most of its drinking water from a water truck that comes by the camp roughly every other day. Their washing water comes from a nearby well. The dishes often pile up and the bathroom becomes unusable. Taking a shower is a luxury, and the family gets rashes from the lack of hygiene, she says.

Sometimes when the trucks dont come, we drink water from the well," said Masri, who said the water is making them sick. My kids get diarrhea."

Residents of Gaza are currently using far less water than the World Health Organizations emergency standard of 15 liters of water per person a day on average for drinking and washingwith people in some areas using as little as two liters a day. Israel has taken steps to allow more food and better water access as international criticism grows.

More aid trucks are coming in, and Israel recently said it would reconnect Gazas main desalination plant to its electricity grid, four months after it cut it off as a way to pressure Hamas. Israel also turned a water pipeline back on from Israel to northern Gaza earlier this month.

Residents and humanitarian workers say a lot more needs to be done faster to address the crisis.

The enclave relied on three sources of water before the war: groundwater wells, seawater desalination plants and water pipelines from Israel. All have been severely affected by the war, which began after Hamass deadly attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Israel has imposed restrictions on imports of fuel, spare parts and other supplies. Three water pipelines from Israel, which used to supply around 13% of Gazas water before the war, have worked only sporadically since the start of the war because of frequent damage. The wells and desalination plants have either been damaged, lack spare parts and chemicals to treat the water or are located in areas where the Israeli military has told people to leave.

Fuel and electricityfor water-delivery trucks, to run the well pumps and to power the actual plantsis in critically short supply, while some 255 of the 392 water wells are either inoperable or out of reach, according to Unicef, the United Nations childrens agency. Unicef and other aid groups supply the water needs for the equivalent of 1.4 million people a day in Gaza, which has a population of 2.1 million.

The amount of water extracted from wells fell by 70% from levels pumped out during a cease-fire period earlier this year, because there isnt enough fuel to run the pumps.

It is mostly used for cleaning, but people are now resorting to that water for cooking and drinking," said Tess Ingram, a spokeswoman for Unicef who was recently in Gaza. People are washing in the sea."

Depending on the area, drinking water is sometimes available free or for a modest sum. Some well owners share their groundwater at no cost, but not all do. Filling a 600-gallon tank with nondrinking water costs the equivalent of $300, said Raneem Junina, a resident of Gaza City.

To ease the water shortage, the United Arab Emirates is funding the construction of new, 4-mile water pipelines that will link desalination plants on the Egyptian side of the border to the area of Al Mawasi in southern Gaza, a major population center, with the goal of meeting the water needs of around 600,000 people a day, according to the Emirati state-run news agency WAM. The project is being developed in coordination with Egyptian and Gaza authorities, it said.

But that will take time to complete, and Gazas already dire humanitarian situation has worsened significantly since the end of a cease-fire in March. With rising hunger-related deaths and food insecurity, experts say the enclave is sliding into famine.

The crisis was precipitated by Israels decision to ban all food and other aid from entering the Gaza Strip from March to May, as a way to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages and to prevent aid from falling into the hands of the group, Israeli officials said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel has no starvation policy for Gaza.

Supplies stockpiled during the cease-fire gradually ran out. Access to clean water became much harder, with soap too becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of.

Here in Gaza, we suffer from many things, but the most important thing is the water crisis," said Balsam Khalaf, a widow who lives in Gaza City with her daughter. A person can endure a little hunger. But water, we cant survive without it."

Khalaf says she spends hours every day queuing in the summer heat for water that rarely lasts more than half a day. One of her most prized possessions is a bottle of shampoo. She said a single bottle can sell for as much as $100 in the citys market, if it can be found at all.

Write to Margherita Stancati at margherita.stancati@wsj.com
The mere fact that a woman was crying cannot make a case of dowry harassment, said the Delhi High Court while dismissing a petition against the discharge of a husband and his family from charges of cruelty and dowry harassment.

According to the prosecution, the woman, married in December 2010, faced harassment and dowry demands from her husband and in-laws.

Her family claimed that they spent nearly 4 lakh on the wedding, alleging that later demands for a motorcycle, cash, and a gold bracelet were made by the husband and in-laws.

The woman, a mother of two daughters, died on 31 March 2014.

Merely crying of woman cannot Statement of the sister of the deceased under Section 161 Cr.P.C. was recorded wherein she also stated that on the occasion of Holi, she had called her sister and found her crying. However, merely because the deceased was crying, cannot per se make out any case of dowry harassment, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said.

She also observed that the father of the woman neither mentioned specific incidents nor did he provide proof of giving money to the accused.

Such bald assertions, in the given situation, cannot be held to be even making out a prima facie case of harassment, the judge added.

Also Read | Woman regrets filing false dowry case against husband; netizens react

Death due to natural causes The trial court had discharged the accused noting that the death took place due to pneumonia, a natural cause.

The high court also emphasised that the post-mortem report attributed the cause of death to pneumonia, not cruelty.

Also Read | Kerala woman dies in Sharjah; family alleges husband killed her over dowry
By Juby Babu

(Reuters) -Current and former employees of OpenAI are looking to sell nearly $6 billion worth of the ChatGPT maker's shares to investors including SoftBank Group and Thrive Capital, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.

The potential deal would value the company at $500 billion, up from $300 billion currently, underscoring both OpenAI's rapid gains in users and revenue, as well as the intense competition among artificial intelligence firms for talent.

SoftBank, Thrive and Dragoneer Investment Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment. All three investment firms are existing OpenAI investors.

Bloomberg News, which had earlier reported the development, said discussions are in early stages and the size of the sale could change.

The secondary share sale investment adds to SoftBank's role in leading OpenAI's $40 billion primary funding round.

Bolstered by its flagship product ChatGPT, OpenAI doubled its revenue in the first seven months of the year, reaching an annualized run rate of $12 billion, and is on track to reach $20 billion by the end of the year, Reuters reported earlier in August.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI has about 700 million weekly active users for its ChatGPT products, a surge from about 400 million in February.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Shreya Biswas and Sriraj Kalluvila)
Amid the incessant rains in the northern regions of India, the Yamuna river in New Delhi crossed the warning level, reaching the mark of 204.60 metre at 7 pm on Sunday at the Old Railway Bridge, PTI quoted officials as informing on Sunday.

The report added that the warning mark for the city is 204.50 metres, while the danger mark is 205.33 metres, and evacuation of people starts at 206 metres.

As per the details, the Old Railway Bridge serves as a key observation point for tracking the river's flow and potential flood risks.

Reacting to the situation, officials said that they are monitoring it and all the concerned agencies have been asked to take precautionary measures to handle flood like situation as the level will continue to rise as per the forecast.

"In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August, and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 AM on 19th August, 2025," the advisory by the flood control department said.

"The reason for the increase in level is mostly due to the high volumes of water released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages every hour," an official from the central flood room said.

According to the flood control department, the Hathnikund barrage is releasing around 127,030 cusecs of water, highest this season, and Wazirabad is releasing 45,620 cusecs of water, every hour.

Typically, water released from the barrages takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi. But lower discharges from upstream are raising the water level, nearing the warning mark in Delhi.

Officials said that the water level reached the mark of 204.65 metres at 1 pm on Friday and 205.11 metres on Saturday.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday, 17 August, rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his Vote Chori allegation and urged the Leader o fthe Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha to either sign an affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks, which he described as an insult to the Constitution of India.

The Election Commission's remarks came on a day when Rae Bareli Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi launched his 1,300 km-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from poll-bound Bihar's Sasaram to step up the Opposition INDIA bloc's campaign against its Vote Chori (vote theft) claims.

On 7 August, Rahul Gandhi had alleged vote chori (theft) of 1,00,250 votes in an assembly of a Karnataka Lok Sabha constituency, with 11,965 duplicate voters in the segment, 40,009 voters with fake and invalid addresses, 10,452 bulk voters or single-address voters, 4,132 voters with invalid photos,

This was Gyanesh Kumar's first press conference since he joined office in February this year replacing Rajiv Kumar. Here are the top 10 remarks from Gyanesh Kumar during the press conference on Sunday:

1- On Rahul Gandhi's Vote Chori Gynesh Kumar said India is the world's biggest democracy, we have the largest electoral roll, about 90 crore, the biggest team of election officials and the highest number of voters.

And amid all this in the presence of the media, if you say that there are duplicate voters and some people have voted twice and call my voters criminals, it is not possible that the Election Commission will not react. You will have to sign an affidavit or apologise to the nation (desh se maafi maangni padegi.) There is no third option. I want to say if there is no affidavit it seven days, it means the allegations are baseless, he said.

Also Read | Tejashwi Yadav says EC helping BJP leaders with 2 voter cards in Bihar

When more than 7 crore votes of Bihar are standing with the Election Commission of India,then neither can any question mark be raised on the credibility of the Election Commission nor on the credibility of the voters, Gyanesh Kumar said. "When the voter doesn't challenge his candidate selection in the courts and then wrong words like 'vote chori' are used to mislead the people, isn't it ani nsult to the Constitution of India,"

2-On Duplicate EPIC Gyanesh Kumar also explained how duplicate voter ID cards can be possible.

"Duplicate EPICs can happen in two ways. One, that a person who is in West Bengal, who is a different person, has one EPIC number and another person who is in Haryana has the same EPIC number. When this question came up around March 2025, we discussed it and we solved it across the country. About three lakh such people were found, whose EPIC number were the same, so their EPIC numbers were changed. The second type of duplication comes when the name of the same person is in the voter list at more than one place and his EPIC number is different. That is, one person, many EPICs, he said.

3-On CCTV footage Gyanesh Kumar also responded to theCCTV footage demand.

"We saw a few days ago that photos of many voters were presented to the media without their permission. Allegations were made against them, they were used. Should the Election Commission share the CCTV videos of any voter including their mothers, daughters-in-law, daughters? Only those whose names are in the voter list cast their votes to elect their candidate," he said.

4-On Bihar SIR The truth is that step by step all the stakeholders are committed, trying and working hard to make the SIR of Bihar a complete success, Gyanesh Kumar said. When more than seven crore voters of Bihar are standing with the Election Commission, then neither can any question mark be raised on the credibility of the Election Commission nor on the credibility of the voters, he said.

...The SIR exercise has not been done in the last 20 years... The SIR exercise has been carried out more than 10 times in the country. The main purpose of SIR is to purify the voter list... The SIR exercise is being carried out after receiving many complaints from political parties, the CEC said.

Kumar said about 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents(BLA) have prepared a draft SIR list in poll-bound Bihar. "As this draft list was being prepared in every booth, the Booth Level Agents of all political parties verified it with their signatures...Voters have submitted a total of 28,370 claims and objections," he said.

5- On West Bengal SIR The three Election Commissioners will decide when the exercise of SIR will be carried out in West Bengal or other states"

6- On Double Voting Charges "Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations. When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination, is standing and will continue to stand."

7- On machine-readable voter list The machine-readable voter list is prohibited, Gyanesh Kumar said citing a decision of the Election Commission after the judgment of the Supreme Court and is from 2019.

We have to understand the difference between a machine-readable voter list and a searchable voter list. You can search the voter list available on the Election Commission website by entering the EPIC number. You can also download it, Gyanesh Kumar said.

This, he said, is not called machine-readable. Regarding machine-readable, in 2019, the Supreme Court also studied this subject in depth and found that giving a machine-readable electoral roll can violate the privacy of the voter...

"The machine-readable voter list is prohibited. This decision of the Election Commission is after the judgment of the Supreme Court and is from 2019..." the CEC said.

8- On voters from other countries Kumar said that according to the Constitution of India, only Indian citizens can vote for the election of MP and MLA. "People from other countries do not have the right. If such people have filled out the enumeration form, then during the SIR process, they will have to prove their nationality by submitting some documents. Their names will be removed after the investigation," he said.

9 - On Lok Sabha Elections In Lok Sabha elections 2024, Kumar said, more than one crore employees, more than 10 lakh booth level agents, more than 20 lakh polling agents of candidates work for the elections.

"In such a transparent process in front of so many people, can any voter steal votes?..." he asked.

10- On Voters As per the Constitution of India, every citizen of India who has attained the age of 18 years must become a voter and must also vote, the CEC said.
Dog lovers are the vast majority, not a vocal minority," Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra posted on X, appealing the Supreme Court to stay, what she called an inhumane order on stray dogs.

The TMC MP's comments come after the Supreme Court, on Thursday, reserved its order on petitions challenging its August 11 directive to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and confine them permanently in shelters.

What did Mahua Moitra say? Instead of permanently shifting the dogs to shelters, Mahua Moitra appealed to the Supreme Court to return to a system of sterilisation and community care.

SC stray dog order  What has happened so far On August 11, the Supreme Court directed all stray dogs in Delhi and NCR cities (Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad) to be shifted to shelters within eight weeks. The court also warned of legal action against those obstructing the process.

The apex court's order also bars captured dogs from being released back into their original areas, diverging from the existing Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023

The SC asked for facilities with sterilisation, vaccination, and CCTV monitoring to house dogs safely.

SC's order sparked a wave of protests across Delhi NCR, with animal activists criticising the move.

Also Read | Nearly Headless Singhvi? SC hearing on stray dogs gets unlikely comic relief

On August 14, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) also announced plans to construct dog shelters in all 12 of its civic zones and introduce a dedicated helpline for residents to report stray animals.

Animal rights groups, PETA India, and celebrities called the ruling "inhumane" and a "death warrant" for strays. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also opposed the move, asking for humane sterilisation-based control instead.
Simple advice to the CEC: investigate, don't intimidate": Congress's Jairam Ramesh said, hitting back at Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, over the Election Commission's press conference on Rahul Gandhi's vote theft claims.

The Congress MP claimed that it is for the first time that "new" ECI was speaking instead of "planted sources".

Jairam Ramesh's comments come after CEC Gyanesh Kumar rebuked Rahul Gandhi over his vote chori allegation and asked him to either sign an affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks, which he described as an insult to the Constitution of India.

The CEC made the comments while addressing a press conference in New Delhi, on Sunday, countering Rahul Gandhi's recent "vote theft" allegations on ECI and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar.

EC's briefing took place the same day Rahul Gandhi launched his 1,300 km-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Sasaram to step up the Opposition INDIA bloc's campaign against its "vote chori" (vote theft) claims.

What did CEC say? Besides asking Rahul Gandhi to sign an affidavit, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that if the Congress leader is unable to give the affidavit within 7 days, it means his allegations are baseless.

Gyanesh Kumar also addressed the issue about duplicate voter ID cards, and explained how it could happen.

Also Read | EC to publish list of 65 lakh deleted voters after SC's tough words

Referring to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, the CEC said the exercise is being carried out after receiving many complaints from political parties. Vote Chori Row Earlier this month, Rahul Gandhi alleged vote chori (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes in Karnatakas Mahadevpura Assembly segment, by the ruling party.

The Congress leader claimed there were 11,965 duplicate entries, 40,009 voters with fake or invalid addresses, 10,452 bulk or single-address voters, and 4,132 entries with invalid photographs.
Mumbai Rains: IndiGo airlines, Akasa Air have issued advisories for flyers, urging them to keep a tab on their respective flight status as Mumbai continues to experience rains.

Following the heavy showers that pummelled Mumbai on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for the city, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in places on Sunday, August 17.

IMD's Orange Alert for Mumbai will be in place till Tuesday, August 19, as per the weather observatory's latest forecast.

IndiGo issues travel advisory Rainfall is affecting large parts of Mumbai, and some roads towards the airport are experiencing water build-up and traffic delays. If you have a flight, please leave earlier than usual and check your flight status on our app or website. Be careful on wet and slippery roads, IndiGo posted on X.

Akasa Air issues travel advisory Akasa Air had also issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to allow additional travel time to reach the airport.

Due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of Mumbai, and Goa, we anticipate slow moving traffic and congestion on roads leading to the airport. To ensure a seamless travel experience, we request you to plan for additional travel time to reach the airport well in time for your flight, Akasa Air posted on X.

Mumbai Rains Mumbai has been witnessing spells of heavy rains causing the level of water in Mithi River and Tulsi Lake to rise, on Sunday.

What does IMD's weather forecast say Besides Mumbai, the IMD has also issued an Orange Alert for Palghar, Thane, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon  predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places.

Mumbai, India - August 16, 2025: People going through the logging water at Postal Colony, Tilak nagar in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times)

Meanwhile, a Red Alert has been issued for Ratnagiri on Sunday, Raigad on Monday.

Also Read | Heavy rain in Mumbai causes over 350 flight delays, 2 diversions at city airport
In a horrific incident, a 20-year-old electrician from Chhattisgarh allegedly sent a gift to husband of a woman he was infatuated with a twist. The man planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in a music system speaker, PTI quoted the police as saying on Sunday.

The police added that the electrician assembled the IED using online tutorials, and designed it to detonate upon being plugged in. His Google search history showed "how to kill a person using a bomb without being caught by police", officials said.

Identified as Vinay Verma, he was arrested along with six others by the Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district police.

Others have been identified as Parmeshwar Verma (25), Gopal Verma (22), Ghasiram Verma (46), Dilip Dhimar (38), Gopal Khelwar and Khilesh Verma (19).

With the arrest of the accused, the Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district police have also unearthed an explosive smuggling racket which supplied gelatin sticks to the accused.

How the accused were arrested? Few days ago, a suspicious parcel, neatly gift-wrapped and bearing a fake India Post logo, was delivered to a shop in Manpur village under Gandai police station limits.

It was addressed to village resident Afsar Khan, who found it suspicious and alerted the police.

Following this, a bomb disposal team examined the package and found a 2-kg IED concealed inside a brand-new speaker, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district Superintendent of Police (SP) Lakshya Sharma told PTI.

The bomb disposal team stated that the IED was designed to detonate upon being plugged into a power source. When the current reaches a detonator connected to the speaker's wiring, it triggers the explosion.

As the primary explosive, Gelatin sticks were used, while the speaker's outer casing would act as deadly shrapnel upon detonation, the SP added.

Upon investigation, it was found out the Vinay Verma, resident of Kusami village in Khairagarh, allegedly hatched the plot in a bid to murder Khan.

The police said that Vinay was in one-sided love with Khan's wife since her college day, but after she married Khan a few months back, Verma allegedly plotted to eliminate him.

Police also added that the accused siphoned off the explosives used in the device from a stone quarry in Chhattisgarh's Durg district.

To procure gelatin rods from Gopal and Dilip, Durg resident Parmeshwar allegedly paid 6,000. Explosives were delivered by Ghasiram and Khilesh is accused of preparing the fake India Post logo used on the parcel.

Police added that Verma, with the help from Gopal, eventually delivered the explosive-laden gift to Khan's shop. Police also seized 60 gelatin sticks and two detonators from the premises of Gopal and Dilip in Durg.

All the explosives had been illegally diverted from a quarry in Patharia area, whose operator will also be questioned, he said.

"This action not only thwarted a planned murder but also exposed a network of illegal explosive supply in the region," Sharma said. Meanwhile, the probe is underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects worth a combined cost of nearly 11,000 crore around 12:30 pm in Rohini, Delhi on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Two major National Highway projects in Delhi As per the press release, PM Modi will inaugurate a section of Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II project in NCR. These "projects will help in providing Multi-modal connectivity and decongest Delhi," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

Also Read | PM Modi launches 2,200 crore projects in his constituency Varanasi

These projects have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas.

Dwarka Expressway As per PMO's statement, the 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore.

The section will provide Multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, DMRC Blue line and Orange line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka cluster Bus Depot.

"This section comprises: Package I covers a 5.9 km stretch from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21, while Package II spans 4.2 km from the Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana border, offering direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II," the statement from PMO added.

The 19 km-long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024.

Urban Extension Road-II Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs. 5,580 crore.

It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09.

The new spurs will provide direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, enhance industrial connectivity, reduce city traffic, and expedite goods movement in the NCR.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has picked Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the incumbent Governor of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election. BJP chief and Union Minister JP Nadda made the announcement during a press conference.

"At the parliamentary board meeting, we all unanimously decided on the VP candidate, CP Radhakrishnan. We also discussed the VP candidate with all our alliance parties (NDA)earlier. We will discuss our opposition party as well to smooth the VP election..." Nadda said at the press conference.

Also Read | CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's candidate for Vice Presidential post

This development follows the BJP parliamentary board meeting, which was attended by top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah.

Dhankhar resigned on 21 July The candidature comes almost a month after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice President on 21 July, opening the contest for his successor. Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022 and served until 2027.

The Election Commission issued a notification on 7 August for the 9 September election to the vice president's post, kickstarting the nomination process. The last date of filing the nomination for the Vice Presidential election is 21 August. The opposition INDIA bloc has yet to announce its candidates, even as the numbers favour the NDA.

CP Radhakrishnan considered a statesman, commands respect in all sections of society in Tamil Nadu, Nadda said.



Who is CP Radhakrishnan? Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the BJP from the age of 16. He became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. Jana Sangh was founded in 1951 by Syama Prasad Mukherjee, before it became the BJP in 1980.

In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

Radhakrishnan was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice. During his tenure as an MP, he served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Textiles. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the Consultative Committee for Finance. He was a member of the Parliamentary Special Committee investigating the Stock Exchange Scam.

In 2004, Radhakrishnan addressed the UN General Assembly as part of the Parliamentary Delegation. He was also a member of the first Parliamentary delegation to Taiwan.

Between 2004 and 2007, Radhakrishnan served as the State President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. In this role, he undertook a 19,000 km Rath Yatra that lasted for 93 days.

The Yatra was organised to highlight his demands for the linking of all Indian rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, removing untouchability and combating the menace of narcotic drugs.

Maharastra Governor since July 2024

CP Radhakrishnan considered a statesman, commands respect in all sections of society in Tamil Nadu.

Radhakrishnan has been the Governor of Maharashtra since 31 July, 2024. Prior to becoming the Maharashtra Governor, Radhakrishnan served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years.

Born on 20 October 1957, in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.

How is the Vice President Elected? According to Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution and the Vice President (Election) Rules, 1974, a formal election had to be held within 60 days of Dhankhar's resignation on 21 July.

The electorate or the electoral college comprises all members of both Houses of Parliament  elected and nominated  using a proportional representation system via a single transferable vote. The MPs will cast a single transferable vote with a secret ballot.

Overall, the electoral college currently has 788 MPs, 588 in Lok Sabha and 245 in Rajya Sabha. It consists of 233 elected members of the Rajya Sabha, 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, and 543 elected members of the Lok Sabha for the Vice Presidential Election scheduled on 9 September.

The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance(NDA) has a majority in the electorate, which includes the members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Also Read | Nomination process for V-P election kicks off from today

As things stand, the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance(NDA) has a majority in the electorate. There are fair chances that Radhakrishnan will be the next Vice President of India.
The Indian government is proposing a major overhaul on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, which will largely impact the automobile industry.

The GST on automobiles - currently in the highest tax bracket of 28 per cent - will be restructured to resolve classification disputes related to engine capacity and vehicle size, ultimately benefiting the buyers, according to government sources known to PTI.

Current tax structure for vehicles? Currently, most automobiles are taxed at 28 per cent. On top of that, a compensation cess, ranging from 1 to 22 per cent is applied, depending on the type of vehicle.

This leads to a wide range of total tax incidence on cars, from as low as 29 per cent for small petrol cars to as high as 50 per cent for SUVs. This complex system led to frequent classification disputes. In contrast, electric vehicles (EV) are currently taxed at a much lower rate of 5 per cent.

Sources told PTI that as the center proposed moving the GST system to a two-tier rate structure of 5 and 18 per cent and a 40 per cent slab for a select few items, automobiles will also be placed in a slab to put an end to disputes arising due to the classification of cars by engine capacity and length.

What do these changes mean for car buyers? The proposed changes are expected to boost demand and sales, as cars will become more affordable for the average consumer.

By streamlining the tax structure and potentially lowering the overall tax burden on a wide range of vehicles, the new system aims to stimulate consumption and strengthen the economy as a key part of the governments growth strategy.

The exact new GST rate for automobiles is yet to be finalized by the government.

The road ahead for GST reforms The center's proposal, which includes eliminating the 12 and 28 per cent slab, will be discussed by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalization on August 21, 2025. Following this, the GST Council, which includes the finance ministers from both the central and state governments, is expected to meet next month and approve the final GST rate structure.

Currently, GST is a four slab structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, where essential items are either taxed at nil or a 5 per cent rate and luxury and sin goods are at 28 per cent slab. The Centre has proposed to the rate rationalization GoM to have only 2 slabs in GST  5 and 18 per cent and a separate 40 per cent rate only for a select few goods.
Meghan Markle is once again under the spotlight after announcing a new project with Netflix, with critics accusing her of copying the Princess of Wales.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, and Prince Harry, 40, revealed their new first-look deal with the streaming platform last week. The agreement includes a festive special of Meghans lifestyle series With Love, described as a chance to join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration.

However, the announcement quickly sparked criticism from some royal watchers who claim Meghan is trying to take attention away from Kate Middleton, 43, who hosts a well-known royal Christmas event each year.

Kinsey Schofield, a US-based royal expert and podcaster, told the Mirror that this is part of a pattern by the Sussexes. Its become so noticeable it was reported recently that Harry had offered to share his schedule with the family as an olive branch to avoid competing in the future, she said.

The claims come at a time when the couple is said to be facing a reality check, as experts suggest their public image and media projects continue to receive mixed reactions. Some believe the timing of their announcements often appears to clash with key royal events.

The new Netflix deal aims to bring more personal content from the Sussexes, though it has also added to the ongoing divide between the couple and the rest of the Royal Family.
SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S is one of the best mid cap AI stocks to buy right now. SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is one of the best midcap AI stocks to buy right now. On August 6, 2025, SentinelOne announced an expanded partnership with Mimecast to advance human-centric cybersecurity. The integration connects SentinelOnes Singularity Platform with Mimecasts Human Risk Management (HRM) solution, enabling enterprises to correlate endpoint telemetry with behavioral insights and email-based threat intelligence. The goal is to strengthen real-time detection, automate risk scoring, and deliver targeted awareness training based on individual user behavior.

SentinelOne (S) Expands Mimecast Partnership to Advance Human-Centric Cybersecurity

Den Rise/Shutterstock.com

This collaboration marks a shift toward more adaptive, user-aware security frameworks. By analyzing how people interact with their environments, through devices, apps, and communications, the combined solution helps identify at-risk users and prioritize them for intervention. SentinelOnes AI-driven endpoint protection feeds into Mimecasts analytics to uncover patterns of risky behavior, enhancing both detection and prevention efforts.

SentinelOne is a California-based cybersecurity company that provides autonomous endpoint protection, cloud security, and identity threat detection through its Singularity Platform. The company employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver real-time threat prevention, detection, and response at machine speed.

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READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
A love story between a Brazilian woman and an Indian man is melting hearts everywhere. A video shows how the two, defying all challenges and stereotypes, met on social media during Covid and got married within five months of knowing each other. The user named Taina Shah took to her Instagram account to share a couple of pictures documenting their journey.

"We share our multicultural love story, break taboos, and speak up for open minds about colourism. We celebrate a love that crosses cultures, challenges stereotypes, and inspires others to embrace diversity," Shah wrote in the post.

She highlighted her first meeting with her now husband during Covid, when he travelled to Brazil to meet her at a time when there were no vaccines yet.

"We fell in love and got married just five months after we met. When you know, you know," Shah added.

The duo tied the knot in Brazil in the presence of her husband's Gujarati family, whose blessings she said had been with them from the start of their relationship.

"We came from different cultures but our values are the same. Our love and admiration grow stronger every day. Thankful to the universe for guiding our souls together," she wrote.

Such a warm love story The post quickly went viral on social media, racking up thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with netizens pouring in congratulatory messages.

"Love is love, no matter how far it is. Congratulations both of you," said one user, while another added: "Absolutely beautiful, bless you both."

A third commented: "Such a warm love story. I hope the love only grows with each passing year. Here's wishing you both a long life together filled with love, laughter and good health."
United States President Donald Trump on August 17 hailed big progress on Russia, hours ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.

This also comes days after Donald Trump held a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which was aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social on August 17. He however, did not give any details on what could be expected.

Donald Trump claims not being given credit by fake news In multiple posts prior to this, he blasted the fake news cycle for not giving him credit for stopping Biden's stupid war.

He wrote, Its incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me. There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Bidens stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!

Minutes later, Donald Trump renewed claims of having stopped six wars, If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal. Thats why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA

Russia-Ukraine ceasefire: What we know so far In another update, Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that during the Alaska summit last week, the US president and Putin agreed that the US would be able to offer Ukraine security guarantees.

We got to an agreement that the US and other nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to Ukraine, Witkoff told CNN's State of the Union. This refers to NATO provision that says if one ally is attacked, it is considered an attack on all member states.

He however added that Putin has not agreed to change his stance on Ukraine joining the NATO officially. Putin says the red flag is NATO admission, Witkoff added.

Notably, Moscow has demanded that Ukraine give up territory that Russia seized in its three-year war; while Trump, who entered the summit seeking a ceasefire deal from the Russian leader emerged saying he was going to focus on a final peace deal instead.
The U.S. government announced Saturday it is suspending visitor visas for Gazans, following complaints from far-right influencer Laura Loomer, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.

The move came just a day after Loomer posted a series of angry social media messages, criticising the U.S. for allowing wounded Palestinians to enter the country for medical treatment. Loomer is known for spreading racist conspiracy theories, including the false claim that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, as reported by AFP.

"All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the State Department, which is led by Marco Rubio, wrote on X.

In a series of posts on X Friday, Loomer called on the State Department to stop giving visas to Palestinians from Gaza who she said were "pro-HAMAS... affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and funded by Qatar," without providing evidence.

Loomer's target was the US-based charity HEAL Palestine, which said last week it had helped 11 critically wounded Gazan children -- as well as their caregivers and siblings -- arrive safely in the US for medical treatment.

It was "the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the US," the charity said on its website.

Dangerous and inhumane "Truly unacceptable," Loomer wrote in another X post. "Someone needs to be fired at @StateDept when @marcorubio figures out who approved the visas."

"Qatar transported these GAZANS into the US via @qatarairways," she said. Qatar is "literally flooding our country with jihadis," she added.

Loomer said she had spoken to the staff of Republican Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate intelligence committee, adding that they were also looking into how these GAZANS got visas to come into the US.

Republican Congressman Randy Fine explicitly commended Loomer after the visa change was announced, in a sign of her sway over some US policy.

"Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura," Fine wrote on X.

The Palestine Children's Relief Fund, a US-based charity, called on the Trump administration to "reverse this dangerous and inhumane decision."

Over the last 30 years the charity has evacuated thousands of Palestinian children to the US for medical care, it said a statement.

Medical evacuations are a lifeline for the children of Gaza who would otherwise face unimaginable suffering or death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure in Gaza.

Although Laura Loomer holds no official government position, she wields significant influence and has reportedly played a role in the ouster of several senior U.S. security officials whom she viewed as disloyal to Donald Trump.

In July, Loomer publicly criticised a job offer extended to a respected Biden-era official for a top role at West Point. The Pentagon withdrew the offer the next day.

Earlier in April, Trump dismissed National Security Agency chief Timothy Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble, reportedly after Loomer urged the move following a meeting with the president at the White House.

No other content creator or journalist has got as many Biden holdovers fired from the Trump admin! Loomer boasted on X Saturday.
Chicago has been witnessing Strong thunderstorms on Saturday evening (E.T) prompting a severe thunderstorm warning across the western and southern suburbs, the National Weather Service noted.

Aurora, Bolingbrook, Joliet, and Chicago Heights could experience wind gusts of up to 70 mph along with small hail, it added.

In a post on the social media platform X, National Weather Service, Chicago informed, Strong to severe thunderstorms continue across the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago, and into NW Indiana. Additional storms will move into far northern Illinois this evening.

Also Read | Pakistan flash flood turns deadlier as over 300 killed in 48 hours| In Photos

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Cook County and nearby northern counties, lasting until 7 pm.

The severe weather also prompted a special marine warning for vessels on Lake Michigan.

The thunderstorms are forecasted to last in the area by Saturday night. On the final day of the Chicago Air and Water Show, Sunday, theres a 20% chance of rain, and the high temperature will be 82, local media reported.

According to a previous weather forecast, temperatures are expected to rise during the weekend. Saturday is reportedly expected to be the warmest day, with the heat index possibly nearing 100 degrees, though some heat will remain afterwards on Sunday.

Flash floods in some regions The thunderstorm warning comes days after parts of Chicago witnessed flash floods. On August 13, heavy rainfall across several North Side neighbourhoods led to street and sidewalk flooding, according to a report by the Chicago Sun Times citing weather officials. Flights at OHare and Midway airports experienced delays, while ComEd reported scattered power outages.

Several underpasses along DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Uptown were flooded, including those near the Montrose and Foster Avenue exits.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla arrived in India early Sunday following his landmark journey to the International Space Station (ISS).

Shukla was the pilot of NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US on June 25. He returned to Earth on July 15.

After reaching Delhi on Sunday, the Indian astronaut was welcomed by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.

Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla set to return to India on August 17, likely to meet PM Modi

"Indias space glory touches Indian soil... as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, lands in Delhi in the early hours of this morning," Jitendra Singh said in a post on X.

The Union Minister said, Accompanying him, another equally accomplished Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for Indias first human mission Gaganyaan, who was Indias designated backup for the mission to the International Space Station #ISS.

Also Read | Shubhanshu shares BIG health update days after returning from space | Video

'I have a mix of emotions' Earlier on Saturday, Shukla had posted a smiling photograph of himself sitting in an aeroplane on Instagram, saying he was filled with mixed emotions as he left the US and looked forward to returning to India to share his experiences with everyone back home.

Ahead of landing in India, Shukla posted on X, As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart.

Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla Return Highlights: Dragon undocks from ISS

I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is - everything all at once, he posted on X.

Shukla dded, Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you.

"Goodbyes are hard but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander @astro_peggy fondly says "the only constant in spaceflight is change". I believe that applies to life as well. I guess at the end of the day -"Yun hi chala chal rahi - jeevan gaadi hai samay-project-services-share-price-nse-bse-s0006329" data-vars-anchor-text="samay" data-vars-link-type="Auto" data-vars-page-type="story">samay pahiya."

Shubhanshu Shukla to meet PM Modi? Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and travel to his hometown, Lucknow, shortly. He is also expected to return to the capital to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 2223.

Shukla and his backup astronaut Prashanth Nair participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Houston on Friday.

Addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India was developing its own space station and noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had returned from a space mission.

"Our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station. In the coming days, he is returning to India," PM Modi had said.

Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission that lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the International Space Station on June 26. He returned to Earth on 15 July.

Along with three other astronauts  Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary)  Shukla conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during the 18-day mission.
The Canadian government has stepped in to resolve the contract dispute between Air Canada and its cabin crew by ordering binding arbitration.

This move, strongly supported by the airline but firmly resisted by the flight attendants union, came after months of failed negotiations.

Thousands of Air Canada flight attendants walked off the job for the first time since 1985, leading to the cancellation of nearly all of Air Canada's 700 daily flights, disrupting travel for over 100,000 people who were either forced to look for alternatives or stay put, Reuters reported.

Why is the union on strike? The major point of contention in the contract talks has been the unions demand for pay during time spent on the ground, such as assisting passengers during boarding and waiting between flights. Currently, attendants receive most of their compensation only while the aircraft is in motion.

Also Read | Government forces Air Canada and flight attendants back to work and into arbitration

In addition to this, there was a disagreement over broader wage issues. Air India had offered a 38 per cent increase in total compensation for flight attendants over four years, with a 25 per cent raise in the first year.

The union, however deemed this offer insufficient and was seeking wage parity with Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat, a source told Reuters.

Government's justification Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said at a news conference that the government's decision to order a binding arbitration was not taken lightly, but the potential negative impact on Canadians and the economy is simply too great."

The union, which preferred a negotiated solution, accused the government of rewarding Air Canada's refusal to negotiate fairly. A visibly emotional Henly Larden, a flight attendant and a vice-president of the union, called the governments move incredibly disgusting and urged the airline to return to the bargaining table in good faith.

Also Read | Air Canada cancels all flights as flight attendants go on strike

The strike is expected to end once the Canada Industrial Relations Board formally issues the binding arbitration notice which according to Hajdu may take 24 to 48 hours, while Air Canada has said restarting operations after a strike would take a week to complete.

Impact on the economy The Canadian government's swift intervention is linked to ongoing economic challenges. Minister Hajdu noted that the country had already experienced "unprecedented attacks on trade," referring to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on US-bound shipments.

Both the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and businesses voiced support for the government's decision, citing the economic damage caused by the strike and trade disputes.

The Canada Labor Code gives the government the right to ask the industrial relations board to impose binding arbitration in the interests of protecting the economy.
At the Alaska summit, U.S. President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a special letter written by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, urging Putin to pursue peace for the sake of children.

On Saturday, the First Ladys office shared a Fox News article on X featuring the brief letter, coming a day after the high-profile meeting between Trump and Putin ended without a breakthrough.

According to Fox News, Putin read the peace letter immediately after Trump handed it over, in the presence of both delegations.

What does the letter say? In today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them, read the letter, which was signed by the first lady and did not mention Ukraine by name, as reported by AFP.

"Mr Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," it added. In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone -- you serve humanity itself.

"Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today," the letter read. It is time.

In July, the US president had said that his wife, who was born in Slovenia, had helped change his thinking about Putin.

I go home, I tell the first lady, you know, I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation, Trump said.

And she said, Oh really? Another city was just hit.

Trump attempted a rapprochement with Putin shortly after starting his second term, having campaigned on a pledge to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours.

In the early months of his new term, Trump primarily blamed Ukraine for the failure to reach a deal but gradually grew frustrated with Putins ongoing attacks on Ukraine.

Before the Alaska summit, Trump warned of severe consequences if Russia did not agree to a ceasefire.

However, after meeting with Putin, Trump abandoned his call for a ceasefire, stating that the best way to end the war is to move directly toward a peace agreement.

Putin has consistently advocated for negotiating a final peace deala tactic that Ukraine and its European allies criticise as a way for Russia to buy time and consolidate its gains on the battlefield.
(Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Erins winds dropped on Sunday as it wobbled westward, bringing heavy rain across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before turning north and probably restrengthening in the coming days.

The storm, the first hurricane of the 2025 season, is expected to pass between North Carolinas Outer Banks and Bermuda later this week.

About 170 miles (275 kilometers) north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Erins top winds are blowing at 125 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, the US National Hurricane Center said in an update at 8 a.m. EDT.

Erins winds increased rapidly on Saturday to reach 160 mph, making it a scale-topping Category 5 storm and one of the earliest examples of such a powerful system to emerge in the Atlantic. In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl became earliest storm to reach top intensity during the six-month Atlantic season.

In addition to its wind speeds, which are forecast to increase again, reaching 145 mph in the next day, Erin will swell in size.

The expanding wind field will result in rough ocean conditions over much of the western Atlantic, Senior Hurricane Specialist John Cangialosi wrote in the centers forecast. Given its track adjustments and increasing size, the government of the Bahamas has issued a tropical storm warning for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and a tropical storm watch for southeast Bahamas.

While Erin barely grazed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it still knocked out power to many residents. About 10% of Puerto Rico was without electricity overnight, Luma Energy reported, and crews on the US Virgin Islands were working to restore energy on Sunday.

If Erin holds to its forecast track, it will avoid a direct strike on any of the islands in the area or the US East Coast. Its expected to trace a shallow, c-shape arc through the western Atlantic, passing between North Carolina and Bermuda overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

In addition to Erin, another tropical wave that bears watching is moving off Africa into the Atlantic, said Dan Pydynowski, a meteorologist with commercial-forecaster AccuWeather Inc.

The patch of thunderstorms and showers is currently near Cabo Verde off Africas coast and moving west across the Atlantic, with a 20% chance of becoming a storm in the next week.

That part of the ocean, between the Caribbean and Africa, is known as the main development region to forecasters and its where some of historys most deadly and damaging storms have formed. Its also a part of the ocean that becomes particularly active between mid-August and late September.

Its that time of year, the later part of August, Pydynowski said. We will have to watch that. We are quickly approaching the peak of hurricane season.

--With assistance from Alex Newman.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Pakistans Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has stated that he harbors no political ambitions and sees himself solely as a servant of the state, according to a report by a Pakistani media outlet.

Suhail Warraich, a columnist for the Jang media group, wrote in an article published on Saturday that General Munir conveyed this message to him directly during a recent meeting in Brussels, Belgium, while en route from his visit to the United States, ANI reported.

The columnist said that Munir was reported as saying on stage at a Brussels gathering that: God has made me protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that.

"I am a soldier and my greatest desire is martyrdom," Munir said, as quoted by the Pakistan-based newspaper.

This remark by Pakistan's Army Chief came during a time when there were persistent instances that showed that the Pakistani political system had faced military intervention, with Munir categorically rejecting such speculation. "The talk started with politics and especially on the rumours that work is being done to change the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. General Asim Munir clearly said in the Brussels meeting and in the two-hour-long meeting with me that the rumours about the change are completely false," the Saturday column by Warraich read.

Munir also stated that such claims of a leadership change in Pakistan weren't made by either civil or military agencies but rather by elements that sought to destabilise the political order in the country.

Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper cited the Jang media column to say Pakistani army chief had "warned" India against destabilising Pakistan's peace through the use of "proxies", and also cautioned Afghanistan against "pushing the Taliban into Pakistan", or it would be met with a response.

We will not sacrifice one friend for the other Munir was quoted as expressing confidence in maintaining equilibrium between the US and China. "We will not sacrifice one friend for the other," Munir said as quoted by the Daily Jung columnist.

The columnist stated that the Pakistani Army Chief has also laid out an "ambitious" roadmap aimed at transforming Pakistan, pointing towards an untapped potential in the mineral sector.

"Pakistan has a rare earth treasure; with this treasure, Pakistan's debt will also be reduced, and Pakistan will soon be counted among the most prosperous societies," Munir stated in the interview with the Daily Jang. Munir specifically pointed to the Reko Diq mining project, predicting that from next year, the country would earn a net profit of at least two billion dollars annually from the project, with this figure increasing year by year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he will travel to Washington on Monday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss efforts to end Russia's invasion. The visit comes as Ukraine and its European allies advocate for a trilateral summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Here are the top ten updates: 1. U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Ukraine should seek a deal to end the war with Russia, arguing that "Russia is a very big power, and they're not." His remarks followed a summit where Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly demanded additional Ukrainian territory.

2. Trump said he now agrees with Russian President Vladimir Putin that efforts should focus on negotiating a peace deal without a prior ceasefire, a shift from his earlier stance before the summit, when he insisted he would not be satisfied unless a ceasefire was in place first, Reuters reported.

3. "It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump posted on Truth Social.

4. Zelensky said Russia's refusal to accept a ceasefire was complicating efforts to end Moscow's more than three-year-long conflict, AFP reported.

5. "We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation," he said in a social media post late Saturday.

6. If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater -- peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

7. Several senior European diplomats voiced concern over the summits outcome, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to emerge as the main beneficiary. They noted that Putin secured a symbolic victory by receiving an invitation to visit the United States and seemed to have influenced Trump to shift focus away from an immediate ceasefire toward a broader peace settlement, a move that alarmed Ukraine and its European allies, Bloomberg reported.

8. European allies from the so-called coalition-of-the-willing countries that pledged support to Kyiv will hold a video call on Sunday, France said on Saturday. Some European leaders may also join Zelenskiy in person for his meeting with Trump on Monday, said one of the people.

9. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russias Security Council, commented on Telegram that Fridays meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska demonstrated that negotiations remain possible despite ongoing fighting.

10. Meanwhile, Ukraines Air Force reported on Telegram Saturday morning that Russia launched 85 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukrainian territory overnight, highlighting Moscows continued aggression despite diplomatic efforts. On the day of negotiations, the Russians are killing as well. And that speaks volumes, Zelensky said on X.
Key Points

Sponsored Snaps are showing strong engagement and conversion gains.

Subscription revenue from Snapchat+ is growing quickly from a small base.

Heavy stock-based compensation and dilution keep valuation concerns high.

10 stocks we like better than Snap 

Snap (NYSE: SNAP), the parent company of social media platform Snapchat, took a hard hit following its secondquarter earnings release earlier this month. Shares tumbled, driven by worries about slowing growth, execution missteps, and a worsening net loss. But dig deeper, and the underlying narrative is more nuanced; there were a lot of positives in the report, too.

Revenue and users continue to grow at a robust rate, free cash flow has turned positive year over year, and new ad formats, such as sponsored Snaps, are demonstrating real engagement traction. Given the mix of good and bad in its underlying business and the stock's recent sell-off, it makes sense to check whether the shares have been pushed into oversold territory.

Let's look at what changed in the business and what it might mean for investors today.

Image source: Getty Images.

Momentum in key areas

Snap reported second-quarter revenue of $1.345 billion, marking a 9% gain from a year earlier. Further, the lifeblood of the company -- user activity -- performed exceptionally well.

Daily active users (DAUs) rose 9% to 469 million, while monthly active users (MAUs) climbed 7% to 932 million. Operating cash flow reached $88 million, and free cash flow came in positive at $24 million, a notable reversal from the previous year, when the company burned cash. Still, Snap posted a net loss of $263 million (wider than a net loss of $249 million in the year-ago quarter), and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) slid lower on a year-over-year basis to $41 million, underscoring that profitability remains out of reach.



An ad platform glitch -- where auction settings pushed some campaigns to clear at unusually low prices -- weighed on performance early in the quarter. Snap reversed the change mid-period, and management said that advertiser activity is recovering.



One of my favorite data points to support the bull case: On the diversification front, "other revenue" -- primarily from subscriptions like Snapchat+ -- grew 64% year over year, and Snapchat+ subscribers rose roughly 42%, nearing 16 million.

One of the quarter's most promising developments was sponsored Snaps -- video ads delivered directly into users' inboxes. Snap co-founder Evan Spiegel said in the company's second-quarter earnings call that after a user opens a sponsored Snap from their chat feed, they "exhibit significantly higher engagement per full-screen ad view, driving a 2x increase in conversion, a 5x increase in click-to-convert ratios and a 2x increase in website dwell times compared to other inventories. That signals a powerful new lever for monetizing deeply engaged users.



Given the company's fast-growing subscription business, advertising revenue growth trends after the glitch was addressed, and momentum in sponsored Snaps, management guided for continued top-line growth in Q3.
Ive known Abhishek Singh, a senior bureaucrat, for some time now. Hes been in the Indian tech ecosystem for a while, leading multiple government-backed digitisation initiatives. Now, as chief of the billion-dollar India AI Mission, he faces one of his biggest challenges in a public-service career spanning three decades.

The reasons for this are varied. For one, the fact that AI presents a huge opportunity to a long-serving government official shows just how far the technology has come, and how it now affects everyone. More importantly, though, India could potentially gain or lose a lot depending on what we do with AI.

Let me take you back a few decades. If youve read the venerable Chip War by Chris Miller (whom I had the pleasure to meet this January), you know that during Americas push for leadership in electronic machines at the start of the worlds tryst with semiconductors, India missed the bus. This allowed Japan and Taiwan to become global technology leaders despite being societies steeped in tradition.

Then came the mobile revolution, and apart from emerging as a big global market, India almost missed the bus there, too. But then the Digital India and Make in India initiatives emerged, digital skills took centre stage, and India is now at a point where tech manufacturing is at least on the ascendancy.

To cut a long story short, after having missed out on tectonic global shifts, India a chance to show with AI that it is not just the worlds tech back-office and can lead from the front, too.

Singh has a plan for this: building a voice-based foundational model that, along with Indias government-supported base of thousands of Nvidia GPUs, would become Indias next big export to the world after UPI.

Heres why he thinks this will work.

Speaking of techs back offices

Jas Bardia, our resident correspondent for Indias nearly $300-billion IT services industry, reported last week that theres a war brewing at Indias mid-sized tech services firms, which truly believe they can take on the behemoths and win.

Indias IT services industry had began booming in the early 1990s, turning Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro and the likes into the mammoths they are today. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, almost every household around where I grew up had at least one person working at these IT giants.

The world, however, as changed considerably since then. Over the past two years companies such as Coforge and Persistent Services have emerged as serious competitors, pitching themselves as specialised firms with a deeper understanding of technology.

Where does this leave TCS and its ilk? Will they lose out? Maybe not so soon, but market dynamics are undeniably changing.

Also changing is the top job at Vodafone-Idea

The beleaguered telecom operator began its India journey as Command Telecom, a telco operated under Kolkatas Usha Martin. In 2000, Hutchison Max acquired Command, leading to the creation of network provider Hutch in 2005. In 2007, Vodafone entered the market and created Vodafone Essar Limited, the entitys longest-standing identity so far.

Despite its more than three decades of history, the Vodafone-Idea entity of today is in perilous financial health. Last week the telco appointed erstwhile chief operating officer Abhijit Kishore as CEO for three years as outgoing chief Akshay Moondras term ended.

Now, being a CEO is a dream for anyone in corporate India, but Vi faces a veritable nightmare. After all, it needs to catch up with Airtel and Jio on quality of service while paying off its eye-watering dues and needing $30 billion of capital immediately.

Suddenly, Kishores job doesnt seem like a dream. One things clear, though  whichever way this goes, Vodafone-Ideas story will make for a fascinating case study in India's telecom sector for years to come.

Mints telecom correspondent Jatin Grover brings you all the juicy details.

Finally, satellites on the frontline

Last week, Jatin and I wrote about Indias potential revamp of sensitive defence networks in an exclusive report.

The full story: over the past two years, the government has been exploring ways for modern satellite internet providers such as Elon Musks Starlink and Bharti Airtels OneWeb to offer their services to India's defence forces.

The reason is clear: it's now imperative to have secure and blazing-fast internet connectivity even in remote bounary regions. India needs drones, consistent satellite feeds, and a host of other technologies to stay ahead of its enemies. Older satellite connectionswhich serve only as a backuparen't up to the task.

In other news: the battle for Chrome, and an iPhone Air

Last week, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas put in a bid for Google Chrome, saying his company was willing to spend $34.5 billion to buy the world's leading browser.

However, he doesnt have that kind of money.

You see, Perplexity is only worth about $18 billion. Chrome, on the other hand, is valued more than $50 billion. Then, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added fuel to the fire, asking, Is Google really selling Chrome? If they are, wed be interested. Why not?"

Welcome to Silicon Valleys newest battleground, one that well be tracking. Weve already reported about Google and OpenAIs silent fight, and how it forced Sergey Brin, a Valley legend, back to the engineering table.

Finally, its that time of the year when we expect to see new Google Pixels and Apple iPhones. This year, rumours are that Apple will launch an iPhone Air as part of its range this year. If youve followed Apple, youd know the Air branding refers to ultra-thin and light devices. The first MacBook Air, in fact, remains one of the most legendary consumer devices to date. Will the iPhone Air live up to this? Heres what weve gathered so far.

Transformer by Mint is a weekly newsletter that brings Indias most important and interesting technology updates under one umbrella. As the world transforms with every day of innovation, Transformer will keep a tab on the impact that technologies will make in each of our lives. Published every week, the newsletter brings some of Indias tech landscapes most insightful coverages until date.
Economic relations between India and the US have been thrown into disarray after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 50% import tariff on nearly all Indian imports, with the exception of some electronic items and certain pharmaceutical products. The move places India among the five most heavily targeted countries under Trumps tariff regime, alongside Brazil (50%), Syria (41%), Laos (40%) and Myanmar (40%).

The announcement caught Indian policymakers off guard, particularly given Prime Minister Narendra Modis apparent support for Trumps re-election campaign. The White Houses harsh statement, framing the move as punishment for Indias purchases of Russian oil, has only added to the confusion. As the Wall Street Journal recently noted, this reasoning does not hold up, since Chinathe largest buyer of Russian oilhas not been penalized for its purchases.

Also Read: Trumps tariff drama is playing out as a tragicomedy in five acts

So, what explains Trumps decision? Paradoxically, Indias policy of siding with Trump may have made India easier to take for granted, to the point that even a minor departure from Trumps preferences is treated as unacceptable.

This dynamic is reminiscent of Anton Chekhovs short story, The Ninny, in which an employer withholds the equivalent of nearly a months salary from his childrens governess for arbitrary reasons. The governess accepts each cut without protesta passivity that the employer chastises as spineless. Economist Ariel Rubinstein later drew on Chekhovs story to develop a model illustrating how submission can invite exploitation.

Indias apparent subservience to Trump had marked a departure from its longstanding role as a strong independent country. As a co-founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, it once championed strategic autonomy, balancing relations with multiple countries while avoiding subordination to any major power, be it the US or Soviet Union.

It is time for India to draw on that legacy and cultivate economic and diplomatic ties with countries like Mexico, Canada and China. This also means strengthening trade and cooperation with other governments that are concerned about the impact of Trumps tariffs, particularly in Europe and Latin America.

Also Read: Rajrishi Singhal: Look East to grasp why Trump is ghosting India

It would be a mistake for New Delhi to retaliate by matching Trumps tariffs, as some prominent Indian commentators have urged. While retaliation would hurt the US, the damage to India would be far greater. The US is Indias largest trading partner, whereas India is only the tenth-largest partner for the USwell behind Mexico, Canada, China and Germany. The US economy is also far larger and therefore better able to absorb major shocks.

More importantly, courage does not necessarily mean responding in kind. By imposing heavy tariffs on its longtime trade partners, the US is making a grave error, isolating itself and inflicting enormous damage on its own economy.

To be sure, tariffs can play an important role in economic policy. A well-known example is the infant-industry argument, which holds that when a promising sector is still in its early stages, temporary tariff protections can give businesses the confidence to invest, allowing the sector to grow, achieve economies of scale and become competitive. But once the industry matures, tariffs should be reduced, so that the discipline of open competition can help it perform even better.

Also Read: Nitin Pai: The Indian economy can be shielded from Trumps tariffs

India is a case in point. In 1977, a political dispute led the government to expel IBM, compelling the country to develop its own mini- and micro-computers. Protected by trade barriers, Indias domestic computer sector expanded quickly. But it was the economic reforms of 1991-93, which opened up Indias markets to international competition, that enabled its infotech sector to flourish and Indian corporations like Infosys, Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services to emerge as global leaders, helping drive a period of unprecedented economic growth.

Interestingly, the infant-industry concept predates modern academic economics and can be traced back to Alexander Hamilton, Americas first treasury secretary, who successfully advocated for US tariffs to protect and nurture its nascent industries. Although US trade policies shifted after 1860, relatively high tariffs remained in place until 1934, after which they fell sharply, fuelling a sustained economic boom.

By contrast, Trumps decision to raise tariff rates to their highest levels in more than 90 years is less an infant-industry policy than a nonagenarian one, shielding an American manufacturing sector that long ago outgrew any need for protection. Moreover, competing with manufacturers in emerging economies like India, Vietnam and Indonesia would require driving down the wages of American workersa strategy that is neither realistic nor desirable.

The same applies to India: tariffs should not be used to settle political scores. In the long run, the collateral damage will far outweigh any short-term gains.

As for Trumps tariff policy, we can only hope that he will recognize the mistake and reverse course before it causes any more damage to the US economy. 2025/Project Syndicate

The author is a professor of economics at Cornell University and a former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.
The Trump administrations recent reversal of export restrictions on certain Nvidia and AMDs AI chips to China marks a major shift in U.S. policy and has raised legal concerns. But the deeper risks are political and economicand warrant scrutiny.

His administration decided in July to re-allow Nvidia and AMD to sell their H20 and MI308 chips to Chinaconditional on a 15% revenue remittance to the U.S. government. Export controls on AI chips were initially implemented by the Biden administration in 2022 to curb Chinas access to advanced processors critical for artificial intelligence and supercomputing, citing national security concerns.

But Nvidias H20 chip was specifically designed for the Chinese market. Even though it is reportedly incapable of training large AI models, the H20 chip is effective for inference tasksallowing AI systems to respond to queries based on pre-trained data. Chinese engineers have leveraged the H20 chips for applications using open-source models such as DeepSeek and Alibabas Qwen, which are increasingly popular in Chinas AI ecosystem. Trump continued these controlsuntil recently.

Critics, such as Rep. Don Bacon (R., Neb.) and Liza Tobin, who served as China director at the National Security Council under the first Trump and Biden administrations, have argued that the sale of these chips, even under revenue-sharing constraints, undermines the strategic intent of the original export controls. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D., Ill.) likened it to gambling with national security.

The Trump administrations reversal appears motivated by revenue generation. Bernstein Research estimates that Nvidia could sell approximately 1.5 million H20 chips in China in 2025, generating $23 billion in revenue; a 15% cut would yield more than $3 billion for the U.S. government. It aligns with Trumps broader strategy of using tariffs and trade deals to bolster government income.

However, this revenue-centric approach raises concerns about the erosion of principled policymaking. The arrangement resembles a pay-to-play" scheme, where export licenses are granted in exchange for financial contributions.

Legal scholars argue that this violates the Export Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits taxes or duties on exports. Moreover, the Export Controls Reform Act of 2018signed by Trump himselfexplicitly forbids charging exporters for licenses.

The deal with Nvidia and AMD may also reflect a broader diplomatic calculus. China dominates the global supply chain for rare earth materials, which are essential for military technologies like guided missiles, fighter jets, and radar systems. These materials are also used in manufacturing key components for smartphones and electric vehiclesincluding batteries, touch screens, and camera lenses.

The U.S. is investing in domestic mining and processing of rare earth minerals, such as at the Mountain Pass mine in California, which is the only rare-earth mining and processing facility in the U.S. But it remains heavily reliant on Chinese exports. By easing chip restrictions, the Trump administration may be signaling goodwill in hopes of securing a stable supply of rare earths.

This strategic compromise, however, risks emboldening China. If Beijing perceives U.S. export controls as negotiable or monetizable, it may be less inclined to make concessions in other areas of trade or security. The precedent set by this deal could weaken the credibility of future U.S. restrictions, making it harder to enforce technology bans or secure allied cooperation.

And then there are the corporate interests. The role of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in shaping this policy shift cannot be overlooked. Huang reportedly argued that restricting Nvidias access to the Chinese market would inadvertently benefit domestic Chinese competitors like Huawei. He emphasized that Chinas AI development is deeply intertwined with Nvidias chips and software ecosystem, suggesting that continued engagement would allow the U.S. to retain some influence over Chinas technological trajectory. Nvidia also maintains a research center in Shanghai.

While Huangs argument has merit, it reveals the tension between corporate interests and national security. Nvidias dependence on the Chinese market and talent pool may compromise its ability to align with U.S. strategic interests.

Investors may view all of this as a slippery slope, in which political considerations begin overriding free-market principles, potentially undermining confidence in U.S. financial markets.

Ultimately, the reversal of export restrictions on Nvidia and AMDs AI chips to China reflects a transactional approach to national securityone that prioritizes revenue over resilience.

About the author: Christopher Tang is a distinguished professor at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Guest commentaries like this one are written by authors outside the Barrons newsroom. They reflect the perspective and opinions of the authors. Submit feedback and commentary pitches to ideas@barrons.com.
TEL AVIVThe families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza led nationwide protests and a strike calling for their loved ones to be freed and for an end to the war in Gaza, a sign of growing domestic pressure to wrap up the fighting even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he plans to expand it.

Protesters blocked big highways across the country on Sunday morningthe start of the working week in Israelas part of demonstrations that will take place in more than 300 different locations and are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of Israelis, according to organizers. Major Israeli universities and some businesses and tech companies said they would strike for the day in support of the families.

The day of protests comes as Netanyahu announced earlier this month that Israel would take over Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are believed to be sheltering and where some Israeli hostages are thought to be held. That decision has drawn broad international condemnation as well as domestic opposition, with polls showing that close to 80% of Israelis, including right-wingers, support ending the war in exchange for the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

The pressure has so far failed to move Netanyahu. His critics say that he is prolonging the almost two-year-long war for his own political survival, an allegation he denies.

The Prime Minister can bring one deal to return all the hostages and end the war, and he also has the backing of the people for that," said Noam Peri, the daughter of deceased hostage Chaim Peri, during a press conference on Sunday morning. But he chooses to expand it, in a decision that is a death sentence for the hostages who are dying in the tunnels."

Netanyahus government depends on the support of far-right lawmakers who oppose ending the war and call for re-establishing Jewish settlements in Gaza. Lawmakers from Netanyahus coalition sharply criticized Sundays demonstrations.

The riots in support of Hamas have begun," said Likud party lawmaker Hanoch Milwidsky in a post on X.

The war in Gaza has killed over 61,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, which dont say how many were combatants, and has left swaths of the strip in ruins. The enclave faces a dire humanitarian crisis, including widespread hunger.

In a sign of preparation for an invasion of Gaza City, the Israeli military unit charged with humanitarian coordination, called COGAT, said Saturday that it would begin to transfer tents and shelter equipment into Gaza. It said the equipment was required to evacuate the population south, a step Israel said it would take before the military operation began.

Write to Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com
European nations are focusing on pinning down what security guarantees they can provide for Ukraine to ensure that any agreement reached with Russia holds, as Donald Trump pushes for a quick peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Officials from the so-called coalition-of-the-willing countries plan a video call on Sunday to work toward a plan. Theyre skeptical that a peace agreement can be rapidly reached, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin even wants one.

Trump told European leaders on a call Saturday, following his talks with Putin in Alaska, that he was prepared to contribute to security guarantees with Europe so long as it didnt involve NATO, Bloomberg reported earlier. The US president suggested Putin would be OK with such an arrangement, people familiar with the matter said.

The deliberations come as Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House on Monday, their first Oval Office encounter since a public spat in February. Some European leaders may take part in the meeting but the format of their participation and who would go, if anyone, is yet to be determined.

Trump indicated he could be looking to organize a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders as early as within a week, the people said.

Zelenskiy has said repeatedly that hes willing to meet Putin. The Kremlin has yet to provide a similar commitment, and many European officials doubt he wants to end Russias invasion of Ukraine, which is halfway through its fourth year.

The topic of a trilateral summit wasnt raised during the meetings in Alaska, Russias state TV channel Vesti reported on Saturday, citing Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

The specifics of a US contribution to any security guarantees for Ukraine are unclear. The discussions have touched upon the possibility of granting Kyiv assurances from some allies  similar to those of NATOs Article 5 collective defense clause  which commits members to defend each other if attacked, said the people.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations, and cautioned that a NATO-like mechanism would be difficult. An alternative would be bolstering, through US commitments, earlier plans coordinated by the UK and France, which included reassurance forces, monitoring and air-cover, the people said.

Ahead of his meeting with Putin, the US president told allies that a ceasefire would be his key demand. He also threatened to walk out of the talks and impose tough new punitive measures on Moscow and countries buying its oil if it wasnt met. Yet Trump signaled on Friday that he wasnt in a rush to implement fresh penalties on Russias trading partners.

Following his calls with Zelenskiy and European leaders early Saturday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that it was determined by all that the best way to end the war was to achieve a peace agreement and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement. Most statements issued by European leaders on Saturday made no mention of a ceasefire.

Trump told Zelenskiy and European leaders that Putin wants Ukraine to cede control of the entire Donbas region in Ukraines east, renewing earlier demands, Bloomberg previously reported.

Zelenskiy has repeatedly ruled out giving up all of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, which comprise Donbas. Moscows forces only partially control the region and have failed to take it militarily after more than a decade of fighting.

Russia would also halt advancing its claims over the parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions it doesnt now control, effectively freezing the battle lines there. The Kremlin could also potentially withdraw troops from other regions such as Sumy and Kharkiv in Ukraines northeast, areas near the Russian border where Kremlin forces control only small pockets of land.

According to an assessment by the UK defense ministry, it would take Russia more than four years to fully occupy the four Ukrainian regions it laid claim to in 2022. That would come at a cost of nearly 2 million additional Russian casualties based on current battlefield advances, the ministry said on X.

While maintaining that any territorial decisions are for Zelenskiy to make, Trump has repeatedly signaled that a peace agreement would include land swaps, and has urged the Ukrainian president to make a deal. Many European officials are skeptical that a detailed agreement can be reached quickly.

Russias rejection of repeated calls for a ceasefire complicates the situation, Zelenskiy said in a social media post late on Saturday. If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbors for decades.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Naveen Patnaik, BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Sunday due to dehydration. His health condition is reportedly stable.

According to the bulletin issued by the private hospital, Patnaik is responding well to treatment.

Shri Naveen Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, at 5.15 pm today due to dehydration. His condition is stable and he is responding well to treatment, the hospital said.

Party leaders said the 78-year-old former chief minister complained of uneasiness on Saturday night, and some doctors visited his residence, Naveen Niwas.

BJD leaders had earlier said that he was admitted due to age-related ailments.

Naveen Patnaik's Spinal surgery Naveen Patnaik had recently undergone a spinal surgery for cervical arthritis at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He had returned to Odisha on July 12.

Patnaik returned to Odisha after 21 days; he had left for Mumbai on June 20 and underwent the procedure on June 22. He was discharged from the Mumbai hospital on July 7.

The surgery was conducted by Dr S Rajasekaran, an orthopaedic surgeon and chairman of Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals in Coimbatore.

The five-time former CM of Odisha in a post on X said: "I would like to thank the entire medical team of @KDAHMumbai and @GangaWebteam for providing excellent medical service and taking great care of me pre-surgery and post-surgery. Heartfelt thanks to everyone from #Odisha and outside for their wishes and prayers for my health. Jai Jagannatha."

Patnaik's picture and video posted in the X post showed him walking along the hospital corridor with doctors.

The party men and women, who had gathered at the airport since morning, accorded him a ceremonial welcome. As Patnaik stepped out of the airport, the Jai Jagannath slogan filled the air.

Holding placards and BJD flags, thousands of people stood on both sides of the road leading from the airport to Naveen Niwas, Patnaik's residence, to welcome and greet their leader. He waved to the people at the airport.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Twitter (now known as X), Parag Agrawal, in a social media post announced that he has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) venture named 'Deep Research API' in efforts to take over ChatGPT in the world AI development race.

In the post, Agrawal said that the first goal of the venture is to 'outperform' both humans and all leading models including GPT-5 from Open AI. He also called the target two of the hardest benchmarks to beat in the industry.

"We launched our Deep Research API - it's the first to outperform both humans and all leading models including GPT-5 on two of the hardest benchmarks," said Agrawal in his post on LinkedIn.

Parag Agrawal's AI footsteps The former Twitter boss also highlighted that his company is already powering millions of research tasks on a daily basis for ambitious startups and public enterprise companies.

Parag Agrawal is the founder of the AI startup, Parallel Web Systems Inc., which is based in Palo Alto, California, United States. He said that the company offers automation facilities which companies use to carry out traditionally-human workflows with 'exceeding human-level accuracy.

"We already power millions of research tasks every day, across ambitious startups and public enterprises," said Agrawal in his post.

Who is Parag Agrawal? Parag Agrawal is well-known in the industry for serving as the CEO of the social media giant, Twitter. Elon Musk fired Agrawal after taking over the company in 2022.

Agrawal started out his career as a Researcher at Microsoft in 2006, and after a few months, he shifted to the same position at Yahoo. In 2009, he again returned to Microsoft Corp.; however, after a brief run with the company, he joined the US-based telecom giant, AT&T.

Also Read | US judge allows ex-Twitter execs to sue Elon Musk for severance

In October 2011, Agrawal finally joined Twitter as a Distinguished Software Engineer and after serving for over six years, he became the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the global giant.

After spending over four years as the company's CTO, Parag Agrawal was promoted to the CEO role in November 2021.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Parag Agrawal was from the Atomic Energy Central School in India, and later finished his graduation from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay with a Bachelor's in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering.
Key Points

Price hikes have helped Altria Group defy volume declines in cigarettes.

Its share repurchase strategy is key to dividend growth.

Investors need to keep an eye on vaping and nicotine pouches to see if they help the company grow over the long-term.

10 stocks we like better than Altria Group 

Tobacco stocks were once ignored. Now, they are making a remarkable comeback. Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has posted a 30% total return for shareholders so far in 2025 and is actually beating the market over the last five years.

Investors are recognizing the stable cash flows and high dividend yield of this tobacco and nicotine giant, which recently yielded close to 10% but now still has a tidy 6.25% annual payout to shareholders, significantly better than the market average.

While some investors worry about falling volumes for cigarettes in the United States, Altria Group has defied these headwinds and posted consistent dividend growth for shareholders. Does that make the stock a buy today?

Defying industry headwinds

Cigarette consumption in the United States has been falling for decades and recently worsened in the age of nicotine pouches and electronic vaping devices. This has been a major headwind for tobacco companies, with volumes for Altria's flagship Marlboro brand slipping 10% year over year last quarter.

Despite this, Altria's smokeable products segment grew its operating earnings 4.4% year over year to $2.9 billion. How? Price increases, along with volume growth for the cigars segment.

The company consistently raises the price of its cigarettes sold to retailers, which counteracts volume declines and increases profit margins. These operating earnings are the key driver of consistent free cash flow generation. Even though smoking is on the outs in the U.S., there is plenty of room for the company to raise prices in the face of these volume declines to maintain cash flows.

Using a vaping device. Image source: Getty Images.

Buybacks and dividend optimization

When buying a low-growth stock such as Altria, investors care about dividend income and dividend growth. Today, investors who buy it get a yield of 6.25%, meaning every $10,000 in the stock generates $625 in annual income. Not bad.

Altria is optimizing its capital returns for increasing its dividend per share over the long haul. It is using cash flow not going to dividends to repurchase stock, which has brought its shares outstanding down by 14% in the last five years.

Recently, the pace of share repurchases has accelerated, which should further help to increase the dividend per share. With fewer shares outstanding, Altria will be able to maintain a nominal dividend payout while increasing the per-share paid out to remaining shareholders.
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A 2009 memory of a priest witnessing St Mels Cathedral burning down was the start of Steven Donohoes journey. Happily married and a father-of-three, he is going to Maynooth in September to study to become a Permanent Deacon. The course is three years and covers everything from pastoral, sacraments and testaments.



I was never too far away from the faith, he said. I thought I was away from the church but Id bless myself when passing a church, abroad or in IrelandId walk into any church. The architecture is unique and beautiful.

Read more: Longford teacher meets Pope Leo XIV during a private audience in the Vatican



With help from close friends, as well as an inspiring religion teacher during his schooldays, Steven said that the overall community has been very supportive of his path. Initially, he said that some had questions, and few knew what the role was.



Thankfully, my whole family has been very supportive. As have friends. The members of the parish have found out and it just seems that people are delighted that someone is going forward.



The course will be over twelve weekends of the year plus every Wednesday, and Steven has a job in a boarding school.



Its like a normal degree. You would be doing assessments. Itd be a lot of writing and reports to do. You could feel its not for you and pull out. Up to the moment youre ordained by the bishop, youve still time. Ive still got it burning inside me to do more and more.

Read more: RIP: Longford mourns death of technical genius who left an indelible mark on community



Itll be an intense three years but will be worth it. You have to do your own work on it.



People are wondering how I could juggle of it; work, family life. But the grace of God the main thing of anything is organisation. It is just to be organised, he concluded.
Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys has finally confirmed that she is giving the Irish Presidential Election "very serious consideration" amid the withdrawal of her party's candidate.

Former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael member Mairead McGuinness was forced to pull out of her bid for President of Ireland this past week. The decision was made due to medical advice after a stay in hospital.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent on August 16, Heather Humphreys said she has been in contact with Ms McGuinness and wished her a full recovery.

Following the announcement that Fine Gael's candidate for president had withdrawn, fingers were pointed at Humphreys and MEP Sean Kelly, with many wondering if either of the two will secure a nomination.

READ MORE: 'Dangers are multiplied': Court date for driver of heavy goods vehicle with serious issues

In the days after the news broke, Ms Humphreys said she was "very humbled" by the support she has received inside and outside of Fine Gael. This is in regards to a potential bid for the Aras.

The former Minister for Social Protection told the Sunday Independent: To tell you the truth, Im giving a run very serious consideration. Im using my time to speak to the people I trust and the people who know me best, both inside and outside politics, before I make a final decision.

This comes just one day after MEP Sean Kelly declared on Newstalk's Anton Savage Show that he too was "reconsidering" running for President of Ireland amid Mairead McGuinness' departure from the election.

It has been reported that Humphreys spent the weekend strategising on what her campaign would look like and it is understood that she is the preferred candidate of Tanaiste Simon Harris, according to the Independent.
Rather than downplaying the uniqueness of the arrangement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been leaning into it. In a Bloomberg television interview, he said: I think you know, right now, this is unique. But now that we have the model and the beta test, why not expand it? I think we could see it in other industries over time.

Columbia Law School professor Eric Talley agreed with Jensen, telling Fortune that while the federal government has previously applied subsidies to exports, hes not aware of other historical cases imposing taxes on selected exporters. Talley also cited the export clause as the usual grounds for finding such arrangements unconstitutional.

Indeed, its hard to find much precedent for it anywhere in the history of the U.S. governments dealings with the corporate sector. Erik Jensen, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University who has studied the history of the export clause, told Fortune he was not aware of anything like this in history. In the 1990s, he added, the Supreme Court struck down two attempted taxes on export clause grounds ( cases known as IBM and U.S. Shoe ). Jensen said tax practitioners were surprised that the court took up the cases: if only because most pay no attention to constitutional limitations, and the Court hadnt heard any export clause cases in about 70 years. The takeaway was clear, Jensen said: The export clause matters.

The chips do appear to be quite significant to China, considering that the Cyberspace Administration of China held discussions with Nvidia over security concerns that the H20 chips may be tracked and turned off remotely, according to a disclosure on its website. The deal, which lifted an export ban on Nvidias H20 AI chips and AMDs MI308, and followed heated negotiations, was widely described as unusual and also still theoretical at this point, with the legal details still being ironed out by the Department of Commerce. Legal experts have questioned whether the eventual deal would constitute an unconstitutional export tax , as the U.S. Constitution prohibits duties on exports. This has come to be known as the export clause of the constitution.

We negotiated a little deal, President Donald Trump told reporters on August 11, about the developing situation with leading chip makers Nvidia and AMD continuing to do business in China. He explained that he originally wanted a 20% cut of Nvidias sales in exchange for the company obtaining export licenses to sell H20 chip to China, but he was persuaded to settle at 15%. The H20 chip is obsolete, Trump added  hes selling a essentially old chip.

Story Continues

Bessent and the White House insist there are no national security concerns, since only less-advanced chips are being sold to China. Instead, officials have touted the deal as a creative solution to balance trade, technology, and national policy.

How rare is this?

The arrangement has drawn sharp reaction from business leaders, legal experts, and trade analysts. Julia Powles, director of UCLAs Institute for Technology, Law & Policy, told the Los Angeles Times: It ties the fate of this chip manufacturer in a very particular way to this administration, which is quite rare. Experts warned that if replicated, this template could pressure other firmsnot just tech giantsinto similar arrangements with the government. Already, several unprecedented arrangements have been struck between the Trump administration and the corporate sector, ranging from the golden share in U.S. Steel negotiated as part of its takeover by Japans Nippon Steel to the federal government reportedly discussing buying a stake in chipmaker Intel.

Nvidia and AMD have declined to comment on specifics. When contacted by Fortune for comment, Nvidia reiterated its statement that it follows rules the U.S. government sets for its participation in worldwide markets. While we havent shipped H20 to China for months, we hope export control rules will let America compete in China and worldwide. America cannot repeat 5G and lose telecommunication leadership. Americas AI tech stack can be the worlds standard if we race.

The White House declined to comment about the potential deal. AMD did not respond to a request for comment.

While Washington has often intervened in businessespecially in times of crisisthe mechanism and magnitude of the Nvidia/AMD deal are virtually unprecedented in recent history. The federal government appears to have never previously claimed a percentage of corporate revenue from export sales as a precondition for market access. Instead, previous actions took the form of temporary nationalization, regulatory control, subsidies, or bailoutsoften during war or economic emergency. Examples of this include the seizure of coal mines (1946) and steel mills (1952) during labor strikes, as well as the 2008 financial crisis bailouts, where the government took equity stakes in large corporations including two of Detroits Big three and most of Wall Streets key banks. During World War I, the War Industries Board regulated prices, production, and business conduct for the war effort.

Congress has previously created export incentives and tax-deferral strategies (such as the Domestic International Sales Corporation and Foreign Sales Corporation Acts), but these measures incentivized sales rather than directly diverting a fixed share of export revenue to the government. Legal scholars stress that such arrangements were subjected to global trade rules and later modified after international complaints.

Global lack of precedent

The U.S. prohibition on export taxes dates back to the birth of the nation. Case Westerns Jensen has written that some delegates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, such as New Yorks Alexander Hamilton, were in favor of the government being able to tax revenue sources such as imports and exports, but the staple states in the southern U.S. were fiercely opposed, given their agricultural bent, especially the importance of cotton at that point.

Still, many other countries currently have export taxes on the books, though they are generally imposed across all exporters, rather than as one-off arrangements that remove barriers to a specific market. And many of the nations with export taxes are developing countries who tax agricultural or resource commodities. In several cases (Uganda, Malaya, Sudan, Nigeria, Haiti, Thailand), export taxes made up 10% to 40% of total government tax revenue in the 1960s and 1970s, according to an IMF staff paper.

Globally, most countries tax profits generated within their borders (source-based corporate taxes), but rarely as a direct percentage of export sales as a market access precondition. The standard model is taxation of locally earned profits, regardless of export destination; licensing fees and tariffs may be applied, but not usually as a fixed percent of export revenue as a pre-negotiated entry fee.

Although the Nvidia/AMD deal doesnt take the usual form of a tax, Case Westerns Jensen added. I dont see what else it could be characterized as. Its clearly not a user fee, which he said is the usual triable issue of law in export clause cases. For instance, if goods or services are being provided by the government in exchange for the charge, such as docking fees at a governmentally operated port, then that charge isnt a tax or duty and the Export Clause is irrelevant. I just dont see how the charges that will be levied in the chip cases could possibly be characterized in that way.

Players have been known to game the different legal treatments of subsidies and taxes, Columbias Talley added. He cited the example of a government imposing a uniform, across-the-board tax on all producers, but then providing a subsidy to sellers who sell to domestic markets. The net effect would be the same as a tax on exports, but indirectly. He was unaware of this happening in the U.S. but cited several international examples including Argentina, India, and even the EU.

One famous example of a canny international tax strategy was Apples domicile in Ireland, along with so many other multinationals keeping their international profits offshore in affiliates in order to avoid paying U.S. tax, which at the time applied to all worldwide income upon repatriation. Talley said much of this went away after the 2018 tax reforms, which moved the U.S. away from a worldwide corporate tax, with some exceptions.

The protection racket comparison

If Trumps chip export tax is an anomaly in the annals of U.S. international trade, the deal structure has some parallels in another corner of the business world: organized crime, where protection rackets have a long history. Businesses bound by such deals must pay a cut of their revenues to a criminal organization (or parallel government), effectively as the cost for being allowed to operate or to avoid harm.

The China chip export tax and the protection rackets extract revenue as a condition for market access, use the threat of exclusion or punishment for non-payment, and both may be justified as protection or guaranteed access, but are not freely negotiated by the business.

It certainly has the smell of a governmental shakedown in certain respects, Columbias Talley told Fortune, considering that the underlying threat was an outright export ban, which makes a 15% surcharge seem palatable by comparison.

Talley noted some nuances, such as the generally established broad statutory and constitutional support for national-security-based export bans on various goods and services sold to enumerated countries, which have been imposed with legal authority on China, North Korea, Iraq, Russia, Cuba, and others. From an economic perspective, a ban on an exported good is tantamount to a tax of infinity percent on the good, Talley said, meaning it effectively shuts down the export market for that good. Viewed in that light, a 15% levy is less (and not more) extreme than a ban.

Still, theres the matter, similar to Trumps tariff regime, of making a legal challenge to an ostensibly blatantly illegal policy actually hold up in court. A serious question with the chips tax, Case Westerns Jensen told Fortune, is who, if anyone, would have standing to challenge the tax? In other words, it may be unconstitutional, but whos actually going to compel the federal government to obey the constitution?

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Dear Eric: Ive been taking yoga classes for at least eight years from a woman who teaches a small group in her yard. Im friendly with most of the students in the class, but the instructor apparently doesnt like the cut of my jib.

Example: She singled me out in class one time, saying I looked like someones mom in the 70s doing yoga. For the record, she is in her 50s, and Im 10 years older. Another example was that she said I looked like a Lilly Pulitzer model. I was wearing bright lipstick (never again) and an ordinary top. I innocently asked who Lilly Pulitzer was; turns out she thinks I have a retro appearance, but not in a kind way.

A couple of weeks ago, I let her and the people Im friendly with know that I would no longer be attending the class, which is on Saturdays.

Should I return to the class on occasion so I can visit my friends? I have no intention of spilling the tea about this teacher. They may have witnessed it, but it doesnt matter; I wont bring it up (even though Id sort of like to).

 Downward Drama

Dear Downward: Regardless of the instructors intent, this kind of needling is poor form. (Pun only slightly intended.) As a business owner (or community convener, if this is a free class), its in her best interest to provide a welcoming environment to her customers. And as a yoga instructor, she should be focused on cultivating a space that helps students to practice in peace. If shes singling you out in class, I would hope its to kindly and constructively give you an adjustment, not mock your appearance.

So, you were right to leave. But its not fair that you have to find a new class and new social connections simply because of this persons inappropriate focus on you. One would think after eight years shed have gotten it out of her system. If you want to return on occasion, you should.

But to reduce any potential anxiety, perhaps reach out to her first to set a new personal boundary. She may see these comments as just a part of her style. After all, youre in her yard, so maybe she feels more comfortable shooting from the hip. Its OK to tell her that comments about your appearance or anything thats not yoga related doesnt sit right with you. Ask her to make the adjustment.

The caveat to all of this is that she may not be receptive to your feedback and since this class is in the yard, theres no way to escalate the request. In that case, consider inviting your friends to drop in on a class with you someplace else. There are other yoga classes and other yards, and I hope youll find them welcoming and restoring.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A conceptual diagram of the Museum of Science's proposed bicycle and pedestrian connection across the Charles River. Museum of Science

Cyclists and pedestrians could one day have a safe and easy way to cross the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, without worrying about cars.

The Museum of Science, located on the historic Charles River dam between the two cities, is working with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation on a proposal for a car-free connection across the river, StreetsBlogMASS reported Friday. Though the project is still in the preliminary design phase, it would provide a connection between existing bike and pedestrian paths on either side of the waterway.

In a feasibility study the museum completed in December 2023, designers from the planning firm VHB wrote that the project would create a safe, equitable and accessible path between Boston and Cambridge.

The proposed connection at the Museum is not only an opportunity to reconnect the Charles River Basin recreational network, but also an opportunity to recreate a major public landscape connection between the two cities after well over half a century, they wrote.

A conceptual artist's rendering of the Museum of Science's proposed bicycle and pedestrian connection across the Charles River. Museum of Science

The conceptual design proposed in the feasibility study includes the addition of three islands, or stepping stones, linked by boardwalks. Two new bridges would connect the entire network to a park alongside the Lechmere Canal on the Cambridge side of the river and the Charles River Esplanade on the Boston side.

The bridge on the Boston side would be a movable bridge that could be opened to allow taller boats through.

In addition to the transportation connection, the three islands would provide opportunities for educational programming and outdoor events for the museum. They would include native plants, attracting wildlife and ... educating and informing visitors about the natural riverine landscape of New England, according to the feasibility study.

Museum President Tim Ritchie told StreetsBlogMASS that the design was likely to change and evolve as the project progresses due to financial and engineering limitations.

The feasibility study estimated that the project could take up to a decade to complete and cost $302 million.

MassDOT told StreetsBlogMASS that it would first initiate engagement with stakeholders and seek out funding sources before establishing a project timeline.

The Museum of Science and MassDOT did not immediately respond to questions from MassLive about the bridge project.
Massachusetts State Police are warning drivers about a group of over 100 dirt bikers, bicyclists and e-scooter riders who were getting on and off highways around Boston on Saturday.

Troopers first received reports about the group shortly after 2 p.m. after they entered the ONeil Tunnel on I-93 south via the Zakim Bridge, State Police said in an email. The group soon exited towards Government Center, but rode back onto the highway a short time later.

Troopers then encountered the group in Bostons Seaport District when one of the dirt bikes collided with a cruiser near the intersection of D and Summer Streets, State Police said. The rider ran away, and troopers soon discovered that the bike had been stolen.

A different 22-year-old dirt biker was arrested at the crash scene, State Police said. He is expected to face charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing is now monitoring the group, which remains active in and around Boston, State Police said. Anyone who encounters the group is advised to avoid engaging with them in any way.

No further information has been released.
BOSTON  Right fielder Wilyer Abreu left the Red Sox 5-3 loss to the Marlins on Sunday in the seventh inning due to right calf tightness.

He expects to avoid the injured list.

A little bit tight. I felt like a cramp, Abreu said through translator Carlos Villoria Benitez. So right now Im day-to-day. See how I wake up tomorrow. ... Probably take two or three days and be ready for New York.

The Red Sox have games against the Orioles on Monday and Tuesday at Fenway Park. They dont play Wednesday before beginning a four-game series against the Yankees in New York on Thursday.

I dont think its an IL. I dont think thats necessary, Abreu said.

Abreu first felt the tightness during the seventh inning. He singled to lead off the inning and scored two batters later on Abraham Toros RBI sac fly to left field.

Abreu then did not return for the bottom of the seventh inning to play right field.

When I was at third and tagging to score, the first step I felt a little cramp, Abreu said.

Abreu put the Red Sox ahead 2-1 with a 377-foot two-run homer to right field in the fourth inning. Marlins right fielder Dane Myers nearly robbed Abreu, leaping and extending his glove. The ball momentarily settled in the upper webbing before falling into the Marlins bullpen.

Abreu is unsure whether it would have been a home run or if Myers knocked it over the wall with his glove.

Tough to say whether that ball was going to go out or not, Abreu said. But obviously it was a good help.

Boston had a 3-2 leading entering the top of the ninth inning. Greg Weissert received the save opportunity with Aroldis Chapman unavailable after pitching back-to-back days.

Weissert allowed a solo home run to Dane Myers on the second pitch he threw.

Weissert then gave up a single to Eric Wagaman before Steven Matz replaced him and surrendered a go-ahead two-run homer to Jakob Marsee, making it 5-3 Miami.
Fans line the Worcester Wall ahead of the fireworks after the WooSox game on July 18. Katie Morrison-O'Day

The Worcester Red Soxs offense scored the first nine runs of Saturdays game in Iowa en route to an eventual 9-5 win at Principal Park.

Starting pitcher Payton Tolle allowed three hits and struck out five through five scoreless innings of action to help the Red Sox improve to 61-57. David Hamilton, meanwhile, finished 2-for-5 and scored three runs from the leadoff position.

On the opposing side, meanwhile, starting pitcher Connor Noland relinquished eight hits, six earned runs, three walks, and struck out two in 3.1 innings as the Cubs moved to 57-61.

Complete game statistics can be found here.

It didnt take Worcesters offense long to locate its stroke, as Kristian Campbell approached the plate with multiple runners in scoring position during the top of the first inning. Campbell seized the moment as he drove in Hamilton from third behind an infield grounder to move the Red Sox ahead.

But the fun wasnt complete, as Noland failed to execute a clean pickoff attempt to third base in the top of the third inning. In return, that miscue allowed Nick Sogard to score.

Before the opposition could blink, though, Mikey Romero and Trayce Thompson followed with a run-scoring groundout and single to quadruple Worcesters cushion to 4-0.

The Red Soxs top three hitters in Jhostynxon Garcia (4-for-4), Sogard (3-for-4), and Hamilton (2-for-5) combined to record nine of their teams 12 hits, while Thompson (two) and Nate Eaton (one) earned the final three.

Garcia continued his tear in the fourth and sixth innings, as he recorded back-to-back run-scoring singles that plated Hamilton both times before Sogard scored on a wild pitch to move Worcester ahead 9-0.

Iowa wasnt shut out, though, as Worcester relief pitcher Alex Hoppe (three earned runs) threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded that allowed Kevin Alcantara to score during the bottom of the seventh inning.

But the home team wasnt finished, as Hayden Cantrelle (sacrifice fly), James Triantos (run-scoring error), and Moises Ballesteros (two-run home run) helped the Cubs make it a four-run deficit before the frame concluded.

Iowas comeback wasnt enough, though, as reliever Hobie Harris countered with three strikeouts during the final 2.1 innings to help the Red Sox emerge victorious.

Worcester and Iowa will complete its six-game series against each other on Sunday at 2:08 p.m. EST.
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While companies including Robinhood HOOD, Kraken and Bybit have launched stock tokens this year targeting investors outside the U.S., these are not actual stocks. Instead, theyre wrapped versions, analysts said. In practice, that means the exchange buys the real shares from a broker-dealer when an investor purchases a stock token, and sells those shares when they dispose of the token.

Others are more cautious. Trish ODonnell, a partner at law firm Reed Smith, said she thinks tokenization could be the future, but called it a generational switch. It could take decades for market participants who are used to the traditional financial system to move fully to one built on blockchain, she noted.

That vision has some crypto bulls convinced the shift could happen sooner than many expect. I would say definitely within the next five years probably sooner, closer to two  I think large financial players will end up tokenizing [stocks and bonds], said Thomas Cowan, head of tokenization at crypto financial-services firm Galaxy.

Still, optimism is growing  fueled in part by Paul Atkins, chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, who last month announced a new crypto agenda aimed at moderniz[ing] the securities rules and regulations to enable Americas financial markets to move on-chain, he said in remarks

A widespread shift from the current trading system to an exclusive blockchain-based system would be a real paradigm shift that would require changes up and down issuers, intermediaries, investors, throughout the whole securities-trading ecosystem  and I think that would take a lot of time to develop the right systems and to put into place, said Marc Rotter, capital-markets counsel at law firm Ropes & Gray.

Supporters say this approach could make markets more efficient by speeding up transactions, lowering costs and expanding access for investors around the world. But turning that vision into reality may still be a long way off.

The idea? Move all stocks and bonds onto a blockchain, or create digital versions of them that can be traded, transferred and tracked using the same technology powering cryptocurrencies.

Story Continues

These products may face issues like low liquidity during off-market hours, no shareholder rights and the risk of depegging, according to Rob Hadick, general partner at crypto venture-capital firm Dragonfly.

Read: Soon youll be able to trade shares of OpenAI and SpaceX like crypto  but should you?

Meanwhile, although Wall Street heavyweights such as BlackRock BLK, Apollo Global Management APO and Franklin Templeton BEN have launched tokenized funds focused on U.S. Treasurys, money markets and credit, they face far fewer hurdles than they would with tokenizing public equities and corporate bonds, noted Justin Browder, partner at law firm Simpson Thacher.

Investors in such funds are also concentrated in digital-asset firms, which are not the traditional investor base for these assets, noted Louis LaValle, chief executive and co-founder at crypto investment manager Frontier Investments. Most firms buying tokenized money-market funds are using them as collateral, but the majority of traditional brokerage firms dont accept them because they lack the necessary digital infrastructure, LaValle said in a phone interview.

Here are the changes experts say are needed for true tokenization, whereby stocks and bonds primarily operate on a blockchain, to become a reality.

Regulatory changes

To start with, there need to be a wide range of regulatory updates, Browder said.

A number of SEC rules, in particular, dont contemplate transactions on a blockchain. They assume the existing market structure, which is an intermediated system where transactions flow through a central clearinghouse, Browder noted.

One example is Reg NMS, or the Regulation National Market System, a set of SEC rules adopted in 2005 aiming to ensure fair pricing and transparency across different trading venues. The rules are built for the existing market structure, whereby investors trade through a broker-dealer while a clearinghouse handles settlement. A broker-dealer is a firm or individual licensed to buy and sell securities either for clients or for its own account, while a clearinghouse ensures that trades between buyers and sellers are settled accurately and on time.

The rules work well for todays stock market because it relies on middlemen to route trades, collect data and publish prices to ensure all market participants can understand whats a good value for a particular security, noted Browder. But in a peer-to-peer setup like blockchain-based trading, where people can deal directly without intermediaries, theres no central source for tracking and sharing prices. That makes it unclear how Reg NMSs rules on fairness and transparency would still work, Browder said.

Whats more, if a company wants to record its issued shares on a blockchain today, its transfer agent still has to keep the official records off-chain, while also maintaining a duplicate ledger on the blockchain, said Seoyoung Kim, a finance professor at Santa Clara University with expertise in cryptocurrencies. Transfer agents are the official recordkeepers for a companys stocks or bonds, tracking who owns them and logging any changes in ownership.

That is because the blockchain record is not yet legally recognized as the official source of truth, said Kim.

In the longer term, what we really hope to have happen is the blockchain itself become that source of truth, said Galaxys Cowan. In that scenario, the stock or bond tokens people hold would be the actual asset, rather than a digital placeholder for something that primarily operates off-chain, Cowan said in a phone interview.

Still, Michael Sonnenshein, president of tokenization startup Securitize, said he thinks there is already a clear, regulated path for issuing tokenized securities. The firm has partnered with Apollo to launch a tokenized credit fund; teamed with BlackRock to launch a tokenized money-market fund; and has helped crypto software company Exodus tokenize its shares.

It comes down to firms applying for the proper licenses from the SEC, Sonnenshein said, adding that Securitize is one of the select few registered as a transfer agent, a broker-dealer and an alternative trading system authorized to engage with tokenized securities. (An alternative trading system is a regulated trading platform that matches buyers and sellers of securities outside of traditional stock exchanges.)

Digital rails

In addition to regulations, existing clearinghouses would also need to be upgraded to operate on the blockchain to encourage more issuance of tokenized securities, according to LaValle.

You have to have on-chain clearing and settlement if you want to have tokenized securities. Otherwise its like having a brand new wrapper on old rails  it just doesnt work, LaValle said.

At the moment, even when assets are tokenized, the actual clearing and settlement still happen off the blockchain. In most cases, that means the blockchain record is essentially just a duplicate of the real transaction, which is finalized through the old systems, LaValle noted.

Only by innovating clearing and settlement can the benefits of the blockchain truly be realized, according to LaValle. For most stock and bond trades, settlement happens one business day after the trade date. By contrast, blockchains could enable near-instant settlement, cutting down on counterparty risk and freeing up capital much faster, LaValle said.

Exchanges would also have to upgrade their infrastructure to handle the trading of tokenized securities, he added.

More adoption

To reach a point where the entire financial system operates on the blockchain, every issuer of stocks and bonds would have to agree to not have their securities in physical form and move them entirely onto a blockchain, said Simpson Thachers Browder.

Its not necessarily the case that every one of the over 4,000 publicly listed companies out there today [in the U.S.] are going to have an interest in having their securities represented in tokenized form. Those are issues we have to confront if we want to move the whole market on-chain, Browder noted.

Even if that hurdle is cleared, there must also be enough liquidity in the secondary market to ensure trading remains efficient, said Frontiers LaValle. Without active trading, tokenized assets risk becoming illiquid, making them less attractive to investors.

Thats why interest from market participants is essential, and why tokenization firms must demonstrate clear, tangible advantages over the traditional system, added Julian Sawyer, CEO at digital-asset platform Zodia Custody.

I think where we are at the moment is that a lot of the tokenization projects have not yet really articulated why they are different from the traditional securities, said Sawyer.

Ultimately, changes in regulation and technology, and participation from broker-dealers and exchanges, will all have to happen in tandem for full-scale tokenization to take hold, LaValle said.

If you have the tech without the regulation, there are no rails. If you have the regulation without the tech, or if we dont have enough market participants or liquidity, its not going to happen, he noted.

Most Read from MarketWatch
Members of the emergency services in Mayo had to come to the aid of three paddleboarders after an easterly breeze blew them away from the Achill coast.

Members of the Achill Island RNLI lifeboat were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to come to the aid of three paddleboarders at Keem Bay on Saturday afternoon, August 16. The crew had been attending an Open Day, as part of the local Feile Chill Damhnait, when the alarm was raised and had to make an abrupt exit.

The alarm was raised after a lifeguard at the popular Mayo beach noticed the three paddleboarders were taking a long time to return from Moyteoge Head and he became worried about them due to the off-shore easterly breeze at the idyllic Keem Bay.

The Sligo-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also requested to assist. The all-weather lifeboat Sam and Ada Moody launched shortly after 3pm with a crew of six on board under the command of Declan Corrigan, Coxswain. Weather conditions were sunny with flat calm sea conditions at the time.

Read: Six Mayo locations make shortlist to become Ireland's Greenest Places

The lifeboat made haste in a north easterly direction towards Keem Bay. By the time the lifeboat arrived on scene, one paddleboarder had managed to make their way back to shore while the other two were assisted by a local fishing boat who came to their aid prior to the arrival of the lifeboat.

Speaking after the call out, Achill Island RNLI Coxswain, Declan Corrigan, said: The paddleboarders had made the right decision to come to a lifeguarded beach and as a result, the quick-thinking lifeguards on duty called the Coast Guard for additional help prior to attempting to reach the paddleboarders themselves.

Thankfully, the situation had a very happy ending for everyone concerned and we would like to thank everyone involved for their help and assistance. We remind people to never hesitate to call 999 or 112 if they see someone in difficulty in the water. It is never a waste of resources and our crew will always respond when requested.
In Alzheimers, exposed phosphatidylserine acts as an eat-me signal for microglia, driving loss of smell-related neurons.

  Trusted Source

Early Locus Coeruleus noradrenergic axon loss drives olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease



Go to source Trusted Source



The brain's #immunecells may hold the key to an early warning sign for #Alzheimers. Immune cells could explain why a fading #senseofsmell often appears before #memoryloss and other cognitive issues. #BrainHealth #Neuroscience

Immune Cells at the Center of the Mystery

A Molecular Eat-me Signal

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Early Locus Coeruleus noradrenergic axon loss drives olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimers disease - (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62500-8)

A new study from researchers in Germany sheds light on).Scientists at the DZNE (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases) and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen (LMU) report that the brains own immune system may mistakenly attack nerve fibres essential for processing odors. Their findings, published incould open new avenues for earlier detection and treatment of Alzheimers.The team discovered thatOur study suggests that in early Alzheimers disease, changes occur in the nerve fibres linking the locus coeruleus to the olfactory bulb, said Dr. Lars Paeger, lead researcher at DZNE and LMU. These changes flag the fibres as defective, prompting microglia to break them down.The researchers observed shifts in the composition of nerve cell membranes. Normally, phosphatidylserine is found inside the membrane, but in Alzheimers, it appears on the outsideacting as an eat-me signal that triggers microglia to remove the fibres.This process resembles synaptic pruning, a natural mechanism that eliminates unnecessary neuronal connections, but in this case it targets vital fibres that support the sense of smell.The conclusions were drawn from studies in both animal models and human brain tissue, supported by PET imaging . This dual approach strengthens the evidence that immune-driven fibre loss is a key factor in Alzheimers-related smell decline.By uncovering the biological mechanism behind this symptom, researchers hope to pave the way for new diagnostic tools.These insights could help identify individuals at risk of Alzheimers before cognitive decline sets in, said Paeger. Early recognition may allow for preventive strategies and more effective interventions.Source-Medindia
Netflix recently dropped the first look of Aryan Khans much-awaited debut directorial series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. About The Ba***ds Of Bollywood First Look The Ba***ds Of Bollywood starts with Shah Rukh Khans narration of the iconic dialogue, Wo Ladki Thi Deewani Si on the famous tunes of Mohabbatein, where we see Lakshya romancing a girl. While everything was going fine, Aryan Khan literally appears out of the pink and does something which was not expected at all! We then see Lakshya catching a bullet with his teeth and Bobby Deols shot.

 Netflix Aryan Khan appears at last and says, Picture to saalon se chalti aa rahi hai, but show ab shuru hoga. And then Aryan Khan was hit by a truck. Shah Rukh Khan dropped the first look on his X and wrote, Aap ne maanga aur Netflix ne poora kar diya.yeh thoda zyaada ho gaya nahi? Par aadat daal lo..kyunki.The Ba***ds of Bollywood Preview will be out on August 20.

The Reactions To Ba***Ds Of Bollywood First Look A majority of users are surprised by Aryan Khans presentation and are saying that they did not expect something this hardcore from him.

 Netflix Some people also said that Aryan Khan should be in front of the camera rather than behind it. One user commented, Omg I want Aryan to do more movies as an actor and once he is a super star I can't wait for him to give it back to those media houses.

Another user commented, I can't say anything about this shows right now, but one thing is for sure that Aryan khan body language & confidence is amazing. Just like srk confidence seen in all his movies & shows, Aryan is like giving tough competition to him.

One user reacted, Wow, the trailer looks absolutely thrilling! Can't wait for August 20 to see Aryan Khan's directorial debut. The satire on Bollywood sounds like a fresh take!
Key Points

The U.S. Air Force placed a seven-year supply order for $4.3 billion worth of JASSM and LRASM missiles with Lockheed Martin.

The Air Force also ordered six years' worth of AMRAAM missiles from RTX for $3.5 billion.

RTX will probably earn a lot more profit on its missiles than Lockheed will.

10 stocks we like better than RTX 

"A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money."

-- Senator Everett Dirksen

The honorable senator from Illinois went down in the history books with this famous quip about government spending -- which is nowhere truer than in the defense department, where billion-dollar paydays pop up with regularity. Still, when I took a look at the list of Pentagon contracts published on July 31 in particular, I admit my eyes did goggle a little.

In just two announcements amounting to fewer than 600 words total, the U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX) just under $7.8 billion.

Image source: Getty Images.

Big news for LockMart and RTX

Both contracts concern the ordering of missiles for the United States Air Force.

Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control division got the larger order: $4.3 billion to upsize a previous contract instructing Lockheed to build and deliver Joint Air-To-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) and Long-Range, Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) for use by the USAF and foreign allies Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, and Poland by Jan. 31, 2033.

RTX's Raytheon military products division was awarded $3.5 billion to supply Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) by fiscal third-quarter 2031. In addition to the U.S. Air Force, these missiles are destined for the air forces of a huge host of U.S. allies, covering almost the entire alphabet: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

How to put big numbers in context

Are you impressed yet? Well, before getting too excited about the large numbers being bandied about, make sure to note the completion dates for both contracts. Lockheed Martin's LRASM/JASSM sales, for example, run through early 2033. That means you need to spread out the $4.3 billion contract value over more than seven years to get a sense of how much annual revenue this contract will contribute, and whether it's enough to "move the needle" on Lockheed stock.

Here's the answer: It bumps up Lockheed Martin's $71 billion-a-year revenue stream to perhaps $71.7 million -- an increase of less than 1%.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Three Republican-led states said Saturday that they were deploying hundreds of National Guard members to the nations capital to bolster the Trump administrations effort to overhaul policing in Washington through a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness.

West Virginia said it was deploying 300 to 400 Guard troops, while South Carolina pledged 200 and Ohio says it will send 150 in the coming days, marking a significant escalation of the federal intervention.

The moves came as protesters pushed back on federal law enforcement and National Guard troops fanning out in the heavily Democratic city following President Donald Trump's executive order federalizing local police forces and activating about 800 District of Columbia National Guard members.

By adding outside troops to the existing D.C. Guard deployment and federal law enforcement presence, Trump is exercising even tighter control over the city. Its a power play that the president has justified as an emergency response to crime and homelessness, even though city officials have noted that violent crime is lower than it was during Trumps first term in office.

National Guard members have played a limited role in the federal intervention so far, and its unclear why additional troops are needed. They have been patrolling at landmarks like the National Mall and Union Station and assisting law enforcement with tasks including crowd control.

National Guard members are coming from West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio

The Republican governors of the three states said they were sending hundreds of troops at the request of the Trump administration.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he directed 300 to 400 Guard troops to head to Washington, adding that the state is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he authorized the deployment of 200 of his states National Guardsmen to help law enforcement in Washington at the Pentagon's request. He noted that if a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes, they would be recalled.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he would send 150 military police from the Guard to carry out presence patrols and serve as added security and that they were expected to arrive in the coming days. His statement said Army Secretary Dan Driscoll requested the troops.

The activations suggest the Trump administration sees the need for additional manpower after the president personally played down the need for Washington to hire more police officers.

Protest pushes back on federal crackdown in Washington

A protest against Trumps intervention drew scores to Dupont Circle on Saturday before a march to the White House, about 1.5 miles away. Demonstrators assembled behind a banner that said, No fascist takeover of D.C., and some in the crowd held signs saying, No military occupation.

Morgan Taylor, one of the protest organizers, said they were hoping to spark enough backlash to Trumps actions that the administration would be forced to pull back on its crime and immigration agenda.

Its hot, but Im glad to be here. Its good to see all these people out here, she said. I cant believe that this is happening in this country at this time.

Fueling the protests were concerns about Trump overreaching and that he had used crime as a pretext to impose his will on Washington.

John Finnigan, 55, was taking a bike ride when he ran into the protest in downtown Washington. The real estate construction manager who has lived in the capital for 27 years said Trump's moves were ridiculous because crime is down.

Hopefully, some of the mayors and some of the residents will get out in front of it and try and make it harder for it to happen in other cities, Finnigan said.

Jamie Dickstein, a 24-year-old teacher, said she was very uncomfortable and worried for the safety or her students given the unmarked officers of all types now roaming Washington and detaining people.

Dickstein said she turned out to the protest with friends and relatives to prevent a continuous domino effect going forward with other cities.

Surge of federal law enforcement in Washington draws mixed reactions

Federal agents have appeared in some of the citys most highly trafficked neighborhoods, garnering a mix of praise, pushback and alarm from local residents and leaders across the country.

City leaders, who are obliged to cooperate with Trumps order under the federal laws that direct the districts local governance, have sought to work with the administration, though they have bristled at the scope of the presidents takeover.

On Friday, the administration reversed course on an order that aimed to place the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an emergency police commissioner after the districts top lawyer sued.

After a court hearing, Trump's attorney general, Pam Bondi, issued a memo directing the Metropolitan Police Department to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regardless of any city law.

City officials say they are evaluating how to best comply.

In his order Monday, Trump declared an emergency due to the city governments failure to maintain public order. He said that impeded the federal governments ability to operate efficiently to address the nations broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence.

In a letter to city residents, Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, wrote that our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now.

She added that if Washington residents stick together, we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy  even when we dont have full access to it.

___

Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report.
Key Points

The company's leading product looked more attractive following price hikes by a competitor.

Eli Lilly's Zepbound will become more expensive in the U.K. and likely throughout Europe subsequently.

10 stocks we like better than Novo Nordisk 

An archrival's pricing move was seen as beneficial for Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) on Friday. As investors disseminated news of a dramatic increase in the cost of a product competing with the company's star drug, Wegovy, they pushed the Danish pharmaceutical company's share price up. It closed the day almost 3% higher during a session when the S&P 500 index ended up slumping by 0.3%.

A rival's hikes

The previous day, U.S. healthcare giant Eli Lilly announced that it was raising the prices of Zepbound -- a GLP-1 obesity drug that directly competes with Wegovy -- in the U.K. In doing so, the company indicated that it will follow suit in other European markets.

Image source: Getty Images.

The move follows a Trump administration push to reduce drug prices in America (or, at least, effectively level them across the world). In late July, the president sent letters to the CEOs of top U.S. drug companies, stating that they had until Sept. 29 to reduce the costs of certain medications.

Failure to do so, the president wrote somewhat vaguely, would see the federal government "deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families."

Although Novo Nordisk also received one of these letters -- there were 17 in all -- the company hasn't given any concrete indication that it intends to make adjustments similar to Eli Lilly's.

Customer rebellion brewing?

For the moment, then, Novo Nordisk enjoys a bit of an advantage, as there is inevitably customer backlash (and often defection to rival products) when a company hikes prices. We've yet to see how Trump's initiative will fully play out, however. So, personally, I don't think any investor should base their Novo Nordisk stance on the Eli Lilly development.

Should you invest $1,000 in Novo Nordisk right now?

Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Novo Nordisk wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $663,630!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,115,695!*
FILE - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan speaks at an election night campaign party, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File) AP

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says violent crimes in the city are at its lowest rate in 60 years because of support from President Donald Trump.

Duggan, who is running as an independent to become the states next governor, touted the decline of crime during a brief appearance Saturday, Aug. 16, on Smerconish  a CNN TV show.
Travelers said they were held in "smelly, disgusting" conditions for hours after a train stopped in Battle Creek due to mechanical issues. Tayeful Islam

BATTLE CREEK, MI -- For a group of University of Michigan Dearborn students, a train ride from Chicago turned into the ride from hell.

Passengers werent permitted to leave the train for hours as bathrooms overflowed and temperatures inside the cabins rose, said Tayeful Islam, a 21-year-old student at U of M Dearborn.

People were crying, having panic attacks, Islam told MLive.

Islam was on a trip with 20 to 30 other U of M Dearborn students to Chicago through the universitys TRIO program.

Amtrak Train 352 stopped unexpectedly at 7:14 p.m. in Battle Creek because of a mechanical issue on Friday, Aug. 15, a statement from Amtrak read. After the issues couldnt be resolved, passengers were bused to their destination.

Islam said the passenger experience goes beyond what Amtrak said. Passengers werent told buses had arrived until 12:30 a.m. and those buses didnt leave until 1 a.m., Islam said.

Passengers were growing more frustrated as the delay extended, Islam said. Many passengers phones were running out of charge, leaving them unable to reach their families, Islam said.

At first they were told the train would resume in 15 minutes after stopping. But then 15 minutes turned to 30 minutes, then 45 minutes, Islam said.

In less than one hour the restrooms were clogged, smelly, Islam said. It was unbelievable.

Crew members didnt open the train doors to allow air in until two hours after the train had stopped, Islam said. When the doors opened, crew members warned passengers if anyone tried to leave, they would close the doors again, Islam said.

They (were) holding people in this smelly, disgusting, soggy environment, Islam said. People were crying, literally, it was a very scary, very traumatic experience.

There were elderly passengers and babies on board, Islam said, and some passengers feared heat stroke. Another pre-med student on board tried to help other passengers, Islam said. Other students helped the Amtrak crew members distribute water and snacks.

Alfarezdeq Nassir, the premedical student on board, said in an emailed statement to MLive that the Amtrak staff were helpful but severely unorganized.

Water and snacks on top of opening the doors were only done after I pleaded with the staff on behalf of the passengers who were suffering anxiety attacks and dehydration that I was taking care of, Nassir wrote. At one point the water was put away as (staff) were afraid of it running out but they also kept charging passengers at the cafe for water.

When buses arrived, Islam said crew members didnt communicate where passengers were going to reach the buses or where the buses were going.

They said Oh, get off the train, Islam said. A lot of people were fearful.

In a statement sent via email to MLive, Amtrak did not comment at all on the conditions passengers claim to have experienced, only that After troubleshooting and not resolving the issue, substitute buses were secured and arrived at around 11:45 p.m. to take customers to their destinations.

Passengers were told theyd have to walk half a mile to the buses at the nearest roadside. Some passengers were disabled and others had trouble carrying their luggage, Islam said.

Emmett Charter Township Police and Calhoun County Sheriffs Office deputies had to transport 40 passengers who couldnt walk to the buses, said township public safety Chief Rich Mackey.

Islam and another student helped one mother with her child. By the time they reached the buses, Islams suitcase was damaged from the walk.

For Islam and multiple other students, this was their first time taking a train. But they wont be taking a train for at least another year, Islam said.

I cannot explain right now how traumatic and emotionally draining the situation was, Islam said.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley (center) speaks in advance of a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Oak Park. Ed Taylor (left), Neeley's chief of staff and Mark Quimby, a vice president with Ashley Capital, are also pictured. (MLive file photo) Ron Fonger | The Flint Journal

GENESEE COUNTY, MI  A ribbon cutting was held last week for Flints oldest and once-abandoned park, Oak Park, which was recently refurbished.

Meanwhile, the Metro Police Authority of Genesee County recently joined five other Michigan police departments in signing a cooperative agreement with federal immigration authorities.

Learn more about these stories and other Flint-area news from the past week with these headlines:

Once abandoned, Oak Park comes back to life outside Flint Commerce Center

Flints Oak Park recently underwent a makeover, which was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 12.

The refurbishing of the park was supported by city officials, Ashley Capital, and the Brothers and Sisters of Oak Park, each of whom took part in the ceremony.

Oak Park is located by the Flint Commerce Center, and its the oldest park in the city.

Read the full story here.

Flint collaborative vows to continue work despite surge of gun violence

A local group working to curb gun violence in Flint, the Greater Flint Community Safety Collaborative, remains committed to its mission despite recent shootings.

The collaborative met Aug. 13 at the Church Without Walls to Collaborative to discuss efforts to stop the violence. These efforts aim include improving relationships between local police and residents and youth engagement.

Read the full story here.

Sentencing postponed for former Atherton teacher accused of inappropriate relationship

A 57-year-old former Atherton teacher facing six counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct is now scheduled to be sentenced in September.

Jerry Cutting was arrested in October 2022 after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student.

His sentencing was initially set to take place on Aug. 11, but has been adjourned until Sept. 29, according to court records.

Read the full story here.

Flint area police department is sixth in Michigan to sign ICE cooperation agreement

The Metro Police Authority of Genesee County recently became the sixth Michigan police department to enter an agreement with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Per the agreement, the police department will be able to investigate a persons immigration status and detain individuals until they can be placed in the custody of ICE or Homeland Security.

Read the full story here.

Police find man who allegedly stole car at Flint restaurant using OnStar tracking

An Attica man accused of stealing a car from a restaurant in Flint earlier this month is now in custody after police used the vehicles OnStar security feature to track it down, police said.

The vehicle, a 2019 Chevy Equinox, was stolen on Aug. 8, and the theft was reported the following day, according to a Michigan State Police press release.

Read the full story here.

Trial expected for activist who brought coffin to Flint mayors home

The activist arrested after organizing a protest outside of Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeleys Home earlier this year is expected to face trial after rejecting a plea deal this past week.

The activist, Jedidiah Brown, said the deal would have barred him from entering Flint City Hall for a year.

He currently faces two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct.

Read the full story here.

Genesee County canvassers certify election results, write-in wins Flint council seat

The results for Genesee Countys Aug. 5 election have been certified, marking the official victory of write-in candidate LaShawn Johnson in the race for the Flint City Council 3rd Ward seat.

Results were also certified for the Aug. 5 primary election for the Burton City Council, a parks millage proposed in Grand Blanc Township, and a proposed millage renewal for Byron Area Schools.

Read the full story here.

Settlement of former fire chiefs lawsuit against Flint mayor on hold after council rejects it

The future of the lawsuit former Flint Fire Chief Raymond Barton filed against Mayor Sheldon Neeley remains unclear following the Flint City Councils recent rejection of a proposed settlement.

The lawsuit was filed after Barton was wrongfully terminated following a house fire that occurred in 2022.

If approved, the resolution would have settled the case for $225,000.

Read the full story here.
Monday, Aug. 18 is the first day of school for some Kent and Ottawa County school districts. Pictured is a MLive file photo of Kent City students. The district reopens Aug. 25.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  As the days get shorter and West Michigan beachgoers brush off the sand, teachers review lesson plans, organize supplies and decorate classrooms in preparation for the return of students.

Monday, Aug. 18 is the first day of school for the 2025-26 academic year for some Kent and Ottawa County public school districts, including Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), the largest district in the area.

Some schools will welcome students back later in the week on Aug. 19, 20 and 21, while a handful will start the week of Aug. 25.

Of the 31 school districts across the Kent and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts, only two start the year after Labor Day, on Sept. 2, even though Michigan law requires schools start after Labor Day.

Comstock Park Public Schools and Grand Haven Area Public Schools students are enjoying a longer summer break.

Districts across the state have been starting in August in recent years, receiving waivers from the state. Heres a list of the reopening dates for Kent and Ottawa county districts, and their start and end times.

Monday, Aug. 18

Grand Rapids Public Schools is the largest district in West Michigan with over 13,600 students enrolled last year. It is among five area districts reopening on Monday, and students will have a full day of class.

A tentative district calendar can be found here.

Aberdeen Academy: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Alger Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. End time is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Blandford School: Breakfast is at 7:50 a.m. Start time is at 8:10 a.m. End time is at 3:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:20 a.m.

Brookside Elementary, Buchanan Elementary, Burton Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Burton Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. End time is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

CA Frost Environmental Science Academy Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. End time is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

CA Frost Environmental Middle High School: Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. Start time is at 8 a.m. End time is at 2:48 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:45 a.m.

Campus Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Cesar E. Chavez Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

City High Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:45 a.m. Start time is at 8 a.m. End time is at 2:43 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:45 a.m.

Coit Creative Arts Academy: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. End time is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Congress Elementary, Dickinson Academy: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Gerald R. Ford Academic Center: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. End time is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Grand Rapids Learning Center: Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:30 p.m.

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. End time at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School: Breakfast is at 7:10 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. End time is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:50 a.m. Start time is at 8:10 a.m. End time is at 3:07 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:20 a.m.

Grand Rapids Public Museum High School: Breakfast is at 8 a.m. Start time is at 8:15 a.m. End time is at 2:57 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:25 a.m.

Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy: For grades 6-7, breakfast is at 7:35 a.m. and school starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 2:43 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:45 a.m. For grades 8-12, breakfast is at 7:10 a.m., school starts at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 2:18 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:20 a.m.

Harrison Park Academy: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Innovation Central High School: Breakfast is at 7:00 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. End time is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Ken-O-Sha Park Elementary, Kent Hills Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy, Mulick Park Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. End time is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

North Park Montessori/Early Childhood Center: Grades 1-8: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal at 12:20 p.m. Grades PK-K: Morning session is from 9:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Afternoon session is from 1:05 p.m. to 4:08 p.m.

Ottawa Hills High School: Breakfast is at 7:10 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Palmer Elementary: Breakfast is at 8 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Ridgemoor Park Montessori: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Riverside Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m. Start Time is at 7:40 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Shawmut Hills: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Sibley Elementary: Breakfast is at 8:10 a.m. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:28 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:40 a.m.

Southeast Career Pathways: Start time is at 9 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:39 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:46 a.m.

Southwest Elementary School - Academia Bilingue: Breakfast is at 8:50 a.m. Start time is at 9:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:20 p.m.

Southwest Middle High School - Academia Bilingue: Breakfast is at 8:35 a.m. Start time is 9 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:48 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:45 a.m.

Union High School: Breakfast is at 7:10 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Westwood Middle School: Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m. Start time is at 7:40 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:23 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:25 a.m.

Zoo School: Breakfast is at 7:50 a.m. Start time is at 8:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:08 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:20 a.m.

Camille Kennebrew holds up her fingers to show her teacher her age at East Leonard Elementary School on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. Kennebrew is in second grade. Rylan Capper | rcapper@mlive.com

East Grand Rapids Public Schools has a half-day on Monday, Aug. 18. The districts calendar can be found here. Outside of the first day, the district does not publicly list its school start and end times, but parents can call their school to find out at the numbers listed on each schools website.

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools is welcoming students back Aug. 18. The district calendar can be found here.

Early Childhood Center: 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 a.m. Early release at 12:10 p.m.

Godfrey Elementary: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early release at 12:00 p.m.

Lee Middle and High School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Early release at 11:50 a.m.

East Lee Campus: 9:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Early release at 11:50 a.m.

Godwin Heights Public Schools will welcome students back for a full day on Aug. 18. The district calendar is available here, and start and end times are listed here.

Godwin Learning Center: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Early Childhood Center: a.m. classes are 8:15 a.m. to 11:23 a.m., p.m. classes are 12:03 p.m. to 3:11 p.m.

West Godwin Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:00 p.m., and early release dismissal is at 2:00 p.m.

North Godwin Elementary: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:45 a.m., and early release dismissal is at 1:45 p.m.

Middle and high schools: 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:10 a.m., and early release dismissal is at 1:10 p.m.

Enthusiastic band members from Grandville High School.

Grandville Public Schools has a half-day on Monday. Aug. 18. The district calendar can be found here.

Elementary: 8:28 a.m. to 3:41 p.m. On half days, students are dismissed at 11:36 a.m.

Intermediate: 7:40 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. On half days, students are dismissed at 10:41 a.m.

Middle school: 7:53 a.m. to 2:41 p.m. On half days, students are dismissed at 10:51 a.m.

High school: 7:50 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. On half days, students are dismissed at 10:55 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

Lowell Area Schools first day of class is Aug. 19. The districts calendar can be found here.

Alto Elementary, Cherry Creek Elementary, Murray Lake Elementary: 8:50 a.m. to 3:43 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12 p.m.

Bushnell Elementary: 8:40 a.m. to 3:33 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:50 a.m.

Middle School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11 a.m.

Lowell High School/Unity High School: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:50 a.m.

Kelloggsville Public Schools welcomes students back on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The districts calendar can be found here.

Elementary: 8:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:30 a.m.

Middle and high schools: 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:50 a.m.

Wyoming Public Schools is back for a half-day on Aug. 19. The districts calendar can be found here.

High School: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:20 a.m.

Junior High: 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:35 a.m.

Intermediate School: 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.

Gladiola Elementary, Oriole Park Elementary, Parkview Elementary, West Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:35 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Cedar Springs Public Schools welcomes students back for a full day of school on Aug. 20. The district calendar can be found here.

High school: 7:38 a.m. to 2:18 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:48 a.m.

Cedar Springs Middle School: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:45 a.m.

Beach Elementary, Cedar Trails Elementary, Cedar View Elementary: 8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.

Forest Hills Public Schools welcomes students back for a full day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The district calendar for the year is available here.

Ada Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Ada Vista Elementary: 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:20 a.m.

Central High School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:55 a.m.

Central Middle School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:55 a.m.

Central Woodlands, Collins Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Eastern High School: 6:40 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:50 a.m.

Eastern Middle School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:55 a.m.

Goodwillie Environmental School: 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:20 a.m.

Knapp Forest Elementary: 8:35 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Meadow Brook Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Northern High School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:50 a.m.

Northern Hills Middle School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:55 a.m.

Northern Trails 5/6: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Orchard View Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Pine Ridge Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Thornapple Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 11:55 a.m.

Transition Center: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Half day end time is at 10:25 a.m.

Hamilton Community Schools welcomes students back for a full day on Aug. 20. The district is primarily in Allegan County but part of the Ottawa Area ISD. Its calendar can be found here.

Hamilton High School: 7:30 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Zero hour at 6:30. Half-day dismissal is at 10:35 a.m.

Hamilton Middle School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Bentheim Elementary, Blue Star Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Hamilton Elementary: 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Hudsonville high school math teacher Matt Meerman introduces himself to his Geometry B class High School on their first day of the new school year in Hudsonville, Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Hudsonville Public Schools, the largest district in Ottawa County with 6,709 students last year, has a half day on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The districts calendar is here.

High School, Baldwin Middle, Riley Street Middle, 5/6 building: 7:50 a.m. to 2:45 a.m. Early release is at 11:15 a.m.

Alward Elementary, Bauer Elementary, Forest Grove Elementary, Georgetown Elementary, Jamestown Upper Elementary, Park Elementary, South Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Early release is at 12:15 p.m.

Jamestown Lower Elementary: 8:39 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Early release is at 12:09 p.m.

Jenison Public Schools has a full day Aug. 20. The districts calendar can be found here.

Junior and Senior High School, Jenison Innovation Academy: 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11 a.m.

El Puente Elementary, Sandy Hill Elementary, Early Childhood Center: 8:35 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 11:40.

Bauerwood Elementary, Bursley Elementary, Pinewood Elementary, Rosewood Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Sparta Area Schools welcomes students back to school on Aug. 20. The districts calendar can be found here.

Ridgeview K-2: 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Early dismissal is at 11:40.

Appleview 3-5: 8:25 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Early dismissal at 11:40 a.m.

Middle school: 7:40 a.m. to 2:16 p.m. Early dismissal at 10:31 a.m.

High School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Early dismissal at 10:40 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 21.

Holland Public Schools has a half day Thursday, Aug. 21. The districts calendar can be found here.

Holland High School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday early dismissal is at 1:55 p.m.

Holland Middle School: 7:30 a.m. to 2:42 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday early dismissal is at 1:42 p.m.

Holland Heights, Holland Language Academy: 8:15 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday early dismissal is at 2:21 p.m.

Jefferson Elementary, West Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:36 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:35 a.m. Wednesday early dismissal is at 2:36 p.m.

Scenes from Holland Public Schools Language Academy at Van Raalte back to school welcome celebration in Holland, Michigan on Wednesday Aug. 24, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

West Ottawa Public Schools has a full day Aug. 21. The districts calendar can be found here, and daily schedules can be found here.

Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:48 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 12:02 p.m.

Middle: 7:50 a.m. to 2:43 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 11:04 a.m.

High School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:43 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 11:04 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 25.

Allendale Public Schools welcomes students back for a half-day on Aug. 25. The districts calendar can be found here.

Evergreen Elementary School: 8:37 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:01 p.m.

Oakwood Intermediate School: 8:28 a.m. to 3:21 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:52 a.m.

Allendale Middle School: 7:33 a.m. to 2:21 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:55 a.m.

Allendale High School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:33 p.m.

Allendale Public Schools has a new legal counsel. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press

Caledonia Community Schools welcomes students back for a full day on Monday, Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here.

Elementary/Early Childhood Center: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:00 p.m.

Intermediate/Middle: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:50 a.m.

High School: 7:40 a.m. to 2:36 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:55 a.m.

Coopersville Area Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here.

High School: 7:35 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Middle School: 7:35 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

South Elementary: 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

East Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Kenowa Hills Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here.

Alpine Elementary, Central Elementary, Zinser Elementary: 8:35 a.m. to 3:37 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.

Middle and high schools: 7:45 a.m. to 2:42 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:14 a.m.

Kent City students do a math activity as part of a summer program at the middle school. (Cory Morse | MLive.com)

Kent City Community Schools has a full day Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here.

Elementary: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early dismissal at noon.

Middle and high schools: 7:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Early dismissal is at 11:5o am

Scenes from the first day of school at Kentwood Public Schools' Explorer Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) Cory Morse | MLive.com

Kentwood Public Schools has a full day Aug. 25. Below are the start and end times for the school day at each building level. The district calendar can be found here.

Elementary: 9 a.m. to 4:05 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 12:15 p.m.

Middle: 8:19 a.m. to 3:04 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 11:35 a.m.

Crossroads High School: 7:34 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 10:40 a.m.

East Kentwood Freshman Center: 7:35 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

East Kentwood High School: 8:19 a.m. to 3:04 p.m.

Crossroads: 7:34 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.

Northview Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here.

High School: 7:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays schedule is 8:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:30 a.m.

Crossroads Middle School: 7:20 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Wednesdays schedule is 8:20 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Highlands Middle School: 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Wednesdays schedule is 9:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

East Oakview Elementary, North Oakview Elementary, West Oakview Elementary: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays schedule is 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Rockford Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 25. The districts calendar can be found here.

Elementary Schools: 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Middle Schools: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

High School/Freshman Center: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half day dismissal is at 12:30 p.m.

Spring Lake Public Schools welcomes students back for a half-day on Aug. 25. The districts calendar can be found here.

Holmes Elementary: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:00 p.m.

Jeffers Elementary: 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:50 a.m.

Intermediate school: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:55 a.m.

Middle school: 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:05 a.m.

High school: 7:40 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 10:55 a.m.

Thornapple Kellogg Public Schools welcomes students back for a full day on Aug. 25. The district calendar can be found here. The district is primarily in Barry County but part of the Kent ISD.

Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Photo of district kindergarten students listening to their teacher. (Saugatuck Public Schools | Submitted to MLive Media Group)

Saugatuck Public Schools welcomes students back for a full day on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The district is primarily in Allegan County but part of the Ottawa Area ISD. The districts calendar can be found here.

Douglas Elementary: 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:25 a.m.

Middle School, High School: 8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:50 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Robert L. Nickels Intermediate School in Byron Center, Michigan on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. The new $43 million building is two stories and 134,000 square feet. School starts for the 2023-24 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 30. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Byron Center Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 26. The district calendar can be found here.

Brown Elementary, Countryside Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Heritage Elementary: 8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12.

Intermediate, West Middle School, High school: 7:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:10 a.m.

Zeeland Public Schools has a full day on Aug. 27. The districts calendar can be found here.

Adams Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Woodbridge Elementary: 8:40 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

New Groningen Elementary: 8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Quincy Elementary: 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Cityside Middle school: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Zeeland High school: 7:45 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Comstock Park Public Schools welcomes students back for a full day on Sept. 2. The district calendar can be found here.

Stoney Creek Elementary: 8:50 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.

Pine Island Elementary: 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:50 a.m.

Mill Creek Middle School: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11 a.m.

Comstock Park High School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Half-day dismissal is at 11:15 a.m.

Grand Haven Area Public Schools also has a full day on Sept. 2. Every Wednesday, the district releases students from school 60 minutes earlier than the normal schedule, so students will be finished an hour earlier than the times listed below. The district calendar can be found here.
Scenes from D&L Bar-B-Que, 510 Detroit St. in Jackson, on Wednesday, July 30. Lee and Dorothy Whitehead have opened D&L Bar-B-Que in the former restaurant and house of Tommy Boadgieff. The Jackson couple is bringing back its no-frills, humble history except this time with barbecue. Chloe Miller | CMiller@mlive.com

JACKSON, MI  Tommys Hot Dogs was known as Jacksons most widely unknown local landmark before owner Tommy Boadgieffs death in 2019.

Now, a Jackson couple is hoping to bring back its no-frills, humble history  with barbecue.

In July, Lee and Dorothy Whitehead opened D&L Bar-B-Que in the kitchen attached to the former home of Boadgieff at 510 Detroit St. in Jackson.

The business had been vacant since Boadgieffs death, until Whiteheads son Erroll purchased the property and kitchen in 2022. Lee, who retired from Hillcrest Memorial Park in Blackman Township, joked Erroll bought the house so he and Dorothy could open a restaurant.

He (Erroll) said, Guess what, dad, youre going back to work, Lee said. We didnt go into hot dogs because it would be suicide to open a hot dog stand. I couldnt match Tommys dogs.

They have added some hot dogs  reluctantly  to the menu, but the focus is barbecue.

Lee has been barbecuing as a hobby for 20 years. He watched the reality show BBQ Pitmasters, thought he could get into it as well, taught himself and refined his recipes, he said.

He said he uses the best wood for smoking  acacia  and charcoal imported from Africa. Everything, from the brisket to the pulled pork, is smoked on site, he said.

Scenes from D&L Bar-B-Que, 510 Detroit St. in Jackson, on Wednesday, July 30. Lee and Dorothy Whitehead have opened D&L Bar-B-Que in the former restaurant and house of Tommy Boadgieff. The Jackson couple is bringing back its no-frills, humble history except this time with barbecue. Chloe Miller | CMiller@mlive.com

Dororthy makes the sides, including the beans, she said.

They serve sliders or sandwiches. Popular is the combo, which includes a sandwich, chips and a drink for $13.99, he said. They keep things cheap because they dont have to pay an actual lease, since the home is owned by their son, he said.

Its a great lunch, Lee said.

The restaurant has attracted a lot of seniors, who remember it being Boadgieffs old place, Lee said. They get a lot of orders for hot dogs, which led them to eventually cave and add the coney dogs.

Dorothy makes the coney meat, containing traditional beef heart, she said. Its then topped with onions and mustard.

We werent considering it, but we saw what the demand was, and how much money I wasnt making because I didnt sell them, Lee said.

Jay Allshire of Jackson is a close friend to the Whiteheads, and lives down the street from the restaurant, where he dined when it was Tommys Hot Dogs. He is happy to see his friends take over the space and said the coney dogs compare well to Boadgieffs.

Tommy was a nice guy. He was friendly. Hed talk to you even when he was busy, Allshire said. When they took over, I said, Good, theyre going to put something back in there.

Boadgieff was the son of Eastern European immigrants, and grew up in the house where he later served hot dogs. His father became the owner of Virginia Coney Island in 1940 and Boadgieff went to work at the restaurant.

He opened Tommys Hot Dogs in 1989, hauling out his hot dog cart and operating it under a green tarp in front of his house four days a week in warm-weather months.

Eventually, it became tiresome, and he wanted to add a commercial kitchen . He was told zoning laws wouldnt allow it, causing the business to close temporarily in 2015 before he reached a compromise with the city of Jackson.

Scenes from D&L Bar-B-Que, 510 Detroit St. in Jackson, on Wednesday, July 30. Lee and Dorothy Whitehead have opened D&L Bar-B-Que in the former restaurant and house of Tommy Boadgieff. The Jackson couple is bringing back its no-frills, humble history except this time with barbecue. Chloe Miller | CMiller@mlive.com

Boadgieff added a kitchen addition to the house in 2017. Tommys menu included specialties like the Taco Dog, Nancy Dog, Tiger Dog and Diane Special.

D&L Bar-B-Que is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
BAY CITY, MI  Andrea Burney-Obershaw, an often-polarizing figure on the Bay City Commission, has submitted a letter of resignation to fellow commissioners as well as city staff.

Burney-Obershaw, 62, previously indicated on social media that she intended to resign at the Monday, Aug. 18, city commission meeting as the citys 3rd Ward Commission. An item on the agenda for that meeting is a resolution seeking to censure Burney-Obershaw and seek misdemeanor charges against her for what city officials described as repeated violations of the city charter.

In her letter of resignation, the commissioner indicated she would resign immediately following a vote on prohibiting no-knock warrants.

Its been my honor to be able to serve the people of the City of Bay City Michigan, the commissioner wrote in the letter. As I leave this chamber floor I would like to say to my fellow colleagues to remember the Oath we took to be seated at the largest table of the City. To uphold the Health and Safety of the people, to protect them from all harm, whether internally or external matters, in this City Hall.

We are all One Nation Under God, one City called Bay City. We stand and pledge this every meeting. When you take a seat, you take responsibility for the people of Bay City Michigan. Take a Stand for truth and transparency.

Burney-Obershaw, the citys first African American woman commissioner, has been embattled throughout her tenure. She has faced four attempted recalls, has been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and has been removed from prior meetings for outbursts against other commissioners.

Her term was set to expire in December 2026.

Mondays meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall. An agenda can be found online.
The Michigan governor is being sued for failing to call a special election for Michigans 35th Districta region that includes Bay County. Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI  A Bay City mother is facing felony charges in connection to a $21,337 Bridge Card fraud case.

Meanwhile, the Michigan governor is being sued for failing to call a special election for Michigans 35th Districta region that includes Bay County.

Those stories and more are included below in this weeks roundup of headlines you may have missed.

Michigan mother faces felonies in $21,337 Bridge Card fraud case

A Bay City mother is charged with welfare fraud for allegedly amassing more than $20,000 in food benefits while failing to disclose a member of her household was receiving wages from Halliburton.

Sherry S. Bodhaine, 61, on Sept. 15, 2021, completed a Food Assistance Application with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She listed her adult son as a household member and specified he had no income, according to a report from the Office of Inspector General. MDHHS personnel interviewed Bodhaine on Sept. 29, 2021, and she reiterated her son had no income.

The sons lack of income was factored into determining the food benefits his mother would receive, the OIG report states.

Read the full story here.

Whitmer sued for failing to call special election for Michigans 35th District

A Michigan law firm has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on behalf of plaintiffs from mid-Michigan for failing to call a special election to fill the vacant Michigan Senate seat representing Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.

The lawsuit, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims by Outside Legal Counsel PLC, seeks to compel the governor to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Michigan Senate District.

In a democratic republic, the absence of representation is not a mere inconvenience  it is a denial of one of the most fundamental political rights, the lawsuit reads. Every legislative day that passes without a senator from District 35 silences an entire community in the lawmaking process.

Read the full story here.

Bay City man charged with sexually assaulting several girls, refusing to give DNA

A Bay City man is charged with sexually abusing underage girls for several years, opening him to potential life imprisonment. Hes also facing a rare misdemeanor count for allegedly refusing to let investigators take his DNA.

Lequin D. Warren, 42, on Aug. 4 appeared back in Bay County District Court for arraignment on single counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. He was initially arraigned April 23 on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim 13 or younger. The following month, he was arraigned on the one-year misdemeanor charge of refusing to provide a DNA sample.

First-degree CSC involves penetration and is a life offense, with the age of the alleged victim mandating a minimum 25-year prison sentence. Second-degree CSC is limited to touching and is a 15-year felony.

Read the full story here.

Bay City commissioner faces censure, possible criminal charges for allegedly overstepping authority

Bay City Commissioner Andrea Burney-Obershaw of the 3rd Ward faces potential censure and may face misdemeanor charges following allegations she repeatedly violated the city charter by directly interfering with city employees and circumventing administrative protocols.

The Bay City Commission is planning to introduce a resolution to censure and pursue misdemeanor charges against Burney-Obershaw at its Monday, Aug. 18, meeting for violating Section 7.2 of the city charter, which prohibits commissioners from giving orders to city employees either publicly or privately, except for gathering information.

According to the resolution, documented evidence, including staff testimony and communications, shows Burney-Obershaw repeatedly and continually issued directives to city employees outside her authority and bypassed the city managers administrative oversight.

Read the full story here.

151-year-old Heritage House demolished in Essexville

The Heritage House Farm Museum, part of Bay County since the 1870s, was demolished Monday, Aug. 11, in what has been a process 35 months in the making

The home, often referred to as the Garber House, was located on district property at 305 Pine St. While historical in nature, the home was set for demolition due to its deteriorating condition.

It had quite a crowd watching the demo, Essexville-Hampton Board of Education President Paul Sansburn said during a school board meeting Monday. A lot of mixed emotions, obviously, in regards to that.

Read the full story here.

Rain delays I-75 bridge work in Bay County until Aug. 18

The Michigan Department of Transportation has postponed planned construction on several I-75 bridges in Bay County due to anticipated rainy weather, pushing the start date back by one week.

The northbound lane work, originally scheduled to begin Aug. 11, will now start Aug. 18 and is expected to be completed by Aug. 21, weather permitting. The project area extends from north of US-10 to the M-13 connector.

Work on the southbound lanes has already been completed, with those lanes now fully reopened to traffic.

Read the full story here.

Bay City chocolate shop Sarahs Sweet Escapes to close later this month

Sarahs Sweet Escapes, a chocolate shop located at 811 Saginaw St. in downtown Bay City, will close its doors on Friday, Aug. 22, owner Sarah Pennell announced.

The closure marks the end of a brief but meaningful chapter for Pennell, who opened Sarahs Sweet Escapes in 2023 after the previous occupant, Village Chocolatier, closed its doors. Pennell had served as the chocolatier at the Village Chocolatiers Bay City location before launching her own venture.

Its been an incredible ride, with moments of joy, excitement, seemingly insurmountable odds, and invaluable learning, Pennell wrote in a Facebook post announcing the closure.

Read the full story here.

Paroled bank robber assaulted inmate, officer after breaking into Bay County Jail, police allege

This spring, a paroled bank robber was allegedly recorded smashing his way into the Bay County Law Enforcement Center. Since then, hes racked up new charges after allegedly assaulting a fellow inmate and a corrections officer.

Police allege 38-year-old Shane W. Gillette broke into their headquarters at 503 Third St. the afternoon of May 12. Officers and sheriffs deputies entered the lobby and arrested Gillette.

The following afternoon, Gillette was inside a cell with several other inmates. Cameras recorded Gillette approach a 40-year-old inmate seated on a bench and begin punching him in his face, police reports state.

Read the full story here.

Essexville-Hampton school bond proposal delayed until 2026

The Essexville-Hampton Board of Education voted to postpone its planned November bond proposal until 2026, opting instead for an extended period of community engagement and planning.

Superintendent Davion Lewis, who was authorized on July 18 to proceed with a bond resolution for the November 2025 ballot, recommended delaying the measure after identifying gaps in infant and toddler care services. The decision came after learning that a primary childcare facility in the area closed on June 30, leaving the local YMCA with a growing waitlist.

There is a desperate need for infant and toddler care in our community, Lewis said. I could not in good conscience recommend that we move forward with a proposal that would eliminate potential services for infant and toddler care.

Read the full story here.
Brooke L. Allen is handcuffed and led from Saginaw County Circuit Court to start serving her 93-day sentence in jail on Aug. 11, 2025. A jury in June convicted Allen of misdemeanor operating while intoxicated, stemming from a January 2024 incident that resulted in the line-of-duty death of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp. Cole Waterman

SAGINAW, MI  A judge jailed a woman whose meth-addled driving triggered the events leading to the death of a Michigan State Police trooper.

Meanwhile, the Saginaw City Council has taken steps that could remove one of its members found guilty of election fraud.

Those headlines and more are included below in this weeks roundup of Saginaw news you may have missed.

Judge jails woman whose meth-addled driving triggered events leading to Michigan troopers death

The wife of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel E. Popp wept as she related the devastation shes endured since her husband was killed in the line of duty 18 months prior. Standing silently nearby, the woman who set off the chain of events culminating in Popps death offered no apologies to the bereaved widow, due to her discomfort with public speaking.

Brooke L. Allen, 33, on Monday, Aug. 11, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III for sentencing. A jury in June deliberated for about an hour before finding Allen guilty of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated but exonerated her on a 15-year felony count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death.

While Brooke Allen didnt physically kill Joel with her hands, her actions put Joel on that road, said Stefanie Popp Johnson, wiping her eyes with tissues. Her actions cost him his life. Brooke Allen killed Joel and she has shown zero remorse.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw council takes step that could remove councilwoman guilty of election fraud

Saginaw City Council members approved a measure that could lead to the removal of Councilwoman Monique Lamar-Silvia from her elected position once a judge sentences her for three election fraud-related felonies later this month.

The unanimous vote at the councils Monday, Aug. 11, meeting directed the Saginaw City Hall administrative staff to draft a resolution that would declare a vacancy on the council, per Section 92 of the city charter. Section 92 states a council vacancy shall be deemed to exist when a council member is convicted of a felony.

The Monday vote means the council could consider a resolution declaring Lamar-Silvias seat as vacant at its next meeting on Monday, Aug. 25.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw Township schools to ask voters to decide on $169M bond proposal

Voters will decide on a $169.2 million bond proposed by Saginaw Township Community Schools in the Nov. 4 election.

In June, the districts board of education voted to apply to have the bond proposal included on ballots this November. The proposal has since been approved by the Michigan Treasury, according to a Saginaw Township Community Schools news release issued Wednesday, Aug. 13.

If approved by voters this fall, the bond would require a 2.85 mill tax increase, which means the owner of a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000 in Saginaw Township would pay $142.50 per year or $11.88 per month. However, homeowners who qualify for the Michigan Homestead Credit would potentially pay less under the proposed bond.

Read the full story here.

Whitmer sued for failing to call special election for Michigans 35th District

A Michigan law firm has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on behalf of plaintiffs from mid-Michigan for failing to call a special election to fill the vacant Michigan Senate seat representing Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.

The lawsuit, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims by Outside Legal Counsel PLC, seeks to compel the governor to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Michigan Senate District.

In a democratic republic, the absence of representation is not a mere inconvenience  it is a denial of one of the most fundamental political rights, the lawsuit reads. Every legislative day that passes without a senator from District 35 silences an entire community in the lawmaking process.

Read the full story here.

Trial begins for Michigan teen charged with killing 1 man, wounding others in 21-shot barrage

One night last July, a 15-year-old stood in front of his Saginaw Township home with a blue assault rifle and fired nearly two dozen rounds at a passing vehicle. His shots instantly killed the driver and wounded two teens.

As the prosecution framed it for jurors, the teen gunman set a trap for his victims, which they unwittingly drove into. Defense counsel, though, countered the teen fired to protect himself and his family from a group on their way to kill him.

The attorneys gave their diverging versions of the shooting during opening statements in the trial of Jawon L. Williams, now 16, the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 13. Williams is charged as an adult with open murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, and three counts of felony firearm.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw County sees late July surge in West Nile virus cases; no humans infected

Saginaw County officials said lab tests revealed an uptick in West Nile virus-carrying mosquitos and birds during the final week of July.

Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission Director William Stanuszek said the county reported 13 cases of the mosquito-borne virus in July. Six of those 13 cases were detected in the last week of the month.

July detections were spread across both rural and urban areas, Stanuszek said in a statement. While (West Nile virus) is often associated with urban environments due to the abundance of Culex mosquito habitat, the primary vector for this virus, its primary hosts are birds, which amplify the disease in nature and are found throughout the county.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw man charged with shooting man in dispute over cellphone

A Saginaw man has been charged with shooting another man in an apparent dispute over a cellphone. Hes also facing charges of assaulting and stealing a cellphone from a different person two years prior.

On June 16, police responded to a shooting in the 300 block of South 13th Street. They encountered a 51-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm.

Multiple witnesses indicated the victim and 38-year-old Sandy T. Sammons had been arguing over a cellphone. Sammons drew a pistol and shot the other man at close range, the witnesses told police.

Read the full story here.

St. Charles man pleads as charged to killing mother of 2 while super drunk

A St. Charles man has tacitly accepted responsibility for drunkenly killing a mother of two in a crash earlier this year.

Grady E. Suggs III, 31, on Thursday, Aug. 14, appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson and pleaded no contest to both charges hes faced since his Jan. 24 arraignment  operating a motor vehicle with a high blood-alcohol content causing death and failure to stop at a personal injury accident resulting in death.

Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Aaron M. Majorana did not agree to dismiss any additional charges. Suggs likely sentence will require he spend at least six years in prison, he added.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw woman accused of drunkenly crashing stolen SUV following police chase

A Saginaw woman is accused of stealing an SUV and driving it into a neighboring county, only to crash it. When police responded to the wreck, she allegedly gave them a false name and a birth date from the 19th century.

Michigan State Police troopers on the evening of Aug. 6 attempted to stop a silver Hyundai Tucson as it traveled north on M-47 toward Tittabawassee Road. The Hyundai had just been reported stolen out of the city of Saginaw and was driving erratically.

Troopers radioed to dispatchers the female driver appeared to be having a medical emergency. The Hyundai was swerving across lanes, hit a curb, and nearly struck numerous other vehicles, troopers relayed.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw police seize 3 guns in separate incidents in less than 24 hours

In less than 24 hours, Saginaw police seized three guns in separate incidents in the city. They located two of the guns during large-scale public gatherings.

The first incident occurred about 12:50 a.m. on Aug. 3. Police responded to Doms Food Market, 2326 N. Michigan Ave., for reports of individuals carrying guns outside the store. Police arrived and saw the subjects in question get into a vehicle and drive off.

The driver committed a moving violation, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle fled and officers pursued. Officers saw the vehicles occupants toss several items out its windows, they reported.

Read the full story here.
Detroit Tigers' Kerry Carpenter points to the spot where his home run went over the fence as he rounds the bases during the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) AP

Kerry Carpenter homered, Jahmai Jones delivered two key RBI hits and Casey Mize pitched into the seventh as the Detroit Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 8-5 on Saturday night at Target Field.

The Tigers (73-52) have won four in a row and six of their last seven. Theyve taken the first three games of this series against the Twins (57-66) and can go for a sweep on Sunday.

Detroit jumped on Twins starter Zebby Matthews early. Spencer Torkelson lined an RBI single in the first inning, and Carpenter launched his 22nd homer, a solo shot to right-center, in the third.

Mize faced the minimum through four, but the Twins erased Detroits 2-0 lead in a flash in the fifth. Brooks Lee ripped a two-run triple to the wall in right-center, then scored on Royce Lewis sacrifice fly to put Minnesota ahead 3-2.

The Tigers answered in the sixth when Trey Sweeney doubled and scored on Riley Greenes sacrifice fly.

Still, through six innings, Detroit had stranded 11 runners while Minnesota had stranded none. The Twins had just one opportunity and maximized it. The Tigers did the opposite, leaving two runners on in each of the first three innings and failing to score after loading the bases in the fifth.

The breakthrough came in the seventh. Wenceel Perez doubled, Sweeney followed with a go-ahead RBI single, and pinch-hitter Jones added an RBI double. A wild pitch plated another run to give Detroit a 6-3 lead.

The Twins pulled back within one in the bottom half, aided by a throwing error from Tigers reliever Tyler Holton. But Minnesota returned the favor in the ninth when pitcher Justin Topa airmailed a comebacker to the mound, allowing Sweeney to race all the way to third. He scored on Jones second RBI single of the night as Detroit tacked on two insurance runs.

Mize struck out 10 batters over 6 1/3 innings, his highest strikeout total since June 24, 2024, against Philadelphia.

Minnesota loaded the bases in the eighth against Will Vest but failed to score. Kyle Finnegan worked a scoreless ninth for his fourth save since joining the Tigers.

BOX SCORE

Up next: The series continues on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. Eastern time.

Right-hander Chris Paddack (4-10, 4.76 ERA), traded from the Twins to the Tigers last month, will start for Detroit.

The Twins have not yet announced a starter.

Paddack will be making his fourth start as a Tiger and his second against his old team. He gave up four runs on six hits in four innings without striking out a batter against the Twins on Aug. 5 at Detroit.
Two historic rivals kick off their new English Premier League seasons against one another on Sunday, as Manchester United prepare to host Arsenal.

Arsenal might have finished second in the EPL table for the second year in a row last season, but it was not nearly as close as it was the previous campaign. The Gunners had little answer to Liverpools dominance, though the team has another shot at a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.

EPL 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 Peacock $7.99 No N/A None

The club still has plenty of starpower to finish near the top of the table, with names like Rice, Saka and Gabriel hoping to better the teams record, if they stay healthy.

Things did not go well for Manchester United. Even losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final proved that even when there was a lifeline, they could not grasp success. A 15th-place finish has left a sour taste in the mouths of supporters and pundits alike, with many expecting a much better result this time around.

Manchester United is 102-51-90 against Arsenal, though they lost and drew with the Gunners in league play last season.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United FC vs. Arsenal FC

When: Sunday, August 17

Time: 11:30 a.m. ET

Where: Old Trafford (Manchester, U.K.)

Channel: NBC, Telemundo

Check out the EPL table and results here
Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss in Singapore.

Gemini Space Station Inc., led by the billionaire Winklevoss twins, filed for an IPO as the cohort of crypto businesses seeking to list on public markets continues to swell.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The New York City-based crypto exchange and custodian had a net loss of $282.5 million on $67.9 million revenue in the six months through June 30, versus a net loss of $41.4 million on revenue of $73.5 million in the same period a year earlier, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission Friday.

Founded in 2014, Gemini has more than $18 billion of assets on the platform, the filing shows. In the first six months of this year, transaction revenue from volume-based trades accounted for 65.5% of Geminis revenue.

The rush of crypto companies listing publicly comes as the Trump administration has embraced the industry and crypto legislation was signed into law. Stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group Inc. went public in June in a $1.2 billion IPO, surging 168% on its first trading day, and crypto exchange Bullish climbed 84% in its debut after raising $1.1 billion earlier this week.

Gemini, which counts Cameron Winklevoss as its president and Tyler Winklevoss as its chief executive officer, offers a crypto exchange, a US dollar-backed stablecoin, crypto staking and a credit card that offers rewards in crypto. It also has institutional products including crypto custody and over-the-counter trading.

Cameron and Tyler each have a net worth of $7.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. They are the only shareholders in Gemini with stakes of 5% or more listed in the latest filing.

The company previously faced charges from the US SEC in 2023 for selling unregistered securities to retail investors through its Gemini Earn crypto asset lending program, but the SEC dropped those charges earlier this year. The company agreed to pay $5 million to end a Commodity Futures Trading Commission lawsuit in January, without admitting or denying liability. The lawsuit had alleged Gemini misled the regulator when trying to launch the first US-regulated Bitcoin futures contract.

The Winklevoss twins came to prominence after a dispute with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg over ownership of the social network. The twins attended President Donald Trumps signing of the stablecoin legislation in July and had previously donated Bitcoin to his campaign that exceeded the maximum amount allowed, so were refunded the difference. They have invested in American Bitcoin Corp., a Bitcoin mining venture tied to Trumps sons, Bloomberg News reported.
MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.

Saurav Pandey

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John Cena opens up about his hair transplant and how it boosted his confidence

Palak Vij

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Sunny Deol on playing Hanuman in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Its going to be beautiful...

Palak Vij

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Mcap of five of 10 most valued firms climbs Rs 60,675.94 cr; SBI, HDFC Bank biggest winners

101Reporters

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I have withdrawn from EPFO to start my own start-up. Will the amount be taxable?

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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

Aryaman Gupta

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39-year-old man rapes his 65-year-old mother to 'punish her for past relationships' in Delhi, arrested

Ria Kapoor

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All parties are equal in the eyes of Election Commission, SIR in Bihar fully transparent: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Tamal Nandi

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What does a major Vail ski village reboot look like in 2025?
101Reporters

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BJP likely to pick its VP candidate today. A look at BJP's probable candidates

Siddharth Chakravorty

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We will not step back from our constitutional duty: Key highlights from CEC Gyanesh Kumars Bihar voter list briefing

Ria Kapoor

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He won political lottery but people are observing how one retains a position: Maha minister's sarcastic potshot at Eknath Shinde

Ria Kapoor

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'We're just getting by': Military spouses quit jobs, families bust budgets in scramble for child care
Deblina Halder

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In Bihar, Rahul Gandhi lets Tejashwi Yadav be in the driving seat

101Reporters

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No elector's name will be removed from voter list without any proof: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "I urge all recognised political parties to flag discrepancies in voter list in Bihar before September 1, not after that."

"...After 1st of August, when our daily bulletins started coming, no political party has lodged a single objection till now. So, this can only mean two things. Either the draft list is completely correct...The Election Commission is saying that we will give time till 1st September and it (draft list) can be corrected...If similar allegations are raised even after September 1, then who is responsible? Every recognised party still has fifteen days left...I appeal through you that all twelve political parties, whether they are national parties or state-level parties, should still point out the mistakes in (draft list) before September 1. The Election Commission is ready to correct them..."

"House number zero doesn't mean fake voters; there are many who do not have a house number," he said.

He further asked should EC issue notice to 1.5 lakh voters without declaration under oath by the complainant, adding, "no elector's name will be removed from voter list without any proof; EC standing like a rock with every elector."
Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran

Rewati Karan

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Monsoon session of Parliament: Government pushes for debate on space programme amid logjam over Bihar SIR protests

Siddharth Chakravorty

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SC verdict on Haryana sarpanch poll shows BJP will cease to exist if EVM votes counted properly: Sanjay Raut

Arishaa Izaj

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Troops on LAC, tariffs from US: Why Wang Yis Delhi visit matters before Modi heads to China

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

Arindam Roy

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'Wars are very bad, I ...': Trump again claims US role in ending India-Pakistan standoff

Deblina Halder

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'Will not let them steal election': Rahul Gandhi on 'vote chori' at 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram

Rewati Karan

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Gurgaon founder of Knot Dating slams Bangalore man for criticism: 'Dont try to be over smart'

Ankita Sengupta

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he can't remember the last time he searched on Google

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Lt. Col. Jason T. Strickland, U.S. Army retired, is the chief communications officer at the VA Rocky Mountain Network Email: vhavisn19cco@va.gov
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Donald Trump reposts social media post on Truth Social, saying Ukraine must cede land to Russia

Tamal Nandi

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'God has made me protector of Pakistan': Asim Munir rules out change in leadership, denies presidential ambitions

Abhinav Gupta

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List of European leaders to join Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House tomorrow

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Zelensky, Trump and a surprise European entourage: Why so many leaders are landing at the White House

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A drunken driver apparently turned himself in Saturday, according to Colorado Springs police.

Officers found the 26-year-old man passed out in his pickup truck around 1 a.m. at the police station on Tutt Boulevard, near a gate to a secured area where only police have authorized access.

The pickup was still running, but the driver was unresponsive, police said. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
What Trump and Putins Alaska summit revealed  and why no deal was reached

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Why Israel and the US are pushing to relocate Gazans  and why critics call it ethnic cleansing

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Why Jimmy Lais trial in Hong Kong is a test of Trumps promise  and a flashpoint in US-China relations

Arishaa Izaj

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Why Trump is now signalling US security guarantees for Ukraine  and what it could mean for peace talks

Arindam Roy

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People visit the exhibition Era of Uglies Has Arrived by Alibaba's Taobao, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China on Aug. 13, 2025.

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A dynamic germ-fighting duo is helping people who live on the streets win the battle of recovering from wounds, illnesses and hospitalizations with the efficacy and empathy of having been there themselves.

Because they have.

Ive got one word for them  phenomenal, growled John Burchfield, a former Marine who said he went a little crazy when his wife died three years ago and spiraled into homelessness.

Theyre kick-a--, he said with admiration, after Greg Morris and Codi Natelli got done with him last Wednesday.

Morris, a physician assistant, and Natelli, an emergency medical technician, tended to an angry-looking red strip on Burchfields forearm where doctors had done surgery a few weeks ago.

Its easy for bodies not to mend like they should when they spend their days and nights outside and are subjected to malnutrition, substance use and temperature extremes.

Being on the street ages you in dog years, Natelli said, apologizing for the analogy.

But its the best one she knows to describe how fast the harsh living conditions take a toll on human bodies. Dogs age at an accelerated rate compared to humans, according to the American Kennel Club. Depending on its size, a 10-year-old dog is equivalent to a human's age of 56 to 79 years old.

Were seeing advanced-age diseases in their 30s, 40s and 50s that we would usually see in people in their 70s and 80s, she said. Most (street people) dont live that long.

Its not uncommon for chronically homeless people  those who have a mental or physical disability and have been without stable housing for one year or more  to develop serious conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure in their mid-30s, Natelli said.

Morris and Natelli work hard to extend the expected shortened life span.

Ascending to Health, the organization Morris founded in 2012 in Colorado Springs as a pilot and continues to head as CEO, runs the only primary respite care program for homeless people in El Paso County and is one of just two in the state. The other is in Denver.

Before the pandemic, Morris had a stable respite setup, but funding problems led him to close his center for four months and restart as a mobile service.

After the pandemic, his organization rented a defunct motel on South Nevada Avenue for convalescing homeless people to heal but relocated in January to a new office at 875 W. Moreno St.

The location offers a walk-in primary-care clinic for anyone in need of medical attention. In 2024, 326 patients recorded 1,012 visits. Revenue from the clinic, which accepts all types of health insurance, helps fund the organizations medical street program and respite services.

Under the current system, Morris nonprofit accommodates up to 22 respite patients in scattered motel rooms in town. Recuperating clients receive free daily nursing care, medication administration, delivered meals, groceries and social support. Patients are referred by facilities in the CommonSpirit Health network and Compass Health Systems.

CommonSpirit Health, a nationwide Catholic network of hospitals and medical clinics, has a mission of caring for vulnerable populations, said Becky Brockman, communications manager for the systems mountain region.

The partnership with Ascending to Health continues care after hospitalization, she said via email.

We understand this patient population may have a unique set of needs in challenging environments, and our care team works closely with Ascending to Health to ensure each patient receives the respite care they need to heal.

Raised on the streets

But medical needs are vast on the streets, where Morris has been treating homeless people for more than 30 years, after spending a week in 1994 living among the community to gain perspective on the challenging lifestyle.

Natelli has been homeless for two extended periods in her 36 years of life. She was raised on the streets of Atlanta as a child of junkies and as an adult became homeless for another three years, after her husband left her and their son.

I know what its like to struggle to survive, she said. It changes you on a fundamental level. The standard is 'Eww, theyre homeless.' I want to know what got you here, and how I can help you.

From their backgrounds, Morris and Natelli build trust with patients, some who wont provide their names or much information but all who seem to appreciate the personal assistance.

We see bipolar, schizophrenia, paranoia, Natelli said. Even some of the more aggressive individuals arent aggressive with us. Because you can threaten me all you want, but Im still going to bandage your foot.

Toting equipment in bags and backpacks, Morris and Natelli make the rounds three times a week in local parks, under bridges and in camps where homeless people live. Volunteer health workers sometimes join them.

They do impromptu treatment for an average of 25 people and as many as 40 in an afternoon, uncovering cuts and gouges, damage from flying fists, infections, bug bites, upper respiratory illnesses, episodes of seizures, sepsis, fractures, frostbite, cases such as pneumonia and other problems.

They also monitor and maintain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and help those who need it get a higher level of care. They fill medications and deliver them, and they hand out essentials: water, snacks and socks.

Everything we do in the clinic, we do out here, Natelli said, but if we can get them in the clinic, we also can help them apply for resources like Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security and housing.

Reluctance to seek care

Last week, a tarp that had been covering someones possession-laden shopping cart became a makeshift exam curtain in a local park for Morris and Natelli to assess a mans groin pain. And a concrete barrier police erected to block the parking lot served as a table for dressing a leg wound.

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Bringing street medicine into the camps has had a huge impact on getting primary care to people who wont access services, Morris said. And its no doubt kept a lot of people out of emergency rooms.

The work feeds their souls, which in turn nourishes the spirits of people they assist.

One man had a wound the diameter of a cantaloupe, but the pairs consistent handiwork shrunk it to under 2 inches.

Wound care is important because if not taken care of properly, tissue damage can worsen and lead to amputation, just like frostbite and diabetes, Morris said.

Of the 489 wound care visits the pair treated last year, 60% were limb-saving interventions, Natelli said.

Referrals for frostbite cases increased from less than a handful each winter pre-pandemic to 30 or more during COVID and has scaled back to 15 to 20 each cold season, Morris said.

But homeless people are often reluctant to seek medical care and often do so only in emergencies, said Jesse Ballard. He's been homeless off and on since 2013 and doesnt go anywhere without his canine companion, Elvira.

Ballard has been dubbed a community elder, watching out for people in the group he hangs with.

Many homeless residents dont trust todays health care system, he said. They just want to bill people.

Weve had individuals hit by cars who didnt want to go to the hospital, Natelli noted.

Ballard has had Morris and Natelli render first aid several times, for scratches, cuts, skin rashes, drug withdrawal and insomnia.

Theyve been amazing, he said. Its easy to get injured being on the street. Anything can happen.

A skinned knee can quickly become an oozing abscess, Natelli agreed.

Ballard sought out a hospital after an altercation that led to a broken jaw and an eye injury and said he felt like patients came second to the cost of treatment.

'Much-needed service'

All patients released from hospitals in the UCHealth system receive a safe discharge plan, which for homeless people can include information about shelters and provided transportation from bus passes to taxi vouchers and wheelchair-accessible rides, said Cary Vogrin, spokeswoman for UC Healths southern Colorado facilities, which include Memorial hospitals in Colorado Springs.

The health and safety of all our patients as they recover from a hospital stay is always a top priority for UCHealth, she said by email.

With scarce beds for homeless people to recuperate from surgeries or other health ordeals, the communitys need for a dedicated respite center is widely agreed upon.

Recuperating after a hospitalization is oftentimes difficult, and medical respite care  short-term residential care for those without permanent, stable housing  is a much-needed service in the Pikes Peak region, Vogrin said.

Such facilities are often the result of community collaborations, she said.

With reports of shelter beds closing, budget shortfalls and expected cuts to health care funding, we anticipate there will be an even greater need for such services in the near future, Vogrin said.

Traditional long-term care facilities usually wont take people who have a history of drug use, a sexual offense on their record or complex mental conditions, Natelli said. Those conditions exclude many homeless people.

A lack of overnight shelter for disabled or sick people means some are left with no choice but to resume residency on the streets during or following sickness.

Organizations like Springs Rescue Mission, the citys main shelter for individual homeless adults, and Catholic Charities Marian House soup kitchen provide medical and mental health workers for quick care for clients but dont have full-time medical personnel at their centers.

Clients who stay at Springs Rescue Mission must be able to attend to activities of daily living, which include bathing, toileting, dressing, eating and other bodily functions.

We have many individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes and oxygen. Sometimes when an aging or disabled individual begins to struggle with some of those activities of daily living, a fellow guest will step up to help, said Cameron Moix, director of communications for Springs Rescue Mission.

But because of the nature of our organization and our lack of medical staff, we are not able to support those needs ourselves.

Some people who use wheelchairs or walkers cant navigate the shelter's bunkbeds and sleep on mats on the floor, which they dont like and therefore are reluctant to use the shelter, Ballard said. Outlets for oxygen machines also can be in short supply.

Sam, who needs a wheelchair to get around and declined to give his full name, for the past three years has lived at the rescue missions Greenway Flats, a graduated level of independent housing with support services.

I can manage there all right with the wheelchair, he said.

Greenway Flats features an elevator and is ADA-compliant and accommodating, Moix said. Also, The Studios, a new transitional housing project the rescue mission developed, has ground-level access for 14 individuals to address mobility concerns, he said.

Natelli said Ascending to Health is trying to strike a deal to have some of its respite patients use space on the rescue missions campus, but its not known yet whether thats a possibility.

As a society, everyones dropped the ball, she said.
Pakistan defends flood response after over 270 people killed in northwestern district View Photo

BUNER, Pakistan (AP)  Rescuers recovered dozens more bodies from the rubble of collapsed homes in a northwestern district of Pakistan, bringing the death toll to at least 274, as authorities defended their response to the flooding and said they did not need any foreign help at this point.

Heavy rains and flooding also killed dozens of people in neighboring Kashmir.

Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for Pakistans emergency service, said 54 bodies were found in Buner, a mountainous area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential rains and cloudbursts triggered massive flooding on Friday.

Suhail said villagers remain missing, and search efforts are focused on areas where homes were flattened by torrents of water that swept down from the mountains, carrying boulders that smashed into houses like explosions.

Authorities have warned of more deluges and possible landslides between now and Tuesday, urging local administrations to remain on alert. Higher-than-normal monsoon rains have lashed the country since June 26 and killed more than 600.

In India-administered Kashmir, located across Pakistans northeastern border, rains triggered more flash floods in two villages in the Kathua district, killing seven people, officials said Sunday. Rescuers in Chositi village are still looking for dozens of missing people after the area was hit by flash floods last week during an annual Hindu pilgrimage. At least 60 people were killed, and some 150 injured. Over 300 others were rescued.

Warnings of more intense rain to come

Residents in Buner have accused officials of failing to warn them to evacuate after torrential rain and cloudbursts triggered deadly flooding and landslides. There was no warning broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, a traditional method in remote areas.

The government said that while an early warning system was in place, the sudden downpour in Buner was so intense that the deluge struck before residents could be alerted.

Lt. Gen. Inam Haider, chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, told a hastily convened news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan was experiencing shifting weather patterns because of climate change. Since the monsoon season began in June, Pakistan has already received 50% more rainfall than in the same period last year, he added.

He warned that more intense weather could follow, with heavy rains forecast to continue this month.

Some countries have reached out to Islamabad offering help, but Haider said Pakistan has sufficient resources and does not require foreign assistance at this time.

Asfandyar Khan Khattak, director-general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said there was no forecasting system anywhere in the world that could predict the exact time and location of a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour.

Mohammad Iqbal, a schoolteacher in Pir Baba village, said the lack of a timely warning system caused casualties and forced many to flee their homes at the last moment.

Survivors escaped with nothing, he said. If people had been informed earlier, lives could have been saved and residents could have moved to safer places.

People still missing

Idrees Mahsud, a disaster management official, said Pakistans early warning system used satellite imagery and meteorological data to send alerts to local authorities. These were shared through the media and community leaders. He said monsoon rains that once only swelled rivers now also triggered urban flooding.

An emergency services spokesman in Buner, Mohammad Sohail, said more than half the damaged roads in the district had reopened by Sunday, allowing vehicles and heavy machinery to reach cut-off villages.

Crews were clearing piles of rocks and mud dumped by the floods. They were still using heavy machinery to remove the rubble of collapsed homes after families reported that some of their relatives were missing.

In one of the deadliest incidents, 24 people from one family died in the village of Qadar Nagar when floodwaters swept through their home on the eve of a wedding. The head of the family, Umar Khan, said he survived the floods because he was out of the house at the time. Four of his relatives have yet to be found.

Extreme weather

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. In 2022, a record-breaking monsoon killed nearly 1,700 people and destroyed millions of homes.

The country also suffers regular flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, particularly in the rugged northwest, where villages are often perched on steep slopes and riverbanks.

Experts say climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events in South Asia.

Khalid Khan, a weather expert, said Pakistan produces less than 1% of planet-warming emissions but faces heatwaves, heavy rains, glacial outburst floods and now cloudbursts, underscoring how climate change is devastating communities within hours.

___

Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Rasool Dawar in Buner, Pakistan, contributed to this story.

By MUHAMMAD SAJJAD and RIAZ KHAN

Associated Press
FILEStudents walk past Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles, campus in Los Angeles, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) View Photo

Ten years ago, it seemed everyone was talking about women in science.

As the economy improved in the years after the Great Recession, women were slower to return to the workforce, causing alarm, especially in vital fields like computing. State and federal leaders turned their attention to women in science, technology, engineering and math, known by the acronym STEM.

Over the next few years, they poured millions of dollars into increasing the number of women pursuing STEM degrees. But the rate of women who attain those degrees has hardly improved, according to an analysis of colleges data by the Public Policy Institute of California on behalf of CalMatters.

The unfortunate news is that the numbers havent changed much at all, said Hans Johnson, a senior fellow at the institute who conducted the analysis of Californias four-year colleges using data from the 2009-10 school year and comparing it to the most recent numbers, from 2022-23. The share of women who received a bachelors degree increased from roughly 19% to about 25% in engineering and from nearly 16% to about 23% in computer science. In math and statistics, the percentage of women who graduate with a degree has gone down in the last five years.

Its not nothing, but at this pace it would take a very long time to reach parity, Johnson said.

Girls are also underrepresented in certain high school classes, such as AP computer science, and while women make up about 42% of Californias workforce, they comprise just a quarter of those working in STEM careers, according to a study by Mount Saint Marys University. Fewer women were working in math careers in 2023 than in the five or 10 years before that, the study found.

Its a cultural phenomenon, not a biological phenomenon, said Mayya Tokman, a professor of applied mathematics at UC Merced. She said underrepresentation is a result of perceptions about women, the quality of their education, and a lack of role models in a given field.

Science and technology spurs innovation and economic growth while promoting national security, and these jobs are often lucrative and stable. Gender parity is critical, especially as U.S. science and technology industries struggle to find qualified workers, said Sue Rosser, provost emerita at San Francisco State and a longtime advocate for women in science. We need more people in STEM. More people means immigrants, women, people of color as well as white men. Theres no point in excluding anyone.

She said that recent cuts by the Trump administration to Californias research and education programs will stymie progress in science, technology and engineering  and hurt countless careers, including the women who aspire to join these fields.

Over the last eight months, the federal government has made extensive cuts to scientific research at Californias universities, affecting work on dementia, vaccines, womens issues and on health problems affecting the LGBTQ+ community. The administration also ended programs that support undergraduate students in science. In June a federal judge ruled that the administration needs to restore some of those grants, but a Supreme Court decision could reverse that ruling.

More recently, the administration halted hundreds of grants to UCLA  representing hundreds of millions in research funding  in response to a U.S. Justice Department investigation into allegations of antisemitism. Now the Trump administration is asking for a $1 billion settlement in return for the grants. A California district judge ruled on Tuesday that at least some of those grants need to be restored.

The cultural conversation has changed

In the past five years, attention has shifted away from women in science. Nonprofit leaders and researchers across the state say that many lawmakers and philanthropists turned away from women in STEM during the COVID-19 pandemic and focused more on racial justice following the police killing of George Floyd.

Since 1995, women have been outpacing men in college, and women are now much more likely to attain a bachelors degree. The unemployment rate for men is higher, too, and men without college degrees are opting out of the labor force at unprecedented rates.

On July 30 Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order saying the state needs to do more to address the growing crisis of connection and opportunity for men and boys. Its not a zero-sum game, he wrote: the state can, and should, support everyone.

But some state investments for womens education are lagging.

In 2018, the Legislature agreed to put $10 million each year into a new initiative, the California Education Learning Laboratory, to close equity and achievement gaps, including the underrepresentation of girls and women in science and technology. But two years later, the state imposed large-scale cuts to the initiative due to the pandemic. As the state faced more fiscal challenges in 2024, lawmakers cut its budget to about half its former size.

This year, Newsom proposed cutting the Education Learning Laboratory altogether. After negotiations with the Legislature, Newsom agreed to fund the initiative through next year, at which point its set to close unless new funding is secured.

While I think women are faring better in college generally, I would be skeptical that we can say mission accomplished in terms of achieving parity for women in STEM undergraduate degrees, said Lark Park, the director of the Education Learning Laboratory, which uses public money to provide grants to schools and nonprofits. I think weve just gotten distracted and the cultural conversation has changed.

Private and corporate foundations fund numerous nonprofit organizations that support girls and women in STEM, but grant recipients say some money has moved toward other, more popular topics or less controversial ones. Funders focus on trends and theyre very trendy in how they give, said Dawn Brown, president of the EmpowHer Institute, which offers education programs to girls and women across Los Angeles County.

One of her programs provides a free, five-week summer camp to girls, including a trip to Catalina Island, where they learn about environmental science and climate change. Since Trump took office, some corporate funders have pulled back support for the organizations programs, which may be perceived as supporting DEI, she said. The words women, girls, climate change  those are banned words.

Supporting women in math

When Chloe Lynn, a rising junior at UC Berkeley and a double major in applied math and management science, started taking higher-level courses, she noticed a trend in her math classes: fewer women. Ill be one of three girls in a 30, 40-person class, she said during an interview at the universitys division of equity and inclusion.

UC Berkeley has a center dedicated to promoting diversity in STEM, known as Cal NERDS, which features cozy study spots, a high-tech makerspace and various multi-purpose meeting rooms. The center receives much of its funding from the state but has a few grants from the federal government, some of which are currently on hold.

On a Thursday last month, Lynn was one of 10 students who came to present their summer research in one of the multi-purpose rooms. More than half of the presenters were women or non-binary, and the rest were part of other underrepresented groups in STEM, including Hispanic, Black and LGBTQ+ students. She stood in front of a large poster, waiting for people to stop by and ask about her work.

Say youre at an auction, and say theres n bidders and k identical items, she said as another student approached. Over the next two hours, fellow mathematicians, classmates, friends and family stopped by, listening as she explained her formula for allocating resources in an optimal way. Some understood her work and asked questions about her variables, formulas or 3-D models. The rest nodded in admiration.

By the end of the event, many students had abandoned their own posters in order to learn about their friends research. In her free time, as the vice president of UC Berkeleys undergraduate math association, Lynn has been trying to build this kind of community among other female math majors by organizing events where students can meet each other. Her end goal is graduate school, either in applied math or industrial engineering. Women are also underrepresented in those graduate programs.

Creating an inclusive and uplifting community is so important for anyone thats underrepresented, she said after finishing her presentation.

How STEM helps people

The lack of women in STEM has nothing to do with their abilities. In fact, women who major in STEM at California State University campuses are more likely than men to graduate, according to data from the college system, and in biology, women are overrepresented. Over 64% of biology bachelors degrees awarded in California during the 2022-23 school year went to women, according to the analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California.

Brown said some female alumni of EmpowHer have said that college advisers push biology over other science, engineering or math courses, claiming that its easier. Better advising could create more parity, she said.

Rosser, who trained as a zoologist before becoming a college administrator, said womens shift toward biology was a slow process, beginning in the 1970s. Women are particularly attracted to STEM when they can see its usefulness, particularly to help people, she said. Biology is often an entryway to the health care professions, she added, many of which are predominately female. She recommends that professors promote the application of their research as a way to increase the percentage of women in these fields.

In her studies at UC Berkeley, Lynn said shes struggled with the relevance of her research. Theres a lot going on in the world right now and I feel called to help, she said. Even though I did theory research this summer, Ive been thinking about ways to apply this theory to real-world applications I care about. In particular, she wants her research to help her community in the Bay Area, where she grew up.

Say youre an architect and youre in charge of reinforcing San Franciscos concrete structures in the event of an earthquake, she said. You want to minimize cost in San Francisco, and thats going to help you choose which building youre going to reinforce.

Its just another resource allocation problem, she said, so it could be solved with a similar formula.

It does hit close to home, she said. In fact, the UC Berkeley campus lies on a fault line.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By ADAM ECHELMAN/CalMatters

CalMatters
Trump administration halts visas for people from Gaza after Laura Loomer questions arrivals View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  A day after conservative activist Laura Loomer posted videos on social media of children from Gaza arriving in the U.S. for medical treatment and questioning how they got visas, the State Department said it was halting all visitor visas for people from Gaza pending a review.

The State Department said Saturday the visas would be stopped while it looks into how a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas were issued in recent days. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday told Face the Nation on CBS that the action came after outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it.

Rubio said there were just a small number of the visas issued to children in need of medical aid but that they were accompanied by adults. The congressional offices reached out with evidence that some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas, he asserted, without providing evidence or naming those organizations.

As a result, he said, we are going to pause this program and reevaluate how those visas are being vetted and what relationship, if any, has there been by these organizations to the process of acquiring those visas.

Loomer on Friday posted videos on X of children from Gaza arriving earlier this month in San Francisco and Houston for medical treatment with the aid of an organization called HEAL Palestine. Despite the US saying we are not accepting Palestinian refugees into the United States under the Trump administration, these people from Gaza were able to travel to the U.S., she said.

She called it a national security threat and asked who signed off on the visas, calling for the person to be fired. She tagged Rubio, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

Trump has downplayed Loomers influence on his administration, but several officials swiftly left or were removed shortly after she publicly criticized them.

The State Department on Sunday declined to comment on how many of the visas had been granted and whether the decision to halt visas to people from Gaza had anything to do with Loomers posts.

HEAL Palestine said in a statement Sunday that it was distressed by the State Department decision to stop halt visitor visas from Gaza. The group said it is an American humanitarian nonprofit organization delivering urgent aid and medical care to children in Palestine.

A post on the organizations Facebook page Thursday shows a photo of a boy from Gaza leaving Egypt and headed to St. Louis for treatment and said he is our 15th evacuated child arriving in the U.S. in the last two weeks.

The organization brings severely injured children to the U.S. on temporary visas for treatment they cant get at home, the statement said. Following treatment, the children and any family members who accompanied them return to the Middle East, the statement said.

This is a medical treatment program, not a refugee resettlement program, it said.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly called for more medical evacuations from Gaza, where Israels over 22-month war against Hamas has heavily destroyed or damaged much of the territorys health system.

More than 14,800 patients still need lifesaving medical care that is not available in Gaza, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday on social media, and called on more countries to offer support.

A WHO description of the medical evacuation process from Gaza published last year explained that the WHO submits lists of patients to Israeli authorities for security clearance. It noted that before the war in Gaza began, 50 to 100 patients were leaving Gaza daily for medical treatment, and it called for a higher rate of approvals from Israeli authorities.

The U.N. and partners say medicines and even basic health care supplies are low in Gaza after Israel cut off all aid to the territory of over 2 million people for more than 10 weeks earlier this year.

Ceasefire! Peace is the best medicine, Tedros added Wednesday.

Associated Press
Conor here: All this framing of Democrats vs. Trump authoritarianism really rings hollow considering they also love getting tough on crimeas long as its not the white collar variety or the social murder that occurs daily across the country. Democrats are also busy working to get back in the good graces of Silicon Valley billionaire accelerationists, so how much opposition can they really provide?

Margaret Kimberly reminds us of just one recent example of the hypocrisy:

Re: national guard on patrol in Washington

Adams and Hochul sent the national guard into the NYC subway system. You can see them at the major hubs either looking bored or on their phones. Washington, BTW with a falling crime rate, will be the same.  Margaret Kimberley (@freedomrideblog) August 11, 2025

By Matt Watkins, CEO of Watkins Public Affairs, where he has helped organizations secure over $1.6 billion in public and philanthropic funding. His writing has appeared in Slate, Crains Chicago Business, and the South Bend Tribune, with upcoming pieces in Governing and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cross posted from Common Dreams.

In August 2025, the president announced he was placing Washington, DCs police department under direct federal control and deploying the National Guard to patrol the city. The move came without a request from local officials, despite crime being lower than the year before. Within days, troops in fatigues and federal agents in marked jackets were stationed in neighborhoods, helicopters circled overhead, and armored vehicles were parked near the Washington Monument. Mayor Muriel Bowser called it unsettling and unprecedented, a rupture in the norms that had governed relations between the capitals elected leadership and the federal government for decades.

Two months earlier, a similar dynamic played out in Los Angeles. Following nationwide immigration raids that led to more than 2,000 arrests, protesters blocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention vans and gathered outside federal buildings. The president responded by activating the National Guard. Helicopters circled overhead. Tear gas drifted across a Home Depot parking lot. The citys leadership had not asked for help, nor was there evidence of a breakdown in public order.

These were not acts of emergency governance. They were deliberate assertions of federal power over political opponents, designed for maximum visual and emotional impact. They were meant to be seen far beyond the city limitsand they revealed a governing pattern that blends the language of small government with a readiness to deploy maximum state force when it serves political ends.

The intended audience for these deployments was not the people of DC or Los Angeles. It was voters in suburban Pennsylvania, rural Wisconsin, and the exurbs of Georgiapeople who will never walk those streets but have been told for years that cities led by Democrats are dangerous, chaotic, and out of control. For them, the images of soldiers in intersections, helicopters circling landmarks, and armored vehicles rumbling past storefronts confirmed a story they had already been given.

This is the straw man city: Chicago as shorthand for lawlessness, DC as the embodiment of disorder, Los Angeles as the symbol of unchecked protest. The facts on the groundthat Chicagos violent crime has dropped this year, that the LA protests were containedare irrelevant to the purpose of the spectacle. The story is already in circulation, reinforced nightly by cable news loops and social media clips showing the most dramatic moments and omitting the rest.

This selective version of small government is not new. In the early republic, Thomas Jefferson warned that centralized authority threatened liberty, yet expanded federal power for the Louisiana Purchase and infrastructure projects that benefited white settlers while excluding enslaved people and Indigenous nations. After the Civil War, states rights became a shield for Southern leaders opposing Reconstruction, decrying federal civil rights enforcement as tyranny while embracing federal subsidies that bolstered the white Southern economy.

The New Deal brought an unprecedented expansion of federal social provision, met by fierce opposition from those who accepted federal military spending and farm subsidies but rejected social insurance and labor protections. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan fused economic and cultural politics, cutting taxes and regulations while expanding defense spending and the war on drugs. After September 11, a vast domestic security apparatus was built in the name of crisis response, billed as temporary but made permanent.

US President Donald Trumps first term inherited this scaffolding and made the selectivity explicit: The state was oppressive when enforcing environmental rules or civil rights, heroic when arresting migrants, deploying troops to cities, or cracking down on protest. In his second term, this logic is even more visible.

A Global Pattern

This model mirrors patterns in other nationalist and populist governments. In Hungary, Viktor Orban has weakened independent regulators while expanding media control and policing powers. In India, Narendra Modi has combined privatization with an aggressive cultural enforcement capacity. In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro paired environmental deregulation with military influence in civilian government. In each case, small-government rhetoric coexists with a large, intrusive state aimed at controlling political opponents and enforcing cultural norms.

Democrats Blind Spot

Privately, many Democrats will say the public is misinformed about crime, immigration, and the condition of American citiesand that racial bias shapes how many Americans interpret what they see, turning even modest disorder into proof of collapse if it involves people of color. But frustration at misinformation does not change the political reality: Voters respond to imagery and perceived safety. A suburban voter who sees troops in the streets is not thinking about the separation of powers; they are thinking something bad must be happening.

Too often, Democrats respond as if these are policy disputes, countering with statistics and program histories. Facts matter for governing, but they rarely break through emotionally. And too often, they aim their rebuttals at local residents while the president is speaking to a national audience. This leaves the straw man city narrative uncontested in the very places where it is most politically effective.

Fighting on Two Fronts

Closing this gap requires fighting on two fronts at once. Locally, leaders must acknowledge residents concerns without dismissing them and pair that recognition with visible improvements: safer transit, better lighting, more detectives to solve violent crimes, strong youth programs, affordable housing, and mental health crisis teams. These are not abstract promises but concrete actions people can see.

Nationally, they must dismantle the straw man before it becomes the only picture in voters minds. That means showing images of neighborhoods where safety has improved, community programs that work, and city officials acting decisively. It means refusing to let fear-based stagecraft dominate the screen.

Some Democrats will resist this, worrying it concedes too much to false frames. But history shows that avoiding the frame does not erase itRichard Nixons law and order and Reagans welfare queen became conventional wisdom when left uncontested.

Authoritarianism thrives in the gap between what leaders say and what people feel. If residents believe their leaders cannot keep them safe, they will accept safety however it comeseven in the form of an occupying force. The interventions in DC and Los Angeles were not exceptions. They were demonstrations of how perception can be weaponized, how small-government rhetoric can mask a big and intrusive state, and how the straw man city can be used to justify that intrusion again and again.

The fight ahead is not over whether government should be big or small. It is over whom it serves, how it acts, and whether liberty remains a shared guarantee or becomes a conditional privilege. If Democrats do not claim that story now, they will discover the straw man city already built for themready to be deployed in the next manufactured emergency.
Declassified emails unmask Obama-era deception behind the Russia hoax

Declassified emails expose former DNI James Clappers orders to rush a politicized 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), despite objections from intelligence leaders.

Tulsi Gabbards Office reveals the Obama administration manufactured intelligence to fabricate the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

Internal whistleblower reports confirm intelligence officials ignored protocols, used discredited sources and suppressed evidence to push a politically motivated agenda.

Former Obama officials denigrated the Steele Dossier privately but weaponized it publicly to undermine Trumps legitimacy.

The scandal damaged U.S.-Russia relations, justified sanctions and persists as a central grievance for those demanding accountability for election subversion.

A bombshell declassification by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has laid bare the Obama administrations $6-million-dollar treasonous conspiracy to manipulate intelligence, rig the 2016 election narrative and sabotage Donald Trumps presidency. Newly released emails and whistleblower reports confirm former DNI James Clapper bypassed protocols, dismissed warnings from NSA Director Mike Rogers and pressured subordinates to lockstep behind a fabricated Russia-Trump collusion story.

The scandal, rooted in September 2016 intelligence referrals alleging Clinton-approved diversion tactics (revealed in Senate Judiciary hearings), escalated under pressure from Obama, who demanded a 2016 election interference report ahead of his exit. Clappers team rushed the January 6, 2017 ICAdubbed Background to Assessing Russian Activitiesto push a predetermined conclusion that Moscow targeted Clinton and backed Trump, despite Rogers insistence the NSA lacked sufficient access to data or time for thorough analysis.

By Feb. 1, 2017, this document became the basis for the multi-year Russiagate probe, which Attorney General Barr later called the greatest witch hunt in American history.

The smoking gun: How Clapper pushed for a team sport of deception

Declassified correspondence shows Clapper using stark language to quash dissent. In a Dec. 22, 2016, email to billionaire-turned-intelligence leaders Comey and Brennan, Rogers warned of insufficient access to raw data and cautioned against premature conclusions. Within hours, Clapper fired back: More time is not negotiable. We need to be on the same page This has to be a team sport.

The phrase thats OUR story, and were sticking to it encapsulates the collusion-driven mentality. Gabbard highlighted that Obamas team deliberately compromised standards, fusing half-truths, open-source Russian media snippets and the discredited Steele Dossier (which Clapper privately dismissed) into a unity narrative.

A 2019 whistleblower account, now declassified, detailed how mid-level analysts were pressured to endorse the Russia-Trump thesis despite internal misgivings. One agent wrote in a leaked note: I couldnt concur in good conscience with the claim Russia preferred Trump, noting European allieseven Russias criticslacked evidence.

A six-year whistleblowers battle against a cult of secrecy

The saga of a mid-tier intelligence official leaked in Gabbards files paints a grim picture of bureaucratic tyranny. For six years, this whistleblower tried to expose missteps via 14 separate channels. According to his account, a supervisor leveraged promotions to coerce compliance: Youll want to go along with the ICA outcome, trust me.

The agents exposure of biased source selectionrelying on pro-Trump Russian outlets while ignoring anti-Trump NATO ally mediawas repeatedly ignored. Even after Special Counsel Durhams probe, claims were sidelined until Gabbard, sworn to uphold transparency, surged to action.

Why this scandal still threatens democracy

The Russia Hoax didnt end with Trumps inauguration; it triggered a cascade of collateral damage:

U.S.-Russia relations: Sanctions, asset seizures and diplomatic rupture fueled global tensions.

Erosion of trust: Public skepticism toward intelligence agencies spiked as revelations mounted.

Political polarization: Over 50% of Americans still question 2016s integrity, per Gallup polls, despite later concurrences by FBI and GDPR that no votes were hacked.

The 2019 Senate Intelligence Committees Declassified Version of the Senate Select Committee Final Report did acknowledge Russian social media efforts to denigrate Clinton, but critics argue its narrow focus ignored structural intelligence failures exposed by Gabbards docs.

Accountability at lastor a renewed political firestorm?

The Gabbard revelations face fierce pushback. Democratic intelligence leaders claim the scrutiny serves Trumps political calculus amid Epstein scandals, but the evidenceemails, timelines, whistleblower affidavitsare undeniable.

Gabbards vow to hand evidence to the DOJ sets stage for criminal investigations into Obama-era architects like Clapper, Brennan and Clinton allies. For those who see elections as sacrosanct, this reckoning is overdue.

As Trump said: The Deep State needs to be broken, and the truth buried for a decade is now screaming into the light.

The next chapter hinges on whether accountability translates to justiceor if partisan realities squash it again.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

ThePeoplesVoice.tv

DNI.gov

TheHill.com
Massive Florida child predator sting nets nearly 50 arrests, including seven facing federal deportation

Florida and federal authorities arrested 49 suspected child predators in the largest bust of its kind, targeting online exploitation of minors.

Seven of those arrested are under ICE detainment, with potential federal custody and deportation proceedings pending.

Predators primarily used platforms like Snapchat, gaming and chat apps to contact undercover officers posing as minors.

The sting resulted in 153 felony charges, including 34 for traveling to meet a minor, 48 for online solicitation and five for human trafficking.

Officials praised the operation's success but warned that predator numbers continue to rise, urging parents to stay vigilant about their children's online activity.

Florida and federal authorities have arrested nearly 50 suspected child predators in the largest bust of its kind in the operation's history.

According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General's office, the multi-agency operation led to the arrest of 49 individuals attempting to engage in illicit activities with minors. Seven of those arrested are currently under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment, with federal custody and possible deportation proceedings pending. The sting relied heavily on digital surveillance and undercover tactics, with law enforcement officers posing as minors online.

A major focus of the operation was the social media platform Snapchat, which, along with other chat and gaming apps, was used by predators to target minors, who were undercover officers posing as children. (Related: ICE Boston arrests three illegal immigrants suspected as child predators.)

The coordinated sting targeted online exploitation of children and resulted in 153 felony charges, with 34 counts of Traveling to Meet a Minor for Illegal Sexual Conduct, 48 counts of Using a Computer to Solicit a Child for Sexual Conduct, 14 counts of Transmitting Material Harmful to a Minor and five counts of Human Trafficking.

"To go after young kids, there is no defense, there is no justification, there is no excuse," Attorney General James Uthmeier said. "It will not happen. It cannot happen in Florida, and we will work every day to make sure that we are getting every single one of these guys off the streets. When I took the oath of office six months ago, I told my team [that] going after child predators is priority one. We've got about 1,000 priorities, but it's priority one," he added, affirming the operation's ongoing nature.

Law enforcement officials: Fight is far from over

Law enforcement leaders are praising the success of the undercover operation, but warn that the fight is far from over.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, whose office played a key role in the sting, offered both praise and caution. "My office routinely conducts these types of operations," Woods said. "With each operation, we catch more and more. The number of offenders only goes up."

Sheriff Woods stressed the critical role parents must play in combating online exploitation, urging vigilance at home.

"Parents, we will never arrest every single one of them. You have to know what your child is doing online, and children have to know what dangers are lurking online. As a sheriff and as a father, I understand the anger and disgust a parent has towards these types of individuals. I assure you that we will continue to attack this plague head on."

State Attorney for Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit, Bill Gladson, also praised the coordinated effort, which resulted in dozens of predators being taken off the streets of Central Florida.

"I had the privilege of being able to see this operation firsthand, and it was nothing short of remarkable," Gladson said. "Sheriff Woods and his deputies did an outstanding job catching and removing 40 predators from the Central Florida community. A special thank you to Attorney General James Uthmeier and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for their commitment to keeping our community safe."

Head over to Evil.news for stories on child predators online.

Watch this Russia Today report about the EU ambassador to Madagascar being expelled after criticizing the African nation's surgical castration law for child abusers.

This video is from the Tilt channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Massive Texas sting nets 244 alleged child predators, rescues 109 children.

Louisiana lawmakers approve bill authorizing SURGICAL CASTRATION for convicted child predators.

Sen. Hawley calls out Meta's DOUBLE STANDARD  censoring conservatives while ignoring child predators.

Child predators using gender clinics to amputate childrens breasts at alarming rate across America.

CLAIM: Popular online game Roblox accused of functioning as an avenue for CHILD EXPLOITATION, with 13K incidents reported and 24 predators arrested in 2023.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

MyFloridaLegal.com

Brighteon.com
Mason town votes to reopen detention facility as ICE site

On Aug. 12, Mason's mayor and board of aldermen approved contracts to reopen the West Tennessee Detention Facility as an ICE detention center operated by private prison company CoreCivic.

The 600-bed facility in Tipton County was closed in 2021 following a federal phase-out of private prison contracts under the Biden administration.

Mason Mayor Eddie Noeman supports the reopening as an economic opportunity to restore lost jobs, while civil rights groups like the ACLU and Tennessee for All oppose the move, citing concerns about immigration policy and private detention.

Mason residents are divided. Some welcome the potential economic benefits, while others worry about the town's association with federal immigration enforcement.

Conservative leaders, including Rep. Debra Moody, praised the plan as a tool for national immigration enforcement and public safety, aligning the facility with broader Republican immigration policies.

Leaders in the rural town of Mason voted on Aug. 12 to approve contracts that will reopen the shuttered West Tennessee Detention Facility as a site for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The decision, approved during a special meeting of the Mason mayor and board of aldermen, allows private prison operator CoreCivic to resume operations at the 600-bed facility located in Tipton County. The detention center closed in 2021 after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) began phasing out the use of private prisons under an executive order of former President Joe Biden.

Now, with a new agreement in place, CoreCivic plans to reopen the facility under contract with ICE, though no specific timeline has been announced. The site will become the only ICE detention center in West Tennessee, with the nearest alternatives currently in Mississippi and Arkansas. (Related: Trump administration greenlights $1.26 billion mega-detention center at Fort Bliss.)

"For more than 40 years, CoreCivic has played a limited but important role in America's immigration system, which we have done for every administration  Democrat and Republican. We are grateful to the City of Mason, Mayor Eddie Noeman and the Board of Alderman members for supporting our opportunity to serve and meet the needs of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at our West Tennessee Detention Facility (WTDF). We're proud to continue our long-standing relationship within the Mason and Tipton County community, going back nearly 35 years.

While we don't have a timeline to share regarding when the facility will become operational, it's important that the people of Mason and the surrounding areas hear directly from us about the facility  what it will mean, what it won't mean, and our continued desire to be a positive and valued community partner," CoreCivic wrote in its official statement following the vote.

Proposed Mason ICE facility sparks fierce debate over jobs, immigration and town identity

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and local grassroots organization Tennessee for All, which urged the town's board to reject the contract during the meeting.

Even residents of Mason expressed mixed opinions during the public meeting. Some residents welcomed the economic boost the facility promises, while others raised concerns about its implications for immigration policy and the town's identity.

But despite all this, conservative leaders have voiced strong support.

"President Donald Trump is making America safe again by securing our southern border and enforcing immigration laws. Tennessee Republicans are leading the nation in assisting the federal government with these efforts. The Town of Mason will be instrumental in streamlining the immigration proceedings process and getting violent criminal illegal immigrants off our streets. I fully support this planned detention center and remain committed to protecting Tennesseans from the burden and danger of illegal immigration," Rep. Debra Moody (R-TN) said.

Meanwhile, Noeman said he's simply focused on bringing jobs back to the community, many of which were lost when the facility previously shut down.

"It's good for the town. I am just looking in the best interest of the town," he said. "CoreCivic wants to open it back, and I told them you're welcome, no problem. I like any kind of business."

Visit InvasionUSA.news for more stories like this.

Watch this video that shows life inside the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

This video is from the harrier808 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Venezuelan migrant gangsters stage uprising at Texas ICE detention facility.

ABSURD: Biden's ICE claims it has no choice but to release thousands of detained illegals because House Republicans blocked much-needed funding for detention centers.

Trump announces expansion of Guantanamo Bay detention facility for criminal migrants.

Trump plans to deport some illegals to Guantanamo Bay in massive expansion of detention facilities.

4 Members of notorious Tren de Aragua gang arrested after $75,000 jewelry heist in Texas.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

Fox17.com

Brighteon.com
A car was sent flying into a vacant Colorado Springs police patrol vehicle late Friday after a collision with another vehicle, according to police.

Happening at the intersection of East Colorado and South Nevada avenues, the initial collision took place around 11:30 p.m. and launched one of the vehicles into the patrol car, which was parked in front of the City Administration Building, police said.

No injuries were reported. According to police, a car failed to stop at a red light and struck another vehicle before being propelled into the patrol car. The driver of the first vehicle was cited for careless driving and running the red light, police said.
Record number of migrants in U.K. living off government money

Nearly 1.3 million foreign nationals were claiming Universal Credit as of July, the highest number on record, with the majority (759,375) unemployed.

The number of non-U.K. claimants has risen by over 370,000 since July 2022, marking a 40 percent surge in just three years.

Claimants include 770,213 with EU settled status, 174,299 with refugee or humanitarian protection and 213,666 with Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The increase comes amid falling job vacancies and slower recruitment, compounding pressures on the U.K.'s welfare system and economy.

Critics, including the Shadow Home secretary and think tanks, accuse the Labour government of losing control of welfare and immigration policy, calling for Universal Credit to be limited to U.K. citizens only.

The United Kingdom government is facing growing pressure over the rising number of foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit, as new figures show nearly 1.3 million non-U.K. citizens are now receiving the benefit  the highest on record.

According to the latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the number of foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit rose sharply, hitting nearly 1.3 million in July. Of the 1,298,000 claimants, 759,375 were classified as out of work, while 524,598 were receiving in-work support, highlighting ongoing difficulties for many migrants to secure full-time or adequately paid employment.

Among those now receiving Universal Credit are 770,213 individuals granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, 174,299 with refugee or humanitarian protection and 213,666 with Indefinite Leave to Remain. Between January and March 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that non-U.K. nationals accounted for 21.5 percent of all unemployed individuals, with 346,000 foreign nationals out of work  the highest number since records began. (Related: U.K. asylum costs will triple to 15.3B over the next decade amid surge in small boat migrants, NAO reports.)

The data paints a stark picture when compared to three years ago. In July 2022, there were 927,837 non-U.K. claimants, representing a surge of over 370,000, a 40 percent increase. Last month, data also revealed that the number of foreign nationals receiving Universal Credit had increased from 883,470 in 2022 to 1.26 million in July 2025, with the majority not in work.

Shadow Home secretary: Government has lost control of the welfare system

The rising figures come as the U.K. experiences a decline in job vacancies and slower hiring.

Center for Migration Control Research Director Robert Bates criticized the government's approach. "We were promised that mass migration would bring unbridled prosperity to Britain. Instead, the taxpayer is being expected to financially support 1.3 million foreign national Universal Credit claimants, with one in five of those now unemployed being non-Brits. The costs of this open-border experiment are becoming clearer every day, and it is time we end, once and for all, the flow of low-wage, low-skilled foreign nationals into Britain," Bates said.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed the concerns. "These are staggering figures and are clear proof that the Labour government has lost control of our welfare system. Under Kemi Badenoch, we've set out a clear, common-sense position. Universal Credit should be reserved for U.K. citizens only. This is about fairness, responsibility and protecting support for those who've contributed to this country," Philp said.

"We're calling on Keir Starmer to stop the drift and take action. British taxpayers should not be working hard to subsidize immigrants, many of whom have only recently arrived. Taxpayers deserve a system that prioritizes them, not one that continues to fund an unsustainable open-door policy."

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about illegal immigrants.

Watch this clip from "Bannon's War Room" about the Italian government barring citizens from entering while allowing migrants at the same time.

This video is from the Excellent PODCASTS & Real NEWS channel on Brighteon.com.

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U.K. and Italy agree to finance the repatriation of migrants attempting to reach Europe.

British government may require illegal migrants to wear electronic tags as immigration detention centers run out of space.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

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Brighteon.com
Texas Senate approves new congressional map in rare mid-decade redistricting move

On Aug. 12, the Texas Senate passed new congressional district lines in a rare mid-decade redistricting move to strengthen Republican control in future U.S. House elections.

Nine Senate Democrats walked out in protest, denouncing the process as corrupt and undemocratic. Meanwhile, the absence of 60 House Democrats, many of whom fled the state, has paralyzed the legislative process.

Republican leaders issued civil arrest warrants, imposed $500-per-day fines and threatened expulsion of absent members. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows warned the session could adjourn if the standoff continues.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pledged to call another special session with the same agenda if needed and suggested expanding the session's scope to push through the redistricting plan.

Two senior Senate Democrats, who stayed to vote no, said prior experience taught them quorum breaks only delay the inevitable, urging the fight be taken to the courts instead.

The Texas Senate has approved new congressional district lines in a rare mid-decade redistricting effort that could bolster Republican efforts to maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 elections.

The new map, passed on a 19-2 vote Tuesday, Aug. 12, would solidify Republican advantages across several districts and potentially pit incumbent Democrats against one another. The absence of House Democrats has stalled the redistricting effort so far, denying the chamber the quorum needed to vote on the bill.

In line with this, Republican leaders have ramped up pressure on the missing Democrats. For instance, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows warned that same day that they would adjourn the special session on Aug. 15 if the impasse continues. Patrick said the Senate "will continue passing this map each legislative session to accurately reflect our state until House Democrats return from their 'vacation' and get back to work for the people of Texas." Meanwhile, Burrows signed civil arrest warrants for those who fled the Capitol, while Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the state Supreme Court to consider expelling absent members from their seats.

Abbott also pledged to immediately call a second special session with the same agenda and hinted at adding new items to the docket. Lawmakers who are skipping the session are also being fined $500 per day. (Related: Gov. Greg Abbott asks Texas Supreme Court to remove Rep. Gene Wu from office amid legislative walkout over redistricting.)

The Senate-approved map now awaits action in the Texas House, which remains paralyzed for a second week due to the absence of 60 Democrats, including at least 50 members. These Democrats have left the state for cities such as Chicago, New York and Boston to break quorum and stall the legislative process.

If enacted, the map could help Republicans pad their House majority in Washington during a critical post-midterm cycle.

Texas Senate Democrats walk out over GOP redistricting push, but two veterans stay behind

That day, nine Senate Democrats staged a dramatic walkout just before the vote as a form of protest, accusing Republicans of engineering a "corrupt process" to cement partisan power.

"This mid-decade redistricting isn't about fair representation, it's about politicians picking their voters instead of voters choosing their leaders," the Senate Democratic Caucus said. "And it doesn't stop here. If they can gerrymander now, they can and will do it before every election."

However, two Senate Democrats, Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen, remained to cast votes against the measure. The pair, veterans of the 2003 redistricting standoff when they spent 45 days in New Mexico to block GOP efforts, said their decision was shaped by experience.

"We learned that quorum breaks can delay but not defeat this effort," Zaffirini and Hinojosa said in a joint statement. "Legislators cannot stay away forever, and the Governor will call as many special sessions as needed to prevail. Our greatest hope is at the courthouse, and the sooner we get there, the better."

Visit CancelDemocrats.news for more stories like this.

Watch this clip of a similar incident four years ago, wherein Sen. Bryan Hughes said a state law allowed the arrests of 51 Democrats who left Texas to block voting restrictions.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Greg Abbott denounces $708M lawsuit against bus companies transporting illegals to NYC.

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Sources include:

YourNews.com

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Why thousands are leaving California (and never looking back)

Nearly 683,000 people left California in a single year, the highest outbound migration in the U.S., with millennials (31 percent) leading the trend. Texas is the top destination, attracting 98,000 former Californians in 2023 alone.

Residents cite skyrocketing taxes, oppressive regulations, failing schools and intrusive government policies (e.g., laws restricting parental notification of gender identity changes). Businesses are also fleeing  441 relocated headquarters since 2018.

Housing costs in Texas are 63 percent lower than in California, with rent 32 percent cheaper. Many transplants hold degrees, earn above the Texas average and work remotely. Top relocation areas include Austin's Travis County and Houston's Harris County.

Major companies like Chevron and SpaceX moved to Texas for lower taxes and fewer regulations. California's education policies (e.g., attacks on charter schools) further drive families away, while Texas offers more affordability and choice.

While home prices in Texas have risen sharply (up 86 percent in a decade), they remain far cheaper than California. The migration trend continues as former Californians share success stories, fueling further departures.

California is hemorrhaging residents at an alarming rate. Nearly 683,000 people fled the state in a single year, according to the latest U.S. Census data  the highest outbound migration in the nation. Leading the charge? Millennials, who made up 31 percent of those abandoning the state, followed by Gen Z and Gen X. Their top destination? Texas, which welcomed roughly 98,000 former Californians in 2023 alone.

The reasons for this mass exodus are no secret: skyrocketing taxes, suffocating regulations, failing schools and a government that increasingly inserts itself into family decisions. Businesses are also fleeing, with 441 companies relocating their headquarters since 2018. The trend is undeniable  California is losing its grip and Texas is reaping the benefits. (Related: EXODUS: How wildfires, crime and woke policies are driving residents out of California.)

The great California exodus

For years, California has been the undisputed leader in outbound migration, but the numbers are now staggering. StorageCafe's report reveals that an average of 262 Californians moved to Texas every day in 2023. U-Haul's latest data confirms the trend, ranking California as the top state for one-way truck rentals outbound for the fifth straight year.

The primary drivers? Financial survival.

Housing costs in Texas are 60 percent lower than in California, and rent is 30 percent cheaper. Millennials and Gen Z transplants earn above the Texas average, with many holding bachelor's degrees and working remotely. Top destinations include Austin's Travis County and Houston's Harris County, each absorbing over 10,000 new residents from California.

Why they're leaving

The financial burden in California is unsustainable. The state imposes some of the highest income and property taxes in the nation, while insurance costs spiral out of control. But it's not just economics  families are fleeing a broken education system and intrusive government policies.

Public school enrollment has plummeted by over 762,000 K-12 students since 2015, according to the California Policy Center. Parents are fed up with state interference, particularly laws like AB 1955, which prohibits schools from notifying parents if their child changes gender identity. Meanwhile, proposed legislation like AB 495  dubbed a "child trafficker's dream bill" by parental rights advocates  threatens to strip guardianship rights with minimal oversight.

Businesses follow suit

Corporations are voting with their feet. Major companies like Chevron, SpaceX and Charles Schwab have relocated their headquarters, citing high taxes, excessive regulation and unaffordable living costs for employees. Texas, with no state income tax and a business-friendly environment, has been the biggest beneficiary.

Even education alternatives are under attack. California lawmakers, heavily influenced by teachers' unions, are pushing measures like AB 84 to defund charter schools, further limiting parental choice. Meanwhile, the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which would provide scholarships for private education, is likely to be blocked by California legislators.

The Texas boom  and its consequences

While Texas welcomes newcomers, the influx isn't without challenges. Home prices have surged 86 percent statewide in the past decade, with hotspots like Dallas and Tarrant counties seeing increases of 114 percent and 130 percent, respectively. Yet despite rising costs, Texas remains far more affordable than California.

Real estate experts predict the migration will continue, albeit at a steadier pace. Former Californians, now settled in Texas, are sharing their success stories on social media, fueling a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among those still struggling in the Golden State.

The end of the California dream

California's decline is no longer speculative  it's measurable. Families, businesses and young professionals are abandoning the state in record numbers, seeking financial freedom, better education and less government intrusion. Texas, with its economic opportunities and lower cost of living, has become the promised land for disillusioned Californians.

The question now is whether California's leaders will reverse course or continue driving residents away. For now, the exodus shows no signs of slowing. As the Eagles once sang, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." Except now, they are leaving  and they're not looking back.

Watch a discussion on California Exodus.

This video is from Recharge Freedom channel on Brighteon.com.

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Why the California water crisis will lead to a housing collapse, municipal bankruptcies and a mass exodus of climate refugees.

Insurance exodus and wildfire fallout: California's crisis deepens.

Big cities continue to see MASS EXODUS amid skyrocketing inflation and rising interest rates.

CAL-EXODUS: Hollywood and LA elitists run for the hills to escape looters, drug addicts and the homeless.

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

Ktla.com

Houstonchronicle.com

Brighteon.com
Trump administration slams UN shipping emissions plan, threatens retaliation

The Trump administration strongly opposed a UN proposal to tax maritime shipping emissions, calling it a "global carbon tax on Americans" and warning of possible economic retaliation against countries that support it.

Secretaries Marco Rubio (State), Sean Duffy (Transportation), Chris Wright (Energy) and Howard Lutnick (Commerce) jointly condemned the IMO's "Net-Zero Framework," which would penalize high-emission ships starting in 2027.

The rejection aligns with Trump's broader effort to eliminate foreign influence over U.S. energy policy and assert national control over environmental regulations.

On his first day back in office in January, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accords, arguing it would save the country over $1 trillion and unfairly burden American taxpayers.

The EPA, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, is rolling back Obama-era climate rules, aiming to ease regulations on automotive and manufacturing sectors and eliminate what the administration calls "hidden taxes" on businesses and families.

The Trump administration has issued a forceful rebuke to a proposed United Nations (UN) plan to tax shipping industry emissions, calling it an "unaccountable global carbon tax on Americans" and threatening economic retaliation against countries that support it.

In a rare joint statement released by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Aug. 12, the administration rejected the "Net-Zero Framework" advanced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency tasked with regulating global shipping standards.

The proposal, adopted by an IMO committee in April and set for a full vote in October, aims to curb maritime carbon emissions through a new set of fuel standards and a global pricing mechanism. Under the framework, ships that exceed emissions thresholds would face a punitive fee, while those in compliance would receive financial incentives. If adopted, the changes would take effect in 2027.

The administration condemned the initiative, claiming it would burden U.S. consumers, businesses and energy producers.

"Whatever its stated goals, the proposed framework is effectively a global carbon tax on Americans levied by an unaccountable UN organization. Under this framework, ships will have to pay fees for failing to meet unattainable fuel standards and emissions targets. These fees will drive up energy and transportation and leisure cruise costs.

The Trump administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers or tourists," the statement read. (Related: Global maritime carbon tax sparks debate over economic freedom and climate ambition.)

In turn, the secretaries asserted that the U.S. expects other IMO member nations to reject the amendment, warning that if the proposal moves forward, the U.S. will "not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this endeavor fail."

Trump has been escalating energy sovereignty push since taking office in January

This latest rejection is part of a wider strategy to minimize global governance over American energy and environmental regulations to "reclaim U.S. sovereignty over energy production" and eliminate "crippling globalist restrictions" that harm American businesses and consumers.

On his first day back in office in January, President Donald Trump made headlines by withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accordsa landmark international agreement intended to limit global warming. Trump claimed the move would save the country "over a trillion dollars," citing the agreement's escalating emissions targets and its calls for developed nations to finance green transitions in less developed countries.

The administration has since moved swiftly to roll back domestic climate rules. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, is spearheading efforts to dismantle several Obama-era environmental regulations, particularly those affecting the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Zeldin argued that the deregulatory measures would provide a major economic boost. The rollback includes proposed changes to fuel efficiency standards, emissions limits and permitting requirements, which critics say could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Follow ClimateAlarmism.news for more news about the carbon tax.

Watch this clip of Nobel Laureate John Clauser discussing why the climate is not in a crisis.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

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Ukraine eases travel restrictions for young men, with males aged 22 and below allowed to leave for academic purposes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a significant policy shift, allowing men under 22 to leave the country, easing stringent travel restrictions imposed since the 2022 conflict escalation with Russia.

The travel ban, introduced in response to the conflict, barred most men aged 18-60 from leaving to bolster Ukraine's defense forces. This led to widespread draft evasion, violence and tragic incidents, highlighting the human cost of the policy.

The new policy aims to help young Ukrainians maintain ties with their homeland and pursue educational goals abroad. It permits students enrolled in Ukrainian institutions to travel for one semester under academic mobility programs, provided they pass a competitive selection process.

This move follows discussions in the Ukrainian parliament last year about allowing men up to 24 to leave, and aligns with the 2024 decision to lower the mobilization age limit from 27 to 25. The U.S. had previously urged Ukraine to draft 18-year-olds, which was resisted.

While the policy aims to alleviate pressure on the domestic economy and educational system, it raises concerns about potential impacts on Ukraine's defense capabilities. The government must carefully balance easing restrictions with maintaining a robust defense amidst ongoing threats.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed authorities to permit men under the age of 22 to leave the country, marking a notable change to the stringent travel restrictions imposed since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022. This decision announced via a Telegram post on Tuesday, Aug. 12, aims to allow "many young Ukrainians to maintain ties" with their homeland and pursue educational goals abroad.

Kyiv introduced a travel ban shortly after the conflict's escalation, enforcing martial law and initiating a widespread mobilization campaign. This ban barred most men aged between 18 and 60 from leaving the country, irrespective of their military service eligibility. The policy was part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's defense forces amidst the ongoing conflict. However, the ban has been fraught with challenges.

Draft evasion has been rampant, with many men resorting to extreme measures to avoid conscription. Reports of violent clashes between recruits and draft officers, as well as instances of bribery and the use of forged documents, have been widespread.

The desperation to flee has also led to tragic incidents. In March 2024, more than two dozen men drowned in the Tisza River while attempting to cross into Romania. (Related: Ukraine to launch mandatory military instruction program for teenagers amid recruitment struggles.)

Ukrainian border patrols have also faced criticism for their heavy-handed approach, with reports and images of officers beating and humiliating those caught attempting to flee. The situation has highlighted the human cost of the travel ban and the need for a more nuanced approach.

Easing restrictions for educational continuity

Zelensky's proposal to allow men under 22 to travel abroad is seen as a step towards easing these restrictions. The move is expected to help young Ukrainians "maintain connections with Ukraine and pursue their educational goals," as stated by the president. This is particularly significant given the declining university application rates and the educational disruption caused by the conflict.

The proposal is not without precedent. Last year, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) discussed the possibility of allowing men up to the age of 24 to leave the country. Additionally, in 2024, Ukraine lowered the upper age limit for mobilization from 27 to 25, although it has resisted pressure from the U.S. to draft 18-year-olds.

The new policy would allow men between the ages of 18 and 21 to cross Ukraine's borders freely, provided they meet certain criteria. This includes students enrolled in Ukrainian higher educational institutions, who can travel abroad for one semester under academic mobility programs. However, not all students are eligible, as they must first pass a competitive selection process.

The decision to ease travel restrictions for young men comes at a critical time for Ukraine. The country is grappling with the challenges of massive population displacement and the need to maintain its workforce and educational institutions. Allowing young men to travel abroad could help alleviate some of the pressure on the domestic economy and educational system.

However, the policy also raises concerns about the potential impact on Ukraine's defense capabilities. Critics argue that permitting more men to leave could weaken the country's ability to mobilize effectively in the face of ongoing threats. The Ukrainian government will need to balance the benefits of easing restrictions with the necessity of maintaining a robust defense.

Watch Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking about forced conscription in Ukraine in this video.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Trumps fiscal defense: Nearly 300K illegal immigrants removed from Social Security in sweeping anti-fraud blitz

President Donald Trump announced nearly 275,000 illegal immigrants were purged from Social Security following an April 15 memorandum aimed at curbing fraud and restricting taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented individuals.

The measure aims to protect seniors and lawful residents from fraud, with the administration estimating $182 billion annually spent on costs tied to illegal immigration, including welfare.

The memorandum directs agencies to audit death records (to stop fraudulent claims), prosecute identity theft/Social Security fraud and revive civil penalties for fraudulent benefit claims.

Trump's crackdown reignites conflicts with sanctuary cities/states (e.g., Massachusetts, Philadelphia) that resist federal immigration enforcement, including releasing undocumented individuals accused of crimes rather than cooperating with ICE.

Conservatives frame stricter enforcement as protecting taxpayers, while critics argue it scapegoats immigrants and overlooks systemic issues in benefit verification.

President Donald Trump announced Thursday, Aug. 14, that nearly 275,000 illegal immigrants have been removed from the Social Security system.

The purge follows an April 15 presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to root out ineligible recipients, part of Trump's broader crackdown on illegal immigration and taxpayer-funded benefits. (Related: Trump signs memorandum that seeks to prevent illegals from improperly accessing benefits.)

The administration argues the measure protects seniors and lawful residents from fraud, while critics warn of potential overreach. This latest escalation underscores the fierce political battle over immigration enforcement and welfare access as the U.S. grapples with record illegal border crossings under former President Joe Biden.

Trump's memorandum, titled "Preventing Illegal Aliens from Obtaining Social Security Act Benefits," orders multiple federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to aggressively audit and remove ineligible individuals from the program. The directive builds on Trump's executive order: Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders, which aimed to restrict public benefits from going to undocumented immigrants.

"We've already kicked nearly 275,000 illegal aliens off of the Social Security system," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Last month, I signed the One Big Beautiful Bill, and allowed No Tax on Social Security for our great seniors."

The administration estimates that taxpayers spend $182 billion annually on costs tied to illegal immigration, including federal and state welfare expenditures. Conservative advocates, like Maureen Steele of American Greatness, argue that stricter enforcement is long overdue.

"We don't need an executive order to bar illegals from Social Security  we need a government that obeys the law, Steele wrote.

Enforcement measures and legal battles

The memorandum mandates several key actions:

Enhanced prosecutions: Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys will focus on prosecuting identity theft and Social Security fraud, targeting regions with the highest illegal immigrant populations.

Death record audits: The SSA must close gaps in its death records, which have allowed fraudulent claims by individuals impersonating deceased beneficiaries.

Civil penalties: The SSA will review reviving fines for fraudulent benefit claims under the Social Security Act.

The move reignites debates over sanctuary cities and state-level resistance to federal immigration enforcement. Trump's previous executive orders sought to withhold funds from jurisdictions shielding illegal immigrants, leading to legal clashes with cities like Philadelphia and states like Massachusetts, where officials have released undocumented individuals accused of serious crimes  including child rape  rather than cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Trump administration's hardline stance echoes broader conservative critiques of welfare expansion dating back to the 1996 Welfare Reform Act, which restricted non-citizen access to federal benefits. Trump has repeatedly framed the issue as a defense of American taxpayers, accusing the Biden administration of enabling an "invasion" of illegal immigrants who drain resources.

Critics, however, warn that aggressive enforcement could inadvertently penalize legal residents with bureaucratic errors or misplaced fraud accusations. Immigrant rights groups argue that framing Social Security fraud as primarily an illegal immigration issue ignores the complexities of identity theft and systemic inefficiencies in benefit verification.

Watch the video below that talks about the Department of Government Efficiency revealing massive Social Security fraud.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

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EMF Hazards Summit 2025 on BrightU: EMF impacts on childrens cognition and behavior

On Day 2 of "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," Zen Honeycutt shares how her son suffered depression, nosebleeds and cognitive issues traced to Wi-Fi radiation in school. She secured the first U.S. 504 Plan for EHS (electromagnetic hypersensitivity) and compelled a North Carolina school district to reduce Wi-Fi power by 90 percent.

Sharon Harmon shares her energy-healing techniques and Bonnie Tucker/Nick Pineault's WHO-backed research offers tools to mitigate EMF harm, from food sensitivities to 5G risks.

Wireless radiation is linked to sleep disorders, ADHD and behavioral issues in kids, with studies showing 34 out of 38 connecting EMFs to adverse health effects.

Experts provide actionable steps, including hardwiring classrooms, measuring radiation and detoxifying home environments from toxic furniture, chemicals and EMF-heavy devices.

Brighteon University is streaming three episodes a day of "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," from Aug. 23 to 28, and a replay of all episodes on Aug. 29 to 31. Register here to unveil the hidden dangers of EMFs and provide actionable solutions for protection. Each day features three sessions that dives deep into the intricacies of EMFs and here's a sneak peek of Day 2, slated for August 24.

What's in store for you on Day 2, Episode 1

In this episode of "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America, reveals how her son's depression, nosebleeds and cognitive struggles were traced back to the Wi-Fi router above his desk. Imagine your child sitting in a classroom bathed in invisible wireless radiation, levels reaching 2.5 million times higher than natural background exposure. For Honeycutt, this isn't a dystopian sci-fi scenario, it's reality.

Now, she's leading a national movement to force schools to confront the dangers of wireless technology and she's winning.

Viewers can expect to learn a lot of things from Day 2, Episode 1, including the following:

How Honeycutt's son became the first U.S. child diagnosed with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).

Why tech companies push unnecessary Wi-Fi routers (hint: monthly service fees).

How Honeycutt's advocacy forced a North Carolina school district to slash Wi-Fi power by 90 percent without telling parents.

How to measure radiation, confront school boards and demand safer tech (even without a budget).

How wireless radiation amplifies toxins, disrupts learning and fuels a mental health crisis in kids.

With schools increasingly reliant on wireless devices and tech giants lobbying for more, parents are left in the dark about risks. Honeycutts story exposes a system prioritizing convenience over health, but also proves change is possible. From hardwiring classrooms to banning cell phones, her strategies offer a blueprint for grassroots action.

What's in store for you on Day 2, Episode 2

In this episode of "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," Sharon Harmon, PhD, a holistic health expert and self-described "highly sensitive person," reveals insightful strategies to help kids thrive in an increasingly toxic, tech-saturated world. Because here's the truth: In today's world, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and environmental pollutants are rewiring childrens nervous systems at an alarming rate.

Viewers can expect to learn a lot of things from Day 2, Episode 2, including the following:

Why modern children are more sensitive than ever and how EMFs, mold and synthetic chemicals disrupt their developing bodies.

How to recognize when a child is absorbing negative frequencies, not just from Wi-Fi but from emotions, other people and even household materials.

A simple at-home tool parents can use to detect food sensitivities, emotional triggers and environmental toxins (without lab tests).

The truth about iPads, wireless earbuds and smartphones and why some kids become "zombified" or aggressive after screen exposure.

Practical steps to minimize EMFs, toxic furniture and chemical-laden products that sabotage sleep, focus and immunity.

A powerful visualization technique to help people release accumulated stress and external energies.

Why do gluten, dairy and processed foods exacerbate sensitivity and how to identify which foods your child tolerates best.

With 5G expansion and rising EMF pollution, children face unprecedented exposure. Studies suggest that microwave radiation alters brain function, while toxic home environments contribute to hyperactivity, insomnia and learning struggles. Sharon Harmon's approach, backed by quantum physics and ancient energy healing, provides a roadmap for parents desperate for answers beyond Big Pharma.

What's in store for you on Day 2, Episode 3

In this episode of "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," public health researcher Bonnie Tucker and EMF expert Nick Pineault unveil groundbreaking evidence on how wireless radiation from cell phones, Wi-Fi and 5G towers may be harming children's brains and behavior. With 97 percent of adults and 96 percent of children now using cell phones, and kids spending over four hours daily on screens, this discussion couldn't be more urgent.

Viewers can expect to learn a lot of things from Day 2, Episode 3, including the following:

How 34 out of 38 studies connect higher EMF exposure to sleep disorders, headaches, ADHD and behavioral issues.

Thirteen longitudinal studies that show mothers with higher EMF exposure give birth to children with more cognitive and behavioral struggles by age five.

How smart baby monitors, cribs and Wi-Fi routers in homes may be silently increasing risks.

Why schools should remove Wi-Fi (New Hampshire's 5G commission already recommends it).

Expert interviews with top researchers like Dr. Hugh Taylor (Yale) on prenatal EMF risks.

Tucker's slide deck, WHO-backed systematic reviews and actionable steps for parents.

With 5G expansion accelerating and children's screen time at an all-time high, this summit delivers critical, science-backed insights to help parents make informed choices. Whether you're a skeptic or already EMF-conscious, the evidence presented here will challenge assumptions and inspire action.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about how you can join the healing revolution and regain control of your health, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025" package here.

Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to all "EMF Hazards Summit 2025" videos (with audios and transcripts), detailed show notes and EMF solution pages with quick access to products as well as bonus videos and educational resources, such as the "Safe Tech Solutions" video series, exclusive interview with RFK, Jr. and two essential reports titled "5G in 5 Minutes" and "Silent Threat."

Sources include:

BrighteonUniversity.com 1

BrightU.com

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EUs Media Freedom Act criticized as gateway to censorship and state control

The EMFA, which came into force on Aug. 8, was introduced by the European Commission to protect journalistic independence, increase transparency and combat state interference in media across the EU.

Despite banning spyware and coercion of journalists, Article 4 permits surveillance and legal action if deemed in the "general interest," covering broadly defined crimes like "racism and xenophobia," raising concerns over misuse.

The act requires EU countries to maintain detailed media ownership records and targets "disinformation," potentially threatening dissenting or minority media voices critical of the EU or governments.

The European Media Services Board, meant to regulate implementation, is nominally independent but administratively controlled by the Commission, prompting fears of centralized narrative control.

While EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, praise the act as protective, commentators like Cindy Harper argue it enables surveillance, censorship and state dominance over media under the guise of safeguarding democracy.

A newly enacted European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), hailed as a major step forward for press freedom in Europe, is now under fire for containing provisions that could do the opposite  empower governments to surveil, silence and sanction journalists.

The EMFA, which officially enters into full force on Aug. 8, was designed to strengthen media independence, protect journalistic sources and combat state interference across the European Union. The European Commission presented the EMFA as a "historic" law that will defend media pluralism, safeguard editorial independence and increase transparency in media ownership and state advertising.

However, the law contains controversial clauses  buried in the broader legal framework  that leave the door open to state intervention against journalists.

For instance, the EMFA prohibits certain intrusions, including the use of spyware or coercing reporters to reveal sources, but Article 4 states that authorities can override these protections for "overriding reasons in the general interest." This catch-all clause permits surveillance or legal action against journalists if national or EU law allows it, and if authorities claim it's "proportionate." It applies to investigations involving crimes with potential prison sentences of three years or more  a category that includes not just terrorism or trafficking, but also offenses like "racism and xenophobia," which are vaguely defined and open to misuse.

The act also mandates that all EU countries create registries of media owners, addresses and corporate structures to promote transparency, but it as an invitation for state surveillance and political targeting.

Another contentious section targets so-called "disinformation," accusing some outlets of manipulating the EU's single market by spreading falsehoods. This framing could be used to crack down on dissenting or minority media voices, especially those critical of the EU or national governments. (Related: Pollak: Media, tech self-censorship over 'whistleblower' marks death of free press in United States.)

EMFA could become a tool for control, not protection

In line with the enactment, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, hailed the legislation on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"A free and independent press is an essential pillar of our democracy. With our European Media Freedom Act, we want to improve their protection. This allows journalists to continue their important work safely and without disruption or intimidation," von der Leyen posted.

However, Cindy Harper argued in her article for Reclaim the Net that though the newly created European Media Services Board is formally independent, it is still administratively controlled by the European Commission. Harper wrote that despite its stated goal of protecting press freedom, the act's structure grants the EU a significant power to control media narratives, potentially enabling surveillance, censorship and state interference.

"Despite being sold as a shield for press freedom, the structure of the act gives Brussels and national authorities the ability to decide which voices remain active and which can be silenced. By allowing arrests, surveillance and tighter state involvement in the media landscape, it risks turning from a safeguard into a tool for control," Harper concluded.

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Trump declares Hamas must go: A new chapter in the Gaza conflict

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against Hamas, declaring that the militant group cannot continue to control Gaza. This shift underscores a strategic pivot in U.S. policy, prioritizing the removal of Hamas as a key objective in the Middle East.

The IDF is preparing for a potential full-scale occupation of Gaza City, with plans to take control of remaining Hamas strongholds. The IDF's plans have drawn significant international criticism, particularly due to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Gaza is facing severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies, with reports of "real starvation" becoming increasingly common. The humanitarian crisis has sparked anger among some of Trump's traditional supporters, with key MAGA influencers ramping up their criticism of Israel's actions. Despite the crisis, Trump has chosen not to intervene, leaving Israel to proceed with its military plans.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue, with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani discussing a comprehensive deal to end the war and free all hostages. Their proposal includes a partial 60-day ceasefire, which is being considered as a potential framework for negotiations. A senior Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to meet with Egyptian intelligence officials, signaling a possible resumption of talks.

The Trump administration is navigating a delicate balance between supporting Israel's military actions and addressing the humanitarian crisis. Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged the starvation in Gaza while blaming Hamas for obstructing aid efforts. The administration is also working with regional allies to ensure aid reaches those in need and is pursuing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage deal.

In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Donald Trump has declared that Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in control of Gaza. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) preparing for a potential full-scale occupation of Gaza City.

Trump's stance, while not directly endorsing Israel's military plans, underscores a strategic pivot toward prioritizing the removal of Hamas as a key objective in the Middle East.

Tough stance on Hamas

During a recent phone interview with Axios, Trump emphasized the need for a decisive resolution to the conflict, stating, "I have one thing to say: remember October 7, remember October 7." This reference to the Hamas attack underscores Trump's view that the militant group poses a significant threat to regional stability and must be eradicated.

Trump acknowledged the challenges in negotiating the release of hostages, suggesting that Hamas is unlikely to release them under the current circumstances.

Trump's comments come after a "good call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Aug. 10, during which they discussed Israel's plans to take control of remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza. (Related: UNDER SIEGE: Israeli cabinet approves plan to fully occupy Gaza amid international condemnation.)

Netanyahu's office confirmed that they are working on plans to "take over" Gaza City, a move that could involve the evacuation of Palestinian civilians and take several weeks to implement.

Humanitarian crisis and international backlash

The planned offensive has drawn significant international criticism, particularly due to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The region, roughly the size of Philadelphia, is facing severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies, with reports of "real starvation" becoming increasingly common.

Despite this, Trump has chosen not to intervene, leaving Israel to proceed with its military plans.

The humanitarian crisis has also sparked anger among some of Trump's traditional supporters, with several key MAGA influencers ramping up their criticism of Israel's actions.

Even within the administration, there is a recognition of the need to address the humanitarian situation, with Vice President JD Vance acknowledging the starvation in Gaza while blaming Hamas for obstructing aid efforts.

Diplomatic efforts and hostage negotiations

Amidst the military preparations, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani met in Ibiza, Spain, over the weekend to discuss a comprehensive deal to end the war and free all hostages. Their proposal, which includes a partial 60-day ceasefire, is being considered as a potential framework for negotiations.

A senior Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to meet with Egyptian intelligence officials, signaling a possible resumption of talks. The delegation had previously left Qatar for Turkey when negotiations collapsed, but Turkish officials have encouraged Hamas to re-engage with mediators to try and reach a deal.

An Israeli official said that "the Turks have been very helpful" in facilitating these discussions.

Role of the United States

The Trump administration is walking a fine line, balancing its support for Israel with the need to address the humanitarian crisis and pursue a diplomatic solution. Vance emphasized this dual approach in an interview, stating that the administration is committed to working with regional allies to ensure aid reaches those in need while also pursuing the goal of removing Hamas from power.

Vance also highlighted the administration's efforts to negotiate a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Trump's upcoming meeting with President Vladimir Putin could be a step toward peace, even if it doesn't yield immediate results.

"The president said this to me today, privately, said look, maybe this work works out, maybe it doesn't, but it's worth the effort, it's worth trying," added Vance.

Trump's declaration that Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in Gaza reflects a hardening of U.S. policy toward the militant group. While the administration continues to support Israel's military plans, it is also engaging in diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage deal.

The situation remains fluid, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza adding urgency to the need for a resolution.

As the IDF prepares for a potential occupation, the world watches to see if a new ceasefire proposal can break the deadlock and bring an end to the conflict.

Watch this clip about Israel approving the plan to occupy Gaza City.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

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TSA eyes private sector to launch touchless biometric screening at airports

The TSA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) under its Screening Partnership Program (SPP) to recruit private companies capable of delivering turnkey biometric and digital ID screening systems as part of a $5.5 billion modernization effort.

The plan aims to replace manual, personnel-heavy screening with AI-driven, touchless systems, featuring facial recognition, iris and fingerprint scanning, machine learning-based threat detection and integrated digital ID verification tools.

Building on the TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID pilot active in 14 major airports, the agency intends to scale these systems nationwide, making them adaptable for airports of all sizes with minimal human intervention.

Privacy advocates warn that biometric data, once compromised, is irreplaceable, and that expanding access to such data, especially through private contractors, raises serious concerns about data security, oversight and misuse.

Critics like journalist Leo Hohmann describe the shift as "Orwellian," accusing TSA of creating a two-tiered system that pressures travelers into surrendering sensitive biometric data for convenience, all without meaningful government accountability.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is seeking private-sector partners to deliver "touchless" biometric screening systems through a sweeping overhaul of its Screening Partnership Program (SPP).

In July, the TSA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to companies capable of providing turnkey biometric and digital ID screening solutions to "modernize the way passengers, baggage and cargo are screened, shifting from manual, personnel-heavy procedures toward a seamless, tech-powered experience."

The RFI precedes the upcoming renewal of the TSA's current SPP contracts, which are set to expire in 2026. Instead of renewing the five-year contracts, TSA is planning a new 10-year, $5.5 billion indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle  an ambitious leap from the current $3.3 billion ceiling.

TSA officials said the expanded budget reflects a belief that more airports will opt into the program, and that demand for integrated screening systems, particularly those using AI, machine learning and biometric verification, will grow significantly. (Related: American Airlines introduces touchless ID for faster airport security.)

The IDIQ structure is expected to streamline procurement and encourage broader industry participation, with task orders covering everything from passenger and baggage screening to air cargo inspections.

This vision builds on TSA's PreCheck Touchless ID pilot, a program already operating at 14 major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Atlanta (ATL) and New York LaGuardia (LGA). The agency is calling for solutions that can combine biometric identity verification, body scanners, AI-powered threat detection and alarm resolution tools into a cohesive system that can scale to airports of any size.

Key technologies of interest include biometric digital ID verification (face, iris, and fingerprint scanning), machine learning-based threat detection for baggage and property, integration platforms to unify data across multiple screening devices, mobile app and TSA PreCheck integration and modular designs that allow for rapid deployment and flexible response to passenger volumes or threat levels.

TSA said the goal is to reduce the need for human intervention, speed up screening and improve security accuracy, without compromising passenger privacy or civil liberties.

Privacy advocates raise questions about data security

Despite the assurances, critics remain skeptical.

Privacy advocates have long warned that biometric data  including facial features, iris patterns and fingerprints  is unlike a password. Once compromised, it cannot be changed. The growing use of such identifiers by both government agencies and private contractors raises questions about data security, long-term storage and oversight.

"TSA says the live image captured at the checkpoint is compared to government-held photos from passports, Global Entry or visas, using Customs and Border Protection's Traveler Verification Service. 'Images are not used for law enforcement, surveillance, nor shared with other entities,' TSA states, and they are 'deleted within 24 hours of your scheduled flight departure.' And if you believe that, you probably believe that mRNA injections were 'safe and effective,'" Leo Hohmann wrote in his article for Technocracy News and Trends.

"Now you know why I no longer fly. It's become such an Orwellian, invasive experience that you literally feel violated every time you get through security. Most Americans don't share my desire to live free and they line up for these digitized biometric identifiers, face scans, iris scans, you name it. The airports have become expert at making sure those who 'opt in' to these programs get through security faster and with less hassles."

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A staff member of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was assaulted in the railway parking lot and is hospitalized in critical condition, Manitou Springs police said Sunday.

Authorities have found two "persons of interest" in connection with the assault, which reportedly happened around 12:15 p.m. Saturday at 515 Ruxton Ave.

"At this time, the investigation remains ongoing, and their involvement, if any, remains under investigation," police said in a news release.

If you have information about the assault, call El Paso County emergency dispatch at 719-390-5555.

The railway is owned by the Denver-based Anschutz Corp., whose Clarity Media Group owns The Gazette.

The Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway Co. was founded in 1889, with the first rides up to the summit of Pikes Peak on three steam-powered locomotives happening a year later.

In 2018, the railway decided not to open for the season, after a major infrastructure and equipment evaluation.

In 2021, the railway returned with upgraded trains from Swiss manufacturer Stadler along with a restructured cog track. The depot was also renovated.
Many New Zealand GPs have taken up the use of AI scribes to transcribe patient notes during consultations despite ongoing challenges with their legal and ethical oversight, data security, patient consent, and the impact on the doctor-patient relationship, a study led by the University of Otago, Wellington  Otakou Whakaihu Waka, Poneke has found.

The researchers surveyed 197 health providers working in primary care in February and March of 2024, providing a snapshot in time of the use of AI-scribes in clinical practice. Most of the respondents were GPs but others included nurses, nurse practitioners, rural emergency care providers and practice managers. Their early experiences with AI-scribes was mixed  with users expressing both enthusiasm and optimism, along with concerns and frustrations.

Forty per cent of those surveyed reported using AI scribes to take patient notes. Only 66 per cent had read the terms and conditions on the use of the software, and 59 per cent reported seeking patient consent.

Lead researcher Professor Angela Ballantyne, a bioethicist in the Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, says AI transcription services are being rapidly taken up by primary care practices, even though national regulations and guidelines are still being developed.

Most of those surveyed who used AI-scribes found them helpful, or very helpful, with 47 per cent estimating that using them in every consultation could save between 30 minutes and two hours a day. A significant minority however said the software did not save time overall because it took so long to edit and correct AI-generated notes.

Health professionals who responded to the survey mentioned concerns about the accuracy, completeness and conciseness of the patient notes produced by AI-scribes.

One doctor said: "(It) missed some critical negative findings. This meant I didn't trust it." Another commented that they'd stopped using AI transcriptions because the 'hallucination rate' was quite high, and often quite subtle.

Others expressed concern about the inability of AI-scribes to understand New Zealand accents or vocabulary and te reo Maori. One mentioned pausing recordings if they needed to discuss information which identified the patient such as a name or a date of birth.

Over half of those surveyed said using an AI-scribe changed the dynamic of consultations with patients, as they needed to verbalise physical examination findings and their thought processes to allow the transcription tool to capture information.

One of the GPs surveyed commented: "Today someone said, 'I've got pain here', and pointed to the area, and so I said out loud 'oh, pain in the right upper quadrant?'"

Professor Ballantyne says there is a need to track and evaluate the impact of AI tools on clinical practice and patient interactions.

Those using an AI-scribe felt it enabled them to focus more on their patients and build better engagement and rapport through more eye contact and active listening.

There was concern among those surveyed about whether the use of an AI-scribe complied with New Zealand's ethical and legal frameworks.

Professor Ballantyne says health practitioners have a professional and legal responsibility to ensure their clinical notes are accurate, whether or not they have used AI transcription tools.

"They need to be vigilant about checking patient notes for accuracy. However, as many survey respondents noted, carefully checking each AI-generated clinical note eats into, and sometimes negates any time savings."

Professor Ballantyne says it is vital that the benefits which AI-scribes can deliver are balanced against patient rights and the need to ensure data security.

"Most AI-scribes rely on international cloud-based platforms (often privately owned and controlled), for processing and storing data, which raises questions about where data is stored, who has access to it, and how it can be protected from cyber threats.

"There are also Aotearoa-specific data governance issues that need to be recognised and resolved, particularly around Maori data sovereignty."

In July, the National Artificial Intelligence and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group (NAIAEAG) at Health New Zealand  Te Whatu Ora endorsed two ambient AI-scribe tools, Heidi Health and iMedX, for use by its clinicians in Aotearoa. NAIAEAG considers privacy, security, ethical and legal issues.

Professor Ballantyne says to the extent that AI tools are novel, it cannot be assumed that patients consent to their use.

"Patients should be given the right to opt out of the use of AI and still access care, and adequate training and guidelines must be put in place for health providers."

The Medical Council of New Zealand is expected to release guidance about the use of AI in health later this year, which is likely to require patients give consent to the use of AI transcription tools.

Professor Ballantyne says AI tools are improving over time, which may ameliorate some of the ethical concerns.

"Coupled with appropriate training, good governance and patient consent, the future of AI scribes holds much promise."
Maryland is the first state to tap into an old fund connected to the Affordable Care Act to help solve a new problem: helping pay the expenses of patients who travel to Maryland for an abortion.

With abortion now restricted or illegal in 22 states, jurisdictions like Maryland have become a destination for patients from as close as neighboring West Virginia to as far as Texas.

With a staff of six, the Baltimore Abortion Fund helps patients who need to travel pay for bus or plane tickets, lodging in Maryland, and sometimes meals. The fund spends about a million dollars a year on that support. Calls to its confidential helpline have increased by 50%-60% every year since Roe v. Wade was overturned, said Lynn McCann-Yeh, the funds co-director.

The fund disburses aid as people call in. Often, the weekly allotment is depleted after just one or two days.

Sometimes that means that our helpline is closing within 24 to 48 hours at the start of the week, because theres just too much demand for the amount of resources that we have, McCann-Yeh said. There are many, many more dozens of callers each week that are just getting a voicemail message saying that weve run out of support.

To help, the Maryland Legislature turned to a pot of money established under the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Under the law, states could decide to require insurance plans sold on the ACA marketplaces to cover abortion. The plans were required to charge a minimum fee of $1 a month on every plan bought through the marketplace.

That money was then put into an account that would help pay when insured patients received abortion care.

The state accounts were necessary because of the federal Hyde Amendment, which restricts the U.S. government from paying for abortions, except in cases involving rape, incest, or severe medical risk to the patient.

Because the federal government partially subsidizes insurance plans sold through the ACA marketplaces, commercial insurers had to use their money to pay the monthly fee for each policyholder.

Insurers have quietly complied with the ACA special rules resulting in these segregated accounts that have millions of dollars in them intended for abortion coverage, said Cat Duffy, a policy analyst for the National Health Law Program.

Over time, the accumulated fees in such accounts have outstripped the withdrawals for abortion care for women on those insurance plans. Marylands account has grown to $25 million and takes in about $3 million each year.

Maryland passed a new law that allows the state health department to tap those funds and allocate up to $2.5 million a year in grants to organizations operating in Maryland that offer abortion assistance. Those groups can use the money for traveling patients, low-income patients in Maryland, or people without insurance.

We know that we will be able to use those funds wisely and to make sure that were not turning away any patient due to their inability to pay, said Ramsie Monk, the director of development at the Womens Health Center of Maryland on the border with West Virginia.

Without assistance from abortion funds, many of the patients would not be able to pay for their care, says Diane Horvath, an OB-GYN at Partners in Abortion Care, in College Park, Maryland. Unlike some other health centers, which offer abortion only up to 16 weeks of pregnancy, Partners in Abortion Care can provide an abortion later in pregnancy. Those procedures are more complicated and more expensive.

More than 90% of the patients at Partners in Abortion Care receive financial assistance through various abortion funds.

I would say a typical patient that we see probably every week is somebody whos already got at least one child, theyre working a job that doesnt offer substantial leave for medical care, it may not offer health insurance, or the insurance it offers doesnt cover abortion, particularly when theyre coming from out of state and theyre struggling and living paycheck to paycheck, Horvath said.

The new law passed this spring and took effect July 1. The first tranche of money is set to be transferred from the ACA fund to the state health department by the fall.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022, states where abortion remains legal, like Maryland, have seen an increase in abortion procedures, including for patients who cant get a legal abortion in their home state. Many need financial assistance for the procedure or to cover travel costs from other states, lodging, and related expenses while they recover.

That financial aid is often provided by local and regional abortion funds, such as the nonprofit Baltimore Abortion Fund.

As more patients travel to Maryland, and some abortion funds exhaust their resources, clinics that provide abortions in Maryland are feeling financial pressure to serve traveling patients, as well as uninsured and low-income Marylanders seeking care.

Clinicians in Maryland performed about 39,000 abortions last year, a 28% increase from 2020, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit focused on sexual health research.

Marylands move to tap the ACA fund represents an innovative solution for states that have opened their doors to out-of-state patients but are grappling with the logistics and costs of the increased clinical demand in a post-Roe landscape.

This bill is super important for Maryland; were making sure our clinics stay open, said Maryland state Del. Lesley Lopez, a Democrat who sponsored the bill. Maryland has been a leader on a lot of reproductive bills for the past 30 years, and so in that way, this bill fits into that legacy. Its also nationally significant, because theres 25 or 26 other states that can take this model and run with it. Were looking for California, Illinois, New York, those bigger states that are sitting on potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to take what weve done here in Maryland and implement it there.

Anti-abortion groups in Maryland opposed the bill, saying that the new law will force some insurance consumers to pay for procedures they may disagree with.

This bill uses insurance premiums from insured women to abort the children of uninsured women, Laura Bogley, executive director of Maryland Right to Life, told the state legislature on March 6.

Many of those uninsured women are non-Maryland residents who are trafficked into the state for late-term abortions that are restricted by other states.

The bills supporters deny that traveling patients are being trafficked when they are traveling of their own volition in search of health care.

This article is from a partnership with WYPR and NPR.
A new generation of CRISPR technology developed at UNSW Sydney offers a safer path to treating genetic diseases like Sickle Cell, while also proving beyond doubt that chemical tags on DNA - often thought to be little more than genetic cobwebs - actively silence genes.

For decades, scientists have debated whether methyl groups - small chemical clusters that accumulate on DNA - are simply detritus that accumulates in the genome where genes are turned off, or the actual cause of gene repression.

But now researchers at UNSW, working with colleagues in the US at the St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis), have shown in a paper published recently in Nature Communications, that removing these tags can switch genes back on, confirming that methylation is not just correlated with silencing, but directly responsible for it.

We showed very clearly that if you brush the cobwebs off, the gene comes on. And when we added the methyl groups back to the genes, they turned off again. So, these compounds aren't cobwebs - they're anchors." Professor Merlin Crossley, study lead author, UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Quality

A brief history of CRISPR

CRISPR  otherwise known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats  forms the basis of gene-editing technology that allows scientists to find and change faulty sections of DNA, often by replacing them with healthy ones.

It harnesses what is already a naturally occurring process, first observed in bacteria fighting off invading viruses by 'snipping' the virus DNA strands.

The first generation of CRISPR lab tools worked in this way, by cutting DNA sequences to disable faulty genes. The second generation allowed researchers to zoom in and correct individual letters in the genetic code. But both approaches involved making cuts to the genetic code, which comes with the risk of unwanted changes that could cause other health problems.

But the third generation  known as epigenetic editing  looks at the surface of the genes found in the nucleus of every cell in the body. Rather than cutting DNA strands to remove or edit faulty genes, this method removes methyl groups attached to silenced or suppressed genes.

Sickle Cell diseases

The researchers say epigenetic editing could be used to treat people affected by Sickle Cell-related diseases, which are genetic mutations that alter the shape and function of red blood cells, leading to chronic pain, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.

"Whenever you cut DNA, there's a risk of cancer. And if you're doing a gene therapy for a lifelong disease, that's a bad kind of risk," Prof. Crossley says.

"But if we can do gene therapy that doesn't involve snipping DNA strands, then we avoid these potential pitfalls."

Instead of cutting, the new method uses a modified CRISPR system to deliver enzymes that remove methyl groups from DNA - effectively lifting the brakes on silenced genes. The fetal globin gene plays a crucial role in delivering oxygenated blood to a developing fetus in utero, and the researchers say switching it back on following birth could provide a neat workaround for the faulty adult globin gene that has caused Sickle Cell diseases.

"You can think of the fetal globin gene as the training wheels on a kid's bike," says Prof. Crossley. "We believe we can get them working again in people who need new wheels."

The big picture

So far, all work to achieve this has been carried out in a lab on human cells in a test-tube at UNSW and in Memphis.

Study co-author Professor Kate Quinlan says the discovery is not only promising for people with Sickle Cell disease, but other genetic diseases where turning certain genes on or off by altering the methyl groups avoids having to cut DNA strands.

"We are excited about the future of epigenetic editing as our study shows that it allows us to boost gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Therapies based on this technology are likely to have a reduced risk of unintended negative effects compared to first or second generation CRISPR," she says.

In a few years  once testing in animals and clinical trials were complete  doctors using the new method to treat Sickle Cell diseases would start by collecting some of the patient's blood stem cells that make new red blood cells. In a lab, they would use epigenetic editing to remove the methyl chemical tags from the fetal globin gene to reactivate it. Then, the edited cells would be returned to the patient, where they settle back into the bone marrow and start producing better-functioning blood cells.

The road ahead

Next the researchers from UNSW & St Jude will test the efficacy of these approaches in animal models but also try more CRISPR-related tools.

"Perhaps the most important thing is that it is now possible to target molecules to individual genes," Prof. Crossley says.

"Here we removed or added methyl groups but that is just the beginning, there are other changes that one could make that would increase our abilities to alter gene output for therapeutic and agricultural purposes. This is the very beginning of a new age."
19-year-old woman stabbed on neck by bike-borne attackers in Saharanpur

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 21:30 IST

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Saharanpur (UP), Aug 17 (PTI) A 19-year-old woman was critically injured after unidentified attackers stabbed her with a knife outside her house in a village here, a police officer said on Sunday.

The incident happened in Gajendi village under Nagal police station limits on Saturday evening, he said.

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Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain told PTI that Ayesha was standing outside her house on Saturday evening when the assailants, wearing womens clothes and were on a bike, stabbed her on the neck.

They fled when family members and neighbours rushed to the scene on hearing the womans screams.

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Ayesha was promptly taken to the village hospital, where doctors referred to a higher hospital for treatment.

Jain said the womans family has filed a complaint and police teams have been formed to identify and arrest the attackers. PTI COR CDN RUK RUK

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 21:30 IST

News agency-feeds 19-year-old woman stabbed on neck by bike-borne attackers in Saharanpur

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Veterans from across the country touched down at the Colorado Springs Airport Saturday, carrying their luggage and their entrepreneurial spark with them for a boot camp aimed to make their business startups thrive.

"This gathering is all about turning vision into action," Joe Aldaz, president of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, told 16 post-Sept. 11 veterans after they lined up at the fireplace in the airport.

For Shelli Brunswick, that vision stems from wanting to help others. Her business is one of many that will be put through a weeklong 80-hour curriculum taught by faculty from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and also mentors from the community.

Created by Syracuse University in New York, the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans is in phase two and is being hosted by UCCS for the first time. The first phase involved a monthlong online instructor-led business course.

The boot camp provides an all-expenses-paid-for trip, giving veterans like Brunswick the chance to grow their startups.

Her business, SB Global, is a premier consultant and advocacy firm, using her experience as a globally recognized leader in the space industry to help people become leaders and "bridge the gap" between space innovation and broader industries.

"It's service before self when you're in the military," Brunswick said. "This is how I can give back and help others who are starting their journey."

As a Colorado Springs resident of over 10 years, Brunswick has been in the space industry for 25 years. After retiring from the Air Force as a space acquisition officer, she spent $1 to create her business a year and a half ago.

Now, she describes herself as a "futurist" and motivational speaker, doing strategy planning for space agencies or startups through her business and writing books on how space can help with personal growth. She's going through the boot camp to learn some of the basics on how to run a business such as how to make your business profitable and how to use websites like LinkedIn.

"This program is incredible, and the fact that the University of Syracuse and UCCS is offering this to veterans complimentary  it's a game changer. This would be a very cost-prohibitive program for someone like myself (otherwise)," she said.

Brunswick is one of two members from Colorado Springs. The other 14 are from across the country, including Florida, Washington and Hawaii.

Their businesses are all service-based and range from cybersecurity all the way to mental health and well-being, according to Larry Plummer, an associate professor of entrepreneurship at UCCS and the organizer of the boot camp for the veterans.

The program targets post-9/11 veterans because of a high unemployment rate within the demographic, especially among the disabled. It's hosted by several universities across the country, and now UCCS is one of them.

Since about a quarter of UCCS students are veterans, the boot camp is also an extension of the work the university does for that population.

Coming from Syracuse University himself, Plummer spent six months building phase two, interviewing a pool of candidates and making sure the course catered to the final applicants. He also made sure the veterans wouldn't have to pay a dime during the trip, so the university raised money through local donors to cover everything.

Most of the program will be held at UCCS' downtown location on Tejon Street because of how accessible it is to other places. The student veterans will hear from UCCS professors and also local business owners on how they turned their business into a success.

Once the students are done with phase two, Syracuse University starts a final phase, which provides ongoing support for a year to help grow and create their business, according to the university's website.

"We don't know exactly what it is, but this program is unbelievably successful," Plummer said, noting that 70% of the businesses that run through the program become profitable.

Despite only about 10% of startups making it past four years, Plummer credits part of the boot camp's success to the veterans fighting spirit.

"Their definition of a 'bad day' is different from others. Their jobs involved putting themselves into harm's way, and because their perspective is so different, they come at it with a different mentality," he said.

Veteran student Florian de Castro agrees.

"The military is by far the best business training school pipeline out there. Everything that you will need to be successful in business, you learn in the military," de Castro said.

Born in the Philippines before his parents immigrated to the U.S., de Castro is going through the boot camp to learn how to start a business to mass-process Filipino food. He wants to bring his culture to Colorado Springs and expose residents to food they're less familiar with and show them how good it can be.

As president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce for Colorado, de Castro has focused on growing his community and their businesses. But before that, he was in the Air Force Space Command for over 25 years.

While hopping around the country during his time in the military, he started a real estate business to take advantage of the houses he was buying. After retiring in 2017, he found his way back to Colorado Springs and started the Huntington Learning Center, which provides tutoring for K-12 students.

For him, the boot-camp will help him connect to food industry leaders, a critical part of starting a new business.

"Really, it's not about money. It's about networks," de Castro said. "You don't have access to money, because you don't have the information. You don't have the information, because you don't have the network."

The 16 veterans heard from some of the boot camp's leaders at the airport Saturday. Despite most of them being from different parts of the country, each entrepreneur seemed to be right at home.

"I'm excited to meet the amazing people that I've got to meet virtually," Brunswick said Saturday, "It's really (about) the things they've done to bring us together and help us connect and build those relationships because being an entrepreneur can be a lonely journey."
Air India cancels Milan-Delhi flight due to technical snag

Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 01:00 IST

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New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): An Air India Milan-Delhi flight was cancelled on Saturday following a technical issue detected during pushback, the airline said. According to the carrier, a maintenance task was identified just as the aircraft was preparing for departure. The situation was further complicated as the operating crew subsequently came under mandatory flight duty time limitation norms, making it unsafe and impermissible for them to continue. Flight AI138 operating from Milan to Delhi on 16 August was cancelled due to a maintenance task identified during pushback, and subsequently due to the crew coming under the mandatory flight duty time limitation norms," a spokesperson with Air India said in a statement. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen cancellation. Our ground team in Milan extended immediate assistance to all affected passengers, providing hotel accommodation and offering full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling as opted by the passengers," the spokesperson added. The airline said that alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi at the earliest opportunity. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain top priority," the spokesperson said. Earlier on August 3, two Air India flights were cancelled due to similar reasons. Air Indias flight AI349, which was scheduled to operate from Singapore to Chennai on Sunday (August 3), was cancelled due to a maintenance task identified prior to departure, which required additional time for rectification", the airline said in a statement. Another Air India flight, AI500, scheduled to operate from Bhubaneswar to Delhi on August 3, was cancelled due to a technical issue causing high cabin temperature on the ground prior to departure. (ANI)

First Published: August 18, 2025, 01:00 IST

News agency-feeds Air India cancels Milan-Delhi flight due to technical snag

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Cant share machine-readable voters list: CEC cites SC order

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

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New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) Citing a 2019 Supreme Court judgment, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said that the voter list in machine-readable format cannot be shared with political parties.

He also said there was a difference between machine-readable and searchable formats.

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Addressing a press conference here, Kumar said that the voter list available on its website can be searched using a voter card number and can also be downloaded.

He said the machine-readable format is barred as it can be edited and can lead to its misuse.

The Congress has been demanding the voter list in machine-readable format, saying it will help it flag flaws.

The CEC said that in 2019, the top court had sided with its stand that a machine-readable format cannot be shared as it could compromise voters privacy.

Officials pointed out that the issue was already raised by the Congress before the Supreme Court in a writ petition in 2018 filed by Kamal Nath, the then president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee.

Referring to the Supreme Court verdict in Kamal Nath vs Election Commission of India, (2019), the officials said that the top court had observed that it found force in the submission of EC.

Clause 11.2.2.2 of the Election Manual uses the expression text mode". The draft electoral roll in text mode has been supplied to the petitioner, the apex court had said.

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The clause nowhere says that the draft electoral roll has to be put up on the Chief Electoral Officers website in a searchable PDF.

Therefore, the petitioner cannot claim, as a right, that the draft electoral roll should be placed on the website in a searchable mode. It has only to be in text mode and it is so provided," the apex court had observed. PTI NAB RT RT

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds Cant share machine-readable voters list: CEC cites SC order

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Drug peddler held in Delhis Jahangirpuri with 40 grams of heroin

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

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New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI) A suspected drug supplier, allegedly running a narcotics network targeting underprivileged children and unemployed youth, was arrested in northwest Delhis Jahangirpuri area with nearly 40 grams of heroin, police said on Sunday.

Ramjani alias Azad (28) was apprehended following a tip-off, they said.

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Police said he had been involved in drug peddling for several years and had set up a supply network in the locality. He primarily targeted underprivileged youth to expand his customer base, they added. PTI BM SKY SKY

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds Drug peddler held in Delhis Jahangirpuri with 40 grams of heroin

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Gangster Salman Tyagi found dead in Delhi jail after conviction

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 04:45 IST

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New Delhi [India], August 17 (ANI): Gangster Salman Tyagi was found dead inside Delhis Mandoli Jail on Saturday morning, hours after being convicted in a 2012 rioting and attempt-to-murder case, officials said. He was found hanging from a noose in Jail Number 15. In Mandoli jail, a gangster named Salman Tyagi died allegedly by suicide by hanging himself. The incident took place in jail number 15, and his body was found hanging from a noose this morning. Probe underway," Delhi Police said in a statement. Tyagi had several cases registered against him, including murder, extortion, and charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Earlier in the day, a Delhi court convicted Tyagi and four of his associates in a 12-year-old case registered at Hari Nagar Police Station.Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Shivali Sharma of Tis Hazari Court held Tyagi, along with Sahil alias Chhota Roshan, S Mustafa Tyagi, Mansoor Tyagi, and Manish alias Deepak, guilty of rioting with deadly weapons and attempt to murder. Tyagi was also convicted under Section 25 of the Arms Act. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Shivali Sharma of Tis Hazari Court held Tyagi, along with Sahil alias Chota Roshan, S Mustafa Tyagi, Mansoor Tyagi, and Manish alias Deepak, guilty of rioting with deadly weapons and attempt to murder. Tyagi was also convicted for an offence under section 25 of the Arms Act. However, the court acquitted Mohd. Saddam alias Gauri of all charges. The prosecution had alleged that on the intervening night of September 24 and 25, 2012, Tyagi and his associates, namely Mansoor Tyagi, Mani Nasa (since deceased), Saddam Gauri, Deepu alias Bunda and Sahil alias Chhota Roshan, armed with firearms, swords and iron rods, attacked a man named Salim near Shamshan Ghat road in Hari Nagar. (ANI)

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 04:45 IST

News agency-feeds Gangster Salman Tyagi found dead in Delhi jail after conviction

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Hong Kong pro-democracy activists granted asylum in Australia, Britain

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

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Taipei, Aug 17 (AP) A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and a former lawmaker who are wanted by the citys authorities have been granted asylum in Great Britain and Australia, respectively.

Tony Chung, an activist who was imprisoned under Hong Kongs sweeping national security law, and Ted Hui, a former lawmaker who was facing trial for his role in anti-government protests in 2019, both announced over the weekend that they have received asylum in the countries where they now live.

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They are among dozens of activists on the run from Hong Kong authorities.

Civil liberties in the city have been greatly eroded since Beijing in 2020 imposed a national security law essentially criminalizing dissent in the former British colony. Both Beijing and Hong Kong have hailed the security law as bringing stability to the financial hub.

Hui, who fled Hong Kong in December 2020, is part of a group of overseas activists who are targeted by police bounties of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars (USD 1,27,800). The former lawmaker is now working as a lawyer in Adelaide.

He announced on Facebook on Saturday that he and his family have been granted protection visas.

I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Australia  both present and former  for recognising our need for asylum and granting us this protection," Hui wrote. This decision reflects values of freedom, justice, and compassion that my family will never take for granted." While in Hong Kong, Hui had been an outspoken pro-democracy lawmaker. He was also known for disrupting a legislative session after he threw a rotten plant in the chamber to stop a debate of the national anthem bill  controversial legislation making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem.

He was subsequently fined 52,000 Hong Kong dollars (USD 6,600) for the act.

Chung, who had advocated for Hong Kongs independence, was sentenced to almost four years in prison for secession and money laundering in 2020. He was released on a supervision order, during which he travelled to Japan, from where he fled to Britain seeking asylum.

In a post on social media platform Threads on Sunday, he expressed his excitement at receiving refugee status in Britain along with a five-year resident permit.

He said that despite his challenges over the past few years, including persistent mental health problems, he remains committed to his activism.

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British and Australian authorities didnt immediately comment on the activists statuses.

Hong Kongs government did not comment directly on the cases but issued a statement on Saturday condemning the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country." Any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kongs legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong," the statement read. (AP) NPK NPK

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:45 IST

News agency-feeds Hong Kong pro-democracy activists granted asylum in Australia, Britain

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Israels growing frustration over war in Gaza explodes in nationwide protests

Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 00:00 IST

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Jerusalem, Aug 17 (AP) Israeli police blasted crowds with water cannons and made dozens of arrests on Sunday as thousands of protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza aimed to shut down the country with a one-day strike that blocked roads and closed businesses.

Groups representing families of hostages organised the demonstrations as frustration grows in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gazas most populated areas, which many fear could further endanger the remaining hostages. Fifty hostages remain, and 20 of them are believed to still be alive.

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We dont win a war over the bodies of hostages," protesters chanted in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Even some former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs now call for a deal to end the fighting.

Protesters gathered at dozens of places including outside politicians homes, military headquarters and on major highways. They blocked lanes and lit bonfires. Some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity. Police said they arrested 38 people.

The only way to bring (hostages) back is through a deal, all at once, without games," former hostage Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Aviv. Her boyfriend Ariel Cunio is still being held by Hamas.

One protester carried a photo of an emaciated Palestinian child from Gaza. Such images were once rare at Israeli demonstrations but now appear more often as outrage grows over conditions there for civilians after more than 250 malnutrition-related deaths.

Netanyahu opposes any deal that leaves Hamas in power An end to the conflict does not seem near. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is balancing competing pressures including the potential for mutiny within his coalition.

Those who today call for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of Oct 7 will be repeated," Netanyahu said, referencing the Hamas-led attack in 2023 that killed some 1,200 people and sparked the war.

The last time Israel agreed to a ceasefire that released hostages earlier this year, far-right members of his cabinet threatened to topple Netanyahus government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday called the demonstrations a bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas hands, buries the hostages in the tunnels and attempts to get Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardize its security and future." The new offensive would require the call-up of thousands of reservists, another concern for many Israelis.

Another 17 aid-seekers killed in Gaza Hospitals and witnesses in Gaza said Israeli forces killed at least 17 aid-seekers on Sunday, including nine awaiting UN aid trucks close to the Morag corridor.

Hamza Asfour said he was just north of the corridor awaiting a convoy when Israeli snipers fired, first to disperse the crowds, then from tanks hundreds of meters (yards) away. He saw two people with gunshot wounds.

Its either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation," he said.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the Israeli-backed and US-supported distribution points that have become the main source of aid since they opened in May, said there was no gunfire at or near" its sites, which are located in military-controlled areas.

Israels military did not immediately respond to questions.

Israels air and ground war has displaced most of Gazas population and killed more than 61,900 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.

Two children and five adults died of malnutrition-related causes Sunday, according to the ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

The United Nations has warned that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began. Most aid has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after ending a ceasefire. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organisations say the flow is far below what is needed.

Fears of the coming military offensive It is not clear when Israels military will begin the new offensive in the crowded Gaza City, Muwasi and what Netanyahu has called the central camps" of Gaza.

The military body that coordinates its humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, this weekend noted plans to forcibly evacuate people from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection." Designated safe zones," however, also have been bombed during the war.

War-weary Palestinians on Sunday insisted that they wont leave, arguing that there is no safe place" in Gaza.

There are no humanitarian zones at all," said Raghda Abu Dhaher, who said she has been displaced 10 times during the war and now shelters in a school in western Gaza City.

Mohamed Ahmed also insisted that he wont move south. Here is bombing and there is bombing," he said.

Airstrike on power plant in Yemen Israeli airstrikes hit Yemens capital Sunday, escalating strikes on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who since the war in Gaza began have fired missiles at Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea.

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The Houthi-run Al-Masirah Television said the strikes targeted a power plant in the southern district of Sanhan, sparking a fire and knocking it out of service. Israels military said the strikes were launched in response to missiles and drones aimed at Israel.

While some projectiles have breached its missile defences  notably during its 12-day war with Iran in June  Israel has intercepted the vast majority of missiles launched from Yemen. Its military later Sunday said it had intercepted another. (AP) RD RD

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First Published: August 18, 2025, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds Israels growing frustration over war in Gaza explodes in nationwide protests

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Mistrust, fear: Complex story behind strained Syria-Lebanon relations

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 11:45 IST

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Beirut, Aug 17 (AP) A lot has happened in just a year on both sides of the Lebanon-Syria border. A lightning offensive by Islamist insurgents in Syria toppled longtime autocrat Bashar Assad and brought a new government in place in Damascus.

In Lebanon, a bruising war with Israel dealt a serious blow to Hezbollah  the Iran-backed and Assad-allied Shiite Lebanese militant group that had until recently been a powerful force in the Middle East  and a US-negotiated deal has brought a fragile ceasefire.

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Still, even after the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule, relations between Beirut and Damascus remain tense  as they have been for decades past, with Syria long failing to treat its smaller neighbour as a sovereign nation.

Recent skirmishes along the border have killed and wounded several people, both fighters and civilians, including a four-year-old Lebanese girl.

Beirut and Damascus have somewhat coordinated on border security, but attempts to reset political relations have been slow. Despite visits to Syria by two heads of Lebanons government, no Syrian official has visited Lebanon.

Here is whats behind the complicated relations.

A coldness that goes way back Many Syrians have resented Hezbollah for wading into Syrias civil war in defence of Assads government. Assads fall sent them home, but many Lebanese now fear cross-border attacks by Syrias Islamic militants.

There are new restrictions on Lebanese entering Syria, and Lebanon has maintained tough restrictions on Syrians entering Lebanon.

The Lebanese also fear that Damascus could try to bring Lebanon under a new Syrian tutelage.

Syrians have long seen Lebanon as a staging ground for anti-Syria activities, including hosting opposition figures before Hafez Assad  Bashar Assads father  ascended to power in a bloodless 1970 coup.

In 1976, Assad senior sent his troops to Lebanon, allegedly to bring peace as Lebanon was hurtling into a civil war that lasted until 1990. Once that ended, Syrian forces  much like a colonial power  remained in Lebanon for another 15 years.

A signature of the Assad family rule, Syrias dreaded security agents disappeared and tortured dissidents to keep the country under their control. They did the same in Lebanon.

Syrians feel that Lebanon is the main gateway for conspiracies against them," says Lebanese political analyst Ali Hamadeh.

Turbulent times It took until 2008 for the two countries to agree to open diplomatic missions, marking Syrias first official recognition of Lebanon as an independent state since it gained independence from France in 1943.

The move came after the 2005 truck-bombing assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri that many blamed on Damascus.

Two months later, Syria pulled its troops out of Lebanon under international pressure, ending 29 years of near-complete domination of its neighbour.

When Syrias own civil war erupted in 2011, hundreds of thousands of Syrians fled across the border, making crisis-hit Lebanon the host of the highest per capita population of refugees in the world. Once in Lebanon, the refugees complained about discrimination, including curfews for Syrian citizens in some areas.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, rushed thousands of its fighters into Syria in 2013 to shore up Assad, worried that its supply lines from Iran could dry up.

And as much as the Lebanese are divided over their countrys internal politics, Syrias war divided them further into those supporting Assads government and those opposing it.

Distrust and deadlock A key obstacle to warming relations has been the fate of about 2,000 Syrians in Lebanese prisons, including some 800 held over attacks and shootings, many without trial.

Damascus is asking Beirut to hand them over to continue their prison terms in Syria, but Lebanese judicial officials say Beirut wont release any attackers and that each must be studied and resolved separately.

In July, family members of the detainees rallied along a border crossing, demanding their relatives be freed. The protest came amid reports that Syrian troops could deploy foreign fighters in Lebanon, which Damascus officials denied.

Another obstacle is Lebanons demand that Syrian refugees go back home now that Assad is gone. About 716,000 Syrian refugees are registered with the UN refugee agency, while hundreds of thousands more are unregistered in Lebanon, which has a population of about 5 million.

Syria is also demanding the return of billions of dollars worth of deposits of Syrians trapped in Lebanese banks since Lebanons historic financial meltdown in 2019.

The worst post-Assad border skirmishes came in mid-March, when Syrian authorities said Hezbollah members crossed the border and kidnapped and killed three Syrian soldiers. The Lebanese government and army said the clash was between smugglers and that Hezbollah wasnt involved.

Days later, Lebanese and Syrian defence ministers flew to Saudi Arabia and signed an agreement on border demarcation and boosting their coordination.

In July, rumours spread in Lebanon, claiming the northern city of Tripoli would be given to Syria in return for Syria giving up the Golan Heights to Israel. And though officials dismissed the rumours, they illustrate the level of distrust between the neighbors.

Beirut was also angered by Syrias appointment this year of a Lebanese army officer  Abdullah Shehadeh, who defected in 2014 from Lebanon to join Syrian insurgents  as the head of security in Syrias central province of Homs that borders northeastern Lebanon.

In Syria, few were aware of Shehadehs real name  he was simply known by his nom de guerre, Abu Youssef the Lebanese. Syrian security officials confirmed the appointment.

Whats ahead Analysts say an important step would be for the two neighbours to work jointly to boost security against cross-border smuggling. A US-backed plan that was recently adopted by the Lebanese government calls for moving toward full demarcation of the border.

Radwan Ziadeh, a senior fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, says the best way forward would be for Syria and Lebanon to address each problem between them individually  not as a package deal.

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That way, tensions would be reduced gradually, he said and downplayed recent comments by prominent Syrian anti-Assad figures who claimed Lebanon is part of Syria and should return to it.

These are individual voices that do not represent the Syrian state," Zaideh said. (AP) GRS GRS

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 11:45 IST

News agency-feeds Mistrust, fear: Complex story behind strained Syria-Lebanon relations

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Punjab: Medical teams mobilised in areas affected by swollen Beas, Sutlej rivers

Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 00:30 IST

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Chandigarh, Aug 17 (PTI) With rising water levels in Beas and Sutlej rivers affecting many villages in the state, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Sunday said 438 rapid response teams, 323 mobile medical teams, and 172 ambulances have been mobilised to ensure timely medical aid in the affected regions.

The priority is to reach every person in need and ensure that no one is left without medical help during these critical times, Singh said.

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Punjab is fully prepared to meet any health emergency arising due to the floods, he said.

Many villages in Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Fazilka districts adjoining the Beas and Sutlej rivers, which are in spate, have been affected by floodwater.

On the situation in Gurdaspur, the minister said seven villages have been cut off due to the rising water levels.

Stating that the health department introduced boat ambulances to tackle the situation, Singh said, The quick response helped us rescue eight pregnant women, one of whom safely delivered her child under medical supervision. Similar measures have been implemented in the flood-hit Kalu in Ferozepur district." Medical preparedness has been further strengthened through the health camps set up in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, where 241 patients have already received treatment, he said.

The cases included diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fever, skin allergies, and eye infections.

With more than 2,000 hospital beds kept ready across districts, the state has created a strong buffer to tackle any possible epidemic, Singh said.

Reassuring the citizens regarding water-borne diseases, Singh said, So far, we have seen only sporadic cases. However, people must remain vigilant. Health staff and the peripheral centers are well-equipped with chlorine tablets, ORS, and essential medicines.

In case the number of cases rises in any particular pocket, we have seamless linkages to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for immediate treatment." He also urged people to rely on the governments toll-free helpline number  104  to report health issues and seek assistance.

Every household should consume only boiled or chlorinated water, request health teams for water quality testing, and avoid stale food to check the spread of diseases," he emphasised.

The health department has been closely coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, the military and NGOs to ensure medical and rescue facilities in the high-risk areas, including Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala, Singh said.

The minister reaffirmed that there is no shortage of medicines in any government health facility across Punjab.

Our teams are working 247 to protect the citizens. We are confident that the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by the floods," he said.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Aman Arora urged party workers to help people in the districts affected by floods.

He also assured the people that the Punjab government is making every possible effort to deal with the situation.

Arora said the state government has made proper arrangements in every district to deal with flood-like situations.

The local administration and the State Disaster Response Force are working at a war footing, he said in a statement.

The administration is also making all necessary arrangements to fulfil the basic needs of the affected people, especially in Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka, he said.

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In an appeal to the party workers, Arora said while every possible effort is being made by the government, the problem will not end only with the governments efforts.

Therefore, we too must step onto the ground and help people. Standing with people in times of crisis is also our moral responsibility. Therefore, I request all party workers to go to the flood-affected areas as soon as possible and, either at their own level or in coordination with the administration, help provide relief to the common people," Arora said. PTI CHS ARI

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First Published: August 18, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds Punjab: Medical teams mobilised in areas affected by swollen Beas, Sutlej rivers

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Trump runs into the difficulty of Putin diplomacy, ending long war

Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 00:30 IST

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New York, Aug 17 (AP) President Donald Trump walked into a summit with Russias Vladimir Putin pressing for a ceasefire deal and threatening severe consequences" and tough new sanctions if the Kremlin leader failed to agree to halt the fighting in Ukraine.

Instead, Trump was the one who stood down, dropping his demand for a ceasefire in favour of pursuing a full peace accord  a position that aligns with Putins.

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After calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump wrote as he flew home from Fridays meeting in Alaska that it had been determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up." It was a dramatic reversal that laid bare the challenges of dealing with Putin, a cunning adversary, as well as the complexities of a conflict that Trump had repeatedly boasted during his campaign that he could solve within 24 hours.

Trumps position after the summit with Putin While European leaders were relieved that Trump did not agree to a deal that favored Moscow, the summit allowed Putin to reclaim his place on the world stage and may have bought Russia more time to push forward with its offensive in Ukraine.

Were back to where we were before without him having gone to Alaska," said Fiona Hill, who served as Trumps senior adviser on Russia at the National Security Council during his first term, including when he last met Putin in Helsinki in 2018.

In an interview, Hill argued that Trump had emerged from the meeting in a weaker position because of his reversal. Other leaders, she said, might now look at the US president and think hes not the big guy that he thinks he is and certainly not the dealmaking genius." All the way along, Trump was convinced he has incredible forces of persuasion," she said, but he came out of the meeting without a ceasefire  the one thing" he had been pushing for.

Trump administration officials defended the move.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff said on  Fox News Sunday " that Trump had talked about a ceasefire until he made a lot of different wins in this meeting and began to realise that we could be talking about a peace deal. The ultimate deal here is a peace deal." We are intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently. Very, very quickly  quicker than a ceasefire," he said on CNN.

Trump has touted himself as the president of peace Trump has tried to cast himself as a peacemaker, taking credit for helping deescalate conflicts between India and Pakistan as well as Thailand and Cambodia. He mediated a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and another between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to end decades of fighting.

Trump has set his eye on the Nobel Peace Prize, with numerous allies offering nominations.

But Trump has struggled to made headway on the worlds two most vexing conflicts: the Russia-Ukraine war and Israels offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

Some see a Putin win and a Trump loss In Europe, the summit was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Putin, who has been eager to emerge from geopolitical isolation.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russias Security Council, praised the summit as a breakthrough in restoring high-level dialogue between Moscow and Washington.

Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt called the meeting a distinct win for Putin. He didnt yield an inch" but was also a distinct setback for Trump. No ceasefire in sight." What the world sees is a weak and wobbling America," Bildt posted on X.

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Witkoff disagreed.

I think we ought to be focusing on what the end result is," he said. I think that we are a whole lot closer to eliminating death on the battlefield in Ukraine and Russia, and its the overall goal." (AP) RD RD

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First Published: August 18, 2025, 00:30 IST

News agency-feeds Trump runs into the difficulty of Putin diplomacy, ending long war

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KTM RC160 Confirmed For Indian Market, Here's What We Know So Far

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 16:09 IST

Talking about the launch date, the company has kept this detail under wraps as yet. However, it has hinted at launching the RC160 somewhere in October this year.

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Upcoming offering from KTM. (File photo)

The top Austrian motorcycle maker, KTM, has finally revealed the plan for the all-new RC160. The company has confirmed that the model will arrive in the Indian market under the 160cc segment. It will replace the struggling 125cc offerings that include RC125 and Duke 125.

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Talking about the launch date, the company has kept this detail under wraps as yet. However, it has hinted at launching the RC160 somewhere in October this year.

Whats The Need Of RC160?

The RC160 could be a game-changer for the brand as it has been focusing on the higher CC segment bikes, ignoring the mass market volume. With the RC160, the company might revive the segment, which has been witnessing a lower sales figures, and is decline with each passing day.

Road Presence

Aesthetically, the upcoming RC160 will share companys typical design language, featuring sharp cuts and creases. It will get signature style fully LED headlight setup, sleak indicators at both ends, aggressive riding posture, and split seating arrangement. The overall road presence might look quite similar as RC200 and RC390, giving a taste of orignialty in the upcoming model.

Expected Price Range

When it comes to the price range, again, everything has been kept under wrap. However, some reports suggested that it might be released somewhere between Rs 1.8 to Rs 1.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The bracket will positioned the RC160 right spot, and will mix with its Japanese and Indian competitors.

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About the Author Shahrukh Shah Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More Shahrukh Shah, Sub-Editor at News18, loves to write about everything that moves on wheels. With years of experience and the required skill sets, he is contributing to the auto section, where he let people know ... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 16:09 IST

News auto KTM RC160 Confirmed For Indian Market, Here's What We Know So Far

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(Reuters) -The Israeli military said it had targeted an energy infrastructure site that was used by the Iran-aligned Houthis south of the Yemeni capital Sanaa early on Sunday, with Israeli media saying the Haziz power station had been hit.

The military said in a statement that the strikes were in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis against Israel, including launching missiles and drones towards its territory.

Israeli media reported earlier that the attack on the Haziz power station near the capital was carried out by the Israeli navy.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV said that the power station was hit by an "aggression", knocking some of its generators out of service. It did not indicate the source of the attack.

Teams were able to contain a resulting fire, Al Masirah reported, citing the deputy prime minister.

At least two explosions were heard earlier in Sanaa, residents said.

Israel has been bombing Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on Israel. The Yemeni group has been firing missiles towards Israel, most of which have been intercepted, in what they describe as support for Palestinians during the war in Gaza.

The United States and the UK have also previously launched attacks against the Houthis in Yemen.

In May, the U.S. announced a surprise deal with the Houthis where it agreed to stop a bombing campaign against them in return for an end to the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, though the Houthis said the deal did not include sparing Israel.

(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari and Jaidaa Taha; Additional reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Muhammad Al Gebaly ; Editing by Sonali Paul and Kim Coghill, Kirsten Donovan)
Nifty Prediction For Tomorrow, August 18: Market Set For Optimistic Start; Check Support & Resistance

Reported By :

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:07 IST

The market is expected to see renewed optimism in the week ahead, buoyed by PM Modi's announcement of 'big bang' GST reforms, S&P's rating upgrade, and easing global concerns.

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Nifty Prediction Tomorrow.

Nifty Prediction For Tomorrow, August 18: The domestic equity market is expected to see renewed optimism in the week ahead, buoyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement of big bang" GST reforms by Diwali, the recent S&P sovereign rating upgrade, and easing global concerns, according to analysts.

Trends in global equities and foreign investor activity will also guide sentiment.

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On Friday, PM Modi announced sweeping reforms in the eight-year-old GST regime aimed at lowering prices of essential items and fixing compliance gaps, evasions, and litigation.

The week ahead is likely to start on a cheerful note, as markets draw optimism from Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day address. His statement on a potential GST rate reduction ahead of Diwali has the potential to significantly boost sentiment and lift equities out of the bear grip," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart.

S&P on Thursday upgraded Indias sovereign credit rating to BBB with a stable outlook, the first upgrade in over 18 years, citing robust growth, fiscal discipline, and a supportive monetary policy stance.

Another positive factor, which can influence FII behaviour, is the rating agency S&P raising Indias credit rating from BBB- to BBB," said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.

Meanwhile, India welcomed the weekend summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, though the talks ended without a ceasefire deal. Trump described the three-hour meeting as yielding some great progress", without giving details.

Market watchers said global factors will remain in play. Going forward, the FII activity will be influenced by the action on the tariff front. Latest news of easing of tensions between the US and Russia and no further sanctions on Russia indicate that the secondary tariff of 25 per cent imposed on India is unlikely to come into effect after August 27th. This is a positive," Vijayakumar added.

On the global front, investors will also track the US Feds meeting minutes and upcoming macro data for cues, according to Meena.

Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY India, said the proposed GST reforms were timely and strategic." He noted: These are not merely procedural changes; they are essential structural reforms designed to mitigate the risks arising from global trade tensions. In inverted duty structure, we are unlocking crucial working capital and making our exports more competitive on the global stage."

Last week, the Sensex advanced 739.87 points (0.92%), while the Nifty rose 268 points (1.10%).

Technical Outlook On Nifty And Bank Nifty: Key Resistance & Support Levels

From a technical standpoint, the Nifty has established a strong base at the 24,350 level, forming a bullish engulfing candlestick pattern on the weekly chart. The immediate resistance lies at the 20- and 50-day moving averages (DMAs) clustered around 24,700-24,800. A decisive break above this level could trigger a short-covering rally towards 24,950, 25,080, and 25,225, said Swastika Investmarts Santosh Meena.

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Immediate support is at the 100-DMA of 24,575, with the crucial support level remaining at 24,350, he added.

The Bank Nifty has also found a strong base at its 100-DMA of 55,000. The immediate hurdle for the banking index is the 20 and 50-DMAs around 55,800. A move above this level could propel it towards 56,400, 57,000, and 57,350. Fresh weakness is only anticipated if the index falls below the 55,000 mark," Meena said.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:07 IST

News business  markets Nifty Prediction For Tomorrow, August 18: Market Set For Optimistic Start; Check Support & Resistance

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UER-II Inauguration: Developers See Big Boost For Dwarka Expressway, NCR Realty

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Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 16:46 IST

Developers believe UER-2 will be a gamechanger for Delhi-NCR's real estate sector as enhanced connectivity is expected to spur demand for both residential and commercial projects.

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PM Narendra Modi will on Sunday inaugurate the Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2) and the Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway, in what is being billed as a major infrastructure boost for the NCR. (Representational image/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 76-km Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2) and the 29-km Delhi stretch of the Dwarka Expressway, in what is being billed as a major infrastructure boost for the National Capital Region (NCR).

Built at a cost of about Rs 8,000 crore, the four-to-six-lane UER-2 connects Alipur to Mahipalpur via Mundka, Bakkarwala, Najafgarh, and Dwarka. The new corridor is expected to significantly cut travel time between Indira Gandhi International Airport and several NCR cities.

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With seamless links to the Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Rohtak, and Delhi-Mumbai expressways, UER-2 is likely to ease congestion, reduce fuel costs, and enhance connectivity to Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Ambala, Rohtak, Jind, and Bahadurgarh.

The projects  the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the UER-2  are worth Rs 11,000 crore.

Boost for Real Estate

Developers believe UER-2 will be a gamechanger for Delhi-NCRs real estate sector, as enhanced connectivity is expected to spur demand for both residential and commercial projects across multiple corridors.

Dwarka and Najafgarh are emerging as attractive residential destinations, offering families value housing with better access to Gurugrams business hubs.

Commercial real estate is also set to benefit. UER-2s links to major highways are expected to drive demand for warehouses, logistics hubs, and retail spaces in Bahadurgarh and Rohtak, where land rates could rise 20-30% over the next 18 months. Gurugram and Greater Noida may see growing interest in luxury housing and office complexes as reduced travel times attract corporate tenants and high-net-worth buyers. Historical trends along the Yamuna Expressway show similar infrastructure projects boosting plot values by up to 50%.

Developers Welcome the Move

Navdeep Sardana, founder of Whiteland Corporation, said, We welcome the inauguration of UER-II and the Dwarka Expressway by PM Modi, a landmark moment in Delhi-NCRs growth journey. UER-II will seamlessly connect key destinations such as Sonipat and Panipat while easing travel across the region, setting the stage for stronger economic lifelines and future-ready development."

Robin Mangla, president of M3M India, called the project a breakthrough in regional mobility. The inauguration of the UER-II corridor is a watershed in regional mobility  cutting travel time from Gurugram and Delhi to Sonipat, Panipat and beyond, while enabling seamless access from the Delhi border to IGI Airport. By bypassing traditional chokepoints, this connectivity will redefine how people and businesses engage with emerging locations," he said.

Ravi Nirwal, sales director & principal partner at Square Yards, said, The inauguration of UER II (Urban Extension Road II) marks a milestone for Delhi NCR. This high-speed, signal-free corridor connects major routes including NH 44, NH 9, and NH 48, along with the Dwarka Expressway, the Delhi Mumbai Expressway, and the international airport. From a property market perspective, the operationalisation of UER-II is set to spark a significant revaluation across several micro markets. It will likely boost residential activity in Dwarka as well as in peripheral locations such as Kundli, Sonipat, and Narela. We believe, the impact will go beyond simple price appreciation. The new connectivity corridor is expected to create a broader and more resilient base of demand. It will open access to budget-friendly locations for both homebuyers and businesses while preserving seamless connectivity to Delhis primary commercial hubs."

Vimal Nadar, national director and head of research, Colliers India, said, The Urban Extension Road, connecting Alipur, Dwarka Expressway & Mahipalpur and the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway, are set to enhance connectivity and reduce commute time in the entire National Capital Region. These flagship projects have the potential to uplift the real estate landscape in catchment areas such as Dwarka, Najafgarh, Rohini and localities along NH-48 & Dwarka Expressway, particularly bolstering commercial, residential and warehousing demand in the long-term."

With close to 3 million sq ft of Grade A office stock nearing completion in the NH-48 micro market, commercial real estate activity across demand segments is likely to gain traction in the next few years, he added.

Abhay Kumar Mishra, president & CEO of Jindal Realty, said Sonipat is poised for a real estate boom post-UER-2. Enhanced connectivity will slash commute times from Sonipat to IGI Airport by over half and link seamlessly to Dwarka Expressway. Property prices here remain 30-50% lower than Gurugram or Noida, yet Kundli land values have surged 190% since 2020, while Sector 35 saw 252% appreciation in three years. Developments like Maruti Suzukis Kharkhoda plant will further spur demand for affordable housing and logistics hubs," he said.

Gaurav K Singh, founder of Womeki Group, said, The launch of the Dwarka Expressway and UER-2 is set to transform NCR real estate. Enhanced connectivity across Delhi, Gurugram, and Dwarka will make the entire corridor far more attractive for both homebuyers and investors. Strong infrastructure drives convenience, security, and long-term value growth."

Harinder Dhillon, national sales head at BPTP, said, The inauguration of UER-2 by PM Modi marks a transformative moment for Delhi-NCRs real estate landscape. This enhanced connectivity will ripple across the region, linking key highways such as Delhi-Chandigarh and Delhi-Jaipur. The anticipated surge in property values presents a significant opportunity for buyers."

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Ishaan Singh, director of AIPL, said, The inauguration of the Dwarka Expressway is a major quality-of-life shift for Delhi-NCR. For businesses, it creates new nodes of opportunity by seamlessly connecting together airports, offices, and homes in a seamless network. With both UER-II and the Dwarka Expressway operational, it will shape a lifestyle where convenience, growth, and connectivity work hand in hand. As developers, we foresee Delhi-NCRs property market entering a new phase of growth, where strategic infrastructure will drive demand across residential, commercial, and logistics segments."

Improved airport connectivity, reduced congestion, and stronger investment appetite are expected to drive both property demand and values across the region.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris h... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 10:11 IST

News business  real-estate UER-II Inauguration: Developers See Big Boost For Dwarka Expressway, NCR Realty

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State Finance Minister Panels To Discuss GST Rationalisation At Meeting On August 20-21

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 00:01 IST

PM Narendra Modi said the revised GST framework proposed by the Centre has been circulated among states. He sought their cooperation to implement the proposal before Diwali

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PM Narendra Modi had announced the proposal to reform the GST law during his Independence Day speech on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort. (Image for representation: News18)

The three panels of state finance ministers will meet on August 20 and 21 to review the draft of the next-generation GST reforms, including proposals to rationalise the tax structure.

The panels, called the Groups of Ministers (GoM), have been set up by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council to look into rate rationalisation, insurance, and compensation cess.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the revised GST framework proposed by the Centre has been circulated among states. He sought their cooperation to implement the proposal before Diwali.

According to a report by Money Control, the recommendations of the three GoMs will be taken to the GST Council, which is expected to meet next month to deliberate on the tax reform proposal.

WHAT DOES THE REVISED GST FRAMEWORK PROPOSE?

Modi had announced the proposal to reform the GST law during his Independence Day speech on August 15 from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The present GST tax rates of nil/zero on essential food items, 5 percent on daily use products, 12 percent on standard goods, 18 percent on electronics and services and 28 percent on luxury and sin goods will be replaced by two tax slabs of 5 percent and 18 percent plus a special 40 percent top bracket for five to seven demerit goods.

Heres what the proposed two-slab regime looks like:

If approved by the GST Council, the two-slab regime will replace the current four slabs doing away with the 12% and 28% slabs.

As many as 99% of items in the 12% category, such as butter, fruit juices and dry fruits, will move to a 5% tax rate.

Similarly, electronic items like air-conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, as well as other goods like cement, will be among the 90% of the items that will move from 28% to a lower 18% slab.

According to highly placed sources, a special tax rate of 40%  the maximum rate allowed under the GST law  will be charged for demerit and sin goods like tobacco, gutka, and pan masala, as well as online gaming.

About 20% of items, including packaged food and beverages, apparel and hotel accommodation, are currently taxed at 12% GST and account for 5% to 10% of consumption and 5% to 6% GST revenue. Moving them to a lower 5% slab may lead to revenue loss, but the Centre is hopeful that a boost in consumption will be able to make up for the deficit.

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The move comes amid the Trump administrations 50 percent tariff imposition on all goods India exports to the United States, so as to punish New Delhi for buying Russian oil. The tariffs are likely to impact $40 billion of non-exempt Indian exports such as gems and jewellery, textiles and footwear.

(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

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 23:50 IST

News business State Finance Minister Panels To Discuss GST Rationalisation At Meeting On August 20-21

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'Moment Of Pride': Spacefarer Shubhanshu Shukla Lands In Delhi; Welcomed By Jitendra Singh, Rekha Gupta

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 06:21 IST

The welcome party also had Shukla's family, including his wife and son

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Shukla landed in the early hours of Sunday at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where he was greeted by a host of dignitaries and his family. Image/ANI

In a moment of national pride", Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, on Sunday, welcomed Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla upon his arrival in Delhi. Shukla, who has become a symbol of Indias growing stature in space exploration, returned to Earth on July 15 after successfully completing NASAs Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission.

Shukla landed in the early hours of Sunday at Delhis Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where he was greeted by a host of dignitaries and his family. Leading the reception was Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who called the astronauts return a proud moment for both India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In a brief statement at the airport, the minister highlighted the collaborative nature of the mission and underscored Indias commitment to advancing its space capabilities. He noted that Shuklas achievement paves the way for future Indian space missions, including the Gaganyaan programme.

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A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.Indias Space glory touches the Indian soil as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla pic.twitter.com/0QJsYHpTuS  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 16, 2025

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Also present at the airport to welcome the astronaut was Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The welcome party also included Shuklas family, including his wife and son, who were visibly emotional and proud as they were reunited with him after his month-long journey in space.

The Axiom-4 mission was a commercial spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), where Shukla and his crewmates conducted a series of scientific experiments and research activities. His participation in the mission is seen as a significant step for India, which has been collaborating with international partners to expand its human spaceflight program. Following his return, Shukla is expected to undergo a series of medical checks and debriefings before sharing his experiences with the public.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 06:19 IST

News cities 'Moment Of Pride': Spacefarer Shubhanshu Shukla Lands In Delhi; Welcomed By Jitendra Singh, Rekha Gupta

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Mumbai Metro-13: Can Red Line Become The Smooth Virar Local For Commuters?

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 17:37 IST

Mumbai Metro Red Line: When will the work on Mumbai Metro-13 Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) to Virar start? What is the route? What are the stations? What is the deadline? Explained

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Mumbai Metro-13 will extend from Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) to Virar, an extension of Line 9 (Dahisar East-Mira Bhayandar) deep into the northern suburbs. (File)

Mumbai Metro Line 13: In a milestone step easing journey, Mumbai Metro 13, the red line, aims to extend Line 9 (Dahisar East-Mira Bhayandar) further towards Virar.

When will the work on Mumbai Metro-13 start? What is the route? What are the stations? What is the deadline? The red line explained.

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Mumbai Metro Line 13: What is the route and stations on red line?

Mumbai Metro-13 will extend from Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) to Virar, an extension of Line 9 (Dahisar East-Mira Bhayandar) deep into the northern suburbs.

Connects Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) through Mira Bhayander to Virar, spanning approximately 23 km

It has around 20 stations along the route  Mira Bhayander, Ganesh Nagar, Pisavali Gaon, Golavali, Dombivli MIDC, Sagaon, Sonarpada, Manpada, Hedutane, Kolegaon, Nilje Gaon, Vadavali, Bale, Waklan, Turbhe, Pisarve Depot, Pisarve, Taloja, and Virar.

Mumbai Metro-13: What is the cost?

Estimated at around Rs 6,900 crore.

Mumbai Metro-13: What is the project status and deadline?

Currently planned/proposed, with DPR completed and civil works yet to begin.

Expected Completion: Around October 2026

Construction is yet to start, it is still in planning stages.

Explained | Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go?

Mumbai Metro-13: Operational details

Train fleet, timings, frequency, fares, ticketing methods: No official information available as of now.

Expected Fare Structure: Likely to mirror existing metro fare slabs

Up to 3 stations: Rs 10

3-5 stations: Rs 20

6-9 stations: Rs 30

10+ stations: Rs 40

Ticketing Options: Anticipated to offer both tokens (for occasional users) and smart cards (with refundable deposit and recharge facility) similar to current system.

Will Mumbai Metro-13 connect to other lines?

While not directly stated, its expected that this line will integrate with other metro lines and local transport at key hubs.

It is likely to connect with suburban railway (western Line), buses, and last-mile services  given its alignment through heavily commuter-populated corridors.

How will Metro-13 help Mumbai?

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Line 13 is intended to offer a faster, hassle-free alternative to the heavily congested Western Railway corridor, benefitting daily commuters substantially.

It will enhances north-west Mumbai connectivity and supports urban development in growing regions like Mira Road, Bhayander, and Virar.

Expected to offer new commuting options for professionals traveling from these northern suburbs to business districts, adding efficiency and comfort to office journeys.

With Agency 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

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 17:23 IST

News cities  mumbai-news Mumbai Metro-13: Can Red Line Become The Smooth Virar Local For Commuters?

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Delhi Man Rapes Mother Twice, Says He Was Punishing Her For Illicit Relationship In Past

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 10:39 IST

The man locked his mother in a room, beat her up, and then raped her for her previous conduct even as she pleaded that she was his mother.

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A complaint has been filed in the matter (Representative image)

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in Delhi for allegedly raping his mother after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, reported PTI, citing officials. The incident came to light after the daughter of the woman filed a complaint stating her mother was sexually assaulted by her brother on multiple occasions this month.

According to a senior police officer, the woman alleged in her complaint that she had travelled to Saudi Arabia on July 25 with her husband, aged 72, and their daughter for pilgrimage. During the trip, her son allegedly called on her husbands phone and accused her of having a bad character, demanding that his father return immediately to Delhi and divorce her.

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The man, identified as Md Firoz, alias Suhel, allegedly assaulted his mother and also tried to attack her when she returned on August 11. The incident scared the woman, and she went to her elder daughters in-laws house for some time. But when she came back, the accused said he wanted to talk to her privately.

He then locked her in a room, threatened her with a knife and scissors, and allegedly raped her," the officer added.

At first, the woman did not say anything to anyone because of shame and started sleeping with her daughter. However, the accused allegedly repeated the act on August 14, after which she approached the police.

He made me remove my burqa, locked me in a room and beat me up. He told my husband that he had spoiled me," the victim told police, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

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According to the official cited by the outlet, He locked her in the room and raped her. He said that he was punishing her for her previous conduct even as she pleaded that she was his mother."

Delhi Police have filed an official complaint under the relevant section of the BNS, and an investigation has been taken up, according to the officer.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 07:48 IST

News new-delhi-news Delhi Man Rapes Mother Twice, Says He Was Punishing Her For Illicit Relationship In Past

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London School Of Economics Graduate Among 3 Caught For Cyber Extortion Case From Thailand

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 08:53 IST

A man filed an official complaint after he received WhatsApp call from an international number. The man alleged that the caller claimed to be a well-known gangster.

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Image of the arrested accused (Credits: IANS)

A joint team of PS DBG Road and PS Cyber, Central District, Delhi Police, have arrested three men, including one graduate from the London School of Economics, in connection with a money extortion case. The group allegedly tried extorting money through international WhatsApp calls and cryptocurrency payments, reported PTI, citing officials.

According to the officials, the trio posed as associates of a notorious gangster to instil fear in their victims. They were traced to Thailand, where they had fled to evade detection, and were arrested upon their return to India.

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The incident came to light after a complainant approached PS DBG Road, reporting a threatening WhatsApp call from an international number. In the complaint, it was alleged that the caller, who claimed to be a well-known gangster, demanded money and sent a cryptocurrency QR code for payment. The threats intensified when the victim was warned that his children would be shot if he didnt comply.

Delhi: Police arrested three debt-ridden individuals, including a London School of Economics graduate, for cyber extortion. The trio used a gangsters name to threaten a businessman via WhatsApp from Thailand, demanding 2 crore in cryptocurrency. Using advanced cyber tools, pic.twitter.com/qkkvs2L8dZ IANS (@ians_india) August 16, 2025

The police filed a complaint under Section 308(4) BNS, and an investigation into the case was launched. Technical teams employed advanced and paid cyber tools to trace the international WhatsApp call and the origin of the cryptocurrency QR codeboth of which were linked to Thailand.

The officials tracked down the accused in coordination with i4C, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and analysed previous crypto transactions, ultimately tracking the suspects in Thailand.

While Indian surveillance teams monitored their local addresses, authorities moved quickly once the suspects re-entered India, leading to their immediate arrest.

During interrogation, the trio confessed to being under severe financial stress and were seeking an easy way" out.

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They have been identified as Sumit, a resident of West Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, Prince from Roshanara Road, near Pulbangash, and Nitish, a resident of DLF Capital Green, Moti Nagar, Delhi, and an LSE masters graduate.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 08:40 IST

News new-delhi-news London School Of Economics Graduate Among 3 Caught For Cyber Extortion Case From Thailand

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'Trust Indian Goods': PM Modi Pushes For 'Vocal For Local' Amid Trump Tariffs

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:40 IST

PM Modi's pitch for purchasing indigenous products comes after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, straining bilateral ties.

PM Modi speaking in Delhi. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to traders and shopkeepers in India to follow the mantra of Vocal for Local and buy Indian products, stressing that this will benefit the country and the money spent on such goods will stay within India.

Speaking at an inauguration event in Delhi, PM Modi said, Have faith in Indian goods. If you are Indian, buy only goods made in India. You should decide to choose only those items that are made in India, by Indians."

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I want to appeal to my fellow traders and shopkeepers: please support me in following the mantra of Vocal for Local. This will benefit the country, and the money spent on the goods you sell will stay within India," he added.

PM Modis pitch for Vocal for Local comes after US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs totalling to 50% on India. These include an additional 25% duty on Indian purchases of Russian oil, set to come into effect from 27 August. India has criticised the move, calling it unjustified and unreasonable".

The people of the country embraced khadi with the mantra of Vocal for Local. In the same way, the nation also placed its trust in Made in India phones. Eleven years ago, we used to import most of the phones we needed. Today, the majority of Indians use Made in India phones. Every year we are producing 3035 crore mobile phones, and we are also exporting them," he added.

PMs Push For Atmanirbhar Bharat

During his address to the nation on Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi stressed the ideals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, calling for self-reliance in from defence to energy, with initiatives underway in solar, hydrogen and nuclear power amid global trade uncertainties.

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He emphasised that protecting the interests of the agricultural sector was non-negotiable and linked energy self-reliance to reducing import costs so that funds could be redirected to farmers and the poor. The Prime Minister made it clear that India will never compromise when it comes to the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen.

He also announced the creation of a dedicated Reform Task Force to drive next-generation reforms. Its mandate: accelerate economic growth, cut red tape, modernise governance, and prepare Bharat for the demands of a $10 trillion economy by 2047.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:22 IST

News new-delhi-news 'Trust Indian Goods': PM Modi Pushes For 'Vocal For Local' Amid Trump Tariffs

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SIR To Be Conducted In Bengal, Other States, Dates To Be Announced: EC

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 16:56 IST

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said the election commissioners are yet to decide the dates for voter list revision in West Bengal and other states

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CEC Gyanesh Kumar with election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi during a press conference, in New Delhi on August 17. (Image: PTI/Atul Yadav)

The Election Commission of India on Sunday said West Bengal and other states will also undergo special intensive revision of electoral rolls, like the one being conducted in poll-bound Bihar. It said the election commissioners will decide on the exercise and dates for it will be announced later.

This statement comes amid an intensifying tiff between the Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal government and the Election Commission (EC) over the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.

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The SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal and other states will be announced in due course," said chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during a press conference, while rejecting as baseless the allegations of double voting and vote chori".

Kumar said all stakeholders are working to make SIR a success in a transparent manner. He said the election commissioners are yet to decide the dates for voter list revision in West Bengal and other states.

The three election commissioners will decide when the exercise of SIR will be carried out in West Bengal or other states," Kumar said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "The three Election Commissioners will decide when the exercise of SIR will be carried out in West Bengal or other states" pic.twitter.com/9oHLuw4r5H ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025

After this voter list revision in Bihar, the EC is planning to undertake a similar exercise in other states including West Bengal, where assembly elections are due in 2026. In fact, a few weeks ago, Bengals chief electoral officer (CEO) told the poll body that the state was ready.

The Supreme Court, however, a few days ago on August 14 said it will not be taking up the SIR issue in West Bengal. It was hearing the matter regarding the ECs ongoing exercise in Bihar.

The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the EC has the residual power to conduct such an exercise as it deemed fit.

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On West Bengal, it said the state can wait for the time being" as nothing is happening there now". The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), which has challenged the Bihar SIR in court, independently made submissions on behalf of Bengal.

In its submission, the ADRs counsel told the court that the West Bengals CEO had pronounced the state ready for SIR without any consultation with the state government.

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 16:56 IST

News elections SIR To Be Conducted In Bengal, Other States, Dates To Be Announced: EC

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Jammu & Kashmir Sees 2 Cloudbursts Within Hours: How Much Water Do Clouds Hold?

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 12:03 IST

Jammu & Kashmir Sees 2 Cloudbursts Within Hours: Five persons lost their lives in Jodh Ghati, while two persons lost their lives in a landslide triggered by rains at Janglote area

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Debris and mud accumulated in a residential area following a cloudburst, in Kathua on Sunday. (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir saw two separate cloudbursts on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Janglote in two separate incidents amid heavy rain in the district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

Five persons lost their lives in Jodh Ghati, while two persons lost their lives in a landslide triggered by rains at Janglote area, PTI reported.

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The tragedy comes days after a cloudburst in Chisoti village of Kishtwar district on August 14, which killed at least 60 people and left more than 100 injured.

What is a cloudburst?

A cloudburst is an extreme and sudden rainfall event over a small area in a short period of time, typically leading to flash floods.

A landslide in Jammu & Kashmirs Kathua district has caused an entire road to cave in, cutting off access and raising safety concerns#Kathua #Cloudburst #JammuAndKashmir #WeatherTragedy #DisasterNews pic.twitter.com/albWfrreZS News18 (@CNNnews18) August 17, 2025

Intensity: Rainfall exceeds 100 mm (about 4 inches) per hour.

Duration: Usually lasts for a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Area: Affects a very localized regionoften just a few square kilometers.

Impact: Can cause flash floods, landslides, and severe damage, especially in mountainous or poorly drained areas.

What causes 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).

Warm, moist air rapidly rises (usually due to orographic lift in hilly areas).

This air cools and condenses quickly, forming heavy clouds.

If the clouds cant release water gradually, it results in a sudden, intense downpour.

Where does a cloudburst occur?

Mountainous regions like the Himalayas, especially in India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Areas with unstable atmospheric conditions.

#WATCH | Kishtwar, J&K | On flash floods and landslide in Kathua, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar says, "There was heavy rain in Kathua since last night Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing Some people are being rescued by pic.twitter.com/IqHYXhFAwN ANI (@ANI) August 17, 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 localized, 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.

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Kedarnath, India (2013): Cloudbursts triggered massive floods and landslides, killing thousands.

Uttarakhand (202324): Several instances of 100150 mm of rain in under an hour were recorded, dumping hundreds of millions of litres.

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 11:59 IST

News explainers Jammu & Kashmir Sees 2 Cloudbursts Within Hours: How Much Water Do Clouds Hold?

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European leaders largely heralded the Alaska summit held between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend as a key step toward ending the Ukraine war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he welcomed the presidents efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the summit represented important progress, Italian Prime Minister Giergia Meloni hailed Friday as a glimmer of hope, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the world is a safer place than it was yesterday, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico praised Trump for launching a vital process.

Following the high-stakes Friday encounter, Trump also held a call with allies to debrief them on his hours-long conversation with Putin, with leading European power players afterward releasing a joint statement saying they welcomed the presidents efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russias war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

The statement reiterated Europes demands that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backed Trumps meeting with Zelensky, which marks the next stage in a potential peace deal and is set to take place in Washington, D.C., on Monday.

In the statement, the leaders of France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, Great Britain, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, also backed the idea of a trilateral summit between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky seeking to negotiate and end the war. Moscow is amenable toward the idea, a European official told CNN, while Zelensky pushed for such a meeting with a phone call with Trump following his Friday meeting with Putin. Trump also suggested that a trilateral summit might soon take place on Friday evening in his first interview since his encounter with Putin earlier that day.

Theyre going to set up a meeting now between President Zelensky and President Putin ... and myself, I guess, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity. Not that I want to be there, but I want to make sure it gets done  and we have a pretty good chance of getting it done."

Casualties are likely hovering around 1 million in Russia alone as the war hits the 3.5-year mark, with fighting continuing overnight as Moscow launched 85 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukraine, according to the countrys air force, reportedly killing four. Meanwhile, Russias air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 29 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Based on the political and diplomatic situation around Ukraine, and knowing Russias treachery, we anticipate that in the coming days the Russian army may try to increase pressure and strikes against Ukrainian positions in order to create more favorable political circumstances for talks with global actors, Zelensky said in a statement Saturday.

Negotiations to end the war appear to now be centered on hopes for a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a temporary ceasefire, according to a message Trump posted on Truth Social hours after his meeting with Putin.

While it is unclear whether Trump discussed such hopes in detail during his call debriefing the summit with European partners, part of the conversations involved discussion on providing NATO Article 5-type security guarantees for Ukraine, according to CNN. NATO regards any attack launched on one of its 32 members as an attack on all under its Article 5 clause.

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Ukraine would not be admitted to NATO under the terms of the proposal, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Saturday. However, a collective security clause would allow it to benefit from the support of all its partners, including the U.S., ready to take action if it is attacked again, she said, suggesting that Trump told Putin during the summit that if Russia were to break a hypothetical peace deal with Ukraine and renew attacks on Kyiv, the U.S. and Europe might commit to getting militarily involved in the war and coming to Zelenskys defense.

The crucial point remains security guarantees to prevent new Russian invasions, and this is the aspect where the most interesting developments were recorded in Anchorage, Meloni added.

In the past, Trump seemed to cast doubt on whether he would uphold NATOs Article 5.

"There's numerous definitions of Article 5," he said in June on the eve of NATO summit in Europe. "You know that, right? But Im committed to being their friend."

Still, Trump later said he was with allies all the way, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he had "no doubt" about the U.S.'s commitment to the alliance, telling reporters there is absolute clarity that the United States is totally committed to NATO, totally committed to Article 5.

As Europe prepares for the Zelensky-Trump meeting Monday, some have voiced concern that the U.S. is unwilling to stand up to Putin on behalf of Ukraine, expressing dissatisfaction over the results of the presidents encounter with Putin on Friday.

Alaska: Putin got his red carpet moment with Trump, while Trump got nothing, Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador to the US, posted on X. As feared: No ceasefire, no peace. No real progress - a clear 1:0 to Putin - no new sanctions. For the Ukrainians: Nothing. For Europe: deeply disappointing.

NO DEAL UNTIL THERES A DEAL: TRUMP SUMS UP PUTIN MEETING IN SURPRISINGLY BRIEF PRESS CONFERENCE

Trump characterized the summit as a success.

I think the meeting was a 10, the president said Friday evening. In the sense we got along great, and its good when two big powers get along, especially when theyre nuclear powers. Were No. 1 and theyre No. 2 in the world.
28-Year-Old PAC Constable Dies By Suicide In UP's Shamli, Body Found Hanging

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:38 IST

A 28-year-old PAC jawan, Yugal Kumar, allegedly hanged himself at home in Shamli. The reason is unknown. He joined PAC in 2021 and was absent from duty since May 22, 2025.

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A 28-year-old PAC (Pradeshik Armed Constabulary) jawan was found hanging at his home in Uttar Pradeshs Shamli district. As per the police, he allegedly hanged himself to death.

The reason behind this extreme step is yet to be ascertained.

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Kandhla Station House Officer (SHO) Satish Kumar said the incident took place in Alam village when police found the body of Yugal Kumar hanging from the ceiling fan in his room.

The body has been sent for post-mortem and further investigation is underway, the officer said.

Yugal had joined the PAC in 2021 and was posted in Meerut. The officials told PTI that he was absent from duty since May 22, 2025.

Notably, this is the second suicide case of a PAC jawan this week. Last week also, a PAC constable shot himself in Sonbhadra district.

The jawan, Sandeep Singh (26), a native of Ballia, allegedly shot himself while on duty. He was stationed at 39th Battalion in Mirzapur and returned to Amwar PAC camp in Sonbhadra on Aug 5 after completing VVIP duty in Varanasi.

Odisha Police Constable Suicide

The body of a female police constable was found hanging from a tree near Nuapada railway station in Odisha on Saturday, officials reported.

Locals who spotted the body informed the police. The authorities then brought it down and sent it for a post-mortem examination.

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Hours before her body was found, the deceased constable had sent a video message to several people, claiming she intended to end her life due to torture" by her husband and in-laws.

We have registered a case of abetment to suicide. We are verifying the video," said a police officer, adding that an investigation has been started.

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Location : Shamli, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:38 IST

News india 28-Year-Old PAC Constable Dies By Suicide In UP's Shamli, Body Found Hanging

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'A Liar': BJP Hits Back At Rahul Gandhi After Gurkirat Dang Rejects 'Vote Chori' Charge

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 11:48 IST

The row began after Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference in Delhi, alleged that Dang had cast his vote multiple times, appearing at four different polling booths in his constituency

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Amit Malviya (L), Gurkirat Singh Dang (Centre) and Rahul Gandhi | Image: File

After Gurkirat Singh Dang, whom Rahul Gandhi had singled out during a presentation on vote theft", called the charges a political theatre", the BJP criticised the Congress for lying" to the country with alleged false claims.

The row began after Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference in Delhi, alleged that Dang had cast his vote multiple times, appearing at four different polling booths in his constituency. Later, Dang rejected the claims and called it baseless."

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Gurkirat Singh Dang, whom Rahul Gandhi had singled out during his presentation on so-called Vote Chori, has hit back, calling him a bad loser and demanding that he produce proof to substantiate the allegation that he voted multiple times," said BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in an X post.

This isnt the first timeevery claim Rahul Gandhi has made has collapsed under scrutiny. Rahul Gandhi is an industrial-scale LIAR," he added in his post.

Gurkirat Singh Dang, whom Rahul Gandhi had singled out during his presentation on so-called Vote Chori, has hit back, calling him a bad loser and demanding that he produce proof to substantiate the allegation that he voted multiple times. This isnt the first timeevery claim pic.twitter.com/iZr089iZCg Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 17, 2025

Rahul Gandhi, on August 7, made explosive allegations, claiming that elections in India are being manipulated through what he called Vote Chori (vote theft).

Ready with surveyed data and polling analysis, he accused the Election Commission (EC) of aligning with the BJP and withholding vital voter information.

Anti-incumbency hits every party in every democracy. But for some reason, the BJP is the only party that does not suffer from it," he said.

Raising the matter of the voter list manipulation, he pointed out at a vote, and it was Dang.

Here is a duplicate voter. There are 11,965 voters of this type. This is a gentleman called Gurkirat Singh Dang. Gurkira Singh Dang appears once, twice, three times, four times in four different polling booths in the constituency," said the Congress leader.

The same name, the same address, the same person for different polling booths. And this is not just one person; this is thousands of people in one assembly," he added.

Reacting quickly to the allegations, Dang said, I challenge Rahul Gandhi to prove that I voted 4 times. Due to rejection issues, four IDs were mistakenly created, but I had applied for their cancellation as per the rules and regulations of the poll body."

My family is being harassed," Dang claimed, adding, I will take legal action against YouTube creators for defaming me".

The entire controversy escalated after the Election Commission announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar.

Opposition parties from the INDIA bloc staged protests, accusing the EC of working in tandem with the ruling BJP to selectively delete voters.

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They cited Rahul Gandhis presentation, which drew on data from poll agents to highlight large discrepancies in the electoral rolls.

The Election Commission has rejected these claims, insisting that the revision exercise was carried out transparently.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 11:48 IST

News india 'A Liar': BJP Hits Back At Rahul Gandhi After Gurkirat Dang Rejects 'Vote Chori' Charge

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi To Meet PM Modi At His Residence On Tuesday

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 18:21 IST

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in India on Monday on a three-day visit to participate in the 24th round of talks on the long-standing China-India boundary issue.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. (Reuters/File)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who will visit India for a three-day trip tomorrow, will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 19 (Tuesday) at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, at 5:30 pm, according to a schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

As per the schedule, Wang Yi would arrive at Delhis IGI Airport at 4:15 pm on Monday, after which he would meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. On Tuesday, he would participate in the 24th Meeting between the Special Representatives on India-China Boundary Question.

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He will depart at 9 am on Wednesday. His visit marks a major development amid ongoing military and diplomatic talks between the two countries following the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh, which led to heightened tensions and a deterioration in bilateral ties.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinas Special Representative on the boundary question, is also expected to hold discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, his counterpart in the Special Representatives mechanism.

Wangs upcoming visit is being closely watched by observers in both the countries, as it could signal a potential thaw in relations and help lay the groundwork for broader engagement.

Last year, India and China reached a partial agreement to ease the standoff in Ladakh when Prime Minister Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan. Earlier this year, China resumed the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, while India began issuing visas to Chinese tourists once again.

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India and China are reportedly also preparing to bring back direct flights as early as September. The announcement is expected around the time Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits China at the end of August for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Last month, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals. Before the suspension, carriers like Air India, IndiGo, Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern ran over a dozen weekly direct flights connecting major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming with New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 18:12 IST

News india Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi To Meet PM Modi At His Residence On Tuesday

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Dwarka Expressway, UER-II: Delhis 2 Access-Controlled Roads Drive Indias Eway Strength To 2,712 Km

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi



Last Updated: August 18, 2025, 12:21 IST

With these new stretches, the countrys operational expressway network has grown from 2,636 km in July to 2,712 km in August

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini during the inauguration of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in New Delhi, on Sunday. (PMO via PTI)

Delhi inaugurated two major access-controlled roads on Sunday  the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)  adding 76 km to the national highway network and bringing Indias total operational expressway length to 2,712 km.

These two additions are part of a broader push across India to expand access-controlled expressways. With these new stretches, the countrys operational expressway network has grown from 2,636 km in July to 2,712 km in August, bringing Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan together to nearly 60% of the total operational length.

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved 5,110 km of access controlled national high-speed corridors and expressways across India. With the two new stretches, the operationalised length has risen from 2,636 km in July to 2,712 km in August.

Across India, Rajasthan leads with 964 km (35.6%), followed by Haryana with 604 km (22.3%) and Gujarat with 310 km (11.4%). Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh contribute 232 km and 224 km, respectivelyabout eight per cent eachwhile Telangana (153 km) and Karnataka (151 km) make up around six percent each.

Delhi, with the addition of the new roads, now has 65 km (2.4%) of expressways. Jammu and Kashmir contributes seven km (0.3%), and Uttarakhand has the smallest share with 3 km (0.1%).

Dwarka Expressway, UER-II

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the two expressways saying that connectivity across NCR will take a big leap forward with the inauguration of the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and UER-II.

A boost to infrastructure in NCR, in line with our commitment to improve Ease of Living," the Prime Minister posted on X.

Connectivity Impact

The newly inaugurated sections complete the previously partially opened roads, inaugurated in March 2024. They cover 76.15 km and were built at a total cost of 10,946.55 crore.

Now, all four packages of the Dwarka Expressway, with a collective length of 29 km, are operational. About 19 km length falls in Haryana and remaining 10 km in Delhi with a total project cost of Rs 8,611 crore.

The Dwarka Expressway offered an alternate route for NH 48 traffic from Delhi towards Haryana and other states apart from offering a direct access to Yashobhumi in Sector 25 of Dwarka. It also provides alternate connectivity to Delhi International Airport through a dedicated four lane airport tunnel.

The Dwarka Expressway connects the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, UER-II, DMRC Blue line and Orange line and Dwarka cluster Bus depot. In future, it will connect to the upcoming tunnel to Vasant Kunj on the Nelson Mandela Marg.

While the Dwarka Expressway strengthens Delhis western corridor, the UER-II, often called the Western Ring Road, complements it by linking northern and northwestern sectors and providing seamless connectivity across multiple highways and urban nodes.

The UER-II is developed in five packages with a total length 75.71 km and capital cost of Rs 6,445 crore. Around 54.21 km of UER-II falls in Delhi and 21.50 km in Haryana. About 40 km of this road is the main alignment between Alipur and Dwarka, including the already operational Nangloi-Dwarka link.

The UER-II connects three major National Highways touching Delhi  NH-44 (Delhi  Panipat), NH-09 (Delhi  Rohtak) & Dwarka Expressway. The spur to Sonipat Bypass will decongest the existing NH-44 and provide connectivity from Delhi to KMPE and Delhi-Katra Expressway.

Apart from completing Dwarka Expressway and UER-II, two spur roads were also opened on Sunday.

The spur to Bahadurgarh bypass will decongest the existing NH-09 in Delhi and provide connectivity to Eastern Haryana  Rohtak, and Bahadurgarh  with southwest Delhi. This road link will also bring closer the connectivity of Delhi with KMP Expressway.

Connectivity across NCR will take a big leap forward with the inauguration of the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and UER-II. https://t.co/YWujS91BOY Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2025

Future projects

These two roads are part of a bigger plan to decongest the Delhi roads that also include the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, DelhiMeerut Expressway, and GurugramSohna Elevated Corridor.

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These projects have been developed under the comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas to create world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility.

A few roads under construction include DND Interchange to FaridabadBallabhgarhSohna and Jewar Airport Link Road; AIIMSMehrauliGurugramFaridabad elevated 20 km corridor to bypass the bottleneck at Dhaula Kuan; and a 5 km tunnel from Dwarka Expressway to Nelson Mandela Road; a 20 km extension of the DelhiAmritsarKatra Expressway from UER-II linking IGI Airport; and a 17 km extension of UER-II to Tronica City is planned to serve as an alternate route to Dehradun.

About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 18:49 IST

News india Dwarka Expressway, UER-II: Delhis 2 Access-Controlled Roads Drive Indias Eway Strength To 2,712 Km

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Ex-Sharda University Student Found Dead In Hostel, Suicide Note Mentions Mental Stress

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 08:27 IST

The deceased, hailing from Purnia district in Bihar, was found hanging inside his room at a hostel in Knowledge Park, about two kilometres from the university

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Sharda University's former student dies by suicide | Image: File

A 24-year-old former BTech (Computer Science) student of Sharda University in Greater Noida was found dead in a private hostel near the campus on Friday night, police said.

The deceased, hailing from Purnia district in Bihar, was found hanging inside his room at a hostel in Knowledge Park, about two kilometres from the university.

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Investigators recovered a suicide note in which he described being under severe mental stress."

The note also included a request to the university administration to refund the unused portion of his fees, as he had stopped attending classes after his second year.

Station House Officer Sarvesh Singh said preliminary findings suggest academic pressure may have played a role.

The victim clearly mentioned that no one was responsible for his decision. He had multiple backlogs, which may have disheartened him. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and no FIR has been registered as per the contents of the note," Singh said.

Family members said he had recently returned to Greater Noida after visiting Bihar in May. He is survived by his parents and a younger sister.

Sharda University, however, clarified that the victim was no longer enrolled.

He was not part of the university for the past two years. After failing to clear his second year, he got a year back but did not apply for readmission. We had emailed him to either rejoin or formally withdraw, but received no response. Since he was not registered, the question of fees does not arise," said Dr Ajit Kumar, Director (Public Relations).

This is the second suicide case linked to Sharda University in less than two months.

In July, a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at the womens hostel died by suicide, with her note alleging humiliation by faculty members.

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This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 08:26 IST

News india Ex-Sharda University Student Found Dead In Hostel, Suicide Note Mentions Mental Stress

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Former Odisha CM, BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik Hospitalised Due To Age-Related Health Issues

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:01 IST

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, 78, was admitted to a private hospital with age-related health issues. He had previously undergone spinal surgery in Mumbai.

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Former Odisha CM, BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik. (File Photo/PTI)

BJD chief and Odisha Assembly Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik was admitted to a private hospital on Sunday with age-related health issues, party leaders said.

The hospital will soon release a bulletin on Patnaiks health condition," news agency PTI quoted a senior BJD leader as saying.

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The 78-year-old former chief minister had complained of uneasiness on Saturday night, and some doctors had visited his residence, Naveen Niwas, the party leaders said.

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Patnaik, who had undergone spinal surgery for cervical arthritis at a hospital in Mumbai, had returned to Odisha on July 12.

He had left for Mumbai on June 20 and underwent the procedure on June 22. He was discharged from the Mumbai hospital on July 7.

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Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:01 IST

News india Former Odisha CM, BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik Hospitalised Due To Age-Related Health Issues

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Himachal CM Sukhu Reviews Flood, Landslide Situation In Mandi, Kullu

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 18:52 IST

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the impact of continuous rainfall in Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur. Flash floods disrupted traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali Highway.

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Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (PTI File Photo)

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed the impact of continuous rainfall in Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts on Sunday.

The CM spoke to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts, seeking detailed reports on the extent of damage, and directed them to send comprehensive reports to the state government.

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He also instructed the district administrations to extend all possible assistance to the affected families and to ensure swift and effective relief measures, news agency ANI reported.

CM Sukhu instructed officials to speed up the restoration of blocked roads and step up relief operations. He also urged people to stay away from rivers and streams and to adhere to advisories issued by district administrations strictly.

#WATCH | Takoli, Himachal Pradesh: Multiple flash flood incidents reported today in Mandi district at Panarsa, Takoli and Nagwain areas along the MandiKullu stretch of the ChandigarhManali National Highway.(Visuals from Mandi-Kullu Highway; Source: SP Mandi) pic.twitter.com/1e5c6N0ZI4  ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025

Stressing citizen safety, the Chief Minister said it remains the State Governments top priority and assured that the Government stands firmly with the people during this difficult period.

Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, earlier, assured that plans had been made regarding the movement of transport.

There have been a lot of landslides due to heavy rain. A lot of damage has been done to both public and private properties. We will plan the movement of the transports; this will be our target for today," Devgan said.

Flash floods struck Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain along the Mandi-Kullu section of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, cutting connectivity at several points and severely disrupting traffic. No casualties have been reported so far, ASP Mandi Sachin Hiremath said.

Police personnel are maintaining a strict vigil at affected sites, while restoration work is underway to reopen the route.

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under heavy monsoon rains. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the state has recorded 261 deaths between June 20 and August 16, 2025, ANI reported.

Of these, 136 were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, floods, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and house collapses, while 125 lives were lost in road accidents. Mandi district has been particularly affected, reporting 26 rain-related deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure. Other severely hit districts include Kangra (28 deaths), Chamba (10), and Kullu (11).

The HPSDMA report highlights damage worth Rs 2,14,457 lakh to public and private property. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture, and electricity infrastructure have suffered heavily. The Public Works Department alone reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while combined agricultural and horticultural losses are estimated at over Rs 83,000 crore.

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Road connectivity remains one of the worst-hit sectors, with frequent blockages on NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), leaving several interior villages cut off and delaying rescue and relief operations.

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Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 18:52 IST

News india Himachal CM Sukhu Reviews Flood, Landslide Situation In Mandi, Kullu

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'Insult To India's Constitution': ECI Lashes Out Against Allegations Of 'Vote Theft' In Bihar SIR

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 15:43 IST

The Election Commission's response came after Rahul Gandhi accused the poll body of stealing elections and manipulating the Bihar Assembly polls through the SIR of electoral rolls.

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Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressing a press conference. (ECI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday came down heavily against allegations of vote theft in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, calling them an insult to the Indian Constitution. Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar affirmed that the Commission and the voters are not afraid of petty politics.

The Election Commissions strong response came after several opposition parties accused the poll body of stealing" elections in collusion with the BJP, claiming that attempts were underway to manipulate the Bihar Assembly polls through voter additions and deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

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The Chief Election Commissioner said almost all political parties had been demanding corrections in the voter list, which is why the body initiated the exercise of SIR. He said 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by various political parties had jointly prepared a draft list.

It is a matter of serious concern that these verified documents, testimonials of the district presidents of political parties and the BLOs nominated by political parties are either not reaching their own state level or national level leaders, or an attempt is being made to spread confusion by ignoring the ground reality," Kumar said. The truth is that step by step all the stakeholders are committed, trying and working hard to make the SIR of Bihar a complete success."

ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi Calls Bihar SIR A Conspiracy, Alleges Poll Body Stealing Elections

Attempts To Mislead Voters

The CEC said that no question can be raised on the credibility of the Election Commission, which enjoys the support of more than 7 crore voters of Bihar.

According to the law, if errors in the voter lists are not corrected in time, if an election petition is not filed in the Honble High Court within 45 days of a voter choosing their candidate, and instead misleading words like vote theft are used in a failed attempt to misguide the public, then what is this if not an insult to the Constitution of India?" he added.

Gyanesh Kumar also highlighted that the photos of several voters were recently presented to the media without their consent, and allegations were made against them, referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhis explosive press conference. " Should the Election Commission share the CCTV videos of any voter, including their mothers, daughters-in-law, or daughters? Only those whose names are in the voter list cast their votes to elect their candidate."

Election Commission Is Not Scared

The Chief Election Commissioner further asserted that neither the poll body nor the voters are afraid of false and baseless allegations. Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Such false allegations neither intimidate the Election Commission nor any voter," he said.

Kumar also stressed that the Election Commission will continue to fearlessly stand like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions, including the poor, rich, elderly, women, and youth, without any discrimination. He emphasised that for the Election Commission, there is no opposition or ruling side.

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These remarks came after a series of bitter exchanges between the poll body and Rahul Gandhi, who levelled vote chori" (vote theft) allegations against the Election Commission and the BJP-ruled Centre, citing the Congresss internal analysis. The LoP stated that the Congress expected to win 16 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka but ended up with only nine.

The poll body has rejected the claims and demanded that Gandhi submit proof of his allegations and sign an affidavit, or apologise to the country for his misleading allegations

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 15:23 IST

News india 'Insult To India's Constitution': ECI Lashes Out Against Allegations Of 'Vote Theft' In Bihar SIR

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Jail For Taking A Day Off: PM Modi Slams Oppn Over Harsh Laws Against Sanitation Workers In Delhi

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:42 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government is working to dismantle such exploitative laws against the sanitation workers

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PM Modi addressing a rally (Credits: ANI/File Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the Opposition, citing an old provision in the Delhi Municipal Act that allowed the jailing of sanitation workers for a month if they failed to report for duty without notice.

Calling the law draconian," PM Modi said, There was a law for my safai mitras which said if they didnt show up for work, they could be sent to jail. These are the kinds of harsh laws they created and maintained."

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The Prime Minister asserted that his government is working to dismantle such exploitative rules. It is Modi who is working to abolish these kinds of laws," he declared.

Mounting his attack, PM Modi also accused the Opposition of hypocrisy over their public posturing on constitutional values.

These people who dance while holding the Constitution above their heads  this is how they disrespect the Constitution. This is how they used to trample on the sentiments of Baba Saheb Ambedkar," he said.

His remarks come amid an intensifying political war of words over Ambedkars legacy, social justice, and the protection of constitutional rights.

The Prime Minister inaugurated two National Highways projects in Delhi, blaming previous governments, such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, for bringing the national capital to ruination.

The Prime Minister hailed the inauguration of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), saying Delhi would become a model of Viksit Bharat.

The Prime Minister also underscored the difficulties faced by the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government in rectifying the mistakes of the previous governments.

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I know how difficult it is for the new BJP government to bring Delhi out of the ever-mounting troubles of the past. However, I am confident that the team you have chosen in Delhi will work hard and pull the city out of the problems it has been suffering for decades."

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:41 IST

News india Jail For Taking A Day Off: PM Modi Slams Oppn Over Harsh Laws Against Sanitation Workers In Delhi

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7 Dead, Several Injured After Cloudburst In J&Ks Kathua; Army, NDRF Join Rescue Ops

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Anushka Vats



Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:59 IST

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families.

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Aftermath of cloudburst in Kathua

At least seven people died, and several others got injured after a cloudburst incident hit several parts of the Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, amid heavy overnight rains, officials said. The sudden deluge has cut off a village, hampering rescue and relief efforts. Authorities have been alerted, and rescue operations are underway.

Following the incident, LG Manoj Sinha expressed grief and informed that he has briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the incident. He also mentioned that a rescue operation is underway.

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Taking to X, he wrote, Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Honble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration."

To get latest update on Kathua Cloudburst Click Here

J&K Kathua Cloudburst LIVE: 7 Dead, Rescue Ops On; CM Omar Abdullah Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex-Gratia

I have directed the Senior Civil & Police Officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to LG Manoj Sinha and took stock of the situation. Sharing the update on X, he wrote,"Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K."

Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 17, 2025

CM Omar Abdullah Announces Exgratia

In the wake of the recent cloudburst in Kathua, the government has announced ex-gratia assistance from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund, in addition to support under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), to aid those affected. As part of the relief package, Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh to those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for individuals with minor injuries.

For property damage, Rs 1 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged homes, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures. The assistance is intended to offer immediate relief and help affected families rebuild their lives.

The Chief Minister, expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CMs Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support:2 lakh for each deceased; 1 lakh for those severely injured;  Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 17, 2025

CM Omar Abdullah Offers Condolences

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance," said an official statement from CMO.

It further added that the chief minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families.

Chief Minister has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed 4 lives and left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 17, 2025

Meanwhile, the deceased have been identified as Renu Devi (39) and her daughter Radhika (9), wife and daughter of Parveen Singh, residents of Bagra, Janglot, Tehsil Kathua. Five others  all residents of Jode, Tehsil and District Kathua  also perished in the floods. They include Surmu Din (30), son of Bashir Ahmed; his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5); Tahu (2), son of Habib Deen; and Zulfan (15), daughter of Bashir Ahmed.

Rescue Ops On, Helicopter Services Arranged For Victims

Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed that helicopter services have been arranged for shifting the injured to appropriate hospitals.

6 injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be a relatively nearer destination. DIG Police, Sh Shiv Kumar Sharma, along with his team, is camping at the spot and is in constant touch with me. Further assistance will be arranged, as and when required," he added in a post on X.

#Kathua Update:Helicopter services have been arranged for shifting the injured to appropriate hospitals. 6 injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be relatively nearer destination. DIG Police, Sh Shiv Kumar Sharma, along  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 17, 2025

DSP Vijay Kumar Bhagat, who is overseeing the rescue operations in Choshoti village, spoke to News18 about the ongoing efforts. He stated that the teams have been consistently recovering bodies from multiple locations in the village. However, he noted that there has been a noticeable decline in recoveries over the past two days, indicating a potential slowdown in discoveries. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) also emphasized that the rescue efforts are being conducted in close coordination with the Army and other paramilitary forces to ensure that the entire area is thoroughly cleared and no one is left behind.

Railway Track Damaged, Authorities Continuously Monitoring Situation

Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed in a post on X that the incident has damaged the Railway track and the national highway, adding that the situation is being monitored continuously.

Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area. 4 Casualties reported. In addition, damage has occurred to Railway track, National Highway while Police Station Kathua has been affected," he wrote on X.

The civilian Administration, Military and Paramilitary has swung into action. The situation is being continuously monitored. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased," he added.

Kathua Weather Alert: Public Urged to Stay Away from Risk Zones

In light of ongoing heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kathua district, the District Administration has issued a weather advisory, urging residents to take immediate precautions. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid rivers, streams, nullahs, and other water bodies, as well as hilly and landslide-prone areas, due to the heightened risk of flash floods and landslides.

Officials warn that rising water levels could occur suddenly, posing a significant threat to safety. The administration has emphasized the importance of vigilance and caution, encouraging the public to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable regions.

 Weather Advisory | Kathua Heavy to very heavy rainfall reported across the district. Avoid rivers, streams, nallahs, hilly & landslide-prone areas.Stay alert to risk of flash floods & landslides. Helpline:DEOC: 01922-238796 | PCR: 9858034100 | ERSS: 112@diprjk pic.twitter.com/pUVhCdqSGe Information & PR, Kathua (@DiprKathua) August 17, 2025

The Jammu & Kashmir UT Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) has issued a weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall likely to occur over the next 56 hours in several districts, including Anantnag, Kulgam, parts of Central and North Kashmir, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, and Udhampur. The advisory highlights the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Citizens are advised to avoid vulnerable areas and remain updated on official alerts. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance.

For assistance, residents can contact the following helpline numbers:

District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC): 01922-238796

Police Control Room (PCR): 9858034100

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Emergency Response Support System (ERSS): 112

The District Administration has urged everyone to stay safe and follow official guidance during this period of severe weather.

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Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 09:18 IST

News india 7 Dead, Several Injured After Cloudburst In J&Ks Kathua; Army, NDRF Join Rescue Ops

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Multiple sensitive government documents detailing President Donald Trump's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin were discovered abandoned in a public printer, according to a report.

Eight papers appearing to be from the State Department were left at the printer in the Hotel Captain Cook, which is near the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, where Trump and Putin held their summit, according to NPR.

Some of the documents contained sensitive information, including names and phone numbers of three U.S. government employees. The precise locations and meeting times of the Aug. 15 summit were also accidentally breached, including the specific names of the rooms inside the base in Anchorage where they would take place.

Other discovered documents photographed by the outlet displayed less delicate information, including details about a canceled lunch between the two leaders that provided a seating chart for the meal.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response.

NO DEAL UNTIL THERES A DEAL: TRUMP SUMS UP PUTIN MEETING IN SURPRISINGLY BRIEF PRESS CONFERENCE

The Friday summit consisted of a cordial encounter between Trump and Putin that appeared to result in little immediate movement on ending the war. Still, European leaders largely hailed it as a key step in peace talks, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to meet with Trump on Monday, marking the next stage in negotiations to end the war, which is hitting the 3.5-year mark.

I think the meeting was a 10, Trump said Friday evening. In the sense we got along great, and its good when two big powers get along, especially when theyre nuclear powers. Were No. 1 and theyre No. 2 in the world.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Narrowly Escapes As Stage Collapses During Dahi-Handi Celebrations

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 09:33 IST

During Janmashtami celebrations in Maharashtra, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde narrowly escaped injury as a stage collapsed in Ghansoli.

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Eknath Shinde Narrowly Escapes As Stage Collapses During Dahi-Handi Celebrations

On Janmashtami, Dahi-handi celebrations were organised at a large scale in several parts of Maharashtra. States Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in several events in Thane and other parts. During one of the celebrations in Ghansoli, Shinde narrowly escaped as the stage fell due to crowd.

Panic spread among the crowd and Shinde was swiftly taken to a safe spot. The incident happened at a Dahihandi event in Ghansoli on Saturday night

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A video of the entire incident emerged and it shows that when Shinde was coming down from the stage after the event, huge crowd of workers gathered on the stage and due to the excess weight, the stage suddenly collapsed.

No injuries were reported.

Both Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde attended multiple Dahi Handi celebrations across Mumbai and Thane on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami 2025.

They shared the videos and photos of several gatherings on their X accounts.

Sharing update of one of the events, Shinde wrote, I attended the prestigious Dahi Handi festival organized by the Sankalp Pratishthan under the initiative of former #Shivsena MLA Ravindra Phatak in Thane city, interacting with and boosting the enthusiasm of the Govindas."

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Janmashtami, celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, saw troupes of young men and women forming human pyramids to break dahi handis (pots of curd) suspended in the air with ropes.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 09:30 IST

News india Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Narrowly Escapes As Stage Collapses During Dahi-Handi Celebrations

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'National Hero Still In Exile': Netaji's Daughter Renews Request For Return Of His Remains From Japan

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 05:45 IST

The statement comes ahead of the solemn occasion of August 18, the day Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is believed to have died in a plane crash in 1945

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While the official narrative holds that Netaji died in the plane crash in Taiwan, many theories persist, claiming he survived and lived in anonymity. File image/X

Two days before the 80th death anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff, once again made a heartfelt plea to the Indian government to bring his remains back from Japan. The renewed request coincides with the solemn occasion of August 18, the day Netaji is believed to have died in a plane crash in 1945.

In a public statement, Pfaff reiterated her long-standing desire to see her fathers ashes returned to his homeland, providing a sense of closure to millions of his followers. She maintained that a DNA test should be conducted on the remains, which are currently enshrined at the Rengeji Temple in Tokyo, to definitively settle the decades-long controversy surrounding his death. The time has come to put an end to this chapter of uncertainty," she said, stressing that scientific evidence would silence various conspiracy theories and honour her fathers memory. Her appeal comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled visit to Japan later this month.

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Netajis 80th death anniversary on August 18, 2025, marks a grim realitya national hero remains in exile even 78 years after India became independent," Pfaff said.

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While the official narrative holds that Netaji died in the plane crash in Taiwan, many theories persist, claiming he survived and lived in anonymity. Pfaff has consistently dismissed these theories, advocating for the official acceptance of his death and the dignified return of his remains.

She has also expressed her wish for a final, public ceremony in India where the ashes could be dispersed, allowing people from all walks of life to pay their last respects to the revered freedom fighter. The issue has been a subject of political and public discourse for decades, with successive governments facing calls to resolve the matter.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 05:45 IST

News india 'National Hero Still In Exile': Netaji's Daughter Renews Request For Return Of His Remains From Japan

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Who Is Gurkirat Dang? Does He Have 4 Voter IDs? Hows He Linked To Rahul Gandhis Vote Theft Row?

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 13:29 IST

EC SIR vote theft row: During his presentation, Rahul Gandhi had cited the example of Gurkirat Singh Dang, who he claimed had voted four times in Delhi. Dang has refuted the claims

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Gurkirat Singh Dang (left) denied Rahul Gandhi's claims. (X/PTI File)

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, recently began what he called a campaign against alleged vote theft" or vote chori".

During his presentation to back his claims against the Election Commission (EC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gandhi cited the example of one Gurkirat Singh Dang, who he claimed had four voter IDs and had voted four times in Delhi. Dang has now come forward, refuting the claims and stirring another political row.

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Who is Gurkirat Singh Dang? Why did Rahul Gandhi mention him during his press conference?

The opposition, led by the Congress, has been protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar. Gandhi at a press meet on August 7 alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls of the recently held polls, saying the poll body was working in collusion with the ruling BJP to destroy the election system in India. The Election Commission has rejected these claims, insisting that the revision exercise was carried out transparently.

Claim vs Reality  Claim: Gurkirat Singh Dang appears in the voter list 4 times.  Reality: A technical glitch created 4 IDs, which are already under cancellation process. pic.twitter.com/lwGjJn2DtQ  The Analyzer (News Updates) (@Indian_Analyzer) August 16, 2025

Among Gandhis examples of alleged voter list manipulation was the case of Dang. Here is a duplicate voter. There are 11,965 voters of this type. This is a gentleman called Gurkirat Singh Dang. Gurkira Singh Dang appears once, twice, three times, four times in four different polling booths in the constituency. The same name, the same address, the same person for different polling booths. And this is not just one person; this is thousands of people in one assembly," said Gandhi.

What did Gurkirat Singh Dang say? Does he have four voter IDs?

The first to respond to Gandhis claims was his Dangs sister, Kanandeep Kaur Dang: This is my brother, Gurkirat Singh Dang. Rahul Gandhi preaches about our constitutional rights, yet bends laws when it suits him. During his presentation, our privacy was breached, the media circus outside our home was invasive. The hypocrisy is glaring. Hear the truth."

This is my brother, Gurkirat Singh Dang. Rahul Gandhi preaches about our constitutional rights, yet bends laws when it suits him. During his presentation, our privacy was breached, the media circus outside our home was invasive. The hypocrisy is glaring. Hear the truth. Kanandeep Kaur Dang (@Dangkanandeep) August 12, 2025

She then posted a video of Dang explaining why he got the four IDs and how he does not have them now. I challenge Rahul Gandhi to prove that I voted four times. Due to rejection issues, four IDs were mistakenly created, but I had applied for their cancellation as per the rules and regulations of the poll body," he said in the video.

My family is being harassed," Dang claimed, adding, I will take legal action against YouTube creators for defaming me".

How Dangs response stirred a political row

The BJP criticised the Congress for lying" to the country with alleged false claims.

Gurkirat Singh Dang, whom Rahul Gandhi had singled out during his presentation on so-called Vote Chori, has hit back, calling him a bad loser and demanding that he produce proof to substantiate the allegation that he voted multiple times," said BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in an X post.

Gurkirat Singh Dang, whom Rahul Gandhi had singled out during his presentation on so-called Vote Chori, has hit back, calling him a bad loser and demanding that he produce proof to substantiate the allegation that he voted multiple times. This isnt the first timeevery claim pic.twitter.com/iZr089iZCg Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 17, 2025

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This isnt the first timeevery claim Rahul Gandhi has made has collapsed under scrutiny. Rahul Gandhi is an industrial-scale LIAR," he added in his post.

The Election Commission of India has been asking Gandhi to either sign a formal declaration for his claims or apologise to the nation. Gandhi, however, has refused to do so claiming that he is citing the ECs data.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 13:13 IST

News india Who Is Gurkirat Dang? Does He Have 4 Voter IDs? Hows He Linked To Rahul Gandhis Vote Theft Row?

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Yamuna Nears Danger Mark; Delhi Govt Issues Flood Alert After Haryana Releases Water

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 21:18 IST

The Delhi govt warned that the Yamuna River's water level could rise above the danger mark due to incessant rain. Precautionary measures are being taken as flooding risks increase.

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Notably this is the third time the Yamuna river has crossed danger level

The Delhi government on Sunday issued an advisory warning that the Yamuna Rivers water level could rise above the danger mark in the next two days.

According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the river is expected to cross the 206-metre danger level by 2 am on August 19, and the situation is being closely monitored.

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Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, with all relevant agencies instructed to take precautionary measures as rising water levels could trigger a flood-like situation.

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, with departments directed to take safety measures as the rising water level may lead to a flood-like situation.

Incessant rain over the past few days has caused the river to swell.

All 18 gates of the Hathnikund barrage were opened for the first time in this monsoon season, and 1.16 lakh cusecs of water were discharged from the barrage, Money Control cited an official of the irrigation department as saying.

The released water typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Som River in Haryana swelled on Sunday after heavy rainfall in Yamunanagar and adjoining Himachal Pradesh over the past few days.

The danger of flooding is looming in many villages, such as Paniwala, after a breach in a river embankment on Sunday.

The river was seen overflowing a bridge in Dhanaura village, which connects Haryanas Ranjitpur with Himachal Pradesh. Apart from Yamunanagar, several areas in Haryana, including Panchkula, Kurukshetra, and Ambala, also received heavy rainfall.

As the water in Sukhna Lake bobbed near the danger mark on Sunday in Chandigarh, one of the lakes three floodgates was opened to release the excess water through the Sukhna choh.

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All neighbouring areas were alerted before the floodgate was opened. Flood gates are generally opened at 1,163 feet, the danger mark.

(With inputs from agencies)

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 21:18 IST

News india Yamuna Nears Danger Mark; Delhi Govt Issues Flood Alert After Haryana Releases Water

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Male Breast Cancer Is Real And Early Diagnosis Is The Key To Long Survival

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 10:53 IST

Breast cancer in men may be rare, but it is real. Cancer does not discriminate between genders and neither should we

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In men, breast tissue primarily consists of fatty tissue with a few ducts and stroma, but it can still develop the same types of cancers, the most common being invasive ductal carcinoma

When most people think of breast cancer, they associate it with women. And rightly so, because most medical literature, public campaigns, and even healthcare protocols have largely focused on female patients. Interestingly, history shows that male breast cancer has always existed. Yet, it has remained a silent subject, rarely spoken about and even more rarely researched. For decades, there was little awareness of male breast cancer, to the extent that men often ignored symptoms or dismissed them as non-threatening. This led to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Today, while we know more than we did in the past, stigma and silence still perpetuate the conditions invisibility.

Dr Richu Sharma, MD, DrNB (Medical Oncology), Consultant Medical Oncologist, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals shares all you need to know:

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Understanding the Risk

Accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases worldwide, male breast cancer is considered rare. The average age at diagnosis is typically between 60 and 70 years, though it can also occur earlier in men with certain genetic mutations such as BRCA2. What makes this condition particularly concerning is that men are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to women. The absence of routine screening and low public awareness means that by the time a man seeks medical help, the disease may already be advanced.

A major part of the issue is not recognising that men too have breast tissue, though far less than women. In men, breast tissue primarily consists of fatty tissue with a few ducts and stroma, but it can still develop the same types of cancers, the most common being invasive ductal carcinoma. Most male breast cancers are hormone receptorpositive, meaning they respond well to hormone-blocking therapy.

Identified risk factors include:

Increasing age

Family history of breast cancer

BRCA2 and other gene mutations

Hormonal imbalance

Obesity

Chronic liver disease

Prior chest radiation

Some rare conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome (where a man is born with an extra X chromosome), significantly increase the risk.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms are often subtle in the beginning. A painless lump under or near the nipple is the most common sign, sometimes accompanied by nipple retraction, skin changes, or discharge. Unfortunately, because breast cancer is not commonly associated with men, these early signs are frequently overlooked. Some men hesitate to consult a doctor due to embarrassment or the belief that breast cancer is a womens disease." These delays can mean the difference between catching cancer early when treatment is more straightforward and confronting it at a stage where options are more limited.

Treatment for male breast cancer is largely similar to treatment for women and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone (endocrine) therapy. Tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen, is particularly effective, as most male breast cancers are estrogen receptorpositive. Research is advancing, and we are beginning to understand that while treatments may be similar for both genders, there are biological differences in how male breast cancer develops and responds to therapy pointing to an urgent need for more male-focused studies.

The conversation about male breast cancer is slowly but steadily changing. Awareness campaigns, survivor advocacy, and greater inclusion of men in breast cancer research can help shift outdated perceptions. For men with strong family histories or known genetic risks, proactive discussions with healthcare professionals can determine whether there is a need for earlier or more frequent screening. Genetic counseling will also play an increasingly important role in identifying those at greatest risk.

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Breaking the silence around male breast cancer is not just about statistics or science, it is about saving lives. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment, but this is only possible if men and their healthcare providers recognise the risk and act promptly on warning signs. Talking openly about the disease, sharing survivor stories, and educating communities can dismantle the stigma that has kept too many men in the dark.

Breast cancer in men may be rare, but it is real. Cancer does not discriminate between genders and neither should we. Men must accept this condition and seek treatment without hesitation. With greater awareness, better education, and continued research, we can move towards a future where no man faces this diagnosis too late.

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

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 10:53 IST

News lifestyle  health-and-fitness Male Breast Cancer Is Real And Early Diagnosis Is The Key To Long Survival
From Cliffs To Craters: Inside Shabana Azmis Girls Trip In Iceland

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 12:36 IST

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi recently took an all-girls trip to Iceland. She shared scenic pictures from her trip on her social media.

Shabana Azmi enjoyed an all-girls trip to Iceland.

They say travel is the fountain of youth, and Shabana Azmi, at 74, has just given us the perfect example. With her closest friends by her side, the veteran actress swapped routines for raw landscapes and laughter-filled days in Iceland  the Land of Fire and Ice. From volcanic craters to cascading waterfalls, this wasnt just a holiday; it was proof that friendship and wanderlust only get better with age.

Posing At The Gerouberg Cliffs

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

The groups first stop was the striking Gerouberg Cliffs, where towering basalt columns, sculpted by nature over millions of years, stood like guardians of history. Against these dramatic backdrops, the women struck playful poses, celebrating both their bond and the grandeur of Icelands rugged terrain.

A Cinematic Pause At Hraunfossar

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

Next came Hraunfossar, the delicate lace-like waterfalls spilling gracefully across lava fields. As water gushed in ribbons of white, the group found a moment to pause, gossip, and giggle  the kind of joy that feels cinematic in itself. Shabana even remarked that legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor would have adored this view, perfectly summing up its timeless beauty.

The Glow Of Kerid Crater

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

At Kerid Crater, where turquoise waters shimmer against rusty red volcanic slopes, the spirit of the trip shone through. Even though Shabana chose to stay back in the car, she didnt miss a beat  capturing her friends joy and sharing in the wonder. After all, travel isnt about checking boxes, but about framing memories in your way.

Beyond The Postcards

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

The journey was stitched together with small but heartwarming details: holding an 800-year-old block of ice, grinning beside a sunflower taller than themselves, and indulging in freshly made pizzas on a tomato farm. Each moment, whether big or small, was a celebration of fun, food, and friendship.

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Why Iceland Belongs On Your Bucket List

Inspired? Iceland isnt just for thrill-seekers in their 20s. Imagine soaking in the Blue Lagoons geothermal waters, strolling along the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, or watching the Northern Lights dance above with your besties. If Shabana Azmi can turn her 70s into an adventure playground, so can you.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 12:33 IST

News lifestyle  travel From Cliffs To Craters: Inside Shabana Azmis Girls Trip In Iceland
Who Says Ethnic Wear Isnt Comfortable? Rashmika Mandanna's White Look Is Pure Ease

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 13:27 IST

Rashmika Manadana has stepped into the role of an entrepreneur with her fragrance brand Dear Diary.

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Rashmika Mandana looked ethereal in an all-white ensemble.

It is now known that Rashmika Mandanna, often dubbed as the National Crush by fans, has a never-ending love for traditional outfits. Her rise as one of Indias most popular actors has been matched by her growing presence in the fashion world.

Now, the actress has stepped into the role of an entrepreneur with her fragrance brand Dear Diary. Whether its an outfit or a fragrance, Rashmika Mandanna knows how to make a fashion statement by blending comfort with effortless style, and her latest look is no exception.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna)

Rashmika Mandana in An All-White Ensemble

Rashmika Mandanna recently delighted her fans with a video from a shoot for her perfume brand, Dear Diary. The actress looked ethereal in an all-white ensemble that beautifully balanced elegance and comfort. Her outfit featured a flowy kurta teamed with matching palazzo pants and a sheer dupatta adorned with delicate floral embroidery, adding a soft and romantic touch to her look.

Keeping the vibe minimal yet striking, Rashmika styled her hair in soft, natural waves and went for a fresh, dewy makeup look that highlighted her radiant smile. For accessories, she chose stone-studded, simple yet beautiful statement earrings, a sleek bangle, and a ring on her finger. In the video, she is seen gracefully posing with bottles of Dear Diary, her persona perfectly matching the brands chic and sophisticated aesthetic.

Sharing the post on Instagram, she wrote, The happiness on my face when I wear something I feel the most comfy in." and we couldnt agree more.

Fans React to Rashmika Mandanas post

Needless to say, fans flooded the comment section with love and admiration. One fan wrote, Yup, she is the national crush for a reason." Another fan commented, My crush, my heartbeat."

Rashmika Mandana Embarks on a New Journey

After winning hearts with her impeccable acting skills and head-turning fashion sense, Rashmika has now launched her own perfume brand, Dear Diary, in collaboration with The PCA Companies. As per the Chhaava actress, the brand offers perfumes and curated fragrance sets designed to allow individuals to express themselves and carry their personal stories through scents.

Drawing inspiration from her memories and experiences, the collection features fragrances with names like National Crush," Irreplaceable," and Controversial," each reflecting different aspects of her life.

Sharing her narratives about the products, she wrote in one of her posts, Some names stick.. and this one?? You all gave it to me with so much love.. I had to bottle that feeling.. This isnt just a perfume.. Its a thank you.. A soft, sweet reminder that love makes everything brighter. National Crush is for youuuu.. because you are mine too.. Heres to every moment you felt seen, loved, and cherished just for being you.. Biggest hugs. Give yourself a love letter."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna)

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Rashmika Mandannas Acting Front

Following the massive success of Pushpa and Pushpa 2, Rashmika Mandanna is reportedly set to reunite with Allu Arjun in director Atlees upcoming sci-fi film, tentatively titled AA22xA6.

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 13:27 IST

News lifestyle Who Says Ethnic Wear Isnt Comfortable? Rashmika Mandanna's White Look Is Pure Ease
UK Man Driving At 114kph 'Like Formula 1', Jailed For Killing Indian-Origin Woman's Unborn Baby

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 17:55 IST

A UK teenager was convicted of killing an Indian-origin student's newborn boy in a car crash. He was given a jail term of 13 years for the crime.

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UK man sentenced to jail for killing woman's baby (AI-generated image)

The man who hit an Indian-origin pregnant student and killed her newborn baby in the UK has been sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment, according to local media reports.

The victim woman was identified as Renju Joseph, 31, who was five months pregnant when she was rammed into by a speeding car driven by 20-year-old man Ashir Shahid, as she was crossing a zebra crossing on Station Road in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, in September last year, BBC reported.

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Shahid, who hailed from Windsor Road in Walton-le-Dale, pleaded guilty to his crime in June and admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. His brother, Sam Shahid, was also sent to a 3-year jail term by Preston Crown Court for assisting an offender.

What Did The Court Say?

The convict was driving the Toyota Prius at an estimated speed between 58mph and 71mph (114kmh) in a zone where 30mph was allowed in dark and wet conditions, the court was told.

Sentencing them, the judge said that Ashir Shahids acceleration moments before the crash was akin to what you may see on a Formula 1 race track".

Olives life lasted five hours and 38 minutes. He did not live to see dawn. His mother never saw him alive. His life was snubbed out before it really began," BBC quoted the judge as saying.

The court slammed the defendants and said, You seemingly have no moral compass. Throughout these proceedings, you have sat with your heads down as if in shame. You have no shame," Metro reported.

The judge described how the two convicts disappeared into the night like cowards" after the crash and then acted with breathtaking coolness" shortly after it, as they attempted to cover up the crime.

He told them that the duo had not shown a care in the world for anyone and anything around you", as they drove rashly through residential streets.

Your arrogant, selfish and shameless actions put multiple people at risk, including yourselves. Neither of you has a shred of remorse for your involvement that evening," Metro quoted the judge as saying.

Prosecutor Emma Keogh told the court, An emergency C-section had to be carried out in an attempt to save the unborn childs life. The placenta had ruptured and Joseph had bled quite heavily. Her child was born that evening but sadly he only survived for a few hours before passing away."

How Were Accused Persons Convicted?

The Indian-origin woman was rushed to the hospital from the scene in the evening of September 29, 2024, and an emergency C-section was performed in an attempt to save the life of her son, Olive.

According to a motorist who was travelling in the opposite direction at the accident site, Shahid seemed to increase the speed of his vehicle around 15 metres away from the crossing where he hit the woman, after which she was thrown into the air for quite some distance". She tumbled and rolled into his car, a witness said.

Videos found on Shahids phone and his 17-year-old brothers phone showed them laughing and singing while driving the car dangerously and at high speed. In the clips, Sam Shahid was seen sticking his feet and upper body out of the window, while the driver sometimes let go of the steering wheel and made gun-like hand gestures.

Shahid was arrested days later. He initially did not confess to the crime; however, when his phone was checked, it revealed that on that night, he searched charge for hit and run human".

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A video clip on his Snapchat profile showed him singing along to the Shaggy song It Wasnt Me and laughing, the report said.

In Fridays verdict, he was also banned from driving for 15 years and one month. He will also have to pass an extended retest.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

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Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 17:53 IST

News nri UK Man Driving At 114kph 'Like Formula 1', Jailed For Killing Indian-Origin Woman's Unborn Baby

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Opinion | Indians Have Fought To Save Stray Dogs Since 1832

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 15:58 IST

Only in India could there have been a riot to save voiceless animals; no wonder the British were totally taken aback in Mumbai

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After Supreme Court, the Rajasthan High Court ordered the removal of stray dogs. (Representational image: PTI)

The irony in the judgement by a two-judge Supreme Court Bench on stray dogs in Delhi becomes apparent when the unique Bombay Riot of 1832 is recalled. That riot was not, as some may think, a communal conflagration. It was over stray dogs. The British had decided to clean up" Bombay (now Mumbai) by killing all its stray dogs. But they had to face the wrath of the large Parsi community, which revered canines. Finally, the British had to back down.

It actually began in 1813some 212 years agowhen the British imposed a regulation to control" the citys stray dog population by permitting two periods of culling"the euphemism for officially sanctioned mass slaughter. But it was never operationalised fully. Nearly 20 years later, though, they doubled down and even offered monetary incentives (eight annas) for every stray culled/killed. That led to greedy civic employees and private individuals killing even pet dogs.

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In May 1832, the Bombay Police was allowed to extend culling (killing) to any time that a nuisance and danger was deemed to exist". The then Governor, the Earl of Clare, declared that the lives of the inhabitants are endangered by the numbers and ferocity of these noxious animals which now infest every part of the Island". The East India Company also said stray dogs were worthless, noxious and disgusting animals". Notice the similarities with the rhetoric in 2025?

For those who might still disbelieve that people from the civilised west would approve such bloodthirsty measures, a similar diktat was issued targeting leopards, regarded as a menace" to colonial plantations. Indians were initially reluctant to slaughter the big cats for no real reason but the lure of four to eight annas per leopard drew them in too. Records of how many leopards were killed in each of the Presidencies are available, to prove that it happened.

But the British miscalculated on the propensity of Indians to be swayed by eight annas when it came to killing Bombays stray dogs. The Parsi community was particularly incensed, especially the culling" being extended to any time of the year. Not many Indians today knowincluding even some Parsis presumablythat all dogs are sacred to the Zoroastrian faith as canines are believed to guard the Chinvat Bridge to heaven and are crucial for the souls safe passage.

In Zoroastrianism, dogs are considered beneficent, righteous and clean creatures who have special spiritual virtues and must be taken care of. A dogs gaze is said to drive off demons and they are supposed to be fed at commemorations of the dead. Ehtiram-i-Sag" or respect for the dog is an injunction for all Zoroastrians. Traditional funerary rituals also include Sagdid or dog-sight", when a dog confirms the death of a person by refusing to look at his/her mortal remains.

The Vendidad (part of the holy Avesta) has detailed descriptions about treatment of dogs, including punishments for harming them. Zoroastrians are exhorted in scriptures to help dogs, both domestic and stray, and such acts are equated with helping humans; harming them is also regarded as harming humans. The Parsis of Bombay in the early 1800s still lived by these precepts though in the next two centuries many of these beliefs and traditions have apparently been sidelined.

Back in 1832 the Parsis of Bombay were very aware of the regard for dogs in their faith and rose up in anger at the killing of strays ordered by British authorities who were ignorant of or oblivious to local sentiments. Matters came to a head on July 6, 1832, which happened to be a holy day for the Parsis. As dog catchers brutally rounded up stray dogs in the Fort area, 200 Parsis (a large turnout for 200 years ago!) came out to protest and the police turned up.

Two constables were attacked as the protest spiralled; soon shops, offices and businesses shut down. By the next day, other communities joined the Parsis to protest against the killing of strays and their numbers swelled to 5,000, taking the British by surprise. People from all of Indias faiths coming together to speak up for stray dogs was truly unprecedented; the same can be said about what is being witnessed in Delhi and other cities in 2025 too, nearly two centuries later.

It was in effect, the first bandh in Indiaroads were blocked, businesses did not open, and East India Company garrisons, officials, even judges, were targeted by protesters. The British initially decided to crack down and troops were called out. The Riot Act was read out to the incensed crowd, and some Parsi leaders were even arrested. That just made the protesters even angrier. It must be said that better sense prevails during the pro-stray dog demonstrations in 2025 so far.

But the Bombay protesters were in no mood to back down. The British found this all-faith unity for a cause ominous and thus pivoted to negotiate. Led by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, the Parsis demanded an end to killing, and if need be, aggressive strays being relocated outside the city. The British were forced to agree! Experience now shows that relocation (or incarceration) do not work whereas sterilisation and vaccination do, a humane solution is clearly the key.

Only in India could there have been a riot" or at least a protestas far back as the 1800s for the wellbeing of stray dogs, with people of all communities coming together to stand up to the British. People realised the value of street dogs to urban life even back then and spoke up for inhabitants of their city who had no voice. Colonial times were rife with incidents of senseless acts and decrees in the name of perpetuating a western idea of order. But why reprise that now?

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The only silver lining to the dark cloud looming after the SC order is the fact that there are still issues which unite India across caste, creed and class; that kindness towards animals is a nationwide emotion. And above all, the belief that this unique legacy of India will guide authorities to decide independently and humanely rather than follow what the west does. After all, India totally banned hunting in 1972 while developed nations still officially cull/kill millions of wild animals.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 15:58 IST

News opinion Opinion | Indians Have Fought To Save Stray Dogs Since 1832

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Opinion: Indias Anti-Terrorism Security Apparatus Is Robust

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:11 IST

The messaging to the world is now more clear, i.e., India will always act in self-defence, which is a sharp shift from the past doctrine of strategic restraint

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India's counter-terrorism ecosystem has adopted a multi-pronged approach. (PTI File)

Some recent reports have surfaced in the public domain suggesting that Indias anti-terror operations in the thick and mostly inaccessible forests of Jammu and Kashmir have not been as successful as projected.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The factual position on the ground reveals that while there have been casualties on both sides, be it Indian troops or the terrorists, the battle being played out in this inhospitable terrain reveals that the enemy is in a much weaker position today than it ever was in the past two-and-a-half decades. The fight is ongoing and far from over.

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Terrorism and insurgency in India are primarily linked to political, religious, ethnic, ideological, identity driven, linguistic or socio-economic grievances. It is broadly divided into three distinct categories, viz. cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism in the hinterland and extreme violence being a part of ongoing insurgencies.

India remains highly vulnerable to attacks by terrorists due to its porous borders in the west, north and northeast, besides its insufficiently protected long coastline. Terrorists and insurgents entering or residing in India continue to receive lavish material support and funds from many sources, especially from agencies located abroad.

To counter this threat, Indias counter-terrorism ecosystem has adopted a multi-pronged approach that includes beefing up intelligence gathering, pursuing security measures proactively and seeking international support and cooperation to neutralise this debilitating and anti-development menace.

Over the last decade or more, India has demonstrated stronger political will to strengthen border security, giving a free hand to security and intelligence agencies to gather, collate, coordinate and act on information, enact stricter laws to combat terrorism. Internationally, India has reworked its strategy, to disprove foreign sceptics and address cross-border terrorism and prevent the financing of terrorists.

We do not have to go too far back in time to see the success that India has achieved in countering terror. Three incidents stand out quite emphatically, sending out a firm message to regional inimical elements and to the larger international community that India is no pushover.

In 2016, the Indian Army conducted a series of strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the end of September. Those strikes were a calculated hard response to a Pakistan-trained terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2016, which claimed the lives of 19 soldiers.

Four terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed carried out the attack on the Uri army base. The Indian government decided to retaliate with surgical strikes to send out a message to Pakistan that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism. New Delhi described the counter as a pre-emptive strike" to disrupt terrorist activities from across the LoC. The strikes were significant as they were the first of their kind against Pakistan.

Crossing the LoC under the cover of darkness, Indian Army commandos targeted and eliminated seven terrorist launch pads. The Indian government confirmed the killing of 35-40 terrorists, a claim dismissed by Pakistan. On February 14, 2019, a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers, which was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles, was targeted in Pulwama by a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber. He rammed his explosives-laden car into the bus, killing 40 CRPF personnel.

Biding its time, the Indian government ordered the countrys air force to carry out an air strike in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26, targeting terror camps. It was the first such aerial action against Pakistan since the 1971 war, sparking retaliatory raids and an aerial dogfight. Fortunately, it did not escalate into a full-scale war, but it put an alarmed wider world on notice that India would not take attacks on its soil or on its people lightly.

The third and most telling response to Pakistans misadventures" has been Operation Sindoor". The operation was a balanced armed forces response to the killing of 26 innocent Indian civilians in Pahalgam, J&K on April 22, 2025. It reflected Indias advanced technology, commitment to gathering precise intelligence and exhibited her self-reliance in defence. Nine terror training camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and

Jaish-e-Mohammed, were damaged with precise missile strikes, without crossing the Line of Control or the International Border.

When Pakistan responded by targeting Indian civilians and defence establishments, India effectively used its defence shields and drones to neutralise eleven Pakistani air bases, disrupting the mobility and operational momentum of Pakistan Air Force, and ensuring that Pakistan could not sustain a second or third wave of escalation. It used its advanced military technologies to send out a clear message to Islamabad that it would do well not to mess with New Delhi.

Several factors are at the root of Indias counter terrorism successes. These are enhanced intelligence gathering through multiple agencies, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) (internal intelligence); better inter-agency cooperation overseen by the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Intelligence Bureau; establishing specialized units like the National Security Guard (NSG) and Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) to handle specific terrorist threats; improved border security; giving more teeth to laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to strengthen punitive measures against terrorism and related activities.

Establishing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terror-related offences; actively raising the issue of cross-border terrorism in various international forums, including the United Nations, G20, and FATF; promoting capacity building in other countries through training, experience sharing, and technical cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts; working with international partners to address the financing of terrorism.

In addition, introducing de-radicalisation programs that focus on education, skills development and jobs; promoting public awareness and participation in counter-terrorism efforts; demonstrating the will to respond with punitive measures against sponsors of terrorism and using technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to neutralise terror threats.

By combining these elements, India has created a comprehensive and effective counter-terrorism ecosystem that strikes at the very heart of violent anti-social activity. This has been emphatically demonstrated over the past more than two years through anti-terror operations in dense mountain belts, even if it has come at the cost of casualties.

The Indian Army and other law enforcement agencies have pushed their full technological arsenal and might into ferreting out militants from mountain caves, deep forests and natural hideouts.

Security experts admit to the changing colour of militancy, but are confident about striking hard and causing maximum damage to inimical forces. They are constantly aware of the need to adapt without walking into deadly traps. The fact of the matter is that any terrorist attack on India will be met with a strong and resolute response, with India retaliating on its own terms, targeting terror hubs at their root.

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India is also on record as saying that it will not be intimidated by nuclear threats and warned that any terrorist safe haven operating under this pretext will face precise and decisive strikes. The messaging to the world is now more clear, i.e., India will always act in self-defence, which is a sharp shift from the past doctrine of strategic restraint.

The author is Editor, Brighter Kashmir, author, TV commentator, political analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author.

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Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:08 IST

News opinion Opinion: Indias Anti-Terrorism Security Apparatus Is Robust

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Two more Republican governors are surging National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., in support of President Donald Trump's crackdown on violent crime in the capital.

On Sunday night, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine both announced their respective deployment of troops to the capital. Those deployments include 200 troops from South Carolina and an additional 150 from Ohio.

In both of their statements, McMaster and DeWine said the troops would be there for added support as Trump looks to tackle violent crime in Washington.

The new deployments means three Republican governors have now sent National Guard troops to Washington since Trump declared a "crime emergency" earlier this week, taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department and mobilizing the D.C. National Guard.

Earlier Sunday, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that 300 to 400 National Guard troops from his state would be sent to Washington, whose primary role would be to provide "mission-essential equipment and specialized training."

The total number of National Guard members set to be in the U.S. capital is now well over 1,000. Trump initially deployed around 800 troops from the D.C. National Guard, who have been assisting with enforcement operations alongside federal officers.

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Despite the increased National Guard presence, the troops working patrols thus far have not made arrests and are unarmed, with weapons remaining in the D.C. armory.

Recent reporting has indicated that may be changing.

WEST VIRGINIA SENDING NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO DC AS PART OF TRUMP'S CRIME CRACKDOWN

A report from the Wall Street Journal revealed that National Guard troops are being told to expect an order to carry weapons, citing people familiar with the matter.

However, an official from the Defense Department told the outlet that such an order has yet to be given.
With Putin Dominating Alaska Summit, Trump Is Running Out Of Moves Against India

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:38 IST

The India-US ties will survive Trump, but it will need unnecessary time and energy to rebuild

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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. (Reuters)

Almost nothing went as US President Donald Trump had expected at the Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin did not give an inch, except for face-savers in the form of public flattery. With drooping shoulders and a tired face, Trump took it.

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With pre-summit bluster and bullying  threatening Russia of very severe consequences" and slapping India with 25 per cent extra tariffs  Trump had spent all his options. He had left himself hardly any room to calibrate or escalate.

From his maximalist position, the only escalation would have been to go to war against Russia; a catastrophic choice which even the US, with its struggling economy, injured alliances and diminishing goodwill around the world, cannot afford.

He could not use India as a lever to force his will on Putin. The Russian leader is too seasoned for that, and knows the value of his friendship with India, as well as what India brings as a client, vendor, market, and a geo-strategic ally.

It is not that Trump did not try. The US raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent after secondary sanctions of 25 per cent on Russian oil purchases. India is the second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China.

Could Trump have doubled down on India after the summit?

He could not, because Putin had made it evident that he would not be blackmailed into deserting an ally or allowing concessions which hurt Russias interests.

So, Trump swallowed pride and said that he would consider the penalty tariffs on Russian oil in two or three weeks", possibly hinting that the August 27 deadline could pass for India without being slapped with the punitive 25 per cent tariff in addition to the 25 per cent reciprocal tariff.

The tariffs may hurt India in the short term, but history has proved (the scenario post Pokhran-II blasts, for instance) that sanctions have only strengthened India in the long run, and helped develop its own capacities. Besides, the effect of the tariffs will be felt more by American consumers than the Indian economy.

Trump also tried to put on a brave face and declared in an interview to Fox News that India had already agreed to drop purchases of Russian oil.

Well, he (Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which is doing about 40 per cent of the oil," Trump bragged.

The men and women at Indias foreign ministry did not reply, perhaps while suppressing laughter.

Because Indias oil imports from Russia have risen to 20 million barrels per day (BPD) in August from 16 million BPD in July.

By chipping away at the US-India relations, Trump has only managed to strengthen Indias resolve for autonomy and pushed it to explore alternative global alliances like BRICS, SCO, and BIMSTEC. In the bargain, the US has weakened its biggest bulwark against China in Asia and has been busy alienating a fellow liberal democracy.

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The India-US ties will survive Trump, but it will need unnecessary time and energy to rebuild.

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:38 IST

News opinion With Putin Dominating Alaska Summit, Trump Is Running Out Of Moves Against India

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Congress Party's Disciplinary Panel Pulls Up MLA Who Said DK Shivakumar Will Be Next CM

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 18:33 IST

Channagiri MLA Shivaganga claimed again that DK Shivakumar would take over as the Chief Minister of Karnataka after December.

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Karnataka MLA gets notice over leadership change comments (FIle Image)

The Congress State Disciplinary Committee on Sunday issued a show cause notice to Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga for his remark that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will become the next CM of the state.

His remarks on Saturday sparked a renewed discussion about leadership change, something which was put to rest by CM Siddaramaiah who asserted that he would complete his five-year term.

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Shivaganga claimed yesterday that Shivakumar would take over as the Chief Minister after December.

After December D K will become the CM," Shivaganga told reporters in Davangere.

Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, dubbed Shivagangas remark a violation of party discipline" and said a notice would be served to him.

Shivaganga had earlier told the media similar things about a change in the Chief Ministers post, saying that Shivakumar would take over the position soon.

Later that day, Shivakumar said in a statement that, despite several warnings, Shivaganga kept making such comments.

A notice will be served to him. No one should talk about the CM post and other issues. MLAs should follow party discipline. They should not cross the line. They have been strictly instructed in the past not to create confusion by making unnecessary statements. Despite this, Shivaganga once again making a statement on the matter is in violation of party discipline. Therefore, a notice will be served to him," Shivakumar said.

There has been a lot of talk in state politics, especially within the ruling Congress, about a change of Chief Minister later this year because of a power-sharing deal between the current CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. In response to these rumors, Siddaramaiah said he will remain Chief Minister for the full five years.

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After the Assembly election results in May 2023, there was tough competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Ministers post. In the end, the Congress convinced Shivakumar to accept the Deputy CM position.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 18:23 IST

News politics Congress Party's Disciplinary Panel Pulls Up MLA Who Said DK Shivakumar Will Be Next CM

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CP Radhakrishnan Named NDA Candidate For Vice President, Says JP Nadda

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 21:25 IST

CP Radhakrishnan, who is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra, has been named as the NDA candidate for Vice Presidential election.

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CP Radhakrishnan named as NDA VP candidate (File image)

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been officially declared as the candidate of the ruling NDA for the Vice Presidential election, nearly a month after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his position.

Radhakrishnans candidate was announced by BJP national president JP Nadda at a press conference after the conclusion of the partys parliamentary board meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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The move was necessitated after Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned from the office on the evening of July 21, citing his health and medical advice. His decision took everyone  in the ruling and Opposition  by surprise, however, forcing a VP election within 90 days.

NDAs VP Candidate

Nadda said that the government has spoken with all NDA allies before making the announcement and will contact the Opposition as well, seeking an unopposed election" for Vice President.

We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well and even now, we will remain in touch with them and all our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDAs candidate for Vice President," Nadda was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda says, We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with https://t.co/OLpIsl8dHa pic.twitter.com/JCnkTY4fH5 ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025

Sources said that Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Kiren Rijiju would start reaching out to the Opposition leaders from Monday to build consensus on the candidate.

Who Is CP Radhakrishnan, NDAs VP Candidate?

Born in 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu

Current Maharashtra Governor (since July 2024)

Former Governor of Jharkhand (2023)

Has an RSS background

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president (20042007), undertook a 93-day statewide yatra

Elected Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha twice from Coimbatore (1998 & 1999)

In charge of BJP Kerala (202022), member of the BJP National Executive

He was among the first MPs to visit Taiwan in 2014

Also addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 2003

Chaired Coir Board (2016-2020) and boosted Indias coir exports

Known as a grassroots organiser, has a clean image in the Tamil Nadu BJP

Taking to X, Radhakrishnan extended gratitude to PM Modi and the BJP for nominating him as the VP candidate.

My heartfelt thanks to our beloved Peoples leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri. @narendramodi Ji , our beloved most respected Honourable Home Minister Shri. @AmitShah Ji, our beloved most respected Honourable Central Minister and @BJP4India President Shri. @JPNadda Ji, our beloved most respected Honourable Parliamentary board members , our beloved most respected Honourable Central Ministers , our beloved most respected Honourable NDA partners for choosing me as their Vice Presidential Candidate. I am moved and touched beyond words for the confidence they have in me and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation. I assure to work hard for the Nation until my last breath. Jai Hind!" he tweeted.

NDA Allies Extend Support To VP Candidate

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended best wishes to Radhakrishnan on his nomination and said his vast experience would enhance the prestige of the Rajya Sabha.

Congratulations to the Honble Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Ji on being nominated as the NDAs candidate for the vice presidential election. Your roles as a parliamentarian and as governor of different states have played a significant role in effectively fulfilling the constitutional duties. I am sure your vast experience and wisdom will enhance the prestige of the Upper House and achieve new milestones," he tweeted.

The NDA allies extended their open support for the Vice President candidate.

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Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha leader Jitan Ram Manjhi said on X, We fully support the NDA candidate for Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan. We stand with the NDA from the streets to the Parliament."

The Election Commission notified September 9 as the date for the VP election, with August 21 being the last date for filing nominations.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 20:00 IST

News politics CP Radhakrishnan Named NDA Candidate For Vice President, Says JP Nadda

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'Previous Govts Destroyed Delhi': PM Modi After Inaugurating Dwarka Expressway, UER-II Projects

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 14:16 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said previous governments did not allow Delhi to be developed and accused them of disrespecting sanitation workers.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. (PMO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated two National Highways projects in Delhi, blaming previous governments, such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, for bringing the national capital to ruination.

The Prime Minister hailed the inauguration of the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), saying Delhi would become a model of Viksit Bharat.

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After several years, the BJP government has been formed in the national capital Delhi. For a long time, we were nowhere close to power. And we can see how the previous governments destroyed Delhi and pushed it into such a deep pit," he said at the event.

Connectivity across NCR will take a big leap forward with the inauguration of the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and UER-II. https://t.co/YWujS91BOY Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2025

The Prime Minister also underscored the difficulties faced by the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government in rectifying the mistakes of the previous governments. I know how difficult it is for the new BJP government to bring Delhi out of the ever-mounting troubles of the past. However, I am confident that the team you have chosen in Delhi will work hard and pull the city out of the problems it has been suffering for decades."

Earlier today, PM Modi held a vibrant roadshow, drawing enthusiastic crowds along the route. Supporters lined the streets, raising Modi-Modi" slogans as the Prime Minister waved to the public, acknowledging their cheers and warm welcome. He was accompanied by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini.

Underscoring that the two new projects will improve connectivity in the national capital, Modi said, Whenever the world looks at India, observes India, its first glance falls on our capital on Delhi. That is why we must develop Delhi as such a model of progress where everyone feels, yes, this is indeed the capital of a Viksit Bharat."

PM Modi Fires Salvo At Opposition Parties

PM Modi took another shot at opposition parties, saying they could not digest the peoples faith in the BJP, which is in power in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

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This is also the first time that the BJP governments are in power simultaneously in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This shows how much blessing the BJP has received from this entire region," he said. However, there are some political parties that are still unable to digest the peoples blessings. They have become completely disconnected from the peoples trust and ground realities."

A few months ago, efforts were made to create hostility between the people of Delhi and Haryana, to pit them against each other. It was even said that the people of Haryana were poisoning Delhis water. Today, Delhi and the entire NCR have been freed from such negative politics," he added, referring to former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals remarks ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 14:03 IST

News politics 'Previous Govts Destroyed Delhi': PM Modi After Inaugurating Dwarka Expressway, UER-II Projects

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5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Indonesia's Sulawesi, Second Tremor Reported This Week

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 07:11 IST

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Sulawesi, Indonesia, with no casualties or damage reported. Earlier, West Papua experienced a 6.3 quake on August 12.

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Representative image of an earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck Sulawesi in Indonesia on Sunday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. The quake took place at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), Reuters quoted GFZ as saying.

As of now, authorities have not reported any casualties or damage. The situation is being monitored.

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This is the second incident reported this week; on August 12, an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 rattled province West Papua.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at about 5:24 pm local time (0824 GMT), with its epicentre located roughly 193 kilometres northwest of the town of Abepura in Papua.

In a post on X, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said, EQ of M: 6.3, On: 12/08/2025 13:54:27 IST, Lat: 2.09 S, Long: 138.81 E, Depth: 39 Km, Location: West Papua Indonesia."

Earlier on August 7, another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 on the Richter Scale occurred at a depth of 106km.

Seismic Challenges Faced By Indonesia

Indonesia is located between two major tectonic plates the Australian Plate and the newly separated Sunda Plate.

The tectonics of Indonesia is very complex, as it is a meeting point of several tectonic plates. Indonesia is located between two continental plates: the Sahul Shelf and the Sunda Plate, and between two oceanic plates: the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.

The subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Sunda Plate formed the volcanic arc in western Indonesia, one of the most seismically active areas on the planet, with a long history of powerful eruptions and earthquakes.

This chain of active volcanoes formed Sumatra, Java, Bali, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, most of which, particularly Java and Bali, emerged within the last 2-3 million years. The Pacific and Sahul plate movements controlled the tectonics of the eastern portion of Indonesia.

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Subduction occurs along Southeastern Sumatra and West Java. Sumatra is more active in recent years despite being in the same subduction margin. The reason for the lack of frequent seismic activity over West Java is a problem of time frame and not of tectonic activity. While it may only take a hundred years for a large-scale earthquake to occur off the coast of Sumatra, it may take roughly 500 years off the coast of western Java.

(ANI Inputs)

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Location : Indonesia

First Published: August 17, 2025, 07:10 IST

News world 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Indonesia's Sulawesi, Second Tremor Reported This Week

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I Didnt Decide To Be Born Brown: Indian Man Targeted By Teens In Ireland

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 11:09 IST

A 22-year-old Indian man shared on Reddit about facing racial harassment at a bus stop in Ireland. Teenagers in a car used racist slurs at him.

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An Indian man claimed on Reddit about being a victim of racial harassment at a bus stop in Ireland. The 22-year-old man shared his ordeal on Reddit and stating that a group of teenagers teased him with racist slurs.

Im an Indian male, 22. After I left work and while waiting for the bus, a group of young teenagers in a car called me over. I naturally thought they were asking for directions or something. I went up to the car, and they called me hey sweet cheeks." I played along, matched their energy, and said thanks, really appreciated it," the user wrote in the r/IndiansinIreland subreddit.

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Finally, for the third time, they came up from the other side and shouted more racist slurs. They drove off, and when I was boarding the bus, those lads were still there, probably waiting for their next victim whod give them the reaction they wanted, which I believe I didnt," the post adds further.

I try to be stoic about things and not let them get to me, but I didnt decide to be born brown. There were two Irish people at the stop with me and another brown guy I dont know, and nobody spoke up. We are on our own when push comes to shove. Stay strong, people," Indian man concluded the post.

This is to be noted that the information is based on the claims made by the Indian man on Reddit.

Irish President on Racial Attacks Against Indians

Amid incidents of harassment against Indians in Ireland, Irish President Michael D Higgins on Tuesday unequivocally" condemned the despicable attacks" against the community. The statement came after a spate of violent attacks on Indians in Dublin and other cities, which the Irish police (Garda) said was being fully and thoroughly investigated".

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The recent despicable attacks on members of the Indian community stand in stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear," said Higgins.

That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned," he added.

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Location : Ireland

First Published: August 17, 2025, 10:53 IST

News world I Didnt Decide To Be Born Brown: Indian Man Targeted By Teens In Ireland

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US First Lady Melania Trump Sends Peace Letter To Putin, Asks Him To Protect Children Around The Globe

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 22:39 IST

US First Lady Melania Trump has written a peace letter to Vladimir Putin as Donald Trump calls his talks with the Russian leader productive amid the Ukraine war.

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First Lady Melania Trump (Reuters image)

US First Lady Melania Trump has written a peace letter" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him that it is time" to safeguard children and future generations across the globe, Fox News reported.

Her appeal came as President Donald Trump held talks with Putin, which he described as productive." Trump said many points were agreed upon" during their meeting, with only very few" issues left unresolved.

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In a heartfelt message addressed to the Russian president, the first lady opened with a universal reflection on childhood.

Dear President Putin," the first ladys letter begins. Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger."

She stressed the shared duty of both parents and world leaders in protecting future generations.

Donald Trump Handed Letter To Putin Personally

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope," the letter continued. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few."

The message further urged for a collective pursuit of global dignity and peace.

Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded," read the letter.

It concluded with a reminder of the shared innocence that transcends political and geographic boundaries.

A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purityan innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology."

The letter was handed to Putin by US President Trump himself before the Alaska Talks began.

Trump said he would meet Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, and said three-way talks between himself, Putin and Zelenskyy could be scheduled later.

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He had said earlier that a deal to end the war depended on Zelenskyy alone.

But Zelenskyy said that Russia refusing to accept a ceasefire complicates the situation" and questioned its willingness to achieve a lasting peace.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 07:06 IST

News world US First Lady Melania Trump Sends Peace Letter To Putin, Asks Him To Protect Children Around The Globe

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King Charles Seen Driving Queen Camilla To Church In Scotland In First Summer Outing

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 22:59 IST

Crathie Kirk is the Royal Familys usual place of worship when they stay at Balmoral. The King and Queen are in Scotland for their yearly holiday.

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King Charles with the Queen (AFP image)

King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured at Balmoral for the first time this summer, with the King driving her to a church service on Sunday. The Queen sat beside him in the passenger seat as they went to Crathie Kirk church, which is near the castle.

Charles looked relaxed as he waved to people while driving his Audi Q8 e-tron electric SUV to the service. Camilla smiled as she joined him in greeting the public and photographers.

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The King and Queen dressed smartly for the Sunday service. King Charles, 76, wore a camel coat over his usual suit and tie. Queen Camilla wore a stylish hat with green and black feathers that matched her outfit, GB News reported.

Crathie Kirk is the Royal Familys usual place of worship when they stay at Balmoral. The King and Queen are in Scotland for their yearly holiday.

The trip usually starts in August, but Charless holiday was delayed because he was leading the Victory over Japan Day commemorations.

VJ Day, observed on August 15, marks the end of World War Two worldwide.

On Friday, the King and Queen attended a ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark the day.

They were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, members of VJ associations, military personnel, and senior politicians for the national remembrance service.

The King laid a wreath in honour of those who died and held a two-minute silence.

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While at the event, Camilla was moved to tears when a 105-year-old war veteran paid tribute to Charles in his speech. Yavar Abbas saluted my brave king" as he added a personal message. He spoke directly to King Charles and praised him for attending despite his ongoing cancer treatment.

The veteran also said that the Kings late grandfather, King George VI, would have been proud of him. King George VI, who was Queen Elizabeth IIs father, struggled with lung cancer for years before passing away in 1952.

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Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 22:57 IST

News world King Charles Seen Driving Queen Camilla To Church In Scotland In First Summer Outing

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'Menu, Locations, Gifts': Trump-Putin Meeting Details Left In Hotel Printer In Alaska

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 10:40 IST

According to hotel guests, eight pages were found, containing material that appeared to have been prepared by State Department officials

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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. (Reuters)

A set of sensitive US State Department documents were left in a public printer at Hotel Captain Cook in Alaska, just miles from the military base where US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their high-stakes summit on Friday.

According to hotel guests, eight pages were found, containing material that appeared to have been prepared by State Department officials.

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The documents included schedules, internal phone numbers of government employees, and even details of the summit luncheon, reported NPR.

One page listed the sequence of meetings between American and Russian delegations, specifying room names inside Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

It also mentioned that Trump intended to present Putin with an American Bald Eagle Desk Statue."

Other pages contained names and contact details of three US officials, a list of leaders from both countries, along with phonetic pronunciations of their names, and instructions for a formal lunch described as being in honour of his excellency Vladimir Putin."

The final document suggested that a joint press conference between the two leaders would run for an hour, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm local time. In reality, the briefing wrapped up in less than 15 minutes.

The White House has not commented on the apparent security lapse.

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The Alaska summit, which lasted three hours, was the first face-to-face engagement between Washington and Moscow since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Notably, after Putins meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet the US President in Washington on Monday, with European leaders expected to participate.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 10:35 IST

News world 'Menu, Locations, Gifts': Trump-Putin Meeting Details Left In Hotel Printer In Alaska

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Italy's Meloni, Germany's Merz, EU President To Join Zelenskyy For Trump Meeting At White House

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 16:53 IST

European leaders, including von der Leyen, Merz, Macron, and Stubb, will join President Zelenskyy in Washington to meet with US President Trump to discuss peace in Ukraine.

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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. (File/AFP)

Many European leaders are set to join Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his visit to the White House on Monday to meet with his US counterpart, Donald Trump.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have confirmed their attendance on Monday to join talks between Zelensky and Trump.

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French President Emmanuel Macron is the latest European leader to announce he will be joining Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, DC.

The French presidency said moments ago that the leaders aim to strengthen coordination between Europe and the United States, to achieve a just and lasting peace that safeguards Ukraines vital interests and Europes security.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has confirmed he will also be attending Mondays meeting at the White House with Zelensky and Trump.

The announcement was posted on the Presidents website and comes after von der Leyen and Merz confirmed their attendance.

According to a statement released by the Federal Government, Merz will be travelling to Washington, DC, on Monday to join talks between Zelensky and Trump. The trip will serve as an exchange of information with US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska," the chancellors spokesman says.

Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with the heads of state and government and underscore Germanys interest in a swift peace agreement in Ukraine. The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. This includes maintaining the pressure of sanctions," BBC quoted the statement.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also expected to attend. According to Italian media, she ended her holiday early and returned to Rome on Sunday to prepare for the trip to the United States, Euro News reported.

Earlier, Donald Trump said that the meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska went really well". He also held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, several European leaders and the Secretary General of NATO and highlighted that it was determined by all that a peace agreement is the best way going forward.

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Trump added that Zelenskyy would arrive in Washington, DC, on Monday afternoon and said that, if things go as planned, a trilateral meeting with Putin could be arrangedone he claimed could save millions of lives.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 16:37 IST

News world Italy's Meloni, Germany's Merz, EU President To Join Zelenskyy For Trump Meeting At White House

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The U.S. State Department announced on Saturday the immediate halt of all visitor visas for Gazans as it conducts a full and thorough review of the process.

In a post on X, the department noted that these visas, which are temporary, were previously issued to a small number of Gazans for medical treatment in the United States.

The move was cheered by right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, who seemingly took a victory lap after previously reporting on multiple flights carrying Palestinians arriving in airports in San Francisco and Houston.

Following the release of my reports yesterday exposing flights of GAZANS arriving at airports all across the US, the US State Department just announced that All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped, Loomer posted on X. This is fantastic news. Thank you @SecRubio for your prompt response to this invasion of our country by NGOS that have been accused of being pro-HAMAS @marcorubio!

In her original report, Loomer targeted HEAL Palestine, a group founded in 2024 that provides Palestinian civilians with food, water, and medical care and facilitates evacuations from the Gaza Strip.

On its website, the group said it has evacuated 50 children from the region to receive life-saving surgeries, prosthetics, and rehabilitative care in the U.S.

Eleven of those children, all of whom were critically injured, arrived in the U.S. earlier this month for long term treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery, according to a HEAL Palestine news release.

The release noted that after receiving medical care in the U.S., they will return to Egypt for continued rehabilitation.

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Loomer previously said the approval of the visitor visas for Gazans constitutes a national security threat and called for firings in the State Department.

While appearing to drop that call following the State Departments announcement, Loomer voiced her support for Palestinians to be added to President Donald Trumps travel ban, which currently blocks nationals from 12 countries from entering the U.S.

There are doctors in other countries. The US is not the worlds hospital! she added.

The visa pause appears to be yet another instance of Loomers behind-the-scenes role influencing Trump administration policy and hiring decisions.

She has previously called for the firing of a top vaccine regulator at the Food and Drug Administration, who resigned before ultimately being reinstated in his role. More recently, Loomer has shifted her attention to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who she claimed is actively prepping a 2028 presidential run, and his staff. Kennedy responded to those claims late this week by dismissing such speculation as an attempt to drive a wedge between himself and Trump.

ISRAEL ANNOUNCES WEST BANK SETTLEMENT THAT FINALLY BURIES PALESTINIAN SOVEREIGNTY

Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), a fierce backer of Israel, claimed the visa decision on Saturday was made solely because of Loomers attention to it.

[Donald Trump] and [Secretary Rubio] have immediately halted visas to Gazans that were being issued by deep state actors while we get to the bottom of how this national security risk was allowed. Massive credit needs to be given to Laura Loomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura, Fine posted on X.
New York City Restaurant Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 8 Wounded; Suspects On The Run

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 17:24 IST

At least three people were killed and eight others injured when gunmen opened fire inside the Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, New York.

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Police outside a New York restaurant, where a mass shooting took place. (Photo: X)

At least three people were killed and eight others injured after multiple gunmen opened fire inside a Brooklyn restaurant early Sunday, according to multiple reports.

The shooting took place around 3:30 am (local time) at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. The fatal victims were identified as three men, who were 27, 35, and of an unknown age, according to the New York Post.

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The remaining eight victims were being treated at local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She said officers responded within minutes to multiple 911 calls and found 11 gunshot victims ranging in age from 27 to 61.

 Mass Shooting Targets New York Jewish Community.At least seven people were injured in the shooting incident in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, home to a large Jewish community. The shooter fled the scene. pic.twitter.com/2vdyRqJfV6 Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) August 17, 2025

No suspects have been arrested so far, even as investigators believed there had been multiple gunmen. We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year that weve seen on record in the city of New York. Something like this is, of course, thank God, an anomaly and its a terrible thing that happened this morning, but were going to investigate and get to the bottom of what went down," Tisch said.

According to Fox News, investigators are canvassing available CCTV footage around the lounge and discovered at least 36 shell casings at the scene. A gun was also discovered near the scene, and police are investigating whether it was used in the shooting.

The Taste of the City lounge, which opened in 2022, is located less than a half mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum and closed at 3 am on Sunday. It serves American and Caribbean plates with a full bar, hookah, and DJs.

Mass Shootings In US

This follows growing incidents of shootings in the United States, which are quite frequent in the country due to the easy and widespread availability of guns.

Earlier, several law enforcement officers were shot in southern Virginia while they were serving warrants at a home. The deputies suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the reported shooting, but a SWAT team had to help the victims out of the house.

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Prior to that, at least three people were injured in New Yorks Times Square, one of citys most popular tourist places, on Saturday after gunshots were reportedly fired following a verbal dispute, sparking chaos and panic in the area.

A 17-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and a firearm was seized from his possession. The incident at one of New Yorks most iconic tourist spots comes after Julys high-profile shooting in a Manhattan office tower, which left four people dead, including a senior Blackstone executive and an NYPD officer.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 17:01 IST

News world New York City Restaurant Shooting Leaves 3 Dead, 8 Wounded; Suspects On The Run

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'God Made Me Pakistan's Protector, I Don't Want Any Other Position': Asim Munir On Presidency Buzz

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 13:25 IST

Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir was rumoured to replace Asif Ali Zardari as the country's President amid efforts to create a presidential form of government.

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Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir (AFP)

Pakistans Army Chief Asim Munir has dismissed speculation about changes in the countrys presidency and premiership, after rumours suggested that he would be replacing Asif Ali Zardari as Pakistans President.

There was intense speculation that President Asif Ali Zardari may soon step down, potentially paving the way for the army chief to assume the countrys presidency. This followed the newly appointed Field Marshals two visits to the United States within a month, during which he held talks with top U.S. leadership, bypassing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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After stopping over in Belgium from his visit to US, Munir told the Daily Jang newspaper, where he said the rumours of any changes in Pakistans presidency and the prime ministership were false.

When informed that this news had been circulated by both civil and military agencies, he [Field Marshal Munir] said this could not be possible," Dawn quoted the column. He also accused elements behind these rumours of creating political anarchy".

Some reports had suggested that an effort was underway in Pakistan to replace the current parliamentary system with a presidential form of government. Some reports suggested that President Zardari had called for his son Bilawal Bhutto to be part of the new government as a condition for his exit.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Admits Loss Of 13 Military Personnel During Indias Op Sindoor | Exclusive

God Made Me A Protector

Asim Munir is a powerful figure in Pakistan, a country where military coups are not uncommon. He has held every key post: DG ISI, DG Military Intelligence, Corps Commander, and now the Army Chief. He was also promoted to Field Marshal recently, only the second time in Pakistan after Ayub Khan, who went on to become dictator-president.

However, when asked about his political ambitions, Munir said,"God has made me the protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that."

He also praised the prime minister and his 18-hour work streak and said political reconciliation" was only possible if there was a sincere apology, a reference to incarcerated former PM Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

ALSO READ: Dont Dare To Destroy Our Peace: Pakistans Asim Munir Says India Funding Terror Outfits | Exclusive

Munir also appeared confident in balancing ties between the United States and China, calling US President Donald Trumps peace efforts genuine", but underscoring that Pakistan will not sacrifice one friend for another".

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Earlier, during the height of Operation Sindoor, when India launched strikes at terror infrastructure in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Munir to stand down, not PM Sharif, showing Munirs power bypassing that of the countrys own head of government.

India views Munir as the mastermind behind the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were gunned down. Munir is a key proponent of the two-nation theory, often referring to Kashmir as Pakistans jugular vein" and emphasising the divide between Hindus and Muslims.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: August 17, 2025, 12:39 IST

News world 'God Made Me Pakistan's Protector, I Don't Want Any Other Position': Asim Munir On Presidency Buzz

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Pakistani Journalist Found Dead In Car With Gunshot Wound To The Head, Bilawal Bhutto Reacts

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 11:45 IST

Senior Pakistani journalist Khawar Hussain was found dead inside a car with a gunshot wound to his head, drawing widespread condemnations from journalist organisations.

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Senior Pakistani journalist Khawar Hussain. (Photo: X)

A Pakistani journalist, identified as Khawar Hussain, was found dead inside a car with a gunshot wound to his head. His body was discovered in a vehicle parked outside a restaurant on Hyderabad Road in the city of Sanghar in Sindh province on Saturday night.

Hussain was a Karachi-based correspondent for Dawn. Sanghar Senior Superintendent of Police Abid Baloch said police were still collecting evidence and were probing the cause of his death, according to Arab News.

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Baloch also confirmed that police had recovered a pistol clutched in Hussains hand and had also retrieved his mobile phone. However, there was no conclusive evidence that the journalist had taken his own life.

Hussains death drew widespread condemnations from the Karachi Press Club and senior members of the Sindh government. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the senior journalists death and directed the inspector general of police to assign the investigation into Hussains mysterious death to the provinces best police officer", according to government spokesperson.

Bilawal Bhutto Reacts

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed condolences and directed the provincial government to conduct a transparent inquiry into the journalists death.

Journalist Khawar Hussain was a dutiful and responsible professional," he said in an official statement. His sudden demise is deeply saddening."

Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan, and the governing body described the news of Hussains passing as a highly tragic incident" and said it had left the entire journalist community in shock and grief".

They demanded that the Sindh government conduct an impartial investigation to uncover the real causes and underlying motives behind his death, and take strict action against those responsible," read a statement.

Journalists Safety In Pakistan

This came months after a journalist belonging to the Baloch community was shot dead before his wife and children in Pakistans conflict-ridden Balochistan province in May.

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The journalist named Abdul Latif, who worked with Daily Intikhab and Aaj News, was a known and respected voice among the people of Balochistan and revered for his work. Baloch local news media outlets and Baloch rights groups said the killers were part of a Pakistan Army-linked militia operating in the region.

According to a report by the Pakistan-based Freedom Network last year, at least 184 incidents of violence against journalists took place in Sindh between 2018 and 2023, including 10 killings. Over the years, Pakistani journalists have often accused the state and powerful politicians of threatening, intimidating, and harassing them for covering sensitive issues.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More

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Location : Karachi, Pakistan

First Published: August 17, 2025, 11:45 IST

News world Pakistani Journalist Found Dead In Car With Gunshot Wound To The Head, Bilawal Bhutto Reacts

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Putin Agreed To NATO-Like Security Guarantees For Ukraine In Meeting With Trump, Claims Witkoff

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 21:06 IST

Putin Agreed To Robust US Security Guarantees For Ukraine In Meeting With Trump, Claims Witkoff

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Alaska meeting: Trump-Putin hold discussions

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to allow robust security guarantees" for Ukraine from the United States as part of a potential peace deal during his summit with President Donald Trump on Friday, top envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday.

We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing," Witkoff told Jake Tapper on State of the Union," describing the security guarantee as an Article 5" type protection against further Russian invasion.

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He said Putin also agreed to legislative enshrinement" by Russia to not go into any other territory, in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe, as part of a potential peace deal.

Witkoff said it was the first time he had heard Putin agree to that.

At a joint press conference in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU welcomes President Trumps willingness to support Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine, adding that the coalition of the willing"  including the European Union  is prepared to do its part.

Witkoff, offering some of the first details of what was discussed at Fridays summit in Alaska, said the two sides agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing."

He added that Russia said that it would make a legislative commitment not to go after any additional territory in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States for recent indications of support for security guarantees for Ukraine, but noted that the specifics were still unclear. It is important that America agrees to work with Europe to provide security guarantees for Ukraine," he said.

But there are no details how it will work, and what Americas role will be, Europes role will be and what the EU can do, and this is our main task, we need security to work in practice like Article 5 of NATO, and we consider EU accession to be part of the security guarantees," he added.

Witkoff defended Trumps move to drop his demand for an immediate Russian ceasefire, saying the president shifted focus to a broader peace deal given the progress achieved.

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We covered almost all the other issues necessary for a peace deal," Witkoff said, without elaborating.

We began to see some moderation in the way theyre thinking about getting to a final peace deal," he added.

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Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 20:05 IST

News world Putin Agreed To NATO-Like Security Guarantees For Ukraine In Meeting With Trump, Claims Witkoff

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Rubio Says Russia, Ukraine Will Have To Make Concessions For Deal: US Not In Position To...

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 22:32 IST

Marco Rubio has said that both Russia and Ukraine will have to make concessions in territory in order to reach a peace deal.

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Russia-Ukraine news: Rubio says both countries have to make concessions (Reuters Image)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said that America is not in a position to accept or reject Russian President Vladimir Putins demands for stopping a war in Ukraine, adding that both sides are going to have to make concessions" to end the conflict that has now been underway for over three years.

He said that the US wants to seal the peace deal between Russia and Ukraine but noted that this would require both sides to give".

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The US is not in a position to accept or reject anything because ultimately its up to the Ukrainians. They are the ones Russia has to make peace with," Rubio said on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on CBS News, after being asked if President Donald Trump accepted Putins demands in the Alaska Summit on Friday.

We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again," he added.

Trump met Putin at a military base in Alaska on Friday and is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Monday. He earlier described meeting with Putin as extremely productive", stating that many points" were agreed on, but there is no deal until there is a deal".

Rubio, during the TV interview, remained tight-lipped on the details of the Friday meeting and said, There are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potential for breakthroughs."

We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelenskyy and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelenskyy has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war," Rubio said.

He underlined that there were some concepts and ideas" discussed with Putin, which they expect Kyiv would support.

According to reports, Trump and Putin talked about a plan where Russia would give up small areas of occupied Ukraine, while Ukraine would hand over a larger stretch of fortified land in the east and agree to keep the battle lines unchanged in other places. However, Zelenskyy has reportedly dismissed the plan.

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When Rubio was asked if the US would demand Russians to withdraw from the Ukrainian territory under the possible deal, he said that both countries would have to make concessions in order to reach a deal to end the conflict.

If one side gets everything they want, thats called surrender. And thats not what were close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it," he 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

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 17, 2025, 22:31 IST

News world Rubio Says Russia, Ukraine Will Have To Make Concessions For Deal: US Not In Position To...

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'Russia A Very Big Power': Trump Conveys Putin's Donetsk Demand To Zelenskyy, He Turns Down

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 07:31 IST

US President Donald Trump served as the messenger to convey Russia's proposal to Zelenskyy during a private briefing held after he met with Putin in Alaska on Friday

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Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy (Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected an offer reportedly made by Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt fighting along current front-line positions in return for Kyiv ceding full control of the Donetsk region.

US President Donald Trump served as the messenger to convey Russias proposal to Zelenskyy during a private briefing held after he met with Putin in Alaska on Friday.

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After the Alaska talks, Trump said Ukraine should move toward a peace deal with Moscow, remarking, Russia is a very big power, and theyre not."

The Alaska summit, which lasted three hours, was the first face-to-face engagement between Washington and Moscow since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelenskyy has turned down the proposal, reported Reuters, citing sources.

Russia already holds around 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, including nearly three-quarters of Donetsk, which it first moved into in 2014.

Trump added that he and Putin had agreed a peace settlement should be pursued without the precondition of a ceasefire  a condition that Ukraine and its European partners, until now backed by Washington, have consistently insisted on.

Donetsk serves as an industrial region that is one of Moscows main targets.

It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump posted on Truth Social.

Zelenskyy has ruled out ceding territory, saying constitutional changes would be required for any such move.

He described Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk as key defensive hubs that continue to block deeper Russian advances. Zelenskyy has also pressed for binding security guarantees to shield Ukraine from future attacks.

He noted that his discussions with Donald Trump included positive signals from the American side" on potential US involvement, but stressed that Kyiv seeks a lasting settlement rather than another pause" in the conflict.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, with European leaders expected to participate, The New York Times reported, citing senior European officials.

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European governments have cautiously welcomed the talks while reaffirming support for Ukraine. They also signalled plans for tougher sanctions on Moscow, underscoring that any deal must uphold Ukraines sovereignty.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More

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Location : Ukraine

First Published: August 17, 2025, 07:26 IST

News world 'Russia A Very Big Power': Trump Conveys Putin's Donetsk Demand To Zelenskyy, He Turns Down

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Trump Teases Big Progress On Russia But Zelenskyy Sees No Signs Of Trilateral With Putin

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 19:25 IST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if Putin rejects the plan for US-Ukraine-Russia trilateral, more sanctions should be imposed on Moscow.

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Russia-Ukraine War: US President Donald Trump with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for real negotiations" and said that a trilateral summit between Ukraine, Russia, and the US is needed while pointing out that Moscow is giving no signs" that such a meeting could take place.

Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them. We need real negotiations, which means we can start where the front line is now," Zelenskyy said, speaking at a press conference in Brussels, along with Ursula Von Der Leyen, the European Commission President.

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Russia gives no sign a trilateral meeting will happen," the Ukrainian leader was quoted as saying by UK broadcaster Sky News.

Meanwhile, the US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, teased a big development" with respect to Russia, in a latest post on Sunday.

He wrote: BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! President DJT."

This comes after Trump hosted Putin for a historic bilateral in Alaska on the Ukraine conflict and said that the meeting was very productive". However, he also said that no deal was reached in the meeting.

During the meeting, Putin reportedly made an offer to Trump to halt fighting along current front-line positions in return for Kyiv ceding full control of the Donetsk region  something which was turned down by Zelenskyy, according to media reports.

Trump served as the messenger to convey Putins proposal to the Ukrainian leader after the Alaska Summit on Friday.

Trump asked Kyiv to inch towards a peace deal with Moscow, stating, Russia is a very big power, and theyre not."

Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, according to a Reuters report that quoted sources.

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Russia already controls about 20% of Ukraines land, including almost three-quarters of Donetsk, which it first entered in 2014.

Trump also said that he and Putin agreed peace talks should move forward without first requiring a ceasefire  something Ukraine and its European allies, with support from Washington until now, have always demanded.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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Location : Brussels, Belgium

First Published: August 17, 2025, 19:03 IST

News world Trump Teases Big Progress On Russia But Zelenskyy Sees No Signs Of Trilateral With Putin

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UK PM Keir Starmer Joins European Allies In Backing Ukraine Ahead Of Zelenskyy-Trump Talks

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Last Updated: August 17, 2025, 15:13 IST

UK PM Starmer said that the next step in resolving Russia-Ukraine conflict must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy.

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UK PM Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Reuters Image)

United Kingdoms Prime Minister Keir Starmer took part in a video conference on Sunday with key European allies as they prepared for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, following Russian President Vladimir Putins meeting with US counterpart.

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Starmer also appreciated Trump for his efforts to end the conflict and said that it had brought us closer than ever before to ending Russias illegal war in Ukraine" and reiterated Europes unwavering support" for Ukraine.

His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended. While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him," Starmer said in a statement issued by Downing Street.

I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal." Calling it important progress", he said it will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more".

In the meantime, until he (Putin) stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people," Starmer said.

Earlier on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other EU leaders, issued a joint statement in which they expressed support for President Trumps briefing after his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a formal ceasefire.

As President Trump said theres no deal until theres a deal. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon," the leaders said.

The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraines armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraines pathway to EU and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force," they noted.

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About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her... Read More

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First Published: August 17, 2025, 15:06 IST

News world UK PM Keir Starmer Joins European Allies In Backing Ukraine Ahead Of Zelenskyy-Trump Talks

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As Colorado lawmakers attempt to wrestle down an $800 million budget deficit, legislative leaders are coalescing around the idea that, ultimately, it is up to Gov. Jared Polis to figure out where to make cuts, instead of legislators going through each agencys budget to impose reductions.
Chipinge Rural District Council (RDC) has raised alarm over the worlds biggest diamond mining company, Alrosa from Russia which it accuses of violating the law by prospecting for the mineral without notifying the local authority.

Council minutes in the hands of Chipinge Times indicate that Alrosa which is the worlds biggest diamond producer by volume prospected for diamond in Makiri area which is under Chipinge without alerting the rural council.

In an interview with Chipinge Times, council chairperson Alderman Godfrey Makuyana confirmed that council learnt about the prospecting activities when the company had already left the area.

According to the minutes, Alrosa breached Section 38(2)(f) of Zimbabwes Mines and Minerals Act which requires prospectors to notify the relevant Rural District Council before operating on communal lands.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management (ZimParks) contradicted the RDC and said that Alrosa had authority from the Ministry of Mines to do the prospecting.

A fact-finding visit by Chipinge RDC officials on February 25, 2025, found Alrosas prospecting camp already abandoned.

Alrosa mining company did some explorations at Mikiri, an area adjacent to Chipangayi Safari without Council knowledge and left the area.

According to Chipangayi ZimParks, they had authorisation papers from Ministry of Mines. When we visited, they had already left and their camp was deserted, read the full council meeting minutes document.

Yes, we only learned about this after the fact. We made a follow-up with the Ministry of Mines and we learnt that the company took samples, and now we are waiting to see if they return based on what they found, said Makuyana.

Alrosa, a Russian diamond-mining corporation and global leader in diamond production, began exploring Zimbabwe in 2013. After dropping its licenses in 2016, the company returned in 2019 and has since secured 40 Special Grants and Exclusive Prospecting Orders. Since this year, Alrosa has conducted a number of exploration activities in the country. Masvingo Mirror
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LETTERS: The demon in the mix here; do we need new governance?
Every discarded loaf is not just foodits public money slipping through our fingers.

Government support for flour in Bahrain is no longer just numbers on a pageits a warning signal. Last year alone, flour subsidies jumped 18.1% to BD 30.4 million, highlighting a growing challenge for both the state and society.

Much of this surge stems from global factors beyond our control: soaring wheat prices, climate change, the RussiaUkraine war, and rising shipping costs. But what we can control is domestic consumption and how subsidies are managed locally.

The real issue lies in the silent waste that occurs across production, distribution, and everyday use. Bread is routinely discarded in homes, restaurants, and hotelsa direct drain on public funds meant to ensure affordable staple food.

The solution is not more subsidies, but greater awareness. Consumers must realize that wasted bread equals wasted public moneyfunds that could have supported health, education, or other vital services. Meanwhile, the government must pair price support with strict regulations and oversight to prevent misuse of subsidized flour.

This problem is no longer tolerable. Waste is no longer a private habitit is a public offense. Every dinar lost to discarded bread undermines Bahrains future and food security. We face a stark choice: act decisively through awareness, regulation, and accountabilityor prepare for an even heavier bill that will inevitably fall on citizens.

(Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood is the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Tribune and the President of the Arab-African Unity Organisation for Relief, Human Rights and Counterterrorism)
TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Offshore Hurricane Erin was downgraded to a Category 3 storm early Sunday, as it lashed Caribbean islands with heavy rain. Weather officials warned of possible flash floods and landslides.

The first hurricane of this years Atlantic season, Erin briefly reached a catastrophic Category 5 before weakening. It is not expected to make landfall but could affect several Caribbean islands with strong winds and rainfall.

At 0600 GMT, Erin was located about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles (205 kilometers) per hour, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The core of Erin is expected to pass east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday, the NHC said. It added that the storms intensity could fluctuate over the next day or two.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and parts of the Bahamas are advised to monitor the storm. Some areas could see up to eight inches (20 centimeters) of rain.

In Puerto Rico, surfers and beachgoers were seen on the shore as swells generated by Erin approached. These large waves are expected to affect parts of the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands over the next few days. By early next week, the swells could reach the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the US East Coast, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meteorologists said Erin will likely stay offshore from the US, but dangerous waves and coastal erosion are possible, especially in areas like North Carolina.

Experts warn that the rapid intensification of storms like Erin is becoming more common due to rising sea temperatures linked to human-driven climate change. The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June to November, is expected to be stronger than usual, following a destructive season last year that included Hurricane Helene, which killed over 200 people in the southeastern US.
Switzerland, Aug 17 (News On Japan) - Director Sho Miyakes film Tabi to Hibi (Journey and Days) has won the top prize, the Golden Leopard, at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, marking the first time in 18 years that a Japanese work has taken the award.

The 78th edition of the festival, held in the southern Swiss town of Locarno, awarded Miyakes film the highest honor in the competition section.

The film stars South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung, alongside Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yumi Kawai. It tells the story of a struggling screenwriter who begins to confront his life after encounters during a journey.

Founded in 1946, the Locarno festival is regarded as one of Europes most historic film events, alongside Cannes and Venice. According to the distributor, the last time a Japanese film received the top prize was in 2007, when Masahiro Kobayashis Ai no Yokan (The Rebirth) was awarded, making Miyakes achievement a long-awaited milestone.

Source: TBS
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A portrait of Arthur Smith Jr. as a dashing young soldier in the Korean War hangs among the keepsakes, civic awards, and Esso and Exxon memorabilia lovingly cluttering the cramped office of Smittys Service Center in Newark  one of the nations first to be operated by an African American.

Other symbols of bygone days litter the tight space like an exhibit from the motoring past: A weathered built-in phone booth, training certificates, a Happy Motoring! sign.

Dozens of historic photos on the wall capture the original 1920s station and its pumps, a smiling Arthur Smith Sr.  the original Smitty  and his all-Black staff of mechanics.

Anthony Smith, a Fairleigh Dickinson University graduate and grandson of the founder, once harbored ambitions to be an obstetrician. He couldnt resist being part of a business driven by his familys groundbreaking spirit and perseverance.

Im doing this in commemoration of my grandfather, Smith, 69, said of his four decades at the station. I would like to continue my family legacy and our good standing in the future of Newark.

The third Smitty may be the last to occupy the well-worn art deco service station on 13th Avenue. The city seized it 13 years ago and is facing a hard eviction date this month.

Smith knew the end of the road was near.

I was behind on my taxes, explained Smith, putting the total amount he owed at about $500,000, including penalties and interest. And I just conceded with the city. I just said, You know, I cant come up with that. Its family owned. Im not a company operation. Im a small entity.

With a big history.

Occupying Newarks once-busy corner at 13th and Wickliffe Street, Smittys had been a jewel in the crown of Standard Oil of New Jerseys empire of Esso stations  an eye-catching showplace of vehicle maintenance and fueling. Its African American operator helped the company project a progressive image nearly a century ago.

Smitty's Professional Service Bringing In Limousine from New York; Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

Nearly 100 years of history

It was 1929 when the first Smitty, through a chance encounter, began working there. After leasing the station from Standard Oil in 1932, Grandpa Smitty bought it 15 years later. The purchase was part of a transition of the site that included construction of the architecturally distinctive three-bay garage in 1947.

Listed in the 1936 essential travelogue "The Negro Motorist Green Book," and recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, its been a safe haven for Black motorists for decades.

A third-generation family business and gathering place  like a barber shop with wiper blades and a grease gun  its considered an institution of Newarks University Heights neighborhood.

It means a lot to the community, said Samuel Arnold, president of Perrys Funeral Home, who has his hearses tuned up at Smittys. We need that institution there.

But history and community dont pay the bills.

After surviving the Great Depression and Newarks fiery unrest of 1967, Smittys financial situation began to hit the skids with what Smith said was a costly overhaul of its underground gasoline tanks in the 1970s.

Construction of the adjacent Society Hill townhouse complex in the 1980s and 90s is widely viewed as a success for the citys overall prosperity. The project, however, blocked off Wickliffe Street at the stations corner. That all but ceased traffic on the former north-south artery, hurting his sales at the pump, Smitty said.

Smittys stopped pumping gas in 2004, after new environmental rules would have required a costly overhaul of his fuel tanks. Now, the two faded pumps in front of the station are cordoned off by oil-stained orange traffic cones.

Smith said the station subsides on auto repairs by a team of four mechanics, plus parking fees for a dozen spaces rented by regulars at the nearby Essex County government complex.

Last month, 93 years after his grandfather leased the station from Standard Oil  which later grew into Exxon  Smith was ordered by Superior Court Judge Louise Grace Spencer to vacate the premises by Aug. 23.

The city has owned the Smittys property since foreclosing in 2012, while allowing Smith to continue operating on the site.

In 2021, the lot was transferred to the citys economic development corporation, Invest Newark, which overseas redevelopment of forfeited properties, typically as affordable housing.

A temporary agreement with Invest Newark that year let Smith stay on the site for $500 a month, said the agencys president and CEO, Marcus Randolph.

When the agency told him in 2023 it was time to move on, Randolph said Smith stopped making the payments even though he stayed on the property.

We want to continue to respect Mr. Smith, and proceed in that manner, said Randolph. We want to work with him so we can do what the land bank is supposed to do, which is bring foreclosed properties back to life for the city.

He put the brakes on payments, he said, after he lost his contact at the agency, interim CEO Roy Sullivan, whom Randolph replaced in 2022.

Now, hes hoping the judge will extend his eviction deadline until he finds a space to house the tools, auto parts, memorabilia and other assets accumulated over nearly a century.

Im supposed to be out of there by the 23rd, but Ive got 90 years of equipment and personal belongings that I want to transfer to some place. I dont know where to go, he said. I knew this was coming, but Im trying to go out with grace and dignity.

Randolph said it hadnt been determined just what the property will be used for, and that his agency would solicit the publics preferences in the coming months.

Smith was approached by potential investors, including another oil company, though nothing materialized, he said.

Randolph did not rule out a new or redeveloped service station on the site, including one with a convenience mart. Smith is barred from reacquiring the property after having lost it to foreclosure, he said.

We recognize that things change, Randolph said of Smittys surroundings. But, you know, there are requirements. And one of them is the payment of property taxes.

A spokesperson for Mayor Ras J. Baraka declined to comment.

First Staff - Smitty's - D Johnson, M White, Smitty and Lenny Coleman, Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

Smittys pioneering spirit

Smith is a husband and father of three who lives two towns over in Montclair. His father, Arthur Jr., died of a heart attack in 1970 at age 41, while working with Arthur Sr. The third-generation Smith joined the business in 1981 at age 24, and took the steering wheel 10 years later when his grandfather died at 81.

The Smittys story began in 1929, when 20-year-old Arthur Smith, a haberdasher living in Union Township, was driving his Model A Ford to work in New York City. As his grandson tells the story, he made one of his regular stops at an Esso Service station three blocks west of whats now called the Historic Essex County Courthouse to put air in his tires.

Representatives of Standard Oil happened to be there berating the local operators of the company-owned station, and Smith was drawn into the conversation.

They were all white, my grandfather was a Black guy, and a statement was made: Id as soon let a colored guy operate this place as opposed to you guys, because youre stealing and youre not running this operation as Standard Oil representatives, his grandson said.

And my grandfather walked over to address that. What are you talking about?  my grandfather was a stand-up guy  You were pointing at me, what do you mean?

The company was looking to shake off its image as a bullying monopoly that lingered two decades after the original Standard Oil 1911 breakup, Smith said. As the story goes, the company men believed hiring this impressive young African American would help foster the modern, progressive image the company was trying to cultivate. They asked his grandfather if he was interested in a job.

He said, You know, Ill take that question on, Smith said, adding that his grandfather had one condition: Id have to bring in my own crew in here. He wanted to bring a crew that he was comfortable with, that he could trust.

In other words, a crew that looked like him.

After three years of successfully running the station as a Standard Oil employee, Smiths grandfather was given the option to lease the station as an independent operator, his grandson said. He did, and later bought the station when the new garage was built.

They wanted to feature a Black person, a man of color, because as Jim Crowe was taking place in the North here, they had to break that barrier, Smith said. This was an opportunity my grandfather walked into.

The Newark Smittys was among the service stations listed in The Green Book," the seminal 1936 travel guide to locations friendly to Black travelers driving through segregated America. The book, updated until 1966, was written by Victor Hugo Green, a Harlem native who grew up in Hackensack.

While not as busy today, the station is still the community hub its always been, attracting return customers and passersby.

Chris Zhivanaj, who lives in Society Hill, dropped in the other day with his two sons, Mason, 7, and Miles, 5. The boys were fascinated by a scale model service station and cars on display in the office, and ended up getting candy from Smith.

They like stopping in here every day, checking out the stuff, said Zhivanaj, whose wife recently had work done on her Fiat.

Marcos Caceras, 43, is one of four mechanics who work at Smittys, or in the club, as they say.

For Caceras, knowing the stations history adds a whole other level of satisfaction to the job.

It brings me joy that its been here so many years, and were the last ones standing, he said.

Caceras knew the stations days might be numbered. He also knows theres a mechanic shortage, meaning he would be welcome at other stations. Hes not concerned hell be out of a job if Smittys closes.

But this is home, he said.

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, points out his grandfather, Arthur Smith, Jr., in a photo of a Mason's convention in Newark. 08/06/2025 Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com
A woman shows a poster reading 'Bring them home' for the kidnapped hostages by Hamas militants, as she attends a protest against all forms of Antisemitism in Berlin, Sunday, March 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) AP

By George Ygarza

A bill is making its way through the New Jersey legislature that seeks to unconstitutionally silence criticism of the state of Israel even as Israeli human rights organization ring the alarms of genocide

An examination of Israels policy in the Gaza Strip and its horrific outcomes, together with statements by senior Israeli politicians and military commanders about the goals of the attack, leads to the unequivocal conclusion that Israel is taking coordinated, deliberate action to destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip. In other words: Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

If one were to take IHRAs definition of antisemitism seriously, then the above statement would be considered antisemitic.

The irony is that, this statement, part of the Our Genocide publication that came out on July 27, is from the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories or BTSELEM.

This follows a similar call of genocide on the occupied territories by Physicians for Human Rights, another Israeli organization.

Bill A3558 making its way through the state legislature seeks to implement the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Seems righteous enough.

However, folded within this definition is a bad faith conflation of legitimate critique of a state with antisemitism  the former being protected constitutional speech critiquing a political entity and the latter discrimination of a people.

IHRA is an intergovernmental body established in 1998 in Stockholm with a stated purpose of Holocaust education, remembrance and research.

While critiques of this bill agree on the provision of preventing antisemitism, the concern is in the examples the definition provides for what it considers antisemitism, namely, the critique of the state of Israel. More specifically, IHRAs definition contains the following: denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, i.e., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor and double standards by requiring of [Israel] a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

By this definition, BTSELEM and Physicians for Human Rights, two Israeli organizations, would be deemed antisemitic.

This is not surprising. Many right-wing organizations, such as Betar, who purport to be defending Jewish people, actually espouse a right-wing agenda that aligns with reactionary, racist and ironically antisemitic strategies, such as Betar compiling their own list of Jews to deport and dox for their political views.

These organizations reproduce problematic tropes that Jews are a monolith while targeting those who do not agree with their position.

The IHRA definition is written with the same purpose, to silence criticism of the state of Israel, even at a time when Israeli organizations are ringing the alarms of genocide and forced starvation in Gaza as well as illegal settlements and annexation in the West Bank.

Some may ask, but doesnt Israel have the right to exist? To answer that I turn to the U.N.s Special Rapporteur in Palestine, Francesca Albanese who recently answered that question:

Israel does exist. Israel is a recognized member of the United Nations. Besides this, there is not such a thing in international law like the right of a state to exist. Does Italy have a right to exist? Italy exists. Now, if tomorrow, Italy and France want to merge and become Ita-France, fine, this is not up to us. What is enshrined in international law is the right of a people to exist. So, the state of Israel is there, it is protected as a member of the United Nations. Does this justify the erasure of another people? Hell no.

Jewish organizations have been calling out the dangerous threat the IRHA bill poses on free speech and Jewish safety overall.

Like other opponents they argue that this bill establishes a dangerous precedent of censorship, falsely equating political criticism with antisemitism. More so, they argue that the IHRA definition undermines decades of true work combatting antisemitism as it associates Jewishness with a state that is currently conducting atrocities on an entire people.

On the dangers of adopting the IHRA definition as policy of legislation, Jewish Voice for Peace writes: the definition falsely claims that all Jewish people, anywhere, hold unanimous opinions about the Israeli government and Zionism. Such a presumption is blatantly untrue, and in and of itself treads dangerously close to propagating antisemitic tropes. Even IHRAs co-author, Kenneth Stern, has voiced concerns about how the definition of antisemitism has been inappropriately used to silence free speech.

Similarly, the Jewish organization If Not Now writes self-appointed Jewish leaders have promoted the IHRA working definition as part of their long-term campaign to shield the Israeli government from accountabilitymuddy[ing] the waters about real antisemitism and misuse Jewish communal resources that should be going toward fighting the racist extremists that threaten the safety of our community and our neighbors.

As bill A3558 continues to snake through the state Legislature, we cannot rely on elected officials to stand on the right side of history. The bill recently passed the New Jersey Assembly State and Local Government Committee by a unanimous vote on July 24.

Many of our legislators are funded by the Israeli-backed AIPAC (as is the case with Cory Booker), espouse radical evangelist ideologies or, as Jewish Voice for Peace puts it, are An opposition to Trump in name only.

As a scholar and professor of Global Studies, I understand that the nature of states is to preserve power.

From the use of soft power, such as discourse and financial pressure, to overt power like military intervention, states seek to strengthen their dominance over a given territory to preserve their political integrity.

This is why we cannot leave it up to politicians themselves to make the right decision.

Bill A3558 still needs to be voted on by a second committee before it goes to the New Jersey Assembly and Senate floors.

We must follow the lead of Jewish, Muslim, and Civil Rights organizations in opposing this bill for it is not only a threat to combating real antisemitism as Jewish Voice for Peace argues, but as another threat to our ever-weakening constitutional rights.

Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assemblymember and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature websites Legislative Roster.

George Ygarza, a Clifton resident, is a postdoctoral researcher and translator with a PhD in Global Studies.

Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter.
A N.J. federal court ruled that a the lawsuit, filed against the Borough of Wanaque, can go to trial. Canva for NJ.com

A federal judge has allowed a housing discrimination lawsuit against the Borough of Wanaque to proceed, ruling that a jury should decide whether town officials showed bias against Portuguese developers.

The ruling from the U.S. District Court for New Jersey cited alleged comments from a former borough administrator and claims of unequal treatment as grounds to let the Fair Housing Act claim go to trial.

The case was filed by J&S Group Inc., Wanaque Realty Corp. and Mountain Lakes Estates Inc., which say the borough blocked their efforts to build nearly 175 homes on land they have owned for years.

The developers, who are immigrants from Portugal, claim Wanaque officials made it harder for them to complete the project and refused to let them transfer development rights to another Portuguese-owned company.

The land dispute between developers and Wanaque has spanned more than two decades, beginning with development agreements signed in 2000, the court noted.

According to the opinion, issued Tuesday, the developers filed suit in federal court on October 10, 2018, after years of halted construction, legal appeals, and failed settlement talks.

The plaintiffs entered into a contract in February 2017 to sell the properties to J&J Builders for redevelopment under existing developer agreements, the ruling said.

However, the borough allegedly refused to assign those agreements to J&J Builders, whose owner is also of Portuguese descent.

That refusal, along with alleged discriminatory comments from a town official, is central to the lawsuit, which claims violations of the federal Fair Housing Act.

One of the most serious allegations comes from Jacinto Rodrigues, owner of the development companies.

Rodrigues testified that Thomas Carroll, who is the former Wanaque Borough Administrator, made comments suggesting the town did not want him or his associates involved in the development.

We dont want this guy to build the project, and the town doesnt want you, Carroll allegedly told Rodrigues, referring to the owner of J&J Builders, a prospective developer of the site. Sell the project. Get somebody else. We are notwe dont want you or your Portuguese friends to come and build the project in Wanaque. Youre not welcome.

Carroll denied allegations that he made discriminatory remarks about Portuguese immigrants.

Those who know me best, including my Portuguese goddaughter, and the myriad officials, employees and professionals with whom I have worked over three decades as a business administrator, know that I would never utter such a phrase, Carroll said in a statement sent to NJ.com.

For the record here and as stated in this case, I categorically deny having made that statement or anything close in kind, Carroll added. The fact that I need to respond to such a question, is offensive.

The borough allegedly offered other potential buyers who were not immigrants a $1.85 million bond, but did not offer the same financial support to Rodrigues and his team, according to the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper found there is enough evidence of possible discrimination for the Fair Housing Act claim to go to trial.

Semper dismissed two other claims. He ruled that the developers property rights were not violated, noting they still own the land and can sell or develop it.

He also threw out a civil rights claim under a separate law, saying it applies only to racial discrimination, not national origin.

The Fair Housing Act claim will now be decided by a jury, which could determine whether Wanaque officials discriminated against the developers because of their Portuguese background.

Carrol also said that the case has been gutted, and remains on life support.

Attorneys for both the developers and the Borough of Wanaque did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Requests for comment from Wanaque Mayor Daniel Mahler and the office of the Borough Administrator were not immediately returned.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore. National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather

Hurricane Erin is churning through the Atlantic with sustained winds of 125 mph, posing a threat of dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday.

The Category 3 hurricane is currently located about 170 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Maximum sustained winds have reached 125 mph, making it a powerful storm capable of causing substantial damage. Erin is expected to remain a major hurricane over the next few days.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore. National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather

Erin should gradually turn toward the north and eventually the northeast, the National Hurricane Center said in an update Sunday morning. The NHC track forecast has been nudged to the west in the short term based on the initial motion and latest model guidance.

The National Hurricane Center warns that while Erin is not expected to make direct landfall, its outer bands could bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the Bahamas and potentially impact the North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coastlines later this week.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore. National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather

Erin is growing in size, and that trend is expected to continue over the next few days, the hurricane center said. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.

Residents in these areas are advised to monitor the storms progress closely.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore. National Hurricane Center and AccuWeather

While the storm is expected to remain well away from New Jersey, it could cause dangerous conditions at the Jersey Shore.

As the week goes on, were focusing on the impacts from Hurricane Erin via rip currents, beach erosion, high surf, and coastal flooding, the National Weather Services office in New Jersey said.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a Tropical Storm Watch issued for the Southeast Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center emphasizes that interests along the North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coasts should remain vigilant, as strong winds from the storms outer rain bands remain a potential risk.

Current weather radar

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
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FROM the fire of 1785 up to the present day, the growth of Tullamore has been dictated by sound planning principles.

The town, as we know it today, is a combination of the layout decreed by its landlord Charles William Bury and the mid 20th century vision of the town planner Frank Gibney. The framework they created was fleshed out over the years by ambitious and skilful developers from Thomas Acres up to Jimmy Spollen and Christy Maye in recent times.

For the past fifty eight years the expansion of the town has been guided by six Development Plans. These were ratified by farsighted Tullamore Urban District Councils - later to become Tullamore Town Council - with the support and advice of astute local politicians including Johnny Flanagan and Tommy McKeigue.

These plans delivered the Bypass and the Lloyd Town Park. Water and sewerage services were improved. The northern side of OConnor Square was pedestrianised. New Main Street was built. The Esker Arts Centre arrived. Elegant bridges spanned the River and the Canal. The Tanyard and High Street were linked.

But today Tullamore flounders in a vacuum with no plan to guide its future development. All it has is a broad brush zoning map without specific policies or objectives. No new local amenities are planned. No new roads are to be built by the Council. There are no specific proposals for the delivery of social and affordable housing. What obsolete areas will be renewed?. There is little clarity as to where public money will be directed in the future.

Simply painting colours on a map is not a plan.

READ NEXT: History made as Tullamore Lions club elects first female President

A Local Area Plan

In 2014 Tullamore Urban District Council was disbanded and replaced by a new entity - Tullamore Municipal District Council (TMDC). In 2021 a Local Area Plan for the town was promised by Offaly County Council.

But this never appeared and today Tullamore shares with Lifford in Donegal the dubious distinction of being the only County capital in Ireland without its own Local Area Plan. Birr, Edenderry, Portarlington and Clara already have their Town Plans or Local Area Plans. Mullingar, Portlaoise and Athlone have had theirs for many years now.

So, not only is there now no Plan to guide the future of Tullamore, but the delivery of several other key initiatives appears to have stalled also.

The Hidden Bridge

Back in 2004 the energetic County Planning Officer Vincent Hussey proposed linking OConnor Square with Market Square across the Hidden Bridge and the Councillors enthusiastically adopted his imaginative initiative. Eventually, in September 2023, eminent consultants were appointed by Offaly County Council to provide designs.

Almost two years later their proposals have yet to be revealed.

Architectural Conservation Areas

The 2010 Town Council Plan committed to examining the feasibility of designating Architectural Conservation Areas in Tullamore.

Fifteen years later, whether for reasons of lack of resources, interest or skills, the TMDC has apparently abandoned the examination; leaving Tullamore as the only County town in the whole of Ireland which doesnt regard even one of its streets or squares as being of any architectural merit whatsoever.

READ NEXT: OPINION: Offaly must get its fair share of investment from the IDA

Grand Canal Harbour

Last June, to great acclaim, the renowned international designers Grafton Architects - headed by Tullamore native Yvonne Farrell - unveiled their exciting visions for the future of the Harbour.

The essential first action to deliver this long promised project of immense importance was to be the establishment of an active Working Group which would prioritise opportunities for development, identify funding pathways and investigate comparable operating models.

Presumably, as the appropriate local authority and joint owners of the lands, TMDC along with Waterways Ireland would be the lead agents and drivers in the Group. But sixteen months later silence has descended and no progress has been reported on its establishment.

Local Democracy Taskforce

There would appear to be general agreement that the Local Government reforms of 2014 have not worked as well as hoped. In the planning area at least, and in the light of the above, it must be conceded that the performance of Tullamore Municipal District Council has not dramatically surpassed the productivity of its predecessors.

Last June the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and the Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government John Cummins, announced the establishment of a Local Democracy Taskforce. Its remit is to identify a programme of reform which will strengthen Irish Local Government.

It is widely anticipated that the Taskforce will recommend that Town Councils be restored for all defined urban areas with a population greater than 5,000, and with over 1,000 dwellings.

Possibly Councillors will be given more control over their budgets including the ability to raise their own discretionary revenue from sources such as hotel beds and vacant property.

It may be a while before any such reforms are agreed or implemented. Hopefully before then, Tullamore Municipal District Council will have gone some way towards seizing its present opportunities.

A native of Tullamore, Fergal MacCabe is a retired town planner, now living in Dublin
Met Eireann is forecasting a change in the weather for Ireland this week but overall the summer spell of weather is set to continue.

According to Met Eireann, there will be showers at the start of the week but it will become drier again around midweek. Temperatures will fall back slightly but will continue above average for the time of year.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, it will be dry to start on Monday with sunny spells. Cloud will build over much of Munster, south Leinster and south Connacht through the morning with showers developing, turning heavy at times with thunderstorms likely. Continuing dry with sunny spells elsewhere. Highest temperatures of 19 to 25 degrees, warmest in the midlands and west, in light to moderate easterly breezes.

Further showers expected for the southwestern half of the country on Monday night, some of which will be heavy. Mostly dry elsewhere with clear spells and just the chance of isolated showers. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 17 degrees in mostly light east to northeast breezes.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Tuesday will be a day of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly in the southwest. The best of the dry weather will be in Ulster. The showers will become more isolated through the evening. Highest temperatures ranging from 18 or 19 degrees in the east to 23 or 24 degrees in the west, with light to moderate easterly breezes.

Largely dry with clear spells and just isolated showers on Tuesday night. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees in light easterly or variable breezes.

According to the latest Met Eireann weather forecast for Ireland, Wednesday and Thursday will be dry for most with a mix of cloud and sunny spells with just a few stray showers occurring. Highest temperatures of 17 to 22 degrees in light, occasionally moderate east or southeast breezes.

Met Eireann says that there is a good deal of uncertainty with the weather forecast for Ireland by the end of the working week. Current guidance suggests another largely dry day on Friday with possibly more in the way of rain and showers developing during the weekend.
-block-attribute-key="content" data-empty="false" data-title="Paragraph" data-type="core/paragraph" data-block="07b867df-dce5-449f-9189-506f406e3a78" aria-label="Block: Paragraph" id="block-07b867df-dce5-449f-9189-506f406e3a78" aria-multiline="true" role="document"> Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: JER 38: 4-10; PS 40: 2-4, 18; HEB 12:1-4; LK 12: 49-53

Todays gospel excerpt presents real difficulties for a thoughtful homilist. That's because it shows us an apparently confrontational Jesus one who sounds completely revolutionary. It raises an uncomfortable question: why would the Church choose such a passage for Sunday worship? What are we supposed to do with a Jesus who doesn't sound like the soft-focus Prince of Peace in our stained-glass windows?

In the context of Zionist genocide and starvation of Palestinians, perhaps this is providential. Maybe this gospel can help us understand a truth that polite Christianity often avoids: people living under the heel of settler colonialism supported by empire even people of deep faith sometimes find themselves pulled toward resistance that is anything but gentle.

We forget that Jesus and his community were not free citizens in a democracy. They were impoverished, heavily taxed subjects of an occupying army. Roman power loomed over their fields, their marketplaces, their synagogues. By today's international standards, they were an occupied people with the legal right to resist.

And in Lukes gospel today, Jesus says, without apology:

I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

In Matthews parallel account, the language sharpens:

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

These are not the soundbites that make it into Christmas cards. They make us ask: what happened to Turn the other cheek and Love your enemies?

Some scholars, like Reza Aslan, suggest that Jesus' nonviolence applied primarily within his own oppressed community, while his stance toward Roman occupiers was far less accommodating. Others, like John Dominic Crossan, argue that Jesus was unwaveringly committed to nonviolent resistance, and that later gospel writers softened or altered his message to make it more palatable in times of war.

Either way, the backdrop remains the same: an occupied land, a foreign military presence, a people dispossessed. In that context, fiery words about division and swords are not abstract theology. They are the language of a people under siege, the language of survival.

This is where the parallels to our world are hard to miss. Today, in the land we call Israel-Palestine, we see a modern occupation with its own walls, checkpoints, home demolitions, and armed patrols. We see Palestinian families pushed off their land in the name of security. We see the weight of military might pressing down on those who have little power to push back.

This is not to glorify violence but to say that this kind of daily humiliation, dispossession, and threat inevitably breeds anger, desperation, and for some the temptation to meet force with force. The gospel today, like the headlines from Gaza and the West Bank, confronts us with the messy, often tragic choices that emerge under occupation.

As Christians, we have to wrestle with this. Would we cling to a nonviolent ethic, like the Jesus Crossan describes? Or, living under bulldozers and armed patrols, would we find ourselves understanding perhaps even empathizing with those who choose other paths?

Jesus words today refuse to let us take the easy way out. They call us to name the real causes of conflict not some vague ancient hatred, but the concrete realities of military domination, settler colonialism, and American imperialism. They challenge us to imagine what peace would require: certainly not the silencing of the oppressed, but the dismantling of systems that oppress them in the first place.

Because if we only condemn the flames without questioning the spark, we miss the deeper gospel truth: that justice is the only soil in which true peace can grow.


Citizens of the Whole World

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With the topic of "anti-Zionism" becoming part of the conversation around Israel-Palestine, and the first anti-Zionist forum held recently in Vienna, "Citizens of the Whole World: Zionism and the Cultures of the American Jewish Left" is well-timed for its deep dive into Jewish-American political activism and social justice movements, particularly in laying out the precedents for today's "left-wing" Jewish organizations. As author Benjamin Balthaser outlines in his acknowledgments, part of his premise was to discover what the "formations of a new Jewish left might mean not only for global human rights and democracy, but also for Jewish identity, history, and our own sense of ourselves in community".

For many readers, the text will be a primer on unfamiliar names and coalitions, and the first "criticisms" of Zionism from the Jewish left in the 1930s and 1940s. The book's cover art, "The Demonstration", a painting by the Lithuanian-born artist Ben Shahn, sets the tone.

Establishing that "there has always been an anti-Zionist Jewish left," Balthaser states that the "emergence of a Zionist consensus, post-1967, was the historical oddity". The Zionist structure that garners a consistent critique from what Balthaser terms a "distinctively Jewish-left" is defined by apartheid and state formation through "ethnic cleansing".

Balthaser places the antecedents of movements like Jews for Religious and Economic Justice (JFREJ) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) in Jewish labor and socialist movements, which emanated from Eastern European roots. He continues into the 1930s' "Red Decade", the McCarthy Era Red Scare (when six of the Hollywood Ten were Jews), the 1960s Civil Rights movement, and through the student and Yippie movements led by Jewish activists Mark Rudd and Abbie Hoffman.



There is an alphabet soup of groups from the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Memberships shift and realign as internal disagreements on policy and direction create splinter coalitions. In addition to interviews with Jewish radicals from the 1960s and 1970s, there are references to the thinking of Jewish writers (Howard Fast, Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Tony Kushner, and Joshua Cohen), Jewish intellectuals (Hannah Arendt, Noam Chomsky, Daniel Boyarin, Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz, and Naomi Klein). Even Jewish cultural icons like Larry David and Seth Rogen make an appearance.



There is an abundance of material to digest, including excursions into Marxist philosophy, colonialism, and the affinity of Jews with oppressed groups. In the book's forty-nine-page introduction, "The American Jewish Left in the Shadow of Zion", the reader receives grounding from the Communist theorist Alexander Bittelman, the founder of the CPUSA, who Balthaser quotes at length. Bittelman rejects "assimilationism" and "reactionary nationalism" [Zionism] for "progressive Jewish values"which in the decades of the 1930s/1940s for the Jewish left sector equaled a "secular culture of social democracy, anti-racism, and cultural diversity expressed through Jewish tradition". Bittelman viewed Zionism as a form of imperialism, and Balthaser points out that both Bittelman and Arendt foresaw the forced displacement of Palestinians. They viewed the state of Israel as becoming part of a British and American triangle, with the third angle serving the "bourgeois interests of the Jewish ruling class".

The word "diasporism" is paired and presented as a counter to Zionism and the latter's takeover of Jewish American identity. Establishment organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Congress (AJC) jockey to be the significant voice of Jews in America, while they actively criticize other groups grounded in a different ethos. Sometimes, it's to the point of vilification.

Balthaser posits that "Zionism is incompatible with the multiethnic democratic culture of the U.S. Left, and that Zionism is a violation of the Jewish ethics of diasporic mobility and an ethic of cohabitation". In picking up the threads of previous decades of Jewish-American political action, Balthaser underscores that "the explosion of left-Jewish activism over Israel's genocide [in Gaza] is just the latest chapter in this story".

Digging into Jewish assimilation post-World War II and the embrace of whiteness (as opposed to Jewish solidarity with persecuted people of color in America and abroad), Balthaser goes back to the European scenario where Jews were the other, oppressed and despised. The roles are reversed in Palestine, as Jews became part of an imperial project. He presents the question, "Was Zionism a right-wing nationalism and a relinquishing of the European Class struggle?"

How did the horrors of the Holocaust morph Jewish opinion toward the premise of a state for Jews, convincing them that it was the only option for Jewish survival? American immigration laws subjected Eastern European Jews to quotas both immediately before and after World War II. Prior to the war, Jews were categorized as "Hebrew" on census forms (1899-1943). When race profiling transforms from "biology to ethnicity", Jews are allowed a certain amount of white privilege. This "racial reassignment," accompanied by a population move of Jews from cities to the suburbs (along with admissions to top colleges where restrictions have been removed) led to an embrace of "whiteness" that changed Jewish self-perception in America.

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Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

On August 8, President Donald Trump hosted a White House summit between Azerbaijan's Ilham Aliyev and the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which resulted in a preliminary peace deal to end the decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a corridor that could become a mammoth transport hub between Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

The flow of Central Asian hydrocarbons to Turkiye and Europe could boost the regional economy, at the expense of Russia and China.

Armenia was hesitant to allow Azeri access to the corridor, but Trump reassured Pashinyan, and closed the deal.

Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Vera Yacoubian, a part-time instructor in Political Science and History at both the American University of Beirut and Haigazian University. In addition to her academic roles, she serves as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of the Middle East as an advocate for the Armenian Genocide and regional issues.

1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): What strategic interests motivated the United States to broker the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, particularly the development of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity?

Vera Yacoubian (VY): The U.S. engaged in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks, aiming at more than a temporary halt to fighting. Washington treated the expected deal as leverage to reshape the South Caucasus in a manner designed to marginalize both Moscow and Tehran influence, who for years dominated the region's security arrangements. At the core of this recalibration stood the proposed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a transit axis crossing southern Armenia that would connect Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan exclave and, from there, to Turkey. By advocating this corridor, the U.S. intended to weave a new east-west trade and energy framework that evaded Russian and Iranian territory, thereby unlocking alternative channels for Caspian energy exports and integrating markets from Europe to Central Asia. Moreover, TRIPP would offer an alternative to Chinas trade infrastructure, especially through Iran. TRIPP, in this arrangement, functioned both as a channel for commerce and as a geopolitical lever, tightening the region's two primary states to the U.S. and EU economic and policy orbit.

The agreement permitted the Trump administration to characterize the outcome as a notable diplomatic triumph, thereby bolstering its self-portrayal as a proficient arbiter capable of translating prolonged geopolitical disputes into concrete results. Simultaneously, the agreement fostered a measure of political capital with Turkey and Azerbaijan, while possibly creating a constructive, if tentative, impression within the European Union.

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UPDATED: Lloyd District crash kills e-scooter rider; This was not a hit and run, police say

One person is dead and another injured after a tractor-trailer hit pedestrians in the Lloyd District, Portland police said in a news release.

Police have not yet released specific details about how the crash happened. Officers responded to a call about a crash involving pedestrians and a tractor-trailer at Northeast Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Holladay Street around 2:45 on Sunday morning, the news release said. Police found one person dead and sent a second pedestrian to the hospital with serious injuries, police said.

Witnesses told police that a tractor-trailer didnt stop. One person tailed the driver for miles until a police officer pulled it over on Oregon 224 near Clackamas.

It is not clear if the driver was aware of the crash, Portland police wrote in the news release.

Officers closed a part of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard while they investigated the crash.

Portland police are asking anyone with information about the accident to please email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 25-223127.
Theresa depended on her husband to be the kids sole caretaker while she was in school, but hes a complete failure when it comes to raising them. Getty Images Getty Images/Image Source

Dear Annie: My daughter Theresa, now 46, always wanted to be a doctor. I divorced her father when she was 4 and her sister was 2-and-a-half. When it came time for college, her father refused to help, and I couldnt afford to pay for it as a single mom.

Determined, Theresa joined the Army and used the GI Bill to earn two undergraduate degrees while working full-time as a medical technician. She then earned her Master of Science with scholarships and loans. During this time, she got married and had a son, now 7. At 39, while pregnant, she applied to medical school. She used student loans to cover tuition, rent, day care and food. A few years later, she had twin girls and took a year off school to care for them.

She graduated last year but now faces over $500,000 in student loans. Her husband, also a medical tech, was fired for sleeping on the job. He has no ambition to go any further in his career. They constantly argue, fight and swear in front of the kids and have separated, though still live together in one rental house because neither can afford to move out.

At one point in time, after paying rent and day care with loan money, they had only $100 left a month for other bills. I visited them once in Pennsylvania and found no food in the fridge, just enough for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Im retired and have given her my entire savings. I live only on Social Security.

Theresa depended on her husband to be the kids sole caretaker while she was in school, but hes a complete failure when it comes to raising them, simply yelling at them and playing on his phone all day. I stayed five days during another visit so Theresa could take her board exams, and her husband never left his room except to eat and shower. The kids eat poorly, throw food and are undisciplined. He has no contact with his two children from his first marriage. After a failed vasectomy reversal, Theresa conceived their kids using a sperm donor, but he has legally adopted them.

Theresa completed her first year of residency in Pennsylvania but wasnt renewed due to stress, financial strain and car trouble. Shes now doing rotations and applying to new residencies that will start next year, if she gets in. Meanwhile, her husband has a serious girlfriend and took a job an hour away to be near her.

Ive had the three kids with me in Florida this whole month while Theresa completes a rotation in Texas, but I cant keep them longer due to my retirement communitys rules. Im concerned once this month is up that the deadbeat husband will be in charge of the children again while their mother continues rotations.

My daughter and her husband are completely broke. Hes very depressed and lazy. My daughter is completely stressed out but still has her sights on becoming an ER doctor. What is your advice for us? How can we keep their father and his lack of parenting skills from damaging the kids further? -- Worried Grandma in Florida

Dear Worried Grandma: Theresas resilience is remarkable. Despite everything, shes still pushing forward -- but shes running on fumes, emotionally and financially. Thats not sustainable for her or the kids.

If she hasnt already, Theresa should speak with a family law attorney. Her husband clearly isnt willing or able to parent, and the childrens well-being must come first. She may qualify for free or sliding-scale legal aid. Formalizing the separation and securing a custody arrangement for the kids is key.

She should also alert her residency adviser. Theresa cant be the first resident to face overwhelming stress, and theres probably more institutional support available than she realizes. Shes also the kind of resident most programs would want to help, not lose to unfair circumstances.

Youve been a supportive mother and grandmother, going above and beyond, and it says so much about your heart that you want to do more. Instead, help your daughter find lasting legal, financial and emotional support. She and your grandkids deserve a home life that feels safe, consistent and loving. Getting out of this limbo will include overcoming new hurdles, but shes proven shes strong enough to handle it and come out on the other side.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
Watercraft inspector Mark Klug, right, looks at drain plugs on two jet skis last used in Nevada at a watercraft boat inspection station in Marsing, July 25, 2025. TNS

The invasive quagga mussels found in an Idaho river in 2023 were microscopic. But to state officials, their presence was enormous.

Though the mussels couldnt grow much larger than a nickel, state officials said an infestation would devastate Idahos economy and ecosystem, clogging water pipes and stealing food from native species. Biologists typically kill off the mussels with chemicals, adding just enough of a lethal dose to infested waters. But treating mussels in a river had never been done before. Moving water would let the toxic chemicals travel beyond the treatment area.

State officials took the risk.

Only two weeks after that first mussel detection, the state spent $3 million to flood the Twin Falls area of the Snake River with over 40,000 pounds of the prescribed copper-based poison. They had anticipated some of the impacts, like scores of sturgeon up to 8 feet long and 35 years old turning up dead. But other effects of the treatment, and the fate of the copper itself, were unknown until now.

Two years after the treatment, a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey detailed that the copper destroyed up to 90% of the invertebrates living in the area, putting at stake food resources for future fish populations in the river. Over 7,000 pounds of copper have settled into the riverbed, according to the study, potentially remaining toxic.

The treatments also didnt work. A year later, state officials found more quagga mussel larvae, and they applied another round of copper. The effects of the 2024 treatments are still being studied.

We understood the terrible gravity of what we had to undertake, but we also know ultimately whats at stake, Chanel Tewalt, Idaho State Department of Agriculture director, told the Idaho Statesman. So we cant shy away from making these hard decisions just because theres difficult collateral. There is collateral either way.

Fastest and most complex mussel treatment in North America

Since 2009, after quagga mussels were found in the Colorado River basin, Idaho has been testing its water and inspecting boats entering the state for signs of the mussels.

Quagga are native to Eastern Europe but were introduced to North American waterways through the Great Lakes in the 1980s, according to Austin Baldwin, research hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Center. They have spread to nearly all regions of North America aside from the Columbia River basin, where the Snake River drains.

State officials planned their response to the mussels for years leading up to the 2023 detection, but the fact that it happened in the Twin Falls area of the Snake River meant the treatments would be incredibly challenging, Tewalt told the Statesman. The river there was sandwiched by canyons, making the water difficult to access by boat and providing plenty of crevices for mussels to hide.

We had to stage chelated copper along canyon rims with hoses, airlifting boats, constantly moving copper product through a river system, Tewalt said.

It was the fastest and most complex invasive mussel treatment that had ever been done in North America, she added.

The copper product the state used is sold under the name Natrix, a treatment registered for invasive mussel control through the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the products parent company, SePRO. Natrix is in a liquid form and is chelated, which helps it evenly distribute in water.

In 2023, the state used a copper concentration of 1 part per million, Department of Agriculture spokesperson Sydney Kennedy told the Statesman. That amount falls below the Environmental Protection Agencys 1.3 part per million limit for drinking water, but is lethal to adult mussels and other aquatic species.

Copper poisoning had heartbreaking collateral

Baldwin was part of the team tasked with finding out, in the aftermath, what all that copper would do. It was such an unprecedented treatment at this scale, he said, that it warranted a lot of questions about its impact.

Baldwin in his study found that the effects of the copper on invertebrates, like native mussels and snails, were devastating. The number of invertebrates in the treatment area dropped by 50-90% after the chemicals were deployed, though some species were more tolerant of the copper than others.

One thing that we dont know is how long those effects might last, the decreases in abundance, Baldwin said. We dont know if those numbers would rebound within a few months, or if it would take potentially years.

Baldwin added that the drops in invertebrate populations could shake up the food web for fish  another impact, on top of the chemical treatments that had already killed them off.

Mike Peterson, regional fisheries manager at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, told the Statesman that 48 white sturgeon out of a local population of 49 were killed directly by the copper treatment. While they also saw fish species like yellow perch and largescale suckers largely killed off, other fish species were minimally affected, he added.

Then theres the fate of the copper. Baldwin said about half of the copper settled into its solid form or was absorbed by living things within the first 15 kilometers downriver of the treatment area. While he noted that the settled copper was less toxic than in its liquid treatment form, he said it could still harm creatures that live in the sediment of the river.

I think its less toxic to at least a fish, but organisms that live in that sediment, theyre definitely getting exposed to that copper, Baldwin said. Its still there, and it could still be problematic to those organisms living in the stream bed.

Tewalt described these impacts as heartbreaking, but inevitable. Without the treatment, she told the Statesman, native Snake River organisms would have been killed off by the quagga mussels, which suck up nutrients from the water and alter entire ecological regions.

David Wong, a quagga mussel management researcher at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, criticized Idahos approach because of the environmental impact and the need for more poisoning just a year later. He called the treatments a failure for having such lethal effects without eliminating the quagga.

Since officials didnt know where the adult mussels producing the larvae were, Wong told the Statesman, they could not have expected their treatment to succeed. Though state officials found one adult mussel leading up to the first treatment in 2023, mussel larvae were found upstream of that adult, so it couldnt have been the only source of the larvae, Wong added. In 2024, the state didnt find any adults before its treatments.

In order to do a rapid response, you have to have very basic data to support your rapid response plan, Wong said.

Tewalt dismissed Wongs concern about missing adult mussels. Searching for them doesnt serve a strong purpose since their small size makes them difficult to find, and an abundance of adults would have indicated the infestation was too far gone for treatment, she said.

The copper treatments were even more robust in 2024, Tewalt said, aiming to address any shortcomings of the first treatments. This time, they went further upriver and checked the copper concentrations to ensure consistency at different depths of the water. It was unlikely that there could have been adults even further upriver, she said, since it was hard to access by boat  the most common way theyre transmitted.

This upriver discussion, I guess its one that folks can have, she said. Im much more concerned about ensuring that copper got into every part of the river that it possibly could.

Treating quagga mussels was absolutely critical for Idaho

An hour southwest of Boise, a small red shed waits at the intersection of U.S. 95 and Idaho 55, intercepting all watercraft entering the state. Employees man the building for 16 hours a day beginning at sunrise, serving alongside two dozen other stations in Idaho as the first line of defense against quagga mussels and other invasive water species, according to the state Department of Agricultures website.

Lloyd Knight, the agencys deputy director, told the Statesman that whenever a car holding a watercraft turns into the station, one worker will begin interviewing the driver to determine whether the boat had been in infested waters, while another inspects the watercraft.

Theyre looking for what its carrying, Knight said. Is it carrying aquatic weeds? Can they see mussels on it? Theyll look on all the surfaces.

Those inspection stations are intended to intercept another quagga outbreak before the mollusks even have a chance to enter Idaho waters. Officials said they hope to avoid more rounds of chemical treatments, but believe theyd be necessary if they find more of the mussels to avoid the consequences of an infestation.

Through a spokesperson, Gov. Brad Little told the Statesman that a quagga infestation could mean hundreds of millions of dollars in direct and indirect costs for the state, having implications for drinking water, energy, agriculture and energy. He characterized the treatments as absolutely critical.

Idaho Power biologist Michael Stephenson told the Statesman that the mussels can become clogged in hydropower water intake pipes. Managing them could result in power outages to Idahoans during peak seasons and increased costs passed down to customers, he said.

The treatment versus the long-term infestation  the juice is worth the squeeze on that one, in my opinion, Stephenson said.

And Tewalt said if the mussels were to make their way into irrigation pipes, it would have a massive impact on the states agriculture industry.

Idaho uses more acre feet of irrigation water than any other state in the nation except California, she said. If we cant move irrigation water in this state, the lifeblood of our economy withers.

For now, its unclear whether the latest treatments removed the mussels. In a July news release, the state said it has yet to detect any new viable quagga mussels in the Snake River.

But Idahoans cant rule out the possibility just yet. In previous years, quagga were not detected until the fall.

We behaved last year as if this was our last chance, Tewalt told the Statesman. We fully believe that eradication is possible, or we wouldnt do this. I can confidently say we left nothing on the table in 2024.
The rescue team included the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Mounted Police and Washington Parks employees. U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Washington State Park employees pulled off a maritime rescue on Thursday after 12 kayakers found themselves in treacherous waters in the San Juan Islands in Washington.

A group of six children and six adults were kayaking across a channel between Sucia and Patos islands around 1:50 p.m. when they called for help over their marine radio, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the kayakers were caught in a strong current and headwinds that kept them from paddling out of the waterway between the islands.

In response, the coastguard said they sent a 29-foot rescue boat from their station in Bellingham. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also sent a rescue ship, and a Washington State Parks vessel that was patrolling the area joined in the rescue effort, officials said.

The rescuers brought all the kayakers to shore at Orcas Island without injuries, officials said.

Capt. Micahel Hunt, Coast Guard deputy commander, urged boaters to keep a marine radio with them while out on the water.

A VHF marine radio is a mariners lifeline when there is no cell phone service, Hunt said. It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.

 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.
On Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened to take legal action against Oregon for prohibiting law enforcement and other public agencies from cooperating with federal officials on immigration enforcement. AP

In a letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek sent on Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened to take legal action against the state for prohibiting law enforcement and other public agencies from cooperating with federal officials on immigration enforcement.

Oregon was one of dozens of sanctuary states and cities across the United States that received letters from Bondi, she said in an interview with Fox News. In the letters, Bondi pledged to take action against each jurisdiction if they do not commit to repealing any policies that impede federal immigration enforcement by Tuesday.

You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States, the letters state. This ends now.

Kotek, a progressive Democrat, has reiterated her commitment to Oregons sanctuary laws since President Donald Trump entered office this year.

I will fight for the safety and prosperity of every Oregonian, from recent immigrants to people who have been here for generations, Kotek said in a statement to TV station KATU in response to the letter. Threats like this undermine our values and our right to govern ourselves. We will not be bullied into doing the federal governments job of immigration enforcement.

In 1987, Oregon became the first state in the country to pass laws barring local law enforcement from aiding federal immigration authorities. In 2021, state lawmakers passed legislation strengthening the policy and restricting immigration authorities access to Oregonians information.

Sanctuary laws do not restrict federal immigration authorities from operating within the jurisdiction of local governments. In recent months, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested farmworkers near Woodburn, a parent dropping off his child at a Beaverton daycare and employees of a Yamhill County vineyard services company, among others.

Bondis letter was not entirely unexpected. In April, Trump directed the Justice Department to publish a list of all jurisdictions with sanctuary laws. Oregon and the city of Portland, which has officially been a sanctuary city since 2017, both made the list. The list was made public earlier this month.

A spokesperson for the city of Portland declined to comment on whether the local government had received a similar letter.

Its unclear exactly what kind of legal action Bondi would take against Oregon or Portland, though the federal government has already attempted to withdraw funding from sanctuary jurisdictions. Bondis letter said jurisdictions that keep their sanctuary status might face additional consequences and further agency actions as permitted by law.

Portland has joined two lawsuits with other sanctuary cities and counties against the Trump Administration for withholding federal funds or establishing new conditions on federal grants.

We stand together in solidarity with our immigrant families, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a January letter to the Portland City Council. Their lives, families, and businesses are part of the fabric of our community and we must support them during these challenging times.

Some elected officials in other states who received letters have said they are willing to defend their sanctuary laws in court. In a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said the Trump administrations narratives regarding sanctuary jurisdictions are furthest from the truth.

Our laws and policies protect the safety, privacy and constitutional rights of all Seattle residents while remaining compliant with applicable law, Harrell said. We remain committed to our local values, including being a welcoming city for all. We will continue to defend our residents and our rights  and we will not hesitate to do so in court.

 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com.

 Staff reporter Tatum Todd contributed to this report.
Alondra Sotelo Garcia stands with her luggage at Portland International Airport on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, before departing with her mother, Irma Garcia, for Veracruz, Mexico. She plans to return to Oregon to run her fathers business, Novo Start Vineyard Service, while her mother stays in Mexico to reunite with her husband, Moises Sotelo, for the first time since his arrest and deportation by ICE in July. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Alondra Sotelo Garcia stood in the warm morning light, hose in hand, watering the colorful petunias her dad had neatly planted in front of his Newberg home.

It was just after 8 a.m. last Monday. The 26-year-old was already checking items off her to-do list at the start of another long week, one that would be unlike any other.
Central Pennsylvania is home to a few notable rock groups, such as Poison from Mechanicsburg or Live from York.

But Halestorm, founded in Red Lion by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale, may just be the loudest rocking of any of them.

The band performed at the Giant Center on Aug. 16, opening once again for Danish rock group Volbeat. The groups have previously performed together at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course.

And of course, being close to home, Lzzy Hale was a bit nostalgic.

We did about 1,500 shows here, all before we were signed, before anybody noticed, Hale said, talking about the early days of their career playing in bars and at Friendlys restaurants for free ice cream.

But you guys noticed, she said, thanking their consistent and loyal fans. Were so happy to be back here and see all of your smiling faces. Because Pennsylvania, she sticks with you, doesnt she? I still havent lost my accent.

Hale, decked out in tall platform heeled boots beneath a hooded cape, put her powerful voice on display during the bands set.

With a voice that can travel from a low growl to a literal scream, Hale led the performance of songs like I Get Off and Rain Your Blood On Me with the intensity of a banshee.

And as the beating heart of the band, Arejay Hales drumming was impeccable. A brief solo captured just a few moments of his skill, as well as some humor. He followed up the first solo with a second, this time using drumsticks the size of yardsticks.

The crowd was celebrating along with their local rock group, cheering when Lzzy made a reference to local radio station 105.7 FM or when she announced were all freaks tonight! before singing Freak Like Me.

Halestorm has certainly come full circle. In her youth, Lzzy Hale once dumped a date after seeing a show at Hersheypark Stadium.

Since then, she and Halestorm have returned home to perform at the York Fair and performed a tribute with metal legend Ozzy Osbourne not long before his death.

Now, theyre among the acts performing in Hershey, with a crowd singing along to their hits just as passionately as they sing along to Black Sabbaths War Pigs during the pre-show music.

The bands sixth album, Everest released earlier this month, and the group treated the audience to a few new songs, including the title track and Darkness Always Wins.

With a brand new album and a successful concert back in their old stomping grounds, it seems like Halestorm is enjoying a well-earned victory lap.
Eric Church, left, and Morgan Wallen perform "Man Made a Bar" at the 57th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) George Walker IV/Invision/AP

There seems to be a sizeable cross over market between country music fans and folks who appreciate hunting and fishing in the great outdoors, and a pair of country music stars are taking advantage of that.

Morgan Wallen and Eric Church came together last year to buy one of the most iconic brands  Field and Stream  in the outdoors space.

(Field and Stream) Born in 1871. Reborn in 2024, Wallen captioned an Instagram video featuring he and Church fishing last year. Theres nothin I love more than being with friends around a campfire, on a boat or in a deer stand  and Field & Stream represents all of those to me. Being part of its future is incredible and we want to keep bringing people together outdoors, makin memories, for generations to come  MW.

Church also shared a fishing video at the time, and wrote, I can remember my grandfather kept a few of his favorite Field & Stream magazines on the dash of his truck. That truck took us on hundreds of outdoor adventures and I all but memorized every story and picture on every page. They were my Bible. It is the honor of my life to make sure that legacy carries on. It is both this responsibility to an American Icon and also to a young boy in his papaws truck that will be the compass that guides our steps.

Wallen and Church brought the magazine, which had moved to an all-digital format, back into print, and they have also launched a new brand of clothing that is making headlines because it is available exclusively on Amazon.

It features new fishing wear, hats, shirts, shorts and pants, according to a recent Yahoo profile.

And, of course with Wallen and Church involved, there is a music element, too.

The Field & Steam music festival is slated to take place Oct. 3-5 in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

Wallen is not currently featured among the acts, but Church is listed as the headliner for the final night.
Hopefully this picture cools you off by just looking at it. (Getty Images) Getty Images

August is almost halfway through, which is absolutely crazy to think about.

As back-to-school stuff ads continue to pop up (and a certain drink flavors return), its natural, then, to wonder what fall weather in Pennsylvania will be like in 2025.

According to the Old Farmers Almanacs annual prediction, the majority of people in Pennsylvania will experience an autumn thats cool and dry this year. In fact, the Northeast is amongst the regions in the country that are expected to be cooler-than-average this upcoming season.

The Old Farmers Almanac predicted the same forecast last year: The only main difference is that above average precipitation was forecast for last year.

Expect cooler and drier conditions than usual, the almanac says of the Northeast. September brings an average temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (two degrees below normal) with 3.5 inches of precipitation  wet in the north, drier in the south.

October will average 46 degrees Fahrenheit (three degrees below normal) with just 2.5 inches of rain. Look for scattered showers, brief warm spells, and overall chilly weather.

This will most likely serve as delightful news to fall fans, since  as the almanac points out  cooler temperatures and below-average rainfalls tend to result in some lovely foliage.

However, the Old Farmers Almanac states that the majority of the country will experience warmer temperatures: States like Texas will be drier, however, while others like Louisiana will a bit damper than usual.

Fall officially starts on Monday, Sept. 22. Until then  summer continues, along with the heat.
Assault Charges Dropped Against Poker Pirate Who Allegedly Solicited Woman

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Felony assault charges against an Iowa poker player known to dress in full Jack Sparrow costume at the poker table have been dropped after a prosecution witness failed to appear in court.

Scotter Clark, who has over $500,000 in live tournament cashes, according to The Hendon Mob, faced two felony counts for allegedly soliciting a woman and stabbing a man who confronted him.

Case Dismissed Against Poker Player

Scotter Clark

Clark was charged in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 9 with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The entire case, however, was dropped on Aug. 12, according to court documents reviewed by PokerNews.

The poker player-playing pirate who was banned from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2022 had been out on a $10,000 bond. He arrived at a Tulsa County district court on Tuesday with his attorney, Stephen Layment, for a hearing.

The court dismissed the case at the state's request because the prosecution's witness, presumably the alleged victims, failed to appear.

Clark's bond was exonerated, and both charges were dropped at the direction of Judge Anna Seibert. He entered a not guilty plea at an arraignment on July 14.

Clark was alleged to have attempted to solicit an unidentified woman for sex in Tulsa. She is said to have declined his proposition, and an unnamed male who accompanied her confronted the poker pro.

Police said at the time of his arrest that Clark then stabbed the man in the head and chest before leaving the scene in his blue pickup truck. Clark then, according to investigators, backed his truck into the female victim. Both victims were treated at a local hospital and survived their injuries.

Clark, an Iowa native, frequently played in WSOP, World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC), and RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) events. He was well-known on the mid-stakes tournament circuit. But he also has a criminal past, including a 2000 conviction for selling cocaine, which resulted in a 180-month federal prison sentence.

The poker player still faces some legal trouble despite his assault case being dismissed. He was arraigned on June 17 in a separate Oklahoma county on two unrelated misdemeanors for malicious injury to property and trespassing and causing waste. That case remains open and court records indicate Clark, who entered a not guilty plea, is scheduled to appear again in court on Sept. 30 in Grant County.

Online Poker Pro Craig Bergeron Suspected in Detroit Fatal Shooting

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Guillermo Gordo Ships Coolbet Open Main Event for First Live Trophy and 48,400

Frank Visser Live Reporter Copy link

The 2025 Coolbet Open 550 Main Event attracted a field of 493 entries, creating a prize pool of 234,175. A field consisting mostly of players from the Baltics and Scandinavia battled for three days at the Chesterfield Poker Club in Tallinn, Estonia, but ultimately it was Spanish regular Guillermo Gordo who was the last man standing.

After a dominating display on Day 3, Gordo captured the first-place prize of 48,400, his third-best live score according to The Hendon Mob. Perhaps more importantly, the Coolbet Open Main Event was Gordo's maiden major live victory, meaning he will go home with his first-ever trophy. To claim the title, Gordo defeated Asgeir Lund after a heads-up that lasted only a few hands.

Asgeir Lund

Lund was awarded 28,000 for his runner-up finish, which is a new high score for the Norwegian player. The bronze medal went to Maksim Belomestnoi, who became the highest-placed Estonian player and raked in 21,500 for his efforts, more than doubling his total live earnings.

2025 Coolbet Open 550 Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Guillermo Gordo Spain 48,400 2 Asgeir Lund Norway 28,000 3 Maksim Belomestnoi Estonia 21,500 4 Ole Wasenius Norway 16,800 5 Magnus Pukk Estonia 13,000 6 Artur Kulanurk Estonia 10,000 7 Kristjan Maasalu Estonia 7,400 8 Kai Tiainen Finland 5,700 9 Frederic Janik France 4,700

Coolbet Open Final Table

A Heads-Up Destined to Happen

Day 3 started with 24 hopefuls returning to the tables, with Lund as the overwhelming chipleader. He wasted no time before he started collecting even more, eliminating Geir Wold (24th - 1,500) on the first hand of the day. Paul Solovjev (21st - 1,750) and the last Icelandic player Runar Runarsson (20th - 2,025) soon fell victim to Lund's seemingly unstoppable run as well, seeing the Norwegian enter the final two tables with thrice as many chips as his nearest contender.

While Lund's stack stagnated at the final two tables, Gordo became unleashed. He eliminated Esa Turpeinen (15th - 2,700), Jo Andersen (13th - 3,200), and Torsti Kettula (11th - 3,850). After winning a huge pot to get even in chips with Lund, Gordo popped the final table bubble by busting Torgeir Ravlo in tenth place for 3,850, meaning he would start the final table with a small lead over Lund.

Torgeir Ravlo

The chiplead went back and forth between Gordo and Lund throughout the final table, but at no point were they in any danger of the other players catching up. Together, they provided every elimination from the final six onward, and to no one's surprise, they ended heads-up to battle for the Coolbet Open Main Event title.

Gordo Quickly Wraps Up Deepstacked Heads-Up

With an average stack of 74 big blinds and Gordo having only a small lead over Lund, the two were seemingly headed towards an arduous battle that could last deep into the night. Against all expectations, however, it took Gordo less than ten minutes to secure the victory.

First, Lund bluffed off some chips with king-high. A couple of hands later, Lund limp-jammed his stack of 38 big blinds with king-six offsuit. His move turned out to be ill-timed, as Gordo was sitting on ace-queen and made the tournament-winning call. The players shared a hug before they celebrated their performances with friends. After all, the Estonian night was still young.

Chesterfield Poker Club / Coolbet

With a plethora of side events still planned and ongoing, the eighth iteration of the Coolbet Open is far from over. However, Gordo's victory concludes the PokerNews coverage of the festival. Still craving more action? Be sure to check out our live reporting hub for live coverage of tournaments around the world.

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The Savannah River Stringband holds jam sessions at Trinity Methodist Church on the first and third Mondays of the month.
Singapore-based global data centre developer DayOne has announced a EUR 1.2 billion investment in a state-of-the-art hyperscale data centre campus in Lahti, Finland.

The Lahti site spans 98,901 square meters and the data centre project has a total potential capacity of 128 megawatts IT load, with the first building capable of 50MW IT load.

Negotiations with potential tenants are in progress, but no agreements have been finalised to date.

Construction will commence with site demolition in Q3 2025, and operations are scheduled to be ready for service in 2027.

DayOne says the facility will utilise air cool chiller technology and eliminate the need for freshwater cooling.

According to DayOne, the Lahti project is expected to support a progressive ramp-up of 100 direct skilled positions and employ 1,000 construction workers onsite at its construction peak.

"Finland is an ideal strategic choice for our European growth," said Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne Data Centers.

"With its reliable energy infrastructure, renewable energy leadership, highly skilled workforce, and naturally favourable climate that significantly reduces energy consumption and operational costs, Finland offers unique advantages that align perfectly with our commitment to sustainable digital infrastructure.

"Recognised as European Green Capital 2021, Lahti is advancing towards carbon neutrality, making it a natural fit with DayOnes sustainability goals.

"We are proud to invest EUR 1.2 billion on Lahti project into the Finnish economy and collaborate closely with Lahti to drive local innovation and sustainability."

Under the agreement, DayOne is to enter into a Growth Partnership Agreement with the City of Lahti, Lahti Region Development LADEC, Lahti Energy, and local educational institutions, including a commitment of EUR 2.5 million to LUT Universities.

Key areas of collaboration include integrating local companies into the data centres development and operations, innovating waste heat utilisation solutions, and aligning educational pathways with industry needs through joint R&D, student internships, and faculty engagement.

The partnership also connects DayOnes global academic collaborations, such as with the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed hosted at the National University of Singapore, to Finnish institutions like LUT Universities to drive innovation in both tropical and cold-climate data centre operations.

"The city offers robust government support and a thriving clean-tech ecosystemproviding an ideal environment for advanced, low-carbon digital infrastructure," said Jamie Khoo of DayOne.

"As we build our presence in Lahti, we are eager to explore meaningful ways to work with the community, especially those who share our vision for digital advancement and environmental responsibility."
Ed Lab reporter

Anna B. Mitchell is a Greenville-based investigative reporter for the Post and Courier's Education Lab team. A licensed English and social studies teacher, Anna covers education in the Upstate and collaborates with other reporters for coverage on statewide education trends. She studied history at the University of North Carolina, journalism at the University of Missouri, and holds an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences in Wurzburg. For fun, Anna plays bassoon, visits her family in Germany as often as she can, and takes her doggy, Ashe, for long walks with her daughter and husband.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 86F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
David Slade is a senior Post and Courier reporter and personal finance columnist. Over more than three decades he's worked for multiple newspapers and magazines, and his reporting has been honored with more than 50 state, regional and national journalism awards. David reports on the impacts of South Carolina's rapid population growth and development. Reach him at 843-937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com
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.
This SC farm has been in the peach business for more than 100 years and has over 17,000 trees
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CSGORoll has officially launched its August 2025 promo code "HELLA3," offering new users 3 free cases and bonus coins upon registration. This limited-time promotion is designed to give players a boosted start, alongside other active codes such as GAMBLE-CSGO and HELLANEW, which provide deposit bonuses and entry into the $10k Daily Race.MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 16, 2025 / The latest CSGORoll promo codeHELLA3has gone live for August 2025, and it is already making waves among both new and returning players. The promotion combines 3 free cases and bonus coins into one package, giving users a strong foundation to explore the platform without heavy risk. To illustrate with a clear example, imagine a new player signing up with $10 in their balance. By entering HELLA3, that player would immediately unlock 3 cases valued at $2 each, plus additional bonus coins worth $4. 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Players reported no issues with activation, and all bonuses appeared instantly. From our perspective, the best choice for absolute beginners is HELLA3, while grinders should lean toward HELLANEW for the daily race. Deposit-heavy users gain the most from GAMBLE-CSGO.Deposit-Focused CSGORoll Promo CodesCSGORoll CodeCSGORoll BonusGAMBLE-CSGOExtra 5% bonus on depositHELLACS2Deposit bonus + 3 casesWhat is the CSGORoll Referral Code in 2025?The flagship referral code for August 2025 is HELLA3. This is the promotion being spotlighted by the community because it balances free cases and bonus coins, offering flexibility for different playstyles. While codes like GAMBLE-CSGO and HELLACS2 have strong benefits, HELLA3 gives more value without requiring an immediate deposit. It is particularly attractive for players who want to test withdrawal speed, fairness, and game selection before investing real funds. "HELLA3 is the safest way to trial CSGORoll in 2025. You don't need to commit until you've experienced the platform firsthand," explained one experienced player we interviewed.How to Register on CSGORoll - Step by StepGo to CSGORoll.com Open your browser and type in the official website.Make sure you're on the correct domain to avoid phishing copies.Click on "LOGIN/REGISTER"The green button is located in the top-right corner of the homepage.This will open the registration pop-up window.Choose a Sign-in MethodAvailable options include Steam, Google, or Discord.Steam is the most popular because it links directly to your CS2 inventory, making withdrawals faster and smoother.Verify Your AccountOnce linked, you will be prompted to confirm your email address.This step also allows you to set up a custom username for your CSGORoll profile.Enter a Referral CodeGo to the Rewards section (marked with a gift symbol).Input an active code such as HELLA3 to unlock free cases and bonus coins.Confirm and Start PlayingPress CLAIM, and your bonuses will appear instantly.Skipping this step is a common mistake, and remember: bonuses cannot be claimed retroactively after registration.How to Get a Bonus on CSGORollThere are two main ways to unlock bonuses: via referral codes and platform promotions. Referral codes like HELLA3 instantly provide free cases and coins, while GAMBLE-CSGO gives a deposit multiplier. Promotions, on the other hand, come from events such as weekly raffles, Discord giveaways, and seasonal drops. To maximize rewards, we suggest combining a referral code with ongoing promotions. For example, using HELLA3 for free cases and then participating in the $10k daily race ensures value from both fronts.Benefits of Using CSGORoll Referral CodesLower Entry Barrier - Referral codes allow new players to start with free cases or coins, reducing the need for immediate deposits. As one beginner commented: "I felt safer trying the platform with a code. It gave me breathing room before spending my own balance." Increased Starting Balance - Codes like HELLA3 instantly boost your balance, giving you more chances to test multiple games. A regular user explained: "With the bonus coins, I was able to try out Crash and Dice Duel without worrying about losing
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 17, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Encompass Health Corporation ("Encompass Health Corporation") (NYSE:EHC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.On July 15, 2025, the New York Times published an article, entitled "Even Grave Errors at Rehab Hospitals Go Unpenalized and Undisclosed," discussing the state of the private rehabilitation hospital industry. In the article, the Times specifically identified Encompass as one of the for-profit rehab corporations that "have had rare but serious incident of patient harm and perform below average on two key safety measure tracked by Medicare." The article went on to note specific examples highlighting significant patient safety concerns, medication errors, and an overall lack of oversight at Encompass' hospitals. Following this news, Encompass' stock price fell by $12.39 per share to close at $ 107.28 per share. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
iTWireTV speaks with Okta chief product officer Arnab Bose about Okta's cross-app access, securing AI workloads and agents, and other topics on security, identity, and authentication.

AI is helping people super-charge their business, but for AI agents to take actions - whether ordering inventory or reading knowledge bases - it needs some level of access and privilege into applications. This can be set up using service accounts or via tokens, but at the risk of a bad actor being able to breach those accounts or steal those tokens. Instead, Okta provides OWASP-compliant identity granting access to specific applications with specific privileges. This is Okta's new cross-app access feature, and chief product officer Arnab Bose spoke to iTWire to help us understand what it all means.

Arnab also spoke about other important topics in identity, authentication, and security, and how Okta is helping application developers and enterprises secure valuable credentials.

Learn more about securing agentic AI from Okta here.

Join our conversation here:

Be sure to check out Okta's annual Oktane conference, coming up soon.

You can sign up for a free 30-day trial making it a risk-free option to test out Okta for your business.
Two months ago, Nigerian nightlife figure, Pascal Cubana Chief Priest Okechukwu sought an interim injunction from a magistrates court in Nairobi to restrain his alleged babymama, Hellen Mutimu, from publishing defamatory content.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Cubana Chief Priest and Ms Mutimu had been locked in a paternity dispute since the matter first became public in 2023.

Ms Mutimu has repeatedly taken to her social media platforms to call out the businessman, levelling several allegations against him.

She claimed that when she informed Cubana Chief Priest of her pregnancy, he pressured her to terminate it before severing all communication with her.

The nightlife promoter, however, denied her claims, insisting he never fathered a child with the Kenyan hairdresser.

He maintained that, given his financial standing, he would never abandon a child if it were truly his.

I dare you

Things appear to have taken a new turn as Cubana has challenged Ms Mutini amidst her calls for a DNA to ascertain the paternity of her son.

In a TikTok live session with online streamer and content creator Habeeb Peller Hamzat on Saturday, the More Money crooner criticised Ms Mutimus approach of publicly declaring she had a child for him.

Challenging the hairdresser, he said: If you claim to have a child for me and believe the best way to get at me is through social media, then you are wrong. If you truly have my child, you are holding a diamond in your hands, something even more valuable than a diamond. From my house to my hotel, from my hotel to my restaurant, and beyond.

I own many properties. If I were truly the father of this child, why use it as a weapon against me? If the child is mine, bring the child to Nigeria. She (Ms Mutimu) called me a ritualist, fraudster, and drug dealer, yet she is still seeking child support from the same ritualist, fraudster, and drug dealer, thats the irony, and its all just a cruise.

I wont come to Nigeria

In response to a video from the businessman urging her to travel to Nigeria for the DNA, Ms Mutimu, in a video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, declared that she would not come to Nigeria for a DNA test.

She insisted that Cubana Chief Priest should instead travel to Kenya for the test, describing the demand for her to come to Nigeria as a plot to have her arrested and maltreated.

You cannot feel the pain of a mother, the pain of a woman who carried a child for nine months, nearly ten. I gave birth to your child, struggled with your child, and Im still struggling, yet you mock me online every day and call it a cruise. Youre telling people Im catching cruise. See, thunder will strike you, Pascal. If you dont mind your language, then at least mind yourself. Stop dragging my name into the things youre doing. You thought I would suffer, the way you said I would, but my God is bigger than you. God keeps shining His light on me and making a way for me to care for this boy, even after you abandoned him.

You even abandoned another child in Malaysia. That woman never called you because she doesnt know voodoo. Those children are suffering in Malaysia, and you never cared. Pascal, Ive had enough of you. If you claim Im lying and just catching cruise, then come to Kenya for a DNA test. Why do you want me to come to Nigeria? To do what? So you can bribe the doctor, arrest me, and oppress me because its your country? It wont work. I will fight for my child till my last breath. Until I die, I will fight for my son, and there is nothing you can do about it, Ms Mutimu added.

Ultimatum

Furthermore, she issued Cubana Chief Priest an ultimatum to travel to Kenya for a DNA test or face the consequences.

Ms Mutimu also cautioned the businessman against mentioning her name in any context, stressing that she had always minded her affairs, but he continued to provoke her.

She noted, Pascal, tell the people the truth. If you still feel something for me, you cant sleep with me again. Stop beating around the bush. Do you want me to come close again so that you can impregnate me once more? Are you not ashamed of yourself? Your bragging will soon end. I am not afraid of you because Im fighting for my childs rights. If you dont show up for a DNA test next year, 2026, what will happen will happen. I will not come to Nigeria, but I will go to the countries you always travel to and block you from entering. The US will not grant you a passport because you dont respect women.

Never in your life call my name again. Do your business with Peller. Imagine a small boy like Peller triggering you, playing with your mind, and you start answering questions. Are you that dumb? Thats why I dont blame Davido for putting his wedding in the US. Pascal, you will never have access to my body again. I am the full package, and thats why you came to me. If you truly respected your wife, as you claim, why do you keep sleeping with other women? Why did you sleep with me when you knew you were married? Its because of my body, and thats why you dont have sense. Youre still thinking about me because of my physique.
Nigeria has been named among eight African countries that contributed to a clinical trial leading to the approval of the first malaria treatment for newborns and infants weighing less than five kilogrammes.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) applauded Nigeria for its role in the trials in a statement on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the treatment, an infant-friendly artemether-lumefantrine, is the first of its kind for children under five kilogrammes.

It dissolves in breast milk and comes with a sweet flavour to make administration easier for newborns.

Until now, babies in this weight category had no approved malaria treatment.

Health workers often had to modify doses of medicines meant for older children, a practice that carried the risk of overdose and toxicity.

Swiss regulators have already approved the formulation, while Nigeria and the other participating countries are expected to fast-track clearance under the Swiss agencys Marketing Authorisation for Global Health Products procedure.

Africa CDC Director-General, Jean Kaseya, described the breakthrough as a major step forward in the fight against malaria.

According to Mr Kaseya, it ensures that even the smallest and most vulnerable infants can now access safe and effective treatment.

He said that the trial led to the approval of the first malaria treatment designed for newborns and infants under five kilogrammes  a move expected to save thousands of young lives.

Mr Kaseya also commended Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda for their leadership in paving the way for the new formulation.

Ngashi Ngongo, principal advisor to the Africa CDC Director-General, said that the development highlighted Africas ability to drive health innovations through collaboration, stressing that Nigerias role was key to the success of the trials.

The Africa CDC pledged to support countries like Nigeria to integrate the new formulation into their health systems.

READ ALSO: Nasarawa govt targets one million children for 2025 malaria intervention

The agency said that this would include expediting regulatory approvals, updating clinical guidelines, training health workers and ensuring equitable access, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Novartis developed the drug in partnership with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), under the PAMAfrica consortium.

Novartis said that it would supply the treatment on a primarily not-for-profit basis to expand access in malaria-endemic regions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria bears the worlds highest malaria burden, accounting for about 27 per cent of global cases and 31 per cent of global malaria deaths.

Children under five remain the most vulnerable group, making the availability of a safe treatment for infants under five kilograms a major public health milestone for the country.

(NAN)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a majority of the seats in Saturdays by-elections conducted across 16 federal and state constituencies in 12 states, according to results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The elections, held to replace lawmakers who died or resigned after the 2023 general elections, were marred by reports of vote buying, violence and irregularities. Both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on INEC to cancel the by-elections in Kanos Shanono/Bagwai and Ghari constituencies, citing malpractices and intimidation.

As of Sunday morning, results show that the APC won 12 of the 16 seats across nine states. APGA secured two seats in Anambra, PDP won one seat in Oyo, and NNPP claimed one seat in Kano.

While APC swept most of the seats, PDP retained a foothold in Oyo and placed second in many contests, while APGA consolidated its dominance in Anambra under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo.

The results also reflect a trend of ruling parties consolidating power in their states, except in Adamawa and Taraba, where the APC upset the PDP in Ganye and Karim constituencies, respectively.

The elections also show that the coalition adopted party, ADC, is struggling to gain traction.

Below is a compilation of the results announced by INEC:

State-by-State Results

Kano

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won the Bagwai/Shanono State Assembly by-election in Kano. NNPPs Ali Alhassan won with 16,198 votes, defeating APCs 5,347.

In the Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituency, APCs Garba Gwarmai won with 31,472 votes against NNPPs Yusuf Maigado, who scored 27,931.

Kaduna State

In Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency, APCs Fidelix Bagudu scored 34,580 votes to defeat his rivals from the PDP and ADC, who polled 11,491 and 3,477 votes respectively.

In the Basawa constituency, INEC declared Dahiru Umar-Sani of the APC as the winner of the state house of assembly contest.

Mr Umar-Sani secured 10,996 votes to defeat his closest rival, Muazu Danyaro of PDP, who scored 5,499 votes. Trailing the APC and PDP is DanBala Usman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who scored 811, and Mahmuda Almustapha of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who polled 146 votes.

Elsewhere in Zaria Kewaye, the electoral commission announced Isa Mohammed of the APC as the winner of the state assembly election.

Mr Mohammed secured 26,613 votes, defeating SDPs Nuhu Muazu, who polled 5,721 and PDPs Mahmud Wappa, who scored 5,331.

Oyo State

In Oyo, PDPs Fola Oyekunle won the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Abiodun Oluwadare, announced the result of the election on Sunday, saying Mr Oyekunle scored 18,404 votes to defeat APCs Adewale Olatunji, who secured 8,312.

ADC, APGA and ZLP trailed far behind.

The candidate of the ADC, Femi Akin-Alamu, polled 88 votes, APGAs Olabisi Olajumoke had 40 votes, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hammed Badmus, secured only 18 votes.

Ogun State

INEC declared APCs Adesola Elegbeji as the winner of Saturdays Remo Federal constituency of Ogun by-election.

Mrs Elegbeji won with 41,237 votes to finish ahead of PDPs Bolarinwa Oluwole, who scored 14,324.

Anambra State

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates won the by-elections for the Anambra South Senatorial District and the Onitsha North Constituency of the State House of Assembly held on Saturday.

INEC declared Emmanuel Nwachukwu of APGA as the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial seat. Mr Nwachukwu polled 90,408 votes to defeat his closest rival, Azuka Okwuosa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 19,847 votes.

ADCs Donald Amangbo came in a distant third with 2,889 votes.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the Senate, necessitated the conduct of Saturdays by-election.

INEC also announced Ifeoma Azikiwe as the winner of the Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the state house of assembly.

Announcing the results in Onitsha, the INEC Returning Officer, Ibiam Ekpe, disclosed that Ms Azikiwe of APGA scored 7,774 votes to defeat her closest rival, Justina Azuka of ADC, who polled 1,909 votes.

The candidates of the APC, Ezennia Ojekwe and the Young Progressives Party, Njideka Ndiwe, respectively scored 1,371 and 655 votes.

Kogi State

In the Okura constituency of Kogi state, APCs Hassan Shado secured 55,073 votes to defeat his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 1,038 votes. The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) came third with 445 votes.

Jigawa State

APCs Rabiu Mukhtar won the by-election held on Saturday in Garki/Babura federal constituency of Jigawa State.

Mr Mukhtar of the APC polled 38,449 votes to defeat his main rival, Isah Auwalu of the PDP, who got 13,519 votes.

NNPPs Sabo Salisu received 2,931 votes while Muktar Babangida of ZLP got 31 votes.

Edo State

INEC declared APCs Omosede Igbinedion winner of the Ovia federal constituency by-election held on Saturday in Edo.

Ms Igbinedion scored a total of 77,053 votes to defeat her challengers from the PDP and ADC, who respectively scored 3,838 and 925 votes.

In the Edo central senatorial election, INEC also declared APCs Joseph Ikpea as the winner of Saturdays contest.

Mr Ikpea secured a total of 105,129 votes to defeat the PDPs Joe Okojie, who polled 15,146 votes.

Niger State

The APC candidate, Dogari Daje, won Saturdays by-election to fill Munyas constituency seat in the Niger House of Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports on Sunday that Mr Daje polled a total of 12,556 votes to defeat PDPs Sabon Sunday, who scored 5,646 votes.

Adamawa State

In Adamawa, APCs Misa Musa narrowly won 15,923 votes to beat his opponent, Buba Muhammad of the PDP, who polled 15,794.

The ADC got 42 votes, APGA 14, AAC 17, and AA 2 votes.

Taraba State

INEC declared Abner Shittu of the APC as the winner of the Karim 1 state constituency by-election in Taraba.

The APC candidate polled 5,901 to defeat PDPs Ali Kanda, who got 5,527.

ADCs Badina Garba scored 2,069 votes to finish a distant third.

Zamfara by-election inconclusive

INEC declared the by-election in Zamfara inconclusive after cancellations in Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards

The INEC Returning Officer for the election, Lawal Saadu of the Federal University Gusau, said the total number of registered voters in the affected polling units stood at 5,446, while 3,265 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected in those areas.

He explained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 7,001 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 5,339 votes, leaving a margin of 1,662 votes.

Mr Saadu stated that the margin was less than the total number of PVCs collected in the cancelled polling units; therefore, the election cannot be concluded.

The electoral umpire cited Sections 24 subsection 2 & 3, Section 47 subsection 3, and Section 51 subsection 2 of the Electoral Act 2022 as reasons for declaring the election inconclusive.

Enugu State

Enugu South Urban Constituency was stalled again amid tensions, marking the fourth failed attempt to conclude the exercise, the Guardian reported.

Tinubu congratulates winners, commends INEC, APC national chairperson

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of Saturdays by-elections held in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

In the results released by INEC, the ruling APC won in most of the constituencies, leaving the PDP, APGA and NNPP others to trail it from behind.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement signed on his behalf on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, commended INEC for the conduct of the elections.

The President also praised the national chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic victory recorded by the party under his leadership.

Mr Tinubu commended all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port has warned that the multi-billion-naira facility risks becoming a wasted investment if urgent rehabilitation of its access roads and waterways is not undertaken.

During an oversight visit to Niger State, the lawmakers expressed concern that six years after the commissioning of the port in 2019, its promise of boosting trade, creating jobs, and easing pressure on Nigerias congested seaports has been frustrated by collapsed roads and a silted river channel.

The committee chairperson, Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger), told journalists that a journey to the port, which should ordinarily take 30 minutes, now lasts over four hours due to collapsed sections of the road. He described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that without immediate intervention, the port could remain another white elephant project.

The state of the roads is a major hindrance to the full operationalisation of the Baro Inland Port. What should be a 30-minute journey now takes over four hours. This is unacceptable for a facility of this magnitude, which is supposed to serve as a hub for trade and industrial growth, Mr Abdullahi said.

He warned that without functional access roads, neither businesses nor surrounding communities would benefit from the port, and the national economy would lose out on its strategic advantages.

NIWA highlights key obstacles

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), represented at the visit by its General Manager of Business Development, Bolawale Adetola, confirmed that while the port has all the required facilities, operations have been stifled by poor roads and a silted water channel.

Everything that a port needs to work is on ground. The key challenges are the access road and the silted channel. Once these are fixed, Baro Port will be of immense benefit to Nigerians, Mr Adetola said.

He emphasised the need for greater inter-agency collaboration and infrastructure support to unlock the ports potential.

The committees latest intervention follows its earlier engagement with key federal officials over the project. Last month, the lawmakers summoned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, to explain the irregularities and challenges stalling the multi-billion-naira project.

When he appeared before the committee, Mr Oyetola reassured lawmakers of the federal governments determination to transform the Baro facility into a viable inland trade gateway, stressing that the ministry was working on measures to address the bottlenecks.

Support from former leaders

Meanwhile, two former Nigerian Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, have also thrown their weight behind efforts to revive the port. In separate meetings with the ad-hoc committee, both leaders urged government agencies to act decisively and restore Baro to full operations.

Their intervention adds to growing pressure on the federal government, which last month saw the committee summon the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside NIWAs Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, over concerns surrounding the stalled project. Mr Oyetola, during his appearance, reaffirmed the governments commitment to transforming Baro into a thriving inland trade hub.

A port with huge potential but poor connectivity

Baro Inland Port, located on the banks of the River Niger in Niger State, was originally established in 1908 by the colonial administration as a strategic point for inland water transportation.

The port historically served as a hub for moving agricultural produce, livestock, and manufactured goods from northern Nigeria to southern markets via waterways, while also linking with the rail network for onward distribution.

Following decades of neglect, the federal government undertook reconstruction and modernisation works, culminating in its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019.

The port was intended to reduce pressure on Nigerias congested seaports, especially Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos, by facilitating cargo movement through waterways and highways. However, six years after commissioning, the port remains underutilised.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has rejected the outcome of the re-run elections in Bagwai/Shanono and Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituencies, citing widespread irregularities and violence.

The party claims the electoral process was marred by thuggery, with political thugs intimidating eligible voters, rendering the exercise ridiculous.

The Chairman of the party, Yusuf Kibiya, who stated this while addressing journalists on Saturday in Kano, described the process as totally devoid of all democratic processes.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing ground for all parties, emphasising that the current state of affairs undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

He called on security agencies to protect voters, uphold peaceful assembly, and deter intimidation and violence.

The chairman advised the Kano State Government and national leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions, and urged them to promote a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

He also called on relevant authorities to investigate electoral law breaches and sanction offenders accordingly to prevent future misconduct.

The Nigeria Police on Saturday announced the arrest of 288 suspected thugs during the re-run elections in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this to journalists in the Shanono Local Government Area of the state.

(NAN)
The federal government says the contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, estimated by Julius Berger to cost N6.3 trillion, has not been awarded.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated this when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit on Saturday in Abakaliki.

Mr Umahi said defects on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and the Carter Bridge were not new, noting that he had been engaging stakeholders on the matter.

He explained that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which is over 50 years old, was assessed in 2013 and 2019, and that deliberations were held with experts on how to address identified issues.

The minister added that while the Carter Bridge also required rehabilitation, works on the Eko Bridge were ongoing.

From our findings, to rehabilitate the Carter Bridge could cost us N386 billion, but to do a brand new bridge would be at about N359 billion.

And for the 3rd Mainland Bridge, to repair it will cost us N3.86 trillion, but to construct a new 3rd Mainland Bridge will cost us N3.6 trillion.

Now, that is the findings we took to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting. We did not take it there for contract to be awarded, we only brought estimated findings as done by Julius Berger Ltd.

Therefore, no contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Any information aside this is not correct.

And we believe strongly that if we expose these findings to more industry experts or players, they may come with a better solution and a better cost too.

But the important thing is for FEC to note that we have a problem with the two bridges; so, nobody has awarded any contract in that regard, Mr Umahi stressed.

He disclosed that the federal government had closed the 3rd Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks and would also close the Carter Bridge to heavy trucks by September.

According to him, the only bridge now open for the movement of heavy-duty vehicles from Lagos Island to the Mainland is the Independence Bridge, which he said had been rectified.

Mr Umahi recalled that the Eko Bridge was once completely damaged, but that rehabilitation works on it were currently ongoing.

Now, for the way forward, FEC approved that there should be an advertisement for experts in bridge construction to bid with a quotation to do comprehensive rehabilitation of the two bridges.

We want them to do the investigation, the design, costing, and submit, or tell us the cost of constructing new ones.

Another option is that we are also opening it to public-private partnership for the private sector to come and get involved, do the bridges, toll it and recover their money.

So nobody has awarded contract for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge for N3.6 trillion or contract for the Carter Bridge, Mr Umahi reiterated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland are the Carter Bridge, built in 1901; the 3rd Mainland Bridge, whose first phase was commissioned in 1980 by President Shehu Shagari and completed in 1990 by General Ibrahim Babangida.

The third is the Eko Bridge, which was constructed in phases between 1965 and 1975.

(NAN)
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Saturday, inspected the Fresh FM Headquarters in Ibadan, which recorded a fire outbreak on Friday.

Mr Makinde expressed his sympathy to the Chairman, Olayinka Ayefele, and the management of the radio station.

He said that the fire incident, though sad, had become a wake-up call to the state government on emergency management and fire response.

The governor said that he would sit with the headship of the State Fire Service with a view to rejigging the service for a more effective service delivery.

I would be sitting with the chairman of that agency to see what we can do.

We have a fire station around here, if it had been equipped to the level that they could handle this, they would have been here before fire service at the state secretariat came.

Those are things that I have seen that we have to work on, he said

Mr Makinde, who thanked God that no life was lost to the inferno, promised that the state government would support the station towards ensuring that it does not stay off-air for long.

He noted that the radio station had proved quite vital in providing information to residents of the state.

In his response, Ayefele expressed gratitude to the governor and commended the promptness of his visit to the station.

According to Ayefele, this demonstrates him as a caring leader.

He equally appreciated all the fans of the station, including the first responders as well as others within and outside the country.

The chairman of the radio station urged its fans and people of goodwill to join hands with him towards rebuilding the station.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inferno, which occurred on Friday night, affected vital facilities, such as Fresh FM/ Blast FM Studio, its newsroom, and the transmitter room, among others.

(NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adesola Elegbeji, as the winner of Saturdays Remo Federal Constituency of Ogun by-election.

The Returning Officer, Kazeem Bello, made the declaration at the Ikenne collation centre in the early hours of Sunday.

He affirmed that Mr Elegbeji satisfied all electoral requirements and therefore stood elected as the new representative of Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Mr Bello said that Mr Elegbeji polled a total of 41,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Bolarinwa Oluwole, who garnered 14,324 votes.

The returning officer explained that, at Ikenne local government, APC scored 10,227, PDP got 5,595, while at Remo North local government, APC garnered 8,053, PDP 992 and at Sagamu local government, APC won with 22,958, with PDP scoring 7,737.

 That Elegbeji Adesola Yetunde Ayoola of APC, having satisfied the requirements of law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected, Mr Bello said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former member representing the constituency, Adewunmi Onanuga, died on 15 January after a brief illness.

(NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Omosede Igbinedion of the APC the winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election held on Saturday in Edo.

The election took place across two local governments of Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East, both forming the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo.

Announcing the results early Sunday morning at Iguobazuwa, the returning officer, Clement Ighodaro, declared Mr Igbinedion the winner with a total of 77,053 votes.

Her closest rival from the PDP polled 3,838 votes, while the ADC candidate came third with a total of 925 votes.

In her victory speech, Mr Igbinedion thanked her supporters and pledged to deliver impactful and effective representation at the National Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Igbinedion was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2015 and would now return to represent Ovia Federal Constituency for the second time.

(NAN)
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says it will host the National Health Financing Policy Dialogue from 1 to 4 September in Abuja.

Kamil Shoretire, director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, made this known on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Shoretire said that the dialogue would address the countrys persistent health financing challenges and chart a pathway to sustainable solutions.

He said that the dialogue would bring together policymakers, development partners, health financing experts, civil society, media, health insurance representatives, private sector players and academia.

He said that the gathering would translate high-level commitments into actionable strategies to strengthen Nigerias health financing architecture.

According to him, the National Health Financing Policy (NHFP) provides the framework for mobilising, pooling and allocating resources for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

It is designed to promote equity, efficiency, and financial protection, reduce the dominance of out-of-pocket spending, expand health insurance coverage and move the country closer to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The four-day policy dialogue will allow stakeholders to share experiences, identify bottlenecks and propose reforms that can accelerate Nigerias health financing transition, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that despite several policy reforms, Nigeria continues to fall short of the 2001 Abuja Declaration, where African leaders pledged to allocate at least 15 per cent of their national budgets to health.

In contrast, Nigeria allocates less than 5 per cent of its budget to health, with public spending at about 0.5 per cent of GDP.

This has left households bearing the brunt of healthcare costs.

Data from the World Bank and other sources show that out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for about 76 per cent of total health spending in Nigeria, one of the highest in the world.

As a result, millions of Nigerians are exposed to catastrophic health expenditures, with healthcare costs pushing vulnerable families further into poverty.

In 2022, Nigeria signed the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act into law, making health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents.

The law empowers the NHIA to regulate insurance providers and extend coverage to millions previously excluded.

Health experts said that the upcoming dialogue will be crucial in exploring how the NHIA Act can be fully implemented and how the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) can be expanded.

They said that innovative financing, including public-private partnerships, sin taxes and donor alignment, could help reduce the current financing gap

Maimuna Abdullahi is a Health Economist and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist with the African Health Budget Network (AHBN).

She said that Nigeria could not achieve Universal Health Coverage without reducing the reliance on out-of-pocket spending.

The dialogue is an opportunity to rethink financing models, strengthen accountability and ensure that health insurance truly works for the poor, she said.

Civil society groups also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, calling for reforms to ensure that resources earmarked for health reach frontline facilities where they are needed most.

(NAN)
Increasing demand for cloud and AI services means an increased demand in data centre capability, but it's imperative to manage this in a sustainble way. AMD GM APAC Alexey Navolokin says the solution is to optimise the data centre infrastructure we have now.

In the era of cloud adoption and AI, the demand for data centre bandwidth has skyrocketed, leading to the exponential sprawl of data centres worldwide. However, new data centres are running up against sustainability, space and budget constraints. Policymakers recognise the benefits of data centres to productivity, economic growth and research, but there is still a tension over their impact on local communities, water and electricity use. The best solution is in optimising the data centre infrastructure we have already to unlock more performance while still being mindful of the limits we have.

Our cities, our consumer products and our world is going to become more digital and we need more compute to keep up. Optimising the data centre infrastructure we have already to unlock more performance is the best way data centres can turn constraints into an opportunity for a competitive advantage.

Why data centre optimisation matters

CIOs and IT leaders increasingly face calls to provide a high-performance foundational compute infrastructure across their businesses and handle new, more demanding, use cases while balancing sustainability commitments, space and budget constraints. Many have sought to build new data centres outright to meet demand and pair them with energy efficient technologies to minimise their environmental impact.

For example, the LUMI (Large Unified Modern Infrastructure) Supercomputer, one of the most powerful in Europe uses 100% carbon-free hydroelectric energy for its operations and its waste heat is reused to heat homes in the nearby town of Kajanni, Finland. There are many other examples like LUMI showing the considerable progress the data centre industry have made in addressing the need for energy efficiency. Yet energy efficiency alone wont be enough to power the growing demands of AI which is expected to plump up data centre storage capacity.

AIs greater energy requirements will also require more energy efficient designs to help ensure scalability and address environmental goals and with data centre square footage, land and power grids nearing capacity, one way to optimise design is to upgrade from old servers. Data centres are expensive investments, and some CIOs and IT leaders try to recoup costs by running their hardware for as long as possible. As a result, most data centres are still using hardware that is 10 years old (Dell) and only expand compute when absolutely necessary.

While building new data centres might be necessary for some, there are significant opportunities to upgrade existing infrastructure. Upgrading to newer systems means data centres can achieve the same tasks more efficiently. Global IT data centre capacity will grow from 180 Gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to 296 GW in 2028, representing a 12.3% CAGR, while electricity consumption will grow at a higher rate 23.3% from 397 Terawatt hours (TWh) to 915 TWh in 2028. For the ageing data centres, that can translate to fewer racks and systems to manage, while still maintaining the same bandwidth.

It can leave significant room for future IT needs but also makes room for experimentation which is absolutely necessary in AI workloads at the moment. They can use the space to build less expensive proof of concept half racks before it leads to bigger build outs and use new hyper-efficient chips to help reduce energy consumption and cooling requirements, recouping investment back more quickly.

What to look for in an upgrade

There are many factors to consider in a server upgrade and there isnt a one size fits all solution to data centre needs. Its not just about buying the most powerful chip that can be afforded. Yes, the significance of a good chip on energy efficiency cannot be overstated, but each data centre has different needs that will shape the hardware and software stack they need to operate most efficiently.

Leading South Korean cloud provider, Kakao Enterprise, needed servers that can deliver high performance across a wide range of workloads to support its expansive range of offerings. By deploying a mixed fleet of 3rd and 4th Gen AMD EPYC processors, the company was able to reduce the server required for its total workload to 40 percent of its original fleet, while achieving increased performance by 30 percent, with a 50 percent reduction in total cost of ownership.

Much like Kakao Enterprise, IT decision makers should look for providers that can deliver end-to-end data centre Infrastructure at scale combining high performance chips, networking, software and systems design expertise. For example, the right physical racks make it easy to swap in new kit as needs evolve, and having open software is equally important for getting the different pieces of the software stack from different providers talking with each other.

In addition, providers that are continually investing in world class systems design and AI systems capabilities will be best positioned to accelerate enterprise AI hardware and software roadmaps. AMD, for example, recently achieved a 38 improvement in node-level energy efficiency for AI training and HPC over just five years. This translates to a 97% reduction in energy for the same performance, empowering providers and end-users alike to innovate more sustainably and at scale.

Advancing the Data Centre

As our reliance on digital technologies continues to grow, so too does our need for computing power. It is important to balance the need for more compute real estate with sustainability goals, and the way forward is in making the most out of the existing real estate we have. This is a big opportunity to think smartly about this and turn an apparent tension into a massive advantage. By using the right computational architecture, data centres can achieve the same tasks more efficiently, making room for the future technologies that will transform businesses and lives.

About Alexey Navolokin, General Manager, Asia Pacific (APAC)

Alexey Navolokin is the Director, Commercial Sales, Asia Pacific Region at AMD. He has been a part of the company since 2020. In his role, Alexey leads AMD's Commercial Sales organization in the APAC region with teams across the different business verticals  including Data Centre/Server, Commercial Client PC, Professional Graphics, and Embedded businesses  to drive revenue and strategic engagements with end-user customers, OEMs/ODMs, and channel partners by selling Cloud Solutions across multiple enterprise verticals.

A senior business leader with a track record of impact and success in a global business environment and within the larger IT industry, Alexey has deep experience in building and executing sizable Go-to-Market strategies across the ecosystem and value chain. A natural influencer and leader.

He is also skilled in building and managing external partnerships as well as driving results internally. With a highly adaptable mindset and a passion for building revenue streams through new and emerging technologies such as Cloud offerings, AI and Blockchain, Alexey has proven success track record in his previous roles at Apple, Intel, and Axir Consulting.
The police have rescued two kidnap victims following a gun battle with bandits in Ribah District in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The command spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

Mr Abubakar said the operation took place on 15 August, when a team of police officers, vigilantes and local hunters clashed with the bandits near Dankade village for several hours.

Two men, identified as 26-year-old Tukur Bello from Augie LGA in Kebbi and 25-year-old Isyaka Abubakar from Gummi LGA in neighbouring Zamfara State, were freed during the fight. They had been abducted six days earlier while grazing cattle in Gairi forest, Zamfara.

The police said both men were taken to the hospital for medical checks before being reunited with their families.

Kebbi State Police Commissioner, Bello Sani, praised the determination, resilience and professionalism of the Ribah divisional police officer and his team, urging other DPOs to adopt similar aggressive patrols and visibility policing along highways and in nearby bushland.

Communities in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States have been particularly affected, with thousands displaced by the menace of banditry.

Despite repeated military operations and police crackdowns, the armed groups remain resilient, exploiting difficult terrain and weak state presence in rural areas.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of Saturdays by-election in the Babura/Garki federal constituency of Jigawa State.

The PDPs spokesperson in the state, Umar Kyari, in a statement he made available to reporters on Sunday, alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, intimidation of voters and vote buying.

PDPs rejection of the outcome was reached after careful study of the preparations, conduct and execution of the processes after which the Electoral Umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared the candidate of APC as the winner.

PDP has observed how APC used state power and indulged heavily in vote buying, intimidation of voters as well as their harassment during the exercise.

PDP is therefore calling on its entire supporters in the state as well as lovers of democracy to remain calm as it takes all necessary actions and measures to reclaim its stolen mandate, which they gave to the party during last Saturdays election, Mr Kyari stated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabiu Mukhtar, as the winner of the by-election.

The election was conducted in 22 political wards spread across the Garki and Babura local government areas.

The returning officer, Sani Ismail, announced the results in the Babura local government collation centre on Sunday morning.

Mr Ismail, a professor, said Mr Mukhtar polled 38,449 votes to defeat his main rival, Isah Auwalu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 13,519 votes.

The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Sabo Salisu, received 2,931 votes, while Muktar Babangida of ZLP received 31 votes.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fola Oyekunle, has won the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Abiodun Oluwadare, declared the result of the election in the early hours of Sunday in Ibadan.

Mr Oluwadare said Mr Oyekunle of the PDP scored a total of 18,404 votes to defeat his closest rival, Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 8,312 votes.

He also said that the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Femi Akin-Alamu, polled 88 votes while Olabisi Olajumoke of the All Progressive Grand Alliance had 40 votes.

The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hammed Badmus, had 18 votes.

Oyekunle of PDP, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the election, he said.

The Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the demise of Olaide Akinremi of the APC on 10 July.

(NAN)
Nigeria has joined a new $6.4 million international research consortium aimed at accelerating the development of a vaccine against Lassa fever.

This was made known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) on Sunday in Abuja.

The initiative, tagged Unravelling Natural and Vaccine-Elicited Immunity to Lassa fever (UNVEIL), is led by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), with funding support from CEPI.

NAN reports that three Nigerian institutions, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, will serve as frontline clinical sites under the project.

They will work alongside the Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone.

The research will focus on identifying immune markers or correlates of protection, biological signatures in blood or cells that indicate immunity to Lassa fever.

Experts said that the breakthrough could enable vaccine makers to measure protection through laboratory tests rather than lengthy clinical trials, thereby fast-tracking vaccine delivery to affected communities.

Courtney Woolsey, principal investigator of the UNVEIL programme, said that the project would help remove a huge roadblock in vaccine development.

Once we can measure protection in a blood test instead of a prolonged clinical efficacy trial, we can deliver vaccines to impacted communities much faster, Woolsey said.

Lassa fever infects an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 people annually.

Case fatality rates can exceed 20 per cent among hospitalised patients, while survivors face complications such as irreversible hearing loss.

Studies also showed that 95 per cent of pregnancies in infected women result in miscarriage.

Katrin Ramsauer, CEPIs Lassa Disease Programme Lead, described the research as a milestone.

A vaccine is urgently needed against Lassa fever, a deadly disease that continues to burden West Africa.

Knowing the immune markers that correspond to protection will be a milestone achievement in our work against Lassa fever, Ms Ramsauer said.

The consortium would also build capacity in African partner hospitals through training in diagnostics, biobanking and clinical research, strengthening regional outbreak response and health security.

READ ALSO: Mid-year: Cross River reports one Lassa fever death

Experts believed the methods pioneered for Lassa fever could be rapidly adapted for other hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, boosting global pandemic preparedness.

UNVEIL brings together scientists from the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone in the fields of virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and clinical care.

The projects Team Science approach reflects international commitment to tackling infectious diseases that disproportionately affect Africa.

(NAN)
Stakeholders in the education sector have thrown their weight behind the federal governments decision to place a moratorium on the establishment of new tertiary institutions.

NAN reports that the federal government, on 13 August, announced a seven-year moratorium on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, citing under-enrolment, resource strain, and inefficiency in existing institutions.

The decision, reached at a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, is part of measures to reform the higher education sector.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the stakeholders argued that expanding the capacity of existing institutions would be more impactful and cost-effective.

The Vice-Chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Adesola Ajayi, said the proliferation of universities in recent years has stretched Nigerias already limited educational infrastructure.

Mr Ajayi noted that, while Nigeria has a variety of universities, including federal, state, and specialised institutions, many of them operate far below capacity, due to inadequate infrastructure and facilities.

Most of our first, second and third generation universities can increase their intake by up to 25 per cent or even 50 per cent of their current enrollment, but they dont have the infrastructure and facilities to do so.

They dont have the laboratories, the workshops, the classrooms that will accommodate the students.

We already have the different categories of higher institutions. Expansion of access by infrastructural upgrade is better than expansion of access by establishing new ones.

The fund for the establishment of new schools should be deployed to address these infrastructural deficits in the existing institutions, he said.

The vice chancellor said there are higher institutions that have fewer than 1,000 students, even 10 years after they were established.

According to the VC, many newly established universities, particularly those located in remote areas, lack basic infrastructure and struggle to attract workers

He added that some tertiary institutions were inaccessible to the students and staff members.

It is unfortunate that our politicians are seeing these higher institutions as dividends of democracy that must come to their corners.

Most of these institutions they attracted to their communities are not accessible. They are in remote areas and do not have the facilities and infrastructure to attract students and workers.

Mr Ajayi suggested that a 1015-year pause on creating new universities would give the government time to significantly expand the capacity of existing institutions by channelling resources into upgrading their infrastructure and facilities.

Corroborating the position, Sola Adeyanju, head of Public Affairs, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), described the moratorium as a very good decision.

Mr Adeyanju stressed that building new universities without adequate personnel and infrastructure would only spread limited resources thinner.

If you have a new university, you need new hostels, offices, roads, water, and electricity, yet the big ones we already have are barely surviving.

Why not expand the existing ones rather than multiply the infrastructure? he asked.

He, however, called for greater investment in technical and vocational education, noting that this would address Nigerias shortage of skilled professionals more effectively than opening more conventional universities.

Also, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Noah Yusuf, expressed strong support for the federal governments decision.

Mr Yusuf said the policy could help curb the politically motivated proliferation of federal higher institutions across the country.

According to him, many of the federal universities and colleges established in recent years were sited mainly to satisfy political interests, often sparking conflicts between politicians and communities over their locations.

With this moratorium, politicians will have to put a stop to these unnecessary actions.

It is a good move that will allow the government to concentrate on existing federal institutions, he said.

The education scholar urged the government to use the break to properly fund and upgrade existing institutions, applying UNESCOs recommended budgetary allocation to education.

He stressed that this would improve infrastructure, teaching quality, and research output across the countrys public universities and colleges.

Mr Yusuf said the moratorium could yield positive results in terms of improved regulation, better funding, and enhanced stability in Nigerias higher education sector.

He also highlighted the growing importance of private universities, noting that they have become the backbone of Nigerias higher education system by offering uninterrupted academic calendars and timely graduation.

The future of higher education in Nigeria lies with private universities.

They now outnumber public universities and provide stable, qualitative education, he stated.

(NAN)
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has won the Ganye state constituency by-election held on Saturday in Adamawa State.

The election was closely fought, with Misa Musa of the APC scoring 15,923 votes to beat his opponent, Buba Muhammad of the PDP, who polled 15,794.

The results were announced by Tukur Ahmed, the returning officer for the election, on Saturday at the collection centre at the headquarters of Ganye Local Government.

According to the returning officer, the ADC got 42 votes, APGA 14 votes, AA two votes, and AAC 17 votes.

The election was held in 10 wards amidst a heavy security presence led by Tayo Adeleke, an assistant inspector-general of police.

Allegations

Despite the tight security, the PDP alleged election irregularities, including ballot box snatching by the APC.

Miracle Musa, the special adviser to Governor Umar Fintiri on Media, accused Mustapha Salihu, the vice chairman of APC Northeast, of vote buying and hiding a ballot box. Mr Musa made the allegation in a statement.

Unfortunately, the Ganye Constituency bye-election has been marred by electoral malpractice. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has, by every indication, masterminded a widespread scheme of election rigging and vote buying. The desperate attempt to buy their way into power at all costs not only undermines the credibility of the process but also robs the good people of Ganye of their true mandate, he said.

This was evident in the actions of the APC North-East Chairman, Mustapha Salisu, who, aided by security operatives, attempted to rig the exercise, as sensitive electoral materials, including ballot boxes and BVAS devices, were reportedly hidden inside his vehicle. This must not be allowed to stand; the accused must be brought to book, Mr Musa said in a statement he posted on Facebook.

Mr Musa called on INEC to cancel the election results.

PREMIUM TIMES called Mr. Salihus phone number twice to seek his response to the allegation, but he did not pick up or reply to a message sent to him.

However, a video monitored by this reporter and posted on Facebook showed Mr. Salihu surrounded by police and residents of Ganye, who were insisting on searching a black SUV.

Mr Salihu later opened the trunk of the van for the police to search, as some in the crowd alleged a ballot box was inside. The video did not show if a ballot box was found or not.
The police command in Edo has arrested a serving police officer and three civilians for allegedly terrorising residents of Benin through acts of brutality, extortion, and armed robbery.

Moses Yamu, the commands Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement in Benin on Sunday.

He said the arrest followed a viral video in which a victim allegedly accused some police officers of abducting him, seizing his phone and belongings, while subjecting him to harassment.

Acting on the report, he said the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered an immediate investigation and arrest of the culprits.

On 15th August 2025, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team successfully intercepted the suspects with a silver coloured Toyota Yaris and other incriminating items, he said.

Mr Yamu said that a serving police inspector was arrested alongside three civilian accomplices for allegedly terrorising the residents of the city through acts of extortion and harassment.

Describing the incident as shameful and criminal, he quoted Mr Agbonika as saying the suspects would face the full weight of the law.

The command has zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, or misconduct within the force.

There will be no hiding place for rogue elements within the police.

Any officer caught engaging in extortion, brutality, or corruption will be dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted, Mr Yamu quoted Mr Agbonika as saying.

Mr Yamu urged members of the public, including the victim featured in the viral video, to come forward with credible information to aid investigations and ensure justice is served.

The police spokesperson reaffirmed the commands commitment to safeguarding lives and property, restoring public confidence, and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

(NAN)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates all the winners of Saturday, 16 August by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

The president commends the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the hitch-free elections, mostly devoid of violence.

Following the results declared by INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.

President Tinubu congratulates the new APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for the emphatic first victory recorded under his leadership.

He also congratulates the APC governors and other leaders on the success of the by-elections.

Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda has shown leadership capacity and demonstrated what is achievable when popular candidates are fielded and with unity of purpose among party leaders, the President remarks.

To all APC faithful and the electorate, thank you for the confidence reposed in our party. Be assured that our Renewed Hope slogan is not a mere slogan. Our destination is a better, more secure and prosperous Nigeria. We shall take you there, by the Grace of God, he said.

President Tinubu commends all the political parties and candidates who participated in the election and enjoins them to continue to be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship, fair contest and magnanimity, which are enablers of enduring democracy.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

August 17, 2025
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, to urgently refer to anti-graft agencies the allegations that lawmakers pay as much as 3 million before being allowed to present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

The organisation, in an open letter dated 16 August and signed by its Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, insisted that the presiding officers must not only expose those implicated but also invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the claims, prosecute those found guilty, and recover any proceeds of corruption.

SERAP warned that failing to act decisively would reinforce a culture of impunity and deepen the already widespread public distrust in the National Assembly.

This call follows a controversy that arose after a video surfaced online in which Ibrahim Auro (APC, Jigawa) alleged in Hausa that lawmakers were required to pay between 1 million and 3 million before they could present motions, bills, or petitions at plenary.

The claims went viral, triggering anger and disappointment among Nigerians who already perceive the legislature as one of the most corrupt arms of government.

Mr Auros revelations are particularly damning because they suggest that legislative activity, a constitutional duty that should be carried out in the interest of citizens, has been reduced to a transactional affair.

Violation of public trust

Responding to the uproar, SERAP described the allegation as a violation of the public trust and the constitutional oath of office by lawmakers.

According to the group, The allegations that lawmakers are paying bribes in exchange for presenting motions and bills and performing other legislative duties make a mockery of lawmaking and legislative powers under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Lawmakers should not have to pay bribes to present motions and bills at the National Assembly. Bribery should never have any influence in the exercise of legislative duties or the running of the National Assembly.

SERAP emphasised that the scandal, if not promptly addressed, undermines Nigerians democratic rights by corrupting a key avenue through which citizens voices are meant to be heard.

The group also urged Messrs Akpabio and Tajudeen to ensure whistleblower protection for Mr Auro, who risked political and personal consequences by exposing the alleged practice.

It argued that the allegations not only breach Nigerias Constitution and domestic anti-corruption laws but also violate international commitments.

In its letter, the group issued a seven-day ultimatum for action saying, We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and the National Assembly to comply with our requests in the public interest.

SERAP also urged the presiding officers to disclose the names of lawmakers or officials implicated in the scheme and take steps to recover any money collected as bribes.

The organisation maintained that referring the matter to EFCC and ICPC would be an important first step in restoring confidence in the legislature.

By exercising strong and effective leadership in this matter, the National Assembly can show Nigerians that the legislative body is a proper and accountable watchdog that represents and protects the public interest, and can hold itself to account in cases of corruption including bribery, SERAP stated.

The group stressed that the Nigerian public has a right to expect lawmakers to carry out their duties without financial inducements or obstruction.

House counters allegations

However, following the viral video, the House of Representatives swiftly dismissed Mr Auros claims as baseless.

In a statement on Friday, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the House, said such allegations are unsubstantiated and risk eroding public confidence in the legislature if not supported with verifiable evidence.

He explained that the National Assembly operates under well-established and transparent procedures for introducing bills, motions, and petitions, which are grounded in the Constitution and House Standing Orders.

Mr Rotimi disclosed that Mr Auro would be invited to substantiate his allegations when the House reconvenes, adding that should he fail to provide evidence, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate consideration, in line with parliamentary procedure.

Culture of corruption in the legislature

This is not the first time the National Assembly has been accused of corrupt practices linked to its oversight or lawmaking functions.

In 2012, then House member Farouk Lawan was accused of accepting a $500,000 bribe during the fuel subsidy probe.

In 2017, former House Appropriations Committee chair Abdulmumin Jibrin alleged widespread budget padding in the legislature, sparking months of public debate.

Also, in March 2024, Abdul Ningi alleged that 3 trillion was secretly inserted into the 2024 budget, claims that led to his suspension from the Senate.

Earlier in the year, PREMIUM TIMES reported that senators and House members, through committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, allegedly demanded 8 million bribes from university vice chancellors to approve institutional budgets.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has deported 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme offences.

The Federal High Court in Lagos had sentenced the foreigners to one year imprisonment each after they entered plea bargain agreements with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also imposed a fine of N1 million on each convict.

A source at the EFCC, who is not permitted to discuss the issue with the media, told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that the first batch of deportees departed Lagos at 2:00 p.m. local time, while others are scheduled to leave on Monday and Tuesday.

The EFCC said the syndicate ran a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme targeting victims abroad before it was dismantled in a joint operation.

Following their conviction, the foreigners were handed over to the NIS for deportation.

An EFCC source said the chair of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, described the convictions and deportations as a milestone in Nigerias fight against cybercrime. He said the agency would intensify investigations, recover stolen funds, and restore national dignity in line with President Bola Tinubus anti-corruption agenda.

Convictions and forfeiture

The convictions followed the December 2024 raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which 759 persons were arrested, including Nigerians, Chinese, Arabs, and Filipinos.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of $222,729.86 worth of digital assets (USDT) traced to some of the convicted Chinese nationals.

The judge, Alexander Owoeye, ruling on an ex parte application filed by EFCC lawyer Zeenat Atiku on 18 July, held that the assets were proceeds of cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

Court documents showed that the syndicate operated through a Nigerian-registered company, Genting International Co. Limited, which maintained a Union Bank account that received over N2.26 billion between April and December 2024.

EFCCs investigators revealed the funds flowed largely through cryptocurrency vendors.

Background

The December 2024 raid, considered one of Nigerias largest anti-cybercrime operations, led to the arrest of 792 suspectscomprising Nigerians, Chinese, Arab, and Filipino nationals.

They were arrested at a seven-storey building known as Big Leaf Building on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

EFCCs Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed the development during a media briefing on 16 December 2024.

Mr Olukoyede, who was represented by Mr Uwujaren revealed that the syndicate had transformed the buildingdesigned to appear as a legitimate corporate facilityinto a hub for training Nigerians in romance and investment scams.

The foreign nationals trained their Nigerian recruits to target victims online using fake identities across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, he said.

According to the EFCC, one floor alone housed 500 SIM cards from local telecom providers, while each Nigerian recruit was equipped with a desktop computer and mobile device.

They were provided with scripts, foreign phone numbers, and fake personas, primarily impersonating women to lure victimsmostly from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europeinto romance scams or into investing through a fraudulent platform.

The EFCC explained that the Nigerian accomplices were selected based on their computer literacy, especially typing speed. Those who passed an initial test were subjected to a two-week induction on impersonation tactics.

Once they established contact and built trust with victims, the foreign syndicate leaders would take over the scam and block their Nigerian collaborators from further access to the chats, keeping them in the dark about ongoing transactions, he said.

The Nigerian accomplices were neither given employment letters nor paid through official corporate channels.

They were paid in cash or via third-party accounts, and many never met the actual ringleaders, Mr Olukoyede added.

EFCC said it was collaborating with international partners to trace other accomplices and determine the full scope of the fraud, including links to foreign criminal networks.

He also stressed that contrary to popular belief, many large-scale scams traced to Nigeria are masterminded by foreign nationals exploiting the countrys global reputation.

Foreigners are taking advantage of our unfortunate image to conceal their operations. But this operation proves that Nigeria will not remain a haven for international fraudsters, he said.

Also speaking at the briefing, acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Michael Wetkas, called for greater media support in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

Items recovered during the operation include desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and vehicles.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has rejected the conduct of the by-election held on Saturday in Kaura Namoda South Constituency, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of perpetrating widespread electoral fraud with the backing of the military and bandits.

Addressing journalists in Gusau on Sunday, the State Chairman of the PDP, Jibo Magayaki Jamilu, described the exercise as a theatre of intimidation, violence, and electoral malpractice that fell short of democratic standards.

According to him, what should have been a peaceful poll turned into a shameful episode where voters, party agents, and PDP officials were harassed, brutalised, and denied access to polling units and collation centres.

In Sakaji Ward, for instance, there was no election at all. Results were fabricated by the APC in connivance with the military, without the presence of our agents, he alleged.

Mr Jamilu claimed that soldiers were deployed inside polling centres across the constituency, contrary to provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which require security personnel to remain at least 50 metres away from polling units.

Shockingly, soldiers were stationed directly inside polling centres, escorting ballot boxes and openly aiding the rigging machinery of the APC, he told reporters.

The PDP further alleged that bandit leaders were also used to intimidate voters in some wards. Electorates were threatened not to return home alive if they voted for PDP. This crude and barbaric tactic represents the height of desperation and recklessness of the APC, the party said.

The opposition party lamented what it described as a gross misuse of federal power, noting that while the military is being deployed to influence elections, the same level of commitment has not been shown in protecting rural communities from persistent bandit attacks.

It is deeply ironic and painful that the same military being used to militarise our elections cannot be deployed effectively to protect the lives and properties of our people who are daily under siege, the PDP chairman said.

The party warned that unless such practices are checked, they could threaten Nigerias democracy. If this dangerous trend continues, it will completely destroy democracy in Nigeria. We state categorically that we will no longer tolerate such undemocratic practices in future elections, Mr Jamilu added.

Despite the alleged intimidation, the PDP expressed pride in its supporters, who it said remained resilient and courageous in the face of harassment. The party maintained that the election outcome was not a reflection of the will of Zamfara people.

This election has clearly demonstrated that APC has lost the support of the people in Zamfara State and across Nigeria, the statement read.

The PDP urged its members and loyalists to remain calm, assuring that the party remains strong, resolute, and confident that justice will prevail.

INEC is yet to respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report. The military authorities and the APC have also not issued official statements on the matter.
Dogari Daje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has won Saturdays by-election to fill Munya Constituencys seat in the Niger House of Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Sunday that the APC candidate, Dogari Daje, polled a total of 12,556 votes, while his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sabon Sunday, scored 5,646 votes, resulting in a difference of 6,910 votes.

INECs Returning Officer, Abdulkarim Saka from Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, announced the result at the INEC Area Office, Sarkin Pawa in Munya Local Government Area of the state.

He said the APC won 10 out of the 11 wards, with PDP securing only one ward.

Reacting, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Niger, Ahmed Garki, described the election as transparent and credible.

The Commissioner of Police in Niger, Adamu Elleman, commended officers for their dedication to ensuring a peaceful and violence-free process.

In their separate remarks, Aminu Najume, chairman of Munya Local Government Area and Maurice Majaji, commissioner for Land and Survey, applauded the peaceful atmosphere that enabled voters to freely exercise their franchise.

Some of the electorate who spoke, including Danlaldi Hakimi, said the large turnout of voters was a result of the relative peace now being enjoyed in Munya Local Government, but there was still a need for improvement.

He advised the candidate of the PDP to accept the result in good faith and prioritise the interests of Munya Local Government, saying it is God who gives power and only one person can be declared a winner.

(NAN)
The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi, Muhammadu Sami, passed away on Saturday night.

This is contained in a statement by Ahmed Idris, chief press secretary to the Kebbi Governor, issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Mr Idris quoted the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar-Dutsinmari, as saying that the emir died at the age of 81 years in a London hospital after an illness.

According to him, the traditional ruler left behind four wives and seven children.

The Kebbi Government is using this medium to extend its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, Zuru Emirate Council, Zuru people and the entire people of Kebbi.

May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, the commissioner said.

Mr Umar-Dutsinmari revealed that the burial arrangements would be communicated later.

The late emir was an army officer who rose through the ranks to the position of a major general.

READ ALSO: Governor Lawal appoints new emir of Gusau

He joined the Nigerian Army on 10 December 1962 and attended several courses, both within and outside Nigeria, one of which was the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. He was commissioned on 25 July 1963.

From 1984-1985, he served as the Military Administrator of Bauchi State; 1985-1987, Officer, Nigerian Army School of Infantry; 1985-1987, Commanding Officer of 82nd Division. He was appointed General Officer Commanding 1 Mechanised Division, 1988.

Mr Sami was appointed Emir of Zuru in 1995, a position he held until his demise.

(NAN)
The police command in Ogun State has confirmed the arrest of two persons, identified as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for alleged electoral offences.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday by the commands spokesperson, Omolola Odutola.

She said the officials were arrested in Iperu Remo during the Remo federal constituency bye-election.

She noted that at 12:45 a.m., a police patrol team, attached to Iperu Remo Division, intercepted a Mitsubishi Space Wagon, with registration number AKD 887 HT, with three occupants.

She added that the INEC officials were arrested alongside their driver.

Ms Odutola stated that a search on the vehicle led to the recovery of N2.5 million cash from one of the officials.

During interrogation, he confessed that the money was collected at Kehoy Hotel, Iperu, from a man he referred to as Political Solution, acting on the directive of his supervisor, she said.

READ ALSO: PDP wins Ibadan North Reps seat formerly held by APC

The police spokesperson stated that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, had ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State CID, Eleweran, for immediate discreet investigation.

He assured members of the public that monitoring of the election was ongoing, and the command would keep the public abreast of the outcome of the investigation.

(NAN)
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) securities between April 29, 2025 and June 23, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Monday, August 25, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. Captioned Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., No. 25-cv-05315 (N.D. Cal.), the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit charges Hims & Hers as well as certain of Hims & Hers' executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A subsequently filed complaint is captioned Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., No. 25-cv-05321 (N.D. Cal.).

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-hims-hers-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit-hims.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Hims & Hers is a telehealth company that provides prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and personal care products. According to the complaint, on April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers announced a long-term collaboration with Novo Nordisk A/S, starting with the immediate sale of "a bundled offering of Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform."

The Hims & Hers class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Hims & Hers was engaged in the "deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk"; and (ii) as a result, there was a substantial risk that Hims & Hers' collaboration with Novo Nordisk would be terminated.

The Hims & Hers class action lawsuit further alleges that on June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk issued a press release announcing that it was terminating its partnership with Hims & Hers "based on Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk." On this news, the price of Hims & Hers stock fell more than 34%, according to the complaint.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Hims & Hers securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Hims & Hers class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. ("Hims & Hers" or the "Company") (NYSE: HIMS). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

The class action concerns whether Hims & Hers and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

You have until August 25, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Hims & Hers securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers announced a long-term collaboration with Novo Nordisk, starting with the immediate sale of "a bundled offering of Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform." Then, on June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk issued a press release announcing that it was terminating its partnership with Hims & Hers, citing "Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk." The press release stated that Hims & Hers "has failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs under the false guise of 'personalization.'" The press release further stated that "[b]ased on Novo Nordisk's investigation, the 'semaglutide' active pharmaceutical ingredients that are in the knock-off drugs sold by telehealth entities and compounding pharmacies are manufactured by foreign suppliers in China" which "FDA has never authorized or approved and which may contain unsafe and illicit foreign ingredients."

On this news, Hims & Hers' stock price fell $22.24 per share, or 34.63%, to close at $41.98 per share on June 23, 2025.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against XPLR Infrastructure, LP ("XPLR" or the "Company") (NYSE: XIFR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

The class action concerns whether XPLR and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

You have until September 8, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired XPLR securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On January 28, 2025, XPLR issued a press release announcing that it was abandoning its yieldco business model and indefinitely suspending its cash distribution to unitholders, stating it would redirect those funds to execute on several priorities, the first of which was to buy out its remaining CEPF obligations. The same press release also revealed that the Company had appointed a new chief executive officer. On a subsequent earnings call that same day, XPLR further revealed that the Company was revamping its entire management team and had appointed a new chief financial officer.

Following these disclosures, XPLR's unit price fell $3.97 per unit, or 25.13%, to close at $11.83 per unit on January 28, 2025.

XPLR's unit price continued to fall an additional $1.39 per unit, or 11.75%, over the following two consecutive trading sessions, to close at $10.44 per unit on January 30, 2025.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Moscow, Aug 17 : Russia's President Vladimir Putin has said that the "very frank and substantive" talk at the Alaska summit with US President Donald Trump on the Ukraine war moved the Kremlin nearer to making a decision.

Briefing his Cabinet and other officials at the Kremlin on Saturday, he said, "The conversation was very frank and substantive, which, in my view, moves us closer towards making necessary decisions."

An incomplete transcript of the meeting released by the Kremlin did not say if he outlined the needed decisions.

He said that he shared President Trump's desire to end the Ukraine war as soon as possible and settle all issues.

"We definitely respect the US administration's position which wants the hostilities to stop as soon as possible," he added.

"So do we, and we would like to move forward with settling all issues by peaceful means," he said.

That appeared to be in line with Trump's new position of wanting a peace agreement to end the war instead of an immediate ceasefire.

Going to Alaska on Friday, the US President said that he wanted a ceasefire "rapidly" and would be "unhappy" if it didn't happen that day.

After briefing Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders about the summit, he posted on Saturday morning on Truth Social, "It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up."

Meeting a US President after four years, Putin said that the talks went beyond Ukraine, although the focus was on it.

"We discussed our interactions in virtually all their aspects with a focus, of course, on achieving a fair resolution of the Ukraine crisis," he added.

Putin's last meeting with a US President was with Joe Biden in 2021, although he had met with Trump at least six times in his first term.

"We did not have direct talks at this level for a long time. Let me reiterate: We had a chance to convey our position in a calm and detailed manner," he said.

Trump said at the news conference after the summit that a couple of things were holding up an agreement and "one is probably the most significant".

He has not said what it was, but a Russian expert on the US quoted by the official news agency Tass speculated that it "may involve territorial concessions by Ukraine".

Based on his reading of Trump's post-summit interview with Fox News, Malek Dudakov said, "Essentially, he is shifting this burden onto Kyiv and hinting that any forthcoming agreement with Russia will likely not favour Ukraine."

"Expecting a single meeting to resolve all the complexities between Moscow and Washington was unrealistic," Tass quoted him as saying.

The summit's venue of Alaska carried symbolism as the territory had once belonged to Russia and was sold by Czar Alexander II to the US for $7.2 million in 1867, and was made the 49th State in 1959.

While Trump jetted off to Washington shortly after the summit, Putin stayed back to visit the graves of Soviet service personnel, who had died during World War II, when the US and the Soviet Union were allies.

Alaska has the remnants of an ethnic Russian community and Putin met with Archbishop Alexei of Sitka of the Russian Orthodox Church, according to his press office.
New Delhi, Aug 16 : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of systematically distorting history through selective changes in school NCERT textbooks.

In a televised debate on Saturday, Owaisi questioned the omission of key historical facts from school syllabi, including the role of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Syama Prasad Mookherjee in the Bengal Cabinet alongside Fazlul Haq, who had moved the Pakistan resolution at the Muslim League's Lahore session.

"Why don't you teach that Mukherjee was a Cabinet member? This is history. Why hide it?" the AIMIM Chief asked.

He further alleged that the RSS's involvement in major freedom movements such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, and Anti-Settlement Satyagraha (likely refers to the Rowlatt Satyagraha, a nationwide protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1919 against the Rowlatt Act) has been deliberately excluded from school textbooks.

"You selectively teach things and portray your ideological leaders as spotless," he said, adding that the truth must be taught without ideological filters.

Owaisi also challenged the portrayal of the Prime Minister in educational content, urging transparency about the RSS's prayer, oath, and foundational principles.

"You're trying to present your ideology as noble while portraying others as bad. Teach everything -- why are you hiding things?" he said.

Responding to a question on whether NCERT textbooks have been systematically altered over the years, Owaisi asserted, "The habit of changing history has always been there with RSS and BJP. Whenever they've been in power, this has been their primary agenda."

The AIMIM Chief also said that the BJP government at the Centre should include the book 'Muslims Against Partition' by Shamsul Islam in the NCERT-recommended syllabi.

"This lie about partition is repeated time and again. At that time, not even 2 to 3 per cent of Muslims had the right to vote. Only elitists such as zamindars and jagirdars were enfranchised. Even today, they (RSS and BJP) blame us (Muslims) for the partition of the country. How were we responsible for that? Those who fled, fled. Those who were loyal, stayed," he added.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over ideological influence in curriculum design and the politicisation of education.
Kyiv, Aug 17 : Andriy Yermak, the Chief of Staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has thanked the US' First Lady Melania Trump for calling on Russia's President Vladimir Putin to save deported Ukrainian children.

"The return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia should be a key condition for any peace agreement," Yermak wrote in a post on social media on Saturday.

Yermak said that he was "grateful" to Melania Trump for her letter to Russian President Putin, in which she called on the leader to "singlehandedly restore" children's "melodic laughter".

More than 35,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted during the war and taken to over 100 locations in Russia and Russian-occupied territory, according to the Ukraine Conflict Observatory, an effort led by Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab.

Melania Trump had penned a letter to Putin, which was hand-delivered by US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, calling on him to protect children and "nurture the next generation's hope" as his war on Ukraine continues.

"We must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all -- so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded. A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generation's descendants begin their lives with a purity -- an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology," the First Lady wrote.

Melania Trump said Putin "can singlehandedly restore children's "melodic laughter", adding that "in protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone a" you serve humanity itself. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time."

"Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nation's rustic countryside or a magnificent city-centre. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger," she wrote in a letter, dated August 15, to the Russian leader.

"As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few," the First Lady said in the one-page letter.

President Trump delivered the letter to Putin ahead of their high-stakes summit in Alaska, a White House official told the media on Saturday.

Melania Trump was not at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, where the nearly three-hour-long huddle between US and Russian officials took place.

Since the start of the war in late February 2022, Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, forcibly transferring them to Russia, attempting to assign them Russian citizenship and have them attend schools in Russia.

The United Nations criticised Russia in March for the suffering the children in Ukraine have endured because of the war, which has been ongoing for about three-and-a-half years.

Russia has previously argued that it has been shielding kids from the conflict areas.

More than 19,000 children were deported from Ukraine to Russia, adding that the actual number could be far higher, according to a Ukrainian government tracker.

Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday, ahead of the Trump-Putin summit, that Moscow has been stonewalling talks on the return of Ukrainian children.

Ukraine's leader said that while occasional transfers have taken place, with the assistance of other nations, Kyiv has not been able to strike a wide-ranging agreement with Russia on the matter.

"That is why we wanted to get certain matters settled in this trilateral track: ceasefire, an all-for-all exchange, and the return of children," Zelensky said.

"This is something everyone benefits from: President Trump benefits, the Russians lose nothing, the Ukrainians lose nothing. It's a fair compromise."
Berlin, Aug 16 : A quick peace deal between Russia and Ukraine may be "worth more than a ceasefire", German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

Merz said in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF on Saturday that after US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin should be held "as soon as possible" to reach a peace agreement.

"If that works out, it's worth more than a ceasefire that could possibly last for weeks without further progress in political and diplomatic efforts," he added.

Merz said that it was "good news" that there were no territorial negotiations between Putin and Trump without Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

Europe will play a role in Trump's talks with Zelensky on Monday, he said.

A White House official told CNN that multiple European leaders have been invited to the talks.

However, "for the time being" Trump will still play the decisive role in the conflict, Merz said.

"The American President, who then also has the power, both militarily and via appropriate sanctions and tariffs, to ensure that Russia moves more than it is currently doing," he added.

The German leader also said that he is pleased that the US is ready to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine.

"Now there are security guarantees on the table," he said, "And the good news is that America is prepared to participate in such security guarantees and is not leaving it to the Europeans alone."

The German government and other European governments had insisted, ahead of the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on Friday, that an immediate ceasefire must mark the beginning of a peace process in Ukraine.

Trump had also supported this position but abandoned it, as he made clear after the summit.

The Russian side was evidently not prepared for a ceasefire, Merz said.

He criticized Russia for continuing to attack Ukraine during the talks between Trump and Putin.

"I find that particularly disrespectful," he added.

Trump had briefed the most important European heads of state and government on Saturday morning about his conversation with Putin.

According to Merz, the discussions also touched on possible territorial concessions to Russia.

Russia appears willing to conduct negotiations along the current front lines rather than administrative borders, Merz told the broadcaster.

"That is a significant difference," the German Chancellor said.

Until now, Russia has been claiming territories it does not even militarily occupy.

In his talks with Putin, Trump did not question a single one of the five core points previously established by the Europeans and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz said.

"That is a good result," he added.

This means Trump and Putin did not discuss territorial issues over the heads of Ukraine and the Europeans.

--IANS

int/khz
New Delhi, Aug 17 : As the Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was given a grand welcome as he arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi in early hours of Sunday, the Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on India's space journey and Shukla's historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to a notice issued by the Lower House.

The House will debate on "India's first astronaut aboard the ISS a"a" critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047", a subject that can possibly end the deadlock in Parliament to hail India's new milestone in space journey.

Shukla landed in New Delhi following his two-week long mission aboard the ISS in June-July, where he was received by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh as well as several citizens of the country who hailed his return to the country after completing a successful space mission stint.

The discussion has been scheduled amid the Opposition's efforts to raise the issue of alleged manipulation of voter lists and the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

In June, Shukla became the second Indian to go to space a"a" after IAF wing commander Rakesh Sharma a"a" as part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

He returned to Earth on July 16.

Alongside Shukla, the Ax-4 mission marked the return to human spaceflight programme for India, Poland and Hungary in more than four decades.

Representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Shukla's return with all the learnings and experience from the Ax-4 mission is an important step for the Gaganyaan mission and setting up the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (the Indian Space Station).

In her address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu mentioned Shukla's feat and said, "I am sure that Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey to the International Space Station has fired a whole generation to dream bigger. It will prove extremely helpful for India's upcoming human space flight program, aGaganyaana."

The Department of Space described Shukla's mission as one of "strategic importance" and India's resolve to emerge as a serious contender in human space exploration.

During his address on the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Shukla's historic visit.

"Every citizen of the country is seeing the wonders of the space sector and is filled with pride. And our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station. He is also coming to India in a few days. We are also preparing for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Gaganyaan on our own in space. We are working towards building our own space station on our own," he said.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Moscow, Aug 17 : Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia would like an early cessation of hostilities in Ukraine by peaceful means.

Putin said at a meeting on the results of his talks with US President Donald Trump that Russia respects the position of the US administration, which sees the need for an early cessation of hostilities, and Russia would like to move on to resolving all issues by peaceful means, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Kremlin.

He said his visit to the US state of Alaska was timely and very useful, adding that the talks covered almost all areas of Russia-US cooperation, as well as a possible settlement of the Ukrainian crisis on a fair basis.

He said the conversation with Trump was "very frank," and "brings us closer to the necessary decisions".

Putin put forward a demand that Ukraine needs to withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region as a condition for ending Moscow's war with Kyiv during the Alaska Summit with Trump on Friday.

However, the Russian President also told Trump that if his core demands were met, he would be open to freezing the rest of the frontline, according to a media report.

According to the report, Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on Saturday to communicate Putin's demand.

He also urged Ukraine and Europe to drop efforts to secure a ceasefire from Moscow.

Russia has been in partial control of the Donetsk region for more than a decade. If Putin's demand is met, he will get control of the territory where his forces have made the most gains in the war since November last year.

Putin made it clear to Trump that his core demand of addressing 'the root causes' of the conflict still stands. He wants NATO's eastward expansion to end, meaning Ukraine would not be allowed to join the alliance.

But he is reportedly prepared to compromise on other issues, including territory, if he is satisfied that the "root causes" are addressed.

Putin and Trump on Friday wrapped up their talks in the US city of Anchorage in Alaska, but no deal was reached.

The talks, which lasted about three hours, focused primarily on the Ukraine crisis, as well as on reshaping bilateral relations that have largely stalled in recent years.

Putin told Trump that in exchange for Donetsk and Luhansk, he would halt further advances and freeze the frontline in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces occupy significant areas.

Russian forces control about 70 per cent of the Donetsk region. Ukraine still has control over the region's westernmost chain of cities, which are said to be critical to Kyiv's military operation and defences along the eastern front.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he would not swap territory with Russia and would not allow a second partition of the country.

He is meeting Trump on Monday in Washington, where this topic will certainly come up.
Washington, Aug 17 : US President Donald Trump has told European leaders after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he wants to arrange a trilateral summit with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as soon as August 22, US media reported.

Zelensky said in an X post on Saturday that he will meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

Trump also invited the European leaders to join Monday's White House meeting, according to US online media outlet Axios.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday that a trilateral summit is expected to follow Monday's meeting between Zelensky and Trump, Xinhua news agency reported.

So far, the Russian side has not publicly committed to a trilateral meeting.

A US newspaper reported earlier, citing sources, that following his meeting with Putin, the US leader proposed negotiating a peace deal under which Ukraine would give up the rest of the Donbass region to Russia, including areas not liberated by Russian troops, in a phone call with European leaders, Russian news agency Tass reported.

A ceasefire in the rest of Ukraine at present-day battlefronts and security guarantees, both for Kyiv and Europe, would be offered in return, Tass reported.

On August 15, Putin and Trump met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska.

Their talks lasted nearly three hours, including a one-on-one conversation in the American leader's limousine en route to the main negotiation venue, as well as a subsequent small-group discussion involving three participants on either side.

The Russian delegation included Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while the American side was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a statement to the media following the talks, Putin said they mostly focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Trump described his summit with Putin as "very productive".

Later, he called Zelensky, EU leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

After the summit and the phone calls, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia should go straight to agreeing on a final peace deal as he dropped his demand for a ceasefire.

Trump and Zelensky are due to have a meeting in the White House on Monday.

The US leader said that if talks with Zelensky are a success, another meeting with Putin will be scheduled.

--IANS

int/khz
Chennai, Aug 17 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Tamil Nadu on August 22 to participate in the BJP's zonal conference and to preside over the State Core Committee meeting in Tirunelveli.

The zonal conference, originally scheduled for August 17, was postponed following the demise of Nagaland Governor and veteran BJP leader La Ganesan.

Party insiders said HM Shah, who had initially been invited for the programme, confirmed his participation after the event was rescheduled.

A senior BJP leader said, "He will lead the zonal conference and address the gathering. The Union Home Minister will also review the party's organisational work and hold discussions with state office-bearers on the prevailing political situation."

The Tirunelveli conference is expected to focus on strengthening booth-level committees and speeding up grassroots mobilisation in the southern districts.

Party sources noted that this will be one of the largest BJP events in the region, aimed at energising cadre and reinforcing the party's growing influence in southern Tamil Nadu.

While HM Shah is not expected to meet AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami during this visit, BJP leaders have indicated that discussions on consolidating the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state will be an important part of his deliberations with state leaders.

Strengthening alliances, fine-tuning electoral strategies, and addressing local political challenges are likely to figure in the review sessions.

Meanwhile, BJP national General Secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh is also scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu by the end of August to assess the party's organisational progress. His visit is expected to complement HM Shah's efforts by offering guidance on expanding cadre strength and ensuring greater coordination at the grassroots level.

With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on the horizon, the BJP leadership is placing increased emphasis on widening its support base, particularly in the southern districts where the party is working to gain ground.

Home Minister Shah's participation in the zonal conference is seen as a strong message of the central leadership's focus on Tamil Nadu, a state considered crucial for the party's long-term southern strategy.
Washington, Aug 17 : US First Lady Melania Trump has penned a heartfelt "peace letter" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to safeguard children and future generations by bringing an end to the war in Ukraine.

According to media reports, the letter was personally delivered to Putin by US President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with the Russian leader at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday.

In her emotional appeal, Melania highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on children, describing them as "caught in the crosshairs" of violence.

Her letter opened with a moving line, "Dear President Putin, Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nationas rustic countryside or a magnificent city-centre. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger."

The First Lady wrote that protecting future generations must be the shared responsibility of both parents and world leaders.

"As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few," she noted.

This marks Melania Trump's second known involvement in US foreign policy related to Russia and Ukraine.

She had earlier played a role in convincing her husband to strengthen military aid to Kyiv and to take a firmer position in dealings with Moscow over the long-running conflict.

Calling children "a purity, an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology," Melania appealed directly to the Russian President.

"Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter. In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone, you serve humanity itself," she added.

The letter ended with an urgent call for immediate action, urging Putin not to delay.

"Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time," she concluded.

The letter was handed to Putin shortly before the Alaska summit between the two leaders.

Meanwhile, Trump has described his meeting with the Russian President as "extremely productive," though he clarified that no formal agreement had been reached.

Both leaders spoke positively about their discussions, even as no signed deal was announced.

Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington on Monday to hold talks with Trump.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 : Monsoon showers across Kerala are set to intensify further under the influence of a low-pressure system likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The state will continue to experience heavy rainfall until August 20, with alerts sounded in several districts.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Sunday, warning of very heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been sounded for seven districts -- Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad -- where rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is likely within a day.

Since Thursday, the central and northern parts of Kerala have witnessed heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds.

The inclement weather has already caused widespread damage, with uprooted trees blocking roads and damaging houses in several areas.

On Saturday, tragedy struck in Vadakara, Kozhikode, when a woman was electrocuted after coming into contact with a snapped power line brought down by a fallen tree.

The heavy rains have also pushed water levels in several dams and reservoirs to critical points.

In Pathanamthitta district, authorities opened two shutters of the Kakki reservoir on Saturday afternoon to ease pressure. In Palakkad, the Meenkara, Chuliyar, and Walayar dams reached "third stage alert" status, prompting precautionary measures.

Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore, as the IMD has warned of strong winds reaching speeds of up to 65 kmph over the Arabian Sea.

Fishing activities along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep have been banned until Monday due to unsafe sea conditions.

With the monsoon showing no signs of easing, disaster management authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant. Local administrations have been directed to prepare relief camps and take preventive measures in vulnerable regions.

Officials said the situation will be closely monitored, especially in northern districts, which are expected to bear the brunt of the intensified monsoon spell.
Riga, Aug 17 : The heads of government of the Baltic and Nordic countries issued a joint statement, stressing that only Ukraine can decide its own future and reaffirming their "unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity".

No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no decisions on Europe without Europe, declared the eight leaders of Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, and Sweden on Saturday in the joint statement.

They underlined their steadfast support for Ukraine and their commitment to efforts aimed at ending the Ukraine crisis.

"Achieving a just and lasting peace requires a ceasefire. And credible security guarantees for Ukraine. A peace agreement needs firm and concrete commitments by transatlantic partners to safeguard Ukraine against any future aggression," the statement said.

Welcoming US readiness to participate in security guarantees, the leaders stressed that no limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or its cooperation with other countries.

They also highlighted their countries' continuous military support for Ukraine and efforts to strengthen Europe's defences to deter Russia, stressing that they will "tighten sanctions and broader economic measures to squeeze Russia's war economy" as long as Moscow continues its attacks.

Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Vladimir Putin of Russia met in Alsaka, US, on Friday. This was the first time a US President met with Putin since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022.

The idea of a territory swap has been raised by Trump, which would allow Moscow to cement its war gains.

On Saturday, Estonia's top politicians and diplomats spoke out strongly against the plan, but stopped short of directly criticising Washington.

On Sunday, Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal (Reform) shared the joint statement from Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

"The strongest backers of Ukraine reaffirm support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

"We remain committed to military aid, diplomacy, pressure on Russia. No borders changed by force. No decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine. No decisions on Europe without Europe."

"We will continue to work closely with the United States, Ukraine, as well as other partners, to seek a peace that is just, lasting, and rooted in the principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and international law," the joint statement issued by the eight Baltic countries said.

According to a statement issued by the Kremlin on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his talks with US President Donald Trump on Friday in Alaska covered almost all areas of Russia-US cooperation, as well as a possible settlement of the Ukrainian crisis on a fair basis, adding that Russia would like to move on to resolving all issues by peaceful means.
Mumbai, Aug 17 : The Dahi Handi celebrations held as part of Janmashtami festivities in Mumbai turned tragic with the deaths of two people, though not during the human pyramid formations.

In addition, a total of 210 people were reported injured across the city during the celebrations, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

One of the deceased was identified as 39-year-old Govinda participant, Jagmohan Shivkiran Chaudhary, who slipped and sustained injuries while attempting to reach a Dahi Handi from a balcony.

The second fatality involved a 14-year-old boy who collapsed while seated in a tempo during the festivities. The boy was suffering from jaundice, but had still joined his team for the Dahi Handi. He was sitting in a tempo; however, suddenly he felt dizzy and was admitted to Rajawadi Hospital. He was declared dead there.

Civic and government hospital records until 12.30 a.m. showed that 210 people were injured. Out of them, 68 remain under treatment while 142 have been discharged.

At civic-run hospitals, 91 people sustained injuries, with 60 currently receiving treatment and 31 already discharged. ESI hospitals reported 45 injuries, with five still under treatment and 40 discharged, while other hospitals saw 74 injuries, with four under treatment and 70 discharged.

The celebrations also witnessed injuries outside Mumbai. Six were reported in Navi Mumbai, 17 in Thane, and five in the Kalyan-Ulhasnagar region.

Dahi Handi, which is celebrated annually across India to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, fell on August 16 this year.

Preparations had already begun days earlier, with Govinda teams practising the formation of multi-tiered human pyramids to break the traditional handi.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, was observed across Maharashtra with religious devotion and festive fervour.

Large gatherings of devotees flocked to temples and festival venues, chanting "Jai Govinda" and breaking symbolic handis.

In Virar, massive crowds participated in the celebrations while chants of "Jai Govinda" echoed through the air.

Several Dahi Handi spots were also organised by political leaders and local outfits in Vasai-Virar, where Govindas took part in pyramid formations, while devotees sang and danced to Govinda songs.

The Dahi Handi remains one of the most important parts of Janmashtami festivities in Maharashtra, recreating the mythological episode of Krishna as a child breaking pots of butter hung high above the ground.

Each year, numerous competitions are organised across the state, drawing thousands of participants and spectators who celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with grandeur and devotion.
Khartoum, Aug 17 : At least 31 people were killed, including seven children and a pregnant woman, and 13 others were injured in an attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the city of El Fasher, western Sudan, according to volunteer groups.

The Sudan Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement on Saturday that the RSF conducted a "heinous crime" by "deliberately targeting" the Abu Shouk displacement camp with artillery shelling.

The ongoing siege of El Fasher has caused critical shortages of medicine, medical staff, and food, "exposing thousands of displaced women and children to slow death," it warned.

The Abu Shouk Emergency Room said in a statement that "the northern side of the camp witnessed intense artillery shelling on Saturday," resulting in "more than 30 deaths."

Meanwhile, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a volunteer group, said the RSF attack began early in the morning and continued past noon, sparking panic among civilians, triggering new displacement, and causing numerous casualties and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

There has been no immediate comment from the RSF regarding the incident, reports Xinhua news agency.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 over a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, devastating the country's infrastructure, killing tens of thousands, displacing millions, and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

El Fasher, capital of the North Darfur state and the last major city in the vast Darfur region not under RSF control, has been the epicentre of the conflict and under siege by the RSF since May 2024.

Earlier this month, the volunteer groups reported that at least 16 people were killed and eight others were injured in an attack carried out by the RSF on a village in North Kordofan State, western Sudan.

The network condemned what it described as "a brutal attack," stating that it constitutes a full-fledged "war crime" and reflects a systematic pattern by the RSF of targeting civilians in Sudan.

For its part, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in North Kordofan, also a volunteer group, confirmed in a statement that 16 civilians were killed in the RSF attack on the village of Markaz Al-Ziyadiya, noting that several others were wounded or taken captive.

According to the statement, an RSF armed group launched an assault on civilians inside their homes and looted residents' properties in the process.
Istanbul, Aug 17 : A forest fire that erupted in Turkey's northwestern province of Canakkale has forced the evacuation of five villages, authorities said.

Canakkale Governor Omer Toraman said on social media platform X that 11 planes and 10 helicopters, along with ground crews, have been deployed to battle the blaze.

The villages were evacuated as a precaution, as the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, Toraman said.

According to weather reports, winds in the region are blowing at around 50 km per hour.

Meanwhile, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on X that efforts are continuing "with full force and without interruption" to bring the blaze under control as soon as possible.

Canakkale, along with the northwestern provinces of Kocaeli and Bursa, has battled forest fires in the past month, driven by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds.

Yumakli said a wildfire that erupted on Friday in Kocaeli was brought under control as of Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Additionally, a forest fire erupted on Friday in Turkey's northwestern province of Kocaeli, forcing the evacuation of a village as flames neared homes.

The blaze broke out around noon in the Karamursel district and spread rapidly due to strong winds, the Kocaeli Governor's Office said on social media. Residents of Akcat village were being evacuated.

Many homes were destroyed and rendered uninhabitable, the Demiroren News Agency reported, sharing images of charred buildings.

Firefighting efforts were underway from the air and on the ground, involving six planes, 10 helicopters, 75 vehicles, and 200 personnel, the governor's office said.

Winds in the area were forecast to reach 60 to 80 kilometres per hour until Saturday evening, the statement added, warning residents to take extra precautions.

Kocaeli, along with the northwestern provinces of Canakkale and Bursa, has battled forest fires in the past month, driven by extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds.
Mumbai, Aug 17 : Hema Malini reflected on doing action sequences as Basanti in Ramesh Sippy's 'Sholay' as the iconic movie completed 50 years of release on Friday.

During an exclusive interaction with IANS, Hema Malini was asked, "You performed stunts in the film. How did you manage that?"

Speaking to IANS, the actress and politician revealed they she has done stunts in many of her films.

"Fight sequences used to be created in the films especially for me -- 'If Hema Malini is there in the film, we must make her fight.' Whatever character I am playing, there had to be a fight sequence," she revealed.

Talking about 'Sholay', Hema Malini added: "There were action sequences in Sholay as well, but they were mostly while going in the tanga (Horse Cart) -- the dacoits are all behind me, chasing me. There is a very beautiful chasing scene in the movie. Every scene in the film is a moving shot, nothing is in one place."

She said that she will show 'Sholay' to her grandchildren.

When asked, "We are talking about Sholay even after fifity years. You have grandchidren. Have they seen Sholay.?"

Hema Malini replied: "I don't think so, but now that it has completed fifty years, I will show it to them. I will make them sit in my house one day and watch it in mini theatre, definitely."

She also shared that initially she was unhappy with her role in Sholay as she thought it was a small role compared to her earlier hit films like 'Sita and Geeta'.

"When 'Sholay' was offered to me, after making 'Seeta Aur Geeta', the same director, Ramesh Sippy told me, 'So many other characters are there and you are also one of them.' So I was feeling a little disappointed, thinking, 'Why only small role for me? Why not a bigger role?'" she revealed.

However, later the filmmaker informed that her role would have a huge impact, insisting her to accept the role.
Chennai, Aug 17 : Barring a few areas where early kuruvai paddy is ready for harvest, the widespread rainfall over the past two weeks has provided a significant boost to kuruvai cultivation across the Cauvery delta districts.

Farmers say the showers have also created favourable conditions for the upcoming samba season.

According to the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, short-term kuruvai paddy has been cultivated on 2.33 lakh hectares this year in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruchy. This marks a 56 per cent increase compared to last year.

Comfortable storage levels in the Mettur dam, combined with the recent rainfall, have given a strong lifeline to standing kuruvai crops.

Farmers note that the rainfall during the traditional Tamil month of Aadi has been timely. "This will help ensure a bumper harvest during the current kuruvai season," said Kumaran Balaji, a farmer from Thanjavore.

Another farmer, R. Sukumaran of Kakkarai, termed the rains "necessary" for sustaining the crop. However, for those harvesting early varieties, the excess moisture has created challenges.

"Due to the wet fields, machines had to be operated for three extra hours to complete the harvest, which increased expenses," said P. Vadivelu of Ammayagaram.

Meanwhile, several farmers who opted out of kuruvai cultivation in favour of samba are making use of both rainwater and canal water for transplantation.

Official estimates project that samba paddy will cover 1.23 lakh hectares in Thanjavur, 1.38 lakh hectares in Tiruvarur, and 70,000 hectares in Mayiladuthurai.

Experts have advised farmers to adopt careful sowing practices to protect the samba crop from damage during the northeast monsoon.

"Long-term varieties should be sown between August 15 and September 7, while medium-term varieties can be sown throughout September. This timing will help safeguard crops from heavy rainfall later in the year," said P. Kalaivanan of the Senior Agro Technologists Forum.

With steady rainfall, ample dam storage, and timely guidance, farmers in the delta are optimistic about both kuruvai and samba yields this year, though rising operational costs remain a concern.
Seoul, Aug 17 : Special prosecutors investigating corruption allegations against South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee were deliberating over the charges to press against her after securing a luxury necklace she allegedly accepted in exchange for a personnel appointment favour, legal sources said on Sunday.

Last week, special counsel Min Joong-ki's team said Seohee Construction officials submitted the Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and confessed to gifting the item to Kim right after her husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was elected in March 2022, seeking a government job for the company chairman's son-in-law.

The son-in-law, a former prosecutor, was appointed as the chief of staff for then Prime Minister Han Duck-soo three months later, reports Yonhap news agency.

Kim has reportedly denied the allegation, arguing that the necklace she wore during a 2022 trip to Europe was not authentic.

Given the evidence, special prosecutors could press charges of bribery through mediation against Kim, considering that she did not hold any public office and did not have any authority to make any personnel appointments.

Under the law, bribery charges apply to people typically holding public office who provide a benefit in exchange for the bribe, compared with bribery through mediation, when a third party is involved to facilitate the transaction.

In order to apply bribery charges, special prosecutors would need to prove that Yoon himself accepted the necklace, placing Kim as an accomplice in the case.

A bribery conviction could lead to a term of 10 years or more if the bribe exceeds 100 million won (US$72,000), while bribery through mediation carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

If Yoon were unaware of the transaction and only found out after it happened, it would be difficult to apply bribery charges even if he took part in the personnel appointment process.

Min's team, however, has yet to question Yoon, who has refused to cooperate with the investigation even after a court issued a detention warrant allowing special prosecutors to forcibly bring him in.

Kim is also currently under custody after a court issued a warrant to arrest her last week on charges of involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, meddling in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and 2024 general elections, and receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church through a shaman in exchange for business favours.

She appeared for questioning on Thursday but exercised her right to remain silent on most of the charges raised against her.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : More than 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers (till July) to promote the balanced use of fertilisers and support better soil management across the country, according to the latest government data.

By February 2025, a total of Rs 1,706.18 crore has been provided to states and Union Territories to support the Soil Health Card scheme.

Further advancing its impact, the Soil and Land Use Survey of India has also carried out soil mapping on a large scale. Mapping has been completed at a 1:10,000 scale across nearly 290 lakh hectares, including land in 40 aspirational districts, the official data showed.

To guide farmers in using fertilisers wisely, 1,987 village-level soil fertility maps have been created for 21 states and Union Territories. These maps help farmers make better choices for their soil and crops.

The year 2015 was marked as the International Year of Soils. It was also when India launched its landmark Soil Health Card Scheme on February 19, aiming to assess the nutrient condition of every farm across the country.

The scheme was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. It supports state governments in providing farmers with detailed reports on soil health.

These cards offer recommendations on how to improve soil fertility and guide farmers to adopt sustainable practices. From the year 2022a"23, the scheme has been included as a component under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and is now known as aSoil Health and Fertilitya.

A Soil Health Card is a printed report given to farmers for each of their land holdings. It shows the condition of the soil by testing 12 key parameters, namely Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur (Macro-nutrients); Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron (Micro - nutrients); and pH (Acidity or Basicity), EC (Electrical Conductivity) and OC (Organic Carbon).

The scheme helps farmers understand what their soil needs through regular testing and provides guidance every 2 years. Each card gives farmers a clear picture of the nutrient status of their land. It also suggests the right amount of fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, organic inputs, and soil treatments to help them take better care of their soil over time.

a"IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 17 : There is no doubt that the present turbulence in the Middle East and the region's proneness to violence is to be attributed to the terror attack of Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1200 Israelis were killed and 250 others, including women and children, were abducted as hostages. India was among the first nations to condemn the attack.

The incident evoked a justifiable punitive counter-attack by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), which became a prolonged offensive on Gaza, where Hamas had taken to operating from underground tunnels using these as a shield.

The sustained armed campaign of Israel in Gaza aimed at 'destroying' Hamas has resulted in the killing of over 50,000 Palestinians, including Hamas members, and has now created a deep humanitarian crisis with thousands of people, including children, being exposed to stark hunger- the world finds this situation becoming increasingly unacceptable.

Israel's offensive today is on the verge of becoming 'unjust and immoral' and this has shifted the responsibility for the human catastrophe in Gaza from Hamas to Israel. It is true that Israel had faced an existential crisis because of the 'non-acceptance' of the idea of a Jewish state in Palestine, among the Arab states of the region, but it is equally important that Israel and its chief backer, the US, moved towards recognising the need for Palestinians to have a homeland too.

The concept of a Palestinian state on the border of Israel can be modified suitably to address the concerns of Israel about a standing security threat from such a state. The world must quickly work for a peaceful coexistence of the two states in Palestine.

It is relevant to recall that the Arab Spring of 2010 changed the dynamics of Middle East regimes by empowering street movements and compelling a shift towards democratisation in authoritarian Arab states. In the process, however, this set the trend of radicalisation, giving birth to many Islamic terror organisations.

Hamas had originated as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was founded in 1928 in Egypt and Syria by the Islamic thinker, Hasan Al Banna, with the aim of opposing the pro-Soviet 'nationalist' regimes there and demanding Islamisation of the state.

The US-led West politically endorsed the Muslim Brotherhood, and many years later, in 2011, the latter succeeded in ousting the dictatorial regime of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, the US appreciated it on the quiet.

Over the years, however, Hamas once a moderate Islamic outfit became radicalised because of the perceived high handedness of Israel in Gaza and took to terrorism. Radical Islamic forces carried the historical memory of the 19th-century Wahhabi revolt against the 'Western encroachment on Muslim lands' and remain extremely inimical to the US. This is the reason why in the current military confrontation between Iran and Israel, Iran was able to take Hamas in its embrace -- the shared political antagonism towards the US binds them together, notwithstanding the fundamental Shia-Sunni divide dating back to the Kharijite rebellion against Caliph Ali.

There is a lesson to be drawn by the democratic world from the fact of a Sunni radical Hamas joining up with a fundamentalist Iran. Faith-based militancy in any part of the Muslim world should not be allowed to turn into Islamic terrorism resulting from the sense of distress amongst Muslims that made them vulnerable to the pull of Jehad. Gaza should be looked at by the world from that angle.

The Middle East is presently overshadowed by the 'war-like' confrontation between Iran on one hand and the US-Israel axis on the other, even as the Hamas-Israel conflict remains unresolved. Iran has powerful proxies working for it -- Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) active in many Middle East countries, Houthis in Yemen and Shiite militants of Iraq and Syria, besides the Hamas of Gaza. Iran joining hands with Hamas has the potential for further aggravating the Palestinian chaos -- it is rightly said that 'wars without a clear political goal cannot be won' and can only lead to a catastrophe.

A significant matter of concern in the Middle East is that the Iran-Israel confrontation is developing signs of a 'civilisational clash' between Islam and Zionism. Hamas once called for the 'rise of the Islamic state between the Jordon River and the Mediterranean governed by Shariat law'.

Israel has become even more distrustful of the Arab states around it after Hamas was taken by Iran into its fold militarily, thus strengthening Iran's fighting power against Israel. The Palestinian cause has long served as a unifying factor for disparate entities such as Sunnis and Shiites or Arabs and Persians in the name of faith. Even Arab states friendly to the US would not find it possible to strike any kind of normal relationship with Israel unless the issue of Palestine was resolved.

The so-called Abraham Accord sought to be promoted by US President Donald Trump during his first tenure between some Arab states like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, did not make advances after the outbreak of the Iran-Israel 'war'. Even the closest allies of the US, like Saudi Arabia, are distressed over the escalation of the US-Iran conflict, resulting in the America bombing the nuclear sites of Iran.

The international community has to step in and support a peaceful initiative around the idea of Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side with mutual respect. More than one state entity for Palestinians may have to be created along the Israel border, and positioning of an international Peace Keeping Force for some time may have to be considered. A ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages have to be the first steps -- taking hostages and using them for political bargaining is a classic terrorist act and is totally unacceptable.

US-Saudi combine should move to provide a stable administration in Gaza, organe relief work and give a start to the 'reconstruction work' there. Democratisation of the Middle East will be conducive to restoring peace, as it will check the rise of faith-based militancy -- equal treatment of all communities is implicit in a democratic dispensation.

Israeli security and Jewish democratic identity must go with a similar transition of Islamic fundamentalist rule anywhere to an enlightened Islamic democracy where minorities would be treated at par with the Muslim majority. A Muslim majority should make it easier for the regime to even adopt the ultimate principle of democracy -- the idea of 'one man one vote' -- because it does not come in the way of the rule of the majority. As regards the current US-Iran confrontation that is rooted in the Israeli distrust of Iran's proclaimed commitment to producing only nuclear energy for peaceful usage, it can be said that it is Iran that first leveraged an ideological narrative of 'Islamic resistance' through a network of 'proxies' to deal with an aggressive US.

Moreover, IRGC has developed a sophisticated ballistic missile system for use as a deterrent by upholding the promise of a strong retaliatory action.

In the cycle of action and reaction, Israel's attack on Iran with the aim of destroying the latter's nuclear establishments on June 13, 2025, was responded to by Iran through a missile and Drone attack on Tel Aviv and Haifa. This was followed by a direct attack by the US on Iran's nuclear sites in which even bunker-buster bombs were used, making it the first American military intervention in the Middle East since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.

Israel, meanwhile, has focused on degrading the leadership of the Iran-led 'axis of resistance'. President Trump has openly called for the 'surrender' of Iran in the context of the signing of a new nuclear deal. A formula for peace has to be worked out between Iran and the US in which emphasis will have to be placed on complete transparency about Iran's nuclear programme being kept totally open to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran's posture so far can be said to be 'defensive' and hence care should be taken not to do anything at the cost of the 'civilisational pride' of Iran. Wisdom lies in not letting a turbulent Middle East precipitate a 'war of religions' that is marked by attrition, degeneration into faith-driven terrorism and a potential for spreading to other regions as well.

Developments in the Middle East cause concern to the democratic world as a whole, and initiatives for restoring peace should come from the leading democracies putting their heads together.

It is to be noted that China and Russia are siding with Iran because of their political opposition to the US. The Middle East should not be allowed to become the reason for a possible return of the Cold War.

(The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau)
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 : Union Minister and BJP MP from Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, has brushed aside allegations of voter fraud and complaints over a fake affidavit, stating that he is not answerable to such charges.

Speaking to the media in Thrissur on Sunday, the actor-turned-politician maintained a dismissive tone. "Nothing doing," he said, declining to respond to questions.

"I don't think I should react to these allegations. The Election Commission will address them in its press conference today. I am a Union Minister; I have no role in this matter," he remarked.

Mocking reporters, he added, "If the Election Commission takes the issue to the Supreme Court, you go and ask the apex court."

Gopi also made a veiled attack on the Congress and CPI(M), accusing them of fuelling the controversy to target the BJP.

He was interacting with the press after offering a garland at the statue of Sakthan Thampuran on the occasion of Chingam 1.

The Thrissur police had earlier initiated a probe based on a complaint that Gopi had transferred his vote to Thrissur by filing a false affidavit ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Adding to the controversy, documents surfaced showing that his brother, Subhash Gopi, was registered as a voter in both Thrissur and Kollam constituencies.

Meanwhile, the BJP is under fire following allegations of large-scale bogus voting in Thrissur during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, particularly in city apartment complexes.

At the Capital Village apartment in Punkunnam, nine fake votes were allegedly registered in Flat No. 4C without the knowledge of the owner.

CPI(M) leaders have alleged serious irregularities in the voter rolls of booths 36 and 37 within the Thrissur Corporation limits. They claim that outsiders were added as flat residents by providing false details, and many names in the rolls belonged to people who no longer lived in the apartments. A spot check by the party found several flats locked and unoccupied.

The controversy has triggered political uproar in Kerala, with the Election Commission expected to provide clarity on the allegations.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has become Pakistan's biggest security headache. Created by the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), today the Pakistan establishment fights the terror outfit regularly.

On Pakistan's Independence Day, the TTP carried out a series of attacks across the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

In all six districts, policemen were killed and nine others were injured in eight simultaneous attacks.

Attacks took place in the Upper and Lower Dir, Bannu, Hassan Khel and Shangla.

The TTP, while claiming the attack, said that this was part of their ongoing campaign to weaken the security establishment in Pakistan.

Over the years, the TTP has become one of the most dangerous terror groups in the world.

The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranks it as one of the deadliest terror organisations in the world. Along with the Islamic State, Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam and Al-Shabab, the TTP was responsible for most deaths globally for the year 2024.

Data shows that in 2024 alone, these groups were responsible for the deaths of 4,300 people.

In Pakistan alone, the TTP is responsible for 90 per cent of the attacks. In 2024, out of the 1,081 deaths due to terror, the TTP alone was responsible for 558 deaths.

The ISI created TTP to create a divide within the Afghan Taliban.

While it had remained loyal at first, over the years, it has turned very badly against the ISI. The other headache for Pakistan is that, like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the TTP has systematically targeted Chinese interests in Pakistan as well.

While the intent was to divide the Taliban in Afghanistan, the ploy misfired for the ISI and Pakistan Army.

The TTP is now heavily backed by the Afghan Taliban, thus making the outfit even more lethal. In fact, the terrorists who carried out the Independence Day attack had infiltrated from Afghanistan.

Pakistan had managed to curb the activities of the TTP to a large extent. However, there was a resurgence, and since 2021, its activities are on in full swing, which the Pakistanis are unable to control.

The shifting of its activities entirely to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region is also one of the reasons why the outfit has become even more lethal. This region is on the northern border with Afghanistan, and hence getting in and out of Pakistan is relatively easier for the TTP operatives.

The backing of the Afghan Taliban is also an added advantage for the TTP.

Before 2020, the Pakistan military campaign 'Operation Zarb-e-Azb' was launched. This operation broke the back of the TTP as its entire leadership was removed.

However, after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, the TTP saw this as an opportunity. With Afghanistan being largely peaceful, it moved its operations to Pakistan.

It brought together several splinter groups that had broken away and rebuilt the terror group.

Along with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda too had backed the TTP.

The Pakistan establishment has fallen out largely with the Taliban due to this factor. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of backing the TTP, and this has not gone down well in Kabul.

Irrespective of the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the TTP has said that it will not back down. In fact, it released an infographic this month stating that it had killed 139 Pakistani soldiers in July 2025.

To make matters worse for Pakistan are the sophisticated weapons that it has been using. Most of the weapons it has been using at the ones left behind by NATO during the withdrawal.

During the Independence Day attack in Pakistan, it used drones along with its conventional weapons to carry out the eight attacks.

The United Nations says that the TTP has 6,500 fighters and is looking to add more to its ranks.

The UN says that the TTP could transform into an umbrella group for other terror organisations. There have been talks of a merger between the TTP and the Al Qaeda in the Subcontinent (AQIS), and this could make the outfit even more lethal.
Kolkata, Aug 17 : The sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police have recovered the stolen Padma Shri award of internationally acclaimed (former) Indian swimmer, also an Arjuna Award winner, Bula Chowdhury, within 48 hours from the time of theft.

Confirming this development, an official of the state police said that one person has been arrested in this connection and based on his interrogation, the sleuths were able to track the prestigious award.

However, he refused to divulge further on this issue, and said that the details will be provided at a press conference later in the day to be addressed by the Hooghly district Police Superintendent.

Chowdhury, who was also a former CPI(M) legislator from 2006 to 2011, thanked the police for acting promptly and recovering her award so soon.

Although Choudhury currently stays in Kasba in South Kolkata, all her awards, trophies, and medals, which she earned during her swimming career, were displayed at her ancestral residence at Hind-Motor in Hooghly district, where it was stolen last Friday.

Although initially the investigation was started by the Hooghly district police, later the charge of the investigation was handed over to the CID.

She used to come to her ancestral residence every week and inspect whether her awards, trophies, and medals were preserved and maintained properly. On Friday, it was noted that her Padma Shri award shield was missing from the place where it was displayed.

Later, it was discovered that some of her awards, trophies, and medals were also stolen.

Milan Chowdhury, the brother of the champion swimmer, who stays at that Hind-Motor residence, said that there were three robbery attempts at the residence earlier. aEach time, police complaints were registered, and a routine investigation was carried out. However, subsequent robbery attempts did not stop. Even for a brief period, a police picket was also put up there, only to be withdrawn after a certain period," he said.
Kolkata, Aug 17 : The family of the trainee nurse, whose body was found in a private hospital in Singur of West Bengal's Hooghly district, on Sunday, alleged that she was raped and murdered.

The nurse's father said that she was subjected to "physical and mental torture" at the private hospital.

He also accused the West Bengal Police of non-cooperation.

On Saturday, the family had demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the death of their daughter.

"The autopsy was done at a specific hospital as per our demand. I still feel that my daughter was raped and killed after mental and physical torture. Then, in the darkness of the night, before about 11 p.m., the OC in charge of the police station there and an employee of the nursing home tried to destroy evidence. We have no faith in the police probe. We once again demand a CBI investigation into this," said the victim's father.

Following an autopsy at AIIMS Kalyani in Nadia district, the body of the nurse reached her home at Nandigram in East Midnapore district on Saturday night. Soon, a pall of gloom descended on the locality. A large number of people gathered to attend the last rites.

Her body was found hanging from the ceiling inside a room at the nursing home.

Surprisingly, the young woman had recently joined the private nursing home. She had completed her General Nursing Midwifery (GNM)- three-year diploma course- from a nursing institute in Bangalore last year. A case of unnatural death was registered with the Hooghly Police.

The family, however, alleged that their daughter was murdered.

The family has filed a murder complaint against the owner of the nursing home. Based on their complaint, the police arrested two persons in connection with the incident.

The arrested were identified as nursing home owner Subir Ghora and the deceased's lover, Radhagovinda Ghatan.

Initial investigation revealed that the nursing student was in a relationship with the arrested Radhagovinda Ghatan. His home is in the Egra area of aaEast Midnapore.

The nurse was reportedly mentally devastated after Ghatan refused to marry her. There are allegations that the nursing home owner used to misbehave with the young woman.
Mangaluru : , Aug 17 (IANS) State BJP leaders, including MLAs, MPs, and MLCs, visited the temple at the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre on Sunday morning and took the 'darshan' of Lord Manjunatha Swamy as part of the Dharmasthala Chalo campaign to condemn the propaganda in connection with the alleged mass grave case.

They also met Dharmadhikari, BJP Rajya Sabha member D. Veerendra Heggade and discussed the developments surrounding the mass grave case.

The BJP demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah apologise to crores of devotees for the government's inaction in curbing propaganda. They also challenged Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to expose the conspiracy against Dharmasthala, as he has claimed.

The delegation was led by BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra. The party had launched the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' campaign on Saturday morning, condemning the continuous misinformation being spread about Dharmasthala in the backdrop of the mass grave case. A team of BJP leaders led by Yelahanka MLA S.R. Vishwanath arrived in Dharmasthala from Bengaluru in 300 cars on Saturday night.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP MPs, MLAs from the coastal region, MLCs, state and district office-bearers, and other prominent leaders also visited the temple and had darshan.

Speaking to the media in Dharmasthala, Vijayendra said, "I urge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to apologise to the people of the state for failing to stop the false propaganda in this regard. The BJP is not doing politics over this issue. There is a conspiracy to hurt the religious sentiments of crores of devotees who have faith in Lord Manjunatha and Annappa Swamy of Dharmasthala."

He further pointed out, "The media should take note of two things. First, Mangaluru District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that the SIT was formed under pressure from the Leftist groups. Second, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has himself mentioned that there is a big conspiracy behind the mass grave case."

"The reason why we are here is because, under the pretext of investigation, a defamatory campaign is being carried out. Who should have stopped this propaganda? It was the responsibility of the state government. By failing to curb the false propaganda, the state government has committed a crime," he said.

"What is the Congress-led government's response to the statements made by Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao that the SIT was formed under pressure from the Leftist groups, and Dy CM Shivakumar's statement that there is a conspiracy against Dharmasthala?" Vijayendra asked.

"I once again clarify that the BJP is not doing politics over the Dharmasthala issue. But what about the conspiracy to hurt crores of devotees, and why is the state government not acting on it? Dy CM Shivakumar has said that the conspiracy will be exposed at the right time. When will that time come? How long should this false propaganda continue?" Vijayendra questioned.

"The people of the state are asking questions. The state government should respond. Those who are making allegations, along with the forces behind them, should also be investigated," he urged.

"Dy CM Shivakumar holds a responsible position. He himself claims that this is a conspiracy and says that he is an ardent devotee of Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala. If he is a true devotee, then without delay, he should expose the conspiracy and reveal who is behind it," he challenged.

"If the BJP had wanted to do politics on this issue, there was no need to wait until today. Crores of devotees are in pain. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao himself has said that Leftist forces are involved. This must be investigated," he reiterated while answering a question.

"I cannot say how the investigation should proceed. But the state government should present the interim report of the probe. This madness should not continue -- it should be brought to an end," he emphasised.

The BJP leaders reiterated that the party had welcomed the SIT probe from the beginning. They demanded that the government table the interim report in the Assembly and conduct a thorough investigation into the false propaganda being spread about the holy shrine, he said.

"We have met Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade. He, too, conveyed that he welcomed the SIT probe. Though he did not speak about the social media propaganda, he is deeply hurt. Our main objective is to preserve the Hindu religion and heritage. We also want to ensure that the feelings of crores of devotees are not hurt," Vijayendra said.

The BJP stated that it supports the SIT investigation, provided it is transparent. "It has always been our stand that suspicions should be cleared. But during the course of investigation, false propaganda is being spread and confusion is being created on social media," Vijayendra added.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, "We have met Veerendra Heggade, and he is hurt by these developments. The devotees of Dharmasthala share the same pain. The fact is that nothing has been found here, and the allegations have turned out to be false. Devotees believe that this is a conspiracy and that the state government has joined hands with Leftist forces. We cannot tolerate attempts to damage the reputation of Dharmasthala and hurt devotees. It is in this context that we have come here. We stand firmly with the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre."
Kathmandu, Aug 17 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Nepal.

Misri is on a two-day visit to Nepal at the invitation of his counterpart, Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Announcing his arrival, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu posted on X, "Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri arrives in Kathmandu for an official visit, which reflects the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal, and reaffirms the commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy."

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "India and Nepal share strong and friendly ties, which have seen concrete progress in recent years in diverse areas of cooperation. India attaches high priority to its relations with Nepal under its Neighbourhood First policy. Foreign Secretary's upcoming visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and will be an opportunity to further advance our bilateral ties."

According to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit, the two Foreign Secretaries will hold discussions on various aspects of the Nepal-India partnership, with a focus on connectivity, development cooperation, and other matters of mutual interest. Foreign Secretary Misri is also scheduled to call on other high-level dignitaries in Kathmandu.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met a delegation of young political leaders from Nepal in New Delhi as the two sides discussed close cooperation and deep people-to-people ties between both nations.

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to interact with a delegation of young political leaders from Nepal, on a visit to India. Discussed our close cooperation and deep people-to-people linkages."

On July 30, Misri held a meeting with a multiparty delegation of Members of Parliament from Nepal and discussed opportunities for expanding the partnership between India and Nepal for mutual benefit.

"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri interacted with a multiparty delegation of MPs from Nepal today and discussed opportunities for expanding the multifaceted India-Nepal partnership for mutual benefit," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

On July 27, the Nepalese Embassy in India welcomed the visiting delegation of MPs, noting that regular exchange of visits by leaders, including MPs, between Nepal and India, will help strengthen bilateral ties.

While sharing the pictures of MPs on X, the Nepal Embassy in India stated, "Glad to welcome the visiting delegation of MPs from Nepal and interact with them at the Embassy of Nepal in India today. Regular exchange of visits by politicians, including MPs, between Nepal and India will help strengthen the two countries' relationship."
Mumbai, Aug 17 : Shiv Sena(UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi on Sunday said that political parties must focus on fixing the loopholes in the electoral process and hold the Election Commission of India (ECI) accountable for its decisions and actions.

Recalling that more than two years have passed since the ECI recognised the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the real Shiv Sena, Chaturvedi expressed concern over the delay in the Supreme Court's final verdict in the matter.

In February 2023, in what was seen as a major blow to Uddhav Thackeray, the ECI allotted the name 'Shiv Sena' and its iconic election symbol (bow and arrow) to the Shinde-led group.

Taking to X, Chaturvedi wrote, "It has been over 2 and a half years battle in the Hon SC for party symbol and party name that was decided by the ECI to be given to those who split the party. The party has been battling this in the SC without any end date for the verdict."

She further added, "If wheels of justice towards constitutional propriety is so slow, as political parties our fight is to prioritise the loopholes in the electoral process and have the ECI take onus for its action or rather inaction to addressing them. With all due respect to the Hon. Supreme Court."

Her comments come at a time when the ECI's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, ahead of the Assembly polls, has triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition.

Several parties have accused the ruling NDA of conspiring with the poll panel to manipulate the voter list.

The controversy intensified after the Supreme Court, in an interim order on August 14, directed the Election Commission to publish an enumerated, booth-wise list of nearly 65 lakh electors who were excluded from the draft electoral roll released on August 1 during the SIR process in Bihar.

Out of a total of 7.89 crore registered voters in the state, the names of 65 lakh people were missing from the draft rolls, even though these voters had figured in the list published after a summary revision exercise just months earlier, in January 2025.

The apex court has now ordered the ECI to put out the list of excluded voters along with the reasons for their omission on the websites of the District Electoral Officers (DEOs) across Bihar.

It further directed that physical copies of the list be displayed on the notice boards of booth-level officers, as well as in block development and panchayat offices, to ensure accessibility for the public.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : OpenAI's latest language model, GPT-5, may be more powerful and accurate than its predecessors, but the company has warned users not to treat ChatGPT as their main source of information.

Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, said the AI chatbot should be used as a "second opinion" because it is still prone to mistakes, despite major improvements.

In an interview with The Verge, Turley admitted that GPT-5 continues to face the problem of hallucinations, where the system produces information that sounds believable but is factually wrong.

OpenAI says it has reduced such errors significantly, but the model still gives incorrect responses about 10 per cent of the time.

Turley stressed that achieving 100 per cent reliability is extremely difficult.

"Until we are provably more reliable than a human expert across all domains, we'll continue to advise users to double-check the answers," he said.

"I think people are going to continue to leverage ChatGPT as a second opinion, versus necessarily their primary source of fact," he added.

Large language models like GPT-5 are trained to predict words based on patterns in huge datasets.

While this makes them excellent at generating natural responses, it also means they can provide false information on unfamiliar topics.

To address this, OpenAI has connected ChatGPT to search, allowing users to verify results with external sources.

Turley expressed confidence that hallucinations will eventually be solved but cautioned that it will not happen in the near future.

"I'm confident we'll eventually solve hallucinations, and I'm confident we're not going to do it in the next quarter," he said.

Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to expand its ambitions. Reports suggest the company is developing its own browser, and CEO Sam Altman has even hinted that OpenAI could consider buying Google Chrome if it were ever put up for sale.
Mangaluru, Aug 17 : BJP MLC C.T. Ravi on Sunday said that the mass grave claims targeting the Hindu pilgrimage centre Dharmasthala in Karnataka were a "conspiracy" to facilitate religious conversions.

"Once people's beliefs are shaken, conversions become easier," Ravi, former BJP National General Secretary, said.

According to him, certain forces are using people as "tools" in connection with the mass grave case.

Speaking to the media after visiting the famous Dharmasthala temple, Ravi said, "We are not questioning the probe. But those who indulged in the defamatory campaign against the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre and the Dharmadhikari, even before the investigation began, should also be probed."

"The conspiracy here is to break the faith that has been carried forward for generations," Ravi said.

He further questioned, "Who promoted the social media campaign and who funded it? This, too, should be investigated. Let them dig 20 more spots if they want. The funding has come from abroad, and there is suspicion of a link with religious conversion. Urban Naxals have strategised this propaganda. Centuries of faith are being questioned and investigated - this must also be probed."

"Let them scan the entire Dharmasthala. There was no concern earlier, and even now, there is no reason for concern. Faith and devotion have been passed down for generations, and no one has the right to question or hurt those sentiments," Ravi said.

He went on to ask, "Is it a crime to offer food to devotees? When caste discrimination was widespread, was it a crime to introduce the system of serving food without discrimination to anyone, all together at once? Was it a crime to provide education to children? Was their contribution to the health sector a crime? Was it a crime to rebuild temples through trusts? Was it a crime to help people across the state in building temples? What is the crime here?"

"Dharmasthala is being targeted under the pretext of an investigation. Targeting the Dharmadhikari and his family is a crime. This is the conspiracy, and it should be exposed. I urge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take action against those indulging in false propaganda," he appealed.

He also stated that the investigation should proceed in both directions.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : The BJP on Sunday strongly criticised senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad for comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the Taliban, accusing the party of repeatedly targeting nationalist organisations while showing sympathy for banned radical outfits such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

Hariprasad, a former Rajya Sabha member, stirred controversy with his "Indian Taliban" remark against the RSS, alleging that it was disturbing peace in the country.

Reacting sharply, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "This reflects a very degraded mindset. However, one thing becomes clear: that he has a lot of affection for the Taliban. He does not hate the BJP and RSS as much as they love the Taliban and the terrorists."

"Whenever terrorists are destroyed, Congress gets hurt. This is because Congress always indulges in vote bank politics. This party wants the votes of a specific community, and that is why they praise terrorists like Hamas, Taliban, ISIS, etc.," he added.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also lashed out at the Congress, linking Hariprasad's statement to a broader pattern of the party's stand on national issues.

"Gandhi family's close associate, B.K. Hariprasad, who said that Pakistan has done nothing wrong, that we are its friends, and that it is the BJP that is the enemy, sees the Taliban in RSS. Congress sees PFI, SIMI and Pakistan and several other terror organisations as its Bhaijaan while the mob in the Indian Army, 'tamasha' and surrender in Operation Sindoor, and Taliban in nationalist institutions," Poonawalla said.

He further added, "This reflects their mindset: insulting the army, disrespecting constitutional institutions, social organisations, and Sanatan Dharma has become the identity of Congress. It shows how Congress opposes nationalists, criticises them, and often levels the same accusations for which the courts have reprimanded them multiple times."

Hariprasad's remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the RSS during his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

"Today, I want to mention one thing with great pride that 100 years ago, an organisation was born -- the RSS. It's 100 years of national service has been a very proud and glorious page," said PM Modi.
Gurugram, Aug 17 : Hours after unidentified attackers opened fire outside the residence of YouTuber Elvish Yadav in Haryana's Gurugram, an Instagram post surfaced in which the 'Bhau Gang' claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to police, three bike-borne assailants sprayed over two dozen bullets at Yadav's house between 5.30 a.m. and 6 a.m. before fleeing the scene. The bullets hit the ground and the first floor of the residence, though no injuries were reported.

The Instagram post, featuring two gun illustrations and the text 'BHAU GANG SINCE 2020,' alleged that the attack was linked to Yadav's promotion of illegal betting apps.

The gang is reportedly led by Portugal-based fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau.

In the post, the alleged members wrote: "Today, the bullets that were fired at Elvish Yadav's house were fired by us, Neeraj Faridpur and Bhau Ritoliya. Today, we have introduced ourselves to him. He has ruined many homes by promoting betting. And all these social media bugs, we are warning that if anyone is found promoting betting, they can get a call or a bullet at any time. So all those who are into betting, be ready."

So far, there is no official confirmation linking the online claim to the attack.

Bigg Boss OTT winner Yadav, who lives on the second and third floors, was not present during the attack. His caretaker and some family members were inside at the time, but no one was injured.

"Today, on 17.08.2025, at around 5:30/6:00 a.m., some unknown persons fired at a house under the jurisdiction of Police Station Sector-56, Gurugram. No person has been shot in this incident," Gurugram Police said in a statement.

Additionally, the attackers are absconding.

Police teams rushed to the spot, gathered forensic evidence, and began scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas.

Officials said legal action is being initiated, and further investigation will proceed once Yadav's family registers a formal complaint.

The father of the YouTuber said he had not received any threats before the incident. Yadav is currently outside Haryana for work.

According to the investigation so far, the attack was carried out by three individuals riding a motorcycle. Multiple police teams are stationed at the site to track down the assailants.

Yadav has been surrounded by controversies since he was arrested over allegations of using snake venom as a recreational drug at parties he allegedly organised.
Vladivostok, Aug 17 : Russia plans to launch its Venera-D interplanetary mission to revisit Venus before 2036, and preparations are already underway, state media reported on Sunday.

The mission is now part of the country's new national space programme, and the preliminary design work on the mission will begin in January 2026, coinciding with the start of the national space project, Oleg Korablev, head of the Department of Planetary Physics at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

The draft design phase is expected to take two years, and preparations have commenced in collaboration with the Lavochkin Association, a Russian space industry enterprise, including multiple coordination meetings to streamline progress, said Korablev, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The scientist noted that the mission's launch date will be determined after the design stage is complete. "But it will definitely take place within the current planning period, no later than 2036," he said.

The Venera-D mission is planned to include a lander, a balloon probe, and an orbital spacecraft. Earlier this year, IKI's scientific director and academician Lev Zeleny said the launch is unlikely before 2034 or 2035.

Earlier this month, four astronauts from the US, Japan, and Russia, part of the NASA rotation mission, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS), after an approximately 15-hour journey, the US space agency said on August 2.

Called Crew 11, the team involves NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

The crew lifted off at 11.43 a.m. Eastern Time (9.13 p.m. IST) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 1.

The crew-11 joined NASA astronauts Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers, and Jonny Kim, JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky, who were already on board the ISS.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a clarification of his claims that the five-time IPL winners may have paid more than the stipulated amount to acquire the South Africa rising star Dewald Brevis, after CSK released a statement on the replacement signing of Brevis in IPL 2025.

Earlier this week on his YouTube channel, Ashwin had claimed that when Brevis was to be signed as a replacement, he was supposed to be signed at the base price, but was paid an extra amount to play in IPL 2025.

"I will tell you something. About Brevis. He had a great time last IPL with CSK. In fact, a few teams were talking to him. A few teams left him because of the price. When he was supposed to be signed as a replacement, he was supposed to be signed at the base price. But what happens is you talk to the agents and the player will say, if you give me X amount extra, I will come," Ashwin had said.

CSK, however, issued clarification on Saturday that Brevis' signing was done in accordance with IPL rules and regulations and that the batter was not offered more than the official figure stated in the advisory on April 18. Brevis had joined CSK for Rs 2.2 crore, as a replacement for injured fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh.

"Chennai Super Kings categorically clarifies that all actions taken by the franchise during the signing process of Dewald Brevis as a Replacement Player during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 were in complete compliance with the rules and regulations of IPL," CSK said on Saturday.

Now, reacting to CSK's statement, Ashwin said that the franchise clarified the situation because many people had doubts about Brevis's signing price.

"We live in such times where we have to clarify even true stories. In that way, it is a bit tricky. But I won't go there. There is no one at fault here. The clarification here on this matter has arisen from the fact that a lot of people have doubts. The point is the player is not at fault, the franchise is not at fault, and maybe the governing body is also not at fault.

"All of us need to understand that if a franchise needs a player, the franchise talks to the player or the player's agent and tells the BCCI, 'Look, so-and-so player of ours is injured, we need another player. ' The matter gets closed there," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"My intention in the video was to describe how well Brevis was batting. We have to understand that every player who plays in the IPL has a tri-parted contract; The player, franchise, and the IPL have a binding contract."

"So if something is wrong with it, it won't get ratified. That is why, probably, the tweet that said clause so-and-so makes complete sense. The flexibility that is there with the IPL's injury replacement, everyone is making use of it.

"It is not only CSK who have picked a replacement; there have been several other teams. RCB have taken Chris Gayle in the past, and he became a superstar. Injury replacements are a common facet of the IPL, and even in that, the rule flexibility that you have, how you make use of that, within the limit, you can use it. That is the point," he added.

Brevis, who had come in as a mid-season replacement, went on to make 225 runs in six innings in IPL 2025 for CSK, who finished at tenth place in the points table.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : India's semiconductor dream is beginning to take shape, with the government and industry focusing on mature-node manufacturing instead of chasing cutting-edge technology.

The country is aiming to build capacity in the 28nm to 65nm range, which is widely used in sectors like automotive, telecom, and industrial electronics.

According to a detailed analysis by Bastion Research, India's approach is a smart move, as it positions the country to fill a critical gap in the global chip supply chain.

While giants like TSMC and Samsung dominate the advanced nodes of 5nm and 3nm, India is building its strength in the mature nodes that are essential for high-demand industries.

The report compared India's current stage to Taiwan and South Korea's semiconductor journey in the 1970s to 1990s.

The analysis further pointed out that India's role in system integration within the semiconductor value chain is evolving rapidly.

With a strong pool of talent and growing ecosystem, India is excelling in integrating semiconductor components into advanced systems for industries such as automotive electronics, consumer devices, telecommunications, and medical technologies.

The report noted that India already delivers world-class integration services and is steadily scaling up operations to meet global demand.

The global "China +1" strategy is also working in India's favour.

As companies diversify their supply chains away from China, India is increasingly being seen as a reliable and cost-effective partner.

This trend is expected to help India capture a bigger share of the global semiconductor market.

To support this ambition, the Indian government launched the Rs 76,000-crore Semicon India Programme in 2021, offering incentives to attract global chipmakers, set up fabs, packaging units, and build a local supply chain.

The focus for now remains on mature-node fabs rather than the advanced bleeding-edge chips.

Progress on the ground is also picking up. Earlier this month, the government approved four new semiconductor projects worth Rs 4,600 crore in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab.

With these, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) now has 10 projects across six states, with a combined investment of Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, reaffirmed the government's commitment, announcing that made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of this year.

So far, six semiconductor plants have already been approved, marking a significant milestone in the country's technological journey.

Experts say India may not be competing with global leaders in advanced chipmaking just yet, but its focus on mature nodes and system integration is positioning it as an important player in the global supply chain, ready to serve industries with high-volume, essential chips.
Mumbai, Aug 17 : Veteran actor Dharmendra is remembering, and paying homage to the cinematographer of his iconic film 'Sholay'. On Sunday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a throwback picture of himself with the late Dwarka Divecha, the cinematographer on 'Sholay'.

He also penned a note in the caption paying a tribute to the late artist, and urged his followers to rummage through the pages of the DOP's biography.

He wrote, "Late Shri Dwarka Divecha, director of cinematography ('Sholay'). He was always very loving and friendly with all of us. People behind the camera are hardly mentioned though they bring us on the Silver screen. Please read his biography".

Dwarka Divecha was also an actor, and had shared the screen with Shammi Kapoor, Padmini in 'Singapore'. He was also involved in creating the sets of 'Sholay', which is considered Hindi cinema's first Western Spaghetti film. It starred an ensemble cast of Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, A. K. Hangal, Sachin and Hema Malini.

The film is one of the greatest movies in Hindi cinema courtesy its grandeur, performances, technical brilliance, action, music and direction. It was top of the British Film Institute's 2002 poll of "Top 10 Indian Films" of all time. The film was written by the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, and went on to become one of longest running films of Indian cinema.

Earlier, Ramesh Sippy, the director of the iconic film 'Sholay', had shared an interesting anecdote when he saw the audience's reaction to the film in the theatres when it released.

The director spoke with IANS, ahead of the film's 50th anniversary, and spoke about the time he was invited by a cinema owner to witness the first-hand reaction of the audience while it was being projected to the audience.

He told IANS, "A cinema person called me. He said, 'Come to my cinema'. It was City Light cinema. He said, 'Can you see there? No one is coming here to have a cold drink'. There was an interval. No one came".

"He said, 'Do you know why? Because those who were inside the hall were super-attentive. They were behaving as if they have never seen anything like this'. I said, 'Are you sure?'. He said, 'Absolutely. I see it every day. They do not come in the interval'", the director added.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a massive roadshow at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Village Toll Plaza in the national capital, just hours before the inauguration of two major highway projects -- the Delhi stretches of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Dwarka Expressway.

Hundreds of people thronged the roadsides to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he greeted the crowd.

During the visit, he also interacted with the workers engaged in the construction of the highway section, acknowledging their efforts in shaping the project.

The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of UER-II alongside Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

PM Modi inaugurated the two highway projects at a ceremony in northwest Delhi's Rohini. The projects are estimated at nearly Rs 11,000 crore, which the Union government has projected as a key step to tackle persistent traffic snarls in Delhi and to enhance connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), "These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that ensures seamless mobility," the PMO stated.

Officials anticipate that the corridors will reduce travel time, divert heavy freight traffic away from the heart of the city, and bring relief to commuters stuck on Delhi's frequently gridlocked Inner and Outer Ring Roads.

Among the two projects, the centrepiece is the 54.21-km stretch of the Urban Extension Road-II. Built at a cost of Rs 5,580 crore, the six-lane highway begins at Alipur and passes through Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, Bakkarwala, Najafgarh, and Dwarka before reaching Dichaon Kalan. Conceived under the Delhi Master Plan Road 2021 as the national capital's third ring road, the corridor also includes strategic links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat.

Officials expressed confidence that once operational, the corridor would ease pressure on Delhi's already congested Inner and Outer Ring Roads and decongest some of the busiest choke points, including Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-9.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated two major highway projects -- the Delhi sections of the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Dwarka Expressway, built with an investment of Rs 11,000 crore, to ease chronic traffic congestion in the national capital and improve connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Addressing the inaugural function at Rohini here, PM Modi said: "Delhi has become a shining example of the development that is taking place in the country".

The two projects will ease travel, save time and make life more convenient for traders and farmers and all the residents of Delhi.

The Prime Minister said Delhi-NCR infrastructure has become world-class in the last 10 years, and people have benefited from the ease of travel. The effort to develop Delhi further is ongoing, and more projects are coming up, he said.

He highlighted that the two projects had helped to reduce the garbage mountains in Delhi and improve the standard of living of the people.

The Prime Minister also interacted with the construction workers who built the Expressway and appreciated the hard work they put in to complete the world-class infrastructure projects that will reduce travel time, divert freight traffic from the city centre and ease congestion on Delhi's gridlocked Inner and Outer Ring Roads.

Besides, he held discussions with officials who briefed him on the details of the projects, which include long tunnels, underpasses and elevated sections.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the projects were taken up as a result of the Prime Ministeras vision to decongest Delhi and provide better connectivity in the national capital and the adjoining NCR region. Both are state-of-the-art projects built with a world-class design. In terms of a single road project, it works out to 563 km.

The flagship project is the 54.21km stretch of UER-II, running from Alipur through Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, Bakkarwala, Najafgarh, and Dwarka to Dichaon Kalan at a cost of Rs 5,580 crore.

The six-lane highway, conceived as Delhi's third ring road under the Delhi Master Plan Road 2021, includes new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat.

The corridor is expected to ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points, including Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan and NH-9.

The new spurs will improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic and speed up goods movement in the NCR.

It will cut travel time from Indira Gandhi International Airport to various locations in southwest and northwest Delhi by 40 to 60 per cent, according to government estimates.

Officials say the route will provide faster connectivity for commuters travelling from Chandigarh to Gurugram and Delhi's IGI Airport.

Sections around Najafgarh, Mundka and Alipur have already opened in phases, benefiting previously undeveloped areas, including Karala, Alipur and Bawana.

The route provides quicker access to south Delhi, Noida and Faridabad while improving connectivity to areas such as Dwarka, Mahipalpur and Vasant Kunj.

The complete UER-II spans 76km -- 54.21km in Delhi and 21.5km in Haryana -- with a total construction cost of Rs 8,000 crore.

Declared a national highway, the project is being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India in five packages, with the Delhi Development Authority funding the capital's section.

The second project is a 10.1km section of the Dwarka Expressway, built at Rs 5,360 crore.

The bypass of NH-48 Delhi-Gurugram Expressway includes an underpass near the airport and provides direct connectivity from IGI Airport to UER-II, Gurugram, and Dwarka.

It provides a direct route to Yashobhoomi in Dwarka's Sector 25 and will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Delhi Metro's Blue and Orange Lines, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and Dwarka cluster bus depot.

The construction of the Dwarka Expressway has already reduced travel time for areas in the capital, such as Dwarka, Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj and Najafgarh, enhancing connectivity to Gurugram and key locations like IGI Airport.

The Delhi section comprises two stretches: 5.9km from Shiv Murti intersection near the airport to Dwarka Sector 21, and 4.2km from Sector 21 to the Delhi-Haryana border. The route includes a tunnel to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.

The 19km Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on March 11, 2024. The complete 28km corridor was constructed at Rs 8,611 crore.

Construction has incorporated environmental initiatives, with two million tonnes of waste from the Ghazipur landfill used in UER-II development, reducing the height of the waste mountain by seven metres.

Union Minister Gadkari highlighted this during the Delhi Assembly election campaigning earlier this year.

"We are using inert materials recovered through biomining of legacy waste for highway construction to promote sustainable infrastructure," an NHAI official said.

"These inert materials, such as soil, silt, stones and construction debris, are stable and suitable for embankment filling, subgrade layering and service roads," the official added.

The inert material is also being used for other projects, including the DND-Faridabad Bailabgarh Sohna bypass, aimed at reducing landfill volume, conserving natural resources and lowering construction costs and carbon emissions.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with senior officials and party leaders, visited the inauguration site on Saturday to review the preparations and issued necessary instructions.

She described the projects as a "historic gift" for the city.

"The commencement of UER-II will play a vital role in reducing congestion, improving the industrial corridor network, lowering vehicular pollution and thereby contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment," Gupta said.

"UER-II is not just an infrastructure project; it is an investment in the future of Delhi. It will improve traffic flow, cut travel time drastically, and uplift the quality of life for lakhs of people living in Delhi and NCR," she added.

She also emphasised the long-distance connectivity that UER-II will bring, saying the route will integrate with the Delhi-Jaipur national highway, KMP Expressway, and Gurugram-Sohna Highway, which connects to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

"Travel to Chandigarh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Jaipur, and even Mumbai will become faster and more convenient. It is truly a transformative project," she added.

"With this network, UER-II will emerge as a backbone of high-speed connectivity, linking Delhi not just with NCR but with the entire nation," CM Gupta said.

The projects are part of the government's broader plan to decongest the national capital, though transport experts have previously questioned whether new roads provide lasting relief or simply shift bottlenecks to other locations.
Mumbai, Aug 17 : Actress Bhagyashree took off to Chicago for some quality time with herself. During her visit to the United States of America, the 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actress made the most of her time, enjoying a variety of things such as the Chicago morning skyline and the famous Deep-dish Pizza.

Mumbai, Aug 17 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree took off to Chicago for some quality time with herself. During her visit to the United States of America, the 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actressA made the most of her time, enjoying a variety of things such as the Chicago morning skyline and the famous Deep-dish Pizza.

Sharing a carousel of photos from her Chicago getaway, Bhagyashree wrote on her official Instagram account, "This trip was a cauldron of different things for me, as is apparent from the pictures."

First on the list was watching the Chicago skyline, "Indeed a beautiful visual, skimming which is the Navy Pier."

Next was visiting The Alder Planetarium, followed by a trip to the museum across Soldier's Field.

Bhagyashree also witnessed the Eternal Olympic Flame at Soldier's Field.

She further revealed that she stayed in The Drake for 3 days.

The actress also soaked in the Chicago morning sun.

Channeling her inner foodie, Bhagyashree relished the famous Deep dish Pizza, and the Mexican-indian fusion at Mirra.

Bhagyashree also celebrated the festival of Janamashtami by offering prayers at the Iskon temple in Chicago and participating in the Tula bharam festival.

She sought blessings at not one but two temples on the auspicious day - a temple in Fremont, followed by a visit to the Iskon temple in Chicago.

Bhagyashree was seen giving jhulla to the idol of lord Krishna as part of the festivities. She also attended a kirtan in the Iskon temple.

Treating the netizens with a string of photos and videos from her temple visits on IG, Bhagyashree wrote the caption: "Janmashtami celebration. I was very fortunate to get darshan at 2 very beautiful temples. 1. At Fremont 2. Iskon temple in Chicago...Thankful, grateful, and feeling blessed. Making it a point to never miss my connection with God."
London, Aug 17 : Burmese artist Sai was three weeks back celebrating the opening of an art exhibition he had curated with his wife at one of the top galleries in Thailand. However, their exhibition regarding authorities' repression was censored after angering the Chinese government.

The couple has now fled to the UK, where they plan to request asylum. According to the couple, Thai police are looking for them. However, a police spokesperson denied having knowledge about it. Human rights advocates have criticised the situation, terming it an example of transnational repression, BBC News reported.

Sai said his exhibition, which featured exiled artists from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, opened at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on July 26 and witnessed the frequent visits of Chinese embassy representatives along with Bangkok city officials.

The show, titled 'Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machine of Authoritarian Solidarity', aims to showcase how authoritarian regimes work together in repression, according to one official description.

Sai accused Chinese officials of registering complaints about works by Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong artists, and initially called for a complete shutdown of the show. However, he stated that the arts centre managed to negotiate a compromise that enabled the continuation of the exhibition after sensitive artworks and elements of art installations were removed.

According to the BBC News report, several artists' names in the exhibition were covered up with black paint in the descriptions of artworks. Furthermore, the artists' homeland description was partially covered with black paint to hide references to Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang.

The majority of the censored artworks included the artworks of Tibetan artist Tenzin Mingyur Paldron. Furthermore, television screens placed during the exhibition to showcase films by the artist, including one about the Dalai Lama, had been switched off.

Tibetan and Uyghur flags, a novel about a Tibetan family in exile, and a postcard about China, Israel and Xinjiang were also removed from the exhibition. Speaking to BBC News, a gallery staff member said that many people came to see the exhibition in recent days after censorship news went viral online.

There was an email where the centre said that they had been "warned that the exhibition may risk creating diplomatic tensions between Thailand and China". The email also mentioned that they made the adjustments "due to pressure from the Chinese embassy" transmitted through the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Bangkok city government, which is the centre's main supporter.

In response to BBC queries, a statement by the Chinese embassy accused the exhibition of openly promoting Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong independence. It further stated that Thailand's "timely measures" demonstrated that such a "false notion" has "no market internationally and is unpopular."

It further stated that the exhibition "disregards facts... distorts China's policies on Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, and harms China's core interests and political dignity". The statement did not refer to allegations that its officials had pressured Thai authorities and the arts centre.

The curators of the show and the artists of the exhibition have rejected accusations made by China. Paldron said his films "conveyed stories from the heart and sent a message of global solidarity." Paldron further stated that the censorship was part of a Chinese "campaign of erasure and suppression" of Tibetans around the world.

Speaking to BBC News, Sai said instead of independence from China, "we promote freedom of expression, self-determination, and self-identification... basic human rights." He further stated, "Our exhibition gives space for artists who resist authoritarianism. These are voices often silenced in their own country. The fact that the Chinese Communist Party tries to shut it down proves the very point they are making."

Sai and his wife fled to the UK as they were worried about being deported back to Myanmar, where Sai believes he will be persecuted for his activism against the junta. Two days after the exhibition began, the couple, while heading to their home in Bangkok, realised that Thai police were looking for them.

The couple received texts from gallery staff informing them about the police's visit to the exhibition and that officers had asked for the contact numbers of the couple. At the moment, Sai said that "we realised we had to leave the country". The couple booked tickets for the earliest flight to the UK.

Thailand's national police spokesman Achayon Kraithong stated that he had not received any information that police personnel were looking for Sai.

The couple had fled their homeland in 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar. The couple had eventually settled in Thailand and decided to put on their art show in Bangkok, as a large Burmese community resides there and also because Sai said, "Thailand plays a critical role to promote peace and stability for Myanmar... It's a secure place."

He said that he no longer feels this way.

"Because of our activism, the targeting by authoritarian regimes against us has multiplied... my wife and I have no choice but to seek asylum in the UK."

Lord Alton of Liverpool, chair of the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights, said that Sai's case demonstrates the outreach of China's campaign of "transnational repression" and expressed support for Sai's bid for asylum, according to the report.

"To pressure an art exhibition to censor exhibits in a cultural centre in another country is an outrageous violation of freedom of expression and should be widely exposed and condemned. The additional fears that this caused for Sai, leading him to flee Thailand for his security, are deeply concerning," he said.

The Human Rights Foundation has termed the incident an "intimidation" that "reflects a coordinated effort to suppress artistic expression." Thailand-based activist Phil Robertson called it "outrageous and unacceptable" that Bangkok city officials permitted Chinese censorship.
Amaravati, Aug 17 : Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh, will meet Union Ministers in Delhi on Monday to discuss key pending projects of the state with the Central government.

Amaravati, Aug 17 (IANS) Andhra Pradeshas Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh, will meet Union Ministers in Delhi on Monday to discuss key pending projects of the state with the Central government.

Lokesh will leave for the national capital on Sunday. He is scheduled to have a series of meetings with Union Ministers to push for faster clearances for pending projects and to discuss some new initiatives for Andhra Pradesh.

Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, will hold meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The state government is expected to present a set of proposals to each of these ministries during the discussions, according to a statement from the ministeras office.

Since the formation of the coalition government in the state, Minister Lokesh has already met Union Ministers on multiple occasions and has been actively pursuing the stateas interests.

His efforts have helped bring new projects to Andhra Pradesh and ensure quicker approvals from the Centre, it said.

The HRD Minister is said to be making a concerted push to place Andhra Pradesh on par with the most developed states in the country.

During his visit, Lokesh is also expected to meet Union Railway, IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and thank him personally for sanctioning a Semiconductor Manufacturing Unit to the state.

The Union Cabinet on August 12 approved a semiconductor facility in Andhra Pradesh.

Advanced System in Package Technologies (ASIP) will be tying up with APACT Co. Ltd, South Korea, for an annual capacity of 96 million units. These will be used in mobile phones, set-top boxes, automobiles and other new-age electronics applications, and will greatly contribute to an Atmanirbhar Bharat, Lokesh had said while thanking the Prime Minister for sanctioning the facility.

The Union Cabinet decided to set up new semiconductor manufacturing units under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). These units will come up in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab. The cumulative investment will be around Rs 4,600 crore.
Washington, Aug 17 : Pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's support for US President Donald Trump's increased tariffs on Indian exports and even suggesting a 500 per cent hike aligns with economic harm to the Sikh community and implies that his anti-India theatrics take precedence over Sikh well-being, a report said.

"For a man who claims to champion Sikh rights, backing a policy that directly threatens the lifeblood of Punjabas hardworking Sikh farmers and dairy workers is nothing short of bewildering. Or worse: hypocritical," the Khalsa Vox report stated.

His support for Trump's tariffs is "not pro-Sikh, pro-Punjab" but a betrayal, it added.

Punjab's economy relies mainly on agriculture and dairy. Its products, including basmati rice, textiles and processed foods, form an important chunk of Indiaas exports to the US. The tariffs imposed by Trump would make these products expensive in the US markets.

Furthermore, if India opens its agricultural markets due to tariffs, the American dairy and farm giants will enter Indian markets. Supported by heavy subsidies, American dairy and farm giants can undercut small-scale Sikh farmers of Punjab and cooperatives like Amul, according to the report. This does not have an economic impact only, but it also poses a threat to cultural traditions that link Sikh identity to the land and farming.

The report said: "Consider the dairy sector, the quiet backbone of Punjab. Generations of Sikh families rely on it for sustenance and stability. If US dairy giants take over, what happens to these small farmers? The promise of Sikh self-reliance, often invoked by Pannun himself, collapses under the weight of cheap imports."

Exports predict a 40-50 per cent reduction in Indian exports to the US if tariffs increase, and the Sikh community will be impacted the most.

Khalsa Vox, in the report, stated: "Pannunas position exposes a troubling contradiction. His rhetoric drips with anti-India fervour, but his policy stance aligns squarely with economic harm to Sikhs themselves. By cheering on a trade war that undermines Punjabas farmers, he prioritises political vendettas over community upliftment. If his loyalty truly lies with Punjab, why endorse policies that jeopardise Sikh livelihoods? The answer seems plain: for Pannun, anti-India theatrics take precedence over Sikh well-being."

Punjab's future lies in policies that protect farmers, bolster dairy cooperatives, and ensure fair trade and not in political grandstanding that sacrifices livelihoods for personal agendas, it said.

"Pannunas endorsement of Trumpas tariffs is not pro-Sikh. It is not pro-Punjab. It is, at its core, a betrayal."
Chennai, Aug 17 : The second schedule of director Ravi Arasu's eagerly awaited film, featuring actor Vishal in the lead, will begin in Ooty on Monday.

While a video clip of actor Vishal stating that they were in Coimbatore and that they would be shooting in Ooty has begun doing the rounds in social media, sources close to the actor said that the schedule would begin on Monday.

It may be recalled that Vishal had commenced shooting for his 35th film from August 1st this year in Chennai. Produced by veteran filmmaker R B Choudhary under the banner of his well known production house Super Good Films, the film was officially launched in July this year with a grand pooja ceremony.

This upcoming project is the 99th film of Super Good Films, which has delivered numerous blockbusters and more imporantly introduced several talented filmmakers to the Tamil film industry.

The film, which is yet to be titled and which is being tentatively referred to as Vishal 35, will mark director Ravi Arasu's first-time collaboration with Vishal. The actor, who is riding a success wave with his most recent film to hit the screens 'Madha Gaja Raja' emerging a superhit, is intent on continuing the success streak.

The film boasts of an exceptional technical team. Acclaimed cinematographer Richard M. Nathan reunites with Vishal after their successful outing in the superhit film 'Madha Gaja Raja'. The film also brings back the Mark Antony combo of Vishal and G.V. Prakash Kumar together. G V Prakash will be composing the music for this film. NB Srikanth is in charge of editing, while Durairaj handles art direction. Costume design is being led by Vasuki Bhaskar.

Talented actress Dushara Vijayan will be playing the female lead, pairing opposite Vishal for the first time. The cast also includes Thambi Ramaiah and Arjai. Sources close to the unit say that the other members of the cast will be revealed soon.
Chandigarh, Aug 17 : Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Sunday called on all stakeholders to set aside politics and stand united with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national interest for his resolute stand in favour of farmers against US pressure.

The BJP state chief said the US, which considers itself the global enforcer, has been continuously pressuring India to allow its agricultural products into Indian markets.

To this end, the US has imposed stringent tariff restrictions on India.

"However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands that allowing US agricultural products into India would devastate Indian farmers, and thus, he has refused to bow to this pressure," he said in a statement here.

Jakhar emphasised that at a time when major global powers have succumbed to US demands, Prime Minister Modi has prioritised the interests of Indian farmers and refused to open Indian markets to the US.

He appealed to farmers and farmer organisations, stating that this is the time to stand firmly with the Prime Minister in the interest of the nation, so he can fight for farmers' rights with even greater resolve.

Jakhar further remarked that parties shedding "crocodile tears" over the Punjab government's land pooling policy did little to pressure the government.

It was only the BJP that made every possible effort to protect farmers' land and built public opinion against the policy.

Due to the BJP's pressure and the strong opposition from Punjab's people, the government was forced to withdraw this policy.

He added that the people of Punjab have now clearly understood who engages in politics in the name of farmers and who truly stands with them in difficult times.

Jakhar stressed that this is the time to identify those who exploit farmers' names for political gain while doing nothing substantial for them.

In contrast, the BJP took a firm stand against the land pooling policy in Punjab and stood strongly with farmers.

At the national level, Prime Minister Modi has taken on the US to protect the interests of the country's farmers.

Jakhar urged everyone to seize this opportunity to support the Prime Minister in his efforts.
Itanagar, Aug 17 : Almost 100 per cent of Arunachal Pradesh farmers get the Kisan Credit Cards to fulfil cultivators' financial needs, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Sunday.

He announced the numbers on his social media platform X, writing: "96,492 Kisan Credit Cards issued so far with 99.26 per cent saturation."

An official said that with nearly 46.1 per cent of the population engaged in agriculture and allied activities across the country, ensuring financial security and accessible credit for farmers remains a top priority for the Central government.

Recognising this, the Union Budget 2025-26 introduced key measures to strengthen agricultural financing, particularly through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, he said. "

The KCC scheme has been instrumental in fulfilling farmers' financial needs. With a significant increase in the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, this year's budget underscores the government's commitment to empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity," the official said.

According to the official, safeguarding and ensuring hassle-free credit availability at a cheaper rate to farmers has been the top priority of the government.

Highlighting nine years of his government's farmers' friendly schemes and activities, the Chief Minister said that Arunachal Pradesh's agri-allied sector is on the fast track of growth and transformation.

"From credit to crops, tools to technology, Arunachal Pradesh's farmers are moving towards higher productivity, sustainability, and prosperity," CM Khandu stated.

He said that Rs 142.67 crore support was provided to 99,656 farmers under PM-Kisan, and 1,02,295 farmers were equipped with Soil Health Cards in the state.

According to the Chief Minister, a total of 26,163 hectares were covered, and 5,658 farmers benefited under the PM-Per Drop More Crop scheme.

He said that 15,099 farmers were supported under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, and Rs 23.25 crore has been released so far.

To modernise farming activities, 42,418 modern farm tools were distributed in the last nine years, CM Khandu said in his X post.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Bilateral trade between India and the Maldives has registered a more than 3-fold jump over the past seven years from $223 million in 2017-18 to $680 million in 2024-25, according to official figures.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Bilateral trade between India and the Maldives has registered a more than 3-fold jump over the past seven years from $223 million in 2017a"18 to $680 million in 2024a"25, according to official figures.

Indiaas exports to the Maldives rose from $217 million in FY 2017-18 to $561 million in FY 2024-25, while imports from the Maldives expanded from $6 million to $119 million during the same period.

The trade between the two countries is expected to increase further with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the Maldives during his recent visit to the island nation last month. Additionally, PM Modi announced that discussions for a free trade agreement have also started between the two countries.

India has decided to promote renewable energy in the Maldives and will share its experience in this sector with the Indian Ocean neighbour.

PM Modi visited the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu and attended the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. This also represented a turnaround in relations with the Muizzu government, which came to power in 2023.

The turnaround in the bilateral ties assumes significance as President Muizzu, known to be close to China, was known for his anti-India rhetoric while in the opposition as part of his political strategy to oust the earlier government.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region, and the overall bilateral ties, including in areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous governments in Male.

This sentiment is embedded in Indiaas Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision, which recognises that the security and prosperity of the region are inseparable.

Indiaas approach is grounded in the belief that small island nations are not peripheral actors in global affairs but are frontline states in the fight against climate change, guardians of critical sea lanes, and partners in maritime security. The Maldives, straddling vital shipping routes, occupies a central place in Indiaas Indian Ocean strategy.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday reiterated the poll panel's commitment to impartiality, and dismissed allegations of "vote chori", saying politics being done in the name of the ECI would not deter it from performing its constitutional obligations transparently.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday reiterated the poll panel's commitment to impartiality, and dismissed allegations of "vote chori", saying politics being done in the name of the ECI would not deter it from performing its constitutional obligations transparently.

Describing the Bihar Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise as completely transparent, CEC Kumar said, "Rumours are being spread about the exercise even though draft voter lists have already been given to political parties."

Either the parties' Booth Level Agents are not getting the draft voter list for verification, or politics is being done to target the ECI in an attempt to tarnish its image.

"There is no question of the ECI's image being tarnished as over seven crore voters and all stakeholders are standing firmly with the poll panel," he said, adding that attempts to spread misinformation amount to disrespecting the Constitution.

The ECI's media briefing came on a day when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a "Vote Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar to highlight the alleged missing votes and manipulation in the voter list.

Giving an update, the CEC said that in Bihar, since August 1, over one lakh new electors, who have turned 18 after the SIR exercise, have filed forms for inclusion in the voter list.

Also, the election office has so far received 28,370 claims and objections from electors concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar

The ECI concluded the enumeration phase of the SIR from June 24 to July 25. More than 7.24 crore electors -- out of a total of 7.89 crore -- submitted their enumeration forms during the exercise.

At the end, about 65 lakh voters were found to be missing from the draft electoral rolls published on August 1. This included 22 lakh deceased electors (2.83 per cent), 36 lakh (4.59 per cent) who had permanently shifted or not found and seven lakh (0.89 per cent) who had enrolled at more than one place, ECI data showed.

The SIR exercise in Bihar has been attacked by the Opposition parties over alleged irregularities, which they allege threaten to deprive lakhs of voters of their right to vote - a charge denied by the ECI.

The poll panel published its draft electoral rolls on August 1 and has kept a window of one month for people, parties and their booth-level agents BLAs to bring their complaints and grievances regarding inclusion or exclusion from the draft electoral list.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has 47,506 BLAs, the Congress has 17,549, and the Left has over 2,000, all adding up to over 67,000.

The ECI has been routinely reaching out to political parties to join the revision exercise and bring to its notice instances of disenfranchisement, if any.

"Submit your claims and objections to rectify any errors in the draft Electoral Roll of Bihar published on August 1. So far, not even a single claim or objection has been submitted by any political party," the EC had said earlier.

The ECI highlighted that between June 23 and July 25, the Congress has increased its BLAs to 17,549 (an increase of 105 per cent), Rashtriya Janata Dal to 47,506 (an increase of one per cent), Janata Dal (United) to 36,550 (an increase of 31 per cent) and BJP to 53,338 (an increase by 3 per cent).
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Sticking to its firm stand of protecting the privacy of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday refused to release machine-readable voter list - a demand repeatedly made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Sticking to its firm stand of protecting the privacy of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday refused to release machine-readable voter list  a demand repeatedly made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said machine machine-readable voter list has been banned since the 2019 verdict of the Supreme Court, as in such a list, the entries and photos can be tinkered with.

"We recently saw some media reports displaying voter lists with photos of electors without consent, which is a breach of privacy," he said, adding that the poll panel was obligated not to circulate photos of mothers or sisters.

He said machine machine-readable voter list is different from the searchable voter list, which is available on the ECI, where a voter can enter his details to check if his name is in the voter list.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar said the ECI is standing like a rock with voters, and no eligible voter's name can be deleted to deny him or her the right to vote.

He said within 56 hours of a Supreme Court order, the ECI has created a website for each district in Bihar, and it can be used to search a voter's name usingthe EPIC number.

Earlier last week, the ECI accepted three key suggestions from the Supreme Court over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, agreeing to the addition of a list of non-included voters with reasons in the draft roll.

For the convenience of citizens, the ECI said that in addition to the list of deceased, voters at two places and permanently shifted given by BLOs to all political parties since July 20, a list of non-included voters with reasons shall also be put in the draft roll.

The list of non-included voters could be searched with the EPIC number, booth-wise, on the website of DEOs and the CEO, it said.

The poll panel said those aggrieved can file their claim along with a copy of Aadhaar, a key second suggestion of the apex court.

The ECI accepted the apex court's suggestion that those aggrieved can file claims along with a copy of Aadhaar.

A source in the ECI said an aggrieved person can be defined as a person whose name is not present in the draft list (65 lakhs), and he or she can only file a claim, which has to be in Form 6 under the rules. The Form 6 already contains a column for Aadhaar.

Earlier, during a hearing, the apex court directed the ECI to publish online the list of over 65 lakh voters proposed for deletion during SIR.

However, citing ground reports and official documentation, ECI officials assert that the process has been far more transparent and collaborative than some Opposition voices suggest.

The apex court's directions include uploading the full list of deletions, stating reasons for each deletion, allowing claims with Aadhaar for identification (not citizenship), and displaying these lists at Panchayat and BDO offices.
Itanagar, Aug 17 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Sunday congratulated Kabak Yano for her remarkable achievement of summiting Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Russia and Europe.

A Raj Bhavan official said that she successfully reached the summit on August 16 at 5.20 a.m. (Russian time).

The Governor, who had earlier flagged off Yano for her Seven Summits Challenge, expressed pride in her determination and confidence that she would complete the mission successfully.

Lt. General Parnaik (Retd) said that her extraordinary feat reflects the true aSpirit of Arunachala and would serve as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for young girls, to embrace challenges with courage and resilience.

The official said that Mount Elbrus, located in the Caucasus Mountains of southwestern Russia near the Georgian border, is a dormant stratovolcano standing 18,510 feet above sea level. It is the highest peak in Europe and also the highest volcano in Eurasia, and ranks among the ten most prominent peaks in the world.

Climbing Elbrus is considered one of the significant milestones of the Seven Summits Challenge, which involves scaling the tallest mountain on each continent.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old climber Yano on August 4 successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and one of the renowned Seven Summits of the world.

The Raj Bhavan official had said that towering at 5,895 metres (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.

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 fifth woman climber from Arunachal Pradesh and the first woman from the Nyishi Community to achieve such a feat.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Tensions are growing in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region between local communities and the increasingly dominant China-Pakistan trade apparatus, according to reports.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Tensions are growing in Pakistanas Gilgit-Baltistan region between local communities and the increasingly dominant China-Pakistan trade apparatus, according to reports.

Social media footage widely circulated showed Chinese nationals blocking a key road in protest, and within hours, Pakistani traders responded by staging a sit-in that effectively brought cross-border movement at the Sost town at the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) immigration point to a standstill on July 31.

According to a report in the online publication Zamin.uz, these developments are not isolated. They reflect a deepening discontent in Gilgit-Baltistan over what many local residents view as an exploitative trade relationshipa"one in which the economic benefits disproportionately favour Chinese interests while local traders are left to navigate a system they say is stacked against them.

Gilgit-Baltistanas traders have been voicing concerns for years, but recent developments underscore just how acute those frustrations have become.

Many in the region argue that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) -- a project long hailed by Islamabad as a game-changer -- has offered little by way of tangible benefit to the local economy.

Instead, GB residents say they are witnessing their lands used as corridors for foreign economic gain while their own businesses are suffocated by bureaucracy and an uneven playing field.

A recurring complaint involves the inspection of Pakistani goods and vehicles by customs officials, while Chinese shipments often pass with minimal scrutiny.

One Gilgit-Baltistan trader told a local media outlet that they were required to provide strict documentation and face exhaustive checks, while Chinese goods faced almost no scrutiny at all.

Adding to this imbalance are concerns about labour. Chinese workers employed in infrastructure projects under CPEC are often flown in rather than hired from the local population, leaving many GB residents sidelined despite promises of job creation.

According to the report, the Pak-China Traders Action Committee (PCTAC) has escalated its protest at the Sost Dry Port in Hunza since July 21, demanding an end to what it terms illegal taxation by federal agencies.

The committee, comprising traders, hoteliers, transporters, and local businesses, has blocked the Karakoram Highway in Hunza and Nagar districts, disrupting trade with China.

Tensions flared after the arrest of PCTAC leaders Abbas Mir, Ali Nazar, and Farman Ali Tajik on the night of July 20a"21. They were released the next day amid pressure from the trading community.

The dispute stems from federal authorities, including the FBR and Pakistan Customs, imposing income and sales taxes on Chinese imports via the Khunjerab Pass.

Historically, traders from Gilgit-Baltistan were informally exempt from such levies, especially for small-scale and local-market trade. However, stricter enforcement in recent months, citing smuggling concerns, has angered traders.

Despite its strategic importance, the region remains in a constitutional limbo, lacking full provincial status and often excluded from the mainstream political discourse.

This marginalisation has made it easier for Islamabad to push forward large-scale economic projectsa"like CPECa"without robust local consultation.

Critics argue that this approach reduces GB to a transit zone, valuable only for its geographic location rather than for its people.

While Islamabad plays a quiet role, Chinaas growing footprint in the region is increasingly visiblea"and increasingly contested.

From the construction of roads and tunnels to the operation of customs facilities, Chinese companies and personnel are a familiar presence in GB towns like Sost and Hunza.

Though some local residents acknowledge the improvements in connectivity and infrastructure, many also feel overwhelmed by what they see as a foreign economic occupation, the report added
Amaravati, Aug 17 : Alleged remarks by a TDP MLA calling for a boycott of a movie of Tollywood superstar Jr NTR triggered a row with the actor's fans staging a protest demanding his apology.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA from Anantapur Urban, Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad, allegedly used derogatory words for Jr NTR and called for a boycott of his film 'War2' in Anantapur.

An audio clip allegedly featuring the MLA surfaced online, triggering protests from the actor's fans. The fans on Sunday staged a protest in front of the MLA's residence, calling for a public apology.

They raised slogans and tore down flexis of the MLA. One of them stated that there is no TDP without Nandamuri fans.

As the protest created tension, police beefed up security at the MLA's residence and office.

Prasad issued a video statement, denying that the voice in the leaked audio clip is his. He stated that he is a fan of Nara and Nandamuri families. He alleged that the audio clip is a part of a conspiracy by his political rivals.

The MLA also stated that if Jr NTR fans are hurt, he apologises to them.

However, the actor's fans demanded that the MLA come before the media to apologise for his remarks.

Meanwhile, YSR Congress leader and former minister R. K. Roja found fault with the MLA's alleged remarks. She said that one should not mix politics with films.

Roja, who is also an actor, said that since Jr NTR is not in politics, no one should make such remarks.

She also remarked that calling for a boycott of Jr NTR's film is like stopping the sun with a palm.

"If a movie is good, no one can stop it," she said.

Roja also took a dig at Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, saying that though MLAs purchased tickets for his movie 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', they could not save it.

A section of TDP supporters were reportedly unhappy with Jr NTR for his remark made at the pre-release event of 'War2'. The actor stated that as long as he has the blessings of his grandfather, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), no one can do anything to him.

Jr NTR is the grandson of popular actor and former Chief Minister NTR, who founded TDP in 1982.

NTR's son-in-law, N. Chandrababu Naidu, took over the reins of the party and the government after leading a revolt against NTR in 1995.

CM Naidu is also grooming his son Nara Lokesh as his political successor. A section of fans of Jr NTR feels that he should inherit the political legacy of his grandfather.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday issued a strong rebuttal to allegations questioning the credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI), indirectly countering remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged irregularities in Karnataka's Mahadevapura constituency and in Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Addressing a packed press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, the CEC underlined that the ECI functions under a strict legal framework laid out in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), and political parties or candidates have enough legal recourse to raise objections during the electoral process.

"Every candidate has the right to appoint polling agents, whose lists are already submitted to the polling stations. If a wrong person tries to cast a vote or if someone attempts double voting, polling agents can immediately object. After counting, the Returning Officer declares the results. If anyone has grievances, the law is very clear  you can move the Supreme Court within 45 days to challenge the election," the CEC explained.

Without naming Rahul Gandhi directly, Kumar said that making accusations months after results are declared, without due process, undermines public trust. "When 45 days have passed and no party or candidate has challenged the results, what is the aim of levelling baseless allegations now? The public understands this," he said.

The Congress leader had earlier alleged that nearly 1 lakh votes were "manipulated" in the Mahadevapura seat in Karnataka, a claim the ECI has strongly denied. Kumar also detailed the grievance mechanisms available to political parties and citizens.

"Under the RPA, any elector of the constituency can file a complaint by filling Form 6, 7 or 8. Even Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties have the right to submit 10 forms each to the Booth Level Officer. But this requires a sworn oath. If you are not an elector of the constituency, the only way is to submit your complaint as a witness, supported by an oath administered before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)," he said.

Asserting that the ECI is a small team of about 800 officials backed by a nationwide administrative machinery, Kumar emphasised: "From Chief Electoral Officer in every state to officers at the booth level, the entire system is prepared to ensure free and fair polls."

The CEC's remarks come at a time when the opposition has sharpened its criticism of the Commission ahead of crucial elections in Bihar.
Amaravati, Aug 17 : Buoyed by the Telugu Desam Party's clean sweep in the by-elections to two ZPTC seats in YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's home constituency, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu may go aggressively against him in the YSR family's traditional stronghold.

Four years ago, it was Jagan Mohan Reddy who had stormed the TDP president and Chief Minister Naidu's constituency, Kuppam, by winning rural and urban local body polls. Now, the results of the by-elections to two Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) show that CM Naidu has taken the battle to Jagan's home turf.

More than a year after wresting power from YSRCP along with its allies Jana Sena and BJP, TDP made a huge dent in Jagan's fortress by wresting Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTCs from YSRCP.

Political analysts say the outcome has sent the alarm bells ringing in the YSRCP camp a year ahead of the local body polls.

Pulivendula in YSR Kadapa district were seen as an impregnable fortress of the YSR family for nearly five decades.

The family never lost an election in Pulivendula since 1978 when Jagan's father and former Chief Minister Y. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) scored his first victory from here.

Though the TDP-led alliance stormed to power last year with a whopping 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly, Pulivendula was among 11 seats the YSRCP could manage to retain.

The significance of the ZPTC by-elections can be gauged from the fact that there was a contest for Pulivendula ZPTC for the first time in 30 years. Even before the polling, the TDP tried to project this as what it called "restoration of democracy".

Though these were by-elections for local bodies, they created an environment of Assembly polls with some ministers and senior leaders from TDP hitting the campaign trail. Jagan also deployed key leaders, including Kadapa MP and his cousin Y. S. Avinash Reddy, to retain his political domination in the home district.

The high-voltage campaign triggered tension and clashes between the two groups. Even before the polling, Jagan accused CM Naidu of conspiring to hijack the polls with manipulations by misusing the police and the State Election Commission.

The TDP fielded Latha Reddy, wife of former MLC and TDP's Pulivendula constituency in-charge, Mareddy Ravindranath Reddy, who is popularly known as BTech Ravi.

In Pulivendula, TDP candidate Latha Reddy defeated Hemanth Reddy of YSRCP by a margin of 6,035 votes. She polled 6,716 votes while the YSRCP candidate forfeited the deposit by securing only 683 votes

The TDP also won the Ontimitta ZPTC seat by a margin of 6,267 votes. TDP's Muddu Krishna Reddy polled 12,780 votes while YSRCPas Iragamreddy Subbareddy secured 6,513 votes.

The YSRCP's allegations of large-scale irregularities and misuse of the police and election machinery in the recent by-elections are the same allegations levelled by the TDP in 2021 after the latter suffered a humiliating defeat in urban and local body polls in Chandrababu Naidu's home turf, Kuppam.

In November 2021, the TDP chief faced huge embarrassment when he suffered a humiliating defeat in the election to the Kuppam Municipality, the only urban civic body in Kuppam. The YSRCP bagged 19 out of 25 wards in the municipality.

The defeat in Kuppam Municipality came a few months after TDP also lost the gram panchayats, MPTC and ZPTC elections in Naiduas constituency.

This was the first time the TDP suffered defeat in Kuppam, considered a bastion of Chandrababu Naidu, who has been representing the constituency in the Assembly since 1989.

Though YSR and TDP chief Naidu were bitter political rivals and the former often taunted the latter for running away from Chandragiri constituency after the defeat in 1983, the Congress leader never tried anything like what Jagan did in 2021.

Upbeat over the victory in local body polls, Jagan had even formulated plans to wrest the Kuppam Assembly seat in last year's elections. He gave the slogan 'why not 175' to inspire the YSRCP cadres to win all 175 Assembly seats.

Jagan, who had campaigned in Kuppam, also promised that if YSRCP candidate KRJ Bharath wins the seat, he would be made a minister.

Jagan miserably failed as the tally of YSRCP in the Assembly slumped to just 11 from 151 it had won in the 2019 elections.

After returning as the Chief Minister, Chandra Babu Naidu started focusing on Pulivendula to hit back at Jagan. The victory in ZPTC by-polls is seen as just the beginning of this counter-offensive.

"After successfully denting Jagan's bastion, the TDP will look to consolidate itself with the target to capture Zilla Parishad. This may pose a challenge to huge to the YSRCP chief's political supremacy in Pulivendula," says political analyst P. Pavan.

The TDP may also try to corner Jagan over the issue of assigned lands at Idupulapaya, where the YSR family has its estate.

The TDP alleged in the past that the YSR family has been enjoying 700 acres of assigned lands (lands allotted to landless poor) for decades. TDP leaders say YSR, as the then Chief Minister of the combined State, had diluted the Assigned Lands (POT) Act through an ordinance in 2007 only to benefit his near and dear ones.

TDP leader K. Atchannaidu alleged in 2021 that when the issue came to light, YSR returned only 300 acres. He had also claimed that Jagan constructed a house on the assigned lands.

The TDP is also likely to cash in on the "split" in the YSR family to break Jagan's stranglehold on Pulivendula and Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency. Jagan's sister and state Congress president Y. S. Sharmila had challenged his political supremacy by contesting from Kadapa against their cousin Y. S. Avinash Reddy, who had held the seat in 2014. Like Pulivendula, the YSR family has been holding the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat since 1989.

In a huge embarrassment to Jagan, Sharmila not only called up on people to defeat him but also targeted him for what he called shielding Avinash Reddy, an accused in the murder of their uncle Y. S. Vivekananda Reddy.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the country's citizens will receive a double bonus during Diwali this year through the next generation GST reform that is being planned to bring down the prices of goods and services to benefit the poor and middle class.

In his address at the inauguration of two major highway projects in Delhi, the Prime Minister said: "For us, reform means the expansion of good governance, and continuous focus is being placed on reforms."

He announced that in the coming days, several major reforms will be introduced to make both life and business easier.

"As part of this effort, a next-generation reform in GST is being planned. This Diwali, citizens will receive a double bonus through the GST reform," PM Modi remarked.

He said that the complete framework has been shared with all states, and expressed hope that all states will cooperate with this initiative of the government of India.

The Prime Minister urged for the swift completion of the process so that "this Diwali can be made even more special".

Adding that the government aims to simplify GST further and revise tax rates, the Prime Minister highlighted that the benefits of this reform will reach every household, especially the poor and middle class. The entrepreneurs of all scales, as well as traders and businesspersons, will gain from these changes.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry on Friday sent its proposal to the GST Council for introducing two GST rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent across all goods going forward, according to government sources.

The proposed two-slab regime will replace the current four slabs in the goods and services tax (GST) regime, doing away with the 12 per cent and 28 per cent slabs.

Items that will be covered under the lower GST rate of 5 per cent will include, essential goods consumed by the common man, health-related items, handicrafts and insurance. While the other goods including manufactured products such as refrigerators and TVs will come under the 18 per cent slab.

However, sin and luxury goods such as cigarettes, tobacco, sugary drinks and pan masala will continue to be under a separate GST tax bracket of 40 per cent

The government is of the view that this rationalisation of GST will give a big boost to consumption and spur growth in the economy.

The GST Council, which includes finance ministers of states, is likely to meet in September to approve the proposal

The proposal came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort that the next generation reforms in GST will be unveiled by Diwali, which will provide "substantial" tax relief to the common man and benefit small businesses.

Key areas identified for next-generation reforms include the rationalisation of tax rates to benefit all sections of society, especially the common man, women, students, middle class, and farmers.

Among the proposals is the reduction of taxes on items used by the common man and aspirational goods. This would enhance affordability, boost consumption, and make essential and aspirational goods more accessible to a wider population.

The end of compensation cess has created fiscal space, providing greater flexibility to rationalise and align tax rates within the GST framework for long-term sustainability, according to the ministry.

The correction of inverted duty structures is aimed at aligning input and output tax rates so that there is a reduction in the accumulation of input tax credit. This would support domestic value addition.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 : The Kerala CPM has been hit by a fresh controversy after a Chennai-based businessman alleged that Shyam, son of state secretary M.V. Govindan, was involved in leaking a confidential complaint submitted to the party's Politburo.

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 (IANS) The Kerala CPM has been hit by a fresh controversy after a Chennai-based businessman alleged that Shyam, son of state secretary M.V. Govindan, was involved in leaking a confidential complaint submitted to the partyas Politburo.

The businessman, Muhammad Sharshad, said he had submitted a complaint disclosing alleged illegal financial transactions involving certain CPM leaders. According to him, the documents attached to his petition were leaked and later surfaced as evidence in a defamation case filed by London-based businessman Rajesh Krishna.

Sharshad claimed that Shyam was responsible for passing on the documents to Rajesh, possibly under pressure. The businessman further alleged that despite his repeated representations, the party leadership ignored his complaint. He noted that while Rajesh was invited to attend the CPM party congress in Madurai, he was eventually asked to stay away after Sharshad raised objections.

In his letter to the Politburo, Sharshad accused Rajesh of transferring unaccounted funds to the bank accounts of CPM leaders. Following the leak, Rajesh approached the Delhi High Court with a defamation suit, asserting that false allegations had been circulated against him.

Speaking to media persons on Sunday, Sharshad said that both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department are now probing his complaint into the alleged illegal financial transfers from Rajesh Krishnaas accounts. He alleged that Rajesh used his leaked complaint to strengthen his defence in the defamation case, with the involvement of Govindanas son making it possible.

The issue has drawn a sharp response from the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded a public explanation from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing the CPM state committee of deliberately covering up Sharshadas complaint. He insisted that the identities of all CPM leaders allegedly linked to the financial transactions with Rajesh must be revealed.

With the allegations gaining momentum, the CPM leadership finds itself under mounting pressure to respond, while the charge against Govindanas son has cast a fresh shadow over the partyas credibility.
Bhopal, Aug 17 : The Congress party in Madhya Pradesh is grappling with widespread unrest following the announcement of 71 new city and district presidents under its much-touted 'Sangathan Sarjan Abhiyan'.

What was meant to be a campaign for organisational renewal has instead triggered protests, resignations, and accusations of favouritism, with party workers across the state openly challenging the leadership's decisions.

The most intense backlash has emerged from Guna district, where the appointment of Raghogarh legislator and former minister Jaivardhan Singh, son of senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, as District Congress President has sparked outrage.

Speaking to IANS, Jaivardhan Singh said, 'Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan' is "Rahul Gandhi ji's visionary initiative aimed at reinforcing the party's grassroots structure further. I'm honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading this effort in Guna. We will work collectively to strengthen the organisation further at every level".

"The initiative is to strengthen the organisation further at the last layer of organisation, and I feel honoured to take such responsibility and challenge for Guna. We all will work together to strengthen our organisation further," he said.

On Saturday evening, Congress workers in Aaron Tehsil of Guna took to the streets, burning an effigy of State Congress president Jitu Patwari and accusing the high command of ignoring committed local leaders.

Protesters reportedly raised slogans denouncing the leadership's decision, arguing that Singh's elevation bypassed grassroots workers who have long served the party without recognition.

A video of the protest went viral on social media. However, the video is not verified by IANS.

This discontent is not isolated, as similar protests across districts Bhopal, Ujjain, Satna, Burhanpur, Raisen, and Dewas erupted.

In Ujjain Rural, Mahesh Parmar's appointment has drawn sharp criticism, while in Satna, workers have opposed Siddharth Kushwaha's selection through posts on social media.

In Burhanpur, supporters of Arun Yadav reportedly held a secret meeting to express their dissatisfaction.

In minority-dominated districts, the absence of Muslim city presidents has further fuelled anger, with many workers and office bearers voicing their frustration on social media.

In Bhopal, the controversy has taken a personal turn. Monu Saxena, a known Digvijaya Singh loyalist and contender for the district president post, expressed deep disappointment over being overlooked.

A post from the "Monu Saxena Fan Club" claimed that Rahul Gandhi's vision for organisational creation had been "dissolved in Bhopal".

Saxena alleged that the appointment of Praveen Saxena, who has been reappointed as city president, was influenced by individuals with ties to the BJP.

The composition of the new district presidents has also come under scrutiny. Of the 71 names announced, 21 are reappointments, while six MLAs and 11 former MLAs have been given responsibility.

The list includes 12 OBCs, 10 STs, 8 SCs, 3 minorities, and four women. Many workers are questioning the rationale behind these choices, especially after the party spent two months promising fresh faces and youth representation.

"If the plan was to bring back old faces, why run a campaign for new leadership?" asked a disgruntled office bearer from Dewas and Burhanpur on condition of anonymity.

Amid the growing unrest, PCC Chief Patwari has attempted damage control, urging unity and promising that "those left out will be given new responsibilities soon".

In a public message on his X handle, he emphasised the need to take Congress's ideology to every home and prepare collectively for the 2028 elections.

"A strong organisation is the identity of Congress in Madhya Pradesh. Everyone's contribution matters," he said.

However, the gap between the party's promises and its actions has left many workers disillusioned. In several districts, resignations have already begun, and the leadership now faces the challenge of restoring trust and cohesion within its ranks.

With internal dissent mounting and credibility at stake, the Congress party's organisational strategy in Madhya Pradesh stands at a critical crossroads.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : The Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) detailed presser on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and rebuttal to 'vote chori' charges on Sunday, failed to convince the main Opposition party as it doubled down its attack on the poll panel and accused it of gross incompetence in 'purifying' the electoral rolls, as claimed by it.

Minutes after CEC Gyanesh Kumar rejected claims of voter list manipulation and also described itself as an unbiased constitutional body, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to his social media handle on X and termed these remarks as 'laughable'.

The Rajya Sabha MP said, "The CEC answered none of the pointed questions raised by Shri. Rahul Gandhi meaningfully."

Earlier, addressing a press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, the CEC rejected allegations of any bias in the Bihar SIR exercise and said that its doors are open for all political parties. He also invited all parties to submit their objections and complaints regarding draft rolls, stating that there are still 15 days left for registering the electorate's grievances.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress's Communications in-charge, also took potshots at the ECI and satirically remarked, "This was the first time that the new ECI was speaking directly and not planting through sources". His taunt was directed at the regular rebuttals issued by the EC sources lately, over repeated allegations by the opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi.

Responding to CEC's 'politics can't intimidate EC' remarks, Jairam said, "As far as the CEC's threats to Rahul Gandhi are concerned, all that needs to be said is that the LoP in the Lok Sabha had simply stated facts revealed by the ECI's own data. The ECI stands thoroughly exposed not only for its incompetence but also for its blatant partisanship."

Notably, Rahul Gandhi has raised the pitch in the past few days, accusing the EC of colluding with the ruling party to manipulate the voters' list and also vitiate the polling procedure in poll-bound Bihar to benefit a certain party.

He also said that the EC's press conference came three days after the Supreme Court rejected all its arguments to prevent publication of the 65 lakh deleted voters during the Bihar SIR.
London, Aug 17 : Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir's threat, during his recent visit to the US, that said that if pushed to the brink, Pakistan would "take half the world down," explicitly mentioning India, had sparked international concerns, as the country has repeatedly weaponised "Ummah solidarity" as a bargaining chip in global diplomacy. "It continues to run with the West while hunting with the Ummah," as per a report.

London, Aug 17 (IANS) Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir's threat, during his recent visit to the US, that said that if pushed to the brink, Pakistan would "take half the world down," explicitly mentioning India, had sparked international concerns, as the country has repeatedly weaponised "Ummah solidarity" as a bargaining chip in global diplomacy. "It continues to run with the West while hunting with the Ummah," as per a report.

During his recent US visit, FM Munir signalled carrying out missile strikes on Indian dams and economic assets, UK-based The Milli Chronicle said in a report. India's Ministry of External Affairs slammed him, terming his remarks as "nuclear sabre-rattling" and labelling Pakistan an "irresponsible nuclear state", while asserting it would not yield to nuclear blackmail.

The army chief's comments fit into Pakistan's history of opportunism and duplicity on the world stage.

"Pakistan has repeatedly weaponised the idea of 'Ummah solidarity' not as a moral or theological commitment, but as a bargaining chip in global diplomacy. Its foreign policy choices reveal a pattern: alliance with the US while sponsoring its enemies; posturing as Iran's partner while sheltering anti-Iran militants; waving the Palestinian flag while aiding Israel's allies; condemning India while staying mute on China's genocide against Muslims. This is not a strategy. It is duplicity dressed up as ideology. Pakistan continues to run with the West while hunting with the Ummaha game that fools no one and secures nothing lasting," the report said.

Pakistan's foreign policy has often been a study in contradictions, as it had a crypto-alliance with the US during the war in Afghanistan, betrayed Iran by sharing intelligence with the US, engaged in a silent war against its own Pashtun population through forced displacement and resource exploitation, initiated a mass expulsion of Afghan refugees, remained silent on China's repression of Uyghur Muslims, suppressed Palestinian factions during Black September in Jordan, covertly aligned with Israel during the AzerbaijanArmenia conflict, backed both Iran and US President Donald Trump  whom it nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. These inconsistencies expose a country untethered to any consistent moral compass or principled foreign policy.

After lunch with Trump in June, the Pakistani government announced its intention to recommend the US President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Only two days later, the US launched strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. Pakistan criticised the strikes and expressed solidarity with Iran, even while maintaining friendly ties with Trump privately.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) condemned the Pakistan government's nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize as "morally indefensible" with party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman terming it as an insult to the victims of the US aggression across the Muslim world. The double-speak showcases how Pakistan used the "Ummah card" to appease people in their own country, while continuing to have pragmatic deals with the US. Meanwhile, Iran has been accusing Pakistan of harbouring extremist groups like Jaish al-Adl, which conducted attacks on Iranian border guards from Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Pakistan's duplicity with regard to the US is historical. During the US-led "War on Terror" after 2001, Pakistan permitted the US forces to use its airbases while simultaneously sheltering and backing jihadist proxies that targeted American troops in Afghanistan. The US gave aid worth billions of dollars to Pakistan, yet the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) covertly facilitated the Taliban and the Haqqani Network, according to The Milli Chronicle report.

Islamabad's double game was exposed when the US forces killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, just a short distance from Pakistan's premier military academy. In 2020, Pakistan's then-Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his speech in parliament, called Osama bin Laden a "martyr." Former US Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Mike Pompeo had denounced Islamabad's duplicity.

The International community has criticised Pakistan for forcibly expelling more than a million Afghan refugees, many registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UN reports have revealed widespread abuses against returnees, especially women and minorities, demonstrating the emptiness of Pakistan's claims of "Ummah solidarity."

Under the pretext of launching a "war on terror", Pakistan has been involved in a war against its own Pashtun population, treating the tribal belt as both a buffer zone and an economic colony. For years, Pakistan has intentionally continued to keep low-intensity conflict simmering in the region to justify military control.

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), over five million Pashtuns were displaced during military operations from 2004-2016, many of whom remain in limbo without proper resettlement or compensation. At the same time, the mineral-rich areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have become a source of extraction instead of empowerment. Gold, copper and lithium deposits, important for the global energy transition, are being taken off by military-connected conglomerates and foreign partners, while local residents continue to live in poverty, according to The Milli Chronicle report.

Pakistan's "principled" defence of Muslims reveals its selective outrage. The report stated: "Nowhere is this clearer than in its silence on China's persecution of Uyghur Muslims and its contradictory stance on Palestine. Despite Beijing's demolition of mosques, erasure of Islamic culture, and incarceration of more than a million Uyghurs in Xinjiang camps, Pakistan's leadership has never once raised the issue on international platforms."

Pakistan's duplicity is also reflected in its approach to Palestine. For decades, Pakistan has claimed to be a supporter of the Palestinian cause; however, its actions tell a different story. During Black September in 1970, Pakistani General Zia-ul-Haq, then stationed in Jordan, advised Jordanian forces during their crackdown on Palestinian factions.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : In a moment of rare institutional candour, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar delivered a rebuke to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, admonishing him for his incendiary allegations of electoral theft and demanding either a formal affidavit substantiating his claims or a public apology to the nation.

The Commissioner's remarks, delivered with gravitas befitting the constitutional office he holds, cast a long shadow over the Opposition's nascent campaign narrative.

The controversy erupted following Rahul Gandhi's launch of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'a 1,300-kilometre march from Sasaram in poll-bound Biharintended to galvanise public sentiment against what he termed "vote chori" in the electoral rolls.

Citing alleged discrepancies in a Karnataka Lok Sabha constituency, Rahul Gandhi claimed over one lakh votes had been compromised through duplicate entries, fictitious addresses, and invalid photographs. The CEC responded with a pointed rejoinder.

"India is not merely a democracyit is the world's largest and most intricate democratic enterprise," he declared.

"To impugn the integrity of its voters and the sanctity of its electoral rolls without evidence is not merely irresponsible; it is an affront to the Constitution itself."

He continued, "If one chooses to level such grave accusations in full view of the media, one must either furnish proof in the form of a sworn affidavit or seek apology from the people of India. There exists no third path."

The Commissioner proceeded to elucidate the nature of voter duplication, distinguishing between identical EPIC numbers assigned to different individuals across statesa technical anomaly resolved earlier this yearand instances where a single individual appears on multiple rolls under varied EPICs.

"We identified and rectified over three lakh such cases. The system is not infallible, but it is vigilant," he affirmed.

On the matter of voter privacy, Gyanesh Kumar invoked the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling prohibiting machine-readable electoral rolls.

"Searchable lists are permissible; machine-readable formats are not. The sanctity of the voter's identity must remain inviolate," he said, condemning the unauthorised dissemination of voter photographs in the media.

Turning to Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the CEC described it as a monumental undertakingunprecedented in two decadesdesigned to cleanse and fortify the electoral rolls.

"Over 1.6 lakh Booth Level Agents have participated in this exercise. More than 28,000 claims and objections have been submitted. This is democracy in motion," he said.

He was unequivocal in his defence of the Commission's impartiality.

"Every political party is born of registration with the Election Commission. We do not discriminate. We serve the Constitution, not partisan interests," he asserted.

He also addressed concerns regarding foreign nationals on the voter rolls, stating that any individual unable to prove Indian citizenship during the SIR process would be duly removed. In a final flourish, the Commissioner invoked the moral weight of the electorate.

"When more than seven crore voters of Bihar stand with the Election Commission, no shadow may be cast upon their integrity. To question them is to question the very soul of our republic."

As the political storm around voter integrity intensifies, the Election Commission has made it clear: it will not be a silent spectator when the credibility of India's democratic process is questioned.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday addressed key concerns raised by political parties over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, clarifying the role of Aadhaar and the process for filing complaints.

Responding to IANS queries at a press conference, the CEC underlined that under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), "any elector of the constituency can file a complaint."

He stressed that non-electors cannot simply lodge objections; they may submit inputs as witnesses, but only if supported by an oath administered before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). "You cannot complain just by registering a complaint," he said, dismissing allegations of non-responsiveness to bulk affidavits filed by opposition leaders.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar's response came in when he was asked by IANS on the allegations made by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who, a few days back, claimed that no action was taken even after submitting an affidavit regarding a voter fraud of 18,000 votes in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of ignoring such complaints, a charge the poll body firmly rejects.

On the Aadhaar issue, the Supreme Court has fixed the next hearing for August 22, where the matter of considering Aadhaar as an additional document may be discussed. CEC Gyanesh Kumar clarified that while Aadhaar is not a mandatory identity proof for inclusion in the electoral rolls, aggrieved persons can submit their enumeration forms along with Aadhaar as supporting evidence.

"EC has accepted this and follows the procedure accordingly," he noted.

With the Supreme Court set to examine the Aadhaar linkage issue later this week, the controversy over the SIR drive is likely to intensify in Bihar's heated political climate.
Los Angeles, Aug 17 : Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones feels that she and her husband, Michael Douglas are quite similar as people.

Los Angeles, Aug 17 (IANS) Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones feels that she and her husband, Michael Douglas are quite similar as people.

The Hollywood couple is set to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary later this year and Catherine believes that their like-minded attitudes have enabled their marriage to stay strong, reports 'Female First UK'.

The 55-year-old actress told The Sunday Times, "Two celebrities together make ten. It's just the way it is. There's two versions of the story and there's two make-believes. We don't listen to the crap that is written about us, that's the main thing. And we respect our space, we're independent spirits. We are very similar; we were born on the same day, 25 years apart. We're not afraid to be verbal, to express ourselves. I wear everything on my sleeve and so does he, which is good".

As per 'Female First UK', Douglas, 80, revealed earlier this year that he didn't plan to act again as prefers to "watch my wife work" but Catherine wouldn't be surprised if her husband, the son of late Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, returns to the big screen.

The actress, who has son Dylan, 25, and daughter Carys, 22, with the actor said, "Michael has definitely earned the chance to slow down. But I never say never. He's his father's son and loves to work - let's just say, 'retirement' is a flexible concept".

Catherine found fame in the British TV series 'The Darling Buds of May' but explained that she was frustrated by the "great beauty" roles she was subsequently offered.

The Oscar-winning actress said, "I don't consider myself a great beauty. I always thought of myself as attractive and interesting, but never a great beauty".

She plays Morticia Addams in the Netflix series' Wednesday' and confessed that she didn't know who co-star Jenna Ortega, 22, was initially, but soon realised that she is a "phenomenon".

She said, "When we first met I didn't know who she was. It took me one moment on set to work out who she was going to be. It was very clear that she was a phenomenon. I mean, forget the show, just her as a young woman, as an actress, the way she is. She has a smart head on her shoulders".

Catherine added that she is at a stage of her life where "everything is a bonus".
New Delhi, Aug 17 : South Korean giant Samsung continues to expand manufacturing of its advanced technology devices in India, including laptops, according to Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

In a major fillip to the 'Make in India' initiative, India's electronics production has surged from $31 billion to $133 billion in a decade beginning 2014-15. The electronics exports have also seen a surge of over 47 per cent in Q1 of 2025-26 over the same quarter in 2024-25.

"Samsung continues to expand manufacturing of its advanced technology devices in 'Bharat', driven by talent and innovation," Vaishnaw said in an X post.

"Its research unit in 'Bharat' has more than 7,000 engineers," he added.

The government has created several enablers for making India Aatmanirbhar in manufacturing. As a result, India has moved from having 2 mobile manufacturing units in 2014 to over 300.

In the first quarter of current fiscal (Q1 FY26), India's traditional PC market, which includes desktops, notebooks, and workstations, saw a 7.1 per cent increase in shipments, reaching 3.39 million units, according to IDC. The market experienced a 7.1 per cent year-on-year growth in shipments, indicating a positive trend in the PC market.

Meanwhile, Samsung India said recently that its newly-launched, 'Made in India' Galaxy Z Fold7, gained significant traction from not only tier 3 markets, but also tier 4 and beyond, amid a resilient economy and rising aspirations across the country.

"The unprecedented demand has made us allocate stocks of the Galaxy Z Fold7 across the deeper pockets of Bharat. We are immensely encouraged by the new demand surfacing from tier 4 and beyond and will continue to serve these markets in the best possible manner," said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President and Head at Samsung India.

The company said it is witnessing unprecedented demand for the Galaxy Z Fold7, with the smartphone being 'out-of-stock' in select markets across the country. The company is taking necessary steps at its manufacturing factory in Noida to meet the unprecedented demand.

IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 17 : The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a writ petition filed by the Punjab government challenging the Governor's decision to refer the Sikh Gurudwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to the President for her consideration.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria will take up for hearing on August 18 the plea challenging the President's "simpliciter inaction" on the two bills without granting or withholding assent.

The petition raises two significant questions of "constitutional import": first, whether the Governor, acting on his own discretion and contrary to the advice of the Punjab government, could refer the bills to the President; and second, in what manner the President is required to act once a bill has been reserved for his consideration by a Governor.

The plea, filed through advocate Nupur Kumar, contended that both bills were sent to the President "in contravention to the aid and advice of the State Council of Ministers, and in the absence of any constitutional trigger or extraordinary breakdown of democratic governance".

Both the Bills referred to the President, as per the plea, either fall within the State List or, if they fall within the Concurrent List, do not conflict with any law made by the Union Parliament.

"They also do not attract any of the constitutional provisions that would either (a) mandate Presidential assent as a condition precedent to their enactment;(b) require reference on grounds of repugnancy or inconsistency with central law; or (c) raise exceptional circumstances that imperil constitutional democracy so as to justify a departure from the mandate of ministerial aid and advice," it stated.

Further, the plea cited the recent judgement in the State of Tamil Nadu v. The Governor of Tamil Nadu case, where the Supreme Court categorically held that "there is no 'pocket veto' or 'absolute veto' available to the President in discharge of his functions under Article 201" and that decisions on reserved bills must be taken "within a period of three months".

The Sikh Gurudwaras (Amendment) Bill mandates free live telecast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple, while the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill seeks an independent mechanism for the appointment of the Director General of Police (DGP). Both were passed by the Assembly in 2023.

While the Sikh Gurudwaras Bill has remained pending for over 17 months and the Punjab Police Bill for more than 12 months, the petition pointed out that "no decision granting assent or providing reasons for withholding it has been communicated to the petitioner-state".

Referring to the directions issued in the Tamil Nadu Bills case, the Punjab government's plea said that such inaction "renders the constitutional scheme under Article 201 illusory, and constitutes an abdication of constitutional duty".

A 5-judge Bench of the Supreme Court is already seized of a Presidential reference under Article 143 of the Constitution, seeking the top court's opinion as to whether timelines can be imposed on Governors to act on Bills in the absence of a constitutionally-prescribed time limit.

In the aftermath of the apex court verdict in the Tamil Nadu Bills case, President Droupadi Murmu, in May this year, had asked the apex court to report its opinion on constitutional options available to a Governor when a Bill is presented to him under Article 200 of the Constitution.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a warning for heavy rainfall across various parts of Odisha over the next few days due to the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal.

The low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal off northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over west central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts, a low-pressure area has formed over the same region at 8.30 hrs IST of today, 17th August 2025," informed the IMD in its bulletin on Sunday.

The IMD further predicted that the cyclonic circulation is likely to concentrate into a depression during subsequent 24-hours and cross south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts around morning on August 19.

The IMD predicted that the low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several areas of the state, particularly in the southern region.

It issued orange warning predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorm to occur at one or two places over the southern Odisha districts, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, on Sunday.

Similarly, yellow warning of heavy rainfall has been issued by the agency on Sunday for Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur districts.

The IMD has issued a red warning alerting about extremely heavy rain fall at one or two places over the districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur on Monday.

Several districts across Odisha are likely to face rainfall on the next three days due to the low-pressure area formed on Sunday.

The IMD has also anticipated that districts such as Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi may experience damage to plantations, horticultural crops, and standing crops.

Additionally, kutcha houses, walls, and huts could be affected, along with the possibility of road flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and occurrences of localised landslides, mudslides, land or mud slips, and sinking of land or mud.
Seoul, Aug 17 : The leader of Russia's Communist Party has hailed North Korean troops deployed in Moscow's conflict against Ukraine in a letter sent to the North's leader Kim Jong-un, according to the North's state media Sunday.

Gennady Andreyevich Zyuganov, Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation's Central Committee, sent his letter to Kim to mark the anniversary, according to North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Yonhap News Agency reported.

In the letter, Zyuganov said he has taken note of North Korea's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, stating that their bilateral ties "will continue to grow stronger in all aspects".

Zyuganov also thanked Kim for sending North Korean troops to fight in the Kursk front-line region, saying the North's troops helped Russia "liberate" the area, according to the KCNA.

"The Communist Party of the Russian Federation expresses its sincere thanks to you for helping liberate Kursk Region," Zyuganov told Kim in the letter, the KCNA reported.

"Russia will never forget the feats of the heroic DPRK soldiers who shed their blood for the just world and the common freedom of the two countries," it said. DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Days before US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Alaska, the Russian leader briefed Kim on his planned meeting with Trump during a phone call.

Their call was yet another sign that Pyongyang and Moscow have been maintaining close military and diplomatic cooperation in line with the "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty that the leaders signed during a summit in Pyongyang in June last year.

North Korea and Russia have displayed signs of solid military cooperation in recent days in the wake of the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, with Kim sending a letter to the Russian President that bilateral relations have reached "full bloom".
Sydney, Aug 17 : One man was dead and another has been hospitalised with serious injuries following a shooting outside a hotel in Sydney's inner west area on Sunday, reports said.

Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a shooting outside a hotel in the inner-western Sydney suburb of Forest Lodge around 6.40 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Officers arrived to find that two men had been shot multiple times by unknown assailants, who subsequently left the scene in a vehicle.

Ambulance paramedics treated both victims, but one died at the scene. The second man was transported to the hospital in a serious condition.

According to local media, witnesses reported hearing between six and 12 gunshots.

NSW Police said that a crime scene has been established and that detectives have commenced an investigation into the attack with assistance from the state homicide squad.

Last week, a man was airlifted to a hospital in a critical condition following a shooting in eastern Australia, police in NSW said in a statement.

The emergency services were called to reports of a shooting at a home in the small town of Nana Glen, about 440 kilometres northeast of Sydney.

Officers arrived and were told that a 22-year-old man was shot in the chest by a man known to him following an argument.

The victim was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to the hospital, where he was in a critical but stable condition on Sunday morning after undergoing surgery.

About 30 minutes after the shooting, officers stopped an SUV in the nearby city of Coffs Harbour and arrested a 20-year-old man. A rifle was seized during a subsequent search of the vehicle.

The 20-year-old was taken to a local police station and charged with six offences, including shooting with intent to murder as an act of domestic violence and possessing and using an unauthorised firearm.

NSW Police established a strike force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Damoh : , Aug 17 (IANS) The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana is equipping and enhancing the skills of crores of people across the country and also making them financially self-reliant.

In Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district, a large number of beneficiaries trained under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana spoke to IANS, explaining about its impact on their lives.

Sunil Vishwakarma, who received a week-long training in bicycle repairing at Tendukheda Center said that the scheme helped him hone his skills.

Sunil, a resident of Tendukheda Nagar Parishad in Damoh, first joined this scheme and took training for 6 days. Today, he is planning to take a loan from the bank to expand his own shop.

"During the six-day training, I was told that the bank can provide collateral free loan of upto Rs 3 lakhs. The first installment could be of Rs 1 lakh and the second installment would be received after 18 months. I got Rs 3 lakh along with Rs 1,000 rent from the six-day training," he said.

Sundar Lal, a resident of Bandipura Gram Panchayat of Tendukheda block was another person to get skills training under the scheme.

"Based on the information received from the villagers, I filled in the form of PM Vishwakarma Yojana online. After a few days, I came to know that my name had come in the list after which the employees working at the centre contacted me and during this six-day training, I learnt welding work. Earlier also I had done welding and craftsmanship work at other people's shops," he said.

He further said: "I want to thank PM Modi who made such a good scheme for small people. Even today I work at a welding shop where I get a wage of 250 to 300 rupees, but in the coming days I will have my own shop."

Notably, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is one of the flagship schemes under which beneficiaries are given a toolkit worth Rs 15,000 and a loan without collateral of up to Rs 3 lakh to start their own business.

This Central government scheme is economically empowering people associated with different categories including blacksmith, potter, tailor, mason and cobbler, but is also motivating them for self-employment.
Chennai, Aug 17 : Animal lovers and rights activists staged a protest rally in Egmore, Chennai, on Sunday opposing the Supreme Court's directive to relocate all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks.

The demonstration, which began at Rajarathinam Stadium and concluded near a private hotel, saw participants marching with their pet dogs and carrying placards, demanding the withdrawal of the order. Chanting slogans against what they termed an "inhumane" directive, the protestors urged the Delhi government not to enforce the ruling. They argued that relocating nearly 10 lakh stray dogs to shelters would amount to cruelty and deprive the animals of their natural habitat.

"The court is treating stray dogs as a nuisance instead of recognising them as part of our shared environment," one activist told reporters.

The apex court had taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming rise in dog-bite incidents, including the recent death of a six-year-old child in Delhi following a stray dog attack. During hearings, the court observed that urgent intervention was required and directed sterilisation along with relocation of the canines to shelters.

However, Sunday's demonstrators stressed that the solution lay not in confinement but in scientific sterilisation drives, community awareness, and stricter implementation of pet ownership rules. They argued that mass relocation would only worsen the problem by straining resources and isolating the animals from communities that often care for and feed them.

Placards carried by protesters read slogans such as "Shelters are not homes" and "Strays are community responsibility, not criminals." Many participants said that the directive ignored the emotional bond shared by citizens with community dogs and warned that implementing it could trigger more public resentment than relief.

The activists called on the authorities to adopt a humane approach that balances public safety with animal welfare. They demanded that the Supreme Court immediately withdraw its relocation order and instead direct governments to strengthen sterilisation and vaccination programmes.

"The answer is not to lock them away but to manage their population responsibly and compassionately," a protestor said, adding that India must lead with empathy in addressing its stray dog challenge. The rally concluded peacefully, but organisers vowed to continue their campaign until the court reconsiders its decision.
Quetta, Aug 17 : Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KIP) Chairman Khalid Hussain Bathh has slammed the Balochistan government for not providing funds to the farmers of Nasirabad Division-the only green belt of the province- for converting agricultural tube wells to solar energy despite making promises, local media reported on Sunday.

Quetta, Aug 17 (IANS) Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KIP) Chairman Khalid Hussain Bathh has slammed the Balochistan government for not providing funds to the farmers of Nasirabad Divisiona"the only green belt of the provincea" for converting agricultural tube wells to solar energy despite making promises, local media reported on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, he stated that tube wells have become non-operational, crops are drying up, and farmers are facing huge financial losses due to the disruption of electricity supply, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. He stated that authorities had promised funds for solarisation to farmers. However, the approved funds have not been released so far.

Electricity connections were disconnected, and the supply was shifted from three-phase to two-phase before the payments were made. He stated that tube wells had become non-operational, and no water was flowing in the Rabi Canal, while agriculture, livestock, and local communities were suffering badly due to the disruption of the electricity supply.

The KIP Chairman said that crops were destroyed due to the unavailability of irrigation water, and there was even a shortage of drinking water. After the Balochistan Irrigation Minister's assurances, the farmers had sown crops; however, the seeds were destroyed due to water shortage.

Bathh said: "No developmental initiatives, such as skill development centres, agricultural workshops, or projects for women farmersa"who work alongside men in the fieldsa"have been launched for their capacity building."

He requested the government to announce a solar energy programme for farmers in the Rabi Canal, Nari, and Bolan areas who currently depend on diesel generators for irrigation.

In February, the Green Kissan Ittehad (GKI) rejected the 35 per cent tax on agricultural production in Balochistan and across the country, implemented under International Monetary Fund (IMF) directive, terming it a "cruel and anti-farmer measure."

While addressing a press conference, GKI President Agha Lal Jan Ahmadzai called for providing compensation to farmers impacted by the construction of the Quetta-Karachi Highway in Khuzdar, Kalat, Mangochar, Mastung, Surrab and other regions, Dawn reported.

He mentioned that 75 per cent of people in Pakistan work in the agriculture sector, which provides fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products to Pakistan and contributes millions of rupees in taxes. He noted that despite this, the agriculture sector of Balochistan was on the verge of collapse.
Bhopal, Aug 17 : The Union Government will soon launch a nationwide campaign to crack down on fake and harmful agricultural inputs, including spurious pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds.

This decision comes in the wake of a major crop failure in Madhya Pradesh, where farmers have suffered heavy losses due to suspected faulty weedicide.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a surprise visit on Sunday to the soyabean fields of Chhirkheda village in Raisen district, following complaints from farmers. Instead of healthy crops, he found burnt fields, dried plants, and widespread damage.

Farmers told the Minister that the destruction was caused by a weedicide produced by a private company. Surrounded by hundreds of farmers and Agriculture Department officials, Chouhan inspected the fields and took stock of the situation first-hand.

"This is not an isolated misfortune," he declared. "The anguish of these farmers echoes across multiple districts. Their pain is our summons to act."

With characteristic decisiveness, the Minister announced the formation of a high-level scientific inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly and impartially.

On his directive, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) constituted a four-member committee to examine the affected fields.

The committee shall be chaired by Dr. J.S. Mishra, Director of ICAR's Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur.

Joining him are Dr. S.R.K. Singh, Director of Attari Zone 9; the Deputy Director of Agriculture for Raisen-Vidisha; and the Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raisen.

This panel is scheduled to visit the site on 18 August and submit its findings forthwith. The minister addressing the assembled farmers, said: "When a farmer loses his crop, he loses a part of his life. Justice shall not be delayed. The company responsible will be held to account."

He further dismissed the preliminary report submitted by the KVK Raisen scientist as inadequate, affirming that only a rigorous and transparent investigation would suffice.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the Minister promised to launch a nationwide campaign against the scourge of counterfeit agricultural inputs.

"We shall root out the menace of spurious pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds. Those who defraud our farmers shall face the full weight of the law," he asserted.
Kathmandu, Aug 17 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Sunday and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal, in a post on X, said: "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. FS reaffirmed the deep civilizational ties and strong India-Nepal partnership, and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors."

Misri also called on Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel and conveyed greetings from the Indian leadership. During the meeting, he briefed the President on the progress in bilateral ties.

"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the Rt. Hon'ble President of Nepal Mr. Ramchandra Paudel and conveyed greetings of the Indian leadership, apart from briefing Honable President on the progress in bilateral ties," Indian Embassy in Nepal posted on X.

The Foreign Secretary also called on Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to further enhance the multifaceted partnership between two nations across all sectors.

"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on on the Honable Foreign Minister of Nepal Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba There was a substantial exchange of views on issues of mutual interest and ways to further enhance the multifaceted India-Nepal partnership, across all sectors", the mission posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Misri arrived in Kathmandu for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepal counterpart Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Announcing his arrival, the Indian Embassy said: "Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri arrives in Kathmandu for an official visit, which reflects the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal, and reaffirms the commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy."

In a statement issued on Friday ahead of Misri's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "India and Nepal share strong and friendly ties, which have seen concrete progress in recent years in diverse areas of cooperation. India attaches high priority to its relations with Nepal under its Neighbourhood First policy. Foreign Secretary's upcoming visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and will be an opportunity to further advance our bilateral ties."

According to Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit, the two Foreign Secretaries will hold discussions on various aspects of the Nepal-India partnership, with a focus on connectivity, development cooperation, and other matters of mutual interest. Foreign Secretary Misri was also scheduled to call on other high-level dignitaries in Kathmandu.
Chennai, Aug 17 : Vijay Deverakonda celebrated India's 79th Independence Day at Times Square, representing India at the India Day parade in New York City.A

Vijay further attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square, where the Indian tricolour was unfurled in the presence of the Consulate General and the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chairman.

The post dropped by VD on his official Instagram handle also featured him posing for some stylish solos in a black velvet kurta with matching denim.

Sharing the post, Vijay wrote: "Celebrating Home and Indians around the world YY...Beautiful day, beautiful people in Times Square NewYork."

VD also expressed his pride in seeing the tricolor waving at one of the world's most iconic locations.

On Saturday, the 'Liger' actor dropped another short video of the Indian Independence Day celebration in NYC on IG, along with the caption: "Absolute honour! YY...Indian tricolours bathe the iconic Empire State Building YY...got to light it up on our Independence day and also experience the beautiful hospitality of Team Empire state and the buildingas stunning views and stories :)"

In another update, Vijay was recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for four-and-a-half hours in the case relating to the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps.

However, the 'Kingdom' actor claimed that he was summoned for questioning about a gaming app which he had endorsed.

Maintaining that he endorsed a gaming app as gaming apps are legal, and recognised by the government, VD said: "There is a difference between gaming apps and betting apps".

When asked why the app he endorsed was not accessible, he revealed that the legal apps will have a geo-location lock.

"If you try to open it in Telangana, you get a message that it is not allowed in this area. Some state governments have allowed this app. It works only in geographies where there is permission," Vijay concluded.
Kolkata, Aug 17 : A theft was reported from Calcutta University Girls' Hostel, triggering panic among the boarders. The police said that an unidentified youth entered the room of a female boarder and stole her mobile phone and bag.

Terrified by the incident, Sayantani Chakraborty, third-year chemical engineering department, reported the incident to the police on Sunday morning. The incident took place on Saturday night in the Calcutta University hostel on Mahatma Gandhi Road in north Kolkata.

According to the student, she was sleeping in her room on the third floor of the hostel. She woke up to the sound of something falling.

"When I looked around, I saw someone was trying to steal something after entering the room in the dark of night. All my belongings were scattered here and there. Immediately I lunged forward to catch him. There was a scuffle. He pushed me to the ground and fled by climbing down a pipe," said Chakraborty.

The student from Rajabazar Science College, which is affiliated to University of Calcutta, said no immediate action was taken after informing the hostel super.

"I informed the hostel superintendent and secretary of the college about the whole incident. But no action was taken," she said. The student lost one mobile phone, a bag and some money.

Following the incident, the security of the girls' hostel is under question. Questions are also being raised about how the youth entered the hostel room without being noticed. The police are also examining the CCTV footage in the hostel.

"An investigation into the incident has already been started," said an officer of Amherst Street police station where the complaint was lodged.

Hostel superintendent Chhayarani Murmu however denied the allegations made by the student.

She said, "I asked where the thief was? She said the thief has fled. I went around with the security guard. Then I told her it is too late to go to police station. Therefore, we went to the police station ourselves in the morning. I didn't have the police station number. Therefore, I could not call the police officers."

Meanwhile, members of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP)- students' wing of Trinamool Congres- staged a protest outside the hostel on Sunday morning demanding adequate security measures in the hostel.
Seoul, Aug 17 : The South Korean government is set to announce policy measures to restructure the struggling petrochemical industry, which has been hit hard by a global oversupply, officials said Sunday.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is preparing inter-ministry measures to encourage companies to adjust their business portfolios while offering financial and tax support to help them carry out restructuring in a timely manner, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing officials.

The local petrochemical industry has been in a prolonged slump in recent years amid sluggish demand and an oversupply caused by massive facility expansions in China and Middle Eastern countries.

Recently, Yeochun NCC Co., a joint venture between Hanwha Group and DL Group, faced a liquidity crisis that forced its shareholders to provide emergency loans.

A recent report by Boston Consulting Group warned that if the current downturn persists, nearly half of South Korean petrochemical firms may not survive the next three years, given their weak financial health.

The government's upcoming measures will include legal, administrative and financial incentives to support companies pursuing restructuring.

If companies decide to readjust their business portfolios or pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&As), the government plans to provide full administrative and financial assistance.

In recent weeks, the government has held consultations with leaders of major petrochemical companies to collect their restructuring plans.

Earlier, the industry ministry suggested various options, such as facility shutdowns, asset sales, joint ventures and M&As, as possible restructuring strategies.

LG Chem recently suspended operations at its styrene monomer facilities in Yeosu, some 320 km south of Seoul, and Daesan, 85 km southwest of the capital, and decided to halt alcohol production at its plant in the southwestern city of Naju.

Lotte Chemical Corp. and HD Hyundai Oilbank Co. are also reportedly in talks to merge their respective naphtha cracking centre (NCC) assets in Daesan.

"We are keenly aware of the challenges facing the petrochemical industry," Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said during a recent field visit. "The industry must work together to pursue voluntary restructuring efforts, such as facility adjustments."
Chandigarh, Aug 17 : The Punjab BJP on Sunday organised a 'Kisan Mazdoor Fateh Rally' in Rajpura town to celebrate the revocation of the Aam Aadmi Party government's anti-farmer land pooling policy.

Thousands of farmers and party workers joined the rally, showcasing BJP's growing strength in rural Punjab and its unwavering resolve to safeguard the rights of the farming community.

State BJP President Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on AAP, demanding clarity on who framed the controversial land pooling policy.

He said it was astonishing that outsiders were running the Punjab government.

It was either Arvind Kejriwal or Manish Sisodia who farmed the policy, while the Chief Secretary Punjab was made the chair of this committee.

"Neither the Chief Minister nor his Cabinet was involved, yet Punjabis are paying the price." He added that Kejriwal was working as proxy CM of Punjab whereas it was Bhagwant Mann for whom Punjabis had voted.

"I thank all farmers and BJP workers, it is because of your tireless efforts and pressure that this useless and anti-farmer policy has finally been revoked," he said.

Punjab working President Ashwani Sharma said BJP's consistent fight at the block and tehsil levels forced the government to withdraw its anti-farmer agenda.

He added, "AAP's expiry date has arrived. The people of Punjab demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for real change. Even promises like MSP on 24 crops by AAP remain unfulfilled. Punjab should look at its cousin Haryana -- ruled by BJP -- that offers MSP to farmers on all vegetables and fruits. Today, roadway workers, teachers, doctors, etc., all are on roads, protesting." BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh described the policy reversal as a "victory of Punjabiyat".

He slammed AAP for turning Punjab into an "ATM" to fund its Delhi politics.

"Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reduced himself to a puppet CM, dancing to the tunes of leaders like Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, both of whom have already faced jail terms," he said.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu hailed the cancellation of the land pooling policy as a historic win for Punjab's farmers.

"This is not just a political success but a fight for our land, and it is a victory for every farmer. Only the BJP can free Punjab from mounting debt and bring true relief through pro-people welfare schemes and development-driven governance," he added.

Former Union Minister Preneet Kaur thanked farmers and BJP workers for their support, saying, "The strength seen here today shows the power of BJP's family in Punjab. We have always stood with our people, and this rally is proof that the BJP is on the path to victory in the 2027 Assembly elections. This is truly a win for our farmers and Punjab."

The 'Kisan Mazdoor Fateh Rally' sent out a clear message that farmers will not allow their land and rights to be compromised under AAP.

--IANS

vg/pgh
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Congress-led opposition parties hit back at the Election Commission on Sunday, over its appeal to authenticate their "vote chori" claims by filing a supporting affidavit and also termed its elaborate media address on the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy a mere eyewash.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by senior EC officials, held a press conference in the capital and claimed that deliberate attempts were being made to fearmonger and misguide the voters of Bihar, apparently by opposition parties. It also stated that such fearmongering wonat deter it from pursuing and implementing laid-down protocols.

Replying to the CECas presser, Congress accused it of being partisan towards the ruling party, while the RJD said that its clarification was devoid of any substance.

Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a strong rebuttal, said: "Stealing is not considered a sin, but calling someone a thief is? Stop the theft, and we will stop calling you thieves. Why hasnat anyone given an account of one lakh votes from Mahadevapura?"

Further accusing it breach of privacy, he said: "(BJP leader) Anurag Thakur is carrying digital voter lists of six constituenciesa"where did he get them from? Isnat that a breach of privacy? Did the Election Commission issue him a notice? No. But when it comes to CCTV footage, you say it violates privacy..."

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said: "No answers were given. Not a single question was answered. Maybe someone told them to hold the press conference because it was becoming embarrassing. So, they went ahead, but what was achieved? Which question did they actually answer? Forget the political partiesa"the voters are not convinced by your behaviour and conduct."

"Logic cannot be used to justify opacity. Opacity means lack of transparency. The biggest concern is that the Election Commission appears neither impartial nor neutral. This should be a matter of serious concern for you."

Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said, "The EC has no understanding of the Constitution or Babasahebas (B.R. Ambedkar) ideas. After indulging in theft and robbery, will they speak about the Constitution?"
Colombo, Aug 17 : The Sri Lankan government plans to sign more free trade agreements (FTAs) with foreign partners to diversify its export markets and boost foreign exchange earnings, media reports said on Sunday, citing a senior official.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said market diversification is critical to building a competitive and resilient export sector, Xinhua News Agency reported.

He noted that expanding trade partnerships will not only help diversify products but also strengthen integration into global supply chains. The government is also focused on increasing value addition and building stronger brand recognition, he said.

Abeysinghe highlighted that Sri Lanka's apparel exports generated more than $5 billion in 2024. The government aims to raise that figure to $8 billion by 2030.

In July, the Sri Lankan government gazetted the Presidents' Entitlements (Repeal) Bill, aiming to abolish special privileges granted to former Presidents and their widows.

The bill follows cabinet approval to amend the Presidents' Entitlements Act No. 4 of 1986. The proposed changes are designed to end longstanding benefits for former presidents and their widows.

Sri Lanka currently provides a range of privileges for these groups.

Earlier this year, a government minister disclosed that the state spent more than Rs 1.1 billion (about $3.7 million) in 2024 on benefits for former Presidents.

The move to repeal these entitlements fulfils a key pledge of the current administration.

On July 22, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the publication of a draft bill to repeal the Presidents' Entitlements Act, effectively revoking special privileges granted to former Presidents and their families.

The move is in line with the government's policy declaration "Pohosath Ratak  Lassana Jeewithayak", which pledges to reduce state expenditure and promote accountability.
Itanagar, Aug 17 : The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly will hold a special session on Monday to conclude the golden jubilee celebrations of the 60-member House, officials said on Sunday.

An official said that over a month-long celebration, which began on July 4, would culminate with the special session on Monday (August 18), marking the state's legislative journey since 1975.

Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte last week held the business advisory committee meeting and finalised the schedules for the special session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister P.D. Sona, Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, and members Nikh Kamin and Thangwang Wangham attended the meeting.

The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, which began as a 33-member Provisional Assembly, was later expanded to a 60-member House. During the past five decades, the Assembly has played a pivotal role in making various laws, shaping policies and promoting grassroots democracy in the frontier state, which shares 1817 km long borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu earlier emphasised the Assembly's role as a cornerstone of democracy in the state, noting how it has evolved over the past 50 years into a robust institution representing the diverse cultures and aspirations of Arunachal's people. He praised the contributions of past and present legislators, administrative leaders, and citizens whose collective efforts have driven progress in governance, infrastructure, education, and social development.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring inclusive growth for future generations. "This is not just a celebration of the past, but a reaffirmation of our responsibility to build a more transparent, accountable, and responsive governance system," he added.

According to the officials, as part of the Assembly's Golden Jubilee celebrations, a series of events across the state, including special sittings of the Assembly, cultural programmes, and exhibitions, were held during the past five weeks showcasing the legislative history of Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhopal, Aug 17 : The weather centre of Bhopal of India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a sweeping alert for Madhya Pradesh, warning of very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning across more several districts over the next 48 hours.

A red alert has been declared for Barwani and Burhanpur, where rainfall may exceed 8 inches by Monday morning.

Districts including Harda, Khandwa, Khargone, and parts of the Narmadapuram and Indore divisions are under orange and yellow alerts, with heavy to very heavy rain expected.

The IMD has also flagged the risk of gusty winds, lightning strikes, and waterlogging in low-lying areas, urging residents to avoid travel and take shelter indoors during storm activity.

The weather disturbance is being driven by a complex system of upper air cyclonic circulations and low-pressure areas.

A fresh low-pressure zone has formed over the Bay of Bengal near north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts, which is expected to intensify into a depression and move west-northwestward, crossing the coast by August 19.

Simultaneously, a remnant cyclonic circulation from Vidarbha is drifting toward Gujarat, while a monsoon trough continues to stretch across central India, enhancing rainfall activity.

In the western belt, including Bhopal, Ujjain, Dewas, and Sehore, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is forecast.

Bhopal recorded 8 mm of rainfall on Saturday, with temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius during the day and 24 degrees Celsius at night.

Eastern districts such as Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa, and Sagar have already received 30 per cent more rainfall than average, while the western divisions are 20 per cent above normal. Overall, the state has received 84 per cent of its seasonal quota, with 25 per cent excess rainfall so far.

In districts like Singrauli, Sidhi, Satna, and Mandla, scattered thunderstorms and lightning are expected to continue through the week, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in some areas.

The weather center has advised farmers to avoid working in open fields, unplug electrical appliances, and refrain from sheltering under trees or electric poles during storm conditions.

Travelers are urged to plan ahead, as visibility may be severely reduced and roads may become impassable due to flooding.

Authorities have recommended avoiding bridges and elevated roads during peak storm hours. With the monsoon trough active and multiple weather systems converging, the next 72 hours are critical for central India. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official advisories and take all necessary precautions to ensure safety.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : The BJP on Sunday launched a sharp counterattack on Congress and RJD over their allegations of electoral roll manipulation, with party leaders dismissing Rahul Gandhi's charges as "baseless lies" aimed at undermining democratic institutions ahead of the Bihar elections.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The BJP on Sunday launched a sharp counterattack on Congress and RJD over their allegations of electoral roll manipulation, with party leaders dismissing Rahul Gandhi's charges as "baseless lies" aimed at undermining democratic institutions ahead of the Bihar elections.

BJP national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam, speaking to IANS in Mumbai, said the Election Commission (EC) is an independent body and should not be dragged into partisan politics.

"The Election Commission is an independent body, and all institutions and political parties are equal before it. It works independently without any interference. Making such allegations against it is wrong. The EC has clearly stated that if you make false accusations, provide evidence. If there is no proof, then go to court. Without evidence, such claims are understood to be baseless," Islam said.

On Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra, Zafar Islam took a dig at the Congress leader. "Wherever Rahul Gandhi has gone, Congress has faced a complete wipeout. Now that he has stepped into Bihar, Congress is set to face the same fate here as well," he remarked.

In Patna, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain lauded the EC's detailed press conference on Sunday, saying it had given a "strong response" to those "creating unrest."

"The names that were supposed to be collected have been collected, and if any names are still pending, there is still time to submit the forms," Hussain told IANS.

The saffron party also intensified its digital offensive, with BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posting a point-by-point rebuttal on X to counter Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims.

Bhandari accused Rahul Gandhi of "destroying public trust in elections by peddling lies" and challenged him to file an affidavit under oath if he truly believed in his allegations.

The BJP's aggressive rebuttal indicates it is unwilling to cede ground on the election integrity debate, with leaders accusing the Congress of deliberately sowing doubts ahead of the Bihar polls.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : The BJP on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnuswamy Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, after a meeting of the party's parliamentary board chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) The BJP on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnuswamy Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Allianceas (NDA) candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, after a meeting of the partyas parliamentary board chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP President J.P. Nadda, addressing a press conference after the meeting, said the party had held discussions with allies and several opposition parties over the past week.

"We hope the Vice Presidentas election will take place through consensus. We have spoken to many parties, and while the opposition said they would decide after our announcement, we are hopeful of wider support," he told reporters.

The decision to field Radhakrishnan, a seasoned politician with long-standing ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is being viewed as a strategic outreach to Tamil Nadu, where Assembly elections are due next year.

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur, Radhakrishnan was drawn to the RSS during his teenage years.

In his early days, he had already become an active member, shaping his political grounding in the Sangh Parivaras ideology. He rose through the ranks of the BJP, serving as the partyas Tamil Nadu state President from 2004 to 2007, a period marked by attempts to expand the BJPas footprint in the Dravidian heartland.

Radhakrishnan assumed charge as Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024, after a stint as Governor of Jharkhand (February 2023a"July 2024).

He was also entrusted with additional responsibilities as the Governor of Telangana (Marcha"July 2024) and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (Marcha"August 2024).

The BJPas choice underscores the partyas effort to position a Tamil face at the national level ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.

With his deep RSS roots and administrative experience, Radhakrishnanas nomination signals the NDAas intent to strengthen its southern strategy.
Seoul, Aug 17 : Two people were killed and 13 others injured after a fire broke out in an apartment building in Seoul on Sunday, authorities said.

The blaze began on the 14th floor of the 20-story building in Seoul's western ward of Mapo at about 8.10 a.m., forcing 89 residents to evacuate. A woman in her 60s and her 20-something son died in the fire, Yonhap News Agency reported.

One person was seriously injured, while the rest sustained minor injuries.

The fire agency said it mobilised 252 personnel and 79 vehicles and extinguished the flames at 10.42 a.m. after receiving a report of black smoke from the building.

Fire sprinklers were not installed on the 14th floor where the fire started, according to the fire agency. It plans to investigate the exact cause of the fire.

On February 14 this year, six workers died and 25 others were injured in a fire at a hotel construction site in South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan, authorities said.

The fire started at the Banyan Tree hotel under construction at approximately 10.50 a.m., presumably from insulating material loaded near a swimming pool on the first floor of one of the three buildings on the site, according to the Busan firefighting headquarters.

The flames were mostly extinguished by around 1.30 p.m., firefighters said.

"When we arrived at the scene, black smoke had filled the interior of the building," Park Heung-mo, a rescue official with the Busan firefighting agency, said at a press briefing.

"The deceased were found at the location where the fire broke out, and it's presumed they weren't able to escape because there was a lot of flammable material near the exit," he said.

Firefighters rescued those trapped inside using helicopters, but six were later pronounced dead. 14 others were safely rescued from the roof, while more than a hundred workers were evacuated.
Berlin, Aug 17 : German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders for talks with US President Donald Trump, the German government announced on Sunday.

According to a statement, the visit is for an "exchange of information" with Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday, Xinhua News Agency reported.

After the Alaska summit, Zelensky announced that he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, the statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump held a telephonic meeting with the European leaders and Ukraine's Zelensky to brief them on his discussions with the Russian President in Alaska.

Following the meeting, Presidents Trump and Putin said that they made progress in three hours of talks on Friday, moving closer to finding an end to the Ukraine War, but did not announce an immediate ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the US President took to his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, calling the meeting with Putin in Alaska a successful one.

"A great and very successful day in Alaska! The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late-night phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and various European Leaders, including the highly respected Secretary General of NATO. It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump posted.

"President Zelensky will be coming to DC, the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" the post added.

European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Portuguese President Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed President Trump's efforts to "stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia's war of aggression", and achieve just and lasting peace.

"As President Trump said, 'there's no deal until there's a deal'. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks, including President Zelensky, whom he will meet soon. We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelensky towards a trilateral summit with European support," read a joint statement issued by the European leaders after Saturday's phone call.
Srinagar, Aug 17 : Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror associates were arrested by joint forces in J&K's Bandipora district on Sunday, and arms & ammunition were seized from them, police said.

Srinagar, Aug 17 (IANS) Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror associates were arrested by joint forces in J&Kas Bandipora district on Sunday, and arms & ammunition were seized from them, police said.

Officials said that the arrest came after the joint forces, including the army and the J&K Police, set up a joint anakaa (checkpost) at Malpora Nowgam area of Sumbal sub-division in Bandipora.

aTwo LeT terror associates were arrested along with arms and ammunition. From their possession, 2 Chinese grenades, 2 UBGL Grenades and 10 rounds of AK rifles were recovered," an official said, adding the two have been identified as Abdul Majid Gojri, resident of Sadarkote Bala, and Abdul Hamid Dar, resident of Vijpara.

Police have registered a case under the UAPA in this incident, and an investigation has been taken up, the official said.

Security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against the terrorists in the hinterland, while the army has been on maximum alert guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

The elimination of three hardcore Pakistani terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, was part of the aggressive operations being carried out by the joint forces.

LeT commander Suleman Shah and his two associates, Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai, were killed on July 28 in the higher reaches of Dachigam national park on the foot of Mahadev mountain peak in Harwan area of Srinagar.

The Army codenamed it "Operation Mahadev".

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the security forces are carrying out anti-terrorist operations against gun-wielding terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers.

Drug smugglers and drug peddlers are also on the radar of the security forces because it is believed that the funds generated by the hawala money racket and drug smuggling are finally used to sustain terrorism in J&K.

The coordinated and Intelligence-backed operations of the joint forces are aimed at dismantling the ecosystem of terrorism in J&K rather than focusing on just the elimination of the armed terrorists.
Take a drive to the country and have a look.

See those corn plants standing tall in the August sun? Each has about 40,000 different genes in its genome, thousands more than that of a human.

Only about 2-3% of the corn plant's genome, the biological instructions that tell it how to grow and develop, is currently understood.

But a trio of University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers has helped an international team locate an area of corn DNA responsible for regulating how those genes are expressed physically.

The results of the study, published this week in the journal Nature Genetics, could ultimately lead to the development of more resilient crops in the future.

James Schnable, a professor and chair of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL, said the study builds upon 20-30 years of research into how the genetics of a corn plant translate into drought tolerance, height or when it flowers.

Much of the early research centered on breaking genes and observing the results, explained Schnable, a second-generation corn geneticist.

"From a research perspective, if you break something it's really easy to figure out what it's doing," he said. "But from a crop-improvement perspective, if just breaking a gene made a better corn plant, that would have happened already."

To develop corn plants capable of producing higher yields using less water and nitrogen, scientists need to understand where those specific genes are located in the plant's DNA, as well as how to adjust the way those genes are expressed.

In Germany, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne and Heinrich-Heine University in Dusseldorf identified segments on corn DNA that regulate how genes manifest physically.

Known as "transcription factor binding sites," those regions act as a sliding switch of sorts, tamping down certain traits due to stimuli in the environment, or ramping up others in response to other genetic code.

The German team was able to identify more than 200,000 variations in different corn plants, which Schnable said marked a breakthrough in corn genetics.

"This new methodology is a big step forward in figuring out those specific DNA differences," he said, "which sometimes are as small as one A, T, C, or G change affecting the regulation of the gene."

Schnable said the German researchers reached out to UNL to help confirm their findings several years ago, hoping to utilize one of the largest public datasets of corn genetics in the world.

Built by Schnable and Guangchao Sun, a former UNL researcher who is now a professor at Sichuan Agricultural University in China, the dataset reflects the work of dozens of undergraduate and graduate students collecting samples from several Husker research fields.

Using a tool resembling a three-hole punch, samples are collected from corn stalk leaves. RNA from each sample is extracted in a lab at the Beadle Center on UNL's City Campus, and the genetic material is sent to a biomedical company for sequencing.

"Many gigabytes" of what Schnable described as "short ATCG sequences" are returned, reflecting the building blocks of the genetic code.

Schnable's team, which includes computer scientists trained to analyze massive amounts of data, align the sequences of DNA on the corn genome, which reveals the levels at which each gene is expressed.

"We have the ability to observe how differences in DNA link to differences in gene expression across big populations in the field," Schnable said.

Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, a research assistant professor in Schnable's lab, said 27% of the variations identified in the German study were located within areas of the DNA that determine how those genes are expressed that were identified by the Husker research team.

That was a much higher occurrence than could be expected to take place naturally, he said.

"We had found the signal," Torres-Rodriguez said. "It was a breakthrough moment."

Schnable said the breakthrough will lead to further research into improving corn genetics, which could create more resilient crops in the future.

"What this does is give us a really good toolkit for being able to change the expression of a particular gene in a particular way," he said. "If, in the future, we know we need a gene expressed in a certain way, we can go and make that happen."
Chennai, Aug 17 : The special General Council of Tamil Nadu's Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), convened by its founder Dr. S. Ramadoss at Pattanur on Sunday, resolved that he would continue to lead the party as President.

A resolution passed at the meeting stated that Dr Ramadoss had formally assumed charge as president on May 30, 2025, following an amendment to the partyas bylaws and subsequent approval by both the administrative and executive committees.

The decision, the council noted, was aimed at consolidating the organisation and steering it towards success in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Another key resolution empowered Dr Ramadoss to decide on the partyas electoral alliances for the forthcoming polls. The council underscored that a clear and strong alliance strategy would be crucial for PMKas electoral prospects.

The meeting also sent a strong message on community welfare. It warned of protests if the Tamil Nadu government failed to announce the 10.5 per cent internal reservation for Vanniyars.

Additionally, the council demanded that the state immediately conduct a caste-wise census, pointing out that several other states had already implemented such surveys.

"There should be no further delay," the resolution stated.

The PMK also used the occasion to articulate a broader social and developmental agenda. It called for the implementation of total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, linking the rise in heinous crimes such as rape and murder to unchecked liquor consumption.

The council further demanded a ban on ganja and other narcotic substances.

On infrastructure and water management, the party sought the construction of check dams across the Cauvery and other rivers to prevent wastage of water into the sea and pressed for the long-pending interlinking of the Cauvery-Godavari rivers.

The council passed several additional resolutions, including the reinstatement of the old pension scheme for government employees, implementation of the Nandan canal system, retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka, regularisation of contract workers at NLC India Ltd, and grant of full statehood to the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The resolutions, taken together, signalled the partyas intent to position itself not only as a defender of Vanniyar rights but also as a force advocating wider social reforms and state development.
Kolkata, Aug 17 : A Trinamool Congress leader has courted a controversy after he threatened to push back BJP leaders to Bangladesh for targeting Bengali-speaking people in the country.

Trinamool's Malda district president, Abdur Rahim Bakshi, at a party meeting on Sunday, said that after pushing back the BJP leaders to Bangladesh, he will apologise to them.

"BJP leaders say that they will push back Bengalis to Bangladesh. Let me tell such leaders that I will also hold your hair and push you to Bangladesh. To those BJP leaders who are making big statements sitting in Kolkata, I will kick them in their back and push them back to Bangladesh. Then I will also apologise to them. Then I will pretend that I didn't understand that these BJP leaders are Bengalis. I mistakenly push these Bengali BJP leaders to Bangladesh," said Bakshi.

The controversial statement from the Trinamool leader came in the backdrop of reports of several migrant workers from West Bengal being pushed back to Bangladesh, who were allegedly living in the country illegally. The Trinamool Congress has been raising its voice against the harassment and attacks of Bengali migrant workers across the country, and especially in BJP-ruled states.

Speaking on the issue of Bengalis being targeted for speaking in the Bengali language, as the same is spoken in neighbouring Bangladesh, the TMC leader issued such threats to BJP leaders who have been alleging that a large number of Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas are living in West Bengal illegally.

The BJP was quick to slam the TMC leader for his audacious statement. BJP Lok Sabha MP from Maldaha Uttar, Khagen Murmu, said, "BJP is fighting to protect the rights of all kinds of people. So that all the people of Bengal can exercise their rights, but Trinamool is creating division among the people. It is supporting terrorists and illegal citizens. We do not support infiltration in the country and will continue to oppose any attempt to give citizenship to those who entered the country illegally."

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress made attempts to downplay the incident.

Trinamool state general secretary and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "BJP leaders have said that they will push back Bengalis to Bangladesh. Now our party leader may have said something while protesting against that. Therefore, I cannot comment further without hearing the whole story."
New Delhi, Aug 17 : Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, Andhra and Maharashtra Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and Devendra Fadnavis, respectively, after being declared the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for the Vice Presidential election.

In a series of posts on X, Radhakrishnan said he was "moved and touched beyond words" by the confidence reposed in him by the NDA leadership.

"My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People's leader, our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, our most respected Honourable Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji, BJP President Shri @JPNadda Ji, parliamentary board members, NDA partners and ministers for choosing me as their Vice-Presidential candidate. I assure to work hard for the Nation until my last breath. Jai Hind!" he wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while congratulating him, described Radhakrishnan as an experienced parliamentarian and administrator. "Your roles as a parliamentarian and as governor of different states have played a significant role in effectively fulfilling the constitutional duties. I am sure your vast experience and wisdom will enhance the prestige of the Upper House and achieve new milestones," Shah said on X, adding his gratitude to PM Modi and the BJP parliamentary board for the decision. Radhakrishnan responded by thanking the Home Minister and calling him a "beloved and respected people's leader".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu also welcomed the announcement, calling Radhakrishnan a "senior statesman who has long served the nation with distinction". He added that the Telugu Desam Party "warmly welcomes his nomination and extends full support". Replying, Radhakrishnan said: "My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People's leader, our most respected Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri. @ncbn Garu."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too congratulated him, saying his nomination "fills all Maharashtrians with immense pride".

He highlighted Radhakrishnan's legislative and constitutional expertise gained during his tenure as a two-time MP and Governor of different states.

Radhakrishnan, in turn, conveyed "heartfelt thanks" to Fadnavis for the warm wishes.

He also thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

Radhakrishnan, a two-time MP from Coimbatore and the sitting Governor of Maharashtra, is the NDA's official candidate in the Vice-Presidential election, scheduled for next month.
Chennai, Aug 17 : The decision of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to field Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as its Vice-Presidential candidate has placed the spotlight on a veteran BJP leader whose political journey spans nearly five decades, marked by grassroots work, organisational discipline and administrative experience.

Born in 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan was drawn to public life early through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

His association with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in the 1970s laid the foundation for a long career in the BJP, where he rose steadily through the ranks.

He went on to serve as president of the party's Tamil Nadu unit between 2004 and 2007 and has been a key figure in building the BJP's organisational presence in the state.

Radhakrishnan twice represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha, winning in 1998 and 1999, and was noted for his focus on industrial development, infrastructure and education.

In 2016, he was appointed chairman of the Coir Board in Kochi, where he oversaw record levels of exports.

He later served as BJP's national in-charge for Kerala, a role that tested his skills in organisational management and political outreach.

His Constitutional responsibilities began in 2023 when he was appointed the Governor of Jharkhand.

He also briefly held additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry before being shifted to Maharashtra in 2024.

In these roles, Radhakrishnan earned a reputation for being measured and controversy-free, a style of functioning that distinguished him from some of his predecessors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while endorsing his candidature, praised him as a leader who combined "dedication, humility and intellect" with an unbroken commitment to grassroots empowerment.

BJP leaders believe his elevation will also bolster the party's political positioning in Tamil Nadu, where he belongs to the influential Gounder community, an OBC group with significant electoral weight.

At 67, Radhakrishnan brings with him nearly 40 years of public life, marked by both political and administrative experience.

His selection as NDA's vice-presidential nominee reflects not only the ruling alliance's numerical strength in the electoral college but also its intent to project a leader with cross-party goodwill and regional significance.

If elected, as widely expected given the NDA's majority, Radhakrishnan will succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar and step into a role where his low-profile, statesmanlike persona is likely to shape his tenure.

Meanwhile, Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Chief Ministers N. Chandrababu Naidu and Devendra Fadnavis, respectively, after being declared the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for the Vice Presidential election.

In a series of posts on X, Radhakrishnan said he was "moved and touched beyond words" by the confidence reposed in him by the NDA leadership.

"My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People's leader, our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, our most respected Honourable Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji, BJP President Shri @JPNadda Ji, parliamentary board members, NDA partners and ministers for choosing me as their Vice-Presidential candidate. I assure to work hard for the Nation until my last breath. Jai Hind!" he wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while congratulating him, described Radhakrishnan as an experienced parliamentarian and administrator.

"Your roles as a parliamentarian and as governor of different states have played a significant role in effectively fulfilling the constitutional duties. I am sure your vast experience and wisdom will enhance the prestige of the Upper House and achieve new milestones," Shah said on X, adding his gratitude to PM Modi and the BJP parliamentary board for the decision. Radhakrishnan responded by thanking the Home Minister and calling him a "beloved and respected people's leader".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu also welcomed the announcement, calling Radhakrishnan a "senior statesman who has long served the nation with distinction". He added that the Telugu Desam Party "warmly welcomes his nomination and extends full support". Replying, Radhakrishnan said: "My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People's leader, our most respected Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri. @ncbn Garu."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too congratulated him, saying his nomination "fills all Maharashtrians with immense pride".

He highlighted Radhakrishnan's legislative and constitutional expertise gained during his tenure as a two-time MP and Governor of different states.

Radhakrishnan, in turn, conveyed "heartfelt thanks" to Fadnavis for the warm wishes.

He also thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
New Delhi, Aug 17 : With Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan named as the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for Vice President, the Bharatiya Janata Party has made a calculated move that blends hard electoral arithmetic with a deeper regional strategy.

His nomination is not merely a reward for loyalty -- it signals the BJP's renewed push to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu and the southern states, where it has historically struggled to gain traction.

On the numbers front, the NDA enters the Vice Presidential contest with a clear advantage. The Electoral College comprises 786 members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

With 293 MPs in Lok Sabha and 129 in Rajya Sabhaincluding support from nominated membersthe NDA commands approximately 422 votes, comfortably above the 394 needed to win.

In contrast, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc has around 300 MPs across both Houses. Even if it fields a joint candidate, the margin is expected to be narrower than in previous contests.

In 2017, M. Venkaiah Naidu defeated Gopalkrishna Gandhi by 272 votes, and in 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar won over Margaret Alva by 346 votes.

The margin may narrow in the upcoming contest, yet the outcome remains tilted in favour of the NDA.

Non-aligned parties such as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)all of which have previously supported NDA-backed candidates based on individual meritcould once again help bolster Radhakrishnan's tally.

However, the BJD has signaled it may not support the NDA this time, citing lack of consultation.

Notably, Radhakrishnan's longstanding rapport with many southern politicians could also influence INDIA bloc members from the region, some of whom may cross-vote or abstain, subtly shifting the arithmetic in his favour.

This potential shift in support underscores the significance of Radhakrishnan's personal and political journey, which has long been rooted in Tamil Nadu's socio-political landscape.

Born as Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, his political journey began at age 16 with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Jan Sangh.

He twice represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabhain 1998 and 1999and served as BJP's Tamil Nadu state president from 2004 to 2007.

His 93-day "Rath Yatra" across the state, advocating river-linking and social equity, earned him grassroots credibility and the moniker "Modi of Tamil Nadu".

In 2004, he firmly asserted that the BJP had neither betrayed any ally nor caused ruptures in political partnerships.

Following the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's exit from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Radhakrishnan played a key role in rebuilding coalition strength within the Tamil Nadu unit.

He was instrumental in initiating and negotiating a fresh alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ahead of the 2004 general elections.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Radhakrishnan contested from Coimbatore as the BJP candidate.

Despite lacking support from Tamil Nadu's dominant partiesthe Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagamhe secured 3,89,701 votes, finishing as runner-up.

His tally was the highest among all BJP candidates in the state, and he lost by the narrowest margin recorded across Tamil Nadu that year.

His administrative experience spans gubernatorial roles in Jharkhand (February 2023July 2024), Maharashtra (from July 2024), and additional charges in Telangana and Puducherry.

He has also represented India at the United Nations and was part of the first parliamentary delegation to Taiwan in 2014. The INDIA bloc is expected to announce its candidate soon, but internal coordination and past abstentionssuch as the Trinamool Congress' decision to abstain in 2022 due to lack of consultationmay weaken its challenge. Still, the opposition is likely to contest to assert political relevance.

Ultimately, C.P. Radhakrishnan's nomination is more than a numbers gameit's a message.

It reflects the BJP's intent to elevate southern leadership, reward loyalty, and symbolically bridge the North-South divide in national politics.

Whether this translates into electoral gains for the BJP in Tamil Nadu remains to be seen, but the Vice Presidential race has already become a stage for deeper political realignments.
Lucknow, Aug 17 : In a major initiative to boost Uttar Pradesh's rural economy, the state Gau Seva Commission has joined hands with Patanjali Yogpeeth to promote cow protection, Panchgavya products, natural farming, and biogas expansion across the state.

Lucknow, Aug 17 (IANS) In a major initiative to boost Uttar Pradeshas rural economy, the state Gau Seva Commission has joined hands with Patanjali Yogpeeth to promote cow protection, Panchgavya products, natural farming, and biogas expansion across the state.

The Gau Seva Commission has inked a partnership with Patanjali Yogpeeth following discussions between Commission Chairman Shyam Bihari Gupta and Patanjali Co-Founder Acharya Balkrishna.

The unique move is in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanathas vision and seeks to take forward his belief that the cow will form a key component of any villageas progress.

To advance this vision, Patanjali Yogpeeth has pledged full technical support to the stateas initiatives.

Under this partnership, cow shelters will no longer remain just centres of conservation, but will be transformed into hubs of rural industry, driving the production of Panchgavya products and biogas. Baba Ramdev is also expected to visit Uttar Pradesh soon to meet CM Yogi Adityanath and finalise the roadmap.

According to Dr Anurag Srivastava, OSD of the Gau Seva Commission, two to 10 cow shelters in each of the 75 districts will be developed as large model centres. Open sheds, fencing, and security arrangements will be created in cow sanctuaries to ensure the free movement of cows.

This initiative will also unlock large-scale rural employment, with villagers actively participating in cow urine collection and product sales under a 50 per cent commission model. Patanjali Yogpeeth will further support the programme through training, quality control, formulation, certification, and licensing.

In addition, advanced technologies such as geo-fencing, cow tagging, photo mapping, and fodder inventory tracking will be introduced in cow shelters. Natural inputs like neem, cow urine, and vermicompost will also be supplied to every village, helping farmers reduce costs, improve soil fertility, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Kolkata, Aug 17 : After one and a half years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to take a Metro ride again in Kolkata. On August 22, the Prime Minister will inaugurate three new Metro lines in and around the city. He will also visit one of the newly opened Metro lines himself and take a ride.

West Bengal BJP president and MP Samik Bhattacharya announced this at a press conference on Sunday.

"The Prime Minister will first reach Jessore Road Metro station by road from Kolkata Airport. He will inaugurate the metro service by standing at that station. He will then take the first train and go from Jessore Road station to Jai Hind Airport Metro station. After that, he will take the metro from Airport station and return to Jessore Road station. From there, he will reach Dum Dum Central Jail Ground by road where his administrative and political meetings will be held," said Bhattacharya.

This will be the second time the Prime Minister will take a Metro ride in Kolkata. In March 2024, PM Modi had inaugurated the country's first underwater metro in Kolkata and took the first ride under river Hooghly.

During his upcoming visit, PM Modi is going to inaugurate the extended services on the Orange Line (New Garia to Airport) and the Green Line (Sector Five to Howrah Maidan).

He had earlier inaugurated the services on the Orange Line from New Garia to Ruby (Hemant Mukherjee Station). This time, he will start passenger services from Ruby to Beliaghata. As a result, metro services will be available along the entire stretch of EM Bypass from New Garia to Beliaghata.

Meanwhile, Bhattacharya also attacked the West Bengal government, saying that 43 railway projects are stuck in the state.

"If a state does not have a specific land policy and if a government announces after coming to power that we will not acquire even a single square foot of land, then how can such railway projects be implemented?" Bhattacharya asked.
Amaravati, Aug 17 : A 42-year-old man arrested in Andhra Pradesh's Sri Sathya Sai district was found to be actively connected to the Pakistan-backed social media groups, circulating jihadi propaganda, police said on Sunday.

Kotwal Noor Mohammad was arrested in Dharmavaram town on Saturday. Superintendent of Police (SP) V. Ratna confirmed the arrest at a news conference on Sunday.

A case has been filed under the stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The SP said that the accused has been booked for promoting enmity between different groups and indulging in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

According to the SP, he was found to be a member in six WhatsApp groups of banned organisations and was also active in 30 other social media groups of Pakistan.

Police also detained another person who was in touch with Noor Mohammad. The police were questioning him.

Noor Mohammad was presented before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody. He was sent to Kadapa Jail. Noor Mohammad was working at a hotel in the town, making chicken biryani. He has been staying in the town for the last 15 years.

Police initially suspected him of being a passive member, but the preliminary investigation revealed that he was an active participant in discussions intended to glorify extremist ideology.

The police seized the accused's mobile phone and a book in which he had allegedly written the messages and information received on WhatsApp groups.

The SP said the seized mobile had been sent to forensic laboratories to unravel his "digital footprint" to map his network. She did not rule out the possibility that the accused might have acted as a recruiter or sympathiser beyond the Sri Sathya Sai district.

The arrest was made on the information provided by counter-intelligence. The questioning also revealed that he was ready to go for training with the terrorist groups.

The SP stated that the incident proves how social media platforms are being mishandled and misused to negatively impact youth and gullible minds at the local level by terrorist groups.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 17 : The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has accused the CPI(M)-led Kerala government of deliberately spreading distorted history through school textbooks and teacher handbooks published by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).

The student body alleged that the Class 4 Environmental Studies teachers' handbook contained "fake propaganda" against freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, claiming he had fled to Germany out of fear of the British regime.

ABVP said this amounted to defaming a national hero who had laid down his life for India's independence. ABVP also pointed to serious errors in the same textbook, including the omission of Assam and Jharkhand from an India map in the second chapter.

The organisation described the omission as part of a larger conspiracy to weaken the country's unity.

"By leaving out Assam, the government is indirectly supporting the Chinese Communist Party's ambitions to occupy Indian territory, while neglecting Jharkhand exposes its disregard for tribal communities," the organisation charged.

ABVP National Secretary Shravan B. Raj said in a statement that the move was "a calculated attempt by the Communist Party-led Kerala government to manipulate the young generation with fake narratives".

He added: "Portraying Netaji as a coward is nothing but a malicious lie. The errors in the map are not accidental but a conspiracy to damage national integrity. This is a campaign of breaking India by anti-national forces."

He further alleged that by omitting Assam, the ruling CPI(M) was showing "loyalty to their ideological progenitors in China" and misleading students, "the future of Bharat."

ABVP Kerala State Secretary E.U. Eswaraprasad said the incident exposed the "poisonous narrative" being promoted by the Education Department.

"Kerala claims to be a model for other states, but this is nothing short of a heinous act. This is a deliberate ploy by the ruling party to plant anti-national ideas in young minds," he said.

Eswaraprasad added that the ABVP has submitted formal complaints to the state Education Minister and the Director of NCERT, demanding strict action against the officials responsible.

"We will continue to resist any attempt to politicise academic materials and distort history," he said.

The controversy has triggered sharp reactions, with ABVP vowing to launch protests if corrective steps are not taken immediately.

--IANS

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New York, Aug 17 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio does not see an immediate end to the Ukraine war, although progress was made during the summit between President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"We're not at the precipice of a peace agreement, we're not at the edge of one, but I do think progress was made," he told an ABC news programme on Sunday.

"We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remains some big areas of disagreement. So, we're still a long ways off," he added.

But on a CBS programme, Rubio said, "We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Putin in the same place."

That "is what President Zelensky has been asking for, and (will be required to) reach a final agreement that ends this war," he added.

Zelensky and European leaders, including France's President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are to meet with Trump on Monday.

Rubio indicated that Ukraine would be required to make some concessions, likely on territories.

Rubio said, "If one side gets everything they want, that's called surrender. And that's not what we're close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender, or anything close to it."

Rubio and Trump's Special Envoy Witkoff were the only ones from the US side with Trump at Friday's summit in Alaska.

While Rubio refused to provide any details of the talks, Witkoff said Trump got assurances from Putin that he would allow security guarantees for Ukraine and enact a legislative promise not to invade Ukraine or other countries.

"We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game changing," Witkoff, Trump's envoy who made the preliminary arrangements for the summit in Alaska, told CNN on Sunday.

He said that Putin also agreed to a enact a "legislative enshrinement" promising not to invade Ukraine or other countries.

Trump said as he headed to the summit that he would not be unhappy if there wasn't a ceasefire and there would be "severe consequences".

But after the Putin meeting, he said on Truth Social that he was now for a total peace package and "not a mere ceasefire agreement".

Defending the change, Witkoff said that because of "so much progress" on the other issues for a peace deal, "Trump, pivoted to that".

Rubio defended on ABC about Trump's decision not to impose new sanctions on Moscow for not agreeing to a ceasefire.

He said that it was important to keep the negotiations with Russia going and fresh sanctions would impede them.
Chennai, Aug 17 : A dramatic scene unfolded at a Naam Thamizhar Katchi (NTK) public meeting in Senji, Villupuram district, on Sunday when the party's chief coordinator Seeman abruptly walked off the stage, sparking confusion among supporters and onlookers.

The meeting had been organised by NTK to protest against UNESCO's recognition of Senji Fort, a historic landmark.

Party members argued that the fort was being attributed to the Marathas, which they claimed amounted to the erasure of Tamil history and heritage.

Addressing a large gathering, Seeman spoke strongly against what he described as a "distortion" of Tamil identity in historical narratives.

The situation, however, took a chaotic turn when local journalists approached Seeman for comments while he was on stage.

NTK's security personnel reportedly tried to block the media from reaching him, leading to an altercation.

Witnesses said the scuffle created tension in the crowd, drawing the attention of police officers who were present at the venue to oversee security arrangements.

Believing that a clash had erupted between police and his own security team, Seeman appeared visibly alarmed.

In a sudden move, he rushed off the stage, leaving the gathering stunned.

His hurried exit triggered a commotion among party members and supporters, who scrambled to understand the situation. When questioned later, NTK functionaries sought to downplay the incident.

They explained that Seeman had misunderstood the scene as a potential confrontation between police and NTK personnel. The dramatic walkout overshadowed the purpose of the meeting, which had been called to highlight NTK's opposition to the official narrative of Senji Fort's origins.

The party has long maintained that the historic fort stands as a symbol of Tamil pride, and attributing its construction to the Marathas undermines the region's heritage.

Despite the disruption, NTK leaders vowed to continue their campaign against what they call attempts to "rewrite Tamil history".

The incident, however, has once again underlined the volatile atmosphere surrounding Tamil identity politics in the state.

--IANS

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Cairo/Tehran, Aug 18 : Egypt has reiterated its categorical rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians, warning that such moves would amount to "a historical injustice with no moral or legal justification" and constitute "a heinous crime," its Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry on Sunday voiced "grave concern" over reports that Israel had consulted with certain countries about accepting Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

It described the discussions as part of "a rejected Israeli policy aimed at emptying Palestinian land of its inhabitants, occupying it, and liquidating the Palestinian cause".

Cairo said its contacts with the countries concerned confirmed their rejection of such schemes, Xinhua news agency reported.

Egypt "fully rejects displacement, whether in Gaza or the West Bank, whether forced or voluntary through starvation, land confiscation, settlement and rendering life untenable on Palestinian soil," the statement said.

Egypt "will not accept it, will not participate in it, and will not permit it," the Ministry added, warning it would lead to the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.

It called on "all peace-loving nations" to avoid complicity, saying displacement contravenes international humanitarian law, violates the four Geneva Conventions, and amounts to both a war crime and an act of ethnic cleansing.

Iran's Foreign Ministry also condemned what it called Israel's decision to "forcefully" relocate Palestinians from Gaza City.

In a statement, Tehran said the move represented "a clear instance of war crimes and crimes against humanity, aimed at nothing but completing the genocide plan and the elimination of Palestine as a nation and identity".

It said Israel's actions were made possible by "all-out arms and political support" from the US and some European states, and urged Muslim countries and the wider international community to act immediately to halt "warmongering and genocide" against Palestinians.

On Saturday, Israel announced plans to relocate Gaza City residents to southern Gaza, days after signaling a new offensive to seize control of the north.

Since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and saw about 250 hostages taken, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 61,944 Palestinians and wounded 155,886 others, Gaza health authorities said on Sunday.

The authorities also reported that famine and malnutrition have caused 258 deaths, including 110 children, since the war began.
Brussels, Aug 18 : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that she and other European leaders, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will travel to Washington on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump.

"At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow," von der Leyen wrote on Sunday on social media platform X.

The German government announced on Sunday that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining other European leaders and Zelensky for talks with Trump, Xinhua news agency reported.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, a statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed.

The French presidency told the press on Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington on Monday together with Zelensky and other European leaders to advance coordination between Europe and the US.

ANSA news agency reported that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Washington on Monday to attend a meeting with Trump at the White House, together with Zelensky and other European leaders.

Other leaders also making the trip include British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are rallying around the Ukrainian President after his exclusion from Trump's summit on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Their pledge to be at Zelensky's side at the White House on Monday is an apparent effort to ensure the meeting goes better than the last one in February, when Trump berated Zelensky in a heated Oval Office encounter.

Putin agreed at his summit in Alaska with Trump that the US and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATO's collective defence mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the 3 1/2-year war, special US envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview to CNN on Sunday.

Ukraine and its European allies have criticised Putin's stance as a way to buy time and press Russia's battlefield advances, and they have expressed unease over Trump's land swap proposal from the outset.

"The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression," the German government said in a statement about the trip to the US capital.

"This includes maintaining pressure on sanctions."

The goal for Mondayas talks in Washington is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday.

"If we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflicts," he added.

Macron said Kyiv's allies in Sunday's "coalition of the willing" meeting, which leaders joined by video before heading to Washington, wanted strong and lasting peace in Ukraine and for Ukraine's territorial integrity to be respected.

Strength and safety in numbers appear to be factors in the group visit, with memories still fresh about the hostile reception Zelensky received in February from Trump and US Vice-President J.D. Vance in a public White House dressing-down, castigating the Ukrainian leader as being ungrateful and "disrespectful".

While Zelensky has welcomed Trump's efforts to end the war, in a post on social media on Saturday, he warned that "it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater a" peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades".

The Ukrainian President has also repeatedly reiterated that Kyiv will not swap any of its land to attain a ceasefire. Ukraine's Constitution forbids the ceding of territory.

According to Zelensky, Putin has asked that Russia be handed over all of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, a third of which Kyiv still holds.

In exchange, Russian forces would halt their offensive in the Black Sea port region of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine, where the main cities are still under Ukrainian control.

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian President said that "Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier" and pointed out that he doesn't have the authority to sign off on land swaps. He said that changing Ukraine's 1991 borders runs counter to the country's Constitution.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been gradually advancing for months.

In his statement after the Alaska summit, Putin signalled no movement in Russia's long-held demands, which also include a veto on Kyiv's desired membership in the NATO alliance.

He also warned Ukraine and its European allies not to "create any obstacles" and "that they will not attempt to disrupt the emerging progress through provocation or behind-the-scenes intrigue".

The diplomatic focus now switches to Zelensky's talks at the White House on Monday with the European leaders in tow.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said getting to a peace agreement would still take a lot of work.

"We're not at the precipice of a peace agreement," he said.

"We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remain some big areas of disagreement. So we're still a long ways off."

"Now, ultimately, if there isn't a peace agreement, if there isn't an end of this war, the President's been clear, there are going to be consequences," Rubio told the ABC News.

"But we're trying to avoid that. And the way we're trying to avoid those consequences is with an even better consequence, which is peace, the end of hostilities."
Jerusalem/Amman, Aug 18 : A total of 161 packages containing food were airdropped over the Gaza Strip during an aid operation carried out by nine countries, the Israeli military said, as famine continues to spread in the enclave after nearly two years of war.

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark and Indonesia joined the airdrop operation, the military said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian Armed Forces said in a statement that about 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel's army said the operation was coordinated "in accordance with the directives from the political echelon," while rejecting accusations of deliberate starvation.

The military began coordinating the airdrop of food packages in late July, under mounting international pressure as famine deepened in the enclave.

Saturday's flight from an air base just outside the Jordanian capital Amman took place a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government faced a wave of condemnation from European leaders, Arab nations and a group representing the families of hostages after it announced plans to take control of Gaza City in the north of the enclave.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the plan on Friday as a "dangerous escalation" that risks "deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians".

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also said in a statement that "the Israeli government should put all its efforts into saving the lives of Gaza's civilians by allowing the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid".

Deaths from starvation in Gaza have been on the rise after Israel launched a crippling blockade barring the entry of food and other vital supplies into the enclave in early March before ending its ceasefire with Hamas.

It lifted the blockade in May, allowing a basic amount of aid into Gaza, largely distributed under a controversial new distribution system led by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Since then, nearly 1,400 people have been killed and more than 4,000 injured while seeking food, the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in an update on August 12.

Experts and aid groups have called the drops inadequate, unsafe and ineffective in preventing the spread of famine, urging Israel to allow more aid trucks in and to enable the rebuilding of Gaza's health system, which has been largely destroyed by Israeli strikes.

Gaza-based health authorities said famine is spreading, with hospitals reporting seven deaths in the past 24 hours, including two children, from hunger and malnutrition. That brought the total deaths from starvation to 258, among them 110 children.

Israel has maintained there is no starvation in Gaza and that the situation on the ground is being exaggerated, almost 22 months after it launched its offensive following the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decades-long conflict.
Gaza, Aug 18 : At least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, Gaza's Civil Defence said.

Civil Defence Spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua news agency on Sunday that seven people were killed in Israeli shelling near the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, and at least one person was killed in an Israeli shelling of a house in the Zeitoun neighbourhood, southeast of the city.

Four people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced persons in west of Khan Younis, Basal said.

Twelve Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on various areas of Khan Younis, while two separate airstrikes killed three people in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, according to Basal.

At least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for aid in the central and southern Gaza Strip, he said.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents, Xinhua news agency reported.

Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 10,400 Palestinians have been killed and 43,845 injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 61,944, with a total of 155,886 people injured, according to data released by health authorities in Gaza on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Gaza health authorities said that the hospitals in Gaza registered seven new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including two children.

That brought the total number of deaths from starvation and malnutrition to 258, including 110 children, since October 2023.

Also on August 10, aircraft from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium conducted a joint airdrop operation, delivering 93 tonnes of food and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Jordan Armed Forces.

Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 9,921 Palestinians have been killed and 41,172 injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 61,430, with a total of 153,213 people injured, according to health authorities in Gaza on August 10.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he would be meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday for diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, just two days after the "historic" bilateral meeting between Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump points a finger as he and Russian President Vladimir Putin (not pictured) hold a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, US, August 15, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

In a post on X on Saturday, Zelenskyy revealed that he and Trump had held a "long and substantive" call, beginning with one-on-one talks and later including European leaders in a broader discussion, where Trump briefed him on his recent meeting with Putin.

Zelenskyy underscored that Washington has a vital role in efforts to end the conflict.

"We had a long and substantive conversation with @POTUS. We started with one-on-one talks before inviting European leaders to join us. This call lasted for more than an hour and a half, including about an hour of our bilateral conversation with President Trump," the Ukrainian President said.

"Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace. President Trump informed about his meeting with the Russian leader and the main points of their discussion. It is important that America's strength has an impact on the development of the situation," he added.

Zelenskyy also welcomed Trump's proposal for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US and Russia, underlining Kyiv's commitment to peace and close coordination with international partners.

"We support President Trump's proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the USA, and Russia. Ukraine emphasises that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this," the post read.

"On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, DC, to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war. I am grateful for the invitation," it added.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace and said Kyiv remains ready to work with maximum effort to achieve a resolution, adding that European involvement would be critical in securing lasting and reliable security guarantees.

"It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America. We also discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraine's security. We continue to coordinate our positions with all partners. I thank everyone who is helping," the post concluded.

Earlier, Trump also stated that the Ukrainian President will be coming to Washington on Monday, and if things work out then a meeting will be scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"President Zelenskyy will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

Earlier on Friday, the US and Russia held the much-anticipated truce talks meeting in Alaska to discuss bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia's top economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said the US received Russia "very well" in Alaska and that the two countries would continue building relations despite "resistance."
A United States team, which was scheduled to visit India from August 25, for the next round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement is likely to defer the meeting to a later date, an official said.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, DC on February 13, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

So far, five rounds of talks have been completed for the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) and a US team is scheduled to visit India for the sixth round of talks.

The negotiations were scheduled from August 25-29.

"This visit is likely to be rescheduled," the official, who did not wish to be named, said.

Deferment or rescheduling of the meeting assumes significance as the US has announced a staggering 50 per cent duty on Indian goods.

The US is pressing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as agri and dairy sectors, which India cannot accept as it affects the livelihood of small and marginal farmers.

India has stated that it will not compromise the interests of farmers and cattle rearers.

The US and India have announced plans to conclude the first phase of BTA by fall (September-October) of 2025. The two countries are aiming at more than doubling the bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, from the present USD 191 billion.

While the 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering the US has come into effect from August 7, an additional 25 per cent, was announced on India as penalty for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia, will come into effect from August 27.

During April-July, the country's exports to the US increased 21.64 per cent to USD 33.53 billion, while imports rose 12.33 per cent to USD 17.41 billion, according to commerce ministry data.

The US was the largest trading partner of India in the April-July period (USD 12.56 billion bilateral trade) 2025-26. India's exports to America are recording positive growth since April this year.
India and China are expected to discuss new confidence-building measures for durable peace and tranquillity along their contested border during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to India beginning Monday.

IMAGE: NSA Ajit Doval in a meeting with Wang Yi (right), Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Beijing, June 23, 2025. Photograph: XP Division, MEA/ANI Photo

Wang's visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two neighbours to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.

The trip assumed greater significance in view of increasing tensions in India-US relations following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 per cent for purchasing Russian oil.

The Chinese foreign minister will be in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives dialogue on the boundary question with national security advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks.

Both sides are expected to deliberate on new confidence-building measures besides reviewing the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), people familiar with the matter said.

Though the two sides disengaged troops from the friction points, they are yet to de-escalate the situation by pulling back the frontline forces from the border.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the eastern Ladakh region.

The Chinese foreign minister will also meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

It is learnt that the two sides will also use the opportunity to lay the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on August 31 and September 1.

As per the plan, PM Modi will embark on a visit to Japan around August 29 and after concluding the trip, he will travel to the northern Chinese city of Tianjin for the summit to be held on August 31 and September 1.

Modi's visit to China is being planned amid efforts by the two sides to repair their bilateral ties which came under severe strain following the deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

NSA Doval travelled to China in December last and held the SR talks with Wang, weeks after Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi decided to revive various dialogue mechanisms between the two sides at a meeting in the Russian city of Kazan.

The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and the clashes at the Galwan Valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in bilateral ties.

The face-off effectively ended following completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21 last year.

The decision to revive various dialogue mechanisms was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi in Kazan on October 23, 2024.

The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.

The two sides also initiated a number of initiatives to rebuild the ties that included resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and New Delhi restarting issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals.

Both sides are also discussing modalities to resume direct flight services between the two countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visited China in the last two months to attend SCO meetings. China is the current chair of the SCO.
A 7-year-old child should not be denied the "warmth of the natural guardian," a court here has said while granting bail to a woman arrested for kidnapping another minor girl in 2013.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The accused is the mother of a seven-year-old girl and the latter has been staying at a children's home in Mumbai's Andheri area since her arrest.

The case pertains to the kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl in 2013. The victim was found almost a decade later, leading to the arrest of the accused woman and her husband in 2022.

Additional sessions judge SM Takalikar (Dindoshi court), while granting bail to the woman last week, noted the child of the accused had not met her parents for the last three years.

No doubt she is admitted in the Bal Bhavan, which is taking care of her and extending protection, the court noted.

"The warmth of the natural guardian would not be denied to the child of 7 years," it said.

The court took into consideration that the accused is "deprived from the company of the child" as she has been behind bars for the last three years without the trial.

According to the prosecution, a missing report was filed by the victim's mother on January 22, 2013 at DN Nagar police station in Mumbai, after her 7-year-old daughter failed to return home from school.

She remained untraceable until on August 3, 2022, a neighbour received a video call from a woman who showed a girl resembling the missing victim.

The neighbour identified the girl as the informant's daughter, which led the mother to the location where her daughter was found, the police said.

Narrating her ordeal, the victim, in her statement, alleged that in 2013, the two accused took her away by promising her ice cream.

They took her to Goa and kept her there for several months. Thereafter, they came to Vile Parle in Mumbai, took a house on rent, and resided there for four months, before taking her back to Goa, the victim claimed.

The girl also stated the accused admitted her to a school in Karnataka and kept her there for a year.

In 2015, they came to Mumbai and had been residing in the metropolis since then, she claimed.

During this period, they confined her in a house and compelled her to do all the household work. They even forced her to work as a babysitter and collected the money earned by her, the victim alleged.

She also claimed the accused harassed her physically and mentally.

The accused woman's lawyer, Nitin Hajare (from legal aid NGO Dard se Hamdard Tak), argued the chargesheet was filed in 2022 and charges framed on January 24, 2024, but no witnesses have been examined since.

The police filed a report on April 24, 2025, stating the victim was not traceable.

The lawyer pointed out that the accused woman's daughter has been in an orphanage for three years and needs her mother's care.

The court, after hearing both the sides, noted the accused was in custody for three years since her arrest on August 5, 2022, and the trial had not progressed.

The judge acknowledged the prosecution's claim that the offence was serious, but sided with the defence's argument regarding the accused's daughter. Considering all these aspects, the court said it was "just and proper" to grant her bail.

The accused woman's husband is still in jail.
A 39-year-old man allegedly raped his mother in central Delhi's Hauz Qazi area after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, police said on Saturday.

Photograph: Pixabay

According to officials, the complainant, accompanied by her 25-year-old daughter, approached the Hauz Qazi police station and alleged that her son, identified as Md Firoz alias Suhel, had assaulted and sexually abused her on multiple occasions this month.

"The woman stated that she had travelled to Saudi Arabia on July 25 with her husband, aged 72, and their daughter for pilgrimage. During the trip, her son allegedly called on her husband's phone and accused her of having a 'bad character', demanding that his father return immediately to Delhi and divorce her," a senior police officer said.

On August 1, after the family returned home, the accused allegedly assaulted his mother and attempted to attack her again the next day. Fearing for her safety, she went to stay at her elder daughter's in-laws' house for some time, the complainant told police.

"She further alleged that on August 11, when she returned home around 9.30 pm, her son insisted on speaking to her privately. He then locked her in a room, threatened her with a knife and scissors, and allegedly raped her," the officer added.

Out of fear and shame, she did not disclose the incident immediately and began sleeping in the same room as her daughter, police said.

However, around 3.30 am on August 14, the accused allegedly repeated the act, following which the woman gathered courage and approached police.

A case has been registered under relevant section of the BNS and investigation has been taken up, the officer said.

The accused is a graduate but currently unemployed, while the complainant is an illiterate housewife whose husband is a retired government employee.
Pakistans Army Chief General Asim Munir has said that he holds no ambitions in the political landscape of his country and that he considers himself only a servant of the state, as per a report in a Pakistani media outlet

IMAGE: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir (right) with former US Central Command Commander General Michael E Kurilla. Photograph: X

Suhail Warraich, a columnist for the Jang media group, claimed in an article published on Saturday that the Pakistan army chief had spoken to him in person on the matter during a recent meeting in Brussels, Belgium en route after his visit to the United States.

The columnist said that Munir was reported as saying on stage at a Brussels gathering that: God has made me protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that.

I am a soldier and my greatest desire is martyrdom," Munir said, as quoted by the Pakistan-based newspaper.

This remark by Pakistan's Army Chief came during a time when there were persistent instances that showed that the Pakistani political system had faced military intervention, with Munir categorically rejecting such speculation.

"The talk started with politics and especially on the rumours that work is being done to change the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. General Asim Munir clearly said in the Brussels meeting and in the two-hour-long meeting with me that the rumours about the change are completely false," the Saturday column by Warraich read.

Munir also stated that such claims of a leadership change in Pakistan weren't made by either civil or military agencies but rather by elements that sought to destabilise the political order in the country.

Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper cited the Jang media column to say Pakistani army chief had "warned" India against destabilising Pakistans peace through the use of proxies, and also cautioned Afghanistan against pushing the Taliban into Pakistan, or it would be met with a response.

He said that we have shown kindness and favours to Afghans for years, but instead of repaying them, a conspiracy is being hatched against us in collaboration with India, Warraich said.

The columnist stated that the Pakistani Army Chief has also laid out an "ambitious" roadmap aimed at transforming Pakistan, pointing towards an untapped potential in the mineral sector.

"Pakistan has a rare earth treasure; with this treasure, Pakistan's debt will also be reduced, and Pakistan will soon be counted among the most prosperous societies," Munir stated in the interview with the Daily Jang. Munir specifically pointed to the Reko Diq mining project, predicting that from next year, the country would earn a net profit of at least two billion dollars annually from the project, with this figure increasing year by year.

Munir was quoted as expressing confidence in maintaining equilibrium between the US and China. We will not sacrifice one friend for the other, Munir said as quoted by the Daily Jung columnist.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India early Sunday after his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS).

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, backup astronaut Prashanth Nair, Union Minister Jitendra Singh and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan pose for a photograph in New Delhi. Photographs: @gupta_rekha/X

Shukla, who has been in the US training for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS over the past year, was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan.

Shukla's backup astronaut, Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, also returned to the homeland.

Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and travel to his hometown, Lucknow He is also expected to return to the capital to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23.

"India's space glory touches Indian soil... as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, lands in Delhi in the early hours of this morning. Accompanying him, another equally accomplished Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India's first human mission Gaganyaan, who was India's designated backup for the mission to the International Space Station #ISS," Singh said in a post on X.

WATCH: Shuks returns to India to a warm welcome

Earlier on Saturday, Shukla had posted a smiling photograph of himself sitting in an aeroplane on Instagram, saying he was filled with mixed emotions as he left the US and looked forward to returning to India to share his experiences with everyone back home.

"As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family, and everyone in the country for the first time post-mission. I guess this is what life is - everything all at once," Shukla said in the post.

"Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you. Goodbyes are hard, but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander Peggy Whitson fondly says, "The only constant in spaceflight is change.' I believe that applies to life as well," he added.

Shukla also wrote, "I guess at the end of the day - Yun hi chala chal rahi - jeevan gaadi hai samay pahiya," recalling the song from the Bollywood movie Swades, which was on his playlist just before he embarked on the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS on June 25 from the US.

Shukla and his backup astronaut Nair participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Houston on Friday.

Addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said India was developing its own space station and noted that Group Captain Shukla had returned from a space mission.

"Our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station. In the coming days, he is returning to India," Modi had said.

Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission that lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the International Space Station on June 26. He returned to Earth on 15 July.

Along with three other astronauts - Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) - Shukla conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during the 18-day mission.
Seven members of four families, including five children, were killed in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday, officials said.

IMAGE: Locals rescue a woman buried under mud after cloudburst strikes Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: Screen grab/X

The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Bagra village of Janglote amid heavy overnight rains in the district, leading to increase in the level of water bodies and submerging many low-lying areas, they said.

The cloudburst in Kathua came three days after flash floods triggered by cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14, leaving 60 people dead and more than 100 injured.

Officials said while five persons, including a man and his two minor sons, lost their lives in Jodh Ghati which was hit by the cloudburst, snapping access to the village and causing damage to several mud houses, a mother-daughter duo lost their lives in landslide triggered by rains at Bagra village of Janglote.

The Army has evacuated six injured persons to hospital from Jodh Ghati.

"Indian Army columns on the ground in Kathua - rescuing families, giving hope, food & care after the cloudburst," Rising Star corps said in a post of X.

It was also shared pictures of soldiers evacuating the affected people to safety

The officials identified the deceased as Surmu Din (32), his sons Fanu (6) and Shedu (5), Zulfoon (15) and Tahu (2), all residents of Jodh Ghati, and Renu Devi (39) and her daughter Radhika (9) of Janglote.

The injured were identified as Surmu Din's wife Gogli Begum (26), daughter Nageena (3 months) and Habib Din's wife Karoon Begum (26) and daughters Rafia Begum (4), Aisha Begum (6) and Parveen Akhter (8), the officials said.

A video on social media showed a couple of collapsed mud-houses belonging to the victims with survivors trying to pull out a half-buried girl from the rubble and frantically searching fir missing persons.

The landslide triggered by rains also hit Changda villages under the jurisdiction of Kathua police station and Dilwan-Hutli in Lakhanpur police station area but there was no major report of damage.

The heavy rains have led to a sharp increase in the level in most of the water bodies with the Ujh river flowing near the danger mark, the officials said, adding several low lying areas were submerged with flood water entering homes and shops.

The district administration is closely watching the situation and has requested people to stay away from water bodies for their safety.

The police in Kathua also asked the people especially living in hilly areas to stay at home and not to move close to the water bodies as there is every apprehension of flash flood owing to heavy rains.

"For any emergency, please contact the nearest police station or call on helpline numbers: 9858034100 or 112," the police said.

Train traffic has been disrupted along the Jammu-Pathankot rail line following the cloudburst, prompting authorities to cancel local trains and short-terminate others.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the cloudburst in Kathua and assured all support from the government.

"Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K," Shah wrote on X.

Sinha, Abdullah and Union Minister Jitendra Singh have expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incidents.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police and administration."

"I have directed senior civil and police officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured," the Lt Governor said in a post on X.

The chief minister announced ex-gratia assistance to the deceased from the CM's relief fund.

In a post shared on X by the office of chief minister, Abdullah said the assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.

"The Chief Minister, expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM's Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support," the post read.

It said Rs 2 lakh would be given to each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

The chief minister also sanctioned Rs one lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

Abdullah also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance.

Singh said the civilian administration, military and paramilitary forces have swung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations in Kathua.

"Spoke to SSP Kathua Sh. Shobhit Saxena after receiving information about a cloudburst in the Janglote area," Singh wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast light to moderate rain and thunder showers at many places with intense showers or heavy rains at few places in Jammu division, especially Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua district with moderate intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban till August 19.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined a video call with European allies on Sunday ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House next week for talks with US President Donald Trump over the country's ongoing conflict with Russia.

IMAGE: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer join veterans to remember 80 years since VJ Day marked the end of the Second World War, at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Alrewas, Staffordshire, Britain, August 15, 2025. Photograph: Paul Edwards/Pool via Reuters

Starmer was joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as hosts of the "Coalition of the Willing", after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Alaska in pursuit of peace on Friday.

Starmer praised the American President's efforts, which he said had brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and reiterated Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine.

His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended. While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy.

The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him, Starmer said in a statement issued by Downing Street.

"I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. Calling it important progress," he said it will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.

"In the meantime, until he (Putin) stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people," Starmer said.

On Saturday, in a joint statement with Macron, Merz and other European Union leaders, Starmer welcomed Trump's debrief following his meeting with Putin which ended without any ceasefire agreement.

As President Trump said 'there's no deal until there's a deal'. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon, the leaders said.

"The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine's armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to EU and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation). It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force," they noted.

It came as some media reports indicate that Putin expects Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbas region, parts of which Russia has attempted to occupy during the conflict.

The Financial Times reported that the Russian President told Trump that he would freeze the conflict along much of the frontline if his demands were met.
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BRATTLEBORO  Windham Southeast Supervisory Union is cooking up a new, in-house food service.

"After decades of contracting with an external provider, we are transitioning to a locally managed program focused on providing healthy, great-tasting meals for all students," Superintendent Mark Speno wrote in a newsletter this month. "This change reflects our commitment to wellness and sustainability, and we are confident you'll notice a meaningful difference in quality, variety and local sourcing."

Initial taste tests came this summer, with a weekly meal kit program and providing food for daily summer programs. Thousands of meals were handed out to the community throughout the summer, Speno said at the WSESU Board meeting last week.

"Every Thursday, early evening, we are set up in the parking lot here at the high school and handing out free meals," he said. "So it's been very successful."

Positive feedback cited by Speno was the "appreciation, and the quality of the meals and the taste."

"So I would say we're off to a really good start," he said.

Harley Sterling hired to build Windham Southeast food program BRATTLEBORO  As the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union sets out to create its own food ser

Speno applauded Harley Sterling, the new food service director, and Susan Grabowski, nutrition coordinator, for getting the program off the ground. They led work "in the spring and summer months to bring everything together," Speno said.

"So the real test, particularly, will be the first weeks of school, where we're distributing food and at all of our schools," Speno said, "but I'm confident that we're we're set up for success, and that's really exciting."

Speno thanked the WSESU Board for supporting the vision and "homegrown food nutrition service."

The WSESU School Nutrition Program served free meal kits to children 18 and younger through the Summer Food Service Program, with the weekly pickup and daily meals provided to programs across the district. The point is to help "kids stay nourished  whether they're at camp, at play, or at home," states the newsletter.

Since launching in late June, participation in the meal kit program went from 759 kits in the first week to more than 1,500 in the sixth week, according to the newsletter. More than 1,200 meal kits were distributed each week on average, the newsletter states, totalling more than 80,000 breakfasts and lunches this summer.

"Each meal kit was packed with thoughtful, kid-friendly options featuring local cheese, milk, eggs, blueberries, corn, squash, tortillas, beans and local Yalla hummus," the newsletter states. "In July and August, we introduced fun, family-friendly additions like quesadilla kits and pizza kits and local pizza crusts."

For the school year, WSESU said it's "bringing the same creativity and care into the cafeteria. We're making more items from scratch  from pizza crusts to Alfredo sauce  and continuing to highlight Vermont-grown and produced ingredients."

A new halal nacho bar will be launching at Brattleboro Union High School and Brattleboro Area Middle School.

"Throughout the year, we'll continue to introduce fresh, culturally relevant and delicious menu items as part of our commitment to quality, equity and student-centered meals," the newsletter states. "We're proud to offer this vital service while centering health, dignity and joy."
More than 340 people have been killed in northwestern Pakistan, where thousands of rescuers struggled through rain and mud following deadly landslides and flooding that buried villages.

Some residents on August 17 accused authorities of failing to warn them to evacuate danger areas, saying there were no alerts broadcast from mosques, a traditional method for such announcements in remote areas.

The government defended its actions, claiming that an early warning system is in place but that the sudden rains were so intense that the deluge hit before alerts could be sounded.

Asfandyar Khattak, chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said there was no forecasting system anywhere in the world that could predict the exact time and location of such a sudden and intense downpour.

Torrential rain began on August 15, triggering flash floods that destroyed dozens of houses, left roads covered in water and debris, and killed at least 344 people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

In the hardest-hit Buner district of the mountainous province in northern Pakistan, "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried, local officials reported.

Bilal Ahmed Faizi, a spokesman for the province's rescue agency, said at least 208 people were killed in Buner as a result of the disaster. He added that around 2,000 rescue workers were engaged in recovering bodies from the debris.

On August 17, the death toll rose as 54 more bodies were recovered, said Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for the emergency service.

Earlier, Khattak said more than 150 people were still missing, adding that survivors might be trapped under the rubble of their homes or swept away by floodwaters.

As the rescue operation continued, heavy rain made efforts extremely difficult. Khattak said electricity and mobile signals were down after power lines and mobile towers were damaged in the floods.

He also said that dozens of people were reported missing in the neighboring Shangla district.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur visited the worst-affected districts of Buner and Swat on August 16 and 17.

At a press conference, he said the provincial government is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to flood victims. A day earlier in Buner, Gandapur had also pledged to rebuild homes for displaced residents.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a new spell of rainfall in several areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a statement on August 17, it said the rains are expected to continue until August 21.

Floods in recent months have caused huge financial and personal losses to people in different parts of Pakistan.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said that from June to the end of July various incidents and floods during the rains killed or injured almost a thousand people, most of whom were women and children.

Experts say that flooding has increased in recent years partly because of climate change, which is causing rain to occur suddenly in intense downpours over small areas instead of steady rain over a longer period of time and a wider geographical area.

With reporting by AFP and AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed battlefield gains on its eastern front against Russian forces as both sides sought military advantages ahead of Zelenskyys planned August 18 White House meeting with President Donald Trump.

It comes after Trump on August 16 dropped his demand for an immediate cease-fire in the war and said the sides should instead negotiate toward a full peace agreement, in a major shift from his long-stated policy and in apparent opposition to the desires of Kyiv and its European allies for a quick truce.

The Ukrainian military on August 16 said it had driven Russian forces back about 2 kilometers along parts of the front lines near the major northeastern city of Sumy, site of a recent offensive by Kremlin troops seeking to capture more territory against the outgunned and outmanned Ukrainians.

"Ukrainian soldiers continue active combat actions to destroy the enemy and liberate our settlements," Ukraines General Staff wrote on Telegram. "The advance of Ukrainian units ranges from 1 to 2.5 kilometers."

Battlefield claims could not immediately be confirmed.

Zelenskyy has said he expected no letup in Russia's offensive as the Kremlin also seeks to gain advantage amid a flurry of global diplomatic activity aimed at ending the all-out war that begin with Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"We predict the Russian army may try to increase pressure and strikes against Ukrainian positions in the coming days in order to create more favorable political circumstances for talks with global actors," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Alaska on August 15 to meet with Trump in a summit held under "Pursuing Peace" banners, the Kremlin kept up its air campaign against Ukrainian cities.

Trump's face-to-face summit with Putin -- which helped to ease the Kremlin leader's international isolation -- did little to calm the fears in Kyiv and EU capitals over a potential agreement between the two that could endanger Ukraine's security or sovereignty or encourage Russian aggression.

The summit ended without an agreement on a cease-fire and with neither leader taking questions from reporters during a brief news conference.

The following day, Trump said Kyiv should strike a deal with Moscow to end the war because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

Multiple news organizations quoted unnamed sources as saying Trump told Zelenskyy that Putin had offered to freeze most front lines if Kyiv ceded to Russia all of its Donetsk region.

Zelenskyy has long rejected ceding any sovereign territory -- a view shared by much of Kyiv's European allies.

Trump -- in apparent agreement with Putin -- dropped demands for an immediate cease-fire and said a peace deal should be sought without the need for a prior truce. Until now, Trump -- along with Kyiv and its European allies -- has called for a cease-fire, with Trump even threatening Russia with new sanctions and tariffs if it did not immediately agree to one.

"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere cease-fire agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

"President Zelenskyy will be coming to DC, the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin," Trump wrote.

Ukraine and European leaders have said Putin's strategy of favoring longer negotiations toward a full peace agreement and refusing an immediate cease-fire allows the Russian leader to buy time and press his advantage on the battlefield.

The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany are set to host a video call on August 17 for what they have called the "coalition of the willing" to discuss steps toward ending the Ukraine war.

With reporting by Reuters
European leaders are set to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys planned meeting with US President Donald Trump to discuss steps toward ending the war in Ukraine, as Moscow and Kyiv continue to exchange air strikes.

As Ukraine pushes for Europe to take part in negotiations over a settlement of the conflict, European leaders will accompany Zelenskyy to Washington on August 18.

"I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders at the White House tomorrow," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

Zelenskyy: Important That European Leaders Are At Washington Meeting On Ukraine No media source currently available 0:00 0:01:06 0:00

Following von der Leyens statement, a stream of European leaders, along with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, have also announced their plans to participate.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, are expected to join.

Our goal for tomorrows talks is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies, Macron said.

"If we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflict, he added.

Earlier, von der Leyen welcomed Zelenskyy in Brussels, where they joined a call with the leaders of Ukraines European backers.

"It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America," Zelenskyy wrote in an X post on August 16, following the US-Russia talks in Alaska.

The Alaska summit, held on August 15, was the highest level diplomacy between Washington and Moscow since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, it appeared to bring no major shift in President Vladimir Putins war aims in Ukraine.

According to unnamed sources quoted by multiple news organizations, Putin told Trump he could agree to freezing the front lines in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions if Ukraine fully withdraws from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

Russia claims to have annexed all four regions. It controls most of the Luhansk region and about 70 percent of the Donetsk region, and partially controls Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions.

In Brussels on August 17, Zelenskyy said he saw current front lines as a basis for the negotiation process, suggesting that Putin has had "no success" in the war-torn Donetsk region. "In 12 years, he has not been able to capture it," he added.

In a social media post, Trump said after the Alaska meeting that it "was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement."

Ukraine and European allies, as well as the United States, have long called for a cease-fire to be implemented as a step toward a comprehensive peace deal.

Speaking alongside Zelenskyy in Brussels, von der Leyen told journalists that for Europe the word cease-fire was less important than the need to end the killing.

"It's not the term itself. It's the content that matters. It is so important to have as soon as possible a trilateral meeting between the President of Ukraine, the President of the United States, and of Russia," she said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in comments to NBC's "Meet the Press" program on August 18, insisted that an immediate cease-fire is "not off the table."

"I think what the president said...it was agreed to by all that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal."

"Theres no doubt about that....Now, whether there needs to be a cease-fire on the way there, well, weve advocated for that. Unfortunately, the Russians as of now have not agreed to that," he added.

According to an unnamed former Kremlin official quoted by the Financial Times, Putin also restated his demands relating to what he calls the "root causes" of the conflict. These include an end to Ukraine's NATO membership bid and a scaling-back of NATO's military presence on its eastern flank.

However, Steve Witkoff, an envoy widely regarded as one of the key US negotiators with Moscow, suggested that Trump and Putin have agreed to provide robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

I would describe [them] as game-changing, Witkoff told CNN on August 17.

When asked about the matter by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, Zelenskyy said that for now, the only real security guarantee remains the Ukrainian army.

Is there a [troop deployment]? Do we have air protection like other countries? Do we have the [full package of air defense]? These are just questions for now. We really need answers, Zelenskyy added.

Despite what may be the most significant diplomatic efforts since February 2022, Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange air strikes.

At least five people were killed and four others injured by Russian shelling in the Donetsk region, according to Vadym Filashkin, head of the local military administration.

"Over the past day, Russian forces fired 38 times at settlements in the Donetsk region," he said in a Telegram post on August 17.

In Russia, a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a power line at a station in the Voronezh region, which borders Ukraine, regional governor Aleksander Gusev said. According to him, a railway employee was injured as a result of the attack.

Olena Abramovych, the European correspondent for RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time, contributed to this report.
RFE/RL journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko has given the first detailed account of how he was tortured after being arrested in Russian-occupied Crimea in 2021.

Speaking with RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Radio Svaboda (Radio Liberty) in his first interview since being released from Russian custody in June, Yesypenko described how beatings and electrocution were used to force him to sign a confession that he later retracted in court.

"First they beat you, then they turn on the current, them they beat you again, and then they turn on the current. And while following this sequence, they are asking questions," he said.

"I said: Guys, stop it and I'll sign whatever you need. If you say I killed Kennedy, OK, I killed Kennedy. But please stop the torture."

Yesypenko, a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen, was a freelance contributor to Crimea.Realities, a regional news outlet of Radio Liberty. He was released from Russian custody more than four years after being detained on suspicion of collecting information for Ukrainian intelligence, a charge he denied.

In the interview, Yesypenko recalled the moment of his arrest on March 10, 2021. He said he was stopped by traffic police while driving a friend in Crimea. But almost immediately, agents from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) appeared and forced him to the ground.

FSB video of the arrest shows a grenade lying on the floor by the driver's seat in the car that Yesypenko says was planted there. It was used as a key piece of evidence in the case against him.

Several months later, Yesypenko was charged with "possession and transport of explosives," though prosecutors later admitted the grenade "discovered" in his vehicle did not bear his fingerprints.

Yesypenko said that after his arrest he was blindfolded, handcuffed, driven away, and taken to a basement. It was here that the torture began.

"I realized that, well, I was not a hero at this point. I simply wanted to live. I wanted it to end as fast as possible. That was all," he said.

"At that moment it didn't matter (what I signed). I realized that right now, I need to survive."

'They're Looking For You Everywhere'

A day or two later, Yesypenko was visited by a Russian-appointed lawyer named Violetta Sinyeglazova who sought to ensure that he signed the false confession prepared for him.

"She said if we do this today, if you sign, the court will view it as an extenuating circumstance when it passes sentence," he recalled.

Several days later, at a pretrial detention center, he found himself less closely guarded by FSB officers and was able to approach a lawyer who had come to see other detainees.

"She said, 'So you're Yesypenko. They're looking for you everywhere -- your wife and lawyers. It's great that you've turned up."

The following day, an independent defense lawyer arrived and Yesypenko signed a statement saying he was ditching Sinyeglazova in favor of a new legal team.

On March 18, eight days after his arrest, Yesypenko gave an interview to a state TV channel called Crimea-24. It was, he said, one of the conditions of his forced confession.

The FSB gave him a script to learn, which he had to repeat in the interview, Yesypenko said. This included saying, falsely, that the grenade in the car was his.

"They needed to compromise Radio Liberty and Crimea.Realities. They tried to show the whole world that people working for Radio Liberty were also spies," he said.

Taking The Leap 'Across An Abyss'

The trial was set to begin on April 6. But Yesypenko said he was visited several days before by an FSB officer called Major Korovin, who offered him cigarettes and sought to ensure Yesypenko would stick to the script in court.

Korovin said Yesypenko's wife and other lawyers would be in the courtroom but that he must work only with Sinyeglazova. Yesypenko agreed, but he was lying.

"I realized that it was liked leaping across an abyss. You don't know if you'll make it or not," Yesypenko said.

"The whole time I was making the confession, I felt really bad. It was like betraying everything you hold dearest, betraying everything you could. I realized that if I didn't make it, I still had to try."

In court, Yesypenko took the leap. Departing from the script, he announced that he had been tortured, that everything that had happened to him had been illegal, and that he was switching to the independent defense team.

"It was a shock for the judges and it was a shock for the prosecutors because the trial was supposed to follow a certain route," he said.

Days later, the US State Department demanded Yesypenko's release and joined concerns already voiced by human rights groups over his treatment.

But he was not released. For the next several months, court hearings continued, and Yesypenko said he was pressured to cooperate with threats of further torture.

In February 2022, a Russian-appointed court in Crimea sentenced him to six years in prison on charges of "possession and transport of explosives," which he, his employer, and human rights groups denounced as fabricated.

The highest Moscow-controlled court in Crimea later reduced Yesypenko's sentence to five years in prison.

Shortly after his release on June 20, he boarded a flight to Yerevan, Armenia. "It was very emotional. I realized: I'm free, it's over. It was like being born again," he said.

From Armenia, he traveled to Prague where he met his family, and then returned to Ukraine.

"When we entered the railway station in Kyiv, I saw the city, the hustle and bustle. I realized I was home."
Tom Mulry from Four Roads will be an incredible 100 years young on his next birthday on October 4th.

Tom is clearly still enjoying life to the full.

The 99-year-old is pictured here with his daughter-in-law Angela and son Mark at the Irish National Sheepdog Trials held recently on the lands of Barra O'Brien in Lisbrock, Brideswell.
Elvish Yadav's House Attack: Bhau Gang Claims Responsibility, Here's What the Gand Said

His father earlier told that Elvish did not receive any threats before the incident.

Elvish Yadavs House Attack: Bhau Gang Claims Responsibility, Here's What the Gand Said

What appears to be a screenshot of a note, written in Hindi, is making rounds on X, claiming responsibility for the attack that was carried out this morning outside the residence of controversial influencer, YouTuber, and biggboss OTT winner, Elvish Yadav.

Rao Inderjeet Yadav from a gang named Bhau Gang has claimed the responsibility for the dozens of rounds of bullets fired at the residence today between 5:30 am and 6 am.

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The note accuses Elvish of ruining homes by promoting betting apps.

The note reads, Jai Bhole Ki Yes, all brothers, today the shooting at Elvish Yadav's house was carried out by us, Neeraj Faridpur and Bhau Ritoliya. Today, we have introduced ourselves. He has ruined many homes by promoting betting. He has done this for his own promotion!

There is a logo also on the note; however, Rozana Spokesman could not verify the note.

#ElvishYadav Ke Ghar Par Hamle Ki Zimmedari 'Bhau Gang' Ne Li Hai And Elvish Yadav Ke Sath Sath Kayi Saare YouTubers/Influencers Ko Dhamki Bhi Di Hai..... pic.twitter.com/G5zHDJpDx7 Advertisement August 17, 2025

It warned everyone who promotes betting apps, saying that they will receive a call or a bullet at any time.

And to all the pests of social media, we give a Warning. Anyone who promotes betting will receive a call or a bullet at any time. So, all those involved in betting should be prepared! The post read.

The gang appeared to have been established in 2020, as the note ends with, Bhau Gang Since 2020.

Elvish Yadavs Residence Attacked

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Three bike-borne masked assailants, on Sunday morning, opened fire at the residence of Elvish Yadav in Gurugram, Haryana.

In a video shared by the news agency, ANI, a bullet has pierced through a glass door. Multiple rounds have hit the roof of a room inside the residence.

The house falls under the jurisdiction of the Police Station Sector-56, Gurugram. The influencer was not present at home at the time of the attack; however, his caretaker and some family members were present inside. None has been injured in the incident, according to a report by India Today.

Investigations are underway.

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His father earlier told that Elvish did not receive any threats before the incident.

Congress leader Deepender Hooda, commenting on the firing, said, Haryana has turned into a ransom state.

(For more news apart from 'Elvish Yadavs Residence Attacked; Three Masked Men Fire Dozens Of Bullets,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Blinket Boy Shot Dead In Patna, Bihar; Boy Unmarried, Lived In Rented Room

He was rushed to Hospital where he died during treatment, according to police.

Blinket Boy Shot Dead In Patna, Bihar; Boy Unmarried, Lived In Rented Room

A Blinket delivery worker was shot dead in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Raj Krishna and lived in a rented room in the area. He was rushed to Hospital where he died during treatment, according to police.

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The 25 year old was shot dead at Saristabad turn following what appeared to be some altercations between delivery workers. He had recently moved to Patna.

Secretariat DSP Anu Kumari told ANI, "The police received information that a boy named Krishna was shot at Saristabad turn. When we reached the spot, we found that the boy had been taken to PMCH

This boy worked for Blinkit and was living here on rent, she added.

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Central SP City Diksha said, "There was some conversation between the delivery people here. An incident occurred in which a boy was shot, and he died during treatment.

We are investigating whether this is a mutual dispute or something else... The boy was unmarried... The deceased's name is Raj Krishna, " Central SP City Diksha added.

An investigation into the case is underway. An FIR is being registered as well, police said.

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(For more news apart from 'Blinket Boy Shot Dead In Patna, Bihar; Boy Unmarried, Lived In Rented Room,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Rahul Gandhi to launch 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against Vote theft' in Bihar, Know Details

The Election Commission is no longer an empire; it's more like a player...Whatever started in Bihar will happen in different states..."

Rahul Gandhi to launch 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against Vote theft in Bihar Latest News

Congress MP and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with members of the INDIA Bloc parties, will launch 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Bihar's Sasaram, against the alleged vote theft through the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the poll-bound state.

The yatra will commence from Sasaram, Dehri On Sone, Rohtas in Bihar, and will culminate on September 1st in Yatra Finale, Patna. The yatra will last for 16 days, starting today with three breaks on the 20th, 25th, and 31st.

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Over 1300 km long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' will cover more than twenty districts in the state.

The Yatra aims to ensure awareness and alertness among the people, Congress Spokesperson, Pawan Khera, said in a press conference.

Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the yatra, sharing some details about the yatra on X, wrote, We are coming among the people with the Voter Rights Yatra. This is the fight to protect the most fundamental democratic right - one person, one vote.

He has appealed to the public, saying,  Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution.

RJDs Tejashwi Yadav in a video message on X, said,  What could be a bigger irony in democracy than the fact that people are being deprived of their freedom to cast their vote and choose the government. We assure all of you that we will fight your battle for voting with vigor.

He said the yatra is being organized to raise  this voice and get justice, we are starting the Voter Rights Yatra from August 17.

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This morning, Yadav, speaking to ANI on the matter, said, These people don't just want to erase their rights, but also their very existence."

Former Bihar CM and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, "We will not let democracy perish. We have made many sacrifices to save democracy. We will continue to do so in the future. We will not let it perish." Lalu made the statement speaking to ANI.

Apart from RJD leaders, three left parties of the INDIA Bloc will also join the Yatra.

General Secretary of Dipnakr Bhattacharya of CPI (ML) Liberation, along with Karakat MP Raja Ram, will be joining Rahul Gandhi, according to a Times of India report.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram today alleged Election Commission of India of placing alive people in the dead category.

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Speaking to ANI, the news agency, on the matter today, Rajesh Ram said, "... The method adopted by the Election Commission to delete the names of people has revealed that those who are alive were also eliminated from the list by placing them in the dead category..."

This Yatra is for the voting rights of every citizen of India, and protection of 'One Vote One Person'..." Congress MP Pramod Tiwari remarked.

Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, recalling Rahul Gandhis past yatras, said, "...Rahul Gandhi has walked 10,000 km to become the voice of the people of India; he speaks for the youth. Rahul Gandhi has set out to protect the Constitution, not for political gains or losses. Rahul Gandhi has set out to eliminate hatred, stop the looting by the Election Commission, for the welfare of farmers, and the employment of the youth..."

Another RJD MP, Manoj Jha, speaking to the news agency, calling the Yatra the voice of Bihar, said, The Election Commission is no longer an empire; it's more like a player...Whatever started in Bihar will happen in different states..."

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Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, "These (INDIA Bloc) people are walking the path of Kansa. He added that just like Krisna destroyed Kansa, the oppositions destruction is certain.

(For more news apart from 'Rahul Gandhi to launch 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against Vote theft in Bihar, Know Details,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
PM Modi Inaugurates 2 major National Highway projects, Aimed to Reduce Traffic by 50% in Delhi

The projects aim to reduce logistics costs.

PM Modi Inaugurates 2 major National Highway projects in Delhi Latest News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), worth a combined cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore, on Sunday (17 August).

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The projects aim to reduce logistics costs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome by supporters ahead of the inauguration of two major National Highway projects, followed by felicitation by Union Road Transport & Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari at the ceremony.

He was also felicitated by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini at the inauguration ceremony of the projects. Prime Minister held a road show at the Mundka-Bakkarwala village toll plaza ahead of the inauguration.

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The projects have been developed under the Governments comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the gathering at the inauguration, said, The expressway is named after Dwarka, the event is being held in Rohini, and the atmosphere is filled with the joy of Janmashtami. I too belong to the land of Dwarka, and today the entire environment has become truly 'Krishnamayi'.

He said Delhi must be developed as a model of progress of a rising and developed India, as it is the Nations Capital, and that the worlds first glance falls on the nations capital.

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He said, When the world looks at India, their first glance falls on the nations capital, Delhi. That is why we must develop Delhi as a model of progress where everyone feels it represents a rising and developed India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the projects inaugurated today will increase the convenience of the people of the entire NCR of Delhi, Gurugram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Urban Extension Road will help Delhi with the garbage issue. He said, "Lakhs of tons of garbage have been used in building the Urban Extension Road. By reducing the mountains of garbage, the waste material has been used in building the road, and it has been done in a scientific way. Bhalswa landfill is located nearby. We all know how many problems there are for the families living around here. Our government is engaged in freeing the people of Delhi from every such problem..."

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Prime Minister Modi said the Delhi government is 'continuously engaged' in cleaning of Yamuna river and that 16 lakh metric tons of silt have been removed from the river under the leadership of Delhi CM already.

I have been informed that 16 lakh metric tons of silt have been removed from the Yamuna in this period. Not only that, in a very short time, 650 DEVI electric buses have been started in Delhi. In the future, these electric buses will surpass the figure of around 2,000. This further strengthens the mantra of Green Delhi - Clean Delhi, PM added.

PM Modi accused the previous government in the National Capital of pushing Delhi into a deep pit, adding that it would take time for the progress that the current government is making in the National Capital to become visible.

First, much effort will be spent just filling that pit, and only after that will progress become visible. But I am confident that the team you have chosen in Delhi will work hard and pull the city out of the problems it has been suffering for decades..." PM Modi said.

He said the road commute has become better between Delhi-NCR in the past 11 years. NDA under the leadership of PM Modi came into power at the centre in 2014.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta speaking at the ceremony, praised PM Modi, saying, You are the strength that has risen above politics and placed the nation's interest above all."

Union Road Transport & Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari said that 50% of the traffic issues of Delhi and NCR will be reduced by the projects, inaugurated today.

He said, "... With both these projects, the people of Delhi NCR will get great relief from traffic jams. If I say that the problem of 50% traffic jam in Delhi will be reduced due to these highways, I think it will not be surprising. We have connected these projects to different places in Delhi.

Nitin Gadkari added, The roadmap given by the Prime Minister aims to reduce the logistics cost. The logistics cost of our country is 14-16%... I want to assure the Prime Minister and all of you that before the end of 2026, the logistics cost of our country will come in the single digits, which will be very important for our exports..."

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini also addressed the gathering. He called the day a historic and memorable day for Haryana as well as the entire North India.

This day will be recorded as a golden chapter in the history of Haryana's and especially NCR's development. Today, six road projects worth Rs 11,000 crore are being inaugurated in Delhi and Haryana at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I thank him for these projects,  he added.

(For more news apart from 'Rahul Gandhi to launch 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against Vote theft in Bihar, Know Details,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Singapore will on Monday release July figures for non-oil domestic exports, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In June, NODX was up 14.3 percent on month and 13.0 percent on year.

New Zealand will see July results for the Performance of Services Index from BusinessNZ; in June, the index score was 47.3.

Japan will see June data for its tertiary industry activity index; in May, the reading was -1.10.

Thailand is scheduled to release Q2 numbers for gross domestic product starting on Monday; in the three months prior, GDP was up 0.7 percent on quarter and 3.1 percent on year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The North Shore Rotary Club has named Evangeline Carolan of Great Kills, a graduating senior from the Scholars Academy at Susan E. Wagner High School, as the recipient of the 2024-25 North Shore Rotary Community Service Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship has been increased to $10,000 to reflect the clubs commitment to investing in the future of Staten Islands young leaders.

The scholarship will be distributed over the next two years to support Evangelines educational journey at Northeastern University.

Evangelines dedication to community service began at a young age, inspired by her familys example of caring for others and the Rotary Clubs ideal of Service Above Self. Her volunteer work dates back to middle school when she first assisted with community projects through her church. Since then, her commitment to service has grown exponentially.

Through her church, Evangeline has contributed to a variety of charitable initiatives, including preparing meals for the needy, organizing warm clothing drives, packaging hygiene kits for children in South America and assisting with Sunday School.

One of her most cherished projects is the churchs annual Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive, which provides meals to Staten Islanders in need during the holiday season.

Evangelines passion for service has also been reflected in her role as president of the Susan E. Wagner High School Key Club. Leading a 90-member team, she has spearheaded numerous community initiatives. Under her leadership, the club has supported the Staten Island American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, donated arts and crafts supplies to a local daycare, raised funds for Heifer International, contributed to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center and partnered with the nonprofit Beautiful Hearts to serve the community on a weekly basis.

Additionally, Evangeline has organized multi-location collections for the Gift of Love Toy Drive, which delivers holiday joy to hospitalized children.

Evangelines leadership, compassion and relentless dedication to making a difference exemplify the spirit of this award, said Gale Strassberg, Scholarship Committee Chair. Her work not only impacts individuals directly but also strengthens our Staten Island community.

North Shore Rotary Club Past President Suzanne Demetrio added, Evangelines commitment to service, coupled with her core values and solid foundation, can indeed serve as inspiration for others. We are proud to support her educational journey as she builds on her already impressive record of community impact.

Evangeline credits her passion for service to the example set by her family and the inspiration she has found through her school and church communities. She is eager to continue her mission of service as she transitions to college and looks forward to exploring new opportunities to help others.

The North Shore Rotary Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Staten Island who demonstrates exceptional dedication to community service and a clear intent to pursue higher education. While academic achievement is not a primary criterion, the award places a strong emphasis on service and its impact on the community.
You might hate congestion pricing.

You might think speed cameras are the worst.

But heres something else that has the potential to make your blood boil: a charge for parking at your job.

We have our friends in the United Kingdom to thank for this one, the same U.K. that gave us the concept of congestion pricing.

Under the law, local governments can charge a workplace parking levy, or WPL, to employers who provide on-site parking to their workers.

Lets stop right there.

This would be a charge on companies that provide on-site parking for employees. They devoted space on their own properties in order to accommodate their workers. Theyre not taking up precious street parking.

And yet theyre being punished financially.

Whats behind the policy of charging employers for the parking they provide? The reasons will be familiar to New Yorkers who just went through the congestion pricing debate: to reduce traffic by discouraging people from driving to work; to reduce pollution; to encourage use of mass transit.

And of course, the biggest reason: to generate revenue, money that will (yeah, right) be used to create more mass transit. So that yet more people will, at least theoretically, be able to leave their cars at home.

Employers can choose to pay the fee themselves and provide free parking to their workers as a job benefit.

Companies can also pass the WPL expense along to workers, but thats a whole different pain point.

The point is, its government thats forcing businesses and workers into making that choice. It can pit companies against their own workers.

Nottingham was the first city in the U.K. to introduce a WPL, in 2012. Four cities in Australia have implemented WPLs since 1992: Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Glasglow recently decided against implementing the parking tax. But the Scottish city is still looking at a number of other options to generate revenue, the BBC reported, including, yes, congestion pricing as well as placing a toll on the Clyde Tunnel.

That latter makes me again wonder which lawmaker is going to have guts enough to suggest placing tolls on the currently free East River bridges.

Theres really no end to the ways that governments can take money out of the pockets of drivers.

We have speed cameras and the corresponding and diabolical lowering of speed limits, the latter of which makes it easier to get nabbed by a speed camera.

We have congestion pricing, which has made the streets of Manhattan emptier and more free of pollutants in part by shifting additional traffic and emissions onto the streets of Staten Island.

Some cities charge residents to park on the street. Not necessarily the street in front of your home or even on the same block. Just somewhere in the same city.

If you dont have a driveway on your property already, I strongly encourage to install one as fast as possible.

Governments for years have toyed with the idea of a vehicle miles traveled tax, which would turn your car into a taxi and would charge you for every mile you drive. And would also, by the way, increase the governments ability to surveil you in the privacy of your own vehicle.

Sure, its all being done in the name of less traffic and a cleaner environment.

But as long as people keep driving, theyre happy to take your money.
DMV scams are targeting New Yorkers, claiming their license will be suspended if they don't pay a fee. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul is warning New Yorkers about fraud and identity theft scams permeating through New York.

The scammers, often posing as either the Department of Motor Vehicles or a tolling company, will send texts to unsuspecting New Yorkers claiming that the victims drivers license will be suspended if a payment is not made soon.

While Im working hard to put money in New Yorkers pockets, scammers are using deceptive text messages to do the opposite  taking your hard-earned money and your personal information in the process, Hochul said in a written statement. Im standing up to fight back against these schemes, and Ill always defend New Yorkers against anyone trying to take advantage of them. Enough is enough.

The scammers also establish fake  but convincing  websites that lure vulnerable New Yorkers into giving up their private information.

According to a written statement from the states Department of Information Technology Services, the following tips will help ensure you dont get phished for your information:
Linda Ollis holds a photo of her son Sgt. Michael Ollis, who died in Afganistan along with accommodations, in a room dedicated in his honor at their New Drop home. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Republican South Shore Councilmember Frank Morano is the latest elected official to back an effort to get a fallen Staten Island hero a Medal of Honor.

Michael Ollis, a 24-year-old son of Staten Island, selflessly sacrificed his life shielding an injured Polish lieutenant, Karol Cierpica, from a suicide bomber in an Afghanistan warzone on Aug. 28, 2013.

Cierpica later named his son Michael in honor of the man who saved his life.

Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping into harms way to protect his fellow soldiers, said Morano in a written statement. His courage that day not only saved livesit defined what it means to be an American hero.

New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer has been at the forefront of the political push for a handful of years now. In late July, Schumer wrote a letter to Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy A. George, beseeching the general to bestow the honor on Ollis.

SSG Michael Ollis was among the best that our nation has to offer, the July letter said. He is the quintessence of what it means to be American, and his life is a testament to the values of the U.S. Army and the United States of America. As such, I urge you to consider upgrading SSG Olliss Distinguished Service Cross decoration and recommending him for the Medal of Honor.

Schumers letter came after the Richmond County American Legion bolstered its ranks to put forward a resolution to boost Ollis Distinguished Service Cross to a Medal of Honor.

I fully support Senator Schumers push to award Staff Sergeant Ollis the Medal of Honor, Morano said. This recognition is long overdue and reflects the extraordinary bravery and selflessness Michael demonstrated in Afghanistan We can never repay the debt we owe to heroes like Michael Ollis, but we can make sure their legacy is honored at the highest level. Awarding him the Medal of Honor ensures that future generations know his name and his sacrifice.

In a comment to the Advance/SILive.com, Bob Ollis, the father of Michael Ollis, said this: You got a mom and a dad who lost their child, and everybody wants to honor him... you have no idea what that feels like.

I cant thank them [Schumer, Morano, the Richmond County American Legion] enough. We hope and we pray. Its up to God now to push it through, Ollis said.
Podcaster Joe Rogan said that President Donald Trumps is setting himself up for a major backlash because the presidents anti-immigrant raids have gone too far, Fox News reported.

On his Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan said, Thats what freaks people out, because when people thought about ICE, they thought, Great, were going to get rid of the gang members. They didnt think, Great, youre going to get rid of the landscaper.

Rogan guest Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said that recent anti-ICE protests are being backed by Chinese money in an attempt to divide Americans before next years mid-term elections.

Rogan said that while that may in part be true, there is also genuine belief among some voters that the Trump effort has gone too far.

So, I absolutely believe this is true, that Im sure other countries fund similar things, but also it was a reaction to some of the ICE raids, right? Rogan said. It was a visceral reaction that a lot of people had to the idea of people just showing up and pulling people out of schools and pulling people out of Home Depot and pulling people that were just hardworking people that maybe snuck over here because they didnt have a legal way to get over here, but since theyve been here, theyve been good people and theyre a part of communities.

Rogan also said, Im sure some of these riots are manufactured, Im sure they are.

He also said that the United States absolutely needs to enforce its border to keep cartel members and other criminals out.

But the thing that freaks people out is, like, how many corporations rely on illegal labor? he asked.

Rogan interviewed Trump on his podcast last year and endorsed the president for election.
Showers may bring rain to New York City on Sunday, August 17, 2025. This photo from Aug. 7, 2023, shows a rainy day in Clifton. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

A marginal risk of severe thunderstorms with gusty winds is expected to sweep through Staten Island Sunday evening as a cold front approaches, according to the National Weather Service. Residents should prepare for potential brief, intense weather conditions between late afternoon and early night.

The National Weather Service warns of isolated severe thunderstorms with gusty winds as the primary threat during Sunday evening. Surface and mixed layer atmospheric conditions support potential storm development, though weak low-level lapse rates may limit intensity. The cold front is anticipated to move through the region late this afternoon into early evening, bringing a rapid shift in weather conditions.

Wind speeds could reach up to 20 mph with occasional higher gusts, and temperatures will remain warm and humid until the front passes. The storms are expected to be short-lived, with precipitation ending as the cold front moves southward by Monday morning. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and be prepared for potential brief, intense thunderstorm activity.

Following the fronts passage, a much cooler and drier air mass will move into the New York City area. Monday will bring significantly lower temperatures and reduced humidity, with dew points dropping into the 50s. The National Weather Service forecasts clear skies and gradually diminishing winds through Monday afternoon.

The extended forecast suggests stable weather conditions for the upcoming week, with a potential frontal system approaching by next weekend. Temperatures are expected to return to normal levels by Friday, with a gradual shift from northerly to southerly winds.
The bulk of his fortune stems from Cadence Design Systems, a maker of chip design tools where Tan was chief executive officer for 12 years before joining Intel. He has sold shares worth more than $US575 million in the San Jose, California-based company, and still holds a $US500 million position, according to Bloombergs calculations.

The 65-year-old technology and venture capital industry veteran has amassed a fortune worth at least $US1.1 billion ($1.7 billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is calculating Tans net worth for the first time.

Days after calling for the firing of Intels CEO, President Donald Trump changed his mind following a very interesting meeting with the executive. His success and rise is an amazing story, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

A Bloomberg report late Thursday afternoon saying the Trump administration is in talks with Intel to have the US government potentially take a stake in the Silicon Valley chipmaker sent the companys shares up 7.4 per cent in New York. The stock gained 15 per cent since Tans appointment as CEO in March, boosting the value of his stake to more than $US29 million.

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It was Tans tenure at Cadence, along with his other role as executive chairman of venture firm Walden International, that initially drew criticism from Washington. Trump ally and Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intels board chair earlier this month questioning Tans ties to China and his history at Cadence, which sold products to a Chinese military university. A day later, the president posted that Tan was highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately.

Tan called the claims misinformation in a letter to employees. But his record of investing in China and the riches it has brought him had already cast a shadow over his work.

In July, Cadence pleaded guilty to violating US export controls during Tans tenure and took a $US140.6 million charge related to settling the cases. Earlier, in 2023, the US government had sent Tan a letter asking Walden to explain its investments after the San Francisco-based firm had invested in more than 100 Chinese companies.
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This story is part of the August 17 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories .

The vibrant London neighbourhood of Marylebone features many fine homes from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as art deco-style properties from the 1920s. In one such building, a spacious flat serves as a European pied-a-terre for a Los Angeles-based couple and their two daughters. It has been skilfully transformed by Maddux Creative, an interior design firm founded by Jo leGleud and Scott Maddux with offices in London and New York.

The Marylebone apartment allowed us to honour historical elements while injecting the space with contemporary design, says Maddux. The challenge was to respect its art deco origins while introducing modern touches that made the space feel current and lived-in.

To that end, the firm remodelled the two-bedroom apartment by merging British classicism and Parisian charm with modernity. Original features such as mouldings, parquetry flooring and coffered ceilings were retained and restored while functionality was updated. This provided the home with European sophistication akin to that found in Parisian Haussmann or Berliner Altbau apartments.

However, the designers were careful to quietly weave contemporary accents into the homes heritage bones. We felt it was important to blur the line between being able to tell if something was original or new, Maddux says. This allowed us to push boundaries and flex our artistic ideas, an approach that was crucial in overcoming the biggest challenge: creating a space that felt both luxurious and liveable without resembling a gallery.

Throughout the apartment, tactile materials and styled vignettes dot the interior spaces, offering visual interest and referencing the dynamic and fashionable character of Marylebone. Elsewhere, pastel hues and refined wall treatments create a canvas for the owners contemporary art collection.

Our goal was to establish a home that exuded relaxation and freshness, avoiding extremes of overpowering elements or blandness, says leGleud. My training in embroidery honed my eye for a balanced integration of textures and colours, a theme reflected throughout the entire apartment.

With these design principles in mind, the Maddux Creative team employed a soft, muted palette of pale aqua and chalky off-white with accents of red and gold. This was inspired by a desire to create a calming yet sophisticated atmosphere that complemented the owners art collection, says leGleud.

The apartment features two bedrooms with ensuites, a powder room, a spacious entrance hallway, a kitchen and a living room with a dining area that opens to a library.
For better or worse, now when people go looking for life advice or want to find answers to burning questions, the place we increasingly turn to is social media. And sure, there are a lot of areas in our lives where this can be great. Suggestions on how to use up half a can of chickpeas or learning how to braid your hair is one thing. But when it comes to things like our health and finances, the risks associated with getting advice from unqualified influencers are exponentially higher.

Thats one of the reasons that I was happy to see that the Australian Securities and Investments Commissions recently took part in a global crackdown on financial influencers, also known as finfluencers, along with regulators from the United Kingdom, Italy, Hong Kong, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

When people go looking for life advice, the place we increasingly turn to is social media. Credit: Dionne Gain

Following the crackdown, ASIC commissioner Alan Kirkland explained: Its important that consumers separate fun from fact when it comes to influencer content. Popularity doesnt equal credibility. In other words, a finfluencer might have 100,000 people eager to listen to what they have to say, but that doesnt mean they have the qualifications, expertise or a legal right to be saying it in the first place.

In the UK alone, the regulator issued 650 requests for content to be removed from social media, 50 takedown requests to websites being operated by influencers, and seven cease and desist letters. The regulators also invited four influencers in for interviews, and made three arrests.
Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent all day telling TV interviewers that high-stakes negotiations to end a war are best done behind closed doors. Then his boss opened Truth Social.

Rubio was doing the rounds on the Sunday morning political talk shows, politely declining invitations to reveal what was sought from Russian President Vladimir Putin when he met US President Donald Trump in Alaska, or what Putin was willing to give up, if anything.

Marco Rubio, left, spent the day saying the negotiations cant take place in public view. Then Donald Trump opened Truth Social. Credit: Bloomberg

These peace deals, these peace agreements and negotiations, they dont work when theyre conducted in the media, either through leaks or through lies, Rubio told This Week on ABC. They dont work if you go out and say aggressive and abrasive things about one side or the other  because then they just walk away.

On CBS Face the Nation, he said: Were not going to negotiate this in the media  Theres no conditions that can be imposed on Ukraine. Theyre going to have to accept things, but theyre going to have to get things, too.

And on Fox Business, Rubio said: If one side gets everything they want, thats not a peace deal. Its called surrender. And I dont think this is a war thats going to end any time soon on the basis of surrender.

All told, Rubio was clear and consistent throughout his major television appearances. This was a difficult negotiation between two warring parties that were not inclined to make concessions, he said. The US was doing its best to mediate a conflict it was not directly involved in, and meeting Putin was not a sin  in fact, it was crucial, and Trump was the only one who could do it.

Read more on this analysis from North America correspondent Michael Koziol here.
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 Amputee Fred Hernandez spent 16 months in jail after disgraced surgeon Munjed Al Muderis pursued multiple lawsuits against his former patient turned business partner. What started with a series of Facebook posts alleging the doctor was involved in a major cover-up ended with Hernandez, an above-the-knee amputee, serving an indefinite sentence alongside hardened criminals in a US prison in Nevada for contempt of court. Fred Hernandez lost everything after speaking out about surgeon Munjed Al Muderis. There, he said, he was manhandled by guards, was denied access to treatment for severe nerve pain and was injured after he was shackled at the legs and waist without appropriate disability support and fell. The medical [treatment] in there was severely lacking on just about every level, he said. I spent a good 15 months in a wheelchair, which has caused me to start from scratch for my walking. I started with a walker, and that went to two crutches, one crutch and Im still on a cane. The lawsuits filed by Al Muderis against Hernandez in America were sparked by social media posts from Hernandez in 2018 warning patients about Al Muderis unethical conduct and raising awareness of other surgeons who perform osseointegration, which involves inserting a titanium rod into an amputees residual bone to enable a prosthetic limb to be attached. Hernandezs claims, like those of many victims of the once celebrated surgeon, were vindicated this month in a devastating defamation case judgment in the Federal Court of Australia which lashed Al Muderis over his negligent treatment of patients.

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But by that point Hernandez had already paid a heavy price for his criticisms of Al Muderis going back to 2018. Over the years I became aware of situations that I frankly did not agree with; unethical on some levels and downright wrong on others, Hernandez posted on December 20, 2018. This is not the forum to air anyones dirty laundry in detail but what the patient population and general public sees is not what actually goes on ... I smell a major cover-up. This spurred years of litigation leaving Hernandez broke, unemployed and struggling to piece his life back together as Al Muderis still blocks his ability to work in osseointegration. Despite the heavy toll, Hernandez has no regrets. I literally lost everything, he said. Patients had a right to know. Given my role in building this fake persona that is Al Muderis, I feel like I had a responsibility. If I have to lose everything over that, so be it. Its been hard, dont get me wrong. In Al Muderis failed defamation case against this masthead and 60 Minutes, his barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, SC, falsely claimed Hernandez was the primary source for the media outlets investigation and successfully opposed Hernandez giving evidence from prison via video link.

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Hernandez believes Al Muderis ongoing pursuit of him has been designed to silence him, and maintain a monopoly on the lucrative surgery in America. If you work for him, he owns you. His cult following will deny it, but theyve never seen it. Theyve never worked on that level with him, so they have no clue, Hernandez said in an interview. Al Muderis lost his defamation case against this masthead and 60 Minutes. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Whatever it takes Hernandez first approached Al Muderis with a business pitch in 2012, attracted by the surgeons passion for osseointegration. Osseointegration technology is a life changer and once amputees see the implant for themselves, they will do whatever it takes to obtain it, Hernandez wrote. The cigar-smoking, whiskey-drinking Las Vegas resident became an above-the-knee amputee in 1985 at the age of 17 after he was crushed by a truck in an accident. Like many above-the-knee amputees, Hernandez always had trouble with traditional sockets that were uncomfortable and made it difficult to walk.

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In the early 2000s, he discovered osseointegration online and became transfixed by the novel procedure. Loading For the right people, osseointegration alleviates the blisters and discomfort of traditional socket prosthetics and enables greater mobility. But it also carries immense risks, from worsening pain to infections and the need for further amputations. The Federal Court judgment ruled Al Muderis deliberately downplays or fails to explain risks to vulnerable patients and uses high-pressure sales tactics to sign them up to invasive and experimental operations without informed consent. Enthralled by the potential of osseointegration, Hernandez started a website dedicated to the procedure, and tracked the clusters of surgeons performing it around the world. He couldnt afford the surgery so, in 2012, he emailed every osseointegration surgeon, asking for a free procedure in exchange for his promotion of their work in the US, a country with an enormous number of amputees. Al Muderis was the only one who was interested. By March 2013, Hernandez was on a flight from Las Vegas to Sydney for the operation to be performed at Macquarie University Hospital. It was a success, though he has experienced worsened pain and several infections.

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Hernandez held up his end of the bargain  giving glowing media interviews in America, and promoting the procedure and Al Muderis through roadshows aimed at prospective patients who flew to Australia for surgery. Hernandez was released from prison in April. What these patients did not know was that, for a period, Hernandez was paid cash commissions of $US1000 for each patient he sent Al Muderis way who went ahead with surgery. These commissions were detailed in a contract that included confidentiality and exclusivity clauses, forbidding the patients from knowing Hernandezs advice was conflicted. In the Federal Court ruling, Justice Wendy Abraham found this arrangement to be unethical, as it altered the advice Hernandez gave to prospective patients, many of whom considered him a friend. By 2018, Al Muderis stopped paying Hernandezs commissions, the tipping point behind a bitter falling out between the two. They parted ways, and Hernandez turned to social media to expose what he saw as unethical conduct by Al Muderis. I chose Australia at the time, because they had the beginnings of a proper team but that has significantly changed over the year, Hernandez wrote. If you look at what they have now, it looks nothing like what they started with and I think that is sad; because it really doesnt have to be that way. Al Muderis responded by filing a defamation suit in the US. Hernandez said a combination of poor legal representation and US competition laws led to a default judgment being filed against him  and he was ordered to pay Al Muderis $US2.7 million.

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A childcare director has been accused of fraudulently using staff Medicare numbers to get prescriptions for Panadeine Forte, a strong pain medication containing the opiate codeine, from different doctors in NSWs Hunter region.

Hayley Challita was the director of Edukare Childcare and Preschool in Muswellbrook between April 2024 and March 2025. Four former staff members allege Challita used their Medicare numbers to obtain multiple prescriptions.

Hayley Challita is accused of using childcare staff medicare records to fraudulently obtain painkiller prescriptions.

EduKare has been contacted for comment, and the centre is not accused of wrongdoing. Challita did not respond to request for comment.

The Herald has sighted eight prescriptions that four former colleagues say were obtained in their name but not at their request shortly after Challita asked for their Medicare details via text message, which was also sighted by this masthead.
Technology-facilitated abuse crimes have surged and perpetrators are getting creative with technology and even confronting victims from within prison.

Police say theyve seen examples of doorbell cameras being used to survey victims, toys gifted to children containing covert cameras, and AirTags hidden in car doors to track movement.

Operation Amarok XI was a four-day statewide operation targeting domestic and family violence. Credit: NSW Police

The disturbing examples were shared as police charged 865 people with 2028 offences in their Operation Amarok XI raids, a statewide crackdown on high-risk domestic violence perpetrators.

One Inner West man arrested had allegedly contacted a woman known to him 668 times between May and August from inside a prison, breaching an apprehended violence order.
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 As the saying goes, every picture tells a story. And so it is with the tragicomedy being conveyed in the image of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin following their joint press conference in Alaska (Europe on edge as Trump risks his biggest Taco moment, August 17) as Putin beams a sly grin while Trumps face is drawn down, along with his shrunken stature. Perhaps it ould have been smarter for Trump to follow his own advice from his book The Art of the Deal: You cant con people, at least not for long. You can create excitement ... do a wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press ... But if you dont deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on. Its as if he could see that gold medallion slipping from his clutches, while all the while the world has known that it takes more than pageantry to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mary Carde, Parrearra (Qld) Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Credit: AP If ever there was a sign that Putin was not open to compromise in any meaningful way, it was signalled by his statement at the Alaska news conference that the next meeting should take place in Moscow (Putin came in from the cold, Trump flew out empty-handed, August 17). Clearly, if Putin had any real intention of giving in to Volodomyr Zelensky and Europes demands in order to accomplish peace, he would not want to do that in front of his own countrymen. Quite the opposite. He will hold firm and try to extract his key demands with a minimum of concessions. So, dont hold your breath over the next talks, regardless of the venue. Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge What a nauseating display of pseudo-affection between the self-appointed Emperor of Alaska and Vlad the Impaler. Even as they smiled and nodded at each other, bombs were being dropped on Ukraine. Actions speaking much louder than words. With no deal, no ceasefire and no path to peace, Trump was trumped and humiliatingly revealed to be an emperor with no clothes. Lyn Savage, Coogee Trump threw the dice in Alaska and came up snake eyes. All his vaunted negotiation skills came to nothing against a Putin determined not to lose the advantage he has gained. The emperor paid court to a war criminal and lost his clothes in the process. Ian Adair, Hunters Hill When will Trump supporters finally get it through their skulls that their presidential dealmaker has been played like a political yo-yo by Putin and that other troublesome leader, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Eric Palm, Gympie (Qld) The meeting reminded me of the organ grinder and his monkey. It is pretty obvious who was the organ grinder and who was the monkey. Ross Hudson, Mount Martha (Vic)

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Someone needs to tell Trump that brown-nosing Vladimir Putin does nothing to make America great again. Genevieve Milton, Dulwich Hill Blackmail by F-35 Peter Hartcher says Australia has to find a way to preserve as much of the US alliance as possible supporting this with statements such as Without the latest software updates ... Australias fleet of F-35 fighter jets is useless (To US eyes, Australias blooming, August 16). If hes seriously suggesting that we wont be provided with the necessary software updates unless we maintain our alliance with the US, its surprising that countries such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, who arent allied to the US, have also purchased F-35s. John Moratelli, Castlecrag A Royal Australian Air Force pilot from prepares for a training exercise in an F-35. Peter Hartchers report quotes Sussan Ley as critical of the federal governments national preparedness and resilience, asking the prime minister do we have enough stored fuel in the event that supply lines are cut?. Thats a bit rich, seeing as she was a cabinet member when the Morrison government made the inexplicable decision in 2020 to house the stockpile of Australian emergency crude oil in the US. Edward Grieve, Woolloomooloo Hartcher quotes one of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue delegates as saying Whats unspoken is the impact on our identity as Americans. Gandhi once said: If there is an idiot in power, it means those who elected him are well represented. Salle-Ann Ehms, Glebe

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Sick system As a practising GP for over 40 years, I take issue with the medical misogyny many women have complained about when in fact it is simply the poor health outcomes of six-minute medicine  a direct consequence of our bulk-billed Medicare system (Gaslit, dismissed and treated as hypochondriacs: The gender divide in iron deficiency, August 16). A medical student would fail their exams for missing these blatant cases of severe anaemia on clinical examination alone. Simple blood tests could have provided solutions. In a longer consultation, a doctor could explore this issue with their patient (male or female), and through correlating symptoms with a thorough history and examination, come to a proper diagnosis. Nowhere in the article was there any suggestion that women (and men) should be encouraged to eat more iron-containing foods (such as red meat), which are infinitely better than supplements. Far from being benign, iron infusions (particularly in malnourished patients) can lead to low levels of phosphate, a mineral essential for energy production, which can be life-threatening. Rather than playing the gender card, I believe the health of all Australians would be better served by recognising the problem for what it is. Leanne Barron, Bowen Hills (Qld) I had similar problems with getting bone density treatments. Despite having a series of broken bones and a bad family history, both were dismissed by the GP as irrelevant. I had to metaphorically beat them over the head to get a referral to a bone density specialist. When I got there, the first comment from the specialist was with that family history, you should have been here years ago before you had any breaks. GPs are clearly not on the same page as the specialists. Susan Duffy, Thornleigh Left in the lurch Reading the article about Munjed Al Muderis was reliving my own story (Disgraced surgeons battles with patients revealed, August 16). A different surgeon but a similar scenario. There was no informed consent obtained. A catastrophic accident occurred during hip surgery that so severely damaged the nerves to my left leg that I had no function. After a very brief bedside visit to survey the damage, the surgeon disappeared, never to be seen or heard of again. No responsibility, no aftercare, no way forward. Two years on and I still cannot walk. How many others are out there permanently disabled and abandoned by their surgeon when things went wrong? Anna Cooper, Como Surgeon Munjed Al Muderis lost his defamation case against 60 Minutes, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

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Hamas doesnt fool us Theres no need to fret over Hamass reaction to the decision of Australia and other countries to recognise the state of Palestine (Letters, August 16). This is pure self-serving rhetoric and media bait. We Herald correspondents, who are masters of the art of rhetorical ornamentation, should not be sucked in. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills Which terrorist group considers Australia to be an ally, Diane Armstrong (Letters, August 16), Hamas or the ultra-right wing Israeli cabinet? Ian Falconer, Turramurra The fact that many countries are supporting a separate Palestine state is not a reward for terrorist group Hamas, but a direct response to the ruthless and total war conducted by Israel against the people of Gaza. Norm Young, Cooranbong Politics puts summit at risk The whole point of releasing productivity proposals before the summit is to allow people time to think about the ideas (Chalmers hits back at critics talking down economic talkfest before it has even begun, August 16). After weighing up the merits and consequences, the ideas might well be rejected. But they shouldnt be ruled out based on ideology or politics. Unfortunately, many (including the PM) want to do just that. They cant resist it. There is concern that it will just become a talkfest. If people insist on playing this game, there wont be anything left to talk about. David Rush, Lawson

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Bank branches vital It seems naive and cynical for Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh to suggest banks dont need to keep branches open and hint that actual branches will one day be things of the past (How bank branches can avoid the same fate as video stores August 16). Banks exist to enable monetary functions for business, communities and individuals. Without government and community funds, they would not exist, so bending low to serve us humble folk should not be beneath them. Every business day, my nearest branch has queues waiting for teller attention and people having private appointments. While some expert might insist that I could negotiate a term deposit remotely, I would not appreciate loaning a bank my money without dealing with an actual person. Courtesy and security are involved. Banks that offer services for business and investment, especially in regional centres, will get community custom. Those that close their branches will not. Susan Webb, Valentine Many customers prefer to do their banking in a branch rather than online. Sowing division Identity politics is divisive. It is a flawed ideology. It divides Australians (Its time to stop looking at identity politics as a weakness, August 16). It focuses on our differences rather than our similarities and uses religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity to foster conflict and discord in our society. Its function is trying to convince minority groups that they are oppressed. Black, brown and grey is good. White is bad and linked to white privilege. Female and trans is good. Male is bad and is associated with toxic masculinity. Australia is a fully functioning society where so many other nationalities want to live. We have a welfare system second to none. We should be a country where the harder you work, the better off you are. Dividing Australians into identity categories is just plain wrong. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach

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Ex-Dubber boss Steve McGovern could lose his home after failing to pay a $2 million mortgage, which he took out the day before the ASX-listed tech company halted trading to investigate the missing $27 million McGovern is accused of siphoning out to gangland identities.

Macquarie Banks move to repossess McGoverns property is the latest in a series of troubles for the sacked chief executive, who is staring down potential criminal prosecution after a year-long ASIC probe into the missing millions, and a lawsuit launched by Dubber in July.

Mark Madafferi (left) and Steve McGovern. Credit: Jason South, Jamie Brown

This masthead first revealed in a two-part investigation the gangland influence held over the tech company, uncovering an internal company report that detailed how $30 million of Dubbers cash, supposed to be invested in a term deposit, was instead used as a personal piggy bank for underworld figures who had long funded McGoverns private business investments.

Gangland lawyer Mark Madafferi, a friend and long-time business associate of McGovern, is accused of forging documents to deceive Dubbers board that the cash was locked up in a term deposit account  instead keeping the money in the trust account of his North Melbourne firm, Christopher William Legal.
Its a sign that youre actually supportive of us Palestinians. Its very important, he says. Samehs father, Adnan, adds: Palestinians are an educated, generous, peaceful people and for this [attacking] to happen to us is unjust, so recognising us offers an element of justice. A family photo of the Murads including Sameh holding Mayan with (from left) Waseem, Hala, Samah, Mirna and Adnan. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui At the same time, they have close knowledge of the starvation and suffering that is unfolding on the ground on Gaza. Their immediate concern is the safety of their relatives, who face threats of frequent missile strikes and go days at a time drinking only water with salt or stock cubes. Adnan wants the government to push further and show their goodwill with real action to stop Israels assault.

Our whole lives as Palestinians, weve heard a lot of words and promises, and we are fed up with just words, we need actions. According to Gazas health ministry, Israels military has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, half of them women and children. The assault has also caused a humanitarian aid crisis, widespread malnutrition, the displacement of most of Gazas population and a region in ruins. The assault began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are still alive, and are demanding Hamas release them. Sameh Murad (centre) with press colleagues in Gaza. The Israeli army is now preparing to mass-move Palestinians to execute plans to further escalate its offensive to take over Gaza City and ultimately the entire strip.

During phone calls to Gaza, the Murad family lies to relatives when asked about what theyve been cooking, watching as their bodies fade away. Often they just stop talking because theyre so frail. Theyll say a few words then lose the energy to speak, Samah says. Sameh Murad with family on the journey to Australia. Sameh remembers their once-joyful life in Gaza City. Their front door was never closed with the house  now turned to rubble  always buzzing, and twice a week, dozens of relatives would arrive for gatherings. We were in a cage but we were free within that cage.

He says he and Dina had a seven-year love story. They were married in March 2021 and, he says, his wife loved being a mum. Loading She was so happy, her head was in the clouds from the first time she heard Mayans heartbeat, he says. Im feeling really lonely, like theres a vacuum. I did everything with her. Fleeing Gaza was difficult, both practically and emotionally, but the family eventually decided to leave with the help of an Australian-Palestinian aunt and charity donations, making it out before the Israeli military closed the border.

They are doing their best to live a normal life, working and learning English, relieved to have recently been granted permanent residency. Three-year-old Mayan, who survived an October 13, 2023, bombing. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Waseem still has shrapnel in his left leg and foot, which healed malformed after the October 2023 bombing. He is awaiting surgery to break and reconstruct his bones. The girls are in childcare, which has been particularly helpful for Mayan, who still cries out for her mum when upset. Sameh says he was moved to see the enormous crowd march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier this month, an event he says helped him feel more welcome in Australia.

The Palestinian community has had diverse reactions to Albaneses decision to recognise Palestinian statehood at Septembers United Nations General Assembly, along with the UK, Canada and France. The federal governments support is tied to a set of commitments from the Palestinian Authority, which leads the West Bank, including that Palestine would be demilitarised and Hamas would play no role in its governance. Palestine Australia Relief and Action founder Rasha Abbas, whose organisation has helped about 1600 Palestinians settle in the country, says the acknowledgement of Palestine is long overdue. The Murad familys destroyed home in Gaza City. For new migrants, any sense [of] being seen gives them a sense of safety because they are in a new country, Abbas says.

Whether its being able to select on government forms that I am Palestinian and children in schools being able to point on a map and say thats where theyre from  that is an important part of being proud and asserting who you are. But she stresses that while its a good first step, the government must pull whatever levers it can to stop the humanitarian disaster. At the front of everybodys mind, the immediate need of all those people we support here is the safety and wellbeing of their families [back home]. The focus is ending this genocide, she says. Israel denies claims of genocide which have been brought before the International Court of Justice. Free Palestine Melbourne protest organiser Mai Saif says recognition isnt nearly enough. She says the movement will continue marching to call for an immediate ceasefire and for the Australian government to sanction Israel, impose a two-way arms embargo and cut military ties.
Productivity Commission boss Danielle Wood is calling on all levels of government to launch a war on red tape and bureaucracy, describing an avalanche of laws over recent years as regulatory hairballs that have held back living standards.

Before the federal governments three-day economic roundtable, which Treasurer Jim Chalmers says will tackle red tape in areas from housing to mining approvals, Wood will use a speech on Monday to argue that politicians have sought to over-regulate the country at the expense of economic growth and opportunities for all Australians.

A nation of regulatory hairballs: Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood will argue its time to cure the nations addiction to red tape. Credit: Joe Armao

Wood is one of the key attendees at the roundtable that will include business, community and union leaders who will canvass issues ranging from the shape of the tax system to the rise of AI to the lack of competition across parts of the economy.

In an address to the National Press Club, Wood will say that economic growth has fallen down the list of priorities. Governments at all levels have instead focused on other policy goals.
A month after the election, Anthony Albanese gave a speech to the National Press Club. Eight days later, Jim Chalmers did the same. The two speeches were monologues, of course  but seemed to be in dialogue with each other. Albanese announced a roundtable at which the government would try to build support for economic reform, to drive growth, boost productivity, strengthen the budget and secure the resilience of our economy. Chalmers, speaking of that same roundtable, said  almost as though replying directly to the prime minister  No sensible progress can be made on productivity, resilience or budget sustainability without proper consideration of more tax reform.

Illustration by Joe Benke Credit: Joe Benke

So if we dont see any tax reform coming directly out of this roundtable  which finally arrives this week  will the rest of us be justified in saying no sensible progress has been made?

The short answer is no  but with some important caveats.

Why shouldnt the government be ridiculed if it fails to do much on tax this week? The answer lies in timing. Labor has been careful to keep its goals for the roundtable pretty broad. It has talked about building consensus and shaping long-term directions; it wants the event to lead to concrete actions, with ideas generated for the next three budgets.
Victorias anti-corruption laws in their current form provide a safe haven for politicians and public officers and are seriously hindered from exposing misconduct, its former commissioner has warned.

Robert Redlich, KC, made the claim in a submission to a parliamentary inquiry looking at the adequacy of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission framework.

Former IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich wants the bodys powers to be expanded to capture misconduct that doesnt constitute a crime. Credit: Jason South

Redlich was IBAC commissioner for five years, until 2023. On Monday, he will give evidence on behalf of himself and the Accountability Roundtable  a group of lawyers and legal and political advocates  at the inquirys first hearing.

His submission renewed his call that the watchdogs jurisdiction should be expanded to capture misconduct that does not constitute a crime. The existing requirement that the conduct must be criminal to be corrupt seriously hinders IBAC from being an effective integrity oversight body, Redlich wrote.
Traditionally built houses take more than a year from approval to completion, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics and AMP data. Prefab and modular experts say they can get more homes built affordably, up to 50 per cent faster, and with fewer disruptions. Prefabricated components are made in a factory and assembled on site; modular sections are factory-produced and combined on site. Prefab modular is a hybrid. A house built for a young family in the Snowy Mountains in NSW, by prefabricated modular building company Prefabulous. Credit: Prefabulous Governments need to commit up to 70 per cent of social housing projects to prefab or modular, to achieve the kind of scale that will reduce costs, says Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad, a senior researcher and global challenge lead at Western Sydney University. We need some sort of support from the government, he says. We cannot push the private sector and the community alone to use this technology.

The Australian Building Codes Board, a joint body of the federal and state and territory governments, released a handbook last year on how to use modern methods in line with the National Construction Code, and is developing a voluntary certification scheme for manufacturers. However, prefab and modular is still unfamiliar to some councils and building certifiers, who are the guardians of permits and approvals, experts say. A lack of understanding is delaying what should be a speedy option. Noroozinejad says there is not enough training in how to approve the final product, and the voluntary scheme would be more effective if it were compulsory. The certifiers and the councils are not familiar with this technology, or they believe that it is not suitable for their area because of cultural heritage value, he says. If the process is streamlined, this type of technology should be very efficient. Otherwise, its not working.

Jennings home is the work of Prebuilt, a prefabricated modular manufacturer with a base in Kilsyth and another near Newcastle in NSW. Jennings home is the work of Prebuilt, a prefabricated modular manufacturer with a base in Kilsyth. Prebuilt chief executive Malcolm Batten says incorrect perceptions of modular have held it back from wider adoption. When the average person thinks modular, they think of flimsy, temporary and cheap, and the permanent buildings we do are not flimsy, he says. Theyre very strong and will last as long, or longer, than a conventional build. Prebuilt has constructed hotels, family homes, granny flats, farmhouses and beach retreats, from Sydneys high-end Mosman to the hamlet of Lorne, on Victorias Great Ocean Road.

However, some councils are so uncertain about what modular means, they scotch planning applications that come across their desk. Loading In one of them in NSW, we cant put a modular building there because their statutes talk about modular like its a caravan, and so youre not allowed to because it comes in on the back of the truck, Batten says. Another hindrance has been access to finance, leaving home owners to meet 90 per cent of upfront costs or enter into arrangements with their builder, as Jennings did. Many banks have been unwilling to make progress payments to builders when the asset  the block of land  is not gaining value while construction occurs elsewhere. However, their stance is softening.

The Commonwealth Bank has changed its lending criteria after collaborating with industry group PrefabAUS, and now provides prefab and modular home loans of up to 60 per cent of the contract price. A Prefabulous-built residence in Berridale in NSW that is light-filled and energy efficient. Credit: Prefabulous Damien Crough, co-founder and executive chair of PrefabAUS and managing director of Advanced Offsite Group, says companies were shouldering the financial risk, which limited their growth. Planning, regulation and financial models all need to be adjusted to recognise off-site construction, he says, and so thats what weve been working on. PrefabAUS members have drafted an advice paper for the treasurer on barriers to financing and Crough is assisting the Australian Building Codes Board in streamlining industry definitions.

Tahi Merrilees and his Wild Modular co-founder, Alex Tattle, launched their company in 2021 after years on old-fashioned building sites. We got sick of trudging around in mud and being delayed, and it got to a point where we just started looking at better ways to build, Merrilees says. A home built by Wild Modular in Clovelly, Sydney. Credit: Wild Modular The Sydney-based company has just delivered three social houses in Wollongong for the NSW government under a pilot program. All were handed over within six months, but the build time was only 3 weeks. To help facilitate loans, Merrilees and Tattle have set up live-feed cameras in their Wetherill Park factory to track progress of projects. The transparency has compelled more lenders to fund their projects, from Tasmania to Western Australia and the Whitsundays.

Theres change happening to make it smoother, Merrilees says. Thats going to have a massive impact on housing supply as the industry grows. A home built by Wild Modular in Woonona, NSW. Credit: Wild Modular Noroozinejad says only 4 per cent to 5 per cent of Australian housing is prefab, compared to European countries such as Sweden, where it is 84 per cent. To increase output, he proposes empty car manufacturing plants be repurposed as prefab housing factories. We have the capacity and very positive feedback from the industry, he says. Jennings, an experienced renovator, has been astonished by what modular can achieve.
3. Caravanserai is an improving Canberra four-year-old who can bounce back from an ordinary effort as a hot favourite second-up returning to firmer footing in what is a very weak lineup. Didnt let down a fortnight ago from behind the speed, but was in the worst part of the track, and much better suited here over further ridden away from the fence. 2. Cmon Wicksy is lightly raced and ready to break through at his third start. Sat closer in heavy ground 13 days ago and stuck on to be beaten under a length when solid enough in the market, and bypassed the Moruya meeting on Sunday to be saved for this. 4. Brandywine improving third-up, and locally trained 9. Vestige can both run into the minor money. How to play it: Caravanserai to win

4. Zoufame , a colt by Zoustar, was a $500,000 purchase, and rates well on top debuting for the Bjorn Baker stable in a race with little depth. Given plenty of time, and has been strong through the line in two trials, the latest sat wide on speed and finished off well only a half head from Tyreek who then scored a smart debut win at Canterbury. 1. Whiskey George didnt fire on the synthetic first-up off a 25-week spell, and improves here back on turf over more ground from the inside draw. 2. Kuwait is another market watch resuming behind two quiet trials, with blinkers coming off. How to play it: Zoufame to win

Bathurst will host an action-packed meeting on Monday. Credit: Fairfax Photographic

Race 3

2. Brutal Eyes is another progressive Canberra visitor well-placed to make it back-to-back wins third-up. Led for a long way when resuming at Moruya before dominant from barrier-to-box at home on the synthetic. Up 1kg from a handy on-speed draw, and this isnt much tougher. Was scratched from a deeper later race to be saved for this. 3. Good Once was good late when resuming at Canberra, surging home from the back through traffic, and can finally win a second race at his 28th start. Drops in weight for the higher class, and does have a 50 per cent record in the placings. 4. Wrong Footed comes off a second start maiden win at big odds; 8. Kobold likes to settle back and hit the line and has been in and around the money up to CL2 level in her last few, while home tracker 6. Bulla Vinaka resuming off an easy trial, heads the rest.

How to play it: Brutal Eyes to win



Race 4

2. Slush Fund is a progressive Dubbo five-year-old in the best form of his career and can make it three straight. Dominant in his last two against similar opposition from right on speed and again has a nice low draw to utilise early tactical speed. Asked to carry a bit more weight, but very genuine and like most of the Capitalist stock, handles all surfaces. 1. Vis I Do is honest, with a real liking for this course. He easily won a BM 58 here three starts back and again hit the line in a stronger field here last start. Gets back in at the weights after the jockeys 3kg claim. 4. Lady Revolution has been freshened via a trial. 6. Hinune is a big market watch resuming for a second prep for a leading metropolitan stable behind two solid trials. Keep safe 7. Ishikari, which is trained on the course, and reloads a fortnight after a narrow maiden win in heavy ground. 5. Steely Girl resumes off two trials, and normally comes to hand early in the prep.

How to play it: Slush Fund to win.
Hong Kong / Beijing: Pro-democracy activist Ted Hui has been granted asylum in Australia, the former politician has said in a Facebook post, more than four years after he left Hong Kong, where he faces criminal charges over the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Hui said on Saturday he had received written notice from the Australian Department of Home Affairs approving his claim, and that his wife, children and parents had also been granted visas.

Ted Hui said his relief at being granted asylum was tempered by sadness over missing Hong Kong. Credit: Duy Dash

When people around me say congratulations to me, although I politely thank them, I cant help but feel sad in my heart. How to congratulate a political refugee who misses his hometown? he wrote.

If it werent for political persecution, I would never have thought of living in a foreign land. Immigrants can always return to their hometowns to visit relatives at any time. Exiles have no home.
Fridays summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin came together with all the finesse that weve come to expect from the US president and his administration.

The pomp kicked off with Putin, a man who orders the bombing of Ukrainian cities every night, stepping onto a red carpet at an Alaskan air base that largely exists to keep an eye on his country.

Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin after the Russian leader lands in Alaska. Credit: AP

Historically, teams from the White House spend weeks or months putting these kinds of meetings together. There are extensive security checks, detailed agendas and countless negotiations about the optics and curation to ensure that no one gets the upper hand. When I worked at the White House, I was part of the team that planned the 2023 meeting between US president Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which took months of detailed work.

Yet this summit came about over the course of a couple of days. After Trump announced a unilateral ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, Putin shelled Kyiv to demonstrate how little the words of a foreign leader mean to him. I was in Kyiv that night, watching the drones and missiles strike civilian apartments  a brutal reminder of the human cost of Putins imperial ambitions.
Dear news media,

When I read Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburgs recent remarks about GEBE disconnections and the rights of consumers, I could not help but feel a sense of disgust at the blatant hypocrisy on display. Rosenberg is not some powerless observer; she is an MP for the URSM Partyled by Prime Minister Luc Mercelinaand a full member of the governing coalition that has presided over nearly two years of hardship for the people of St. Maarten. If Roseburg truly cared about protecting the rights of ordinary citizens, she would not have voted against the motion in Parliament to provide relief from the crushing energy bills GEBE has been charging. She would have spoken up months ago, not now when it is politically convenient to appear as the peoples champion. As an attorney at law with the privilege of continuing her private practice while collecting over NAf 18,000 per month as an MP, Roseburg has no difficulty paying her own electricity bills. With her position as a Member of Parliament for the Coalition, even if she had a problem with a high GEBE bill, she can afford to call GEBE management directly for answersan option the average citizen does not have. Where was Rosburg when St. Maarten was plunged into darkness after the island-wide blackoutwhen businesses were forced to close, tourists fled, and our islands reputation was blacklisted in the United States and Canada as unsafe due to electricity instability? Where was her outrage when homes and businesses lost valuable appliances with no compensation, while GEBEs bills kept climbing without explanation?

At no time did she stand up for the people, defend them against her partys failures, or challenge the Prime Ministers empty promises. She sided with her leader and voted against relief. Let us not forget: This leader and Party is Prime Minister Luc Mercelina, the same man who publicly said that generators could have been on the island within a week of the blackoutsbut chose not to act, because according to him it was too expensive. Instead, he and his URSM government have done nothing but make excuses, shift blame, and now fire the GEBE board in a desperate attempt to cover up their incompetence. St. Maarten, this may be a case of you getting what you deserve because you are the ones who voted for them. But not even that is enough reason for anyone to deserve this kind of injustice. So, for Rosenberg to suddenly discover her concern for the public is not only insultingit is a calculated political manoeuvre designed to erase her voting record.

I hope this marks the beginning of her redemption, now that she has awoken from her deep slumber and possibly distanced herself from Luc Mercelina and the URSM Party. Because she truly can do better, I think. However, if she must follow the decisions of a Narcissistic leader whose goal is merely to be called Prime Minister, rather than to do the work, then she, like the URSM, is wasting the peoples time and not genuinely trying to help them. I remain a believer in the people of Sweet St. Maarten, and although politicians hope they can count on the people to forget, I believe the people of St. Maarten remember. They remember the promise of relief by the end of July that never came. They remember being told there was no double TOT on fuelonly for the Prime Ministers own words to confirm that, yes, fuel is taxed at wholesale and again at the pump. They remember the lies, the excuses, and the two years of the new government and no action. Roseburgs words are meaningless unless backed by actionand she has already shown, through her vote and her silence, exactly where her loyalty lies. The URSM government has failed the people of St. Maarten at every turn. They cannot fix what they promised to fix, they cannot keep the promises they made, and they think firing a board member will hide the fact that they have done nothing for nearly two years except protect themselves. The people must ask: how much longer will we allow such hypocrisy and disregard for human decency to go unpunished? How can we trust those who, in our time of desperation, chose party loyalty and personal comfort over the needs of the very people they swore to represent? Roseburg, the answer to your question of whether you're getting my vote, is NO. It should be the same for every other St. Maartener because that is what you said when the opposition members of Parliament brought a motion to get relief for me and the rest of St. Maarten from the financial burden and hardship that GEBE has imposed on us.

Concerned Citizen.
PHILIPSBURG:--- As I reflect on the current situation with GEBE, it appears that we have reached a stalemate reminiscent of previous impasses. Approximately a year ago, I wrote to the government in a similar situation and expressed concerns regarding the imbalance of power between the various stakeholders in a government-owned entity, which includes the shareholder, supervisory board of directors, and management. Last years stand-off was related to the crisis in electricity production and supply.

Even then, the information provided by GEBE to parliament via the respective ministers was sketchy. Commitments to provide financial information on the company were not met.

Today, I reiterate the call for attention to the roles and corporate responsibilities of each party involved in the corporate structure of GEBE. In my opinion, the current stalemate is counterproductive to the original intent of seeking relief for the St. Maarten populace. The primary focus should remain on addressing the pressing issues of high utility costs and the unresolved billing fiasco.

Despite disagreements, there is a clear consensus on the need for relief in utility costs, particularly for those on fixed income and minimum wage earners. As I have consistently advocated, assistance to needy households cannot be solely confined to wage indexing; it must be part of a comprehensive package of measures, including the cost of utilities.

The drive for consumer relief led to the commissioning of a report by the Government/Shareholder to examine relief options. Still, GEBEs response has shifted the bulk of the responsibility back to the government, without any substantiation. This exchange is taking place in an environment of mistrust, which is detrimental to the process and consumers awaiting clarity on the proposed measures.

Furthermore, the review and upgrade of corporate governance rules, which is long overdue, remains stalled. Since 2009, only sporadic updates have been made, for example, in the case of PJIA.

In light of this, I have proposed to the Prime Minister that the following measures be enforced, directly where it is the responsibility of the Government and indirectly via the company as its Shareholder.

Key amongst the established recommendations:

1. Establish an independent regulator to oversee tariffs and protect consumers.

2. Enforcement of immediate tariff relief by GEBE, including correcting fuel cost allocations, revising water tariffs, and granting direct relief on a per-kilowatt-hour basis.

3. Investigate the issue of social tariffs and assess without delay the financial state of GEBE.

4. Require quarterly reports from GEBE, including fuel procurement data.

5. Collaborate with GEBE to urgently stabilize fuel prices.

In light of the current financial uncertainty of the company, I believe it is essential to conduct a financial quick scan to determine the economic state of GEBE and its ability to afford the proposed measures.

While I do not believe that the concession fee should be relinquished, the government can consider holding off on collecting or offsetting the concession fee to allow for immediate relief, only until we gain a better understanding of GEBE's financial situation.

The government must remain focused on addressing the current crises at our electricity company as its Shareholder and not be sidetracked by yet another dispute between the shareholder and the supervisory board of directors at NV. GEBE.
Then came Joy Orbison on the West Stage with what can only be described as the most unintentionally funny set in All Points East history. As Joy O and SP:MC played to the crowd with a festival-friendly set of UKG and bassline, the crowd played back. Revellers clambered on each others shoulders for a chance of appearing on the Coldplay kiss-cam-style roving camera, doing their best dancing or even offering a little nudity for a chance of a big WAHEEEEEY from the crowd. It was a welcome addition to the set, especially considering how Joy Os music (however brilliant) really lends itself better to nighttime, not blinding daylight. He was very much playing to the masses here, but the masses lapped it up all the same.
A police record reveals Sharpe read the content of the message posting, he reacted in shock and disgust stating he could not imagine anyone past or present at the company who would have done this, and a decision was then taken to take no further action and drop the investigation.
The fire was located in a building consisting of a commercial space with flats above. Parts of the ground and first floors in the building have been damaged by the fire. Two of the Brigade's 32m ladders were sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. There are no reports of any injuries.
That is why we will be using LFR cameras on the approach to and from Carnival, outside the boundaries of the event itself, to help officers identify and intercept those who pose a public safety risk before they get to the crowded streets of Notting Hill, and to ensure those attending are able to get home safely.
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It hasnt been a great first year. There have been great things that have happened in this first year, around the rights for renters, around the rights for workers, around energy security, and I could go on.
She was always courteous to me, we would speak offline about some of the challenges with the government, whether it was Theresa May or Boris Johnson, and my dealings with her were very cordial.
On July 31, almost a month after sudden flood waters tore through her Big Sandy Creek home near Leander, Ashlee Willis sat at a long table at the Hill Country Youth Event Center outside Kerrville before a bipartisan panel of Texas lawmakers.

She told them the July 5 flooding killed her neighbors, destroyed bridges and forever changed the place shed called home. Compounding her fears was a feeling among residents that they were on their own, Willis told lawmakers. She found two detached body parts on her property, and worried shed find more.

We did that, Willis said about the initial search for the missing, her voice wavering. Volunteers in the community. Not Travis County.

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Travis County resident Ashlee Willis, second from right, listens to other public testimonies given to state lawmakers in a joint hearing at the Hill Country Youth Event Center near Kerrville on July 31. The hearing was held in response to the deadly July 4 floods that struck in the Hill Country and Central Texas, resulting in the deaths of over 130 people. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Hours later, Travis County Judge Andy Brown sat before the same panel that was looking into disaster preparedness and said the county had used every resource possible at its disposal to rescue residents and search for the missing.

The contrast bewildered lawmakers of both parties, some of whom asked the county to investigate the claims. Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, said simply, Residents shouldnt be finding body parts on their own.

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Documents obtained by the American-Statesman paint a clearer and fuller picture of what happened in the first days of the emergency, which included waiting about 60 hours for the county to ask for the bulk of search-and-rescue help, including taking over management of the response.

National search-and-rescue experts contacted by the Statesman said Travis County officials appeared to have taken all the right steps and that the timing of asking for more help is an on-the-ground judgment call by local officials. While one official said a quicker decision to bring in more help for search after the flood would not have saved any more lives, residents said it had a significant effect on their perception of the response.

Brown told the Statesman that the county could have improved its communications with the residents and that improvements will be made.

Once state officials started managing the response, they brought in significantly more personnel  about 560 people  to help.

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Travis County said 10 people died within the countys limits from the July 5 flooding, the majority from Big Sandy Creek. It wasnt until July 17 that all missing people had been accounted for, according to a report from Texas Task Force 2. The search continued until the last person was identified July 23.

Texas Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, left, talks with Travis County residents Auburne Gallagher and Ashlee Willis after hearing their testimonies during a joint hearing at the Hill Country Youth Event Center near Kerrville on July 31. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

During the height of the flooding on Saturday, July 5, Travis County Emergency Services District 1 responded with local partner agencies to 200 calls for assistance, saving more than 50 people. The next day, ESD 1 doubled their personnel and led a search with about 78 personnel per day, including teams from Llano and the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System after Brown requested help from the state.

Personnel searched six miles on Saturday and concentrated on residential areas, according to a timeline shared by the county. Emergency responders also focused on 911 calls for medical help or evacuation, officials said. Flood warnings and rain persisted, at times limiting airborne help.

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By Saturday evening, Travis County confirmed at least 10 people were missing and four dead, one from a weather-related vehicle crash.

Texts show that Brown updated the Texas Division of Emergency Managements Austin-area District Chief Cody McDonnell throughout the day and night on Saturday, July 5. He directed his staff to issue a disaster declaration at 9:30 a.m. and to set up a website with resources and information. He asked for two state search-and-response teams that afternoon, and on Sunday, he held a news conference for local media and surveyed the damage in a STAR Flight helicopter.

Area agencies and the two state teams continued to help Sunday as well, and Brown called in volunteer organizations such as the Central Texas Food Bank and H-E-B to gather resources at Round Mountain Baptist Church, easily accessible to Big Sandy Creek.

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On Monday, July 7, after Brown said the scope of the search had crystalized, he requested that the state manage the response. Among the triggers, he said, was the length of the affected part of the creek and the level of damage. Local first responders, Brown said, also needed to return to their normal duties.

He specifically asked the state emergency division to set up an incident management team, which can respond to disasters or complex emergencies and can then organize additional search-and-rescue personnel, communication and other logistics.

We realized that we were going to need a lot more search-and-rescue teams then we'd, at that point, had access to, Brown said in an interview with the Statesman.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown, left, and Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle, right, arrive at a community vigil at the Austin Community College Leander campus to show support for those affected by the July floods. Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman

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Once in charge, state emergency division officials called in about 560 people, including nearly 300 urban search-and-rescue personnel, Travis County spokesperson Hector Nieto said. The state also deployed 14 trained dogs, which the county didnt have, and teams from out of state.

The 560 people, that was a very different role, that was not a first-responder role, Brown said, distinguishing between phases of search. That first responder role was what we had on Saturday and Sunday. Those were people looking for people, calling out, looking for people in response to 911 calls.

Experts told the American-Statesman that assessing the proper scale and timing of a search-and-rescue event can be somewhat subjective and depend on the emergency. Though it takes time to understand the scope of a disaster, its best practice to have more personnel on scene as soon as possible, said Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue.

Thats because in the first 24 hours of a search, when people could still be alive, organized observers can aid the initial sweep, he said.

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But more people isnt always the answer because it can mean more management, said Casey England, senior team manager with urban search and rescue team Texas A&M Task Force 1.

Regardless, theres a reason Big Sandy Creek residents felt abandoned: county and state teams were there, but not always visible or able to be reached. Several survivors and volunteers told the Statesman they could not get in touch with Travis County officials, nor did they see officials on the ground.

Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work to find flood victims remains at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman A Barney stuffed animal is seen pulled from the flood debris at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work to find flood victims remains at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work to find flood victims remains at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work to find flood victims remains at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work to find flood victims remains at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Search and rescue teams work at Big Sandy Creek in Leander, Thursday, July 17, 2025. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman

The disconnect residents felt from the county created distrust and despair for some. Well-meaning volunteers filled in perceived gaps, sometimes without proper training. Several family members recovered their loved ones bodies on their own.

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Though he emphasizes deeply with the community, ESD 1 Chief Donnie Norman, who led the emergency response initially, said first responders responded heroically, doing all they could.

There was just a lot more behind the scenes, a lot more work being done than I think anybody got credit for, Norman said.

I found my own father

When flood waters seized Big Sandy Creek early in the morning on July 5, some residents floated in their unmoored homes in the rushing waters or fled to higher ground. Records obtained by the Statesman show first responders swiftly answered hundreds more emergency calls than usual, conducting dozens of rescues despite dangerous conditions.

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Lt. Jared Truair of ESD 1, on duty that night, rescued six adults and five children trapped in a home around 5 a.m. by breaking a window with his arm.

When the worst of active flooding stopped around daybreak, the priority for officers was to follow up on unanswered 911 calls, Truair said, though strategic searches was also continuing.

The area to survey was significant: 16 miles at Big Sandy Creek and 14 miles at nearby Cow Creek. Officers searched six miles the first day, a timeline shows, concentrating on where people were most likely to be found.

April Martin, right, an ntegral Care licensed practitioner of the healing arts, talks with a search-and-rescue volunteer, Kim, left, at Big Sandy Creek on July 17. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman

There were people up and down Sandy Creek from day one until TDEM took over, Truair said. They just could not have been right where people were looking.

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For Wesley Dailey, they werent. Dailey went to Big Sandy Creek the morning after the floods, terrified his missing parents who lived on Juniper Road were still alive but in trouble, he said in a social media post.

Dailey said he did not see Travis County personnel searching, nor hear back from the county when he reported his parents missing three times, though he said a 911 dispatcher took his name down.

By the evening of July 6, Dailey found his fathers body 300 yards from his home, visible from the street. When officials came to collect the body, it was the first time he saw Travis County officials, he said.

I found my own father, Dailey said. Why were we out there by ourselves, after reporting a potential mass casualty event, without any support or leadership from our county?

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While horrible for family and undesirable for first responders, in the midst of a disaster where residents are on the scene, it can happen that a family member may find their loved one, Boyer said.

A good response would try to recognize that and try to offer some type of psychological help or counseling for people who are in that circumstance, Boyer said.

'I need somebody'

ESD 1 Chief Donnie Norman, who led the initial emergency response for the affected areas in Travis County, doubled his personnel Saturday morning and recruited more than a dozen local agencies to continue helping. Brown also requested state help and it was fulfilled with Texas A&M Task Force 2 and extra personnel from the interstate fire mutual aid system.

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About 100 officers were on the ground on Saturday and Sunday, data shows. Officials used drones, radar and STAR Flight as well until weather forced them to stop.

Some residents who spoke to the Statesman wanted the communication and outreach to be in-person. The presence they expected to see from county officials included vehicles, officers and any other signs of help being physically present.

For Gabby Cathey, a friend of Daileys who helped him search that first weekend, she wanted an official there she could turn to. Even when help was eventually offered, she felt like it was from a satellite office.

There's so much going on and it's such an emergency situation that I can't stop and take the time to look at a .gov website, Cathey said. I need somebody that's going to be here, (that) I feel like I can trust and see and just talk to.

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Nancy Wheeler, a Big Sandy Creek resident who watched her property flood, saw some people on horseback search the creek a few days later when the water had lowered. Though relieved to see some help, she said the initial lack of communication from the county fueled challenges for residents trying to recover, fearing not enough help was there.

The county and state have been sorely lacking in their response, Wheeler said. Were just a working class neighborhood. Were always left out.

Nancy Wheeler talks about flooding in front of her home on July 17 near Leander. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Norman acknowledged the pain of families waiting for significant state help to arrive, but emphasized that it would not have changed the number of lives the county was able to save.

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I completely understand their frustration, I do. But the notion that if the USAR team would have gotten here 12 hours sooner, if TIFMAS would have gotten here 12 hours sooner, I dont think the outcome is going to be any different, Norman said. There will always be opportunities for improvement, but there was nothing that cost lives.

Brown acknowledged that communication could have been better, and said the county is already learning new methods.

I think we could improve, and next time need to improve, on how we communicate that those teams are out there, and that Travis County is coordinating those teams, Brown said in an interview with the Statesman.

Texas is the wild west

Theres no right answer for when or what the help a local official calls in should be, said Kristin Coulter, communications director for Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, which managed severe flooding in 2021. Its always up to the local agency to make the call because those officials have intimate knowledge of location, terrain and resources, Coulter said.

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The state isn't going to step in until that request has been made, she said.

A slow and tedious search can be understandably frustrating to an observer, said Texas Task Force 1's England, who has performed search and rescues for 23 years. But that doesnt mean enough isnt being done, he said, particularly because more people can mean more management.

When state teams did come, texts obtained by the American-Statesman show Brown regularly communicating and coordinating with state officials, meeting daily with officials to check in, submitting multiple requests for aid and conveying volunteers needs to the state.

Brown said that residents may not have seen them or understood the process because it is such a vast area.

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An aerial view from STAR Flight shows damage by flooding along Big Sandy Creek and filled with debris near Lago Vista on July 6. Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman

It is completely understandable that families felt like nothing was happening, Brown said. You don't see the dogs that are searching the creek. You don't know that they are doing it slowly and methodically and scientifically.

Hundreds of personnel coordinated by the state worked along Big Sandy Creek daily the week of July 13, according to status summaries obtained by the Statesman. The peak that week, July 15, had 534 officers from seven Texas agencies, eight states and 102 Travis County officials.

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The state incident management team demobilized July 23, the county said. The decision to stop searching was a thoughtful one made by experts, Brown said, and followed exhaustive efforts.

What the best science in the United States says, that is the way to do it. That is what TDEM follows, Brown said about search.

Travis County STAR Flight Chief Medical Supervisor James Esquivel, left, debriefs with Judge Andy Brown, right, and his team before taking flight over Austin on July 6. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Those officials deployed by the state and professional volunteer search groups  like Texas Search and Rescue  have safety training, direction and equipment the typical civilian does not. Like state officials, professional volunteer groups generally always wait for locals to ask before deploying.

Unaffiliated volunteer groups, however, don't necessarily have that training, or wait for direction from a local entity to deploy. In Texas, no state law dictates how volunteers should be organized.

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"Texas is the wild west," Boyer said.

Norman and Brown said they encourage civilians to not self deploy for search and rescue for safety reasons and to not interfere with officials work, but they cannot control private property.

Regardless of the countys work and communication, concerned civilians desperate for news of a missing family member or neighbor led search expeditions on their own, multiple people told the Statesman.

More than a week after the floods, Jennifer Neill, a Dripping Springs mental health professional, made it her personal mission to find the last person missing in Travis County, Gary Traugott, with the familys blessing, by organizing her own certified team.

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She wasnt the only civilian still out there searching on concerned residents behalf. What she encountered was an unorganized volunteer landscape where some were neglected, and others overwhelmed. Neill met residents who feared remains were still on their property even after the officials searched, and some who said the search on their property from volunteers and officials had been exhaustive.

From left, volunteers Rona Beckham, Taylor Hudler and Kristi Le unload foam ice chests that will be used to deliver ice from a flood resource center at Round Mountain Baptist Church on July 11 in Leander. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Though her team and search dogs were trained, there was no accountability to ensure other volunteers there were properly trained, had the right intentions or were searching the correct places, Neill said, creating hazards for residents to navigate.

The issue becomes, do we let independent groups go in there  that may or may not even be certified? Neill said.

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Neills team searched all areas of concern residents reported to give the families peace, quietly tracing the countys steps and looking for Traugott.. It was hard to determine when it was time to stop, she said.

Everybody emotionally feels that Travis County stopped too soon, Neill said. (But) I don't know that Travis County is in the wrong.

'Doing everything we can'

As the sun set over a candlelit crowd in Big Sandy Creek on July 26, a pastor invited survivors of the flood to speak about their lost loved ones.

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Instead, many rose to grieve what they felt they hadnt received: enough help.

Were not supposed to be the only ones here, said Amber Monaghan of We Are Rescue, a volunteer local disaster relief group.

The day before, Traugott  a 60-year-old brother, caretaker, ex-mechanic and friend  was identified as deceased. He was the 10th and final reported missing person in Travis County to be identified.

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On Aug. 4, Brown walked door-to-door through the Big Sandy Creek neighborhood with state emergency officials. The next day, when the county opened applications for flood relief funds, he promised the county would be there to support throughout the recovery.
John Cornyn may owe Angela Paxton a thank-you card

Cornyn, Texas' senior U.S. senator, has been cast in the role of underdog ever since Attorney General Ken Paxton announced in April that he would challenge the four-term incumbent in next year's Republican primary. And that's because polling at the outset showed Paxton riding high with the party's base after managing to turn several liabilities into assets.

In September 2023, Paxton was acquitted on impeachment charges brought by the Texas House. Six months later, he finally put to rest securities fraud charges that had lingered for nearly a decade through a deal with prosecutors in which he admitted no wrongdoing but paid $300,000 in restitution and performed 200 hours of community service.

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Paxtons political clout grew further in 2024 when all three of his preferred candidates for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals won election, while judges who had clashed with him lost their seats.

Cornyn, by contrast, was struggling to shed the RINO (Republican In Name Only) label some GOP activists had tagged him with, on the grounds that he was insufficiently loyal to President Donald Trump. Paxton, a fervent Trump supporter, had even filed court action in the doomed effort to overturn Trump's 2020 presidential election loss.

Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn is shaping up to be a bare-knuckle primary battle for US Senate. Both candidates for the March 2026 primary come out swinging as the early jockeying for one of the top political prizes in Texas gets under way. American-Statesman illustration

Polling reflected the divide. In May, a Texas Southern University poll showed Paxton leading Cornyn by 9 percentage points in a head-to-head primary matchup. In June, a University of Texas at Tyler poll put Paxton's advantage at 10 points. Cornyn was underwater with the base.

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Then came July, and with it a tremor in Texas politics. This time it wasn't a poll but a Facebook post from Angela Paxton, a state senator and Ken Paxton's wife.

"Today, after 38 years of marriage, I filed for divorce on biblical grounds," Angelo Paxton said on the social media platform. "I believe marriage is a sacred covenant and I have earnestly pursued reconciliation. But in light of recent discoveries, I do not believe that it honors God or is loving to myself, my children, or Ken to remain in the marriage."

She didn't say it outright, but "biblical grounds" seemed to hint at the attorney general's extramarital affair noted during his impeachment proceedings two years ago. She also left vague what "recent discoveries" had come to light. But taken together, it was enough for the socially conservative organization Texas Values to drop its endorsement of Paxton and for the Cornyn campaign to amplify the Paxtons marital discord in campaign literature.

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By August, the polls had shifted. Emerson College on Friday released a poll showing Ken Paxton's once comfortable lead had evaporated. Cornyn held a 1-point lead.

The poll didnt claim Angela Paxtons announcement was the reason for the shift. But with little issue-driven news so far, the divorce was the one major variable separating early polling from later results.

The important takeaway from the polling fluctuation is not to get too fixated on the numbers. Its the summer of an odd-numbered year, and the primary isnt until March 2026.

Cornyn, even when the Paxton challenge was just speculation, projected an easy calm in public appearances and media encounters whenever the issue was raised. Some saw denial; others suggested he might be quietly seeking an ambassadorship or some other presidential appointment to avoid a bruising intraparty battle.

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One thing the Emerson poll does, regardless of whether it's an actual measure of current voter sentiment or simply an outlier, is change the narrative of the race  at least in the short term.

There have been reports of Republican hand-wringing that Paxton would defeat Cornyn in the primary but drag his impeachment, indictments and now divorce into the general election. Democrats, meanwhile, see an opportunity in the possibility Paxton would be vulnerable in November 2026.

The real campaigning hasnt yet begun in earnest. If Angela Paxtons announcement was a true game-changer, there is still plenty of time for another one before voters head to the polls.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza speaks at a campaign event last year. Garza has come under fire for his office missing state-imposed deadlines to indict defendants who are being held in jail. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman/American-Statesman

Role requires multitasking

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Ive been following the issues at the Travis County District Attorneys office.

I firmly support the goals of tackling the social injustices that contribute to inequities within the justice system, but I believe that we can do so and meet basic deadlines at the same time.

In any other work environment, missing deadlines and making other major missteps on a regular basis would be career-ending.

I hope that District Attorney Jose Garza continues to take measures to improve his offices performance and that the Austin American-Statesman and other news outlets continue to follow the story.

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Mary Closmann Kahle, Austin

An advocate for neighbors

I worked with Glen Shield in the mid-'90s. We were both president of our respective neighborhood associations on opposite sides of Onion Creek.

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We both advocated for better flood warning and equal flood protection to include huge buyouts.

Shield worked tirelessly with others in pursuit of public safety and fairness, and the result is a safer Austin.

The residents and the city of Austin owed a lot to Shield well before the Austin Police Department and the Department of Public Safety accidentally attacked his house.

Mark Medley, Del Valle

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J. Bruce Bugg Jr., shown in 2020, exemplified integrity, compassion and devotion to serving others, a reader says. William Luther/Staff

Bugg made Texas better

J. Bruce Bugg Jr. was a towering figure in Texas: a visionary leader, trailblazer and public servant whose legacy will endure for generations.

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As chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission, Bugg transformed the Texas Department of Transportation into a resultsdriven engine, modernizing highways and rural roads, relieving urban congestion  and always prioritizing public safety.

I worked closely with him as chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership. He understood the strategic importance of the Permian Basin as the worlds largest secure supply of energy. His leadership helped double TxDOTs investment in our region, strengthening energy infrastructure and improving safety for workers and families in West Texas.

Buggs life exemplified integrity, compassion and devotion to serving others. His word was his bond, his handshake law and his heart as big as Texas.

All Texans owe Bugg a debt of gratitude for the extraordinary difference he made for our state.

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Donald L. Evans, chairman of the Permian Strategic Partnership and former U.S. secretary of commerce

Use helmets on scooters

While Austin tightens regulations on electric scooters, the use of safety helmets needs to be considered.

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Bicyclists are required to wear them, and scooters move faster than a bike.

Its time to reduce head injuries in Austin!

Jennifer Carley, Austin

Electric scooters are parked on a sidewalk on Congress Avenue. A reader argues that people riding scooters should be required to wear helmets. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman

History of recklessness

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So, the Department of Public Safety report says Trooper Freeman Hunter Martins view of the intersection was blocked by a tree line? What tree line?

That intersection is so large and so open that he had an unobstructed view of it, as well as the red traffic light, whether traveling east or west.

That DPS would cover for a political favorite is not unexpected in Texas, but to blatantly lie on an official report is completely corrupt.

James J. Mercier, Austin

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Dont erase their futures

Im deeply alarmed by the relentless attacks on our public schools and on programs like Medicaid that help children thrive.

Republicans are slashing school funding, censoring curriculum and gutting Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that schools rely on to feed children, provide mental health support and ensure students with disabilities get the services they need.

Whats worse, Congress is making these spending cuts to give tax breaks to billionaires and to pay for immigration enforcement efforts that separate families and terrify hardworking immigrants  people essential to our care workforce, our economy and our future.

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This means that public dollars are being funneled into private school voucher schemes while neighborhood schools are left scrambling for funds. Books that reflect the accurate history of our nation and the diversity of our students are being banned. The federal commitment to equity in education is being erased.

We need our elected leaders to stand up for all children, regardless of race, ZIP code, language or ability, and protect their right to a safe, honest and fully-funded education.

Cutting Medicaid and public school funding to fund attacks on immigrant families isnt just shortsighted, its cruel.

Our nation needs a safe and orderly immigration process that balances compassion and security, not cuts to health care and schools. I urge our lawmakers to reject these attacks and instead invest in our shared future  our children.

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Harriet Horton, Cedar Park

No prep for next pandemic

In defunding $500 million in mRNA vaccine research, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has done something that no one else in the Trump administration has done.

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Instead of declaring war on and punishing selected minorities  LGBTQ+, immigrants, poor, homeless, federal employees  he has attacked everyone. The secretary has guaranteed that more people in the U.S. and beyond will get sick and more people will die, perhaps as early as this flu season.

We know there will be another pandemic. We will be totally unprepared for it.

It wont matter if you are gay or straight, a foreigner or a U.S. citizen, rich or poor, live in a mansion or on the street, who you work for, or where you live. There will be no new vaccines to respond to the next pandemic.

Neil Suneson, Austin

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Still focused on Obama win

With our country completely politically polarized, you have to wonder how it got to this point.

Look no further than 2008, when two major events happened. Barack Obama was elected president and the Tea Party became a moniker for the GOP.

After failing to find anything to justify removing Obama from office, Republicans had to endure another term. That pushed the majority of the Tea Party over the edge, and it seems like they havent gotten over it.

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Any piece of legislation with Obama's name on it has been removed or is on Trumps hit list, including the Affordable Care Act.

Dont be surprised, if in the future, the years 2008-16 are written differently in the annals of history.

Tip Giles, Austin

A container ship pulls into the Port of Oakland on Aug. 1 in Oakland, California. President Donald Trump's tariffs are paid by the importing companies, who often pass the cost onto customers. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Consumers pay tariffs

It seems to me that President Donald Trumps tariffs amount to a tax on poor and middle class Americans.

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The tariffs are collected and go to the federal government. That means when Americans buy something with a tariff on it, the consumer is actually paying it.

If consumers got an additional tax break to offset the tariff, that would be different. Instead, the tax breaks are going to the very rich.

Trump doesnt want the American consumers to know how much more they are paying because of the tariffs. Amazon originally proposed to include how much more each item cost because of the tariffs. Trump, however, is not big on transparency so he told them not to do that. Amazon obeyed.

It appears to me that the poor and middle class Americans are paying more while Trump and his very rich buddies get a break.

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Jim Matthews, Austin

GOP focused on power

Despite what President Donald Trump and other elected Republicans say  or sometimes change the subject to avoid saying  tariffs are taxes on the importing company or the final consumer. Exporters do not pay the tariffs. Importers pay the tariffs to our government.

The importer can choose to bear 100% of the tariff but that will decrease their net income. If you were the importer paying a 25% tax, would you elect to see your net income drop by 25%? Alternatively, the importer can pass some or all of the tariff on to the consumer so the cost of the imported commodity goes up for the consumer.

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Tariffs are a tax.

As your coffee goes up in price, thats largely a function of the 50% tariff on Brazil; Brazil does not pay the tariff. When clothes go up in price, thats a function on tariffs on India, China and Indonesia. The countries are not paying the tariff.

Dont let Republicans gaslight you on who pays tariffs or that tariff money is going to reduce the deficit." They are simply distracting you from the problems with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act  ballooning federal debt, cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, increasing health care insurance costs, and numerous little hidden gems benefiting those able to hire lobbyists.

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When it dawns on enough voters that Republicans arent so much interested in governing as they are in having power, perhaps the electorate will choose someone else to represent them.

Warren Hackler, Austin
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has congratulated the citizens of 26 municipalities for Saturday's successful conduct of Municipal Council elections with a reported high preliminary turnout of 71%
There are many quotes about showing up, from the anonymously sourced The world is run by those who show up to Woody Allens 90% of success is showing up to Aaron Sorkins Decisions are made by those who show up.

What all the quotes have in common is the conveyance of the importance of being present. And anyone who has faced a personal trial or tragedy knows that you remember who was there to help and support you, as well as knowing who didnt.

The St. Louis region faced their own hardships following the May 16 tornado. The deadly and destructive tornado caused five fatalities, injuring 38 people, as well as damaging thousands of homes and buildings. Almost three months later St. Louis is still grieving.

Countless community members and organizations volunteered or donated resources to help the regions neighbors. But there was one group that has been conspicuously absent from the recovery efforts: the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The BLM movement was founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martins murderer, George Zimmerman.

St. Louisans adopted the movement after the death of Michael Brown in 2014, with the rise of political activists like former Rep. Cori Bush.

The BLM movement recognizes St. Louis as being crucial to its growth. Its website states: The Black Lives Matter Global Network would not be recognized worldwide had it not been for the folks in St. Louis and Ferguson who put their bodies on the line all those years ago and who continue, day in and day out, to show up for Black lives.

So it is with disappointment that there was no representation from BLM members in assisting Black residents who were impacted by the tornado.

BLMs mission statement reads: Black Lives Matter is working inside and outside of the system to heal the past, reimagine the present, and invest in the future of Black lives through policy change, investment in our communities, and a commitment to arts and culture.

There may be no greater importance to a community than by joining in and picking up the pieces after a disaster. It is hard to know why BLM has been absent, but it may be related to their questionable financial practices.

Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, BLM received a shocking $90 million dollars in donations. The nonprofit ended the fiscal year of 2023 with a $9 million deficit, and with talk of a possible bankruptcy.

Reporting and records from the New Mexico Charitable Organizations Registrar, as a part of the New Mexico Department of Justice, shows just a third, $30 million of the $90 million, went to other charitable organizations, with $22 million going to expenses. This includes $1.6 million that went to the father of BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors for security services. Another $2.1 million went to BLM board member Shalomyah Bowers for consulting.

The In the news tab on the BLM website was blank and under the Transparency Center section, there was only one link to tax paperwork and that was from 2022.

The BLM website calls the scrutiny by the media misinformation from the right, adding this is what happens when black people are financially autonomous from white supremacists structures like the non-profit industrial complex.

Speaking of the non-profit industrial complex and in contrast to BLM, the United Way of St. Louis has worked with more than 160 local nonprofits across 16 counties to meet St. Louisans critical needs after the storms.

The United Way of St. Louis mobilized nearly 6,000 volunteers, managed food truck donations resulting in the delivery of 57,112 meals to the impacted zones in partnership with the Currency of Caring Food Network, assisted 3,207 neighbors needing disaster assistance, completed 2,322 disaster intakes, which linked survivors to critical services for food, debris clean up, and emergency shelter.

They also deployed over $2.5 million to United Way Disaster responding safety net agencies including American Red Cross, Urban League, Salvation Army, Peter and Paul, St. Louis Area Foodbank and more to support their emergency operations.

BLMs actions or inactions have made them quite unpopular. A poll conducted by YouGov asked respondents the following of the BLM movement:

If you had to choose which ONE of the following statements is closer to your point of view? The Black Lives Matter movement is dividing my country, or The Black Lives Matter movement is uniting my country.

Looking back at the trends since YouGov began asking this question in 2020, there has always been at least a 10-point gap with more Americans thinking that BLM is more divisive than unifying.

As of September 2024, 59.1% of respondents said that BLM is dividing the country while only 40.1% responded that BLM was uniting.

I reached out to the BLM communications team for comment, and they declined to respond. There was also no indication on their website whether BLM donated any funds or dispatched any volunteers during the tornado recovery.

What really matters to people is who shows up for them during the hard times.
U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Washington State Park personnel rescued 12 kayakers in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island Washington, Aug. 14, 2025. Half of the kaykers were minors and all rescued were brought to Orcas Island. The Coast Guard blurred the faces of minors for privacy. (Steven Strohmaier/U.S. Coast Guard)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Washington State Park employees pulled off a maritime rescue on Thursday after 12 kayakers found themselves in treacherous waters in the San Juan Islands in Washington.

A group of six children and six adults were kayaking across a channel between Sucia and Patos islands around 1:50 p.m. when they called for help over their marine radio, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the kayakers were caught in a strong current and headwinds that kept them from paddling out of the waterway between the islands.

In response, the Coast Guard said they sent a 29-foot rescue boat from their station in Bellingham. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also sent a rescue ship, and a Washington State Parks vessel that was patrolling the area joined in the rescue effort, officials said.

The rescuers brought all the kayakers to shore at Orcas Island without injuries, officials said.

Capt. Micahel Hunt, Coast Guard deputy commander, urged boaters to keep a marine radio with them while out on the water.

A VHF marine radio is a mariners lifeline when there is no cell phone service, Hunt said. It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.

2025 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit oregonlive.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Navy cruisers such as the USS Princeton, seen here in 2001, have reached old age and will soon vanish from the fleet after more than 140 years of service. (Inez Lawson/US Navy/Getty Images/TNS)



SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service)  Falling in love can happen in a snap. Dave Hatzenbuehler knows this from the way he responded nearly a half-century ago upon noticing a big, brooding presence in San Diego Bay.

Hed caught sight of a Navy cruiser, a famously dynamic type of ship that had been turning heads since the 1880s. This one was the USS Long Beach, a muscular brute measuring 721 feet from stem to stern. It also was the worlds first nuclear-powered missile cruiser.

It was so powerful and sleek and beautiful, recalled Hatzenbuehler, who was vacationing in San Diego at the time. I joined the Navy as soon as I went home to Dallas. I wanted to be on a ship like that.

This wasnt a singular response, or a random one.

As the Navy nears its 250th anniversary in October, theres a lot of reminiscing going on about the fleet. Much of it involves cruisers  renowned for shielding aircraft carriers, attacking distant enemies, flushing submarines from the deep, and roaming the seas as lone wolfs.

They were always there to protect us when we were flying back to the carriers, said Jack Allen of Escondido, who flew F-8 Crusaders during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Cruisers had a way of picking threats out of the sky.

Now is also a bittersweet moment for current and former sailors in San Diego, the largest Navy town on the West Coast.

Cruisers helped the Navy shift from sail to steam propulsion, helped end the war in the Pacific and kept the Soviets at bay during the Cold War. But theyve reached old age and will soon vanish from the fleet after more than 140 years of service. Replacing many of them are Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, a new type of ship whose versatility, firepower and air defense are regarded as the Navys best.

These days, just nine of the 27 Ticonderoga-class cruisers commissioned during the Cold War era are still in service. That number will drop to three in 2027 and zero in 2029, the Navy says.

Among the next to go will be the 36-year-old USS Princeton, which just returned to San Diego after helping shield the carrier USS Carl Vinson during a nine-month deployment. San Diegos other cruiser, USS Cape St. George, is expected to be one of the last to retire.

The exact timing of the shutdown isnt clear. The Navy is struggling to conduct the maintenance its ships need to go to sea, which could further limit its use of the cruisers in the little time they have left.

Theres also a quality problem.

A recent effort to modernize 11 cruisers fell into disarray. Only three are expected to get complete upgrades, and theyll spend less time on patrol than forecast, according to a 2024 report by the Government Accountability Office.

The project wasted $1.84 billion, the GAO said in unusually candid words.

This bothers many veterans, some of whom prefer to simply focus on the ships storied past.

Cruisers represented the pinnacle of naval power in the world, said Delbert Worrell of Ramona, California, who served on the USS Long Beach in the late 1970s. Im proud I served on one.

Cruisers date back to the 1880s, when the Navy introduced them as iron-hulled, steam-powered ships. They had a specific purpose: protect U.S. merchant vessels and explore national interests abroad.

The first cruiser to visit San Diego was the USS California (CA-6), which arrived in 1907 and was later renamed after the city, just as the region was blooming into a Navy town.

Things literally took off in 1911. That was the year aviator Glenn Curtiss flew a seaplane from North Island on Coronado out into the harbor, where he landed in the water next to the cruiser USS Pennsylvania. The plane was hoisted aboard, then returned to the bay.

That moment suggested that planes had a place in the military. The Navy soon bought a Curtiss aircraft  a direct step toward the creation of aircraft carriers. Lumbering flattops soon appeared in ports like San Diego, and they needed escort ships.

Cruisers were perfect for the job. They were fast, highly maneuverable and regularly upgraded with a wide variety of weapons. They could defend and fight.

We had guns, we had torpedoes, we had Harpoon missiles, we had Standard 1 missiles, we had ASROC missiles, said Hatzenbuehler, who served on the nuclear-powered USS Texas, along with other ships, from 1980 until 2003. We had everything.

The cruisers supremacy became especially evident in World War II, when more than 80 of the ships went into service, sinking and damaging dozens of enemy vessels.

Of particular note was the USS San Diego, the second cruiser to carry that name. It earned 18 battle stars  commendations for participating in important campaigns.

The San Diego shielded the carrier USS Hornet during the Battle of Guadalcanal, helping turn the war in the Pacific in favor of allied forces. It was the first major Allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay when the war ended.

It terms of sheer numbers, firepower and contributions, I think the cruisers  especially when you look at World War II  really played a vital role, said Kevin Sheehan, a historian at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

But there were devastating losses along the way.

Components of Little Boy, the atomic bomb the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima, were quietly delivered to Tinian Island in 1945 by the cruiser USS Indianapolis. Japan sank the ship a short time later, killing 880 sailors and Marines.

These sorts of campaigns dredged up a lot of memories for naval author Kevin Eyer, a part-time San Diego resident who served on seven cruisers.

One of those ships stood out above others.

In August 1990, when Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait, a big supplier of oil to the U.S., Eyer was a combat systems officer on the cruiser USS Antietam, operating in the Indian Ocean.

We were directed to immediately go to the northern Persian Gulf, because the U.S. needed an adult in the room  which is how people thought about cruisers and their commanders, he said. We got there and were alone, which was scary. We thought Iraq might fire Exocet cruise missiles at us.

But we also had an edge  the AEGIS Combat System, which coordinated all of the weapons systems on the ship so that they seamlessly worked in concert. Iraq ended up not attacking us. But we had AEGIS. We had a way to fight, something thats always been true about cruisers.

The following months involved one of the largest military buildups in U.S. history, partly due to growing concern that Iraq would attack Saudi Arabia, causing economic upheaval throughout the Middle East.

More than 170 Navy ships were dispatched to the region  including San Diego-based carrier battle groups led by the USS Ranger and by the USS Midway, which served as the flagship for naval aviation in the Persian Gulf.

Among their escorts were four cruisers. Two of them  USS Mobile Bay and USS Bunker Hill  were among the first to fire cruise missiles at Iraq when Operation Desert Storm began on Jan. 16, 1991. The USS Princeton, based in Long Beach at the time, also reached the gulf, where it struck a mine.

Cruisers continued to play key roles in the following years  notably San Diegos USS John Paul Jones. On Oct. 7, 2001, it became the first American warship to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan when the war there got underway.

But as the years passed, these ships began to fade from the scene, largely due to aging. Some developed cracks in their superstructures. The Navy decided not to build a new class of cruisers, signaling their imminent demise  the same thing that happened a decade ago, when the last of the Navys frigates were decommissioned.

Its possible cruisers will, in a sense, live on. The Navy has proposed building the DDG(X), a new destroyer that would replace the last of the cruisers and older Burke destroyers. But theres no hard and fast timetable or budget.

Eyer was in the Navy for 27 years. When asked if he thought DDG(X) would become a reality, he ran through the pros and cons, then added, Right now, I do not know.

#YR# The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
World War II Marine veteran Cpl. Leighton Willhite, 100, sits in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank he drove during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



DUMFRIES, Va.  A 100 year-old World War II veteran and Marine tank driver reunited with the tank that once carried him through the Battle of Iwo Jima, rekindling his memory of one of the fiercest fights in Marine Corps history.

Marine Cpl. Leighton Willhite sat in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank, nicknamed Lucky, for the first time in 80 years at the National Museum of the Marine Corps support facility in Dumfries on Friday, the anniversary of Japans surrender in WWII.

Its amazing, Willhite said. I never thought I would see the tank again. That tank was my life. He added that if the tank was in good shape, he would fire it up again.

World War II Marine veteran Cpl. Leighton Willhite, 100, sits in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank he drove during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The M4A3 Sherman tank, Lucky, on Iwo Jima, Japan in 1945. (National Museum of the Marine Corps)



Willhite was accompanied by his son, grandson and great grandson at the reunion.

Im glad this happened while hes still living, said Chad, Willhites son. It means everything to him, which is what it means to me. Everybody that has been around him tells his [Willhites] story.

At 19, Willhite drove Lucky  one of only six confirmed Iwo Jima Sherman tanks in existence today  ashore the black sands of Red Beach II on Iwo Jima with the 5th Tank Battalion in 1945.

I probably wasnt the best driver in the world, but I wasnt the worst, Willhite said.

As Willhite touched and observed the tank, he reminisced on his days where he and his crew supported infantry units and took part in life-saving rescue efforts. During the battle, Willhite earned the Bronze Star with valor after assisting in the rescue of another Marine tank crew, Jeannie, under fire at Hill 362A, north of Mount Suribachi.

Jonathan Bernstein, arms and armor curator, National Museum of the Marine Corps, and World War II Marine veteran Cpl. Leighton Willhite, 100, on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Jonathan Bernstein, arms and armor curator at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and 100-year-old Cpl. Leighton Willhite on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

World War II Marine veteran Cpl. Leighton Willhite, 100, left, Jonathan Bernstein, arms and armor curator, National Museum of the Marine Corps, and Keil Gentry, director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, stand in front of the M4A3 Sherman tank Lucky on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Rusty treads from Lucky, a World War II M4A3 Sherman tank, on display Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The interior of the M4A3 Sherman tank Lucky on display Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The side of the M4A3 Sherman tank Lucky on display Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Bullets rest on top of the Sherman tank Lucky on display Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

A machine gun on the M4A3 Sherman tank Lucky on display Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Dumfries, Va. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



My service was probably short, but I gave it all I had, Willhite said.

Jonathan Bernstein, arms and armor curator at the NMMC, saw the tank for the first time in 2023 and spent two years conducting extensive historical research and archaeological work on the tank. He was finally able to identify Lucky, trace back its service on Iwo Jima and connect the tank to Willhite.

I was really lucky with how everything came together, Bernstein said, adding that he was borderline obsessive with identifying the tank. This is the end of the beginning. As we move forward, this is going to get a lot more exciting as Lucky gets back to what she looked like on Iwo Jima.

The NMMC plans to restore Lucky within the next five years and eventually put it on display at the museum.

I hope that folks that serve in the Marine Corps are differently inspired by this, said Keil Gentry, director at the NMMC. Those who have not served in the Marine Corps, I think this is a great way to talk about the veteran service and sacrifice.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Lisa Marshalls platoon recovers the M4A3 Sherman tank, Lucky, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., in 2001. (National Museum of the Marine Corps)



After the Battle of Iwo Jima ended on March 26, 1945, the 5th Marine Division returned to Hawaii, and the 5th Tank Battalion turned in their tanks for refitting and training for the invasion of Japan.

In the 1970s, Lucky made its way to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., where an attempt was made to preserve her. But due to a lack of funding, the tank was moved into the woods of 2nd Tank Battalions training areas and remained undiscovered until Master Gunnery Sgt. Lisa Marshall and her platoon found and recovered Lucky, then shipped her to the NMMC in 2001.

Marshall, who attended the reunion, said she was only following orders at the time and never would have thought she would witness the special reunion of Willhite and Lucky.

I had a very physical, emotional reaction to knowing that I was able to be a part of  being able to give a memory back to somebody, Marshall said.
Shawn Ward and Lyle Garitty found out about John Knox from a group trying to track down Medal of Honor recipients thought to be buried in the area. (Jim Burger)



The roots of John Knoxs despondence are lost to history. But his suicide made the newspaper: In 1895, he tied one end of a rope around his neck and the other around a stone block. Then he threw himself into Baltimores harbor.

A document in Knoxs pocket identified him as an army pensioner but included no next of kin, according to a brief account in the Baltimore Sun. He was sent to a paupers grave and forgotten for more than 120 years.

Then two workers at the citys Green Mount Cemetery came across his story in 2022 and applied for a grave marker through a little-known law passed in 1879. It requires the federal government to ship a headstone anywhere in the world for anyone who served in the U.S. military  not just those who died in combat or are buried in military cemeteries.

The result is a granite plaque on a leafy hillside of the historic graveyard. It reads: Sgt. John W. Knox, Medal of Honor.

Its one of more than 167 such markers, tombstones and medallions that the cemetery workers Shawn Ward and Lyle Garitty have installed in the graveyard to memorialize forgotten men and women who did their duty in conflicts as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore used a little-known law passed in 1879 that requires the federal government to ship a headstone anywhere in the world for anyone who served in the U.S. military  not just those who died in combat. (Jim Burger)



They are among the most active of what the Department of Veterans Affairs says is a growing number of history buffs, Boy Scout troops and others who have taken up the cause of long-dead warriors. Pupils at a high school in Ohio installed more than 70 headstones in historic cemeteries near their school. An Orlando resident secured 61 headstones for veterans of the Spanish-American War and other conflicts at Mount Peace Cemetery in St. Cloud, Florida.

And in Maryland, community members procured 11 headstones to honor members of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War and are buried in the Ellsworth Cemetery in Westminster, Maryland.

Last year, VAs National Cemetery Administration shipped 112,459 headstones, plaques and other memorial products to private graveyards, said Eric Powell, director of Memorial Products Service for the NCA. The government doesnt keep track of how many are for historic graves, but most are for recent deaths.

The cost to taxpayers for the markers at private graveyards, and for a slightly larger number at national cemeteries, is about $80 million a year.

Many of the memorial products center on Black graveyards, where veterans who fought in segregated units and were eligible for a free headstone did not receive them.

At Lebanon Cemetery, a Black graveyard opened in 1872 in York, Pennsylvania, the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has installed 17 government-issued headstones on graves that never had one or were marked with wooden ones that had rotted away, said Samantha Dorm, a volunteer with the group.

Lyle Garitty, an administrator and historian at Green Mount, looks over cemetery records. (Jim Burger)



Recordkeeping for African American soldiers was an afterthought for much of history, she says. That made it difficult to procure the necessary documentation to satisfy VA.

It wasnt until 1977 that the government declared women who served in units such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs in World War II, to be veterans.

To get a grave marker, an applicant must provide documentation of a veterans honorable discharge of service in the federal armed services and certify that his or her grave is currently unmarked or marked with a badly deteriorated headstone. In some cases, VA will even provide a plaque or marker  although not a tombstone  if it can be proved that the body has gone missing. Thats how Ward and Garitty were able to procure a marker for Knox, whom they believe is buried under a road.

The stones come in granite or marble and weigh more than 200 pounds. They are shipped free, but applicants must pay for the installation if its in a private cemetery.

Paul LaRue found a ready supply of volunteers while he was a social studies teacher at Washington High School in the rural hamlet of Washington Court House, Ohio. He was leading a field trip to a cemetery when a student asked about the poor condition of headstones over some soldiers graves.

After a bit of research, he learned about VAs headstone program and launched a project to have students research the buried veterans, order and then install markers. They put up about 70 of them between 2002 and 2012 in six graveyards around southern Ohio.

It was really a great way to connect the students to the community and their history, said LaRue, who retired from teaching and is now president of the Ohio State Board of Education.

In the six years theyve been at it, Baltimores Ward and Garitty have become a two-man honor guard, putting up markers and helping like-minded enthusiasts from Pennsylvania to Western Maryland.

Lyle Garitty and Shawn Ward, the Green Mount superintendent, have scoured military archives, city death records and handwritten ledgers in the cemeterys dusty office. (Jim Burger)



Ward and Garitty, veterans themselves, have scoured military archives, city death records and handwritten ledgers in the cemeterys dusty office. Theyve found soldiers, sailors and aviators whose graves were never marked or whose tombstones were lost or damaged.

Their freshly carved, white stone slabs and polished bronze markers stand out amid the weathered monuments of Green Mount. They form a sort of granite Facebook of American history.

Theres one for Pvt. David Mumma, who served in a battalion of ethnic Germans from Maryland and Pennsylvania who fought under George Washington at the Battle of Trenton. Another marks the grave of Aquila Randall, a Maryland militiaman killed in the 1814 British invasion of Baltimore that inspired the national anthem. Fighter pilot Richard Seth, a standout lacrosse player at the U.S. Naval Academy, was lost at sea during the Korean War.

Being a veteran, I wanted to do what I could to be sure all veterans get the recognition they deserve, said Garitty, an administrator and historian at Green Mount.

He and Ward, the cemeterys superintendent, formed a charity to raise funds for the work. They get donations from veterans groups and individuals, and use VAs headstone and marker program.

The research takes a lot of time, Ward said.

Both men are steeped in military service. Garittys great-grandfather fought in the Civil War and his father served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Garitty did two tours with the U.S. Air Force, first as a mechanic and then in logistics. He left as a sergeant.

Ward has 21 years of active and reserve service with the Seabees, the Navys construction arm.

A headstone at Baltimores Green Mount Cemetery. (Jim Burger)



Green Mount is a tourist attraction of grand monuments in a distressed neighborhood of Baltimore, ringed by a gothic stone fence. It was established in 1838. Sixteen generals and one admiral from the Civil War are buried there.

Some veterans were buried at Green Mount without a headstone, likely because the family couldnt afford one, Garitty said. Then there are the relocations: Moving the dead was common in past centuries as cities grew and burial practices shifted from small graveyards behind homes or churches toward centralized cemeteries. They often arrived at Green Mount without headstones and were reburied in unmarked, brick-lined mass vaults.

Ward and Garitty learn about veterans in their care in several ways. Sometimes families approach them looking for the grave of an ancestor. Other names come up as Garitty digitizes Green Mounts copious burial records, neatly stashed in chest-high filing cabinets or a walk-in bank vault in the cemetery office. He also checks Pentagon databases of service.

If he finds a record of a veteran in an unmarked grave he files a request online to get a marker.

He and Ward found out about Knox from a group trying to track down Medal of Honor recipients thought to be buried in the area.

Military records showed that Knox was with the 5th U.S. Infantry in 1874, which had been ordered to force Native Americans onto reservations in what came to be known as the Red River War. On Sept. 9, their wagon train was attacked by hundreds of Comanche and Kiowa fighters at Upper Washita River in Texas. The 95 infantry soldiers circled their wagons and managed to hold out for five days until a calvary unit rescued them. Knox was cited for gallantry.

An 1895 newspaper account of Knoxs death said he died with a certificate in his pocket for a $6-a-month pension for his 20 years of service. He had retired from the Army two years earlier and was living in a soldiers home in Washington.

No one came forward to claim his body, so he was sent to a potters field in West Baltimore.

But he didnt stay there. City records show he hopscotched from graveyard to graveyard as the city expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, moving skeletons ahead of the bulldozers.

The city eventually lost the records of Knoxs whereabouts. But Garitty was able to get a death certificate and used Knoxs military records to prove he had served. He convinced VA that the remains had been lost, which rendered him eligible for a plaque, which Garitty and Ward mounted alongside two other memorials on the hillside.

He and Ward say Green Mount may have hundreds more veterans in unmarked graves. Theyd like to mark all the ones they can.

Its a good way to serve other people, Ward said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participate in a media conference at E.U. headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP)



KYIV, Ukraine  European and NATO leaders announced Sunday they will join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington to present a united front in talks with President Donald Trump on ending Russias war in Ukraine and firming up U.S. security guarantees now on the negotiating table.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are rallying around the Ukrainian president after his exclusion from Trumps summit on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their pledge to be at Zelenskyys side at the White House on Monday is an apparent effort to ensure the meeting goes better than the last one in February, when Trump berated Zelenskyy in a heated Oval Office encounter.

The Europeans are very afraid of the Oval Office scene being repeated and so they want to support Mr. Zelenskyy to the hilt, said retired French Gen. Dominique Trinquand, a former head of Frances military mission at the United Nations.

Its a power struggle and a position of strength that might work with Trump, he said.

Putin agreed at his summit in Alaska with Trump that the U.S. and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATOs collective defense mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the 3-year war, special U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview Sunday on CNNs State of the Union.

It was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, said Witkoff, who called it game-changing.

Later, French President Emmanuel Macron said the European delegation will ask Trump to back plans they drafted to beef-up Ukraines armed forces  already Europes largest outside of Russia  with more training and equipment to secure any peace.

We need a credible format for the Ukrainian army, thats the first point, and say  we Europeans and Americans  how well train them, equip them, and finance this effort in the long-term, the French leader said.

The European-drafted plans also envision an allied force in Ukraine away from the front lines to reassure Kyiv that peace will hold and to dissuade another Russian invasion, Macron said. He spoke after a nearly two-hour video call Sunday with nations in Europe and further afield  including Canada, Australia and Japan  that are involved in the so-called coalition of the willing.

The several thousand men on the ground in Ukraine in the zone of peace would signal that our fates are linked, Macron said.

This is what we must discuss with the Americans: Who is ready to do what? Macron said. Otherwise, I think the Ukrainians simply cannot accept commitments that are theoretical.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier at a news conference in Brussels with Zelenskyy that we welcome President Trumps willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine. And the coalition of the willing -- including the European Union -- is ready to do its share.

Macron said the substance of security guarantees will be more important than whether they are given an Article 5-type label.

A theoretical article isnt enough, the question is one of substance, he said. We must start out by saying that the first of the security guarantees for Ukraine is a strong Ukrainian army.

Along with Von der Leyen and Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb also said theyll will take part in Mondays talks, as will secretary-general of the NATO military alliance, Mark Rutte.

The European leaders support could help ease concerns in Kyiv and in other European capitals that Ukraine risks being railroaded into a peace deal.

Neil Melvin, director of international security at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said European leaders are trying to shape this fast-evolving agenda. After the Alaska summit, the idea of a ceasefire appears all-but-abandoned, with the narrative shifting toward Putins agenda of ensuring Ukraine does not join NATO or even the EU.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that a possible ceasefire is not off the table but that the best way to end the war would be through a full peace deal.

Putin has implied that he sees Europe as a hindrance to negotiations. He has also resisted meeting Zelenskyy in person, saying that such a meeting can only take place once the groundwork for a peace deal has been laid.

Speaking to the press after his meeting with Trump, the Russian leader raised the idea that Kyiv and other European capitals could create obstacles to derail potential progress with behind-the-scenes intrigue.

For now, Zelenskyy offers the Europeans the only way to get into the discussions about the future of Ukraine and European security, says RUSIs Melvin.

However, the sheer number of European leaders potentially in attendance means the group will have to be mindful not to give contradictory messages, Melvin said.

The risk is they look heavy-handed and are ganging up on Trump, he added. Trump wont want to be put in a corner.

Although details remain hazy on what Article 5-like security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe would entail for Ukraine, it could mirror NATO membership terms, in which an attack on one member of the alliance is seen as an attack on all.

Zelenskyy continues to stress the importance of both U.S. and European involvement in any negotiations.

A security guarantee is a strong army. Only Ukraine can provide that. Only Europe can finance this army, and weapons for this army can be provided by our domestic production and European production. But there are certain things that are in short supply and are only available in the United States, he said at the press conference Sunday alongside Von der Leyen.

Zelenskyy also pushed back against Trumps assertion  which aligned with Putins preference  that the two sides should negotiate a complete end to the war, rather than first securing a ceasefire. Zelenskyy said a ceasefire would provide breathing room to review Putins demands.

Its impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons, he said. Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must do it.

Leicester reported from Le Pecq, France. Associated Press writers Pan Pylas in London, and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.
Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Lalo R. Villar/AP)



LISBON, Portugal  Spain is deploying 500 more soldiers to battle wildfires that have torn through parched woodland during a prolonged spell of scorching weather, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday.

The decision to add to the more than 1,400 troops already on wildfire duty came as authorities struggled to contain forest blazes, especially in the northwestern Galicia region, and awaited the arrival of promised aircraft reinforcements from other European countries.

Firefighters are tackling 12 major wildfires in Galicia, all of them near the city of Ourense, the head of the Galician regional government Alfonso Rueda told a press conference with Sanchez.

Homes are still under threat so we have lockdowns in place and are carrying out evacuations, Rueda said. Galicia has been battling the spreading flames for more than a week.

Temperatures in Spain could reach 113 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas on Sunday, the Spanish national weather agency AEMET said. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was 112.46 degrees in the southern city of Cordoba, it said.

This Sunday, when extraordinarily high temperatures are expected, the danger of wildfires is extreme in most of the country, AEMET said on the social platform X.

The fires in Spain this year have burned 390,000 acres, according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That is an area roughly as big as metropolitan London.

Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists say that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.

Spain awaits European firefighters, more planes

Spain was expecting the arrival of two Dutch water-dumping planes that were to join aircraft from France and Italy already helping Spanish authorities under a European cooperation agreement.

Firefighters from other countries are also expected to arrive in the region in coming days, Spains Civil Protection Agency chief Virginia Barcones told public broadcaster RTVE.

National rail operator Renfe said it suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the fires.

Galician authorities advised people to wear face masks and limit their time spent outdoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash.

Portugal heads into cooler days

Portugal is set for cooler weather in coming days after a spate of severe woodland fires. A national state of alert due to wildfires was enacted Aug. 2 and was due to end Sunday, a day before two Swedish firefighting planes were to arrive.

As in Spain, Portugals resources have been stretched. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters and more than 1,300 vehicles were deployed, as well as 17 aircraft, the countrys Civil Protection Agency said.

The scorched area of forest in Portugal so far this year is 17 times higher than in 2024, at around 139,000 hectares, according to preliminary calculations by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, a government body.

Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have also requested help from the EUs firefighting force in recent days to deal with forest fires. The force has already been activated as many times this year as in all of last years summer fire season.

Turkish fires threaten area of Gallipoli memorials

In Turkey, where recent wildfires have killed 19 people, parts of the historic region that includes memorials to World War Is Gallipoli campaign were evacuated Sunday as blazes threatened homes in the countrys northwest.

Six villages were evacuated as a precautionary measure, the governor of Canakkale province, Omer Toraman, said.

Some 1,300 firefighting personnel backed by 30 aircraft were battling the blaze, according to the General Directorate of Forestry.

A wildfire on the peninsula to the north of the Dardanelles Strait led to the closure of visitor facilities at Gallipoli, the sites management said. The area is dotted with cemeteries, memorials and other remnants of battles waged between Ottoman and Allied troops in 1915.

Turkey has been struck by hundreds of fires since late June, fueled by record-breaking temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds.

Andrew Wilks in Istanbul contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. At left is Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and second from right is Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)



NEW YORK  Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed at his summit with President Donald Trump that the United States and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATOs collective defense mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the war, a U.S. official said Sunday.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who took part in the talks Friday at a military base in Alaska, said it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that and called it game-changing.

We were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO, Witkoff told CNNs State of the Union.

Witkoff offered few details on how such an arrangement would work. But it appeared to be a major shift for Putin and could serve as a workaround to his deep-seated objection to Ukraines potential NATO membership, a step that Kyiv has long sought.

It was expected to be a key topic Monday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and major European leaders meet with Trump at the White House to discuss ending the 3 1/2-year conflict.

BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA, Trump said Sunday on social media. STAY TUNED!

On Sunday night, however, Trump seemed to put the onus on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions.

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight, he wrote. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!

Hammering out a plan for security guarantees

Article 5, the heart of the 32-member transatlantic military alliance, says an armed attack against a member nation is considered an attack against them all.

What needed to be hammered out at this weeks talks were the contours of any security guarantees, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also participated in the summit. Ukraine and European allies have pushed the U.S. to provide that backstop in any peace agreement to deter future attacks by Moscow.

How thats constructed, what we call it, how its built, what guarantees are built into it that are enforceable, thats what well be talking about over the next few days with our partners, Rubio said on NBCs Meet the Press.

It was unclear, however, whether Trump had fully committed to such a guarantee. Rubio said it would be a huge concession.

The comments shed new light on what was discussed in Alaska. Before Sunday, U.S. officials had offered few details even as both Trump and Putin said their meeting was a success.

Witkoff also said Russia had agreed to enact a law that it would not go after any other European countries and violate their sovereignty.

The Russians agreed on enshrining legislatively language that would prevent them from  or that they would attest to not attempting to take any more land from Ukraine after a peace deal, where they would attest to not violating any European borders, he said on Fox News Sunday.

Europe welcomes US openness to security guarantees

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking in Brussels alongside Zelenskyy, applauded the news from the White House as a European coalition looks to set up a force to police any future peace in Ukraine.

We welcome President Trumps willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine and the coalition of the willing  including the European Union  is ready to do its share, she said.

Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for signaling that it was willing to support such guarantees but said much remained unclear.

There are no details how it will work, and what Americas role will be, Europes role will be and what the EU can do  and this is our main task: We need security to work in practice like Article 5 of NATO, he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the substance of security guarantees to secure any peace arrangement will be more important than whether they are given an Article 5-type label.

At the White House meeting, Macron said European leaders will ask the U.S. to back their plans to beef up Ukraines armed forces with more training and equipment and deploy an allied force away from the front lines.

Well show this to our American colleagues, and well tell them, Right, were ready to do this and that, what are you prepared to do? Macron said. Thats the security guarantee.

Defending Trumps shift from ceasefire to peace deal

Witkoff and Rubio defended Trumps decision to abandon a push for a ceasefire, arguing that the Republican president had pivoted toward a full peace agreement because so much progress had been made at the summit.

We covered almost all the other issues necessary for a peace deal, Witkoff said, without elaborating. We began to see some moderation in the way theyre thinking about getting to a final peace deal.

Rubio, appearing on several TV news shows Sunday, said it would have been impossible to reach any truce Friday because Ukraine was not there.

Now, ultimately, if there isnt a peace agreement, if there isnt an end of this war, the presidents been clear, there are going to be consequences, Rubio said on ABCs This Week. But were trying to avoid that.

Rubio, who is also Trumps national security adviser, also voiced caution on the progress made.

Were still a long ways off, he said. Were not at the precipice of a peace agreement. Were not at the edge of one. But I do think progress was made towards one.

Land swaps are on the table

Among the issues expected to dominate Mondays meeting: What concessions Zelenskyy might accept on territory.

In talks with European allies after the summit, Trump said Putin reiterated that he wants the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas, European officials said. It was unclear among those briefed whether Trump sees that as acceptable.

Witkoff said the Russians have made clear they want territory as determined by legal boundaries instead of the front lines where territory has been seized.

There is an important discussion to be had with regard to Donetsk and what would happen there. And that discussion is going to specifically be detailed on Monday, he said.

Zelenskyy has rejected Putins demands that Ukraine give up the Donbas region, which Russia has failed to take completely, as a condition for peace.

In Brussels, the Ukrainian leader said any talks involving land must be based on current front lines, suggesting he will not abandon land that Russia has not taken.

The contact line is the best line for talking, and the Europeans support this, he said. The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible, impossible to give up territory or trade land.

Associated Press writers John Leicester in Le Pecq, France, and Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
Police officers disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (Mahmoud Illean/AP)



JERUSALEM  Israeli protesters demanding a deal to free hostages in Gaza attempted to shut down the country Sunday in one of the largest and fiercest protests in 22 months of war. Organizers, representing the families of hostages, asserted that hundreds of thousands of people took part.

Frustration is growing in Israel over plans for a new military offensive in some of Gazas most populated areas. Many Israelis fear that could further endanger the remaining hostages. Twenty of the 50 who remain are believed to be alive.

We live between a terrorist organization that holds our children and a government that refuses to release them for political reasons, said Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza.

Even some former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs now call for a deal to end the fighting.

Protesters gathered at dozens of places including outside politicians homes, military headquarters and on major highways. They blocked lanes and lit bonfires. Some restaurants and theaters closed in solidarity. Police said they arrested 38 people.

One protester carried a photo of an emaciated Palestinian child from Gaza. Such images were once rare at Israeli demonstrations but now appear more often as outrage grows over conditions in the territory after more than 250 malnutrition-related deaths.

Netanyahu opposes any deal that leaves Hamas in power

An end to the war does not seem near. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is balancing competing pressures including the potential for mutiny within his coalition.

Those who today call for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of Oct. 7 will be repeated, Netanyahu said, referencing the Hamas-led attack in 2023 that killed some 1,200 people and sparked the war.

The last time Israel agreed to a ceasefire that released some hostages earlier this year, far-right members of his cabinet threatened to topple Netanyahus government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called Sundays demonstrations a bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas hands, buries the hostages in the tunnels and attempts to get Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardize its security and future.

The new offensive would require the call-up of thousands of reservists, another concern for many Israelis.

Another 17 aid-seekers killed in Gaza

Hospitals and witnesses in Gaza said Israeli forces killed at least 17 aid-seekers on Sunday, including nine awaiting U.N. aid trucks close to the Morag corridor.

Hamza Asfour said he was just north of the corridor awaiting a convoy when Israeli snipers fired, first to disperse the crowds. He saw two people with gunshot wounds.

Its either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation, he said.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the Israeli-backed and U.S.-supported distribution points that have become the main source of aid since they opened in May, said there was no gunfire at or near its sites, which are located in military-controlled areas.

An Israeli strike targeting a group of people in the Bureij camp in central Gaza killed three, according to Al-Awda hospital, which received the casualties.

Israels military did not immediately respond to questions.

Israels air and ground war has killed more than 61,900 people, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.

Two children and five adults died of malnutrition-related causes Sunday, according to the ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

The United Nations has warned that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began. Most aid has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after ending a ceasefire. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organizations say the flow is far below what is needed.

Fears of the coming military offensive

It is not clear when Israels military will begin the new offensive in crowded Gaza City, Muwasi and what Netanyahu has called the central camps of Gaza.

The military body that coordinates its humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, this weekend noted plans to forcibly evacuate people from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection. Designated safe zones, however, also have been bombed during the war.

War-weary Palestinians insisted they wont leave, arguing that there is no safe place in Gaza.

There are no humanitarian zones at all, said Raghda Abu Dhaher, who said she has been displaced 10 times during the war and now shelters in a school in western Gaza City.

Mohamed Ahmed also insisted that he wont move south. Here is bombing and there is bombing, he said.

Airstrike on power plant in Yemen

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemens capital Sunday, escalating strikes on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who since the war in Gaza began have fired missiles at Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea.

The Houthi-run Al-Masirah Television said the strikes targeted a power plant in the southern district of Sanhan, knocking it out of service. Israels military said the strikes were launched in response to missiles and drones aimed at Israel.

While some projectiles have breached its missile defenses  notably during its 12-day war with Iran in June  Israel has intercepted the vast majority of missiles launched from Yemen. Its military later Sunday said it had intercepted another, and the Houthis claimed they had targeted Israels Ben Gurion Airport.

Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel and Magdy from Cairo. Sam Mednick contributed from Tel Aviv, Israel.
The square has been at the centre of recent anti-immigrant protests

Those responsible for graffiti on the wall at an east Belfast square targeting asylum seekers should be ashamed, an Alliance Party councillor has said.

The message scrawled onto a wall alongside crudely painted crosshairs at CS Lewis Square close to the Newtownards Road reads: Asylum seekers will be dealt with.

Alliance Party councillor Peter McReynolds said the message had been reported to police.

"Depressing to see this kind of graffiti appearing near CS Lewis Square in East Belfast, especially in what is a positive and inclusive space, he posted on his X account.

Ive reported it and it will be removed. Those who did this should be ashamed of themselves.

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The square is named after the renowned Belfast-born author of the Chronicles of Narnia and features seven bronze sculptures from 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr Tumnus, The Beavers, The Robin and The Stone Table.

The PSNI has been approached for comment.

In recent months, a number of anti-immigration protests and rallies have been held in the square, which has also featured in videos posted by social media accounts showing people engaged in vigilante-style activity.

Last week, TikTok took action to ban a number of accounts linked to the activity.

The @irishbreedulsterr handle, which belonged to the Irish Bred Ulster Rared TikTok account, had amassed more than 19,500 followers and over 116,000 likes before it was banned from the platform.

Videos showing individuals aggressively confronting members of ethnic minority communities were being posted on the account until Monday evening.

Anyone trying to access the account is now met with a message informing them the account is banned.

The account irishbreedulsterr is no longer available, the message adds.

The PSNI has distanced themselves from those involved, labelling the activity as racism pure and simple.

Members of the group had suggested on social media that they had been working closely with the PSNI, claiming officers have publicly thanked them in the past.

In response, the PSNI released a statement saying: Such activity is not protecting this community, it is attempting to control it. It is racism pure and simple.

Last week, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also condemned the behaviour.

"Any vigilantism is wrong. It must be condemned. It has no place in Northern Ireland, she said.

The graffiti in east Belfast

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August
Paul Mark Rodney Hobson, acquitted over Robert Hamill killing, and a second man will be sentenced next month

Paul Hobson, also known as Marc Hobson, who was convicted of a sectarian assault

A man acquitted of the murder of Robert Hamill nearly 30 years ago has been convicted of a sectarian assault.

Paul Mark Rodney Hobson, who was cleared of the 1997 killing in Portadown, was found guilty of common assault and criminal damage in June last year.

A second man, Simon Millar, was also convicted of common assault and criminal damage on the same date.

Paul Hobson, also known as Marc Hobson, who was convicted of a sectarian assault

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told heavily-tattooed Hobson that despite his claims the police had assaulted him and were lying, I do not believe that for one second.

The judge said that in contrast, their victim gave his account in a straightforward way and his evidence did not changeI do not think he was trying to exaggerate or lie.

Accordingly, the Craigavon Magistrates Court judge recorded convictions against 48-year-old Hobson and Millar (44), finding them guilty of common assault and of causing criminal damage to the victims Mercedes car.

Their victim was called a fenian c***, the court heard.

The pair were, however, acquitted of a second assault, allegedly committed against a woman, after she failed to attend court.

Robert Hamill was killed in 1997

The incident happened on June 23 2024.

During the hour-long contest, father-of-four Martin McWilliams told the court he had parked his car and was heading for a tanning session in the Mahon Road area of Portadown when he was subjected to sectarian abuse.

Mr McWilliams, who said he was wearing a Mexico City GAA top at the time, testified that: As I approached, one of them said You shouldnt be wearing that top around here.

He said he told them he would wear whatever I want and I just walked on in.

It was as if they were trying to provoke me so I just bypassed it and walked on, he said, adding that Hobson had followed him into the salon.

"He said Give us a hug. You know who I am. Then I realised who he was from Instagram and his food company, said Mr McWilliams, adding that he told Hobson to leave him alone.

After using the sun bed he left but as he opened the car door, Hobson again asked him for a hug.

Mr McWilliams refused and tried to get into his car but Millar interjected and called him a fenian c***.

Paul Hobson

As the victim sat in his car, Hobson stopped him from being able to close the door, the court heard. Mr McWilliams said he kept saying to give us a hug and coming towards him.

He told the court Hobson went to punch him but he dodged it and punched him back. As Millar came for him, he started to run around the cars but his flip-flop came off and the defendant caught up.

Millar tried to punch him but again, Mr McWilliams was able to dodge the blow and punch the defendant in the face.

The court heard how Hobson was behind the victim at this stage, and he tried again to punch him, but I moved out of the way and hit him.

Making a break for his car, Mr McWilliams locked the doors but the pair were booting the side of the car and hitting the windows.

During cross-examination, Hobsons defence counsel Damien Halleron suggested the defendant had told him jokingly that he was a madman for wearing a GAA top.

The victim refuted the suggestion however, and while he admitted striking both defendants, giving them both a bloody nose, he told the court it was done in self defence.

Giving evidence on his own behalf, Hobson, from Fitzgerald Park in Portadown, denied that he had chased the victim or that he had prevented him from getting into his car.

He told defence counsel Damien Halleron he thought Mr McWilliams was wearing a Celtic top.

Asked why he felt he had to remark on it, Hobson said: Its just certain areas and thats not my feelings. If someone was walking up the Garvaghy Road wearing a Rangers top, I would have said the exact same thing, claiming he told the victim he was a madman and was laughing.

He claimed the victim reacted angrily and demanded, what the f*** are you going to do about it, denying that he using the word fenian.

Hobson also claimed that he was attacked first and when he got up, Mr McWilliams was punching Simon.

When asked if he was involved in a sectarian attack or hurled sectarian abuse at the victim, Hobson said: No.

Under cross-examination from the prosecutor, Hobson maintained his account that he did not chase Mr McWilliams and claimed that he told police he was the victim of an assault.

When it was put to Hobson the sergeant who took his statement had not recorded anywhere that he claimed he had been the victim of an assault, the 48-year-old labelled the officer a liar.

The prosecutor put it to Hobson that he took issue with Mr McWilliams as he was wearing a Catholic orientated top but Hobson denied this.

Millar, with the same address, also gave evidence on his own behalf, and he claimed he did not hear Hobson using any term of sectarian abuse and that after the victim struck Hobson, I went to split it up.

Further claiming that Mr McWilliams grappled Hobson to the floor, Millar told the court that after he was punched on the nose, his eyes went all watery so he couldnt even hardly see.

Under cross-examination, Millar accepted that between his police statement and his evidence in court, he had changed his account about drinking alcohol that day, changed his account about seeing Hobson being punched and also about how many times he himself was punched.

While he claimed he had also told police he had been a victim of assault, again the court heard there was no record of that.

The prosecutor asked Millar whether he accepted thats the first time you have said that but he maintained, I did tell them.

Convicting the pair, Judge Ranaghan said: "I do believe he felt threatened following a deliberate sectarian comment and given his fear he does not have to wait to be struck before reacting and striking out in self defence. I think his actions that day were appropriate and proportionate.

Having had it confirmed by the prosecutor that the offences are aggravated by hostility, the judge said he would give the pair a chance and order a pre-sentence report.

Judge Ranaghan freed Hobson and Millar on bail, and ordered them to come back to court to be sentenced on September 26.

A police landrover at the scene in Portadown, where Robert Hamill was killed

Robert Hamill was beaten by a loyalist mob in the early hours of April 27, 1997. He died nearly two weeks later on May 8.

His murder was the subject of a public inquiry because it was alleged that four police officers were positioned in a vehicle near the scene of the attack, but did not intervene.

A total of six individuals were charged with the murder but the PPS withdrew against five.

Hobson proceeded to trial in June 1999 and although the case was dropped and Hobson was acquitted of the murder, he was handed a four-year sentence for affray.
Ms Moore (46) and Abbigael (8) of Cois Coille, Kilkelly Road, Swinford, Co Mayo, died instantly when their car collided with an oncoming lorry

Saturday 6th of July Swinford Co Mayo The funeral cortege of Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael Tournie Moore are carried through Swinford after the funeral mass which took place at at Our Lady Help of Christians , Swinford. The Mother and Daughter were tragically killed on the N26 road close to Swinford on Tuesday 2nd July. Photo Conor McKeown

The father of a little girl who died alongside her mother in a collision between their car and a lorry, wrote a letter offering his heartfelt support to the lorry driver.

There were emotional scenes at the inquest of Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael Tournie Moore, who lost their lives in the accident on the N26 in Mayo on July 2 last year.

Ms Moore (46) and Abbigael (8) of Cois Coille, Kilkelly Road, Swinford, Co Mayo, died instantly when their car collided with an oncoming lorry despite efforts by both drivers to avoid impact, the inquest heard.

Coroner for Mayo, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald, returned a verdict of accidental death for both Ms Moore and Abbigael who died after Ms Moore accidentally crossed into the path of the lorry at Callow, on the N26 between Foxford and Swinford.

The inquest heard evidence from a witness who was travelling behind Ms Moore, who saw her car miss a left-hand bend and veer into the path of the lorry on the opposite side.

Martin Crean, a HGV driver with West Coast Express in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, struggled to contain his composure throughout the inquest and as he described the moments before the collision.

The court heard Mr Creans Scania articulated lorry and Ms Moores Toyota Avensis car were both in perfect working order before the collision.

The inquest heard that as Mr Crean neared the bend, Ms Moore crossed in front of him and hit a grass verge and she manoeuvred back across the road.

At the same time, Mr Crean braked hard, but as he was pulling a 45-foot trailer it caused the lorry to jackknife out of control.

Both Ms Moore and her daughter, who were the only occupants of the car, suffered extensive injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Saturday 6th of July Swinford Co Mayo The funeral cortege of Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael Tournie Moore are carried through Swinford after the funeral mass which took place at at Our Lady Help of Christians , Swinford. The Mother and Daughter were tragically killed on the N26 road close to Swinford on Tuesday 2nd July. Photo Conor McKeown

Mr Crean wept and was comforted by his wife as Dr Fitzgerald read a letter written by Abbigaels father, Arnaud Tournie, to the inquest at Ballina courthouse, at his request.

Mr Tournie wrote the letter with the full weight of a fathers sorrow, but also with a sincere desire to offer Mr Crean some comfort.

My daughter and her mother, Abbigael and Aisling, lost their lives in the tragic accident, and since then my life  and our lives  have been turned upside down, Mr Tournie wrote.

No words can express the depth of my grief. Yet, despite this immense pain, I want you to know that I do not hold you responsible for this tragedy.

I understand how deeply such an event can mark the life of someone who, through no fault of their own, becomes part of it. That is why I want to extend my heartfelt support to you. I know you must carry this image with you every day, and that it cannot be easy  for you or your loved ones.

I do not want you to be consumed by guilt, because this accident was neither the result of negligence nor of any wrongdoing on your part.

You did what you could, and no one is ever truly prepared for such a moment. It is a tragedy  unfathomable and unfair  for all of us.

Please receive these words as a gesture of compassion, of humanity, and, I hope, a small measure of solace. I wish you, with time, the inner peace needed to move forward and to honour, in your own way, the memory of these two beautiful souls taken too soon.

The inquest heard the mother and daughter had spent a few days at the Ocean Sands Hotel in Enniscrone and were returning home to Swinford to prepare for Abbigael to spend time with her father in France.

The accommodation manager at the hotel, Johnny Burke, recalled saying goodbye as they left the hotel that day.

Mr Burke said he later heard a woman and child had been killed close to Swinford and got a bad feeling.

He said he rang Swinford garda station, but they would not confirm their identities, but I knew, he said.

I didnt sleep a wink that night, he added.

Garda John Naughton, who examined the scene, explained that conditions were dry at the time and speed was not a factor.

He said an examination of Mr Creans tachograph found no breaches. It also showed that in the seconds up to and including impact, he had slowed from 80km to 43km per hour.

Gda Naughton said braking hard caused the lorry to jackknife and there was no way Mr Crean could recover control.

Sergeant John Melia, who led the investigation, said Mr Crean was tested for alcohol and drugs following the accident and found to be negative for both.

Dr Tamas Nemeth, pathologist in Mayo University Hospital, said both deaths were due to injuries sustained during the accident.

Sympathising with the family, Dr Fitzgerald recorded verdicts of accidental death.

She also expressed sympathy with Mr Crean and hoped he takes comfort in Mr Tournies letter.

Dr Fitzgerald also commended the vast work done by gardai and led by Sgt Melia.

Court presenter Sergeant Sean McHale also expressed sympathy to Mr Tournie and the Moore family along with Mr Crean and all the witnesses who gave evidence. He said it was evident the tragedy had been traumatic for everybody.

He also commended his colleagues in the gardai and the emergency services.
Blood found on co-accuseds licence plates could lead to dramatic shift in investigation

Solicitors are calling for the release of John George murder suspect Jonny Smyth after it emerged blood was found on number plates belonging to his co-accused Michal Maly.

We can reveal lawyers acting for the 27-year-old Newtownabbey man, who has been in Spanish custody for six months now without charge, were able to question Maly last week about what he knew about the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr George.

And we can also reveal that Spanish cops investigating the murder have made a dramatic breakthrough by accessing previously locked mobile phones.

Czech national Maly was arrested earlier this year and appeared in court as a murder suspect but the 32-year-old was released on bail and has yet to be charged with any offence. It is believed he has denied all involvement in the murder.

Smyth pictured with murder victim John George

Smyth (27) was eventually arrested in Portugal having gone on the run before being extradited back to Spain where he has also been named as a suspect and held on remand in prison  but like Maly has not yet been charged with any offence. He has also denied being involved in Mr Georges murder.

Mr George, a father of two who was facing drug charges back home and who was struggling with addiction, was shot dead and his body was left in a rural area around December 14, although his body wasnt discovered for several weeks.

During a special hearing last week at Torrevieja courthouse it emerged that a report into blood samples discovered on license plates inside the vehicle belonging to Czech national Maly had yet to be returned to the court despite samples being sent for tests back in January.

John George

Its not known if those blood stains belong to 29-year-old murder victim Mr George or not but Smyths lawyers are pushing for the forensics report to be sent to the court immediately and have even filed a motion compelling the forensic report to be sent to the court.

His lawyer Francisco Botella has said in his motion to the court that they are formally requesting that a reminder is sent to the laboratory dealing with the samples.

He says, in that motion, if the blood samples turn out to belong to John George it could constitute a dramatic shift in the investigation and its understood should that be the case it could be hugely beneficial to his client Jonny Smyth.

And the Sunday World can also reveal Spanish police were able to access three phones belonging to Maly which, until now, had been locked  with Maly claiming he couldnt remember the passcodes necessary for opening them.

Czech national Michal Maly

Michal Maly had three phones seized when his house was raided by police during his arrest, said a source.

But he has always said he couldnt remember the PIN numbers to access them. But that changed in court last week when he was being questioned by Jonny Smyths solicitor.

When it was said that the phones in question were iPhones it was made clear that those phones have facial recognition and from that the phones were held up to Michal Malys face with his agreement and the phones can now be accessed.

But the team supporting Smyth are becoming increasingly frustrated that he remains in jail without charge six months after his arrest while Maly is on bail.

Jonny Smyth

Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th

They are pushing for Smyth to either be charged or released on bail and believe the fact blood was found on number plates found inside Malys car could prove to be decisive in getting him released.

The motion filed by his legal team states: The Civil Guard Report (Annex IV) includes a Forensic Laboratory report no. 2025-105301-03, in which, following the discovery of bloodstains on the license plates found inside the vehicle 0241 MWZ, the samples were sent to the SECRIM Biology Department for DNA profiling and comparison with the known DNA of the victim John Joseph Hardy.

If it is confirmed that the blood found on the license plates belongs to the victim, it would constitute a drastic shift in the procedural situation as it currently stands, since up until now, the incoherent version of events provided by the suspect Mr Michal Maly has been accepted, even though his procedural conduct (yesterday he refused to testify) appears incompatible with the innocence he claims, as he who has nothing to hide should have nothing to fear.

Jonny Smyth who is currently being held in Spain in connection with the John George murder

Given the importance of the aforementioned report, and considering that no less than six months have passed since the samples were sent to the Laboratory, we hereby request: That a formal reminder be issued to the Biology Department  SECRIM, urging them to immediately send to the court the DNA comparison report mentioned above, and, once received, that it be urgently forwarded to this party.

Maly appeared at a court in Torrevieja in Spain, before an investigating judge, in a behind-closed-doors hearing in January.

As part of his bail conditions, he had to surrender his passport. He isnt allowed to leave the jurisdiction and must report daily to police.

Jonny Smyth and Madison Allen

Former gym owner Smyth fled his apartment in Spain during the police investigation and he and his then partner Madison Allen rented a property in Portugal until Johns campaigning father Billy George tracked them down and he was arrested and returned to Spain.

After being brought back to Spain, Smyth was initially held in a remand prison near the border town of Badajoz in Spains south-west Extremadura region after being driven across the frontier by armed cops.

Madison Smyth, wife of Jonny Smyth who is in jail in Spain in connection with the murder of John George

Madison Allen

In June it emerged Madison had got married to Smyth in a secret wedding in Gibraltar.

The couple sneaked off to a private ceremony in Gibraltar while Spanish cops were on the hunt for Smyth.

Madison, from north Belfast, told the Sunday World she had wanted to keep their marriage private so as not to upset anyone but that someone had got wind of it and so she wanted to let the world know.

Madison told the Sunday World the couple are entitled to conjugal visits which last three hours.
Gangster faces trial over pink cocaine haul

Gangster John Gilligan is so desperate to get out of jail that he has organised a begging message which is being spread across WhatsApp groups.

Gilligan has been banged up in prison in Spain since he was nabbed in a swoop on a pink cocaine ring in Alicante.

He was placed in custody last December but it is understood he already owed a lawyer money from previous court appearances and has nothing left in the bank to pay the bill.

The message which is being shared across Alicante and Ireland reads:

My name is **** I am a good friend of John Gilligan, he is 73, and in prison in Spain broke. John helped loads in his life and now he needs help money wise, no amount too small.

Please share this WhatsApp wth you friend an how Johns friends get to see it. To sent to lawyers bank account (Details given). RE John Gilligan. Money gram, western union or bank transfers.

Spanish police arrest John Gilligan

Gilligan is more than eight months behind bars in Forcalent but under Spanish law it could take up to four years before he is even charged with an offence as magistrates take on police investigations and review the findings before charges are levelled.

Gilligan had previously hoped his former partner, Sharon Oliver, would hand around his begging bowl after he was nabbed in her two-bedroom apartment with a large quantity of pink cocaine and another synthetic substance.

He had been living in the property rent free after she had returned to England following her own arrest on a previous drug offence which resulted in a fine for Gilligan and a suspended sentence. Oliver was ultimately cleared in court of involvement in Gilligans drugs business.

Friends say Gilligan is washed up, broke and hoping that his begging text will urge former associates to dig deep and help.

He was once Irelands biggest drug dealer before his gang murdered journalist Veronica Guerin and he got a massive sentence for cannabis trafficking.

After his release from jail he was shot and ended up in the protection of associates of the McCarthy- Dundon gang in the UK as he recovered, a set up that was a huge drain on what finances he had left.

He eventually moved back to Spain where he once owned a number of properties as well as the pub, The Judges Chambers.

The text asking for people to give cash to Gilligan

There he has been low level street dealing and was arrested when police discovered a mail order cannabis and tablet operation he was running.

Despite a short time in custody he was able to secure bail and all but beat those charges. He recorded a lengthy documentary interview after his release insisting he had nothing to do with the murder of Veronica Guerin.

However last December his luck ran out and he was arrested following a lengthy surveillance operation by police investigating a pink cocaine factory.

While Spanish magistrates tend to be lenient on cannabis charges there is no such soft approach to synthetic drug dealing.

Gilligans visitors have been few at Forcalent prison where he was held over Christmas, New Year and throughout this summer. Sharon Oliver had visited him initially but it is understood that she suspected he had been with another woman in her absence and while he was living in her home.

John Gilligan speaking to reporter Nicola Tallant after a court appearance

While the quantity of drugs involved in the investigation was massive ledgers that Gilligan was keeping suggest he was only a small cog in the wheel, collecting small debts and even street dealing and delivering small consignments himself for a larger group.

The begging text began to circulate earlier this summer and those who received it were urged to send it on to their own WhatsApp groups.

However, Gilligan already needed to pay off his debts from previous court appearances before he can even consider applying for bail.

The Spanish police operation leading to Gilligans December 18 arrest was named Operation Overlord and involved officers from elite Spanish police anti-drug units, including one person based in the province of Murcia south of Alicante as well as the UKs National Crime Agency.

Drugs (above) and (below) a gun seized from Gilligans property by Spanish police

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A spokesman for the National Police in Murcia said in the forces first statement after Gilligans arrest, where he wasnt named but was described as a member of the Irish mafia, that: The National Police has dismantled a synthetic drugs lab.

Nine people have been arrested, including the leader of the criminal organisation, a man belonging to the Irish mafia who had expanded his criminal activities to several parts of the eastern Spanish coast and continually changed home between the provinces of Murcia and Alicante to hinder his localisation.

According to reports in the Spanish media, police also recovered hand-written notes left behind by Gilligan in which he detailed his various drug deals and begs for cash to pay my bills.

Bizarrely, Gilligan appears to have put himself in legal difficulty by leaving exact notes about his drug-dealing operation.

In the notes, the gangster had allegedly jotted down the details of some of his customers and other dealers, in code.

He refers to a Jaime, 777, EBBS, Villa, John, Taxi Mark while keeping note of payments made, the quantities of drugs delivered, and even agreements with other drug traffickers.

Hi, Bud. Have a new deal for you, reads a page in one of the notebooks seized by police. Along with ketamine he was getting for 170 euros an ounce here there is an offer to you now 10oz for 1000.

John Gilligan is banged up in Spanish prison

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August

He also has pink Tusi also known as pink cocaine, that he was getting for 28g for 280 euros, adding they in 1 gram bag.

I can give you 3 ounces and 9 1kg bags for 400 euros, he offers.

Total cash for this deal is 1400.00 but the man who was once behind multi-million drug deals angles for a quick sale, adding: I need cash to pay my bills ASAP.

However, he adds if cant (sic), cool, bud.

Spanish police claim they recovered numerous chemical products, precursors and laboratory material or equipment was discovered during the raids.

They stated this confirmed the existence of a criminal organisation dedicated to establishing clandestine synthetic drug laboratories in our territory.

During the operation, the National Police seized more than 16 kilograms of Tusi; 2.5 kilos of cocaine; 540 litres of precursors; 93.5 kilograms of cutting substances for the production of synthetic drugs and a 75-litre drum of methylamine.

The seized drugs could have reached a value on the illicit market of between four and eight million euros.
Serious concerns have been raised over the circumstances surrounding the arrest and death of John Fennessy

This is the highly respected factory manager who died in Ecuador four days after he was arrested during a 600,000 drug bust in the country.

Serious concerns have been raised over the circumstances surrounding the arrest and death of John Fennessy (64), a native of Edenderry, Co Offaly, as sources say he had no prior involvement in criminality of any kind.

John, and a younger 22-year-old associate who is not from Edenderry, were arrested by officers from the Policia Nacional del Ecuador on August 1 at Guayaquil Airport after 15kg of cocaine was discovered in suitcases being transported to Madrid.

Authorities said they also seized two firearms, more than 50 rounds of ammunition, cash and four mobile phones, as well as GPS devices.

John Fennessy seen with his younger travelling companion

Both men were brought before an investigating magistrate and remanded in custody, with officials specifying that this was in relation to the trafficking of illicit substances.

Tragically, and before John had an opportunity to put his case forward, the 64-year-old took ill in his cell and passed away.

Its suspected he died as a result of a heart attack.

When the Sunday World called to the home of a brother of Johns on Thursday of this week, he declined to comment.

However, local sources said there is a feeling of incredulity in the town that a man with Johns background, education and work ethic would be arrested in circumstances of this nature.

Hes gone from Edenderry more than 20 years, one local told the Sunday World.

But he still has a lot of family here including brothers and his oldest son who still lives in the town.

His son would be in his 30s and like all that family would be very highly respected and well liked.

Seized firearms in evidence bags

Because of the circumstances, people are reluctant to speak about it, but the family will have the full support of everyone in the town.

People are incredulous really, they feel something is very off about this and are just hopeful that the Department of Foreign Affairs will get some answers for Johns family.

A spokesperson for Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said we dont comment when contacted by this newspaper. However, in a statement issued earlier in the week the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

Its understood efforts are being made to seek the release and repatriation of Johns remains to Ireland  while consular assistance has been offered to the younger man who remains in custody.

The countrys interior ministry announced details of the arrest earlier this month, saying the men were detained on August 1 for allegedly trafficking illicit controlled substances.

The ministry also published pictures of the drugs operation, showing blurred images of the two men surrounded by Ecuadorian police.

It also showed pictures of the cocaine blocks, a digital weighing scale, a revolver, a handgun and ammunition.

The interior ministry said the national directorate of anti-drug investigations, in co-ordinated work with other units, conducted an anti-narcotics inspection in which they detected suitcases containing 15 packages of controlled substances bound for Madrid.

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Ecuadors Policia Nacional said it prevented the shipment of 15 drug packages to Madrid valued at approximately $700,000 [600,000].

During a controlled operation carried out in Guayaquil, police personnel apprehended two foreign citizens who were transporting 15 blocks contained 14,730 grams of cocaine hidden in their luggage, the police said.

With this action, the commercialisation of approximately 147,300 doses of drugs was prevented.

Ecuador has become one of the largest exporters of cocaine to Europe in recent years

It added that the estimated value of the cocaine on the European market was $688,627.50.

Ecuador has become one of the largest exporters of cocaine to Europe in recent years, despite not growing the illicit drug.

Drugs are normally trafficked in from neighbouring Colombia or Brazil, before being moved onwards to transit hubs in Europe.

The use of drug mules has also become less common, with criminal gangs focusing on shipping multi-tonne shipments across the Atlantic.

In 2024, Spain reported its largest ever seizure of cocaine (13 tonnes) in a single shipment, concealed in bananas originating from Guayaquil.

John Fennessy died shortly after appearing before magistrates

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August
Friend of self-proclaimed saint defends her regular visits to gambling den as a one-off

Fake visionary Christina Gallagher has bizarrely claimed the money she spent gambling on slot machines was a birthday present from her pal Noel Guinan, who innocently spotted the casino and thought the one-arm bandits would cheer her up.

The Sunday World recently revealed how the self-proclaimed visionary, who has convinced followers to hand over millions to her organisation by claiming their donations will offer them holy protection, has been gambling on slot machine casinos for years.

Gallagher, who has lived a life of luxury in multi-million-euro mansions with facilities including hot tubs, private lakes, swimming pools and gyms, founded the House of Prayer in Achill, Co Mayo in 1993 and has since expanded to the US.

When we confronted Gallagher in Dr Quirkeys in Phisboro, Dublin in June as she was gambling away on a big money slot machine.

Christina pictured again recently in the same casino

House of Prayer's Christina Gallagher is confronted by reporter Alan Sherry in a casino

As soon as our reporter identified himself and asked Gallagher if her followers knew about her secret hobby, she grabbed a winning docket and stuffed it in her pocket before leaving the machine.

I only come the odd time, she said, before denying she used any donations to gamble.

As we continued to quiz her, she walked to another machine in the casino where former House of Prayer company secretary and Christinas close confidant Noel Guinan was playing.

The pair then made a bee-line for the exit before getting in a 7- Series BMW and driving away.

But now, The House of Prayer and Noel Guinan have given an explanation for what happened.

In a message posted on Gallaghers own website, which has not been available in Ireland since the casino incident but is still online in the US, the House of Prayer attacked the Sunday World claiming it had tried to mislead people and discredit Christina Gallaghers reputation.

The message claimed Gallagher was in ill-health after suffering two mini strokes and two heart attacks over the years and had an iron transfusion a few days before and was due to have another one the following day.

Noel Guinan, who had little to say on the day we approached him, also attacked our coverage and said the casino was his idea.

On the day before the second procedure  which was in fact her birthday  I treated her to lunch as a birthday gift.

From our conversation, I gathered how worried she really was about having to undergo the procedure again. I was just trying to think of something else to distract her. On the way back to her home, I innocently spotted a place where there were slot machines, and I thought that might help to distract her a little.

Gallagaher at one of her House of Prayer visionary events

When we went inside, I gave her some money to put into a machine. I emphasise  I gave her the money myself. We were there for a short time when I heard her call my name. I turned to see two men standing beside her, telling her they were from a particular newspaper. They were repeatedly berating her with questions all the way back to the car as we left.

I was so shocked, in fact, at the whole incident that I nearly collapsed myself.

Come Sunday, I was horrified at the article the tabloid in question had published. Most frightening of all was to think that she was being investigated for four months, according to them. From what I see, she can have no social outlet, as everyone is entitled to and most people take for granted, the post concluded.

Despite Guinans suggestion that they were just passing the casino and went in out of the blue, regular gamblers there told the Sunday World the pair had been visiting for around a year and said Gallagher would have wads of cash in her hand as she pumped money into machines.

Today, we are also publishing pictures of Gallagher gambling at the casino in February shortly before Lent.

Guinan was also present on that night and regulars say they spotted the pair on the premises on multiple other occasions.

Christina Gallagher flees Dr Quirkeys

Guinan made no reference to these other visits in his statement, nor did he say he gave her the money to gamble on those occasions.

In a separate statement, the House of Prayer said Gallagher is suffering from serious ill health and said she has disease in her blood, liver, heart, lungs and kidneys and she also suffers severely from arthritis, which they claimed resulted from the non-stop persecution and evil attacks upon her.

Every human being is entitled to move around freely, wherever they choose, the statement read.

They are likewise free to spend their own money as they wish  in this case, a personal gift Christina received on her birthday in an effort to distract her from the dread of a most painful medical procedure due to take place on the following day.

Christina Gallagher leaves Quirkeys Casino in Phibsborough, Dublin

Studies have shown that casino gambling increases heart rate and cortisol (stress hormone) levels which can put stress on the heart.

Gallagher, who claims to have stigmata, has also told followers that she speaks directly to Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Numerous former attendees and family members have spoken of the constant pressure to donate to the House of Prayer, preferably in cash or by buying items from their shop, including a supposedly magical picture of the Virgin Mary (250), which Gallagher claims Jesus endorses and will provide holy protection in a coming apocalypse.

We pictured Christina gambling back in February

A former devotee based in the US told the Sunday World this week how he has come to believe Gallagher is not genuine and said the Houses of Prayer in New York, Florida and Minnesota were losing followers in their droves in recent months.

This is cult of personality and has nothing to do with God, love, fellowship or the Church... It is not what is advertised and it is a tragic thing in these uncertain times.

 The source, who asked to remain anonymous, added that the picture of Mary was one of the most spiritually dangerous things there for all that glitters is not gold.

It is in short a trap for the faithful. There is very little there to do with God, let alone a place to go pray. All the prayers and messages are strictly geared towards Ms Gallagher and towards providing for her needs with an or else caveat always present in these fearful times.

He said as well as being warned of the end of days coming, followers were told Gallagher is a saint.

People at the HOP thoroughly believe her statements of being a self-proclaimed saint and yet if any single person were to suffer as much as they are being told she is  this woman would be in a wheelchair constantly and not a frequent guest in the local gambling emporium.

He said the Houses of Prayer in the US are required to fill a quota and have mandatory sign-in sheets to track those attending but have been haemorrhaging followers as more is revealed about Gallagher.

No one is allowed to video tape or take notes inside. She has constantly covered her behaviours of paranoia by saying she had $1million stolen from her hence the tight security. My question is  how does a saint get $1million in the first place?

Christina pictured again recently in the same casino

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August
Gardai believe young thugs life was saved only by malfunction of weapon

The incident has echoes of the murder of gangland criminal Jason Hennessy Snr in Brownes restaurant

Innocent diners including children were left shocked when a gunman stormed a crowded restaurant armed with a handgun and targeted his criminal rivals.

One line in the Garda investigation is that a potential murder did not occur because the gun jammed.

The shocking incident happened at a well-known and respected west Dublin restaurant at 6pm on Thursday when two gangsters entered the premises.

Clondalkin gardai are investigating the incident, and sources say that it is being linked to one of a number of entangled and bitter feuds that have broken out in that locality.

Two major-league criminals were present in the restaurant with a number of women when two other men entered the premises.

Jason Hennessy Snr

It seems the target was pistol whipped, suffering a nasty facial injury, before the gun was pointed at his mates face, a source told the Sunday World.

It is not exactly clear what happened then but he then pointed the handgun at the other individual and the weapon may have jammed, and this person was not injured before the gunman and his accomplice ran out of the restaurant, the source added.

The suspects fled the scene in a suspected stolen car and no arrests have yet been made in the case.

This is one of literally hundreds of incidents that have been mostly unreported in the media in a complex web of gangland feuding in the Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown areas of the capital in the past three years.

The incident has echoes of the murder of gangland criminal Jason Hennessy Snr in Brownes restaurant

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August

The primary target of the botched restaurant attack is a 29-year-old local gangster who was recently released from prison for his role in a terrifying drug debt intimidation incident in a Munster county on behalf of his gang.

The target has previous convictions for offences such as possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as drug dealing.

He is not the smartest individual in the criminal fraternity but is absolutely up to his neck in this now, a source explained.

It is not known if the Clondalkin criminal needed hospital treatment after being struck in the face with the handgun but he refused to cooperate with detectives who rushed to the scene.

His facial injuries have been described as being substantial.

Excellent quality CCTV has been obtained by investigators which is being analysed by gardai this weekend.

The criminal who suffered head injuries after being struck by the gun was in the company of a 24-year-old man who is currently on bail after being charged with a major cocaine and cannabis haul in Clondalkin last year.

Browne's Steakhouse where a gang-related attack took place

He had been originally remanded in custody on these charges but was later granted bail and is suspected of continuing to be involved in gangland activity.

The handgun was pointed at this young criminal who sources said is building up a bit of a reputation and there may have been an attempt to shoot him except the gun potentially jammed.

Also present were a number of innocent female pals of the targeted men; however, they were not injured during the shocking incident.

All the indications are is that this part of a very localised feud, a source told the Sunday World last night.

The chief suspects are linked to a gang from the Rowalagh area of Clondalkin whose members have a litany of previous convictions including for violent assaults, intimidation and drugs offences.

This family linked gang is led by volatile young men aged in their mid and late 20s.

The incident has echoes of the brutal murder of Jason Hennessy Snr who was gunned down in a restaurant in Dublin on Christmas Eve in 2023.

Hennessy Snr, who was regarded as a member of a West Dublin crime gang, was shot at close range by gunman Tristan Sherry as he ate a meal with family and friends in Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown.

After shooting Hennessy in the packed restaurant, Sherrys gun jammed and he was disarmed and beaten to death by a group of men.
It is hoped that that any evidence obtained will allow Forensic Science Ireland to make comparisons with DNA samples

The solicitor of the late Ian Bailey has welcomed any breakthrough in the case of the murder of Sophie Tuscan du Plantier that could come from an advanced method of DNA collection.

A garda cold case team is awaiting a report on whether M Vac Systems, a US DNA collection expert which has been used in a number of murder cases in the US, could identify her killer, according to The Irish Times.

Exhibits being tested include the flat rock and large cavity block found at the scene and Ms Toscan du Plantiers dressing gown, leggings, vest and boots.

It is hoped that that any evidence obtained will allow Forensic Science Ireland to make comparisons with DNA samples from some 10 people identified as suspects during the original Garda investigation.

Speaking to RTEs This Week, solicitor Frank Buttimer said his former client had voluntarily provided DNA to establish his innocence many years ago.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer

He described it as extraordinary and worrying that any alleged link or connection could be proposed given the passage of time and the fact the late Mr Bailey is not around to defend his name.

Asked whether the information should be made public in the event Mr Baileys DNA is found at the scene, Mr Buttimer said: Im sure that in certain quarters there would be a rush to provide such information.

"Because in my belief, and certainly in my experience, that within certain sections of the police, there is still this ongoing belief that there is some kind of a link or connection between Mr Bailey and the crime that he has denied throughout his life from the time onwards that it happened, but I suspect that that would certainly emerge into the public domain for one reason or another.

He said there has always been a rush to put Mr Baileys name out there as being connected with this offence in certain quarters.

Sophie Tuscan Du Plantier. Picture by Patrick Zimmermann/AFP via Getty Images

Mr Buttimer said there would be legal implications in the event that a suspect is identified.

"Insofar as Ian Bailey is concerned, we have this thing in Irish law called the presumption of innocence. Ian Bailey is presumed innocent by the State of Ireland, he said.

"He was never prosecuted, as we know, a completely spurious case was taken against him in France, where he was found guilty, but that was a predictable event.

"Were it to be the case that DNA points the finger in some other quarter, perhaps the French who were so vigorous in their pursuit of him might take time to reflect upon what happened to Ian Bailey during the course of his life."

He said Mr Bailey was always hounded and pursued over the 27 or 28 years from the time of that dreadful crime to the time of his death, it destroyed his life.

Asked whether the DNA testing could provide a breakthrough in the case, Mr Buttimer said his understanding is that the technology has not been tested in the Irish courts.

"The one thing that would be of concern to me would have been the idea that he's just not around to defend himself, if there was any suggestion of any connection between him and the sampling.

He said DNA evidence can be challenged in certain circumstance and it is not the be all and end all of criminal investigation and forensic assessment.

"I would absolutely say that every avenue should be pursued of any inquiry that's available to get to the truth of this appalling crime, he added.

"It's a stain on on us, really, and it's a stain on our policing and our system. And if anything can be done, even at this late stage, I would absolutely welcome that.

British journalist Ian Bailey. Photo: Collins

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August
The Collopy gang have operated in Limerick city for years and his release sees the band of criminal brothers reunited on the streets for the first time in years

Vincent Collopy has been released after serving four and-a-half years

Feared gangster Vincent Collopy walked free from prison this week after serving a four-and-a-half years for cocaine dealing.

The Collopy gang have operated in Limerick city for years and his release sees the band of criminal brothers reunited on the streets for the first time in years.

Vincent was jailed for six years with the final 18 months suspended in January 2023, after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine worth 10,500 for sale or supply.

He was arrested during a Garda operation which resulted in the seizure of 1.4million worth of cocaine, heroin and tablets, on May 29, 2022.

Officers saw him throw a package from a car while they were in pursuit and he later admitted to possessing the cocaine for sale or supply.

Vincent Collopy relaxing in the sun

Vincent is considered a key member of the criminal gang that includes his brothers Brian, Kieran, Jonathon and Damien.

Another brother, Philip, who was known as a fearsome enforcer, died in 2009 when he accidently shot himself with a handgun.

Originally from St Itas Street in the Island Field area of the city, they forged a reputation in the early 1990s.

Brian Collopy effectively took over as leader as the gang controlled a significant share of the drugs business in Limerick and Munster while boss Christy Keane was in prison.

The Keanes had also fallen out with John Ryan, one of the men the Collopys blamed for an attack on their father.

In 2003, Ryan was shot dead near his Moyross home, for which Vincent Collopy, then aged 17, was a suspect along with Joe Keane, the son of Kieran Keane, murdered six months earlier. They were never charged in connection with Ryans death.

In 2010, Kieran and Damien Collopy threatened former associate Wilie Moran, who made a complaint to gardai.

A month later Brian and Vincent made further threats, leading to Brians arrest and Vincent fleeing the jurisdiction to Bulgaria.

Brian, above, and Philip Collopy, below

.

Brian, Kieran and Damien were all later convicted of making threats to kill or cause serious harm.

After a European Arrest Warrant was issued for Vincent Collopy, Bulgarian police searched his apartment where they discovered a stash of Xanax tablets. He was subsequently convicted there before being extradited back to Ireland in 2014.

He was later convicted and jailed as well for making threats to Willie Moran.

Last year, Raymond Collopy faced trial on charges of possessing criminal cash along with his former partner Ciara Bradshaw (43) of Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen.

Vincent Collopy has been released after serving four and-a-half years

A garda gave evidence that the money, which was found in a sock and was vacuum-packed in three bundles, amounted to about 33,000.

He was acquitted of the offence, but the cash was subsequently declared the proceeds of crime in the High Court.

Brian and Kieran Collopy also received eight-year prison sentences in 2016 after being caught red-handed as they prepared heroin for sale.

The Sunday World previously reported how the Collopys have been targeted by CAB and in 2019 Brian got a 1.3million tax demand handed to him in prison.

Prior to that CAB seized a house he owned in Fedamore as part of a 470,000 demand.

Vincent Collopy has been released after serving four and-a-half years

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August
New York Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters three men were killed

Three people are dead and several are wounded after a shooting in a crowded New York City club early on Sunday morning.

Investigators believe one or more people opened fire with multiple weapons at the Taste Of The City Lounge in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Crown Heights after "a dispute" just before 3.30am.

New York Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters three men were killed.

She said officers are investigating at least 36 shell casings from the lounge, as well as a firearm that was discovered in a nearby street, describing it as "a terrible shooting that occurred in the city of New York".

Eight men and three women are being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, she said.

The ages the victims range from 27 to 61.

The shooting comes amid a record low year for gun violence in New York City

"We have the lowest numbers of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year that we've seen on record in the city of New York," Ms Tisch said.

"Something like this is, of course, thank God an anomaly and it's a terrible thing that happened this morning, but we're going to investigate and get to the bottom of what went down."

Stock image. Photo: Douglas Sacha

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August
Her partner Mick Lynch and daughter Megan only found out when a WhatsApp message arrived afterwards from Pegasos

The family and friends of Maureen Slough gathered yesterday in a small church in the rural town of Mullagh in Co Cavan looking at the urn containing her ashes, still stunned as to how this bizarre situation arose.

In early July, Maureen (58) ended her own life in a Swiss facility run by a group called Pegasos, apparently overseen by volunteers she did not know, and a dog, while Spotify played Amazing Grace by Elvis Presley in the background.

Her partner Mick Lynch and daughter Megan only found out when a WhatsApp message arrived afterwards from Pegasos.

She was then cremated, and the urn containing her ashes was posted home like a parcel containing something bought on the internet.

Maureen Slough became tracking number CF128182270CH.

In response to queries from the Sunday World, the clinic said it has now changed its procedures for unaccompanied applicants.

It will no longer accept unaccompanied applicants with living family members unless they provide copies of their next of kins passport and allow representatives of the clinic to meet them in a video call.

News of Maureens death, and the manner in which she died, has once again prompted debate on the divisive subject of assisted dying.

Should a person with a terminal illness be allowed to take their own life? What if they are terminally ill but are physically unable to trigger whatever mechanism or device will end their lives  would someone else be able to trigger it instead?

The Pegasos building in Roderis, Switzerland

What about someone who is not terminally ill but suffering unbearable pain through illness, a pain that is making their lives unliveable? What about someone who is not ill, but elderly and tired of living as they foresee a life of declining health and autonomy?

And what about someone who suffers from mental illness? Can they be deemed to be of sound mind when making these decisions?

Swiss law allows for assisted suicide, as long as the motive of those assisting with the act is not selfish, such as where there would be monetary gain.

The person requesting assistance in ending their lives must possess decision-making capacity, and they also must have control over the action of their death. In other words, they must be of sound mind and be able to trigger the action that will end their lives.

Assisted dying in certain circumstances is also legal in New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada and the US state of Oregon.

Dignitas is the group that is probably most widely known for providing the service of assisted dying in Europe.

If my mother provided Pegasos with a phone number for me, why didnt they ring me on that number to find out if I knew of her plan in advance?

Established as a not-for-profit members society in Switzerland in 1998, between 2003 and 2023 Dignitas provided an assisted suicide service for 13 people from Ireland. Many of its clients, more than a third, travel from Germany, followed by the UK and France.

Since its inception, it has assisted in more than 4,000 deaths for people from 67 countries as far away as Peru, Malaysia, Russia, the US and Uruguay. But there are other assisted suicide clinics in Switzerland, and it is the Pegasos group that has been under the spotlight in recent weeks since Maureen Sloughs death. It is being criticised for allegedly allowing someone with a mental illness to take their life without the knowledge of her family. The family of UK teacher Alastair Hamilton, who took his life at a Pegasos clinic in 2023, say they were told afterwards by Pegasos that it would change its procedures to ensure that certain family members know of their loved ones wishes before assisting their death.

But in January this year, the family of Anne Canning, from Wales, only learned of her death after she ended her life. They say Pegasos said it had attempted to contact a family member. Annes family argue that attempting to contact someone is not the same as actually contacting them.

Anne Canning died at the Pegasos clinic in January

Now Maureen Sloughs daughter Megan is asking the same questions as she holds a funeral service for her mother. Pegasos has said it received a letter from Megan saying she was aware of her mothers wishes, and that it verified the letter using an email address supplied by Maureen.

Megan insists she did not write any letter or provide any email address to Pegasos. Whether Maureen herself wrote the letter and created the email account used for verification or not, we will probably never know. But Megan asks: If my mother provided Pegasos with a phone number for me, to which a message would be sent following her death, why didnt they ring me on that number to find out if I knew of her plan in advance?

The clinic has now decided that in future it will no longer accept unaccompanied applicants with living family members unless they provide copies of their next of kins passport and allow the clinic to contact them in a video call.

A spokesman for the clinic said: We take great issue with any allegations that we are acting without regulation or unethically. Pegasos has always complied and will continue to comply with Swiss law without exception.

A Pegasos representative said each assisted death required careful prior assessment and the clinic requested medical and psychiatric reports. The applicant talks to a doctor/psychiatrist during the application process, and is interviewed again by a doctor on the day before the assisted death takes place.

Unanswered questions: Maureen Slough with her daughter Megan

Two families whose loved ones ended their lives at a Swiss clinic in secret have said they are heartbroken that another family has been put through a similar ordeal

The total cost for a voluntary assisted death with Pegasos is approximately 10,000 Swiss Francs (10,490).

We have become aware of a few instances, where we had credible assurances by the patient that they had informed family members or had put us in contact with real family members, when in fact they had not, as it later turned out.

In response to these incidents, a clinic spokesman said Pegasos had incorporated additional steps to the application process.

A spokesperson for Dignitas said its own principle is that: One should not set upon a long journey without careful preparation and one should not set upon such a journey without having appropriately said goodbye to loved ones. People are always advised to speak with their loved ones, involve them in the process, ask them to be companions on the journey and to be present at a physician-supported accompanied/assisted suicide (PSAS) in Switzerland, they said.

But they add that the freedom and right to shape and determine the course of ones life, in the frame of what the law permits, also includes the freedom and right of a person to choose whom they inform about their decisions, which includes the decision to make use of PSAS.

It advises people to speak with their loved ones and involve them in the process. But it says that any organisation, for legal and confidentiality reasons, cannot disclose information and/or data to third parties  be it family or friends or anyone else  without explicit consent of the person concerned. The motives for not wanting to inform family members, and others, may vary.

They may range from being afraid of negative personal repercussions due to family estrangement, threats, stigma, etc, to wanting to protect loved ones from the negative impact of absurd local laws which threaten with legal consequences those who compassionately support someone to have a legal voluntary assisted death abroad, the spokesperson said.

The Swiss non-profit end-of-life-choices support groups, which provide people from Ireland, and any other country, with the option of legally exercising their right and freedom to decide on time and manner of their own end of life, only do so because these countries  in this case, Ireland  deprive people of this right and freedom.

Governments are accused by the group of dragging their feet in legalising what a majority of the public wishes for: legal options to end ones own suffering at home.

Back in 2012, university lecturer Marie Fleming and her partner Tom Curran tried to have the law here changed so that Marie, who had a very aggressive form of MS, could be helped to end her own life at a time of her choosing.

The case prompted the first real public debate on assisted dying in Ireland. Marie and Tom became the faces of that debate, and they ultimately lost in court. Marie died in December 2013.

Im very disappointed that more than 10 years after Maries death, we still do not have legislation on this, Tom Curran said. The last government put the committee (on assisted dying) together and it made favourable recommendations, but the new Dail has sat on that and done nothing.

He also spoke about how the whole arena of assisted dying is full of grey areas, and he said future prosecutions will probably be the way any new law is tested.

He feels there needs to be much more discussion about definitions of terms like assisting a person who wants to die, so that there is clarity around that issue: Currently it is illegal to assist someone to take their life. But what is assistance?

If an Aer Lingus pilot knew one of their passengers was going to Switzerland to end their life, would they be assisting them by flying them there? Is the moral support of a loved one assistance? There is no black and white here, says Curran.

Suicide has been decriminalised here since 1993, and yet it is a criminal act to assist someone to do something which is no longer a crime. Its a strange law, he adds.

Following seismic shifts in Irish constitutional rights such as abortion rights and the introduction of gay marriage, assisted dying now stands as the next divisive issue that Ireland must confront.

Yet, just like those other polarising issues, successive governments have been accused of kicking the can down the proverbial road. Despite various reports, taskforces and proposed Bills, it remains a thorny topic that no one is prepared to ultimately deal with.

The case brought by Marie Fleming against the government seemed like the first step along that road.

Im very disappointed that more than 10 years after Maries death, we still do not have legislation on this: Tom Curran and Marie Fleming in 2013. Photo: Mark Condren

Her legal team claimed the Section 2.2 of the Criminal Law (Suicide) Act, which renders it an offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure the suicide of another, was unconstitutional. This was rejected by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, and the offence still carries a sentence of up to 14 years in prison.

The issue then gathered momentum. In 2015, a private members bill on assisted dying was proposed by ex-TD and minister John Halligan. In 2018, as debate on the issue continued to grow, the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality recommended that the Oireachtas consider referring the issue of assisted dying to the Citizens Assembly for further consideration. This did not happen.

More recently, former People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny sponsored the Dying with Dignity Private Members Bill in October 2020, and the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill in 2024, neither of which progressed.

A Special Oireachtas Joint Committee on Assisted Dying was eventually established in 2023, and it published its 96-page report in March 2024, based on sittings over six months, where they heard from over 70 witnesses, including experts in law, ethics, medicine, disability, palliative care, and psychiatry.

The report details 38 specific recommendations for the potential legalisation of assisted dying in specific circumstances, chiefly that the legislation would allow for assisted dying for individuals with terminal illnesses expected to cause death within six months  or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions.

It also recommended the establishment of an independent body to oversee all assisted dying applications, as well as increased funding for palliative care, and enhanced research into economic disadvantage and health inequalities.

The recommendations were supported by only nine of the committees 14 members, and three published a dissenting minority report. In October of last year, however, the Dail voted to accept the report, with 76 votes in favour and 53 against. Members were allowed a free or conscience vote on the issue.

An organisation known as Irish Doctors supporting Medical Assistance in Dying (IDsMAID) represents medical professionals in Ireland who advocate for the choice to access voluntary assisted dying, which they say is now available in 17 countries. A proposed model for how assisted dying might work in Ireland was drawn up by the group following the Dail acceptance of the Oireachtas joint committees report.

The obvious opponents would be the Catholic Church, but also the palliative medicine community, who have sought to clarify their role and how people are medicated at the end of their lives. Disability rights advocates have also expressed their concerns.

Yet public opinion has shifted considerably in the past two decades. An Amarach poll for RTEs Claire Byrne Show in 2021 found that 74pc of people would be in favour of legislation that would allow assisted dying under certain circumstances.

It seems unlikely, however, that the Government will move forward with any such legislation.
The free event at Merrion Square came despite a separate celebration being called off following concern over recent attacks on the Indian community

Hundreds of people have participated in an event marking India Day in Dublin, as gardai and the Government sought to assure the community it was taking action against racially motivated crime.

The free event at Merrion Square came despite a separate celebration being called off following concern over recent attacks on the Indian community.

Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan has expressed concern over totally unacceptable attacks on the Indian community, adding that the majority appear to have been carried out by young people.

Mr OCallaghan said he engaged extensively with the Garda commissioner on the matter, and senior investigating officers had been assigned to investigate all reported incidents.

Event organizer Sanjeeb Barik with a statue of the Indian deity Jagannath as people attend the India Day Festival at Merrion Square Park, Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Sundays celebration, organised for Indias 79th independence day, featured music, dance, food stalls, exhibition stands and a range of cultural activities.

Sanjeeb Barik, the secretary of organising group the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, said the event had gone well amid fantastic and beautiful weather.

Lots of people are here, theres food and dancing and lots of fun.

Asked about the engagement with Government and gardai, Mr Barik said the event had received good support.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Naturally, because there has been so many incidents there was some concern.

We have been actively discussing with ministers, junior ministers and the Minister of Justice and they have all assured us that appropriate safety measures would be in place  and they are.

Were working very closely to make sure everyone would be safe and, importantly, that it would be enjoyable for everyone.

Mr Barik said they wanted to go ahead with the celebrations to send a message about the importance of standing together.

It has been a challenging time but the main thing is to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage

There are people from all backgrounds here  Indian, Irish and others  from all over the the island.

It is about the strength of bonding and sowing the richness of India and Irelands multicultural spirit.

From left, Areet Kaur Chandi, seven, Japleen Kaur, 10, and Preety Singh, eight, join the festivities for India Day in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

He added: We are saying come together, stand together. Celebrate unity and diversity  and I hope that will continue.

Inspector Ciaran Nunan from the Garda diversity unit said hate crimes are attacks on the whole community.

The mission statement of An Garda Siochana is keeping people safe, and this refers to individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

It also now includes hate crime. Hate crime is not just an attack on a person, its an attack on the community.

An Garda Siochana is very aware of the impact that hate crime has upon individuals and communities, and we take it very, very seriously.

Since our last India Day celebration last year, we now have hate crime legislation in force and were applying that legislation at every opportunity  but we need people to report incidents of hate crime to us so that we can then take them on board and react to those.

Entertainment was part of the festivities in Merrion Square Park (Niall Carson/PA)

He added: So I would encourage everybody or anybody that perceives to be a victim of a hate crime to please report it to An Garda Siochana, and allow us to continue what were doing and work with our communities to keep people safe. The Dublin event was attended by Akhilesh Mishra, ambassador of India to Ireland, and Minister of State Emer Higgins.

The Ireland India Council, a separate group, said there had been an organised social media campaign against the Indian community in the country and the number of violent attacks has intensified since January.

Last week, it said it took the difficult decision to postpone its planned event at Farmleigh House over concerns for the safety of the community.

People celebrating at the India Day Festival at Merrion Square Park, Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Today's News in 90 Seconds - 17 August
Nominations for seats up for grabs at this years local body elections closed last Friday.

In the Te Puke district, elections will take place to find three Western Bay of Plenty District councillors to represent the Maketu -Te Puke ward.

Voters will also elect four members of the Maketu Community Board and the expanded Te Puke-East Community Board.

In the case of the Te Puke-East board, the geographic area has been divided with three representatives to be found from the Te Puke subdivision and two from the Eastern subdivision.

Two councillors from the ward will be appointed to the Te Puke-East Community Board and one to the Maketu Community Board.

For the Maketu -Te Puke Ward, current councillors Andy Wichers, Laura Rae and Grant Dally have again thrown their hats into the ring.

Wichers was elected for the first time at the 2022 local body elections while Rae was elected in a by-election after the death of councillor Richard Crawford.

Dally was first elected to the council in 2016. Former Maketu Community Board chairman Shane Beech is another nominee.

Beech had put himself forward in 2022 but withdrew for health reasons.

He nevertheless received enough votes to have been elected to the council had he not pulled out, his withdrawal coming too late for his name to be removed from voting papers.

The other two candidates for the ward seats are Manvir Singh Mann and John Bowden.



The Western Bays community board boundaries for the 2025 local body elections. Photo / Supplied

Western Bay Deputy Mayor and long-time councillor John Scrimgeour is running for one of two vacancies in the Bay of Plenty regional councils Western Bay constituency.

There are six people contesting four seats on Maketu Community Board - Sue Elliot, Weina Moko, Stephan Simpson, Cecil (Moki) Thomas, Leni (Beau) Walters and Aleisha Waterhouse.

Four people will vie for three seats available on Te Puke-East Community Board from the Te Puke subdivision  current chairwoman Kassie Ellis, and current community board members Dale Snell and Karen Summerhays and Marara Williams.

There are only two nominations for the two seats representing the Eastern constituency  Sally Benning and Manvir Singh Mann.

There are eight people contesting the district mayoralty, current mayor James Denyer, Suaree Borell, Grant Dally, Danielle Borell Faasoo, John Holyoake, Rodney Joyce, Margaret Murray-Benge and Don Thwaites.

Three people will battle it out for the single Waka Kai Uru Maori Ward seat - Carlton Bidois, Suaree Borell and Darlene Dinsdale.

The Local Government Commissions determination on councils representation arrangements for the 2025 and 2028 elections was made in April this year.

The commission determined a hybrid structure combining key aspects of the model put forward by the council, but retaining and slightly reshaping the current community board set-up to ensure more balanced and inclusive representation.

What this means for the 2025 elections

Every voter can cast three votes: one for mayor, one for ward councillor(s), and community board members.

The councils structure will consist of a mayor and a reduced number of nine councillors:

Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward  two councillors, Kaimai Ward  three councillors, Maketu-Te Puke Ward  three councillors.

Waka Kai Uru (district-wide Maori ward)  one councillor

There will be five community boards:

Katikati Community Board: four elected community board members, one appointed councillor from the Katikati-Waihi Beach General Ward.

Waihi Beach Community Board: four elected community board members, one appointed councillor from the Katikati-Waihi Beach General Ward.

Maketu Community Board: four elected community board members, one appointed councillor from the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward.

Te PukeEastern Community Board: three elected community board members from the Te Puke Subdivision, two elected community board members from the Eastern Subdivision, two appointed councillors from the Maketu-Te Puke General Ward.

OmokoroaKaimai Community Board: two elected community board members from the Omokoroa Subdivision, two elected community board members from the Kaimai West Subdivision, two elected community board members from the Kaimai East Subdivision, two appointed councillors from the Kaimai General Ward.

A binding poll will also run alongside the 2025 election, giving the community the final say on whether the Maori ward should remain in place for future elections.
An excerpt from Disease Detectives: True Stories of NYC Outbreaks.

Dr. Westyn Branch-Elliman contributed to this chapter.

There exist within NYC, communities that feel more like a small town than a perspiring slab of metropolis. People know and speak to their neighbors, greet each other warmly on the street, and watch over each others children. Single- and two-family brick homes with small, manicured lawns line quiet streets. There is usually one small community hospital, the kind of place where youd likely run into someone you know, an employee, patient, or visitor. Dr. Anthony Quinlan was a board-certified gastroenterologist in just such an enclave. He specialized in endoscopy, procedures to detect ulcers and troublesome growths in the intestinal tract and remove them before they became troublesome. In January of 2000, he moved into a brand-new, state-of-the-art gastroenterology and endoscopy center in Brooklyn, the borough where he had gone to medical school and done residency training. It was home. His practice was rapidly growing as was his family. At fifty-two years old, he was a newly blessed father. Home was hectic and work demanding, but life was good.

It was in Dr. Quinlans tranquil community, on a breezy day at the end of April 2001, that he was asked to consult on a patient at the hospital where he was on staff as a gastroenterologist. The seventy-year-old woman happened to be known to Dr. Quinlan; in fact, she had recently been to see him for an endoscopy procedure. The woman now had fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundiceclassic symptoms of hepatitis. She had already tested negative for the most common types of viral hepatitistypes A and B. A review of her medications and recent activities made drug- or toxin-mediated hepatitis unlikely. She hadnt been tested for hepatitis C (HCV) because she didnt have any of the risk factors, such as drug use or a transfusion before blood was routinely tested. For completeness, Dr. Quinlan suggested they perform an HCV test. When the test returned positive the hospital physicians were puzzled by the results. Dr. Quinlan continued his busy medical practice but soon encountered a second, then a third patient with unexplained hepatitis. Like the first woman, both new patients were elderly, had abdominal pain, malaise, dark urine, and jaundice, and had undergone procedures in his center in the weeks before becoming ill. Neither had risk factors to explain their diagnoses of HCV. Increasingly disturbed, Dr. Quinlan could not convince himself that there wasnt a connection. He was a careful man and took his infection control training seriously. How could it have happened? He hoped there was another explanation. By the time he called the New York State Health Department to report his findings, there was a fourth case. The State referred the investigation to Dr. Layton but requested to be kept in the loop.

HCV is a virus that specifically attacks the liver. It is composed of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and is considered a blood-borne virus, transmitted by blood or body fluids, like hepatitis B and HIV. It was first recognized as a unique entity in the 1970s and was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis, until 1988, when it was identified as a new virus. Infection with HCV is often asymptomatic; only about a quarter of those who contract it have acute symptoms. But like hepatitis B, it can become chronic with long-term complications of liver cirrhosis and cancer. There is a lag between exposure and the onset of illness in those persons who develop acute infections. The lag, or incubation period when the virus is replicating but not causing any symptoms, is two to twelve weeks but can be as long as six months. Acute symptoms when they occur include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

Testing for HCV at the time of the investigation occurred in two steps. First, the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) antibody test was performed to look for evidence that the body had mounted a response to the virus. The test isnt specific, meaning other illnesses might cross-react giving a false positive result. So, if positive, the test is confirmed by a more specific test called recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The RIBA tests for RNA sequences specific to HCV. Persons recently infected and still incubating HCV might be negative on the EIA. A third test using PCR can be performed to detect viral RNA in such patients. However, not all HCV patients will have circulating RNA in their blood. In fact, about one-third of persons infected with HCV will clear the infection within six months. Patients positive for RNA can have their HCV genotyped, a useful method for distinguishing possible sources.

Dr. Mike Phillips had made a career and life change. Married to a surgeon and living in New Hampshire, he applied and was accepted to the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). EIS is a two-year public health training program for medical and epidemiology practitioners wanting to advance their skills. EIS officers are stationed either in Atlanta at the CDC or in the field at a state or city health department. Tall with blond hair and family roots in Australia, the Baltimore native had trained in infectious disease and was looking for a change of career and venue. His marriage had dissolved so when he was accepted into the EIS program he chose NYC as his assignment. Affable, hard working with attention to detail, and affectionately nicknamed Big Bird, Mike arrived in NYC in August of 2000. He was fond of saying, You know whats interesting? after which he would share something he had learned. He immediately fit in with the DDs.

On a short-sleeved May morning, Mike and I took the R train to Southeast Brooklyn. We walked several long blocks and crossed over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway until we arrived at Dr. Quinlans endoscopy center, a single-story building painted beige and shaded by trees. Dr. Quinlan was cordial, concerned, yet anxious. He showed us around and introduced us to the staff which numbered eleven: Dr. Quinlan, a second gastroenterologist who worked part-time, one anesthesiologist, one medical assistant, six office staff, and one housekeeping staff. At the moment of our arrival, we knew of eight patients with suspected HCV. All eight patients had an endoscopy procedure at the center during a narrow window between March 2831. For the initial investigation, we expanded the period of interest to eight days by adding two days before and two days after the implicated procedure dates to capture any additional cases. One of our first tasks was to confirm the diagnoses and explore all explanations for the illness. We obtained appointment books, reviewed medical charts, interviewed each staff member alone, and examined the centers infection control practices.

The prevalence of HCV in New York City was estimated in 2013 to be between 1.5 and 5 percent in a study performed by Sharon Balter and Katherine Bornschlegel. Higher rates were found in poorer communities. Worldwide the prevalence was estimated in 2016 to be 2.5 percent. Genotype 1 is the most common at 49 percent and has a worldwide distribution while genotype 3 is the second most common genotype at 18 percent, and is found mostly in India, Scandinavia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Genotype 4 ranks just behind at 17 percent and is found in Central Africa, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Genotype 2 accounts for 11 percent of cases and maps to West Africa. Genotypes 5 and 6 account for less than 5 percent and are found in South Africa and Vietnam, respectively.

HCV is primarily transmitted by the blood of infected individuals but risk factors for contracting HCV have changed over time. The ability to screen blood for HCV in the United States began in 1992, so persons who received a transfusion prior might have been exposed, particularly in countries with high HCV prevalence rates. Persons undergoing hemodialysis are at an increased risk. Sharing needles by persons using intravenous drugs is currently the primary way the disease is transmitted. Tattooing and sexual intercourse have also been implicated. HCV is not transmissible through casual contact, not through the respiratory route, nor by food.

Nosocomial transmission, which occurs in a hospital or other medical facility, of HCV has been uncommon but perplexing when it has been documented. In the early 1990s, a cardiac surgeon in Spain who was chronically infected with HCV was found to have transmitted the infection to five patients during open-heart surgery. In 1998 an anesthesiology assistant in Germany contracted HCV from a patient, and while incubating the disease, then transmitted it to five patients. The anesthesiologist had a wound on his finger before becoming infected, however, neither of these episodes have been adequately explained.

Don Weiss is an epidemiologist and author of Disease Detectives: True Stories of NYC Outbreaks.
As more than 800kg of Bay of Plenty-knitted goodies are shipped across the world to warm Eastern Europeans, back here Operation Cover-Ups co-ordinator needs her knitters to know about some new rules.

Western Bay of Plenty area co-ordinator Sharman Marsh said another successful annual collection of blankets and goods took place on July 2 in Tauranga. A total of 815kg left on July 5 from the Bay of Plenty, bound for Eastern Europe, said Marsh.

The shipped stock will go to a sorting centre in Romania where it will be distributed to Eastern European countries according to need. These items will reach the hands of Eastern Europeans before Christmas, to keep them warm in their upcoming winter.

Marsh said all contributors should pat themselves on the back. My special thanks to Central Diesel Services for the use of a large van, Farmlands Tauriko for supplying wool packs,; Mainfreight for providing transport to Auckland, and Peter and Kerry Coster for baling [the knitted items], said Marsh.

With Bay of Plenty knitters now furiously clicking needles for next Julys collection, Marsh said there are important new rules for the project that she needs crafters to be aware of.

For our next season  with the WBOP Operation Cover-Up collection day scheduled for July 2026  all knitters must know that we can only send garments that are sized for people aged 4-plus, Marsh said. We cannot accept any baby clothing.

Marsh said new government regulations in the receiving countries now require all clothing in under-4-year sizing to be sourced from within the European Union.

While not all countries we knit for are part of the EU, some are  and we fear all stock may be declined if we include anything smaller than size four, said Marsh. So please knit your hats and garments bigger this time.

Marsh also reminded knitters that wool or wool mix is the preferred yarn for garments and blankets. This is due to its warmth and water-wicking qualities. Please endeavour to use wool wherever possible. Acrylic can be used for sewing up, fancy edges and contrast patterning.

Finally, Marsh asked BOP knitters to make blankets big enough to sleep under. The recommended size is 160cm by 140cm. Smaller blankets will still be accepted, but the emphasis is on the larger size.

All goods must be new, said Marsh. We cannot send used goods due to customs regulations. However, used wool is perfectly fine to use to make a new garment.

If knitters have any questions about the new rules, they can phone Marsh on 027 2454034 or email: tsmarsh@kinect.co.nz

Please give me a call if a chat is helpful, she said.
Omokoroa student Koen McKenzie has been named as the first recipient of Momentas new award for people with lived experience of disability in the Bay of Plenty.

Koen will receive a $10,000 grant created to support disabled people across the Bay of Plenty to pursue bold personal goals.

The Live The Life You Love Award is a new initiative from Momenta, a Bay of Plenty-based charitable trust that works alongside people with disabilities to help them build a life they value.

Koen, 16, lives with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and plans to use the funds to help attend the Teen Advanced Acting Program at the New York School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA).

The world-class programme is a three-week intensive for young actors from around the globe, who get to train with industry professionals in acting, stagecraft and screen performance.



Koen working with BOP Actors studio. Photo / Supplied

He plans to travel to New York in mid-2026, in a major step toward achieving his lifelong dream of a career in the performing arts.

Applications for the inaugural award opened in April 2025 and were available for several weeks.

The opportunity was open to anyone aged 13 and over, with a disability, living in the Western or Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Momenta chief executive Shelley Blakey said the selection panel was looking for applicants who demonstrated clear ambition, personal drive and a goal that would push them outside their comfort zone.

The application process asked people to present a bold, meaningful goal. There were no strict limitations, and applicants were encouraged to dream big and think creatively. They also needed to show why it mattered to them.

We were looking for someone with passion, tenacity and a clear plan. Koens application ticked every box. His dream has been years in the making, and it was clear that this opportunity would be both life-changing for him and inspiring to others.

Hes already doing the mahi and has the heart, ambition and the follow-through. Koens a powerful example of whats possible when people with a lived experience of disability are given the tools and belief to go after a life they love.



Momenta chief executive Shelley Blakey congratulates Koen on winning the Live the Life You Love Award. Photo / Supplied

Koens passion for performing began at the age of 5.

Over the years, hes taken on lead roles in school productions, directed childrens theatre, attended the National Youth Drama School for three consecutive years, is a finalist in the Tauranga Performing Arts Competition, and has recently enrolled in Trinity Musical Theatre and Speech and Drama exams.

He makes it clear that his disability doesnt hold him back from doing what he loves.

Ive dreamed about performing on a big stage since I was little, he said.

Ive always been taught that I cant isnt something we say at home, and this award proves that. Just because I have a disability doesnt mean I cant go after something big, and I want others to know that too.

This is a huge step towards really making performing arts my future, growing my confidence and encouraging others to set their sights on a really big goal.

Koen is also a strong advocate for inclusion, representing young people with disabilities through the Instep Young Leaders Programme and serving as arts leader at his school.

He regularly uses his platform to promote disability representation in the arts and encourage others to pursue their passions.

To help cover the remaining $7480 needed for the full cost of the programme, Koen will begin actively fundraising.

Supporters can learn more or donate via www.koenmckenzie.com.

Any funds raised beyond whats needed for his trip to New York will be donated to the Cerebral Palsy Society.

The award funding is held in trust as a long-term endowment through the Acorn Foundation, ensuring its ongoing impact for years to come.

Moving forward, the award will be offered annually to help other disabled people across the Bay of Plenty step boldly toward their goals.

You can follow Koens journey and learn more about the Live the Life You Love Award at www.momenta.org.nz or on social media @MomentaCharitableTrust
Two lucky Lotto players from Taupo and Upper Hutt will be celebrating today after each winning $500,000 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at Whitcoulls Taupo and Pak n Save Upper Hutt.

Powerball was not struck on Saturday evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $6 million.

Meanwhile, Strike Four has rolled over on Saturday and will be $1 million on Wednesday night.

13 Lotto players win Second Division

Thirteen lucky Lotto players will be dancing for joy after each winning $19,575 with Lotto Second Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

Two lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $27,564. The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Four Square Te Puke and Four Square Raetihi. The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores:

Store Location MyLotto Northland Birkenhead Superette & Lotto Auckland Pak N Save Lincoln Road Auckland MyLotto Auckland Four Square Te Puke (+PB) Te Puke Paper Plus Rotorua Central Rotorua MyLotto New Plymouth Four Square Raetihi (+PB) Raetihi MyLotto Kapiti Coast MyLotto (x2) Wellington New World St Martins Christchurch MyLotto Christchurch

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

Lotto NZ exists to return 100% of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
In a first for New Zealands horticulture sector, the countrys avocado exporters have joined forces to secure a collective FernMark Licence, marking a new chapter in the industry's global positioning.

The FernMark - New Zealands official country of origin mark is awarded by the Government to products that meet strict standards of authenticity, quality, and governance.

While individual avocado Exporters have held licences in the past, this new coalition licence represents a unified front, reinforcing the industrys commitment to collaboration and excellence.

New Zealand avocado growers and exporters can be proud their produce is now carrying the official FernMark, demonstrating quality and trust," Minister of Trade Todd McClay said.

"This excellent example of industry collaboration will help push New Zealand further centre stage in a competitive global market, and closer to our goal of doubling export value in 10 years.

"The FernMark accreditation showcases this countrys skill in producing safe, high-quality food."

The FernMark is recognised by nearly half of consumers in key export markets, with 44 per cent of them more likely to purchase products bearing the mark.

For New Zealand avocados, it offers a powerful accreditation - one that aligns with the industrys values of sustainability, ethical growing practices, and premium quality.

David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story, welcomed the avocado coalition to the FernMark Licence Programme.

The FernMark helps tell the story of New Zealands high-quality, premium products - and this coalition amplifies that story. This is a fantastic example of exporters working together to amplify their impact and elevate New Zealands reputation in competitive international markets," Downs said.

The FernMark will feature prominently in upcoming NZ Avocado promotional campaigns across Asia, North America, and other strategic markets.

New Zealand avocados are grown in nutrient-rich soils under high UV light, contributing to their rich taste and nutritional profile. But its not just the environment  its the people behind the product. The industrys commitment to sustainable practices and community values is central to its success.

Brad Siebert, CEO of NZ Avocado, said the coalition licence reflects the industrys shared vision.

Its a powerful example of how working collectively raises the bar for quality and builds even greater trust in New Zealand avocados across international markets," Siebert said.

With exports reaching more markets than any other avocado-producing nation, New Zealands avocado industry is poised to grow its global footprint - now backed by the FernMarks seal of trust.

New Zealand has been exporting avocados for over 25 years and now serves more international markets than any other avocado-producing nation. The industry is committed to sustainability, innovation, and delivering premium avocados that are safe, nutritious, and ethically produced.

NZ Avocado Grower Association Inc. (NZAGA) is the grower membership organisation that operates to support New Zealand avocado growers interests. This includes promoting the sale and consumption of avocados, managing a research and development programme, and by creating a supportive structure that encourages development and growth within the industry. NZ Avocado also co-ordinate and disseminate relevant industry information and lobby and liaise with Government for the good of our growers.

Visit www.nzavocado.com
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is encouraging people to get to know their local Community Emergency Hub  before they need it.

Recent heavy rain and tsunami threats are a reminder of how quickly things can change and how important it is to be prepared, said Kurt Waugh, Councils Community Resilience Advisor.

Natural events like this can happen with little warning, so knowing your local hub is really important, Waugh said.

Community Emergency Hubs are in place across the district to help locals connect and support each other when the unexpected happens.

These are led by the community, not emergency services. In a major emergency, its the people around you who make the biggest difference, Waugh said.

Its all about locals helping locals  and the more people who know where these hubs are and how they work, the stronger and more resilient our communities will be.

Over the coming weeks, Waugh will be hosting emergency drop-in sessions at Western Bay libraries, where people can find out more about the Hubs and what they can do to stay safe in an emergency.

The sessions will feature grab bag examples to help people prepare their own, and tsunami/earthquake virtual reality simulators.

From Pukehina to Waihi Beach, there are 15 Community Emergency Hubs in the Western Bay, run by more than a hundred volunteers.

Council provides training to volunteers, and each Hub has a guide document which explains the different roles needed and how to organise an emergency response.

Located at schools and community facilities, Hubs may be opened up by keyholders living in the area, when there has been a large-scale emergency.

In a major disaster, like a big earthquake or flood, roads and other infrastructure can be damaged, cutting off communities. Emergency services will be focused on the most urgent needs and may not be able to reach everyone right away, Waugh said.

Community Emergency Hubs are places where locals can gather and help each other out, in a coordinated way. Were grateful to all the amazing people in our community who already volunteer their time, and were always looking for others ready to step up and help when an emergency happens.

Locally, the Hubs are gaining more visibility, with new signs starting to appear throughout the rohe.

One of those locations is the Waihi Beach Community Emergency Hub, which is located at the local RSA.

The Hubs team leader Sue Towler has been involved with several emergency services over the years and said its an opportunity to give back.

We have a very talented and experienced team of community minded people, and it is a privilege being part of that team. The best part for us is helping to make the community aware of the hazards and showing them how to become self-reliant and prepared for any given situation, Towler said.

It gives the community a sense of comfort and security to know that there is a safe haven to go to in a crisis.

Emergency Preparedness Sessions

Te Puke  Tuesday August 26, 1pm3pm, Te Puke Library and Service Centre, 130 Jellicoe Street

Omokoroa  Wednesday August 27, 10am1pm, Omokoroa Library and Service Centre, 28 Western Avenue
Maria Albert Madrid Sunday, 17 August 2025, 08:39 Share

The heatwave that has been plaguing Spain for almost two weeks now has an end date, although the high temperatures have continued to rise in the last few hours. This weekend we will experience the most critical days of this episode, according to the state meteorological agency (Aemet) , with temperatures that could reach 45 degrees and many areas on alert due to the extreme heat that is expected.

According to the agency, yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) "will be the hottest days" of this heatwave, with maximum temperatures that will exceed 40-42C in large areas of the southern half of the Spanish mainland and in the Ebro and Duero depressions. In addition, it is not ruled out that values of around 44-45C may be recorded in the Guadiana, Guadalquivir and Segura valleys.

Looking ahead to the next few hours, the Aemet has already activated red warnings in several provinces, where "very high maximum temperatures" will be recorded. According to the warning, the current situation is of "extraordinary danger" in some parts of the country, where we will also have numerous amber and yellow warnings.

The risk of fires will also increase over this long August weekend, to the point of being "very high or extreme in practically the whole of the country".

The worst of the heatwave arrives: red warnings and up to 45C in these areas

While awaiting the definitive end of this latest episode of high temperatures, Spain faces the most complicated days of this heatwave this weekend . After a small thermal relief following the passage of a trough, the values have shot up again in many parts of the country, to over 40C and, in some areas of the south, even 45 degrees.

In view of this extraordinary situation, the Aemet has been forced to activate warnings for extreme temperatures in many regions. In Andalucia, Catalonia and Valencia the red warnings for "very high maximum temperatures" are still active and will leave "extraordinary danger" in some parts of these regions.

According to the agency, throughout Saturday "42C was expected to be exceeded in areas of the provinces of Tarragona and Valencia", especially in inland areas. Meanwhile, in the Seville countryside thermometers were forecast to reach 44C over the weekend.

Although these were expected to be the most affected areas, in the rest of the Spanish mainland the heat continued to be extreme. Cities such as Lleida, Valencia, Logrono, Zaragoza, Zamora, Madrid, Caceres, Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Huelva, Seville, Cordoba and Murcia were expected to reach 40C.

Zoom Weather alerts for high temperatures or thunderstorms on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Aemet

Today (Sunday 17 August), red warnings will continue to be active in Tarragona and Seville. These provinces will also be joined by the coastline south of Alicante, the countryside of Cordoba, the Ribera del Ebro (Zaragoza), the central depression of Lerida and the Vega del Segura, in Murcia, where up to 45C could be recorded.

Zoom Weather alerts - Sunday, 17 August 2025. Aemet

Aemet gives definitive date for end of current heatwave in Spain

Despite this new spike in temperatures, it seems that the current heatwave already has an end date, according to Aemet. Although with some level of uncertainty, the Aemet points out that it will likely be from Tuesday 19 August when we will say goodbye to this episode of high temperatures to give way to more usual values.

Zoom End of current heatwave forecast. Aemet

It will be this week when, predictably, "a new thermal decrease from the west will begin, due to the progressive entry of a cooler air mass from the Atlantic". Even so, it will not be until Tuesday 19 August when temperatures will start to reach values typical for the time of the year.

Along with this, we will also see instability increase as the coming week progresses, extending to the whole of the Spanish mainland over the next few days. We could see, according to Aemet, some precipitation across Spain, although it will not be significant.

Even so, temperatures over the next few days will continue to be high, especially the minimum temperatures. The state weather agency forecasts that temperatures will not fall below 22-25C in the southern half of the country, as well as in the Mediterranean, the Ebro valley and northeastern depressions.
Each week, syracuse.com will look back at some of our most important and valuable journalism from the previous week. Here are six stories for the week of Aug. 17, 2025.

Subscribe to get the Syracuse.com Exclusives newsletter delivered to your email inbox every Sunday.

Crime in Syracuse has fallen in 2025, with total crimes down 27% compared to last year. Police Chief Joe Cecile credits its network of credible messengers who intervene after shootings to prevent retaliation. The approach includes officers spending time walking their beats instead of remaining in vehicles, allowing for community engagement in crime hotspots. While Syracuses improvements outpace national trends  with homicides down 33% locally compared to 17% nationally  Mayor Ben Walsh emphasizes theyre not taking a victory lap and that one murder is one too many.

The state transportation department has started digging under the elevated Interstate 81 in downtown Syracuse, marking the first steps toward replacing the highway with a street-level Business Loop 81. The project includes a new roundabout at Van Buren Street, relocated from its originally planned position after community protests. Construction has already begun near Van Buren Street, with dirt piles visible along the former Renwick Avenue. The project aims to slow traffic and improve pedestrian access while monitoring environmental impacts on nearby neighborhoods.

Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Public Service Commission for not cutting enough from National Grids rate increase, despite the PSCs claims that they significantly reduced the utilitys initial request. The approved three-year rate plan, effective September, will add about $600 annually to the average households bill by the end of the term. Hochul, who has made affordability a cornerstone of her administration, stated its still not enough and directed utilities to make ratepayer affordability the priority. National Grid officials noted that infrastructure replacement costs are driving rate increases, suggesting state and federal funding may be needed to prevent further customer bill increases.

The 2025 New York State Fair is bringing a heavy dose of nostalgia with nearly half of its 40-plus national acts being artists who peaked when Millennials were teenagers. Expect throwbacks galore with Shaggy, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, 98 Degrees and bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Vertical Horizon hitting the stages. While Gen X might miss Steve Miller Band (who canceled citing climate change concerns), they can still rock out to Cheap Trick, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dionne Warwick. Country fans havent been forgotten either, with Dustin Lynch, Nate Smith, and several other boot-scootin acts scheduled throughout the 13-day event. The fair runs Aug. 20 through Sept. 1, with concerts free with $8 admission.

Rodney Haymes, who once sold marijuana illegally and served jail time, is now preparing to open a state-licensed cannabis dispensary called Dank Bank by the Budd Boyz in a former Chase Bank building in DeWitt. The unique location at 6004 Court Street Road will maintain its original vault, teller windows and drive-thru lanes for cannabis sales. Haymes received his license through New Yorks Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary program, which prioritizes individuals with past marijuana convictions. Beyond his business venture, Haymes has established a nonprofit called The Living Legacy Project By The Budd Boyz to support communities most impacted by previous cannabis laws.

Chris Simons, a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, successfully advocated for the removal of Bishop Frank Harrisons name from a Syracuse building after writing to the current bishop. Harrison, who led the diocese from 1977 to 1987, allegedly failed to act when Simons family reported abuse by priest Edward Madore in 1985. Just 11 days after Simons sent his letter, All Saints Parish unanimously voted to rename the facility the All Saints Parish Center. The diocese is currently in bankruptcy proceedings, facing more than 400 abuse claims, with a tentative agreement for a $176.1 million compensation fund for survivors.
Elizabeth Izzo | Times Union, Albany, N.Y.

Malone, N.Y.  A man incarcerated at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone was allegedly killed inside his cell on Thursday after a fight broke out, according to State Police.

Antawon R. Johnson, 35, was found dead on the floor of his cell around 8 p.m. while correction officers were making their rounds, State Police said in a news release. A correction officer saw blood inside the cell, and Johnson was found unconscious and not breathing, according to State Police.

The correction officer who found him immediately began life-saving measures and reached out to medical staff for help, State Police said. He was transported to the infirmary, where medical staff tended to him, but State Police said Johnson ultimately died from his injuries.

When State Police responded to the prison just over one hour after Johnson was found, at about 9:10 p.m., officers investigated and learned that when Johnson was first discovered on the floor, he had a bed sheet and a shoelace wrapped around his neck, according to a news release from State Police.

Johnson was pronounced dead by the Franklin County coroner. An autopsy performed by Dr. Michael Sikirica in Glens Falls on a Saturday ruled the death a homicide and determined the cause of death as asphyxiation due to strangulation, according to State Police.

Johnson had been sharing a cell with Arkies Sommerville, 28, when a fight broke out prior to his death, State Police said.

State Police have not yet announced whether any charges have been filed in this case. State Police did not immediately respond to requests for more information Saturday.

The agencys investigation is ongoing, according to a news release.

The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervisions Office of Special Investigations, the Franklin County District Attorneys Office and the state Attorney Generals Office assisted State Police with this case.

Upstate Correctional Facility is a maximum security state prison for men and one of three state prisons located in the Franklin County seat of Malone, located roughly 11 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border.

Last week, at least 11 staff members at Upstate Correctional were treated at a local hospital after they fell ill, sparking an investigation into what caused the illnesses, NBC5 reported. The incident was the latest in a string of illnesses reported at Upstate Correctional. The illnesses reported earlier this year were initially tied to alleged exposures to unknown substances, though a subsequent investigation did not produce evidence that the physical reactions were caused by exposure to toxic substances or the synthetic drugs rampant in the facilities.on
I got into the car outside the bus station in Lowell, Massachusetts, where my father was waiting to pick me up. He looked nervous when he handed me an envelope. Inside was my medical school decision letter. I was accepted. We let out a cheer.

Along with the acceptance letter was the projected cost of attendance: around $70,000 for the first year, climbing to nearly $90,000 by the fourth. I would need to borrow the entire sum. My parents, both nail salon workers, earned about $30,000 a year combined. I was the first in my family to attend college, and I already had undergraduate loans. By the time I would graduate from medical school, my debt would total more than $300,000.

I was only able to attend medical school because of federal student loans. I now work as a primary care physician in Massachusetts, just 40 minutes from where I grew up. I see patients at a clinic that serves mostly Vietnamese immigrants, patients like my parents. It has been deeply rewarding to give back in this way.

But under the bill Congress just passed, I likely never would have made it to medical school.

The Big Beautiful Bill imposes sweeping new limits on federal student aid. The House version, now adopted, caps federal borrowing for professional students at $150,000, including undergraduate debt, and eliminates Grad PLUS loans, which had previously allowed students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. These caps will go into effect in 2026.

That amount might seem reasonable enough until you look at the actual cost of medical education. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the median debt for medical graduates with debt is about $200,000, with over 20 percent of students borrowing more than $300,000. The average total cost of attendance often exceeds that amount. These figures include students from all backgrounds, including those who receive substantial financial support from their families.

The burden is not evenly distributed. Students from low-income families like mine are far more likely to borrow and to borrow more. We rarely have access to family savings or wealth. For us, federal student loans are not a luxury or a financial tool. They are the only way to become a physician.

When these new caps are enacted, students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be forced to seek private loans with worse terms or may be priced out of medicine entirely. Its a quiet narrowing of opportunity that will disproportionately affect the very students our profession needs most.

Research shows that students from lower-income and underrepresented backgrounds are more likely to go into primary care, and more likely to serve in rural and underserved areas. We also bring perspectives shaped by adversity, language, and cultureexperiences that are sorely lacking in a profession where over half of medical students come from families in the top income quintile.

Capping federal loans wont meaningfully reduce tuition. It wont create a fairer system. What it will do is make medicine even more inaccessible to those without family wealth. It will worsen the shortage of primary care doctors. And it threatens to make the future physician workforce less diverse, less community-minded, and less connected to the patients who need us most.

To become a physician, I needed a chance. Federal loans opened the door for me to serve my community. This legislation will slam that door shut for the next generation.

Tom Phan is an internal medicine physician.
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Picture this  youre in a cinema, about to watch a movie called The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Suddenly, the audience starts heckling the actors on-screen, calling them bastards and s***s. Then rice and playing cards are thrown into the air around you. Before you know it, everyones on their feet dancing. Is there a gas leak in here? No. This is just another regular showing of the ultimate cult movie.

Best described as a musical valentine to pulpy sci-fi and horror movies of the Forties and Fifties, Rocky Horror began life on the London stage in 1973, its success fuelled by word-of-mouth and the sheer wildness of its premise: few bits of art begin with two upbeat suburbanites getting engaged at the beginning of the story, then winding up in an intergalactic bisexual pool orgy by its end.

Ask any Rocky Horror fan what the 1975 film adaptation is about and theyll give you a different answer: exploring ones sexuality, the need to express who you truly are, the importance of second-guessing whether or not to enter an ancient-looking Transylvanian castle. The white-hot engine of Rocky Horror is Dr Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist clad in fishnets, pearl necklaces and baby pink latex gloves, who woos two all-American naifs (Barry Bostwicks Brad and Susan Sarandons Janet) with his oozing sex appeal and devilish charm. As played by Tim Curry in a career-defining performance, Dr Frank-N-Furter is a machiavellian incubus by way of David Bowie.

Fifty years after its initial release, Rocky Horror has amassed global adoration, particularly on the midnight movie circuit. And no cinema in the world is more steeped in Rocky Horrors rituals and traditions than the Clinton Street Theater in Portland, Oregon, which has shown the film every week without fail since 1978. Were certainly not a standard movie theatre, co-owner Aaron Colter tells me.

Currently managed by a collective of six co-owners, including Colter, the 300-capacity Clinton Street Theater stands as one of the oldest continually operating cinemas in the United States. Since its opening in 1915, it has flirted with being a cinema block-booked by specific film studios and, later, an adults-only cinema. It was in 1975 that it began operating through shared ownership, with five free-spirited and like-minded film fans buying the space together, one of whom was Lenny Dee. I thought people needed a model of a different kind of business to the one we currently had, and the ideas and passions media contains can be an important thing to present to people, he remembers. Those were my two driving forces.

The films line dont dream it, be it just seems to unify everyone, but especially so many queer and trans people Marla Darling

Dee was the original booker of Rocky Horror, and thus technically the originator of the tradition. He first watched it as part of a programmed double bill with Phantom of the Paradise, Brian De Palmas 1974 comedy-horror musical. I actually liked that better than Rocky Horror, but I couldnt get Phantom and wound up with Rocky Horror, he remembers. Then the fans kept coming. Thats not to say Dee isnt a fan of the movie; he estimates hes seen it more than 300 times during his eight years of projecting it throughout the Seventies and Eighties.

It took time for Rocky Horror to take hold. The film initially sank like a stone upon release in 1975, with the critic Roger Ebert noting that it was pretty much ignored by everyone. Less than a year later, however, New Yorks Waverly Theater decided to programme the film as a midnight movie, and it was there that schoolteachers Louis Farese Jr, Theresa Krakauskas and Amy Lazarus originated the props and audience interaction that would come to define the Rocky Horror cinema experience.

According to author J Hobermans book, Midnight Movies, on the cult film screening phenomenon, the first call-back line ever uttered at a Rocky Horror screening came as Sarandons Janet places a newspaper over her head to protect her from the rain. Buy an umbrella, you cheap b****! a punter apparently yelled from the audience. Speaking in 1982, Curry revealed that not only had he attended an audience-participation screening, but had in fact been thrown out due to accusations of being an imposter. I thought it was enormous fun, he said. I was having a ball.

open image in gallery The exterior of Portland's Clinton Street Theater ( Supplied )

These screenings slowly spread across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco to Portland. Originally, the Clinton Street Theater programmed Rocky Horror in 1978 as one part of its revolving door of weekly repertory movies, but there was surprise at the turnout. Three weeks later, they trialled a full seven days of Rocky Horror screenings. By then, we could feel something was happening, Dee says. After moving it to a weekly midnight screening every Friday and Saturday, Portland was in the throes of Rocky Horror fever. By Halloween of 1979, more than 230 cinemas across the United States were screening twice-weekly midnight showings of the film.

The tradition has continued ever since, passed down from co-owner to co-owner, with Colter and company as the most recent joint custodians of the cinema. Colter mentions that theyve had fans travel from as far as Germany just to see the film on their screen. Its become one of the things Portland is known for.

The screenings have also become full-blown events. For neophytes, there are the semi-educational Virgin Nights hosted by local filmmaker Thom Hilton and drag performer Thee Countess Sinophilia. There, audiences are given cards teaching them what to say, when to say it, and when to throw their distributed props. For those fully acquainted with Rocky Horror lore, there are cabaret nights  one of which, named The Rocky Horror Lavender Show, is led by performance artist Marla Darling. Everything we do is part of inviting the audience into the cult of Rocky Horror, Darling explains. [Its] this feeling of entering an underground society of performers and artists that feels almost illicit. These groups enact a shadow cast of the film, meaning a troupe performs in front of the screen itself, mimicking the actions and dialogue happening on-screen.

open image in gallery Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon in The Rocky Horror Picture Show ( 20th Century Fox/Shutterstock )

So why is it that The Rocky Horror Picture Show seems to have forged such a vast and global community of fans? For Dee, he feels the film is a progressive rallying call. It promotes a different, more open way of being that pushes back against everything were seeing in the US right now from the current government, he says. I think thats important to a lot of people.

Its a sentiment thats echoed by Darling, who thinks that the films wholehearted queerness is more important than ever. The films line dont dream it, be it just seems to unify everyone, but especially so many queer and trans people, she tells me. The idea that the person you see yourself [being] doesnt have to just be a dream? As a queer person, that meant so much to me when I first heard it. For Colter, he sees the effect Rocky Horror has on some of the cinemas younger patrons  its as if they leave screenings with a weight lifted from their shoulders. Being able to [provide a] safe space for them makes everything we do here worthwhile.

Watching Rocky Horror in a packed and very loud cinema is also, arguably, the best way to see it, which is why so many still do. And it also speaks to the huge boom in repertory cinema of late, with younger cinemagoers flocking to emulate the original theatrical screenings experienced by their parents or grandparents. I think there are a lot of movies that arent getting currency in the streaming universe, that a film-loving audience needs to go and see for themselves, Dee says. Thats really important  for people, for cinemas and for filmmakers.

open image in gallery British Rocky Horror fans attend, in costume, a London production of the original musical in 1987 ( Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock )

Whether its Londons The Nickel Cinema  which regularly sells out showings of exploitation fare including Brotherhood of Death and I Drink Your Blood  or the Prince Charles Cinemas regular showings of the legendary so-bad-its-good thriller The Room, the communal, independent spirit spearheaded by Rocky Horrors original revival screenings feels more alive than ever. Other cinemas that follow a similar business model to the Clinton Street Theatre have also screened films lately that have struggled to gain commercial distribution  notably the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, about Israeli occupation in Palestine. Its just one of the many ways in which repertory cinemas and community-oriented efforts like the Clinton Street Theatre work not just to serve the people who attend, but to expand their understanding of the world around and beyond them.

For Dee, thats all he wishes for the legacy of the Portland institution. Im thrilled people continue to see value in bringing everyone together as a community around film, he tells me. And I think thats a value the people of Portland are going to continue to uphold for a very long time.
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Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has revealed he planned to leave the United States when Donald Trump was re-elected as president in 2024.

The 73-year-old, known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the iconic sci-fi franchise, gave his wife Marilou Tork  whom he married in 1978  the choice between relocating to London or Ireland.

Hamills wife, who worked as a dental hygienist and met Hamill while cleaning his teeth, ingeniously convinced her husband not to move countries by suggesting Trump was pushing them out of the US.

Shes very clever. She didnt respond right away but a week later she said, Im surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country, Hamill, a lifelong Democrat, told The Times.

That son of a b****, I thought. Im not leaving.

When asked about the political landscape in the United States, Hamill expressed exasperation over the bullying, the incompetence, the people in place in the Trump administration.

The actor added that the only way he could deal with the his countrys politics without becoming suicidal was to look at the situation like a thick, sprawling political novel instead of reality.

open image in gallery Actor Mark Hamill has revealed he planned to leave the United States after Donald Trump was re-elected in 2024 ( Getty )

Despite his horror, Hamill added that he still believes there are more honest, decent people in the country than there are those in a Maga crowd. If I didnt, Id move back to England, he said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Hamill revealed his dislike of US gun culture is such that he almost didnt accept his role in a forthcoming adaptation of Stephen Kings horror novel The Long Walk.

Hamill will play The Major, a man who runs an annual walking contest in a dystopian version of America that sees 100 young men walk continuously at a pace of four miles an hour  or theyll be shot to death.

Francis Lawrence, the director, understood what was troubling me, he said of his initial reluctance to take on the role.

open image in gallery Hamill as The Major in 'The Long Walk' ( Lionsgate/YouTube )

American society is gun violence and its hard to get past that, but as I spoke to him I realised this is just the guy. He said he would have been surprised if I wasnt troubled by it.

The actor went on to compare the film to recent ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] arrests in the country, saying agents wearing masks, with no identification, had been pulling people out of their cars.

They were just brutalising people, kneeling on their necks, he said. When I made the movie I wasnt thinking in terms of it being timely but its proven to be just that.

Hamill led the three original Star Wars movies  Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983)  as Luke Skywalker alongside Carrie Fisher as Princess Leira and Harrison Ford as Han Solo.

He reprised the role in all three films of the sequel trilogy: The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019), as well as in numerous TV spin offs, including The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones has opened up about how she and her husband, fellow film star Michael Douglas, cope with their relationship being in the spotlight.

The Welsh star, who is currently starring in Wednesday on Netflix and is also known for her Oscar-winning turn in Chicago, has been married to Wall Street and Fatal Attraction actor Douglas for 25 years.

Zeta-Jones, 55, and Douglas, 80, share two children  Dylan and Carys, born in 2000 and 2003 respectively.

The couple moved away from New York to Bermuda to raise their family, with Zeta-Jones telling The Sunday Times Style in a new interview: The city in the summertime is too hot, so Michael took me to the Hamptons and I was like, same people in shorts. The social calendar is exhausting.

So Michael took me to Bermuda because his mother was Bermudian and I thought, I love this. Its an hour and a half in a plane. Its a British colony, there were pictures of the Queen when I went to the bank. So we bought a house there and stayed for 10 years.

The actor also explained that these days, as a couple, they tend to spend time in their home in Spain, away from the spotlight. She opened up about the challenges of being in such a high-profile relationship, saying: Two celebrities together make 10. Its just the way it is. Theres two versions of the story and theres two make-believes.

She added: We dont listen to the crap that is written about us, thats the main thing. And we respect our space, were independent spirits. We are very similar; we were born on the same day, 25 years apart. Were not afraid to be verbal, to express ourselves. I wear everything on my sleeve and so does he, which is good.

Zeta-Jones and Douglas in 2024 ( Getty )

The couple have four homes  one in Spain, one in Canada, and two in New York.

Douglas  the son of Kirk Douglas, famous for playing Spartacus in 1960  recently announced that he has no serious intentions of acting again, instead preferring to watch my wife work.

In response to this, Zeta-Jones told Style: Michael has definitely earned the chance to slow down. But I never say never. Hes his fathers son and loves to work  lets just say, retirement is a flexible concept.

Douglas was one of the biggest film stars of the 1980s, appearing in Romancing the Stone, Fatal Attraction and Wall Street, for which he won his second Oscar. His first Academy Award was for producing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

The actor dedicated the last 10 years of his career to Marvel, playing Hank Pym in three Ant-Man films as well as 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame.
It was four in the afternoon. I walked into the club and actually felt a wave of euphoria wash over me, with the lasers going and the music pumping and feeling the bass going through me, says James Davis, 54, recalling his first steps back into partying at Nineties club Strawberry Sundaes reunion event in 2023. Seeing everyone with their hands in the air, I was like, OK, this is great.

Davis has a critical eye. He used to be out four nights a week as Ministry magazines club editor in the Nineties, then found himself deep in corporate life working for companies like Vodafone and Samsung, before heading out to Ibiza to run wellness retreats. After moving back to London post-Covid, he discovered that all the old names  and all the old clubbers  were back.

I know people who are really senior lawyers at big law firms, but secretly they go raving as well, he explains. Its not even about reminding us of our youth: its being back in that inclusive, happy culture. Thats something thats missing in the modern world.

Daviss experience is backed up by the reels on TikTok and Instagram showing archive footage from clubbing days when no one had phones and everyone was in it for the good time. And new research from Liverpool University shows that clubbers in their forties and fifties make up a significant part of the citys underground club culture. Sometimes the majority of those at underground events are over 40.

Richard Anderson, author of a thesis titled The Persistence of the Underground in Dance Music Scenes, researched clubs that he says were trying to create evenings where people could lose their inhibitions and be friendly in an unfriendly society. He was surprised to find that many of those who attended were members of Generation X.

These clubbers have a limited aspiration to grow and become the biggest thing ever, he explains. The intention is just having the best night, not to necessarily see the biggest-name DJ. It could just be someone whos going to play the music that they like; whether thats music made 35 years ago or 35 months ago, it doesnt really matter.

Andersons research covered businesses that werent aimed at older clubbers specifically, and he found that dancefloors were happily mixed, attracting people from both younger and older generations. This seems to be borne out by the behaviour of some dedicated Generation Z clubbers, too, who will happily share a space with people their parents age.

In mainstream clubs like Academy in Leeds, youve got people in their twenties who are going more to hit on people than for the music, so you just get young clubbers, says Leeds-based designer Tess Gladwell. But if you go somewhere more underground like Beaver Works or the White Hotel in Manchester, where they have good house, techno or jungle club nights, theres a wider age range. People are going for the music, and the community, not to snog some random.

open image in gallery Partygoers at a Studio38.Club daytime rave event, featuring Eighties and Nineties club classics ( Phil Marks )

A survey by Eventbrite in 2019 found that 3.7 million Britons over 45 went clubbing once a week. One promoter, Phil Marks, believes this number is likely to have increased significantly since then. Marks, 57, worked in recruitment for 30 years, then sold his consultancy at the beginning of 2023. After years sitting at a desk, he looked around for a day rave to go to and couldnt find anything he liked, so he launched a one-off in July 2023 called Studio38.Club, at a venue in Kings Cross.

Its like Studio 54 but were open from 3pm to 8pm, he explains. I thought Id sell 20 tickets to some mates, but I sold 150 and filled the place up. His second party, at the Roxy in Soho, sold 350 tickets, and last year he ran 40 parties across London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Bristol at an average of 400 punters per party. He says the competition has exploded in the past two years. When I started in London, I was selling out maybe four parties ahead, but suddenly there are 15 club nights aimed at older clubbers in London alone, and if you go to any major UK city, you will have between three and seven companies doing something similar.

Studio38.Club isnt an underground event, he stresses  its Eighties and Nineties club classics  but he knows people whove attended one of his events as a kind of gateway club and are now back clubbing all the time. The venues are happy to see us, he explains, Youngsters dont drink any more, so the clubs cant make any money. There were 36,000 clubs in the UK in the Eighties, and now there are fewer than 1,000. One owner told me footfall is down 70 per cent and they end up having to do student nights with shots for a pound, so theyre lucky to make 5 per head, but with our clubbers they do 25 a head easily.

open image in gallery Fatboy Slim performing at a concert at Alexandra Palace in 2023 ( Getty )

The legendary DJ Fat Tony, who started out in the Eighties and has played clubs around the world, began his own day parties at the end of lockdown, DJing Saturday afternoons in a shop in Notting Hill Gate. His Full Fat day raves have been going for five years this summer, attracting 2,500 Gen-Xers who come at midday, leave at 6pm, and get home in time to put their kids to bed, as he puts it.

I think that the demographics in clubbing have changed so dramatically because Generation Z choose not to drink, and pubs and bars and nightclubs are opening up to that older generation just to stay open, he explains. Then theyre thinking, OK, were not going to be judged any more when we go out. Were not going to be looked at like were the old-age pensioners in the club. When their children grow up, the nice parents from that culture want to take their kids out raving, and, dare I say it, give their children their first pill. Thats rave culture. Thats what they grew up on. I see it all the time.

The demand from older clubbers has been matched by the return of Nineties club nights like Peaches, Gods Kitchen and Clockwork Orange. The latter was something of a pioneer in this, says Danny Gould, aka Danny Clockwork. The club started holding events in 2014 after years of silence that followed Goulds decision to quit to get sober in 2001. I had years of drug-fuelled lunacy, until my brain just went, You have to stop, he explains. When we reopened in Print Works, we sold 6,000 tickets in 20 minutes. We finish at 9pm and Im in bed by 10pm. Id say its two-thirds an older crowd and a bunch of twentysomethings.

open image in gallery Danny Goulds Clockwork Orange raves are where older clubbers rediscover their clubbing days ( Beth Marsh )

Older clubbers have had jobs, lost jobs, their parents have died, their kids have grown up. Theyve got nothing to prove any more, so everyones respectful and just enjoying themselves. I think thats why the youngsters come  the positivity and the safety.

For Anderson, this is in itself explicitly political, in that even if youre not thinking about it consciously as a critique of modern society, somebody said that the first time they went into a club, they couldnt believe everyone was nice, and theyd never experienced that before. Its a desire for tolerance.

We live in complex times, and the UK is on its knees in so many ways, so it feels right to have a boom in dance music and dance culture  a place where you can just, for a few hours, forget about everything.

And of course, this chimes with the Gen X way. We think of the Sixties as free love and psychedelics, but the majority of that generation were brought up in postwar austerity and were very sensible and got a job, stayed at the same company until they retired, and then got their pension, says Davis. But Gen-Xers had that explosion of acid house music in the Eighties and Nineties  something, he suggests, that provided them with an escape from the pressures of modern life in a way that they really needed, and still need now.

Social media is very divisive and fracturing, but being in a real-life environment thats all about coming together... theres something very attractive about that.

Marks has already opened a night in Amsterdam and had an Australian friend franchise Studio38.Club in Brisbane. Clockwork Orange holds nights in Thailand, Dubai, Ibiza, and were doing parties all over the world again, says Gould. Even New York is succumbing.

Jared Skolnick went to a few raves in Florida in the Nineties, but then moved to the Big Apple and worked in tech marketing for years. In 2015, his spin class was promoting a festival where the Chemical Brothers played, and he rediscovered his taste for UK dance music. His next club night was Above & Beyond, the UK electro trio.

This was one week before Donald Trumps 2016 election, so there was a lot of tension around politics, he explains. The event was spiritual in a way I didnt expect. They put messages up on a screen, like, If you love someone, tell them now. And during this politically rife time, one of the messages was Look around you. You are also colourful. I had this moment realising that we might have completely different beliefs, but right now were all sharing something.

Skolnick now works clubs and festivals in a role that focuses on harm reduction  testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, or helping people who are experiencing a bad trip. When I ask him why he thinks older clubbers on both sides of the pond are back clubbing like they were 30 years ago, he thinks for a second.

In the US, Gen X is called the lost generation, and I think these events are what we need to not be lost. He gives a slow, sad smile. Its the idea that I feel like I belong somewhere. I think our generation, for a very long time, never felt like it belonged anywhere. Now Ive found my place.

Clockwork Orange is at the Steelyard, London, on 6 September. See here for details. Fat Tonys Full Fat Season 9 is at The Anthologist, London, from 13 September. See here for details. Studio38.Club is at Popworld, Bristol on 27 September, and touring through the winter. See here for details
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I am dressing in harmony with the energy I wish to manifest. That means bold prints, brash colours, statement jewellery and anything that will make me stand out. Mum, why are you wearing crazy clothing? my nine-year-old daughter Lola asks. Its an experiment, I tell her. Im attracting abundance.

At the behest of an energy dressing expert, Ive ditched my high-waisted jeans and T-shirts for clothes that Id never typically wear. Today, that means a stylish off-the-shoulder toga dress thats coloured bright purple, and a giant shell ring on my finger. We head down to a local park in west London, dog in tow, and I notice some raised eyebrows from shopkeepers and other mums  theyre all used to seeing me looking quite unspectacular.

Im following the guidance of fashion manifester Nieve Tierney, an energy healer and author who  days earlier  had helped me clear my energy in a reiki healing session. This energetic reset, as she called it, will help create a more positive and receptive state for manifestation and clear out any emotional blocks that might be standing in the way of me attracting my dreams.

Tierneys new book, The Fashion Oracle, suggests that there is a connection between our desires and how we dress. Its a bit like the blockbuster self-help book The Secret, which claimed that ones thoughts and feelings can directly influence their external reality. Tierney goes one step further: if we dress a certain way, good things will come to us. Her book is further inspired by the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel, who spent her life fascinated by esoteric and mystical practices, including tarot and astrology  elements of which she incorporated into her collections.

The Fashion Oracle describes 70 archetypes, each with its own energy, colour palettes, textures and silhouettes: among them are The Rebel, The Devil, The Seductress and The Cosmic Voyager. Tierney asks readers to pick a page at random in the book and step into that archetypes energy in order to attract what you desire. But, as Tierney points out, You wouldnt necessarily know somebody is energy dressing  its about the intention, not the style itself. You can dial it up or down with your wardrobe.

open image in gallery I decide to take inspiration from Karl Lagerfelds 2018/2019 collection for Chanel, which was full of golden hues and nods to ancient Egypt to manifest abundance ( Charlotte Cripps )

Ahead of our session together, Tierney asked me to prepare one fashion-related question. What do I wear to create overwhelming abundance in my life? I ask her. Before she answers, she asks me to flip backwards through a copy of The Fashion Oracle, and stop when I intuitively feel like it. Its similar to shuffling tarot cards, and just as panic-inducing. The book randomly lands on an archetype I definitely didnt want to step into: The Influencer. Oh no, I cry. I can already tell its going to be too full-on for me.

To step into this archetype, I must wear pieces that turn heads and be bold, stand out and opt for a style choice that is sure to influence others to follow. Always be dressing camera-ready, Tierney advises, who suggests I also develop a signature style that will eventually make me instantly recognisable.

I cant stand the idea of it. Could we redo it, I ask. Anything would be easier! The Mermaid perhaps? I could wear all the pearl necklaces that have been handed down to me from my family. Or even The Mother, which would mean wearing clothes and accessories that shimmer with golden threads. But no, Tierney insists, I must trust the process.

Sometimes there can be resistance when we land on an archetype that is slightly different to how we normally dress, she explains. But it asks you to step out of your comfort zone. Its guiding you to change your statement look from jeans to something that stands out more.

open image in gallery Ive ditched my jeans for a stylish off-the-shoulder toga dress thats coloured bright purple, and a giant shell ring on my finger ( Charlotte Cripps )

I realise I need to adopt a fearless approach to fashion. Or at least go back to how I used to be. In my late teens and early twenties, I broke all the fashion rules. I remember wearing a pair of silk PJs to a party long before it became a trend. I looked good in anything  even the black bin liner I once wore to a fancy dress party, accessorised with a statement belt. But now all I want is my jeans. The book, however, warns me against this. Clinging to the familiar and the tested will only anchor you in the shadows of what has already been, Tierney writes. To transcend and advance, you must move towards the uncharted and the new.

In our session, Tierney gives me some ideas: Will you be known for always having audacious handbags in the shape of animals, or for wearing metallic nail vanish, or red lipstick every day? she asks. What will make you stand out from the crowd?

I have a second question for her. Are my jeans holding me back from my most abundant life? We flip through the pages of The Fashion Oracle again, and I land on The Goddess. Let your jewellery speak the language of the Egyptian gods, it advises. Honour the feminine aspects within you  however you identify  and understand that true strength often comes from qualities like empathy, intuition and the ability to nurture life.

open image in gallery Nieve Tierney with her book The Fashion Oracle that helps you to align your wardrobe with your intentions ( Vicky Polak )

I decide to take inspiration from Karl Lagerfelds 2018/2019 collection for Chanel, which was full of golden hues and nods to ancient Egypt. Im also advised to surround myself with people who recognise my worth. But the book also tells me to recognise my own value, too. Let your jewellery be the starting point for building your outfit as you are stepping into this new vibration, or frequency, Tierney says. It may be as simple as a bracelet or a ring, rather than a whole outfit piece. It may be a colour, too. It doesnt mean you have to dress head to toe in gold.

I resist Amazon Prime-ing some amulets and scarabs and instead opt for a thick, heavy gold bracelet with a turquoise veneer that I find in a drawer. I wear it with a voluminous silk skirt in a light pastel floral design with a T-shirt and trainers. It feels more me, at least, than the sleeveless Masscob dress with shiny gold all over it, which Id worn to a lunch the day before. I also opt for an Isabel Marant bohemian dress that fits the whole goddess vibe.

Sometimes there can be resistance when we land on an archetype that is slightly different to how we normally dress. But it asks you to step out of your comfort zone Nieve Tierney, energy healer

I find it kind of magical how we asked the book several times, and along a similar theme, what you should wear to shift and optimise your frequency to manifest abundance, says Tierney. And each time, we received consistent guidance: jewellery with Egyptian connections, and statement pieces. The universe clearly had a message it wanted you to hear!

By the time I hit the local supermarket in my bright purple dress, Ive followed Tierneys advice for a week. She says that it can take at least a month to see results. But something is working for me: I certainly feel better having broken free of my jeans, and I feel more open to the new rather than the safe and familiar.

open image in gallery I was invited to step into the goddess archetype and opted for an Isabel Marant bohemian dress ( Charlotte Cripps )

At the park, my kids admit theyre suffering from the post-holiday blues  weve just returned from Greece, with no further plans for holidays until next summer. Then, unexpectedly, I receive a text message. A new single dad friend that Id met in Greece has invited us all to stay at his villa in Corsica. My children scream with joy. Is it just a coincidence? Or proof that Id manifested something positive with my clothing? Either way, its not something I could have ever predicted.
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Ever wondered why all the hot people hang out at the same shops and restaurants? Thats because they dont have to pay for it.

Content creator Lauren Karwoski posted a TikTok in May of everything she was able to get through clicking freebie offers on Neon Coat, an app which connects influencers to businesses.

During one day in New York City, she received a green juice from a gourmet eatery ($9), took a fancy workout class ($40), got her eyebrows laminated ($100), and met a friend for dinner at a Greek restaurant in Tribeca.

All of this was free in exchange for her posting about the various places she visited on social media within 24 hours. Speaking to The Independent, she said these posts can range from an Instagram Story to a full Instagram post or TikTok video.

I really use the app as a money-saving tool, Karowski said. I try to align the offers that I choose with things that I would do on a weekly or monthly basis anyway, to save money.

When Larissa Drekonja moved to New York City from Slovenia in 2003 to work as a model, she struggled to afford to live. Her tiny stipend from her agency was meant to cover her daily expenses, but she largely relied on agents and promoters to take her out to meals.

Drekonja would try to get her agency to cover extra expenses, like getting her hair done and going to fitness classes  things that she saw as critical to maintain her looks for modeling  only for them to deny her because they couldnt profit from it.

open image in gallery The Neon Coat app details what type of social media posts are required for the influencer or model to receive a free product or service ( TikTok/@suitelifeoflauren )

Once Instagram became popular, Dreknoja noticed that models could create promotional content in exchange for free services, because businesses always want hot people using their products. Thus, the Neon Coat app was born.

Neon Coat was launched in 2017 alongside Dreknojas two co-founders, Dan Berger and Noah Siegel, offering a chance for businesses to easily draw in the famous and the beautiful.

To earn a spot, models must have at least 1,000 followers on Instagram, in addition to being able to provide a portfolio link and substantial work done for a modeling agency. Creators and influencers are required to have at least 5,000 followers on either TikTok or Instagram with a high engagement rate.

Neon Coat currently has a little over 13,500 people registered with 250 businesses, the company told The Independent. The app currently only operates in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and London, where businesses pay from $400 to $1500 to post their freebie offers, depending on what type of content they are hoping to get out of the model or influencer.

Content creator Karowksi also highlighted the career benefits of accepting these offers.

It's a really great tool for creators that are smaller or maybe not able to monetize yet, because it helps you save money on things you would be paying for anyway, Karowski said.

She also noted that shes built long-term relationships with businesses that she first met on the app. One salon liked her social content so much theyre looking to hire her.

Another model, Gillian Dittmer, started using the app to find nice NYC restaurants that would cover her costs after hearing other models at her agency explain it was a way of using their looks to get some free stuff. I used it a lot when I first moved here because I was a struggling actor. I didn't have that much money to be going out, she told The Independent.

Later Dittmer began using it for free haircuts and even a free yoga class.

I think it is mutually beneficial for the businesses and the models, Dittmer said. I myself have recommended a lot of these places to my friends, which I may not have found in the first place if it weren't on Neon Coat.

Berger, one of the apps founders, reiterated the point that models and creators have a choice in what offers they accept, so the marketing feels organic, even if a trade is taking place. Whatever hot people deem fashionable is always going to influence others.

Truly all the content stems from that creator deciding, This looks cool to me. I want to try it, he said.
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A small Pittsburgh suburb was rocked by a sudden tragedy on March 6, 1974, when police discovered 23-year-old Annette Tokarz had been murdered.

Tokarzs family, who affectionately called her Sissy, found out while watching the nightly news, her younger sister Colette Underwood told The Independent. Underwood was just weeks away from her eighth birthday at the time.

My mom found out that she died on television, Underwood said. I guess there was an unclaimed body at the morgue.

I would cry a lot at night because I missed her, she added. It was sad.

Tokarz was very smart and had a heart of gold, her sister, Sharon Lindner, told The Independent. Lindner recalled that Tokarzs favorite school subject was history, and the pair often confided in one another because they shared a room.

open image in gallery Annette Tokarz was 'very smart' and had a 'heart of gold,' her sister said ( Detective Patrick Young )

Police investigated Tokarzs murder at the time, but they found few answers. For 51 years, the family didnt know who killed Tokarz. Now, they finally have some peace after Beaver County Chief Detective Patrick Young named a suspect this summer using a DNA analysis method similar to those used by 23andMe and other genealogy services.

The suspect, Walton Sims, has been dead for years  but Young says theres now enough evidence to take Sims to trial, if he were alive.

I can't tell you how much gratitude I have that the police never gave up, and they worked so hard, Lindner said.

Detective Young found a DNA sample, but it wasnt enough at first

Young has been in law enforcement since 1994. He retired in 2016 from the Monaca Police Department in western Pennsylvania, then went to the Beaver County Detective Bureau. There, he discovered Tokarzs case in 2017.

Tokarz was found dead in a shallow creek in Hopewell Township, a suburb about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. She had been forcefully drowned, Young told The Independent.

Young was initially left with evidence that didnt tell him much, like soil samples. Investigators werent using DNA analysis in the 1970s, and the first court case that introduced DNA evidence didnt happen until 12 years after Tokarz was killed.

But the evidence was well-preserved, and Young was able to recover DNA from a stain on a leopard-print coat that Tokarz was wearing when she was killed. Young wanted to run the sample through CODIS, the national DNA database run by the FBI.

However, there was a problem with the sample: analysts were only able to identify eight loci, or specific genetic regions, from the DNA sample. That meant the DNA sample was just one locus short of qualifying for CODIS, Young explained.

As a result, Young couldnt do a search of the whole database and could only compare his unknown sample to other people whose DNA samples he had.

open image in gallery The shallow creek in Hopewell Township where Annette Tokarz's body was found. Police weren't using DNA analysis at the time of her death, but Detective Patrick Young was able to recover a DNA sample from her coat ( Detective Patrick Young )

Top suspect ruled out

Police at the time believed the top suspect was a man named Cornelius McCoy, who told police he last saw Tokarz leaving a bar with a man on the night of her death. That man, Young later realized, may have been Sims.

Young said McCoy really looked good for it. Police were never able to gather enough evidence to charge McCoy, and by the time Young was on the case, he had been dead for ten years.

That didnt stop Young, who tracked down McCoys relatives and tested their DNA to compare it with the unknown DNA from the leopard-print coat. But the samples werent a match, which meant McCoy was almost certainly not the person who killed Tokarz.

Who else did I have, really? Towards the tail end of the investigation, on the original investigation, there really wasn't anybody else, Young recounted.

open image in gallery Police investigate the scene of Annette Tokarz's murder. Investigators originally believed Cornelius McCoy could be responsible, but Detective Patrick Young ruled him out ( Detective Patrick Young )

Detective Young turns to genealogy

At this point, Young had hit a wall.

Thats when Young decided to take a new approach. Instead of trying to find a direct match, Young wanted to use genealogy to find people related to the person who left their DNA on Tokarzs coat. To learn about someones genealogy, investigators look at a part of the DNA called a single-nucleotide polymorphism. Popular genealogy services like 23andMe and Ancestry also detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms.

This analysis led Young to several people related to Sims, a man whose name he had already seen in Tokarzs case file.

Sims was Tokarzs on-and-off boyfriend, Young explained. Sims told police in 1974 he hadnt seen Tokarz in two months and was in West Virginia when she was killed.

Now, Young needed to determine if the DNA found on Tokarzs coat belonged to Sims. He died in 2015, but Young said he was able to obtain a court order for the DNA profile of one of Sims children.

Young then sent the unknown sample and Sims childs DNA to a paternity lab. There, analysts could determine whether Sims child was related to the person who left the unknown sample. If the samples matched, it meant the DNA on the coat likely belonged to Sims.

Thanks to the paternity lab analysis, Young finally had an answer after eight years. Sims DNA was a 99.97 percent match.

At the end of the day, it was all so worth it, just to get the resolution for the family, Young said.

Underwood says shes grateful Young cared about the case and brought her family closure.

I'm so glad that they did figure it out, Underwood said. It adds value to the fact that she was a person, and she had a life, and her potential was cut short.
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A daycare worker is facing charges of first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse following an incident allegedly involving a one-year-old boy.

Yvette Thurston, 54, was arrested last Monday, according to police in Bainbridge, Georgia, KCRG reported. Thurston was identified as an employee at the Little Blessings Child Care, located inside the Bainbridge Church of God.

Specific details about the case were not made public by law enforcement. Investigators confirmed to KCRG that police were able to view surveillance footage from the daycare, which contributed to their investigation.

The father of two boys, aged one and three, slammed the daycare in a Facebook post and alleged that the charges related to his one-year-old son. He shared pictures of one child with a large, deep purple bruise over one of his swollen eyes, and several cuts across his face.

This was his FIRST DAY!!! This is every parents worst nightmare and WE had to live it and are still living it, Cory Weeks wrote.

Yvette Thurston, 54, was arrested last Monday on charges of first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse ( City of Bainbridge Public Safety )

Police confirmed the boy was treated at an area hospital.

Calls to Little Blessings Child Care byThe Independent were not immediately returned Sunday.

Thurstons bond was set at $44,000 for all four charges. Jail records showed she has since bonded out of Decatur County Jail.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning issued a statement following the incident to WALB: The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is aware of the serious allegations of child abuse at Little Blessings Childcare, located at 205 Independent Street in Bainbridge, Georgia 39819. Our agency is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the situation. It has been confirmed that a teacher has been arrested in connection with these allegations.

As our investigation is still in its early stages, DECAL will continue to work closely with law enforcement and all relevant parties to ensure a comprehensive review of the facts.
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A cybersecurity official for the Israeli government was arrested in Nevada during an operation targeting child sex predators.

Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, 38, was arrested earlier this month and is facing a felony charge of luring a child with a computer for a sex act, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Friday. He has since been released from custody after posting a $10,000 bail, court records show.

Alexandrovich was one of eight people arrested in the past two weeks as a result of the operation, police said.

The Israeli governments website refers to the 38-year-old as head of the Technological Defense Division at the Israel National Cyber Directorate, which is the government agency responsible for all aspects of cyber defense in the civilian sphere.

Alexandrovichs LinkedIn Profile, which has since been deleted, also described him as an agency official, Mediaite reported. Screenshots from his account suggest he was in Las Vegas to attend Black Hat USA, a six-day event that includes conferences and cybersecurity trainings.

A cybersecurity official for the Israeli government was arrested in Nevada during an operation targeting child sex predators. ( Getty/iStock )

He posted a photo of himself at the event on LinkedIn and wrote an emoji-rich caption: Two things you can't escape at Black Hat 2025: the relentless buzz of Generative Al [and] and the sound of Hebrewin every corridor.

Under Nevada law, the crime of cyber luring carries a sentence of one to 10 years behind bars.

The police said Alexandrovich and six others arrested during the undercover operation were booked into the Henderson Detention Center. He was released from custody after posting bond on August 7, court records show.

The Independent has asked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for more information about Alexandrovichs whereabouts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office denied that a government employee was arrested. A state employee who traveled to the U.S. for professional matters was questioned by American authorities during his stay, the prime ministers office said, in a statement to Mediaite.

The employee, who does not hold a diplomatic visa, was not arrested and returned to Israel as scheduled.

Israeli news site Ynet reported that an Israel National Cyber Directorate employee was briefly detained for questioning during a professional conference in the U.S. before returning to his hotel and flying back to Israel two days later.
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A band of thieves stole $2 million in jewelry from a Seattle store in a smash-and-grab robbery that took just 90 seconds, police say.

The heist carried out in broad daylight. At around noon Thursday, four masked suspects used hammers to break the locked front glass door of Menashe & Sons Jewelers in West Seattle, the Seattle Police Department said.

Inside the store, the group smashed six glass display cases and took $2 million worth of jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches, according to police.

One of the display cases held between $700,000 and $800,000 in Rolex watches. Another housed an emerald necklace  valued at $125,000  and a platinum diamond, authorities said.

Two other display cases contained a large amount of gold jewelry, police said.

An estimated $2 million worth of jewelry was taken from Menashe and Sons Jewelers in Seattle in a smash-and-grab robbery in broad daylight that spanned 90 seconds ( Google Maps )

During their minute-and-a-half inside the store, one suspect pointed bear spray and a taser at jewelry store employees as the three others carried out the robbery, police said.

Neither the victims or witnesses reported any injuries.

Were pretty shook up as a staff, Josh Menashe, vice president of the store, told the Associated Press. Were gonna be closed for a while.

The store will be closed until August 19 to repair the damage.

We are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support from the West Seattle community and from all those who have reached out with kind words and encouragement, the stores statement read. We look forward to welcoming you back soon  stronger than ever.

Security footage, obtained by AP, captured the four suspects, all sporting hoodies, breaking into the store, shattering the display cases with hammers, and then stuffing the valuables into black bags. An employee in a gray suit approaches the suspects at one point before throwing his hands in the air after one of the suspects points an object at him.

After the brisk burglary, the group fled in a getaway car before officers arrived at the scene, authorities said.

Officers searched the area, but didnt find the suspects. They remain at large and the investigation is ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to call the Seattle Police Departments Violent Crimes Tip Line.
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A Southwest Airlines pilot who was arrested earlier this year and fired for allegedly drinking before taking off in a commercial airliner is denying those allegations, despite police bodycam footage purportedly showing him failing a field sobriety test.

David Allsop, 53, had been flying with Southwest for 20 years and previously served in the U.S. Air Force. His attorney, David Chaiken, told The Independent that police bodycam footage showing his client's arrest actually makes clear he did not commit a crime.

"The recently released bodycam video confirms what should be obvious to anyone who watches it  Captain Allsop committed no crime," Chaiken said in his statement to The Independent. "Experts who have reviewed the video have concluded that the tests that led to his arrest were not performed correctly and that the proper procedures were not followed."

Chaiken continued, saying that "these procedures are in place for a reason, to prevent mistakes like this one."

The attorney described his client as an "American hero" who served in the military for more than a decade and who has no incidents on his record in almost 20 years of flying commercial airliners.

David Allsop, a pilot who flew with Southwest Airlines for nearly 20 years, was fired and had his pilot certification revoked by the FAA after he was arrested for allegedly drinking three beers before a January 15, 2025 flight ( Savannah Airport Police )

In the bodycam footage taken on January 15, 2025, Allsop admits to having had three Miller Lite beers, but he said he drank the beers approximately 10 hours before his flight.

Allsop was scheduled to fly out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport bound for Chicago.

An officer in the bodycam footage says he smells alcohol on Allsop. The pilot says the officer is likely smelling his nicotine pouches.

Additionally, I observed that Mr. Allsop had bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion, Chatham County police officer Josiah Best noted in his report.

When police asked him to submit to a battery of field sobriety tests, he initially refused, insisting that the exam "wasn't necessary," but later agreed. He allegedly failed two of the three tests, after which he was escorted from the gangway for further questioning by police.

It is noteworthy that Mr. Allsop failed to follow the tip of my pen with his eyes as instructed; instead he moved his head and neck during the test, Best said in his report. Mr. Allsop swayed while holding his leg at a 45-degree angle.

On January 15, Allsop was charged with DUI and his pilot's certification was revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Southwest Airlines said in a statement that Allsop was "removed from duty immediately after the alleged incident and is no longer employed by Southwest Airlines."
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A California creep who was caught using his phone to record up a womans skirt at a Walmart had hundreds of similar clips on his phone dating back at least two years, authorities said.

Damian Bravo, 23, was arrested last week after a security guard at a Walmart in Irvine, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, caught him recording a video up a female shoppers skirt, CBS Los Angeles reported.

Investigators found hundreds of similar clips featuring different victims going back at least two years in Bravos phone after his arrest, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Bravo, who is originally from Santa Ana, was booked at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of invasion of privacy. He was soon released after posting bail, police said.

Now, authorities are hoping to locate other victims.

Authorities arrested Damian Bravo, 23, last week after he was caught using his phone to record up a womans skirt at a California Walmart. ( Irvine Police Department )

Hes favored Walmart and Target, Officer Kyle Oldoerp said. Our concern is there are other victims who are unaware that this has occurred.

Authorities said Bravos latest video was allegedly taken last week at a Walmart on Von Karman Avenue.

In these cases, we see they're being used for personal gratification in some cases," Oldoerp said. "They're trading them or posting them online or hosting websites  some of these hidden camera type videos. I'm not certain how he was using the videos but that's who we've seen them used in the past.

So far, authorities have identified one victim  though they believe there are many more.

"It's absolutely troubling to us because there's a significant amount of victims on this man's phone," Oldoerp said. "We want to talk to those people. If anybody recognizes this guy or thinks they've been a victim of him, we want them to come forward and talk to detectives so we can add them to our case."
Cult favourite Australian frozen yoghurt chain, Yo-Chi, has been on a growth spurt. Within 12 months it has opened nearly two dozen new stores, bringing the chains footprint to 56. The hype for the frozen self-serve dessert, fuelled by thumping music and neon lights, still attracts queues outside most stores on Friday and Saturday nights, but isnt as feverish as it once was.

Weve gone from that small business to almost, like, a cultural moment, which is crazy to even say, said brand director Oliver Allis. But think the love is still super strong. Were not as new as we were when we last spoke, but I think were still doing so many fun, positive things.

Cult frozen yoghurt chain, Yo-Chi, is coming of age with the opening of its first international store, in Singapore. Credit: Rhett Wyman

Yo-Chi is not only growing up but going abroad: the chain made its global launch this weekend in Singapores Orchard Central, a 2.5-kilometre-long strip in an upscale shopping district, giving Singaporeans a taste of Australian frozen yoghurt for the first time.

Just for reference, gelato titan Messina has 30-odd stores in Australia, two in Hong Kong, and one in Singapore. Gelatissimo has around 60 but doesnt command the same interest. Starbucks has over 80 in Australia and isnt consistently profitable yet. By the end of 2024, Yo-Chi just about doubled the previous years sales to $53.7 million and made over $11.5 million in post-tax profits, according to documents filed to the corporate regulator.
The founder and former head of the Bendigo Writers Festival has slammed attempts by organisers to stifle discussion and debate at this years event as an authoritarian abuse of power.

Rosemary Sorensen, who founded the festival in 2012 a few years after making a tree change to the regional goldfields city and ran it until 2023, has spoken out about the controversy that has torn apart this years festival, which ran from Friday to Sunday.

Rosemary Sorensen, founder and former director of the Bendigo Writers Festival.

She has added her voice to the condemnation of the decision by organisers to send participants a code of conduct that urged them to avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful. The move sparked a backlash from writers who had been slated to appear at the festival, with more than 50 withdrawing.

It also resulted in Fridays opening night event being cancelled, and the withdrawal of independent retailer Bookish from the role of book-selling partner.
NSW Labor is under pressure to redirect $3 million earmarked to help music festivals get back on their feet to strictly smaller homegrown shows after the Greens raised questions about two festivals with foreign company ties receiving $1 million in taxpayer subsidies.

Listen Out and Field Day were among five festivals awarded up to $500,000 each by the Minns government last year to stem a wave of festival cancellations.

Patrons gather at the Listen Out festival at Centennial Park in 2023. Credit: Dean Sewell

Parliament heard Fuzzy, the Australian operator of Listen Out and Field Day, is now part of British global empire of Superstruct Entertainment, which is in turn, owned by private equity firm KKR, now subject to a growing artist boycott over the nature of its investment portfolio.

Superstruct holds a portfolio of over 85 festivals worldwide, Greens music spokesperson Cate Faehrmann told the NSW parliament last week.
If ever there were an institution in dire need of a reputation rebrand, its the Australian National University.

Last weeks bombshell Senate inquiry allegations, that chancellor and former Liberal deputy leader Julie Bishop had berated, laughed at, and bullied academic Liz Allen, were just the latest episode to taint a university once known for its outstanding research output, but which of late has become synonymous with chronic mismanagement and white-hot staff anger.

ANU chancellor Julie Bishop and vice chancellor Professor Genevieve Bell in 2022.

Under the leadership of Bishop, and vice chancellor Genevieve Bell, the ANU has lurched from one crisis to the next, a period of malaise that began with the announcement of a divisive restructure last October which aimed to slash $250 million by 2026 and could cost some 650 jobs.

So, last December, the university called in the crisis managers at Bastion, who were engaged to provide advice on media engagement around the restructure. Their services cost the ANU $6108, with Bastion pitching for further work to support the university through 2025.
I found my way up the hill, jokes Joel Dry. My former employer is down the road, so I made sure I turned left when I needed to, not right.

The hill is Mount Coot-tha, a place Dry knows well enough, having worked in the newsrooms at both Nine, the owner of this masthead, and Seven.

But from Monday, hell rejoin Nine in one of its most visible positions: next to Melissa Downes on the 6pm bulletin newsdesk.

Melissa Downes and new co-anchor, Joel Dry, who are presenting Nine News Queenslands 6pm bulletin from August 18. Credit: Nine News Queensland

Ive been peppering her with questions. How do you convey the message in a manner that connects with audiences? When do you eat?
Sharing ideas healthy

I find it unbelievable that the Bendigo Writers Festival would issue a code of conduct effectively shutting down any debate that may challenge any criticism of Israel.

Isnt it healthy to share ideas and have difficult conversations, even if you may not agree? I would have thought that a writers festival would be the perfect venue for this.

Criticism of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism. Shame on La Trobe University.

Jane Desailly, Brunswick Goodbye to all that

To those literary giants who quit the Bendigo Writers Festival, I say good riddance: It is not your views on world politics that I sought to hear but that of your contribution to the world of literature.

Noel Mavric, Moonlight Flat Unhelpful language

I am a former registered nurse and am concerned with the idea of so-called medical misogyny. I wonder if there is a degree of hysteria here. If a medical professional does not understand the workings of the female body they are inexcusably ignorant and incompetent, which does not necessarily mean they hate women. Rather, they dont know how to do their job properly and this needs to be acknowledged and addressed.

While I have every sympathy for women who have had negative and harmful experiences at the hands of such practitioners, referring to anyone  male or female  as automatically misogynist in such circumstances may not only be incorrect, but also biased, inflammatory and unhelpful.

Christine Harris, Mordialloc EV rider

Re Yes, my EV makes me feel superior (17/8). Writer Doug Hendries high and mighty attitude towards fuel-guzzling roadsters could yet backfire on the uptake of EV ownership, given that many of Australias drivers subscribe to the false assertion that EVs are at greater risk of catching fires.

Its an understandable worry as the mini fire extinguisher parcelled into my EV safety pack rang alarm bells on being couriered to me soon after the receipt of my smooth as silk to drive BYD. This protector angel now lives next to my garage EV charger, just in case.

On another note, fuel roadsters looking to fight back for their 50 cents per litre petrol excise will be savouring Treasurer Jim Chalmers proposal to impose EV road users charging.

Joseph Ting, Carina, Qld EV price check

Thanks Doug Hendrie (17/8) for pointing out the bleeding obvious about why nearly everyones next car should be an EV.

I confess that I am still driving my pretty ancient Hyundai IC car, complete with a few dents, as it is a toss-up over which of us will die of old age first.

But it is a shock when you check the comparative prices of small cars: The cheapest petrol-powered models start at around $22,000 while the equivalent EV is in the mid $30,000 to $40,000 range.

Meanwhile, the most popular cars in China, like the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, sell there for less than $7000 but are not even available here when they would certainly suit me  and be ideal for commuters who do not need a car to get them to Darwin at the drop of a hat. I do hope that the EV issue is on the agenda for the round-table gathering this week.

Peter McCarthy, Mentone

Complex solutions needed

Why is there not an EV users representative to sit on Treasurer Jim Chalmers road user charge committee? Whose long-held agenda is our treasurer attempting to satisfy?

Road damage is caused by the greater majority of fossil fuel-powered trucks and cars on the road, not the small percentage of electric vehicles.

New taxes are successful when they are lawful and kept low over a wide base, eg. a user-pays system such as GST. It also needs to be fair and reasonable.

The federal governments reliance on fuel excise revenue is a major reason for its reluctance to embrace electric vehicles as a significant step towards limiting climate change.

Chinas commitment to electric cars, electric bicycles, electric buses, trucks and trains has already made noticeable improvements to cleaning its cities and freed it from the hold fossil fuel corporations had. Australia needs to follow suit, let go of its fuel excises and subsidies to fuel corporations, and encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.

Complex problems require complex solutions. Some ingenuity and fresh thinking is necessary to avoid another flawed outcome. The definition of madness is doing things the same way and expecting a different result. We deserve better.

Adrian Leenaerts, North Warrandyte Deal me out

Am I the only person in this country who finds the word deal extremely debatable in meaning? Remember when, if someone was described as wheeling and dealing, they were thought to be engaging in highly questionable activities.

We are talking about the futures (or non-futures) of millions and millions of innocent people, all dependent on someone whose eyes light up at the prospect of developing the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. What happened to words like agreement, treaty, diplomacy and most of all, humanity?

Marie Rogers, Kew All in the game

Australian football was once enough in itself  the joy, the passion, the spectacle of the top two teams fighting for the ultimate prize on grand final day. It was a celebration of our game, our culture, and our sense of fairness and equality.

Now, it seems the game is no longer the centrepiece. We are asked to applaud imported celebrities, concerts and hype that drown out what makes footy truly ours.

In trying to emulate American spectacle, we risk losing the very spirit that built Australian rules football  a game where the crowd once stood shoulder to shoulder, where no one was bigger than the game itself.

I write this in memory of my father and grandfather, whose lifelong devotion to football shaped our familys love of the game. They passed that passion to me and my siblings, and I believe they  and many like them  would be saddened to see the heart of the game overshadowed by commercial showmanship.

It is time to put the game itself back at the centre of the celebration.

Angela Hartin, Berwick Grand final shame

I am not a rap fan or an economist but I do confess to a sense of shame at the AFLs choice of grand final entertainment.

In an apparent pursuit of Super Bowl Lite, we have descended into the darkest depths of trans-Pacific cultural cringe. The world-class act that we are welcoming has a past history of stated attitudes and actions that directly oppose the inclusive, non-violent and anti-misogynist AFL policies.

The likes of Paul Kelly and Jessica Mauboy must be bemused.

Terry Harrison, Mount Waverley Good grief

Im happy we have some family entertainment booked for this years grand final. If its who I believe it to be, Snoopy dog, I hope Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang also appear.

Darren Grindrod, Glenroy

Bandicoot survival

Great to read about the recovery of the eastern barred bandicoot on French and Phillip islands (How island living saved bandicoots from the brink, 16/8).

Early credit must go to the Hamilton Field Naturalists, the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning and the Hamilton City Council for creating a fenced island free from cats and foxes at the Hamilton Community Parklands.

The recovery program was informed by the work to save the charismatic black-footed ferret in the US.

Since those early efforts in the 1980s, several species have become extinct and many more have been added to the endangered list.

Lets be inspired by the survival of the bandicoot and listen to the Invasive Species Council when it calls for more funds.

The fire ant and the shot-hole borer are our most recent invaders.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn AND ANOTHER THING Bombe Alaska

Oh Donald, there goes your Nobel prize, unless of course you could suggest some sort of tariff concession in return.

John Bye, Elwood Trump and Putin ... no resolution. Now, who couldnt see that coming?

Marie Nash, Balwyn Oh Donald, Donald. Vladimir has done you like a doggys dinner, once again.

Dawn Richards, Huntingdale

Putins Ukraine strategy, Praise Trump and pass the ammunition, seems to be working.

Nick Eckstein, Kangaroo Ground After his failed meeting with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump looked and acted like someone who is being extorted ... or blackmailed. The downcast expression, the unwillingness to talk. But, what in the world could Putin possibly have on Donald Trump?

Peter Neuhold, Elsternwick Body language is a wonderful thing. The handshake can tell so much. It amuses me that Putins hand is always on top of Trumps whenever they handshake; the dominant position.

David Raymond, Doncaster East Donald Trump said he would stop the Ukraine war in one day. Well Don, were still waiting. The result of the Alaskan meeting was clearly a win for Putin. Trumps much boasted negotiating skills failed to score any points for Ukraine.

Len Cox, Forest Hill The Trump-Putin meeting reminds me of the organ grinders monkey. It is pretty obvious who was the organ grinder and who was the monkey.

Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Preston woman Deirdre Wilkes is unlikely to be invited to the next gathering of her extended family at Christmas, after she was charged with attempting to blackmail her two brothers for more than $2 million.

Wilkes is accused of engaging an associate of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang, who allegedly threatened her younger brother at the familys Thomastown business in March.

Melbourne mother-of-three Deirdre Wilkes, pictured with husband Deane Wilkes, has been charged with two counts of blackmail and one count of perverting the course of justice. Credit: Facebook

The mother of three and her husband, Deane Wilkes, have been embroiled in a long-running and bitter dispute with her two siblings over the value of their stake in the company called Into Blinds Pty Ltd.

Charge sheets obtained by The Age reveal the 55-year-old is accused of using the bikie associate to make an unwarranted demand for $2.25 million with an immediate 20 per cent payment from her brothers, whom The Age has decided not to name for safety reasons.
The party hopes to regain the once-blue ribbon seat, after the 2025 state election saw Liberal candidate Bronwyn Waugh  the councils deputy mayor  come within a hairs breadth of regaining it from Geoff Baker, who was the first-ever Labor winner of the seat in 2021, but now holds it by only 1.6 per cent. Whether the Liberals have an eye to the mayoral election of 2027 as well as the state election of 2029 is not yet known. The Libs have waded into local matters in South Perth. Credit: Facebook (composite image) But state Liberal members, including from influential and controversial faction The Clan, have leapt to support Waughs stance on the trees, which continues the pattern of opposing the stance of the administration and mayor. Waugh has taken up the cause after Nic Coveney, Liberal member and original tree removal motion mover, quit days after the tree vote, citing personal reasons.

Mayor Milner is supporting a motion to reverse the tree removal decision on August 26, but its likely to fail as an absolute majority (five votes out of seven) would be required and Waugh is defending the decision, despite more than 600 angry locals signing a petition. Waugh has taken to Facebook to reframe the debate as more about the environment than views, saying, this decision wasnt just about removing trees, and citing the advice of unknown experts that low-lying planting is better for that location. Waughs successful preselection bid for the 2025 state election defeated Mayor Milner, who had also nominated. He was squeezed out by the Clans preference for Waugh, WAtoday was told by a party member who wanted to remain anonymous  though Clan powerbroker Nick Goiran told media he had not influenced the decision. Goiran and former Clan powerbroker Peter Collier liked the post, and comments in support also came from unsuccessful 2025 Liberal candidates Thomas Brough and Lisa Olsson, and selection committee chair Jeremy Buxton  all blending in with local commenters despite coming from all over Perth. President of the partys Curtin division Tony Wills thanked Waugh for taking care of our grounds.

The comments were on the nose to some locals who noticed how many had a Liberal affiliation in common rather than a South Perth home. It could be that some of these commenters genuinely feel these things, but these days its too easy to farm support for social media posts using, for example, political party links, said Bronwyn David, leader of South Perth Tree Canopy Advocates. Houweling was observed by a tree canopy group member looking on after the group had attended a photo shoot with WAtoday. Credit: Cameron Myles / Supplied The most frequent and vocal commenter was lawyer Tim Houweling, Waughs business partner at Cornerstone Legal, president of the South Perth Liberal branch, and chair of its influential Constitutional and Drafting committee. Houweling was Waughs campaign manager and, at a council meeting weeks before the state election, the mayor accused him of hijacking a deputation for political purposes by bringing up issues Waugh was campaigning on. Houweling shot back that this accusation was inappropriate and he was there in good faith as a ratepayer.

A Facebook account from a digital creator Tim Hou has been accusing the local Tree Canopy Advocates group of spreading misinformation and attacking councillors who chose reason over rhetoric, and saying the mayor listens to who yells loudest. Tim Hou also said he had worked on wetlands matters, buffer zones and appropriate planting for more than 25 years and said trees in that location deliver no ecological benefit. Houweling was also seen by a member of the public observing a WAtoday community photo shoot with the tree advocacy group. Waugh posted thanks to Tim Hou for his experience and insight but did not respond to questions from the public or this masthead asking which experts she consulted. It is unnecessary for me to respond to politically motivated questions that reek of an obsession with seemingly no interest in the substantive governance matters before our local council, Houweling said when approached for comment.

Waugh told this masthead she had not asked anyone to support her post. Bronwyn Waugh responds to Tim Houweling. Credit: Facebook I am not part of any Liberal Clan group and have never been involved in it, she said. My decision on this matter was based on the information before me, and my Facebook post explained my reasons  linking this issue to party politics is inaccurate. The environmental advice I referred to came from independent experts with relevant qualifications. David, who is contemplating a future state campaign for South Perth as a teal candidate and also running in the October council election, said councillors should make decisions based on their communitys needs rather than party loyalties or careers.

The October council election will be interesting, with other candidates including Liberal Party member Josh Olsen, tree canopy advocate including Kathy Lees. Loading The citys acting chief executive Matthew Scott said changes to employees and councillors occurred from time to time and did not diminish the citys focus on delivering services and projects. Beazley said situations such as those in South Perth reflected negatively on the whole sector, when most councils were doing the right thing. I am committed to ensuring good governance is the main focus of councils, she said.
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Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion Bargain or rip off? What you should, and shouldnt, buy at duty free Michael Gebicki The Tripologist August 18, 2025  5:00am

August 18, 2025  5:00am Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 140 View all comments

Key points Duty-free isnt always cheaper, prices can be matched or beaten by local retailers

Best buys are high-tax items, especially premium spirits

A high tax rate makes Europe the sweet spot for duty-free shopping

Love a bargain? International travel brings a glittering array of life-enhancing goods your way, especially when they come duty-free. What is duty-free shopping? Most countries charge tax on goods sold within their jurisdiction. That tax goes by different names  GST in Australia, Value Added Tax (VAT) throughout Europe. Its also charged at different rates, from just 5 per cent in Taiwan to 19-27 per cent in European countries. Duty-free shopping means whatever youre buying is tax exempt. Duty free is not always a bargain. iStock There are exceptions, but for the most part duty-free shopping exists in international airports. After you pass through immigration at an international airport, you have left that country. Until your flight delivers you to your destination and you are processed through their immigration system, you are in international or transit territory. For customs purposes youre no longer in that country, and therefore no duty applies on any good you might purchase.

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How duty-free shopping came to be The spark that ignited the concept of duty-free shopping happened in 1947, when Ireland passed the Customs-Free Airport Act, allowing Shannon International Airport in County Clare to become the worlds first duty-free airport. In the pre-jet era, Shannon International was a mandatory refuelling point for aircraft on long transatlantic flights. Passengers were not permitted to leave the airport, located in a remote, windswept and, at the time, impoverished part of the country. Airports are often designed not to get you to your gate quickly, but to guide you through duty free shops. iStock Brendan ORegan, then Shannons catering controller, had a brainwave. Since passengers were confined to the airport, and werent entering Ireland, why not allow the airport to sell them luxury goods, alcohol and cigarettes exempt from local duties and taxes? The Irish government agreed, Shannon Airport became a gold mine and within a few years airports and cruise ships adopted the concept, and duty-free shopping became a fixture on the travel scene. Some countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, some Caribbean Islands and Hong Kong are duty-free ports. So was Singapore, although not all stores still offer duty-free shopping.

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Whats worth buying, and whats not? In Australia the tax on spirits and other excisable beverages with more than 10 per cent alcohol is 105.98 per cent on the alcohol content, and just slightly lower on brandy. That puts duty-free whisky, cognac, rum and some premium liqueurs as a reasonable bargain. While theyre a popular buy for Aussies returning from overseas, caution is needed. Spirits are one of the things that can be worth buying duty free, due to the heavy taxes they incur in Australia. iStock If you buy those items in Europe with a stop en route to Australia, any liquids over 100mls might be confiscated from your carry-ons at the final inspection point. This is mandated by Australia, not local authorities. Better to buy at the last point where you touch down before entering Australia, or better still, save your cash for the duty-free outlet located before you pass through the immigration gates at your Australian destination. Tobacco products are a bargain but Australias vice-like limit on the quantity you can import means its hardly worth the bother.

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If you happen to be in a European city during a major sale season such as the summer sales in Paris and Milan, its game on. Prices drop across the board on homewares, clothing, travel goods, electronic items and leather goods, and if you shop where the retailer participates in the VAT refund scheme, youre walking away with a smile. However, most airport duty-free bargains are a mirage. Perfumes, luxury goods and cosmetics are often cheaper at home. So are electronics, and you might have a warranty headache if anything goes wrong with something purchased overseas. That applies especially in Australia, where the GST is a relatively modest 10 per cent. Where duty-free shopping works best In Europe, its not just international airports that allow duty-free shopping. Throughout the EU, non-resident visitors can obtain a refund of the VAT they pay. Since that VAT is around 20 per cent, that makes Europe the sweet spot for travellers looking to score duty-free bargains. There are rules to be followed to make sure you get the refund youre entitled to. First, you need to shop in places that participate in the VAT refund scheme. The most likely places are major department stores. You also need to make a minimum spend, and that varies from country to country. In Austria, that figure is 50 ($90), in Italy 70 ($125) and in France, 100 ($180). Youll need to produce your passport and complete a VAT refund form.

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Some large department stores offer on-the-spot refunds, otherwise, at the airport where you depart the EU, you need to have your documents validated at the VAT refund counter. This might be located before the airport security check, and youll probably need to show your purchases to prove theyre being exported. Your documents will be stamped and a refund might be issued on the spot, otherwise you may need to send these forms back to the retailer where you made the purchase, and they should provide an envelope for this purpose. Related Article Opinion

Tripologist The 24 common scams and traps travellers fall for (and how to avoid them) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Theres a catch for travellers who leave the EU by train, for example those travelling to the UK. Major stations might have a customs office that can stamp your documents. Note that for other European countries that are not part of the EU such as Switzerland and Norway, you need to claim your VAT refund in those countries, not within the EU. The VAT in Switzerland is 7.7 per cent, and a refund is only available on goods with a purchase price of over CHF 300 ($570). And where it doesnt International airports are the strongholds of duty-free shopping, but surveys conducted by Choice and other consumer organisations all conclude that electronics, confectionaries and beauty products purchased from airport duty-free outlets are often more expensive than the same goods purchased from regular retailers.

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Rents on airport retail space are sky high, and theyre expensive because some businesses make a lot of sales. Airports are designed to make you spend money. Instead of walking past retailers arranged side-by-side, its now common for passengers to have to weave along a winding passageway past liquor and perfume outlets and other retailers that attract high-volume sales. The serpentine design achieves sales up to 60 per cent above conventional layouts according to aviation consulting group InterVistas. Theres also the dwell time. Most passengers have time to kill before their flight, and giving them the illusion theyre in a glittering world packed with luxury products encourages them to reward themselves with an impulse buy.

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Zelenskys message kept up the warnings from European leaders that any concessions made to Putin would only encourage the Russian leader to seek more territory in a later conflict. Russia must end this war, which it itself started, Zelensky wrote. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace. French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference with von der Leyen and Zelensky  as part of the so-called coalition of the willing  on Sunday. Credit: AP Trump and Zelensky clashed in the White House in February, when the American president complained that the Ukrainian leader would not accept a peace deal with Putin, and this raised fears in Europe of another confrontation on Monday. With Trump signalling that Ukraine should give up territory, European leaders increased their support for Zelensky over the weekend, with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte all deciding to join him in Washington.

The group includes leaders with good personal relationships with Trump  especially Meloni, Rutte, Starmer and Stubb  and who could help persuade him to accept the European arguments against Putin. Starmer and Macron convened another meeting of their Coalition of the Willing over the weekend to canvass ways for member nations to secure Ukrainian borders in any peace deal, with the UK offering boots on the ground and aircraft patrols. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the online meeting overnight, given his stated position that he would consider options about Australian support, but he did not outline any specific pledges. If there is a peace and if there is a global response to that in the form of peacekeeping, then we would consider any proposal at the time, Albanese said on Sky News on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump complained that he was not being given enough credit for progress on a peace deal after his summit with Putin in Alaska last week. If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal, he posted on Truth Social. Thats why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! Loading White House officials argue that Trump has negotiated peace deals between Thailand and Cambodia, Pakistan and India, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Serbia and Kosovo, Egypt and Ethiopia, Israel and Iran, and Azerbaijan and Armenia. Trump did not name the six wars he was referring to.

In a signal of his attitude to the Ukraine peace talks, he also forwarded a post on Truth Social from a private citizen that said: Ukraine must be willing to lose some territory to Russia otherwise the longer the war goes on they will keep losing even more land!! Zelensky joined von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday to demonstrate unity before flying to the US capital. Putin does not want to stop the killings. But he must do it, Zelensky said. We need real negotiations, which means they can start where the front line is now. The contact line is the best line for talking.

One day before Trump ruled out allowing Ukraine into NATO, the European leaders warned against taking that position: Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraines pathway to [the European Union] and NATO, they said in a statement issued in Brussels on Saturday. Russia has seized most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine and large parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south, as well as the Crimea. Putin is seeking a peace agreement that secures Russian control of this territory and places curbs on the Ukrainian military as well as blocking Ukraines NATO bid. In an important message about the US approach to a peace deal, Trumps top officials told American TV networks that the US would offer security guarantees to Ukraine so it was protected in any agreement with Russia. Macron warned on the weekend that Putin had broken peace agreements in the past, highlighting European concerns that a security guarantee from Trump would be too weak to prevent Russia from sparking future conflicts with its neighbours.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff framed this as a concession extracted from Putin and said the Russian leader accepted that the US would offer security guarantees to Ukraine that were similar to those offered to NATO members under Article 5 of the NATO treaty. Loading We were able to win the following concession, that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, he told CNN on Sunday in the US. On this point, the key concession from the Trump administration is that it accepts Putins demand that Ukraine must not be allowed to join NATO. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke of security guarantees in an interview on NBCs Meet the Press, but was challenged on this when the interviewer replayed remarks hed made as a senator three years ago.

[Putins] never kept a deal theyve ever signed, and  he lies all the time, Rubio said in March 2022, soon after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And I dont know why, but he plays us like a violin in the West, because the West wants to believe that you can cut a deal with everybody. You cant cut a deal with guys like this. Hes a professional, experienced liar. Credit: Matt Golding Asked about that remark, Rubio said it explained why the US was now considering security guarantees. Thats why the deal has to have enforceable mechanisms in it. Thats why the deal has to have things like security guarantees, he 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 Don Arias lost his younger brother in the September 11 attacks. He has travelled to Guantanamo Bay three times to attend hearings in the case, hoping they would end in a death sentence for the man accused of being the mastermind of the plot. Elizabeth Miller was six when her father died on that dark day. She had favoured a plea agreement reached last summer with three of the defendants, who would have received life sentences after describing their precise roles as conspirators in the attacks. Two different generations. Two opposing opinions and experiences. Yet Arias and Miller now both doubt the case will ever end. Elizabeth Miller holds a photograph of her as a child with her father, a firefighter killed at the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001. Credit: The New York Times After an emotional year in which the plea agreement was twice upheld and twice invalidated, and with more appeals on the horizon, they are among the September 11 family members who have become disillusioned with the case that is meant to deliver justice for the worst domestic terrorism attack in US history. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man accused of hatching and directing the plot that killed nearly 3000 people, has been in custody for more than two decades. He was first charged in 2008, and a date has not been set for his trial. I kind of resigned myself, said Arias, 68, a retired air force officer whose brother Adam Arias worked for an investment company at the World Trade Centre. Let them rot down there. Let them languish in legal limbo for the rest of their lives. They will have to answer to their crimes to a higher power one day.

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Don Arias sits beneath a painting of his younger brother, Adam, who was killed in the September 11 attacks. Credit: New York Times Millers father, Douglas Miller, a firefighter in Rescue Company 5 of Staten Island, was also killed at the World Trade Centre. She has made the weeklong trek to the court four times since 2021. At this point, regardless of what path you are advocating for as a 9/11 family member, there is no end in sight, said Miller, 30. I think Im just losing faith. Torture and a splintered case Five men have been charged in the case. But it has been complicated by the defendants odyssey in CIA prisons after they were captured in Pakistan in 2002 and 2003. Loading Rather than send them to the United States directly for trial, the George W. Bush administration kept them incommunicado and subjected them to torture. They were moved to Guantanamo Bay in 2006, where they remain today, and have been charged twice in death penalty cases, in 2008 and 2012. But the trials have not begun.

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Instead, the case has splintered and has been bogged down in appeals. One defendant, Ramzi Binalshibh, has been declared mentally unfit to go to trial, a situation his lawyer blames on his torture. His case has been assigned to a different judge. But in a letter to the September 11 families last month, the prosecutors office said it would seek to have him found competent again, then return his case to the joint trial, an effort that could add months or even years of litigation. Ramzi Binalshibh was arrested in Pakistan on the first anniversary of the attacks. Credit: FBI The confession of another defendant, Ammar al-Baluchi, cannot be used as evidence against him because the judge found that it was tainted by his torture and time in CIA detention. Prosecutors are appealing that decision. The other three men were on the verge of a resolution through the plea deal with a senior Pentagon official a year ago. The agreement required the defendants  Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi  to fully admit to the crimes in exchange for life sentences. They would have waived most rights to appeal and given up the right to challenge their confessions as unlawfully obtained through torture. But former US defence secretary Lloyd Austin cancelled the deal just days after it was reached. His successor, Pete Hegseth, has also rejected the deal. Defence lawyers are preparing an appeal to try to reinstate the agreement, which could take up much of next year. New judge, new appeals

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There have been no hearings in the case since January. But a new judge, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Schrama, has reserved the Guantanamo court for a session starting on October 27, and the hearings could restart then. Even so, it is unclear how much Schrama can do to push the case to trial. Defence lawyers argue that, as long as there are appeals, the courts own rules prevent the case from moving ahead. Resolving that question alone could drive higher-court appeals. Guantanamo Bays Camp Delta. Dozens of alleged terrorists remain incarcerated there. Credit: Getty Images Another question looming over the case could lead to even more litigation and appeals: does a clause in the annulled plea agreement mean the government can no longer seek the death penalty? Court hearings have focused on how the defendants were tortured, overshadowing the families stories of loss. The charges against the five men are locked in time, naming 2976 victims of the attacks in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. But hundreds of firefighters and others who worked at the ruins of the World Trade Centre have also died of cancer and other diseases attributed to their exposure to toxic dust.

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Wrenching, disappointing journey Parents and grandparents of those who were killed on September 11 have died while waiting for the trial to begin, most recently Eunice Hanson, 89, in April. She lost her son, Peter; her daughter-in-law, Sue; and her granddaughter, Christine Lee, 2, in the attacks. She then lost her husband, Lee, in 2018. Loading The trip to Guantanamo can be intense and exhausting for the families. The people the Pentagon prosecutors office call victims and survivors spend their week in a cloistered, exclusive bubble. They are escorted by soldiers in combat uniforms and get special seats in the courtroom. Guards sometimes yank shut a blue curtain to hide them from the public in court. Adding to their emotional roller coaster, hearings have been abruptly cancelled for reasons that have included a judges health crisis, a developing hurricane and flooding at Camp Justice, the temporary court compound that was established for the September 11 trial. Then, for the past year, family members have been confronted with two stark scenarios over which they have had no control: would the case be settled, or would the wait for a trial continue? The attack on the World Trade Centre. Credit: Getty Images

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Firm measures must to curb stray dogs menace





Dr Ravinder Singal and Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari listening to the inputs and solutions by the participants at the meeting on Saturday. Other senior officials also were present.

Staff Reporter :

The meeting discussed permanent vaccination and treatment centres for stray dogs, strict enforcement of ABC guidelines, and registration of dog-feeders

Dog-feeders must be registered, helpline numbers be launched, and complaints of cruelty to animals must be promptly registered by police, suggested the participants

The meet reviewed recent incidents of attacks on citizens and kids

A mind-boggling session to resolve the ongoing dispute between administration and dog lovers brought to the fore many innovative ideas, which are likely to help curb the man-dog conflict on the city streets. A co-ordination meeting on the issue of stray dogs was held at the Nagpur Police Commissioners office on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by Dr Ravinder Singal, Commissioner of Police, in presence of Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator. The meeting was also attended by officials from various departments, veterinarians, representatives of animal welfare organisations, dog lovers, and vigilant citizens. The discussion was held following directives from the Supreme Court of India and the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on pending matters relating to stray dog management. During the meeting, animal rights activist and member of People For Animals (PFA) Karishma Galani proposed to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in city properly as it is functioning with many loopholes.

Existing three centres are not operating as per the guidelines and the administration should take a note of such malfunctioning, said Galani. The PFA member emphasised that dog-feeders must be registered, helpline numbers be launched, and complaints of cruelty to animals must be promptly registered by police. Galani pointed out that though the city has 11 ambulances for strays, they are not functioning effectively.

Smita Mire, of Save Speechless Organisation, raised the question over sterilisation surgeries taken place so far and highlighted the gap in effective monitoring. Dr Ajay Poharkar, President, Veterinary Council, informed the meeting that between 5,000 and 7,000 stray dogs had been vaccinated in Nagpur city last year. He noted that Maharashtra recorded 14 rabies-related deaths in 2024, while the figure across India was 54. The meeting also discussed permanent vaccination and treatment centres for strays, strict enforcement of ABC guidelines, and registration of dog-feeders. Recent incidents of attacks on children and citizens also were reviewed, with participants calling for humane but firm measures to ensure public safety. The session concluded with an appeal for strong co-ordination between civic authorities, police, veterinarians, and social organisations to implement the action plan effectively. Allot feeding spots in city for stray dogs A major suggestion in the meeting was made about the need for feeding spots for the stray dogs. Currently, there are only three designated spots in city and all are in Sonegaon area. The three spots are Pragati Complex, Manish Layout, and Parate Nagar. For the sheer size of stray dogs in the city, these spots seems very limited. Some citizens concerned pointed out more need for feeding spots in city, which could result in curbing the issue of hungry dogs being a menace. NMC considered the demand. Soon the civic body will take a decision on this suggestion.

Every area must have one dog-feeder

A vigilant citizen suggested an initiative that could help curbing the issue of stray dog menace. The suggestion was of implementing feeders to every designated area. Every area across the city should have at least one feeder who looks after the feedings of the dogs and also their medications, vaccines and other measures to take care of the dogs.

Citizens demand proper sterilisation of stray dogs

Smita Mire raised the question of how many sterilisation surgeries have actually been performed, highlighting the gap in effective monitoring. She further stated that the condition of the NMC run Bhandewadi dog shelter is well known for the mistreatment of the animals. There have been many reported cases of dogs died after just two-three days of admitting them into the shelter, while some have ran off to their previous place again.

Civic body to hold more meetings soon

Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari confirmed that the tender for the new dog shelter has been approved and the work will begin soon. Dr Singal expressed his satisfaction with the response this meeting got and has assured more meetings to follow.
Lokmat Global Economic Convention to be held on August 18 in London





Business Reporter :

Discussion on Indias progress towards $5 trillion economy

THE Lokmat Media Group will be organising the prestigious Lokmat Global Economic Convention on August 18 in London. This will be the second year of this important event, with last years convention having taken place in Singapore. This years convention in London will focus on discussions about Indias progress towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. There will be in-depth discussions on Indias economic policies, global trade roles, technology, infrastructure development and green energy. The theme of the convention is India-The Emerging Global Economic Power: Challenges & Opportunities.

Chief guests of the convention will be Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, while Chairman of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda and Rajendra Darda, Editor-In-Chief of Lokmat Media Group will be the President and Vice-President of the convention, respectively. The convention will feature four panel discussions with participation from globally renowned dignitaries. Additionally, individuals who have proven themselves through their achievements will be honoured.

The panels will cover topics such as the economy, industry, technology, environment, education and socio-political issues. A key highlight of this event will be the presentation of prestigious awards such as Kohinoor of India, Bharat Bhushan, Maharashtra Ratna, Global Sakhi and Gujarat Ratna will be presented to the individuals for their outstanding achievements in various fields.
Rs 50 lakh extortion threat to Congressleader Atul Londhe





Staff Reporter :

Congress partys spokesperson Atul Londhe received a demand of Rs 50 lakh from unidentified person. Nandanvan Police have registered a case of extortion in this connection and launched probe. According to police, Londhe received four threatening calls on Thursday. He received two such calls on his mobile phone and two on WhatsApp. During calls, the unknown caller used abusive language and threatened Londhe.

The caller threatened that if he did not pay Rs 50 lakh, he would be killed. Shocked by the threats, Londhe immediately blocked the number, added police. Before the calls, Londhe had also received a WhatsApp message demanding the amount as extortion. He took a screenshot of the threat message and rushed to the Nandanvan Police Station, where he filed a complaint. Based on his statement, police registered offences of extortion and criminal intimidation against the unknown person. The police later traced the mobile number and found that the person was operating from Panipat in Haryana. A team is expected to leave for Panipat soon to track down the accused. This is not the first time Londhe has received such threats. Earlier too, after taking part in a television debate, he was threatened with such demands.
Shubhanshu Shukla to return to India today, to meet PM Modi





NEW DELHI :

ASTRONAUT Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to India on Sunday after his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS) and is eager to share his experiences with friends and colleagues back home as ISRO eyes its maiden human spaceflight in 2027. Shukla, who has been in the US, training for the Axiom-4 mission to ISS for the past one year, is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and travel to his hometown Lucknow soon after. He is expected to be back in the capital to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23. Shukla posted on Instagram a smiling photograph of himself sitting in an aeroplane, and said in its caption that he was filled with mixed emotions as he left the US and could not wait to return to India to share his experiences with everyone back home. As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is -- everything all at once, Shukla said in the post.

Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I cant wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you. Goodbyes are hard but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander Peggy Whitson fondly says, the only constant in spaceflight is change. I believe that applies to life as well, he said. Shukla also added, I guess at the end of the day -Yun hi chala chal rahi - jeevan gaadi hai samay pahiya, recalling the song from the Bollywood movie Swades that was on his playlist just before he embarked on the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS on June 25 from the US. Shukla and his backup astronaut Prashanth Nair participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in Houston on Friday.

Addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India was developing its own space station and recalled that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from a space mission. Our Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned from the space station. In the coming days, he is returning to India, Modi had said. Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission that lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the International Space Station on June 26. He returned to Earth on July 15. Along with three other astronauts -- Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) -- Shukla conducted over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions during the 18-day mission.
Toll rises to 60 in cloudburst-hit J&Ks Kishtwar





KISHTWAR/JAMMU :

At least 16 residential houses and Government buildings, 3 temples, 4 water mills, a 30-meter-long bridge, and over a dozen vehicles were also damaged in the flash floods.

A COORDINATED rescue and relief operation continued for the third consecutive day on Saturday in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, where 60 people lost their lives and over 100 others were injured, officials said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, visited the devastated village late Friday night and reviewed ongoing rescue and relief efforts carried out by the police, army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers operating in the high-altitude terrain. So far, 46 bodies have been identified and handed over to their next of kin after completion of legal formalities.

J&K CM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of deceased, Rs 1 lakh to

KISHTWAR, Aug 16 (ANI) JAMMU and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to the severely injured people in the flash flood triggered by a cloud burst in Kishtwar. The Jammu and Kashmir Government will also provide financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the people who suffered minor injuries. The Government will provide Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures from the CMs Relief Fund. The announcement came after CM Omar Abdullah visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. In a post on X, JK CMO said, Chief Minister visited the cloudburst-affected areas of Kishtwar today and met affected families. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage and said the Government stands firmly with the people in this hour of grief. As a mark of solidarity and immediate succor, Chief Minister announced ex-gratia relief from the CMs Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased. Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged structures. Rs 50,000 for severely damaged structures. Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures. Instructions were also issued for immediate restoration of the affected infrastructure in the area. Earlier in the day, J&K CM met with the families affected by the flash flood due to a cloud burst in Chasoti village of Kishtwar district. CM Abdullah also reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations and received a detailed briefing from Army personnel. He used a Virtual Reality (VR) headset to review the destruction and said immediate relief measures would be taken to support affected families. The cloudburst, which occurred along the Machail Mata Yatra route, triggered flash floods and widespread destruction on Thursday, killing at least 60 people. On Friday, Abdullah confirmed the deaths and said that the number of missing people was still being verified. Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground, Omar Abdullah told reporters. (ANI)

J&K LG Sinha: Will ensure reconstruction of homes damaged in flash floods

SRINAGAR,

JAMMU and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday took stock of the rescue and relief operations in the cloudburst-hit Kishtwar district and said he will ensure reconstruction of homes damaged in flash floods. Sinha directed senior officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials to the affected people.
Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Washington on Monday after flop show in Alaska





KYIV :

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet on Monday in Washington with US President Donald Trump, who has shifted to saying an overall peace agreement  and not a ceasefire  is the next step in ending the 3 1/2-year-old war. Trumps abrupt reversal, aligning himself with a position held by Russian President Vladimir Putin, came in a social media post on Saturday, hours after they concluded a summit in Alaska that produced no agreement to halt the fighting. Putin has long said that Moscow is not interested in a temporary truce, and instead is seeking a long-term settlement that takes the Kremlins interests into account.

After calls with Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump posted that it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up. In a statement after the Trump call, the European leaders did not address whether a peace deal was preferable to a ceasefire, saying they welcomed President Trumps efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russias war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

Trump and Ukraines European allies had been calling for a ceasefire. Trumps statement that a peace agreement should be reached before a ceasefire appears to indicate Trumps thinking is shifting towards Putin, an approach that would allow Moscow to keep fighting while negotiating, said Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London. Zelenskyy, who was not invited to Alaska for the summit, said he had a long and substantive conversation with Trump early Saturday. He said they would discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war on Monday. It will be Zelenskyys first visit to the US since Trump berated him publicly for being disrespectful during an extraordinary Oval Office meeting on February 28. Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of involving European leaders, who also were not at the summit.

It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America, he said. We also discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraines security. Zelenskyy previously has said that European partners put on hold a proposal to establish a foreign troop presence in Ukraine to deter Russian aggression because it lacked an American backstop.
A Texas judge ordered the liquidation of Infowars' assets to help pay off more than $1 billion that is owed to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble of Austin can potentially shut conspiracy theorist Alex Jones out of his own studio in the next few days. The development also seems to have restarted an effort by The Onion satirical publication to purchase Infowars and its assets so it could turn the platform into a parody site.

Selling Off Infowars' Assets

Jones, on Thursday, called the Texas court order improper and said he will continue to broadcast if he is locked out of Infowars. The conspiracy theorist added that he has another studio already set up in case the court rules against him.

The conspiracy theorist said that people want to hear this show, saying that the courts can harass him forever, but they will not get him off the air. Jones added that he expects Infowards to be sold to someone or some entity that will keep it on the air, according to the Independent.

The development comes as the Sandy Hook families won nearly $1.5 billion in judgments in 2022 against the conspiracy theorist and Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems. This came after lawsuits that were filed in Connecticut and Texas that accused Jones of defamation and inflicting emotional distress.

The families sued Jones over repeated comments he made, saying that the 2012 school shooting in Connecticut, which killed 20 first-grade students and six educators, was a hoax. The relatives of the victims testified in court about being terrorized by the conspiracy theorist's supporters.

Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre

The judge's ruling orders Infowars' assets to be handed over to a court-ordered receiver, who will take possession of Free Speech Systems and seize the company's physical equipment. These include mixing boards and microphones as well as intellectual property, the New York Times reported.

One of the lawyers for the Sandy Hook families, Christopher Mattei, said that the judge's order brings them closer to achieving their goal of holding Jones accountable for years of harm. On the other hand, a lawyer for the conspiracy theorist did not comment on the situation.

The order to sell Infowars' assets comes after, in December last year, a federal bankruptcy judge halted the sale, citing concerns with the auction process and disputes over the bids. Later, the judge said that families should pursue what they are owed in state court instead of the federal level, as per CNN.
Affinity Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Free Report) by 16.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,219 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 2,187 shares during the period. Dell Technologies makes up about 1.1% of Affinity Investment Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Affinity Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $1,387,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in DELL. Bellwether Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies in the first quarter worth $25,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the first quarter valued at $26,000. Cheviot Value Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies during the first quarter valued at $27,000. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. increased its holdings in Dell Technologies by 270.7% in the 1st quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 304 shares of the technology companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Dell Technologies

In related news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 6,086 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.50, for a total value of $751,621.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 986,261 shares of the companys stock, valued at $121,803,233.50. This represents a 0.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Iv (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 600,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.56, for a total transaction of $76,536,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 980,295 shares in the company, valued at approximately $125,046,430.20. The trade was a 37.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 12,989,063 shares of company stock valued at $1,583,673,412. Company insiders own 42.00% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently commented on DELL. Barclays lifted their price objective on Dell Technologies from $116.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. Raymond James Financial upped their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $144.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, May 30th. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 18th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $143.00.

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Dell Technologies Trading Down 0.4%

Shares of Dell Technologies stock opened at $138.27 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $93.86 billion, a PE ratio of 22.05, a PEG ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.02. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $125.79 and a 200 day moving average of $108.71. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 12 month low of $66.25 and a 12 month high of $147.66.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 29th. The technology company reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.68 by ($0.13). The business had revenue of $23.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.17 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 226.48% and a net margin of 4.63%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.27 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Dell Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 22nd were issued a $0.525 dividend. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, July 22nd. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 33.49%.

Dell Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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Boston Partners lifted its stake in ING Group, N.V. (NYSE:ING  Free Report) by 20.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 200,726 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 34,325 shares during the period. Boston Partners holdings in ING Group were worth $3,927,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC raised its position in shares of ING Group by 4.4% in the first quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 12,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $249,000 after buying an additional 530 shares in the last quarter. Wedmont Private Capital raised its position in shares of ING Group by 6.5% in the first quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 11,415 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $208,000 after buying an additional 693 shares in the last quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of ING Group by 6.5% in the first quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,609 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $227,000 after buying an additional 707 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its position in shares of ING Group by 1.3% in the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 62,657 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,227,000 after buying an additional 786 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hexagon Capital Partners LLC raised its position in shares of ING Group by 21.4% in the first quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 5,085 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $100,000 after buying an additional 897 shares in the last quarter. 4.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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ING Group Trading Down 0.4%

NYSE ING opened at $24.87 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $22.58 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $20.35. ING Group, N.V. has a twelve month low of $15.09 and a twelve month high of $25.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.83. The company has a market capitalization of $78.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.46, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.14.

ING Group Cuts Dividend

ING Group ( NYSE:ING Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.64 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $6.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.40 billion. ING Group had a return on equity of 11.62% and a net margin of 27.28%. Research analysts forecast that ING Group, N.V. will post 2.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 25th. Investors of record on Monday, August 11th will be paid a $0.4002 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 11th. This represents a dividend yield of 450.0%. ING Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.80%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on ING shares. Cfra Research upgraded ING Group from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. Barclays upgraded ING Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, ING Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

View Our Latest Analysis on ING Group

About ING Group

(Free Report)

ING Groep N.V. provides various banking products and services in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, rest of Europe, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Retail Netherlands, Retail Belgium, Retail Germany, Retail Other, and Wholesale Banking. The company accepts current and savings accounts.

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Boston Partners bought a new stake in shares of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor bought 110,794 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $5,349,000.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. S Bank Fund Management Ltd bought a new position in shares of Newmont during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $457,000. National Pension Service increased its position in shares of Newmont by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. National Pension Service now owns 3,148,462 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $152,008,000 after purchasing an additional 316,918 shares during the last quarter. Regal Partners Ltd increased its position in shares of Newmont by 22.6% during the 1st quarter. Regal Partners Ltd now owns 2,393,751 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $115,570,000 after purchasing an additional 441,998 shares during the last quarter. Dagco Inc. bought a new position in shares of Newmont during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Prudential PLC increased its position in shares of Newmont by 21.3% during the 1st quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 283,099 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,668,000 after purchasing an additional 49,637 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.85% of the companys stock.

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Newmont Price Performance

Shares of NEM stock opened at $69.32 on Friday. Newmont Corporation has a twelve month low of $36.86 and a twelve month high of $70.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $76.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.45, a P/E/G ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.30. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $61.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $53.19. The company has a current ratio of 2.23, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23.

Newmont Dividend Announcement

Newmont ( NYSE:NEM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.48. Newmont had a return on equity of 17.86% and a net margin of 30.50%. The business had revenue of $5.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.70 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.72 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 4th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 4th. Newmonts dividend payout ratio is 17.95%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial boosted their target price on Newmont from $67.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Argus set a $63.00 price objective on Newmont in a research report on Friday, April 25th. National Bankshares raised Newmont from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 25th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on Newmont from $69.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Finally, National Bank Financial raised Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and four have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Newmont currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $64.58.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NEM

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,077 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.66, for a total transaction of $132,221.82. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 41,026 shares in the company, valued at $2,611,715.16. This represents a 4.82% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO Brian Tabolt sold 7,015 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.02, for a total value of $477,160.30. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 32,615 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,218,472.30. This trade represents a 17.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 22,246 shares of company stock worth $1,373,251 in the last three months. 0.05% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Newmont Company Profile

(Free Report)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

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Citigroup Inc. cut its holdings in United States Oil Fund LP (NYSEARCA:USO  Free Report) by 28.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 101,859 shares of the companys stock after selling 39,910 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. owned approximately 0.76% of United States Oil Fund worth $7,877,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its position in shares of United States Oil Fund by 30,200.0% during the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 606 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 604 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC raised its stake in United States Oil Fund by 6,875.0% during the first quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 1,116 shares of the companys stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter. Cheviot Value Management LLC bought a new position in shares of United States Oil Fund in the first quarter worth about $111,000. CENTRAL TRUST Co acquired a new stake in shares of United States Oil Fund in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $122,000. Finally, Menard Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United States Oil Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $130,000. 67.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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United States Oil Fund Trading Down 1.3%

Shares of United States Oil Fund stock opened at $72.80 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $75.91 and its 200 day moving average is $72.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $875.06 million, a PE ratio of 19.22 and a beta of 0.93. United States Oil Fund LP has a 1 year low of $60.67 and a 1 year high of $84.58.

United States Oil Fund Company Profile

United States Oil Fund, LP (USO) is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests (shares) traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc (the NYSE Arca). The investment objective of USO is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares per share net asset value (NAV) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the daily changes in the price of the futures contract for light, sweet crude oil traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange, that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within over two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less USOs expenses.

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Corient IA LLC bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 690 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $570,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in LLY. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 97.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 101,305,650 shares of the companys stock worth $83,669,349,000 after purchasing an additional 50,002,551 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 103,831.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 14,866,380 shares of the companys stock worth $12,278,292,000 after purchasing an additional 14,852,076 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,613,912,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 6.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 79,224,392 shares of the companys stock worth $65,432,218,000 after purchasing an additional 4,975,395 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 16.1% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 10,757,511 shares of the companys stock worth $8,304,811,000 after purchasing an additional 1,493,673 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Leerink Partners reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $715.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $1,135.00 price target (up previously from $1,133.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $975.00 to $825.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Leerink Partnrs lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $964.88.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 2.5%

Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $701.51 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $623.78 and a twelve month high of $972.53. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $764.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $794.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $663.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.85, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.44.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $6.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by $0.72. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%. The business had revenue of $15.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.92 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 37.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 39.22%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, Director J Erik Fyrwald acquired 1,565 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $642.33 per share, with a total value of $1,005,246.45. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 74,578 shares of the companys stock, valued at $47,903,686.74. The trade was a 2.14% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Daniel Skovronsky acquired 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $634.40 per share, for a total transaction of $634,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 137,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $87,331,504. This trade represents a 0.73% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have bought 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Corient IA LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund purchased 2,750 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $637,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in WM. Westend Capital Management LLC grew its position in Waste Management by 126.9% in the 1st quarter. Westend Capital Management LLC now owns 118 shares of the business services providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the period. Transce3nd LLC bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. West Branch Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Waste Management by 69.0% during the 1st quarter. West Branch Capital LLC now owns 120 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Waste Management during the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Adalta Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Waste Management during the 4th quarter valued at $40,000. Institutional investors own 80.40% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Waste Management

In other news, CFO Devina A. Rankin sold 57,888 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $237.36, for a total value of $13,740,295.68. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 83,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,922,574.24. The trade was a 40.82% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Rafael Carrasco sold 674 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $236.81, for a total transaction of $159,609.94. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 16,542 shares in the company, valued at $3,917,311.02. This represents a 3.91% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Waste Management Price Performance

NYSE WM opened at $226.80 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51. Waste Management, Inc. has a 1 year low of $199.69 and a 1 year high of $242.58. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $230.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $229.63. The company has a market cap of $91.36 billion, a PE ratio of 33.65, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 0.64.

Waste Management (NYSE:WM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 28th. The business services provider reported $1.92 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.89 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.37 billion. Waste Management had a return on equity of 34.37% and a net margin of 11.36%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 19.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.82 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Waste Management, Inc. will post 7.7 EPS for the current year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have commented on WM shares. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Waste Management from $245.00 to $248.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. HSBC raised shares of Waste Management from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $210.00 to $265.00 in a research report on Friday, April 25th. National Bank Financial upgraded shares of Waste Management to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, May 26th. Raymond James Financial upped their target price on shares of Waste Management from $255.00 to $256.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 22nd. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $254.35.

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About Waste Management

(Free Report)

Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity.

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AmeraMex International (OTCMKTS:AMMX  Get Free Report) and Air Lease (NYSE:AL  Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, valuation, risk and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares AmeraMex International and Air Leases net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets AmeraMex International -4.63% -25.15% -3.85% Air Lease 34.04% 7.99% 1.92%

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares AmeraMex International and Air Leases top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio AmeraMex International $14.97 million 0.09 -$1.16 million ($0.08) -1.16 Air Lease $2.73 billion 2.34 $427.70 million $8.24 6.94

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

Institutional & Insider Ownership

94.6% of Air Lease shares are owned by institutional investors. 49.4% of AmeraMex International shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.6% of Air Lease shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Volatility and Risk

AmeraMex International has a beta of 0.1, indicating that its stock price is 90% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Air Lease has a beta of 1.41, indicating that its stock price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations for AmeraMex International and Air Lease, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score AmeraMex International 0 0 0 0 0.00 Air Lease 1 0 4 0 2.60

Air Lease has a consensus price target of $59.50, indicating a potential upside of 4.00%. Given Air Leases stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Air Lease is more favorable than AmeraMex International.

Summary

Air Lease beats AmeraMex International on 13 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About AmeraMex International

(Get Free Report)

AmeraMex International, Inc. sells, leases, and rents new and refurbished heavy equipment primarily in the United States. Its products are used in light and infrastructure construction, shipping logistics, logging, mining, transportation, commercial farming, and forestry industries. The company also sells parts; and provides repair and maintenance services. It serves customers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The company was founded in 1989 and is based in Chico, California.

About Air Lease

(Get Free Report)

Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. The company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios. As of December 31, 2023, it owned a fleet of 463 aircraft, including 345 narrowbody aircraft and 118 widebody aircraft. Air Lease Corporation was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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Magnolia Oil & Gas (NYSE:MGY  Get Free Report) and Venture Global (NYSE:VG  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation and risk.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

94.7% of Magnolia Oil & Gas shares are held by institutional investors. 1.2% of Magnolia Oil & Gas shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 86.7% of Venture Global shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares Magnolia Oil & Gas and Venture Globals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Magnolia Oil & Gas 27.57% 19.34% 13.47% Venture Global 18.89% 22.45% 3.73%

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Magnolia Oil & Gas $1.32 billion 3.42 $366.03 million $1.91 12.35 Venture Global $4.97 billion 6.09 $1.75 billion N/A N/A

This table compares Magnolia Oil & Gas and Venture Globals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Venture Global has higher revenue and earnings than Magnolia Oil & Gas.

Dividends

Magnolia Oil & Gas pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Venture Global pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Magnolia Oil & Gas pays out 31.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Magnolia Oil & Gas has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Magnolia Oil & Gas is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings for Magnolia Oil & Gas and Venture Global, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Magnolia Oil & Gas 2 8 3 0 2.08 Venture Global 0 6 7 0 2.54

Magnolia Oil & Gas currently has a consensus price target of $26.6667, indicating a potential upside of 13.09%. Venture Global has a consensus price target of $17.00, indicating a potential upside of 35.89%. Given Venture Globals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Venture Global is more favorable than Magnolia Oil & Gas.

Summary

Venture Global beats Magnolia Oil & Gas on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Magnolia Oil & Gas

(Get Free Report)

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas properties. It operates assets located in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations in South Texas. The company was founded on February 14, 2017 and is headquartered in Houston, TX.

About Venture Global

(Get Free Report)

Venture Global has fundamentally reshaped the development and construction of liquefied natural gas production, establishing us as a rapidly growing company delivering critical LNG to the world. Our innovative and disruptive approach, which is both scalable and repeatable, allows us to bring LNG to a global market years faster and at a lower cost. We believe supplying this clean, affordable fuel promotes global energy security and is essential to meeting growing global demand. Natural gas is one of the most important resources worldwide and is required to generate reliable electricity that underpins economic development and drives industry. Once natural gas is supercooled to -260F, it converts to liquid form and reduces to 1/600th of its original volume, enabling large quantities of natural gas to be loaded and shipped by LNG tankers. The resulting LNG can be transported to international markets that lack domestic supply, displacing more carbon intensive sources of energy such as coal, diesel, and heavy fuel oil, and serving as an integral part of a cleaner energy future. We believe our business model has demonstrated that in a competitive commodity market, lower cost and overall faster delivery wins market share. Our approach capitalizes on both of these advantages, supporting significant additional growth opportunities. Our Projects We are commissioning, constructing, and developing five natural gas liquefaction and export projects near the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, utilizing our unique design one, build many approach. Each project is designed or is being developed to include an LNG facility and associated pipeline systems that interconnect with several interstate and intrastate pipelines to enable the delivery of natural gas into the LNG facility. Our five current projects are being designed to deliver a total expected peak production capacity of 143.8 mtpa, which consists of an aggregate of 104.4 mtpa expected nameplate capacity and an aggregate of 39.4 mtpa of expected excess capacity. These amounts do not account for any potential bolt-on expansion liquefaction capacity. The expected nameplate capacity of our facilities measures the minimum operating performance thresholds guaranteed by the equipment providers, and the expected excess capacity represents the additional LNG that we aim to produce above such guaranteed amounts. Although COD has not yet occurred under the post-COD SPAs for any of our projects, we have been generating proceeds from the sale of commissioning cargos at the Calcasieu Project since the first quarter of 2022, and expect to do so at each of our other projects during commissioning prior to achieving COD for the relevant project or phase of a project. Our direct subsidiary, VGLNG, which owns all of our subsidiaries, was originally established in 2013 by our founders. As part of certain corporate reorganization transactions, or Reorganization Transactions, Venture Global, Inc. was formed in 2023 and became the 100% owner of VGLNG. We are a holding company and have no direct operations. All of our business operations are conducted through our subsidiaries, including VGLNG. Our principal asset is the equity interest in VGLNG, which, together with its subsidiaries, owns substantially all of our operating assets. As a result, we are dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to generate revenues and to make loans, pay dividends and make other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders, if any. Our principal executive offices are located at 1001 19th Street North, Suite 1500, Arlington, VA.

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LY Corporation Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:YAHOY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totaling 51,500 shares, agrowthof236.6% from the July 15th total of 15,300 shares. Currently,0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 197,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 197,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Currently,0.0% of the companys shares are short sold.

LY Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS YAHOY opened at $6.44 on Friday. LY has a 1 year low of $5.08 and a 1 year high of $8.41. The company has a market capitalization of $22.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.85 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.05.

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LY (OTCMKTS:YAHOY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 4th. The technology company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.39 billion for the quarter. LY had a net margin of 7.78% and a return on equity of 5.90%. As a group, research analysts expect that LY will post 0.26 EPS for the current year.

LY Company Profile

LY Corporation engages in the online advertising and e-commerce businesses in Japan. The company provides LINE, a communication app; and Yahoo! JAPAN, an internet service that offers search, news, weather, shopping, auction, and other services. It also offers reuse, membership, and payment-related services.

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Cascade Financial Partners LLC lowered its position in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) by 13.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,080 shares of the companys stock after selling 800 shares during the quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Novartis were worth $566,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 9.0% in the 1st quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 3,041 shares of the companys stock valued at $339,000 after buying an additional 252 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 76.5% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $599,000 after buying an additional 2,666 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 11.1% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 38,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,303,000 after buying an additional 3,846 shares during the period. Spire Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 17.2% in the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 3,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $338,000 after buying an additional 446 shares during the period. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 856.3% in the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 7,507 shares of the companys stock valued at $837,000 after buying an additional 6,722 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.12% of the companys stock.

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Novartis Price Performance

Shares of Novartis stock opened at $124.20 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Novartis AG has a twelve month low of $96.06 and a twelve month high of $124.83. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $118.67 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.04. The firm has a market cap of $262.36 billion, a PE ratio of 18.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.62.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results 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 firm had revenue of $14.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.94 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.97 EPS. Novartiss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Novartis AG will post 8.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Morgan Stanley raised Novartis from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $123.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, August 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $123.50.

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Novartis Company Profile

(Free Report)

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

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Salesforce, ServiceNow, Super Micro Computer, QUALCOMM, Tempus AI, Accenture, and Arista Networks are the seven Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of publicly traded companies engaged in developing, implementing or commercializing AI-driven technologiessuch as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. These firms can range from software and hardware providers to cloud platforms and specialized AI startups. Investing in AI stocks offers exposure to the rapid innovation and growth potential of intelligent systems across industries like healthcare, finance, automotive and consumer electronics. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days.

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Salesforce (CRM)

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.

Shares of CRM stock traded up $9.41 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $242.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 12,936,592 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,984,759. The company has a 50 day moving average of $260.41 and a 200 day moving average of $275.84. The stock has a market cap of $232.10 billion, a PE ratio of 37.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.12 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Salesforce has a 12-month low of $226.48 and a 12-month high of $369.00.

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ServiceNow (NOW)

ServiceNow, Inc. provides end to-end intelligent workflow automation platform solutions for digital businesses in the North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Now platform for end-to-end digital transformation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, and collaboration and development tools.

Shares of NOW stock traded up $16.03 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $866.89. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,758,039 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,860,190. The company has a 50 day moving average of $967.03 and a 200 day moving average of $935.06. The stock has a market cap of $180.31 billion, a PE ratio of 109.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.83 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. ServiceNow has a 12-month low of $678.66 and a 12-month high of $1,198.09.

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Super Micro Computer (SMCI)

Super Micro Computer, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and manufactures high performance server and storage solutions based on modular and open architecture in the United States, Europe, Asia, and internationally. Its solutions range from complete server, storage systems, modular blade servers, blades, workstations, full racks, networking devices, server sub-systems, server management software, and security software.

Shares of SMCI traded down $0.12 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $45.37. The stock had a trading volume of 27,373,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 43,333,472. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 3.32 and a current ratio of 5.32. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $48.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.00. Super Micro Computer has a fifty-two week low of $17.25 and a fifty-two week high of $66.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.33, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.46.

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QUALCOMM (QCOM)

QUALCOMM Incorporated engages in the development and commercialization of foundational technologies for the wireless industry worldwide. It operates through three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT); Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL); and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives (QSI). The QCT segment develops and supplies integrated circuits and system software based on 3G/4G/5G and other technologies for use in wireless voice and data communications, networking, computing, multimedia, and position location products.

Shares of QCOM traded down $0.24 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $157.85. The stock had a trading volume of 7,580,460 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,745,438. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 2.38 and a current ratio of 3.19. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $155.73 and a 200 day moving average price of $153.73. QUALCOMM has a fifty-two week low of $120.80 and a fifty-two week high of $182.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $170.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.22, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 1.23.

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Tempus AI (TEM)

Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics.

Shares of TEM traded up $2.19 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $73.78. The stock had a trading volume of 14,646,490 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,221,011. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a current ratio of 1.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $63.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $58.57. Tempus AI has a fifty-two week low of $31.36 and a fifty-two week high of $91.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -62.00 and a beta of 4.98.

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Accenture (ACN)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

NYSE:ACN traded up $0.88 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $247.04. 4,223,359 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,754,784. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The stocks 50-day moving average is $283.92 and its 200-day moving average is $311.61. The firm has a market cap of $154.73 billion, a PE ratio of 19.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.29. Accenture has a twelve month low of $236.67 and a twelve month high of $398.35.

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Arista Networks (ANET)

Arista Networks, Inc. engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

NYSE:ANET traded up $0.75 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $137.23. 6,054,998 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,893,038. The stocks 50-day moving average is $109.98 and its 200-day moving average is $96.20. The firm has a market cap of $172.48 billion, a PE ratio of 53.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.37. Arista Networks has a twelve month low of $59.43 and a twelve month high of $141.99.

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Further Reading
Citigroup Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB  Free Report) by 3.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 100,555 shares of the banks stock after selling 4,058 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc. owned about 0.11% of Prosperity Bancshares worth $7,177,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in PB. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 8.2% in the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,362 shares of the banks stock valued at $525,000 after purchasing an additional 561 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 0.4% during the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 219,056 shares of the banks stock worth $15,634,000 after acquiring an additional 855 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Prosperity Bancshares by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 58,236 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,156,000 after acquiring an additional 1,016 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 23.1% in the 1st quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 21,818 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,557,000 after buying an additional 4,098 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 7,675 shares of the banks stock worth $578,000 after buying an additional 427 shares during the last quarter. 80.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Prosperity Bancshares Trading Down 1.6%

NYSE PB opened at $67.19 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.38 billion, a PE ratio of 12.22, a PEG ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.71. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a 1 year low of $61.57 and a 1 year high of $86.75. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $69.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $70.94.

Prosperity Bancshares Announces Dividend

Prosperity Bancshares ( NYSE:PB Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The bank reported $1.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.02. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 29.37% and a return on equity of 6.99%. The company had revenue of $310.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $315.66 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.22 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. will post 5.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 15th will be given a $0.58 dividend. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 15th. Prosperity Bancsharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.18%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.88, for a total transaction of $33,940.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 95,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,476,770.20. The trade was a 0.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders sold 14,300 shares of company stock valued at $1,002,309 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 4.20% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have issued reports on PB. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $86.00 to $84.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, July 24th. Hovde Group reduced their target price on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $85.00 to $83.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research note on Wednesday, May 21st. They set a buy rating and a $85.00 price objective on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $95.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Prosperity Bancshares from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.57.

Read Our Latest Report on Prosperity Bancshares

About Prosperity Bancshares

(Free Report)

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery.

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Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in LTC Properties, Inc. (NYSE:LTC  Free Report) by 27.3% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 143,576 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 30,817 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Boards holdings in LTC Properties were worth $5,090,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LTC. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in LTC Properties by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 56,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,943,000 after buying an additional 6,836 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in LTC Properties by 69.3% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 207,700 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,176,000 after buying an additional 85,000 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of LTC Properties during the 4th quarter worth $464,000. Sterling Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of LTC Properties by 10.1% during the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 13,769 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 1,261 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Summit Investment Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of LTC Properties by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 4,678 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $162,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.25% of the companys stock.

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LTC Properties Price Performance

NYSE LTC opened at $35.49 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 9.06, a quick ratio of 9.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $35.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $35.09. The company has a market cap of $1.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.50 and a beta of 0.66. LTC Properties, Inc. has a 1 year low of $31.70 and a 1 year high of $39.89.

LTC Properties Dividend Announcement

LTC Properties ( NYSE:LTC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $30.18 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $49.97 million. LTC Properties had a net margin of 38.24% and a return on equity of 7.95%. LTC Propertiess quarterly revenue was up 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.45 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that LTC Properties, Inc. will post 2.79 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 29th. Investors of record on Friday, August 22nd will be issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 642.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 21st. LTC Propertiess dividend payout ratio is currently 125.27%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently commented on LTC shares. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on shares of LTC Properties from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. JMP Securities increased their price target on shares of LTC Properties from $40.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 6th. Finally, Wedbush upgraded shares of LTC Properties to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $39.00.

Read Our Latest Analysis on LTC

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP David M. Boitano acquired 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $34.71 per share, with a total value of $208,260.00. Following the acquisition, the executive vice president owned 15,626 shares in the company, valued at approximately $542,378.46. This represents a 62.33% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 2.10% of the companys stock.

LTC Properties Company Profile

(Free Report)

LTC Properties, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in managing seniors housing and health care properties. It operates through the Texas, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Remaining States geographic segments. The company was founded by Andre C. Dimitriadis on May 12, 1992 and is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA.

Further Reading

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Seven Mile Advisory raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 16.5% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,107 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 440 shares during the period. Seven Mile Advisorys holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $493,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $34,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 115.0% in the first quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 215 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares during the last quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $35,000. Inlight Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $38,000. Finally, Pandora Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.6%

Philip Morris International stock opened at $166.19 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $174.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $164.79. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $116.12 and a 12-month high of $186.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $258.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.48.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.33 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 120.86% and a net margin of 9.03%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.59 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently 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 3.2%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 102.66%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on PM. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $195.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $170.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 4th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. They set a buy rating and a $220.00 price target on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $186.27.

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Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Cascade Financial Partners LLC increased its position in Stag Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG  Free Report) by 261.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 23,098 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 16,711 shares during the period. Cascade Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Stag Industrial were worth $834,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in Stag Industrial by 14.0% in the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 2,586 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $93,000 after buying an additional 317 shares in the last quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Stag Industrial by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 14,169 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $512,000 after buying an additional 395 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC grew its position in Stag Industrial by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 11,673 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $395,000 after buying an additional 398 shares in the last quarter. PFG Investments LLC grew its position in Stag Industrial by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 8,302 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $300,000 after buying an additional 429 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moran Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Stag Industrial by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Moran Wealth Management LLC now owns 36,799 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,329,000 after buying an additional 436 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.67% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Stag Industrial

In other Stag Industrial news, Director Benjamin S. Butcher sold 28,843 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.90, for a total value of $1,064,306.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 7,115 shares in the company, valued at $262,543.50. This trade represents a 80.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on STAG. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on shares of Stag Industrial from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Stag Industrial from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on shares of Stag Industrial from $39.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $38.00 price objective on shares of Stag Industrial in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $38.17.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Stag Industrial

Stag Industrial Trading Down 0.2%

Shares of NYSE:STAG opened at $34.74 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.35 and a beta of 0.91. Stag Industrial, Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.61 and a 1-year high of $40.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a current ratio of 1.31. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $35.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.99.

Stag Industrial (NYSE:STAG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.63. The firm had revenue of $207.44 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $206.37 million. Stag Industrial had a net margin of 29.14% and a return on equity of 6.71%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.61 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Stag Industrial, Inc. will post 2.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Stag Industrial Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 1st were issued a $0.1242 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 422.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 31st. Stag Industrials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 117.32%.

Stag Industrial Profile

(Free Report)

STAG Industrial, Inc is a real estate investment company, which engages in acquiring, owning, and managing single-tenant, industrial real estate assets. It offers industrial real estate operating platform to real estate ownership. The company was founded by Benjamin S. Butcher on July 21, 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

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Value Holdings Management CO. LLC boosted its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 0.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 137,500 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the quarter. EOG Resources accounts for about 3.3% of Value Holdings Management CO. LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. Value Holdings Management CO. LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $17,633,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EOG. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $26,000. Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. 10Elms LLP bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $48,000. 89.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

EOG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Tuesday, June 17th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $137.00 price objective on the stock. 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. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $142.00 price objective (up from $140.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. Susquehanna increased their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a $148.00 target price (up from $144.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Friday, June 13th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $140.71.

EOG Resources Stock Performance

EOG opened at $119.06 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The companys fifty day moving average price is $120.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $119.40. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1-year low of $102.52 and a 1-year high of $138.18. The company has a market cap of $65.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.57, a PEG ratio of 9.15 and a beta of 0.80.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.14 by $0.18. EOG Resources had a net margin of 25.25% and a return on equity of 20.51%. The firm had revenue of $5.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.45 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.16 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

EOG Resources Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 17th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 37.90%.

Insider Activity at EOG Resources

In other news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 3,951 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total value of $472,737.15. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 45,739 shares in the company, valued at $5,472,671.35. This represents a 7.95% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

EOG Resources 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.

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The Kolkata Metro Railway is trying to find out how the incident of the body being found inside the tunnel of the Blue Line on Friday night, took place, informed official sources in the city Metro today.

In the wee hours of Friday, at around 2.15 a.m, an individual was spotted lying on the tracks about 100m from Park Street station of the Blue Line. The man was declared brought dead at the hospital. Later during the day, the police informed the Press that the body had burn injuries on his wrist. In the preliminary observations, the marks appeared to be that of electrocution.

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According to the city Metro official sources, the Kolkata Metro Railway is now investigating all angles as to how the incident could have possibly occurred. The police are trying to find out the identity of the man. We are also trying to check and find out as to what could have happened, informed an official. Also, whether the individual was a maintenance staff or an outsider is also being found out, he added.

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The parents of the deceased doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have got an email from Rashtrapati Bhavan assuring a likely meeting, said sources.

According to sources, the family received a response on 14 August to an email they had sent on 13 August, requesting an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu.

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The email, reportedly from the Presidents office, stated that steps were being taken to establish contact with the family immediately. It further assured that the Presidents personal assistant would reach out to them shortly, with the intention of facilitating progress in the ongoing CBI investigationan inquiry the parents have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with.

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This communication has renewed the familys hope for justice, with sources indicating that they are now pinning their expectations on the proposed meeting.

The development follows several unsuccessful attempts to secure appointments with the President, Prime Minister, and union home minister. Previous requests had gone unanswered.

The body of the junior doctor was recovered from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9 August, 2024. Since then, the family has been pursuing justice.

In a related development, a source claims that President Murmu has written to the states chief secretary, Manoj Pant, urging action regarding the alleged assault on the victims mother by police during the Nabanna march rally at Park Street on 9 August.
Delhi Police have arrested four men in connection with the murders of two brothers-in-law, who were found dead on consecutive days last week in separate locations of northeast Delhi, officials said on Sunday.

A senior officer stated that the deaths were linked to an altercation that escalated during a family gathering.

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The first victim, 33-year-old Raji Ahmed, was found dead on Monday in Khajuri Khas. A day later, 37-year-old Shami Alam was discovered in a locked kitchen in Dayalpur.

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Investigations revealed that both men, related by marriage, had clashed over a loan during a drunken party at a rented residence in Dayalpur.

Police scanned CCTV footage and conducted extensive fieldwork, which led to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

Four men, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, were ultimately taken into custody. Initially, two suspects were detained, and their interrogation revealed the involvement of two more accomplices.

The accused are currently in police custody, and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
A situation unfolded on Sunday morning outside the residence of YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram Sector 57, when unidentified men opened fire. According to the police, more than a dozen shots were fired at around 5:30 AM by three masked men.

The incident has shocked fans and locals. But officials confirmed that Yadav was not at home at the time of the attack. Three miscreants, their faces covered, fired over a dozen rounds outside the residence of Elvish Yadav. He was not present when the incident took place, said Sandeep Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police to the media.

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No injuries have been reported. Police have launched an investigation and are trying to identify the attackers and the motive behind the firing.

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This shooting comes at a time when Elvish Yadav is already facing legal challenges. Recently, the Supreme Court granted him relief by putting a temporary stop to legal proceedings connected to a controversial rave party case.

In this case, Yadav was accused of being linked to a party where snake venom and illegal drugs were allegedly supplied and consumed. Multiple FIRs were registered in connection with the matter, leading to serious charges against him.

The Allahabad High Court had earlier dismissed Yadavs request to cancel the case. It stated that the allegations needed a proper legal examination. Following that, Yadav approached the Supreme Court. A bench led by Justices M M Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant. They have asked for their response.

The top court has now ordered a temporary halt on the proceedings.

According to reports, Yadav was chargesheeted under several laws. This includes provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Elvish Yadav has denied all allegations. His legal team argued that the informant who filed the case was not even a competent authority under the Wildlife Protection Act. They also pointed out that no snake, narcotic substance, or psychotropic material was ever recovered from him.
Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini recently opened up about her memories of working in the classic film Sholay, which completed 50 years since its release this Friday.

Known for her iconic role as Basanti, Hema shared how she managed action sequences and also recalled her feelings when the role was first offered to her.

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In an interview with IANS, Hema Malini was asked about performing stunts in the movie. She revealed that she has done many such sequences throughout her career. In many of my films, fight scenes were specially written for me. Directors used to say, If Hema Malini is in the film, she must fight. No matter what character I played, action was always a part of it, she said.

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Speaking about Sholay, Hema Malini remembered the famous chase sequence where dacoits run after her while she rides a horse cart.

That scene is still fresh in my memory. It was beautifully shot. Every frame in Sholay was moving, nothing was still. Thats why the film remains so powerful even today, she added.

The actress also revealed that her grandchildren have not yet watched the film. But now that it has completed 50 years, she plans to show it to them in her home theatre. I will make them sit one day and watch it with me. It will be special, she said.

Interestingly, Hema Malini admitted that she was not very happy when the role of Basanti first came to her. After the huge success of Seeta Aur Geeta, which was also directed by Ramesh Sippy, she expected another big and central role. When Rameshji told me about Sholay, he explained that the film had many characters and I was one among them. I felt disappointed. I wondered why I was being given a smaller role this time, she recalled.

But later, the director convinced her that Basantis character would have a strong impact on the audience. That reassurance made her accept the role, which eventually became one of the most remembered characters in Indian cinema.

Looking back, Hema Malini feels grateful that she agreed to do the role. From action sequences to comedy and emotion, Basanti gave her a chance to showcase a different side of her acting.
Fairyland release date: The much-anticipated film Fairyland, produced by acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola, will arrive in cinemas on October 10. Written, produced, and directed by Andrew Durham, the movie is adapted from Alysia Abbotts celebrated memoir of the same name.

Fairyland takes audiences to San Francisco in the 1970s and 80s, a city alive with art, culture, and change. At its heart, its a coming-of-age story, following the evolving bond between a father and his daughter. The film moves from the carefree bohemian days of the city to the sombre years marked by the AIDS crisis.

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The cast features Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy in leading roles, alongside Cody Fern, Maria Bakalova, and Bella Murphy. Musician Adam Lambert, Oscar-winner Geena Davis, and newcomer Nessa Dougherty also star in the movie.

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Amelia McPartlon Rogers, Executive Vice President at Lionsgate, called Fairyland a beautiful and deeply personal film that left a lasting emotional impact on her. She praised its sharp, funny, and moving portrayal of a pivotal era, adding that the story feels both personal and universal.

The film first made waves at the Sundance Film Festival, where it earned glowing reviews. It went on to screen at the Biarritz, Palm Springs, and Frameline film festivals, opening the latter to great acclaim.

Director Andrew Durham said he was drawn to Abbotts memoir because it offered a rare look at a father-daughter relationship unlike any he had seen before, while still touching on themes many families can relate to. He acknowledged the challenges of making films with unconventional stories but credited Coppola, American Zoetrope, and a dedicated cast and crew for bringing the project to life.

Sofia Coppola expressed her admiration for Abbotts memoir and Durhams heartfelt adaptation. Its such an important story to tell right now, she said.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will release a special commemorative postal stamp marking the centenary of Vithalbhai Patel, the first elected Indian President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925, at the upcoming All India Speakers Conference 2025 to be held in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha.

Announcing this, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Sunday said, Honouring our parliamentary pioneers is not just about remembering history, but also about drawing inspiration for the future. In this spirit, the stamp is being released as a centenary tribute to Shri Vithalbhai Patel.

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The commemorative issuance will take place in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M Scindia.

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The stamp, issued by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with India Post, will honour Patels distinguished parliamentary legacy and monumental contributions, Gupta said.

This will also honour him for his role in the countrys freedom movement and his historic leadership as the first Indian to preside over the Central Legislative Assembly on August 24, 1925.

Gupta highlighted that Patels tenure was marked by impartiality, unwavering adherence to parliamentary procedures, guarding legislative independence, promotion of meaningful debate, and a commitment towards democratic values.

The Speaker recalled that on September 27, 1973, a commemorative postal stamp had also been released on Patels birth centenary, symbolising the nations lasting reverence for his service to democracy.

Gupta said that the release of this stamp will form an integral part of the All India Speakers Conference 2025, which will bring together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Chairpersons, and Deputy Chairpersons from Legislative Assemblies and Councils across the nation.

The conference, scheduled for August 24-25, will deliberate on key issues such as constitutional foundations, the growth of democratic institutions, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary functioning.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP has been stealing Assembly and Lok Sabha elections across the country with the help of the Election Commission.

Addressing a rally in Sasaram, Bihar, on Sunday, before embarking upon the Voter Adhikar Yatra, the Congress leader said: Their last conspiracy is to delete and add voters through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar to steal the upcoming Assembly elections. We will not let them repeat it in Bihar.

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The Yatra, flagged-off by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, will cover 1,300 km across 25 districts in 16 days and will conclude with a massive public rally at the historic Gandhi Maidan on 1 September. Rahul Gandhi will be accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and other top leaders of the INDIA Alliance.

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The Congress leader said: We have exposed how the Election Commission has been stealing votes. We wont allow them to do it anymore  be it Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam or West Bengal. Wherever they will do it, we will expose them.

He also spoke about voter manipulation in Maharashtra that swung the Assembly polls results, alleging that one crore names were added to electoral rolls and that wherever such additions happened, BJP won.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that people must realise the conspiracy against the peoples power.

He said: The government first removed the Chief Justice from the Chief Election Commissioners Selection Committee, replacing them with a Union Minister. Later, the government enacted a law granting impunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners for actions in official capacity. Now the BJP is using the Election Commission to manipulate voter lists across the country in a manner that suits them best. You cant even file an FIR against them.

Kharge also attacked PM Modi for declaring from the Red Fort that RSS has been serving the country for 100 years.

He said: The truth is that RSS was against the countrys independence. People with RSS ideology assassinated Gandhi ji. RSS had no contribution to the freedom struggle. On the contrary, RSS people wrote letters to the British seeking forgiveness and jobs.

The BJP and the RSS are dangerous for the poor, the youth, and especially for women. They were never in favour of voting rights for women. They even said that Pandit Nehru was making a mistake by giving women the right to vote. Today, Modi ji praises such people he added.

In his brief address, Lalu Yadav said, Choro ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye. Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge, and all of you unite, uproot them and throw them away. Save democracy.

Addressing the rally, Tejashwi Yadav said, Vote ka raaj matalab chhot ka raaj (rule through votes means rule for the marginalised). From Lohia to Lalu Yadav, they have fought for this very idea. But today, the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, is snatching away peoples right to vote.

The RJD leader said this is not just vote theft, but a robbery of democracy. Bihar is the cradle of democracy. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the Election Commission  listen carefully: democracy will not be allowed to perish.

He warned people of Bihar that if their names are removed from the voter list, they will also be removed from pension and ration benefits. Tejashwi said, This is a big conspiracy, and the people of Bihar will respond to it. Narendra Modi wants to cheat the people of Bihar through the Election Commission.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day official visit to India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with Mr. Wang Yi on Monday evening.

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On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Minister will hold the 24th round of the Special Representatives (SR) Talks on the India-China boundary issue with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, the MEA said on Sunday.

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Later on Tuesday evening, Mr. Wang Yi is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence.

The visit comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Modis planned trip to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, scheduled to be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.

At the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi will visit India on 1819 August 2025. During his visit, he will hold the 24th round of the Special Representatives Talks on the India-China boundary question with Indias SR, NSA Doval, the MEA said in a statement on August 16.

In June, NSA Doval had also visited China to attend the 20th Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries.

During the meeting, he underlined the need to shun double standards in the fight against terrorism, take decisive action against UN-proscribed terrorists and entities such as LeT and JeM, and dismantle their terror ecosystems.
The Election Commission of India on Sunday uploaded the list of 65 lakh voters, whose names were removed from the Bihar draft electoral roll published on August 1 after the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The list of voters whose names were included in the Bihar voter list till 2025, but are not included in the draft roll have been uploaded on the official wesbite of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar.

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The BLOs, with the help of booth-level agents appointed by political parties, other local public representatives, and other officials, have prepared the following list of voters whose enumeration slips have not been received. Any dissatisfied person can submit their claim along with a copy of their Aadhaar card, a notice on the website read.

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The downloaded list provide following details of excluded electors  serial number, EPIC number, name of voter, relation type, name of relative, old part number, old serial number, age, and gender.

More importantly, it also mentions reason for their non-inclusion in the August 1 draft roll.

The publication of the exluded electors under the Special Intensive Revision exercise in poll-bound Bihar came after Supreme Court order.

Also Read: Big SC directive to ECI on Bihar SIR: Publish names of omitted 65 lakh voters

Earlier on Thursday, the apex court had directed the Election Commission of India to publish the names of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft electoral roll, including reasons behind their exclusion.

Hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Special Intensive revision exercise in Bihar, the court said, List of approx. 65 lakh voters whose names appears in voter list of 2025 but are not included in draft list, shall be displayed on the website of every district electoral officers (district-wise).

The court said that the ECI will also ensure voters are made aware of the reasons behind the exclusion.
In a significant move ahead of the Assembly elections, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday carried out raids on senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister I Periyasamy in Chennai, Madurai, and Dindigul.

The searches were conducted at multiple locations linked to the Minister and his son, legislator IP Senthilkumar, in connection with alleged money laundering. CRPF personnel were deployed to provide security during the raids.

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The ED also searched Periyasamys official residence on Greenways Road in Chennai and his room in the MLAs quarters.

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As news of the raids spread, DMK workers and functionaries gathered outside his residences in Chennai and Dindigul, shouting slogans against the Modi government and accusing it of political vendetta.

The EDs action comes in connection with a Vigilance case. The Madras High Court recently directed a Special Court in Dindigul to frame charges against Periyasamy and his family in a 2.1 crore disproportionate assets case.

The directive followed a petition filed by the Vigilance challenging the earlier order of the Special Court that had discharged Periyasamy and his family members.

The High Court further ordered that the trial be conducted on a day-to-day basis and completed within six months.

According to the Vigilance case, Periyasamy allegedly amassed assets worth 2.1 crore in the names of his wife P Suseela, sons Senthilkumar and Prabhu, and daughter Indira, disproportionate to his known sources of income during his tenure as Housing Minister between 2006 and 2010.
Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and National President of Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, on Sunday advised the Election Commission that one correct and bold step of theirs can ensure the future and welfare of infinite generations of the country.

Akhilesh Yadav made this appeal to the Election Commission at a time when the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, started his Vote Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram district of Bihar. Just a few days ago, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the entire opposition had protested strongly on the issue of SIR.

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Akhilesh Yadav requested the Commission on his social media account, writing, Election Commission not only needs reforms but also radical changes are inevitable. Today, the historic responsibility of saving democracy is on its shoulders. Many types of unwanted pressures are indeed working on it, but it should not think that it is alone. He has written that when the Election Commission starts walking on the right path, the support of crores of Indians will become its protective shield. The public and public trust automatically start walking with those who walk on the path of truth.

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Akhilesh Yadav said that a right and bold step of the Election Commission can ensure the future and welfare of infinite generations of the country. Everyone should listen to his voice of conscience.
IPU-IIF incubated startup, Mazout Electric has launched ZOOTY, an all electric patrolling vehicle for our Indian defence personnel.

According to Mr. Akhil Gupta, founder & CEO, it is an attempt to lead with a vision to indigenize and simplify vehicle electronics for all forms of electric vehicles.

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At Mazout Electric, a team of 7 engineers, built ZOOTY as a side project to test their technologies and launched it on 15th August 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Indias 79th Independence day at East campus of the University.

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Zooty is a compact, patrolling electric scooter, designed with a clear purpose: to serve the logistical heroes who keep our large spaces running. Think of it as the perfect partner for security guards on their rounds, facility managers overseeing a campus, or even an assistant helping someone navigate a large hospital.

Powered by a robust 0.8 kWh battery, Zooty delivers a practical range of over 20 km on a single charge with a top speed of 24kmph. Its fast-charging feature takes it from 0 to 90% in under an hour, keeping downtime to a minimum.

With a 120 kg payload capacity, it effortlessly carries a rider and essential gear toolkits, documents, or supplies.

What truly sets Zooty apart is its heart: the advanced in-house electronics.

From the microcontroller to the IoT system, every key component is built by the team. This makes it an indigenously developed product with in-house built powertrain electronics, with dev-X1 and MZ-01 performing the role of controller and IOT respectively.

This allows facility managers to monitor and control the vehicle remotely making it one of the smartest, most connected utility EVs in the market.

This isnt just a product launch, its a celebration of whats possible when passionate entrepreneurs, a supportive institution, and a shared mission come together to solve real-world problems. None of this would have been possible without the vision and unwavering support of the University and IPU incubator, said Akhil.

Akhils quote: We are especially grateful to IPU for not just supporting this venture, but for truly believing in it. We look forward to deployment of Zooty in IPUs campuses in the next few months, and scale from there.

Unveiled by Padmshri Prof.(Dr.) Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor, of the University, this marks our commitment to serve the nation in the best ways we can and lead the technology advancement with indigenous tech for the industry.

This innovation marks in true sense the start of Naya Bharat, the theme of this Independence Day.

Team names  Akhil Gupta  Founder & CEO

Vipul Saini  Technical advisor

Saksham Chopra  Operations and Design

Madhav Sachdeva  Automotive Design

Arnav Bhatt  Powertrain design

Sarthak Mishra  Full stack Software

Rahul Gupta  Vehicle integration and debugging
Days after the cloudburst in Kishtwar that has so far claimed 65 lives, another catastrophe hit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday when seven people, including five children, were killed and several others injured after a cloudburst in the Kathua district led to severe flash floods amidst continuous heavy rains.

The cloudburst near Janglote around midnight also claimed lives in the nearby Jodh village.

Another devastation in J&K has occurred while the search was continuing for nearly 80 missing persons in Kishtwar.

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Those killed in Kathua have been identified as Renu Devi (39) and her 9-year-old daughter Radhika, of the Janglote area. Surmu Din (30), Fanu (6), Shedu (5), Tahu (2), and Zulfan (15), all belonging to two families in Jodh, were also killed.

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Many houses were buried under the debris that flowed with the flash flood.

Columns of the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army were immediately deployed for the rescue operations and also provided medical aid to the injured.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that Army helicopters have been pressed into service for shifting the injured to the hospitals for treatment. Six injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be a relatively nearer destination.

Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the CMs Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support to the kin of each of the seven killed due to the cloudburst.

The CM announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. He also announced assistance of Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses; Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

This assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.

Home Minister Amit Shah said on X, Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured of every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K.

Train services were suspended as the rail tracks were submerged. Many trains were terminated at Jalandhar and Pathankot. Vehicular traffic on the strategic Jammu-Pathankot highway was also affected as debris blocked the road.

Floodwaters inundated the downstream industrial area, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), and the police station in Janglote. The cloudburst caused flash floods that swept through Janglote and surrounding areas, including Jodh, Ghatti, Chandarh, Bhed Blore, Bagrah, Dilwan, Hatli, and Lakhanpur. The Indian Army has launched rescue operations, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), CRPF and J&K Police.

Flood waters have entered residential areas in the region. The Kathua police station was also inundated.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who represents Kathua in the Lok Sabha, was in constant touch with the administration.

A Railway officer said that due to heavy rains, water was flowing above danger level through Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said, I have directed the Senior Civil & Police Officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured, he wrote on X.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received a rousing welcome at New Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday, as citizens carrying the Tricolour gathered to celebrate his return from space.

Shukla, who recently completed a two-week mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, touched down in the early hours to chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

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He was greeted by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, and hundreds of residents who hailed his achievement as a proud moment for India.

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We have all come here to welcome Shubhanshu Shukla. He has brought pride to the nation. There is enthusiasm across the country that we, too, should learn from him. He has made us proud. He has made the entire country proud, a resident at the airport said.

Another added, I am very happy that Shubhanshu Shukla has brought honour and pride to the nation. We can also proudly say that India is great. Seeing him reach ISS has made us proud. We are all here to welcome him and thank him for taking Indias name to new heights.

Many in the crowd spoke of Shukla as an inspiration to the youth.

We hope the entire nation learns from Shubhanshu Shukla. The youth should aspire to be like him. He has inspired India. We are very proud of him and hope that he continues to make us proud, said another citizen.

Some also recalled the significance of his feat, noting, Shubhanshu Shukla hoisted our flag in ISS. This filled the hearts of every Indian with pride. We are very happy to have him back. We thank him for making India proud.

Shukla made history in June by becoming only the second Indian to travel to space after IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharmas iconic mission in 1984.

He returned to Earth on July 16, concluding a milestone journey marking Indias re-entry into human spaceflight after four decades.

Representing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Shuklas successful mission and learnings from the Ax-4 programme are seen as crucial steps towards Indias upcoming Gaganyaan Mission and the ambitious plan to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice Presidential election scheduled to be held on September 9.

The announcement was made by BJP president and Union Minister JP Nadda during a press conference in Delhi.

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Nadda said that the rulling alliance will also speak to the Opposition to seek their support to ensure an unopposed election for the Vice Presidents post.

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We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President, Nadda said.

He said that senior BJP leaders have been in touch with the Opposition leaders.

The BJP President further stated that all NDA alliance partners have suported Radhakrishnans name.

All our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDAs candidate for Vice President, he added.

Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Radhakrishnans dedication, humility and intellect.

In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance, Modi said on X.

The PM further added, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has rich experience as MP and Governor of various states. His Parliamentary interventions were always incisive. During his gubernatorial tenures, he focused on addressing challenges faced by common citizens. These experiences ensured that he has vast knowledge of legislative and Constitutional matters. I am confident he will be an inspiring Vice President.

Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai said he was delighted by the news of Radhakrishnan being picked by the NDA as its Vice Presidential nominee.

Extremely delighted by the news that the Hon Governor of Maharashtra, Thiru @CPRGuvavl, has been nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Alliance. In his distinguished journey as ha His tenure as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra has been marked by dedication and a steadfast commitment to public service. As Vice President of India, he will ably guide the Rajya Sabha and contribute significantly to our nations progress. I extend my sincere felicitations and best wishes to Thiru CP Radhakrishnan,, Annamalai said.

The election for the post of Vice President was necessitated after the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons.

In his resignation letter, Dhankhar had said, To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately.

Dhankhars resignation came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
Prof Dr Radha Krishna Dhiman, Director, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, has been given additional charge of the Chairman of AIIMS, Patna by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi.

Apart from this, Dhiman has also been appointed as a permanent member of the Institute Body of AIIMS, Patna. Now he will make significant contributions to the administration of AIIMS, Patna.

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Dr Dhiman, who implemented the Punjab model across the country, played an important role in formulating a cost-effective algorithm for the treatment of hepatitis C at the public health level in Punjab. Based on the success of the Punjab model, the Government of India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) on July 28, 2018, which provides for free diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis through the National Health Mission.

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Dr Dhiman obtained an MBBS and MD in Medicine from King George Medical College, Lucknow, in 1984 and 1987, and a Doctorate in Medicine (Gastroenterology) from SGPGI in 1991. He received fellowships from several institutions, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the Royal College of Physicians, London and Edinburgh, and the National Academy of Medical Sciences.

Dr Dhiman was conferred with the Padma Shri by President Draupadi Murmu in 2024 and Dr B C Roy National Award, the highest in the medical field, by the then President Pratibha Patil in 2008. He has been awarded the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Award four times.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi on Sunday brushed aside allegations of voter fraud and complaints of fake affidavit in his parliamentary constituency and asserted that he is not answerable to the allegations and that it is the Election Commission of India (ECI) that must respond to allegations of voter list manipulation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Thrissur.

He urged politicians raising complaints about the voters list in the recent election to take their grievances to the Supreme Court.

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Speaking to media persons in Thrissur on Sunday, after paying tributes at the Sakthan Thampuran statue, Gopi said there is no need for him to answer to the voters list manipulation charges raised by Congress and the Left parties, and the Election Commission of India would give them a reply in this regard.

 Nothing doing, he said. I dont think I should respond to the allegations of voter fraud. The Election Commission will answer your questions in its press conference today. Im a Union Minister, I have no role in this matter, said Suresh Gopi.

Deriding media persons, he added, If the Election Commission takes the issue to the Supreme Court, you go and ask the apex court.

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Dubbing them as vanaranmar (a reference to the monkey warriors from ancient epics like the Ramayana) the leader urged politicians in Thrissur raising complaints about the voters list in the recent election to take their grievances to the Supreme Court.

It is for the first time that Gopi was responding to the allegations of voters list manipulation charges against him in connection with the Lok Sabha polls last year.

Both the UDF and LDF are alleging large-scale voters list tampering in the Thrissur Lok Sabha from where Suresh Gopi won. Congress leaders have approached the police with a complaint while CPI leader and the LDF candidate VS Sunilkumar submitted his complaint to the State Chief Electoral Officer.

Senior Congress leader and former Thrissur MP TN Prathapan last week filed a complaint seeking a criminal investigation against Suresh Gopi on the charge of filing a false affidavit claiming more than six months domicile in the Lok Sabha constituency ahead of filing his nomination in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Earlier, CPI leader V S Sunil Kumar, who was the runner-up in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, alleged that there was clear manipulation in the electoral roll, which facilitated Gopis victory in the Thrissur constituency.

Reacting to the Union ministers comment that a few vanarans(monkeys) have jumped out raising allegations, Thrissur District Congress Committee (DCC) president Joseph Tajet said his remarks on the voters list controversy were nothing but an insult to the people of Thrissur. The Congress partys culture does not permit them to respond in the same language, he added.

Those words were spoken while looking into the mirror. His first response after so many days of silence has sadly been to humiliate the very people of Thrissur whom he represents, he said.
Amid preparations for the assembly elections in Bihar, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is starting the Vote Rights Yatra from Sasaram in Rohtas district of the state on Sunday.

UP Congress President Ajay Rai shared a video of Rahul Gandhis Vote Rights Yatra on his social media account and wrote, Voter Rights Yatra from today Join the yatra and raise your voice to save your rights.

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Leaders, officials, and workers of Uttar Pradesh have reached here to join this yatra.

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Bihar, we are coming. Thousands of comrades from Uttar Pradesh are reaching Sasaram to walk along with Jananayak Shri Rahul ji in the Vote Rights Yatra, Rai said in his post. He said, This yatra that started from Bihar will have a wide impact. Attempts to snatch the rights of the people will not succeed. The way Congress and our leader Rahul Gandhi are moving forward with this yatra, we will see a change in the whole of Bihar.

It is worth noting that the purpose of the Vote Adhikar Yatra is to highlight the alleged attack on the voting rights of the people through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the states voter list and to make the fight against alleged vote theft a mass movement.

In this 16-day-long yatra, Rahul will be accompanied by many leaders of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, including RJDs Tejashwi Yadav. This yatra will end with a show of strength at a rally in Gandhi Maidan, Patna, on September 1.

Rahuls Vote Rights Yatra will cover several districts, including Gaya, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, West Champaran, Saran, Bhojpur, and Patna.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, continuing its tradition of fielding serving governors for the post.

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra. He was sworn in on 31st July 2024. Earlier, he also served as the Governor of Jharkhand and was given additional charge as Governor of Telangana and as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

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Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. His nomination is being viewed as a political move by the BJP, which is seeking to strengthen its foothold in Tamil Nadu ahead of the state elections scheduled next year.

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With more than four decades of political experience, Radhakrishnan is regarded as a respected figure in Tamil Nadu politics. He began his political journey as an RSS Swayamsevak and, in 1974, became a member of the Tamil Nadu State Executive Committee of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

In 1996, he was appointed Secretary of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. Radhakrishnan was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and was re-elected in 1999. As a Member of Parliament, he served on the Parliamentary Committee for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the Consultative Committee for Finance, and was part of the Special Parliamentary Committee investigating the Stock Exchange Scam.

Between 2004 and 2007, Radhakrishnan held the position of Tamil Nadu BJP President. He is also known for leading a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra across the state during his tenure.
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Election Commission of India over his vote theft remark, accusing the latter of colluding with the ruling party to steal elections.

Addressing a large gathering during the joint Vote Adhikar Rally in poll-bound Bihars Sasaram, Rahul said, The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing. Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference (on August 7) how votes are being stolen.

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Calling the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar a conspiracy to steal the state elections, Rahul said they (Congress and allies) will not let this happen.

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BJP and the Election Commission are stealing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across the country. Their latest conspiracy is to conduct SIR in Bihar and steal the Bihar elections as well. BJP and the Election Commission, take notewe will not let the Bihar election be stolen, he said.

Referring to the poll panels notice to him following his vote chori presser, the Congress leader said the BJP and the Election Commission are stealing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across the country.

I held a press conference on vote theft, and the Election Commission asked me for an affidavit. When some days ago, BJP people held a press conference, no affidavit was asked from them, he said.

He also asked why the poll panel was asking for his affidavit when the data shared belongs to the Election Commission.

He also reiterated his claim that the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 were rigged, suggesting the BJP, with the help of the Election Commission, received over one crore new voters added between the Lok Sabha elections and the state polls.

All opinion polls in Maharashtra were saying that the INDIA alliance would win, but the BJP alliance won the assembly elections.

Upon investigation, we found that the Election Commission had magically created one crore new voters in Maharashtra. This means that one crore new voters were added between the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, and wherever these new voters appeared, the BJP alliance won, he said.

The Congress leader continued, Not a single vote of ours was reduced. Our alliance received the same number of votes in the assembly elections as it did in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the votes of the new voters went to the BJP.

We lodged a complaint and asked the Election Commission to provide us with videography, but they did not help. Then we started our own investigation. We checked the voter list in an assembly constituency of a Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka and found that more than one lakh votes were stolen there, he added.
In a May 2017 letter to The Economist, I highlighted Indias vernacular digital divide  how e-commerce companies limit themselves to English-speaking Indians while ignoring 1.2 billion potential vernacular users. But this language problem is merely a symptom of a deeper malaise: Indias systematic surrender of its digital sovereignty through the wholesale transfer of culturally significant domain names to foreign hands and all for a pittance  a fraction of their true value.

The New East India Company: The parallels to our colonial past are striking. Just as the East India Companys Robert Clive secured the Diwani  the right to collect revenue from Bengal  for a private British entity in 1765, todays Domain Giants like GoDaddy and Sedo have facilitated a modern extraction of Indias digital assets. The difference is that this time, Indian intermediaries are willing participants in the plunder. Consider the scale of what weve lost. When MicroStrategy sold Voice.com for $30 million in 2019  the largest publicly disclosed domain sale in history  it demonstrated the astronomical value of premium digital real estate. Yet Indias own cultural crown jewels have been sold for fractions of their worth.

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The Tragic Flippers: Take an unnamed individual, often called the father of Indias domain investment community. His investment philosophy reveals our national tragedy. Dont get greedy, he advises fellow domainers. If a domain is fetching you good returns, flip and invest the proceeds in acquiring more, better names. This flip-and-exit mentality has seen culturally resonant domains sold to foreign buyers for literally pennies. These transactions, while moderately profitable for individuals, represent a catastrophic loss of collective digital heritage.

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The one exception proves the rule. When Rajesh Jain sold IndiaWorld to Sify for $115 million in 1999, he wasnt selling disconnected domain names but a comprehensive digital ecosystem built around vernacular terms like samachar.com (news), khel.com (sports), and bawarchi.com (cook). It was Indias only fair valuation precisely because it was designed for the Indian diaspora, not the domestic market. Tragically India never saw another Rajesh Jain! Untapped Goldmine: The greatest tragedy lies not in what was sold but at the pathetic valuations at which these linguistic culturally resonant jewels were given away.

This neglect stems from colonial linguistic hierarchies  the very word vernacular derives from the Latin verna, meaning home-born slave. For over a century, it denoted the perceived inferiority of Indian languages relative to English. This psychological barrier persists in the digital realm, where English domains are seen as premium and vernacular ones as provincial. Contrast this with Chinas approach. While India conducted a chaotic first come, first served digital land grab, China constructed a fortress.

The .cn domain boasts 22 million registrations compared to Indias 3 million for .in. Chinese investors like Cai Wensheng, the domain king, understood strategic value  he famously acquired Bharat.com and declared it worth millions of dollars, refusing all offers to sell. When Chinese company Qihoo 360 paid $17 million for 360.com, it wasnt acquiring foreign digital territory but upgrading within its protected domestic ecosystem. Chinas state-controlled approach, while restrictive, has built immense domestic value rather than exporting it abroad. Indias digital sovereignty requires urgent intervention, starting with a fundamental rejection of the colonial mindset that devalues our linguistic heritage. We must stop sheepishly accepting that Hindi domain names with Indian names in them like dawa or taka are niche and therefore not to be valued as Western names. This is linguistic colonialism disguised as market reality.

A domains value should not be determined by its appeal to English-speaking global investors but by the population it can serve, its perfect match with local businesses, its inherent brandability in its native script, and the profound emotional connection it creates with users who think and dream in that language. When 600 million Indians speak Hindi and hundreds of millions more understand it, a premium Hindi domain is not niche  its addressing a market larger than the entire population of Europe. When a Bengali domain connects with 300 million Bengali speakers globally, its not specialized  its serving a market larger than the United States. We need new valuation frameworks that recognize linguistic reach as legitimate market size.

An Indian domain name with paisa or beema or yojna must be valued by its potential to serve Indias massive banking population in their preferred language, not dismissed because global speculators cant pronounce it. Investment in vernacular domains requires patient capital and deep market developmentthe antithesis of the flip mentality that has dominated our digital landscape. We need entrepreneurs who understand that building a business around kitaab for book lovers isnt just commerce  its cultural preservation and linguistic empowerment. A Digital Swaraj: The domain name market will continue to be global and commercial. But India can choose whether to be a strategic player or remain a source of raw materials for foreign value creation.

The difference between Chinas billion-dollar domestic digital economy and Indias niche market status illustrates what happens when digital sovereignty is treated seriously versus casually. We are at a crossroads. The premium English.com names representing our culture are largely gone, exported for modest sums during our digital adolescence. But the vast territory of the vernacular web remains largely unsettled.

The question is whether the next generation of entrepreneurs and policymakers will learn from our digital Plassey, or repeat it. The time for digital Swaraj is now. We must reject the colonial valuation metrics that dismiss our languages as niche and instead build a digital ecosystem that speaks to India in Indias own voices. Our cultural identity deserves domains valued not by London market standards, but by the hearts and minds they can touch in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and every village in between.

(The writer is an entrepreneur and commentator on Indias digital economy. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds an MBA from Cornell University. He can be reached on LinkedIn- https://www. linkedin.com/in/tejesh-srivastav-487b7310/)
Indias digital revolution has been nothing short of transformative, yet for millions, it remains an experience mediated by a foreign language. With 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects, the countrys linguistic richness is both a treasure and a challenge.

For many, the inability to read or write fluently in English is a barrier that limits access to jobs, public services, healthcare, and information. Artificial intelligence ~ when applied to language ~ has the potential to change that reality. True clusivity in technology means no citizen feels like a linguistic outsider in their own countrys digital ecosystem. The integration of AI-powered translation tools into everyday workflows is already showing tangible results. Delivery drivers can now receive instructions in their native languages, eliminating costly delays and misunderstandings. Farmers can access weather advisories or government scheme details without relying on intermediaries. Patients in rural clinics can interact with medical systems in their own tongues, ensuring clarity in life-critical communications.

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These are not abstract innovations ~ they are immediate, real-world enablers of dignity, efficiency, and inclusion. However, the road to a truly multilingual AI ecosystem is not without obstacles. The creation of high-quality datasets in Indian languages remains a bottleneck. While English and Hindi benefit from an abundance of digitised material, many regional and tribal languages lack the refined, structured data needed to train advanced AI models. Without deliberate investment, these languages risk being sidelined, narrowing rather than broadening the scope of inclusion. This is where Indias approach must differ from global tech trends.

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The goal cannot simply be to retrofit translation layers onto dominant-language systems. Instead, India needs AI models built from the ground up with its linguistic and cultural contexts in mind. Such models should be trained on data that reflects not just vocabulary, but the idioms, cultural references, and contextual nuances of each language. Government-backed initiatives and private sector collaborations can play a decisive role here. Public data repositories, community-led digitisation drives, and transparent licensing of language datasets can accelerate development. Importantly, AI translation efforts must preserve diversity within languages, recognising regional variations rather than flattening them into a single standard form. The economic argument for such investment is as compelling as the cultural one.

By removing language barriers, businesses can tap into vast, currently under-served markets. Workers become more productive when they operate in a language they understand intuitively. Public services become more effective when they communicate without linguistic friction. And as AI tools become voice-enabled, the potential reach extends far beyond literate populations, empowering those who have never typed a word on a keyboard. The promise of AI in India is not merely about efficiency, it is about belonging. When a system speaks your language, it acknowledges your identity. In a country as linguistically rich as ours, the digital future must not be monolingual. It must speak in many voices, all of them authentically Indian.
The much-hyped summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska has ended much as many had expected: with lofty statements, vague promises, and no ceasefire in Ukraine. For all the anticipation of a dramatic breakthrough, what unfolded was a political spectacle that left all sides exactly where they began.

Mr. Trump, who prides himself on his ability to cut deals, walked away without one. His claim of great pro gress was strikingly hollow, unsupported by any concrete steps or timelines. Even his earlier assurance that there was only a 25 per cent chance of failure now rings as self-inflicted damage to his image. The optics of standing silently while Mr Putin dominated the opening remarks were unusual for an American President, and symbolised the uneven dynamics of the encounter. Mr Putin, on the other hand, achieved what he wanted most: global visibility and a platform to project himself as an equal to the US President. By securing centre stage without yielding on any substantive issue, he reinforced the perception that Moscows hardline conditions remain immovable.

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His repeated emphasis on the so-called root causes of the war was a thinly veiled signal that Russias objective of weakening Ukraines sovereignty remains unchanged. For Ukraine, the absence of a deal brought relief but also unease. Relief, because no concessions were forced on Kyiv in a closed-door arrangement. Unease, because the summit underlined once again how Western threats ~ whether of sanctions or deadlines ~ rarely translate into action. Every missed ultimatum emboldens Moscow to continue its assaults, testing the resilience of Ukrainian cities and the patience of its allies. Internationally, the Alaska summit also underscored the shifting balance of influence. European allies, wary of Mr. Trumps unpredictability, are recaliberating their own positions while watching Moscows persistence with alarm.

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For them, the absence of a deal was preferable to an ill-conceived compromise, but the failure to move even marginally forward highlights just how difficult coordinated diplomacy has become. The episode also leaves Washington with a credibility gap. Mr. Trump has repeatedly warned of severe consequences should Russia resist ceasefire calls, yet his latest comments only pushed decisions on sanctions into an undefined future. This hesitation risks creating the impression of bluffing ~ a dangerous signal in a conflict where deterrence rests heavily on consistent enforcement. What Alaska truly revealed is not the possibility of imminent peace, but the durability of a stalemate.

Moscow clings to maximalist demands, Kyiv refuses to accept subjugation, and Washington oscillates between bold rhetoric and ambiguous follow-through. Meanwhile, the war continues to exact its toll on lives, infrastructure, and international stability. If there is a lesson from the failed summit, it is that peace cannot be manufactured by political showmanship. Diplomacy without accountability becomes theatre, providing little more than symbolic photo opportunities. For Ukraine, the task remains survival; for its partners, the challenge is to transform words into action before repeated disappointment erodes both resolve and unity.
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23:09 AI, deepfakes real challenges before us: CEC Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said artificial intelligence and deepfakes pose a real challenge for the poll panel, which will try its best to tackle them within the framework of law.He also indicated that machine-readable electoral rolls could result in breach of voters'... Read more >

22:59 Actor Terence Stamp, who played villain in 'Superman' films, dies aged 87 British actor Terence Stamp/Reuters British actor Terence Stamp, best remembered for playing the iconic villain General Zod in the Superman films, has died at the age of 87, his family confirmed to The New York Times, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. They did not reveal the cause or place of death.With striking looks and... Read more >

22:20 4 held over Rs 14-cr gold jewellery heist in MP; valuables with J'khand gang: Police File image Four men have been arrested for their alleged role in the recent robbery of gold jewellery and cash worth about Rs 14 crore from a small finance bank's branch in Jabalpur, police said on Sunday.The arrested persons include three locals and a person from the Damoh district of Madhya... Read more >

21:57 INDIA bloc may discuss joint VP candidate on Monday The opposition INDIA bloc leaders are likely to discuss their joint candidate for the post of vice-president at a meeting of floor leaders on Monday morning. Sources said the INDIA bloc leaders would meet at the office of Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, at 10.15... Read more >

21:52 Rainy spell continues in Mumbai; trees uprooted, short circuits reported The rainy spell continued in Mumbai on Sunday amid an orange alert' by the India meteorological department, though with less intensity than the previous day, officials said. As per the civic body, six short circuits, 19 tree or branch falls, and two wall collapse incidents were reported in... Read more >

21:33 Shivraj Singh inspects soya crops ruined by pesticide in MP's Raisen, orders probe Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a surprise inspection of soybean fields in Chirakheda village of Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday after farmers complained that their crop was ruined by a particular weedicide. The village comes under the Vidisha Lok Sabha... Read more >

21:28 Radhakrishnan focused on empowering marginalised: PM Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan calls on PM Narendra Modi, in New Delhi/ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said NDA Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan has always focused on empowering the marginalised and has distinguished himself with dedication, humility and intellect. Modi said Radhakrishnan has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil... Read more >

21:13 Melania Trump urges Putin to end Ukraine war for children's sake US First Lady Melania Trump/File image US First Lady Melania Trump has appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, describing the toll on children as 'heartbreaking.' In a letter delivered by President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Putin in Alaska, Melania stressed that children were caught in... Read more >

20:57 History-sheeter escapes from hospital in UP; 2 cops suspended A history-sheeter undergoing treatment at the district hospital here after being injured in an encounter escaped on Sunday morning, prompting authorities to suspend two police officers deployed for his security, officials said. The accused, Dhirendra, was accused of killing Ratrani (70),... Read more >

20:48 Assam: IndiGo flight makes sudden 'go around' at Guwahati airport An IndiGo flight from Dibrugarh to Guwahati on Sunday made a sudden 'go around' seconds before landing at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, officials. There has been no impact on the carrier or any passenger due to this move of the flight, a source from the... Read more >

20:22 Maha Guv CP Radhakrishnan named NDA's VP candidate The National Democratic Alliance on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled to be held on September 9.The announcement was made by Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda during a press conference... Read more >

19:37 BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik hospitalised, condition stable Biju Janata Dal chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha assembly, Naveen Patnaik, was admitted to a private hospital here on Sunday due to dehydration. His health condition is stated to be stable. Shri Naveen Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, at 5.15 pm today... Read more >

19:36 Seven charred to death in car-SUV collision in Guj File image Seven persons travelling in a car were charred to death after it collided with an SUV on a highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district on Sunday, police said. Seven persons travelling in the car were burnt alive while three in the SUV escaped with minor injuries following the incident near... Read more >

18:55 BJP Parl board meeting begins, may discuss candidate Vice Presidential polls File image Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary board meeting began at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at the BJP headquarters in the national capital. As... Read more >

18:52 Rahul offers water to Kharge, Lalu in Bihar, earns kudos Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi offers water to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav during the Voter Adhikar Rally, in Sasaram/ANI Photo Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday earned kudos from people for his gentlemanly behaviour as he offered glasses of water to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, both several years his senior, in Bihar. The INDIA bloc heavyweights were sharing the stage in Sasaram... Read more >

18:35 Names of 65 lakh voters excluded in Bihar draft roll posted on websites File image The list of names deleted from Bihar's draft electoral rolls following special intensive revision has been posted on the websites of district magistrates following the Supreme Court's orders, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said on Sunday. Hearing a bunch of petitions challenging... Read more >

18:16 Cong serves show cause notice to MLA for leadership change statement Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah The Congress state disciplinary committee on Sunday served a show cause notice to Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga for his statement that deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will become the next Karnataka CM. Shivaganga's statement renewed the discussion about leadership change, which... Read more >

17:56 3 killed, 8 hurt as gunmen open fire at New York restaurant File image Three people were killed and eight others injured after multiple gunmen opened fire inside a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, in the early hours of Sunday (local time), according to the New York Post.The deceased has been identified as three men, who were 27, 35 and of unknown age. Soon... Read more >

17:35 4 held for robbery after encounter in UP's Meerut File image Four people, including a minor, suspected to be involved in a robbery earlier were apprehended after an encounter here during routine checking, police said on Sunday. One of them was shot in the leg in retaliatory firing during the late night encounter on Saturday, they... Read more >

17:10 Gunmen attack YouTuber Elvish Yadav's Gurugram home Two masked men fired more than two dozen shots outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav's residence in Sector 57 of Gurugram early Sunday morning, police said. The incident was captured on CCTV that showed two bike-borne masked men arriving outside the house and opening fire from a distance. After... Read more >

16:45 Dahi Handi: Rs 1 cr fines imposed on 10,000 vehicles in Mumbai Mumbai Police have imposed challans on more than 10,000 vehicles with fines of over Rs 1 crore for violation of traffic rules during the Dahi Handi festival in the city, officials said on Sunday. The festival, held to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated on Saturday wherein a large... Read more >

16:20 Assam govt carries out eviction drive in Biswanath, 309 families displaced The Assam government on Sunday began an eviction drive in Biswanath district, displacing 309 families, officials said. The eviction drive was started in the morning to clear encroachment on nearly 175 bigha or 23 hectare of land in the Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) in Japariguri, they... Read more >

16:00 EC not scared of baseless allegations of 'vote chori': CEC CEC Gynaesh Kumar addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday./ANI on X The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is aimed at removing all shortcomings in voters lists and it is a matter of grave concern that some parties are spreading misinformation about it, Chief Election Commissioner Gynaesh Kumar said on Sunday as the Congress and other INDIA bloc... Read more >

15:23 Kathua disaster: Army presses choppers into rescue operation The cloudburst-hit area in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir./ANI Photo The Army on Sunday deployed helicopters and several columns in the cloudburst-hit Jodh Ghati village of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said.The calamity struck the village and Janglote amid heavy overnight rains, leaving seven persons dead.Several army columns were inducted into... Read more >

14:54 Modi inaugurates 2 highways worth Rs 11,000 cr to decongest Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER- II), worth nearly Rs 11,000 crore, which are aimed at reducing traffic jams in Delhi and its surrounding areas. The two projects have been developed under the... Read more >

14:33 Teen held for sexually assaulting, murdering 5-year-old boy in Hyderabad A teenager has been apprehended for allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering a five-year-old boy, the police said on Sunday.The accused, a worker of a timber depot, lured the victim by offering to buy him biscuits on August 12 and took him to an isolated place near his house and sexually... Read more >

14:11 Foxconn starts iPhone 17 production at Bengaluru plant Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn's Bengaluru factory, its second-largest manufacturing unit, has commenced operation with production of iPhone 17 recently at a small scale, sources aware of the development said. Foxconn is the largest manufacturer of iPhones, and the second-biggest... Read more >

13:59 Vaishnaw invites Mamata to inauguration of Kolkata Metro projects by PM on Aug 22 Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw invited West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to the inauguration of three metro projects in Kolkata on August 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Sealdah-Esplanade section of the Green Line, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby... Read more >

13:45 Fire in plastic manufacturing unit: Building owner, son arrested The building owner and his son were arrested in connection with the devastating fire that broke out in a plastic articles manufacturing unit near KR Market in Bengaluru, killing five people, including a family of four, police said on Sunday. The police arrested building owner Balakrishnayya... Read more >

13:18 Teen dies as electric pole falls on group during Janmashtami event in Guj A 15-year-old boy died and another person suffered injuries after an electric pole fell on a group of people during Dahi Handi celebration on Janmashtami in Gujarat's Kutch district, the police said on Sunday.The incident, captured on video, showed an electric pole tied to a rope collapsing on a... Read more >

12:56 Lalu Prasad to flag off Rahul Gandhi's Vote Adhikar Yatra today Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad to flag off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 16-day Vote Adhikar Yatra (right to vote march) from Sasaram on Sunday. In a bid to send a strong political message, Lalu has decided to join Rahul led Vote Adhikar Yatra. Laluji himself... Read more >

12:51 Zelenskyy to meet Trump in Washington on Monday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he would be meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday for diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, just two days after the historic bilateral meeting between Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska.In a... Read more >

12:47 SUV driver held for mowing down biker in Delhi's Moti Nagar A 25-year-old man was apprehended for allegedly mowing down a man with his Thar SUV in west Delhi's Moti Nagar, the police said on Sunday.Amrinder Singh (25), a resident of Sudarshan Park, allegedly rammed his vehicle into the motorcycle of Bhikshu Lal (40). The biker died on the spot, the police... Read more >

12:19 Documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma chosen for IDSFFK lifetime achievement award Noted documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma/Courtesy X Noted documentary filmmaker Rakesh Sharma has been chosen for the lifetime achievement award of the 17th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, to be held Thiruvananthapuram from August 22 to 27. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, citation and statuette,... Read more >

11:56 BTech student of Noida varsity hangs self in hostel A second year engineering student at a private university in Greater Noida allegedly ended life by hanging at his hostel room, the police said on Sunday. In his suicide note, Shivam Dey held no one responsible for his death and requested the university to refund the fee to his... Read more >

11:23 God has made me...: Pak Army chief on leadership change Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir has ruled out any change in the leadership, describing rumours about the removal of President Asif Ali Zardari as completely false and against both the government and the establishment, a media report said on Saturday.In July, social media reports began to circulate... Read more >

10:57 Heavy showers with gusty winds predicted in Mumbai A day after rains battered parts of Mumbai, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast the possibility of heavy to very heavy showers with occasional gusty winds in the city and suburbs on Sunday, civic officials said.After heavy overnight downpour, the rain intensity decreased on Sunday... Read more >

10:34 'Sena-UBT, MNS will most certainly form alliance' The Shiv Sena-UBT and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will most certainly form an alliance for the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra, but the final call on it is likely to take place very close to the elections, leaders from both the parties have said.While Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav... Read more >

10:31 Tulsi lake in Mumbai overflows after heavy rains With heavy rains lashing Mumbai and its suburbs, the Tulsi lake, one of the seven reservoirs supplying drinking water to the metropolis, has overflowed, a civic official said on Sunday. The Tulsi lake, situated in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in suburban Mumbai, started overflowing at... Read more >

10:26 Passenger train derails in Pak's Punjab; 1 killed, several injured Representative image At least one person was killed and several others injured on Sunday when four carriages of a passenger train derailed in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report. The derailment occurred near the province's Lodhran railway station, Geo News reported. The train was... Read more >

10:21 Firing outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav's Gurugram home Three bike-borne attackers sprayed over two dozen rounds outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav's residence in Sector 57 of Gurugram early Sunday morning, police said. Yadav was not at home when the incident happened around 5.30 am.However, some family members were inside but no one was injured in... Read more >

09:53 Delhi man rapes his mother for having 'bad character' A 39-year-old man allegedly raped his mother in central Delhi's Hauz Qazi area after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, police said on Saturday. According to officials, the complainant, accompanied by her 25-year-old daughter, approached the Hauz Qazi police station and... Read more >

09:19 Mumbai coastal road opened 24X7 for all vehicles The Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Road, popularly known as Mumbai Coastal Road, has been opened 24X7 for all kinds of four-wheelers and buses, a civic official said.All the work of the coastal road is finished, an order said, following which the entire stretch was... Read more >

09:08 4 dead after cloudburst hits J-K's Kathua Representative image A cloudburst struck a remote village in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving four persons dead and six others injured, officials said on Sunday.The cloudburst struck Jod Ghati village of Rajbagh during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, snapping access to the village and... Read more >

08:57 Security heightened around disputed mausoleum in UP's Fatehpur Security has been heightened around a disputed mausoleum in Fatehpur as a Hindu organisation, the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti, on Saturday announced plans to hold a 'kirtan' (devotional singing) at the site. This move comes amidst a tense standoff following a recent... Read more >
The governments of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plan to decide on Sunday whether their leaders would be travelling to the US for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, media reported.

According to Germanys Bild daily, the governments of Merz, Starmer and Macron intend on Sunday to coordinate their actions and jointly decide whether who would exactly be travelling to the US on August 18 from Trumps meeting with Zelensky, Russian news agency Tass reported.

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However, such a decision requires an official invitation on behalf of the US, according to Bild.

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The daily reported that US President Trump offered Zelensky to invite European politicians to the US, however, there were no official invitations extended as of yet.

Bild added that European leaders seek to avoid a meeting intended solely for publicity.

A US daily reported earlier citing the Elysee Palace that the coalition of the willing will convene a meeting via video link on Sunday.

Starmer, Merz, and Macron, who earlier announced that the members of the coalition will hold a conversation soon without disclosing the date, will get together for an online conversation at 3:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. GMT) on Sunday, Tass reported.

The three leaders will discuss next steps as part of the discussion on peace in Ukraine.

Another US newspaper reported earlier, citing sources, that following his meeting with Putin, the US leader proposed negotiating a peace deal under which Ukraine would give up the rest of the Donbass region to Russia, including areas not liberated by Russian troops, in a phone call with European leaders.

A ceasefire in the rest of Ukraine at present-day battlefronts and security guarantees, both for Kyiv and Europe, would be offered in return.

On Friday, Putin and Trump met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska.

Their talks lasted nearly three hours, including a one-on-one conversation in the American leaders limousine en route to the main negotiation venue, as well as a subsequent small-group discussion involving three participants on either side.

The Russian delegation included Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while the American side was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a statement to the media following the talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said they mostly focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Trump described his summit with Putin as very productive.

Later, he called Zelensky, EU leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

After the summit and the phone calls, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia should go straight to agreeing on a final peace deal as he dropped his demand for a ceasefire.

Trump and Zelensky are due to have a meeting in the White House on Monday.

The US leader said that if talks with Zelensky are a success, another meeting with Putin will be scheduled.
Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to depart on Monday evening for a two-day tour to Armenia and Belarus.

The announcement was made by Mehdi Sanaei, political advisor to Irans President, in a post on the social media platform X.

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Sanaei said improving bilateral relations with Armenia and Belarus, especially in the trade area, and signing cooperation documents would be on the Presidents agenda during the visits, adding that the trips had been scheduled for late June but were postponed.

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Pezeshkians visit to Armenia is expected to take place as Armenia and Azerbaijan, which had been at loggerheads over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988, signed on August 8 a peace agreement in Washington.

Included in the peace agreement is a deal to create a transit corridor across southern Armenia, with the projects exclusive development rights granted to the United States, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iran has repeatedly voiced opposition to the transregional players presence in the region and warned against any changes to the regions geopolitics and historical borders.

On Wednesday, Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on the latest developments in the Caucasus with senior Russian and Armenian diplomats.

In two separate meetings with Igor Khovaev, Russias special representative for the normalization of ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Vahan Kostanyan, Armenias Deputy Foreign Minister, Araghchi also discussed bilateral relations with the two countries, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

In both meetings, Araghchi underlined Irans principled position of supporting the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, highlighting the necessity to peacefully resolve regional issues through efforts by the countries of the region and in the absence of foreign interference.

Speaking to Khovaev, he called for using regional mechanisms to resolve regional issues, promoting cooperation and convergence in the region, and guaranteeing the security and collective interests of countries in the Caucasus.

Araghchi said Iran and Russia adopted similar positions on important regional and international issues, stressing the need to continue and promote bilateral consultations and cooperation to safeguard their shared interests.

The Russian diplomat, for his part, presented a report of his countrys diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and calm in the Caucasus, underlining the importance of continuous and close consultations, coordination and interaction between Russia and Iran.

In his meeting with the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, Araghchi underlined that the unblocking of transit routes in the region should take place while respecting regional countries national sovereignty and territorial integrity and observing their interests and considerations.

He said no plan to unblock transit routes should lead to geopolitical changes in the region or the disruption of connection routes between other countries, stressing that regional states would benefit from any peace agreement in the region.
A sit-in by families of Balochistans missing persons entered its 31st day in Islamabad on Friday, with demonstrators accusing police of harassment, restrictions, and the use of excessive force, The Balochistan Post reported.

As per The Balochistan Post, the protest, organised by relatives of the disappeared and members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), aims to highlight the ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances in Balochistan and what participants denounce as the unlawful detention of BYC leaders.

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The outlet reported that a seminar titled Unlawful Detention of BYC Leadership and the Grievances of Families of the Enforcedly Disappeared was scheduled outside the Islamabad Press Club. However, hours before the event, police allegedly intervened, attempting to break up the gathering by pushing and assaulting women and children. Witnesses told The Balochistan Post that police had erected barriers, used abusive language towards female demonstrators, and turned Islamabad into a prison under government orders.

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The Balochistan Post quoted Nadia Baloch, sister of detained BYC leader Mahrang Baloch, as saying that their intention was simply to hold a peaceful protest, but authorities forced them to shift their venue. She noted that while routes were open on 14 August, the following day all approaches to the Press Club were sealed. According to her, protesters, including women and children, were not only stopped but also subjected to manhandling and verbal abuse, and a heavy police deployment continues to surround them.

According to the report, despite the restrictions, the protesters managed to hold their seminar, which was attended by human rights activists, lawyers, students, and family members of the missing. Speakers addressed issues of state repression in Balochistan, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial detentions, and human rights violations.

Speakers condemned state repression, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial detentions, and human rights abuses, stressing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. The protesters renewed their calls for an end to enforced disappearances, the immediate presentation of detained leaders before a court, and respect for civil liberties.
US President Donald Trump has told European leaders after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he wants to arrange a trilateral summit with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as soon as August 22, US media reported.

Zelensky said in an X post on Saturday that he will meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

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Trump also invited the European leaders to join Mondays White House meeting, according to US online media outlet Axios.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Saturday that a trilateral summit is expected to follow Mondays meeting between Zelensky and Trump, Xinhua news agency reported.

So far, the Russian side has not publicly committed to a trilateral meeting.

A US newspaper reported earlier, citing sources, that following his meeting with Putin, the US leader proposed negotiating a peace deal under which Ukraine would give up the rest of the Donbass region to Russia, including areas not liberated by Russian troops, in a phone call with European leaders, Russian news agency Tass reported.

A ceasefire in the rest of Ukraine at present-day battlefronts and security guarantees, both for Kyiv and Europe, would be offered in return, Tass reported.

On August 15, Putin and Trump met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska.

Their talks lasted nearly three hours, including a one-on-one conversation in the American leaders limousine en route to the main negotiation venue, as well as a subsequent small-group discussion involving three participants on either side.

The Russian delegation included Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while the American side was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.

In a statement to the media following the talks, Putin said they mostly focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Trump described his summit with Putin as very productive.

Later, he called Zelensky, EU leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

After the summit and the phone calls, Trump said that Ukraine and Russia should go straight to agreeing on a final peace deal as he dropped his demand for a ceasefire.

Trump and Zelensky are due to have a meeting in the White House on Monday.

The US leader said that if talks with Zelensky are a success, another meeting with Putin will be scheduled.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High near 70F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 54F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
When Draupadi tore a strip from her sari to bind Krishnas bleeding wrist, she was not performing a ritual, she was making a promise. And when Krishna, in turn, protected her in the Kaurava court, he was not repaying a debt, he was honouring a bond. This ancient moment, which we now see as the spiritual origin of Raksha Bandhan, was never about ornament or obligation. It was about trust, reciprocity, and the understanding that true protection flows both ways.

In todays Bharat, we must reclaim the reciprocal spirit of rakhi and the protection it symbolises. True protection can never be about sheltering women within four walls while the world moves on without them. It is about giving them the confidence and the freedom to step out, to lead, and to claim their rightful place in every sphere of life. And reciprocity demands that women, too, stand ready to protect the values, the families, and the communities that sustain our civilisation. In the India of 2025, raksha and empowerment are not separate ideals; they are two halves of the same promise.

This year, I celebrated Raksha Bandhan with the family I have found among the BJP karyakartas of Delhi. They are my brothers and sisters in service, connected not by blood but by a shared mission to serve our people. As I tied rakhis on their wrists, I felt our bond reflected the spirit of Draupadi and Krishnanot defined by kinship, but by the unwavering readiness to stand by each other in every circumstance.

Imaging: Deni Lal

The BJP karyakartas in my constituency are my raksha kavach (protective shield) in every sense. They walk beside me through narrow lanes in the summer heat, shoulder the burden of logistics during public programmes, keep a watchful eye at events, and respond without hesitation to calls for help at any hour. Their commitment is not symbolic; it is woven into the rhythm of everyday service. And just as they safeguard the dignity of our work, I feel an equal responsibility to safeguard their dreams, to stand beside their efforts, and to ensure their voices are heard and valued.

Our prime minister, Narendra Modi, has often spoken of Nari Shakti as the driving force that will shape a Viksit Bharat by 2047. His vision calls on us to see Raksha Bandhan as a pledge of shared responsibility, not a one-way promise from brothers to sisters. Brothers must stand for their sisters, and sisters too must recognise their own power and responsibility in this bond. In todays India, women are not only recipients of care but also providers of it, offering strength to their families both financially and emotionally. Whether in Parliament, in boardrooms, or in grassroots initiatives, women have the ability and the duty to work alongside men in steering this country forward. Raksha Bandhan, at its heart, celebrates this shared journey where brothers and sisters walk together, each protecting, supporting, and empowering the other.

Raksha Bandhan began as a simple act of compassion between two friends, Draupadi and Krishna. Centuries later, in modern Bharat, it calls on every citizen to be both protector and partner, to give strength and to draw strength, to stand shoulder to shoulder in building a nation worthy of its people. A rakhi may be a slender thread, yet within its knot lies the power to bind a billion hearts and carry forward a civilisations promise. As long as we remember the spirit of Draupadi and Krishna, we will remember that our greatest security lies in empowerment, and our greatest empowerment lies in the unshakeable security of standing together.

Bansuri Swaraj is the Lok Sabha member from New Delhi.
Liberia had only 15,000 voters, yet Charles King won the 1928 presidential poll by 60,000 votes. A mob burnt the ballots in Papua New Guineas Enga province in 2002. Officials counted the votes from the charred remains (dont ask me how; ask those who counted Rs15 crore in burnt notes in Justice Yashwant Varmas house), and found two lakh more ballots than registered voters.

We read these in trivia books (my bedtime reading) and laugh. Soon India may figure in them to make a chapter of laughsthat is, if Rahul Gandhis charges are true.

Rahul had been alleging vote fraud. Sour grapes, we thought. With a poll body that had built up a shining reputation, we thought it more likely to see someone fatally struck by lightning than witness a case of in-person voter fraud, as Tom Perez said. Now, if Rahul is right, weve been struck by lightning and hit by atom bomb.

Imaging: Deni Lal

Rahul had been intrigued by three thingshis Congress losing states and seats where it had done well in the previous round, a freak rise in voter numbers in some seats, and reports of hordes of voters appearing in several booths minutes before the closing time of polling.

Three things made him smell rats. One, the commission was delaying giving out final voting figures. Two, when asked for digital voter lists wherein one could find a name by typing it and giving a search command, the commission gave him non-searchable versions. That much for digital India. Three, when asked for CCTV footage from the booths, the commission said those had been destroyed after 45 days of counting.

A frustrated Congress took up Mahadevapura assembly segment of Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat as a test case. For two reasons. One, the number of voters there had grown by 140 per cent from 2008 to 2024, whereas the other seven segments had a growth of only three to 27 per cent. Two, the BJP had scored a surprise surge there when most other segments had expectedly gone to the Congress. The majority in Mahadevapura was enough for the BJP to offset the setbacks in the other segments and win Bengaluru Central by 32,000 votes.

Manual search by 60 Congress nerds in six months found 11,965 voters had been listed more than once in different booths, 40,009 had fake parentage and addresses (s/o Dfojgaidf, house number zero), 10,452 were staying in single addresses (80 souls in a one-room home), 4,132 with fake or no photos, and 33,692 elders registered as new voters.

Shocking! Yet, we would have dismissed these as a bad losers brawl with the umpire, but for the umpires conduct. We had thought the umpire would give a cautious response a day or so later, such as. the Election Commission has taken note of certain points raised by the honble leader of the opposition The commission will discuss these and come out with a response in due course. Bureaucratic, but dignified.

Not this time! Even before Rahul had concluded his presser, commission officials were challenging him to come on oath, as if he were making a post-poll complaint. Suddenly, the umpire became a player.

Indeed, the rule is that election complaints have to be filed in 45 days after results. But how could one have, if it took 60 nerds six months to find out about voter fraud in one assembly segment?

Rahul may still be wrong, and the poll body right. Rahul is a politician, trusted by some, distrusted by more. We can vote him into the house or vote him out to hell.

The commission is a constitutional body, trusted by all, distrusted by none. We cant vote it in or out. It has to stay above reproach.

prasannan@theweek.in
The recent comments from President Donald Trump, dismissing the Indian economy as dead, have understandably caused a stir. Coming on the heels of new tariffs on Indian goods, this rhetoric feels like a school-yard bully telling a smaller child, your mother is ugly. It is meant to provoke and belittle. And just like a childs insult, we must recognise it for what it is: a tactic, not a true reflection of reality or a basis for sound policy.

For India, the key is to take Trump seriously, but not literally. We cannot afford to be distracted by his provocative language and all-caps social media posts. The challenge lies in separating the bluster from the underlying strategic and economic realities that continue to bind our two great nations.

Trumps words may not be a sign that he has suddenly forgotten Indias significance. Rather, they are part of a political strategy, largely aimed at a domestic audience. His preferred negotiating method is to create an atmosphere of crisis to extract concessions. By labelling Indias tariffs as among the highest in the world and our economy as dead, he is setting the stage to present any future trade deal as a massive victory for the American people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump | PTI

The risk, however, is that the 50 per cent tariff announcement, and the accompanying surround-sound, might derail the strategic partnership between India and the US. Trumps behaviour threatens crucial areas of cooperation that both countries have a vested interest in preserving and advancing.

First, there is geopolitical convergence. Both India and the US share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. This has led to robust cooperation through platforms like the Quad, where we work together to counter challenges to regional stability. Will the Quad survive Trumps outburst? Will he even attend the summit planned later this year in India?

Our defence relationship has deepened significantly over the years, with the US becoming a major supplier of advanced military technology to India. This partnership is not just about transactions; it is about shared values and a common strategic interest in balancing power in the region. What happens to that now?

Third, what will happen to our economic ties? With these tariffs, the US cant remain Indias largest trading partner, and our IT and service sectors, which rely heavily on the American market, are in jeopardy. The US, too, will lose benefits from Indias growing consumer base and skilled workforce. The goal of reaching a bilateral trade of $500 billion, announced in February, now looks like a bad joke. Will Trumps tariffs bury the long-touted potential of this relationship?

True, there is a lot more to Indo-US cooperation than Trump. India and the US continue to deepen ties across AI, semiconductor innovation, defence co-production, maritime security and tech infrastructure. Despite tensions, shared concerns over China and complementary strengths in innovation might still sustain a robust, forward-looking strategic partnership. But Trump has shattered the trust and bonhomie that sustained the pairing.

Still, there are the profound people-to-people connections. The Indian diaspora in the US is a vibrant and influential community, serving as a powerful bridge between our two cultures. From Silicon Valley to the halls of academia, Indians have made immense contributions to American society. This human connection is a source of strength that transcends political cycles and rhetoric.

Yes, the tariffs are a setback, and India must respond to them with a clear and consistent focus on protecting its national interest. But we must not overreact to the school-yard insults and allow them to shape our long-term strategy. We must continue to engage with the US, both at the diplomatic and private sector levels, to mend the damage and pursue a comprehensive trade agreement. We must work to rebuild access to key decision-makers in the administration and repair the trust that may have been damaged.

The India-US relationship is a testament to the power of a comprehensive global partnership, and it is a relationship that has weathered several transitions and challenges, as an external affairs ministry spokesman rightly stated. We must not allow the current turbulence to erase the long-term trajectory. Trumps words are meant to be heard loudly, but they are not the final word on the future of our partnership. Our collective action, if grounded in strategic foresight and mutual respect, will be.

editor@theweek.in
A day after the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, a former Indian diplomat has expressed hope that the US may put on hold the additional tariff it has imposed on India.

Trump had announced a 25 per cent additional tariff on India, taking the total levy on Indian goods to 50 per cent, for importing Russian oil.

Former Diplomat Veena Sikri felt that following the positive outcome from the meeting between Trump and Putin, the issue of punitive tariffs may be kept in abeyance for a while.

"From President Trump's side, I think there is some kind of discussion on this, definitely with President Putin, and it seems that an understanding has been reached that tariffs on Russia's oil sales to China, India, and even the EU do not need to be imposed, Sikri told ANI news agency.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the future of US tariffs levied on India after Trump-Putin meet, Former Diplomat Veena Sikri says, "...From President Trump's side, I think there is some kind of discussion on this, definitely with President Putin, and it seems that an understanding has been pic.twitter.com/LvxdUqD8i7  ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2025

She noted that the situation, which appeared grim for India earlier, has improved after the Alaska summit. She also recalled that the US had even threatened to increase the tariff on India further if the talks with Putin didnt go well.

But after the meeting, there are indications that even the journalists have been asking President Trump, What about China? They're buying so much oil from Russia. So why aren't you telling them, putting tariffs on them? So President Trump replied that he's going to wait for a few weeks, and maybe it may not be necessary to put tariffs," Sikri told the news agency.

Meanwhile, the cancellation of the scheduled visit of a US trade team to India has given a setback to Indias hopes for tariff relief before the deadline ends on August 27.

The team was supposed to arrive in Delhi on August 25 for the sixth round of bilateral trade negotiations.
Expelled Samajwadi Party legislator Pooja Pal met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, days after she was sacked from the party for praising Adityanath in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party sacked MLA from Chail Assembly constituency in Kaushambi district after she praised Chief Minister Adityanath in the house on August 14 for taking stern action against mafia in the state. Pal was handed over the letter immediately after the speech and was handed over a copy of the expulsion letter while she was in the house, reports said.

Pal met the Uttar Pradesh chief minister at his official residence. Pooja is the wife of Raju Pal, a former BSP MLA from Prayagraj West. Raju was shot dead in an attack linked to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad, just days after their wedding in January 2005.

Pal thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his "zero tolerance" policy against crime. "Everyone knows who murdered my husband. The Chief Minister heard me when no one else did. His zero-tolerance policy led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Today, the entire state looks at him with trust," Pal said while addressing the house.

In the official notice sent to Pal, the party charged that the legislator indulged in anti-party activities and it caused significant damage to the party. "Due to this, she has been expelled from the party with immediate effect and removed from all other posts within the party," it said.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to go to space, arrived in Delhi in the early hours of Sunday after successfully completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission.

He was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and ISRo Chairman Dr V. Narayanan. Shuklas wife Kamna Shukla was also present.

Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 mission that took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on June 25 and docked at the International Space Station on June 26. He returned to Earth on July 15.

Shukla is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before travelling to his hometown, Lucknow. He is also expected to return to Dehi to participate in the National Space Day celebrations on August 22-23.

Shukla's backup astronaut, Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, has also returned to the homeland.

Singh called it a proud moment for India and ISRO.

"A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. India's Space glory touches the Indian soil... as the iconic son of Mother India, Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla lands at Delhi in the early hours of morning today, he wrote on X.

A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.



Indias Space glory touches the Indian soil as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla pic.twitter.com/0QJsYHpTuS  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 16, 2025

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha will hold a special discussion on India's space journey and Shukla's historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The House will debate on 'India's first astronaut aboard the ISS -- critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047' to hail India's new milestone in space journey.

On Saturday, Shukla shared an emotional note on social media, saying he was filled with mixed emotions as he left the US and was heading back to India.

"As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family, and everyone in the country for the first time post-mission. I guess this is what life is, everything all at once," Shukla said in the post.

As I sit on the plane to come back to India I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family pic.twitter.com/RGQwO3UcQr  Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan_shux) August 16, 2025

"Having received incredible love and support from everyone during and after the mission, I can't wait to come back to India to share my experiences with all of you. Goodbyes are hard, but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander Peggy Whitson fondly says, The only constant in spaceflight is change.' I believe that applies to life as well," he further said.
Many parts of Punjab continue to be under flood threat after the Indian Meteorological Department

(IMD) forecasted heavy showers in six major districts, including Amritsar. Both the Beas and Sutlej rivers have breached their banks, leaving nearby areas flooded.

According to the IMD, heavy rains may occur in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mohali, and Rupnagar districts along with strong thunderstorms for at least the next three days. Districts like Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala will also receive moderate rain in

Bhakra, Pong Dam water level rises

Adding to the woes, the water levels in Bhakra and Pong dams continue to increase due to incessant rain in Himachal Pradesh. Authorities said the inflow of water in the huge Gobind Sagar lake was recorded to be 89,361 cusecs, due to which the water level of Bhakra Dam has reached 1,658.79 feet. Due to this, water is being continuously released, which has created the danger of flooding in the low-lying areas and fields, according to reports.

The water level in Pong has also increased, after which 57,000 cusecs of water was released into the Beas river in Talwara and Hoshiarpur, causing flooding. The water level of the Pong reservoir has reached 1,378.59 feet, while the maximum capacity is 1,390 feet.

The low lying areas near the Beas river in Sultanpur Lodhi of Kapurthala district and the Tanda area of Hoshiarpur district are still underwater. Farmers in Tarn Taran's Khadur Sahib area have claimed that their crops, paddy and fodder, have been submerged due to the rise in the Beas river.

Water release from Pong Dam amidst heavy rains destroyed a multi storey building! Several areas of Punjab are also facing flood like situations, yet no word from national media, and no major update on Kishtwar either? pic.twitter.com/CvONKpJ7Yg  Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) August 16, 2025

Authorities have instructed people to stay away from Beas. They have also sounded an alarm after authorities could release more water from Harike Pattan Head Work, a barrage constructed at Harike, Punjab, where the Beas and Sutlej rivers meet. As per reports, 1.50 lakh cusecs of water are recorded upstream at the Head Works, and this could worsen.

Due to heavy rains in the hilly areas of Fazilka, the Sutlej River is in spate and its water level is continuously rising. People residing near the Sutlej bridge in Kanwawali along the India-Pakistan border area say that they are making their preparations in view of the possible danger.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has hit back at the vote theft allegations raised by the Congress Party, stating that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar electoral rolls was aimed at removing all shortcomings in the voters' list, but some parties and their leaders were spreading misinformation in Bihar.

Kumar, in a press meet held in Delhi on Sunday, questioned how anybody could steal votes as the Lok Sabha election process involved more than one crore employees and over 20 lakh polling agents of candidates. In such a transparent process in front of so many people, can any voter steal votes?..." the CEC added.

Stating that EC cannot discriminate among political parties, Mumar said: Every political party is born through registration with the Election Commission. Then how can the poll body discriminate among the same political parties? For the Election Commission, there is neither any opposition nor any party. All are equal. No matter who belongs to any political party, the Election Commission will not step back from its constitutional duty."

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "We saw a few days ago that photos of many voters were presented to the media without their permission. Allegations were made against them, they were used. Should the Election Commission share the CCTV videos of any pic.twitter.com/WcOIBTSBMS  ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025

Flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, Kumar argued that at the ground level, all voters, political parties, and booth-level officers are working together in a transparent manner, verifying, signing, and also giving video testimonials. It is a matter of serious concern that these verified documents, testimonials of the district presidents of political parties and the BLOs nominated by them, are either not reaching their own state-level or national-level leaders, or an attempt is being made to spread confusion by ignoring the ground reality, Kumar said.

It is a matter of grave concern that some parties and their leaders are spreading misinformation on SIR in Bihar. EC exhorts all political parties to file claims and objections on draft electoral rolls in Bihar as 15 days are still remaining, he said, then asked how anybody could question the credibility of the poll body when over seven crore voters of Bihar are standing with the Election Commission.

The clarifications come as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched 1,300-km 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' covering over 20 districts in Bihar on Sunday. He repeated his allegations that the ECI was "stealing" elections in collusion with the BJP, and asserted that the INDIA bloc will not let them succeed in their "conspiracy" to steal the Bihar Assembly polls.

#WATCH | Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, "...The three Election Commissioners will decide when the exercise of SIR will be carried out in West Bengal or other states" pic.twitter.com/9oHLuw4r5H  ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2025

However, the CEC rubbished Rahuls claims, adding that many voters, who alleged double voting, had no evidence to back up their claims. He alleged that some were playing politics, targeting the voters and the Election Commission. The Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions, including the poor, rich, elderly, women, and youth, without any discrimination, he said.

He said there was a provision in the law that permitted political parties can go to the Supreme Court and file a petition to challenge the election.

The CEC added that the poll body will decide soon on conducting SIR in West Bengal. We three (election) commissioners will decide at an appropriate time and take a decision on when to conduct SIR in West Bengal or other states, Gyanesh Kumar said. It will be announced at an appropriate time.
Amid escalating Opposition attacks over alleged vote theft in Bihars electoral rolls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has mounted a combative defence of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Rejecting the phrase vote chori as an attempt to defame the Constitution, he said such claims must be backed with hard evidence, not political rhetoric.

ALSO READ | CEC Gyanesh Kumar on vote chori: Some leaders spreading misinformation, not bothered about their politics

In a pointed reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has spearheaded the charge of large-scale voter deletion, Kumar said:

He has to give an affidavit or apologise to the public. If we dont get anything in seven days, then it shows all allegations were false.

The remarks mark an unusual public demand from the countrys top election official directed at a political leader, underscoring the intensity of the standoff.

Neutrality and focus on new voters

For the Election Commission there is no opposition and no ruling party. The Commission stands with neutrality and vigilance," Kumar said, seeking to underline the Commissions impartiality.

He also appealed to young voters to register in time, noting that 10,703 first-time voters in Bihar had already applied, alongside over 28,000 claims and objections on the draft rolls.

Bihar SIR and the uproar

The controversy is centred around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Opposition leaders alleged that lakhs of names were struck off arbitrarily. Kumar insisted the exercise was routine.

More than ten intensive revisions have taken place across India. People migrate for work, rolls must reflect this.

He added that in Bihar, 7.9 crore enumeration forms were distributed, and 7.24 crore forms were returned within 30 days. Booth-level officers certified the draft rolls, which remain open for objections until September 1.

After this cut-off, no allegations of manipulation can be entertained. Political parties should come forward now, not later, he warned.

No formal complaints filed

Despite the uproar, the CEC has said that no formal objections had been filed by political parties since August 1.

Anyone raising allegations has to give an affidavit. Without evidence, one cannot level sweeping claims, he said, reiterating that the Representation of the People Act prescribes clear timelines for raising disputes.

Voter privacy vs transparency

The CEC also pushed back against demands for machine-readable rolls, citing the Supreme Courts 2019 order that warned of voter privacy breaches.

ALSO READ | Bihar SIR | From Sasaram to Patna, Rahul Gandhi's 16-day Vote Adhikar Yatra to expose vote chori

Can we release CCTV footage of citizens to anyone? Photos of voters are being used without permission, he asked.

Kumar said the ECI had already corrected over three lakh duplicate EPIC number cases across various states and continues to update rolls.

Dead voters and migrant updates

Responding to allegations of inflated rolls, Kumar said that 22 lakh deceased voters were removed in recent updates, but many deaths often went unreported to local officers.

This is the shared responsibility of voters, political parties, and officials, he stressed. On the sensitive issue of illegal Bangladeshi voters, he said such names would be struck off if found, while a decision on West Bengal will follow in the coming days".

Extraordinary outreach

To highlight its commitment, Kumar cited instances where officials trekked for two days in Gujarat's Gir to register a solitary mahant (saint) or travelled to remote villages in Arunachal Pradesh to enrol a single voter.

We want to ensure every voter gets the right to vote, he said.

ALSO READ | Will Election Commission's crucial press conference amid 'vote chori' charges torpedo Rahul Gandhi-led 'Vote Adhikar Yatra'?

By singling out Rahul Gandhi and demanding either an affidavit or an apology, the EC has significantly raised the stakes in its tussle with the Opposition.

While the Commissions reliance on procedure and timelines carries legal weight, the perception battle is equally critical.

Gandhis charge of vote theft resonates politically, even if unproven, and the ECs aggressive rebuttal indicates the institution is determined not to let its credibility be eroded.
Bengaluru-based Sujatha Bhatt, who claimed that her daughter had gone missing after a trip to Dharmasthala decades ago, has released a photograph of the latter for the first time.

Sujatha received flak for claiming that her daughter Ananya (a first-year MBBS student) had gone missing after a college trip to Dharmasthala in 2003 (22 years ago), because her claims coincided with the sanitation worker's allegations coming to light.

ALSO READ | Dharmasthala case: Karnataka Congress echoes BJP's voice as SIT probe hits a dead end

In a video by The Federal on Saturday, Sujatha can be seen discussing the issue with her lawyer, during which she displays a photo of Ananya close to the camerathe first time in the 22 years since the young woman's alleged disappearance.

Sujatha had also alleged that when she filed a complaint at the Belthangady police station, she was sent away without registering one.

She later even claimed that she had been abducted and tortured, which put her in a coma for some time.

ALSO READ | Dharmasthala case: Another body buried? New eyewitness claims burial near Boliyar forest area

Out of 17 spots pointed out by a sanitation workerwho claimed to have buried multiple bodies in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014only one spot offered up partial skeletal remains.

This has also sparked speculations of the alleged buried remains being washed away.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which tried to corner the government over what it claims hurts "religious sentiments of the Hindus", has planned a protest in the pilgrim town.

ALSO READ | ED reveals Dharmasthala temple was the true target of 2022 Mangaluru cooker bomb blast

All eyes are now on Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who has promised to make a detailed statement on the Dharmasthala issue in the State Assembly on Monday, after BJP pressed for clarity on the excavation.

He also added that if the complainants claims were proven false, action would be initiated against him.
A flash flood in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir caused massive destruction in the early hours of Sunday. The entire village of Jodh Ghati was cut off after flash floods were triggered by heavy rainfall.

Widespread destruction occurred, damaging homes, a railway track, a police station, and a section of the national highway.

The flash flood affects Janglote, Jodh Village, Ghatti, Chandarh, Bhed Blore, Bagrah, Dilwan, Hatli, and Lakhanpur, flooding the local industrial area, Kendriya Vidyalaya school, and Janglote police station.

Rescue operations are now underway in Ghati and involve the Indian army, State Disaster Response Force SDRF and NDRF. Affected families are being assisted, and medical aid is being provided to the injured.

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration.  Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 17, 2025

According to Inspector Ajay Singh from the the police station of Rajbagh area, The incidents occurred between 3.30 and 4 am.

Seven bodies have been recovered, and six people have been rescued and are being treated in a hospital.

District police chief Shobhit Saxena confirmed the death toll and said, There was no cloudburst, but there were flash floods. We have also informed the army; they are on a standby, the Hindustan Times reported.

It is not clear if the floods were caused by a cloudburst, which is a sudden downpour of over 100 mm of rain in one hour.

The water levels in both the Sahar Khad and Ujh rivers also had a sharp rise, which reached over danger levels over the past few days due to continuous heavy rainfall. Many houses were submerged near the rivers. The railway track and the NH 44 sustained severe damage. Traffic has stopped in many parts of the highway. Passengers were seen stranded in debris water while they waited in their vehicles.

Traffic has come to a complete halt on many roads in Janglot and its surrounding areas. Passengers and drivers were stranded in debris and water for hours along with their vehicles.

The district administration has appealed to people not to go near rivers and reservoirs, as the water level of the Ujh river has reached close to the danger mark.

The number of deaths was confirmed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, after discussions with Saxena. They emphasised the active response from civilians, military, and paramilitary forces.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered his condolences and assured full support to the victims.

Earlier this week, a catastrophic cloudburst in eastern Kishtwars Chositi village killed at least 65 people, including two CISF personnel, and injured over 150.

Kathua is in the southern corner of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, bordering Punjab, while Kishtwar is in its northeast, next to Himachal Pradesh.
Kerala is set to witness heavy rain till August 20 as the monsoon gains intensity due a low-pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on Monday.

IMD has issued an orange alert for Kasaragod, Kannur and Wayanad districts while Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki and Ernakulam districts were put under yellow alert. There have been heavy rain and strong winds in these districts since August 14.

Red alert for 9 dams

At least nine dams were issued a red alert with shutters being opened due to continuous downpour. These include Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad, Sholayar and Perigalkuthu dams in Thrissur, Lower Periyar, Kallarkutty, Mattupetty and Erattayar dams in Idukki, Kakki and Moozhiyar dams in Pathanamthitta.

The spillway shutters of Banasurasagar dam were raised by 20 cm around 4 pm on Sunday while three shutters of Moozhiyaar dams was opend 20 to 50 cm.

Holiday in Thrissur

Thrissur district collector Arjun Pandian has declared a holiday for schools and colleges for Monday. This is applicable to all institutions including, CBSE, ICSE, Kendriya Vidyalayas, anganwadis, madrassas and tuition centres. School-level examinations scheduled for Monday have also been postponed in view of rain. The dates of postponed Onam exam will announced later, state the collector.

The collector said the precautionary measures are based on waterlogging at several areas in the district. He urged the students to stay indoors and avoid venturing into water bodies and waterlogged areas. He advised them to use the holiday to prepare for the upcoming exams.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea as winds are expected to reach up to 65 kmph. Besides Kerala, fishing has been banned on the coasts of Karnataka and Lakshadweep on Monday.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet has decided to introduce the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025 in the upcoming assembly session that starts on August 19.

This bill will provide for granting the status of minority educational institution to other minority communities in addition to the Muslim community.

With the implementation of the bill, the study of Gurumukhi and Pali languages will also be recognised within the ambit of minorities educational institutions.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Cabinet approves amendments to Minority Welfare Board rules, including Sikhs, Christians, Parsis; extends UCC registration and clears bills for assembly session



Minister Subodh Uniyal says, "...Important issues will be presented on the table, and pic.twitter.com/5SLjZ5KcKu  IANS (@ians_india) August 17, 2025

When the new bill is in place, the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016 and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019 will stand repealed.

Till now the status of minority educational institution was given only to the Muslim community. Under the proposed bill, other minority communities like Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis will also be able to get such recognition for their educational institutions.

This will be the first such Act in the country which aims to establish a transparent process for granting recognition to educational institutions established by minority communities in the state. It will also ensure quality and excellence in education.

The main features of the bill are as below:

1. Formation of Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority which will have the power to grant minority educational institution.

2. Any educational institution established by Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain or Parsi community will be required to obtain recognition from the Authority to get the status of a minority educational institution.

3. Protection of Institutional Rights: The Act will not interfere in the establishment and operation of minority educational institutions, but will ensure that the quality and excellence of education is maintained.

4. Mandatory Conditions: To get recognition, the educational institution must be registered under the Society Act, Trust Act or Company Act. Land, bank accounts and other properties should be in the name of the institution. Recognition can be withdrawn in case of financial irregularities, lack of transparency or activities against religious and social harmony.

5. Monitoring and Examination: The authority will ensure that education is provided as per the standards set by the Uttarakhand Board of School Education and the evaluation of students is fair and transparent.

The bill is a bid to offer minority status to educational institutions through a transparent process. It will also offer protection to the constitutional rights of minorities while making quality education available to them.

The state government will have the power to monitor the functioning of the institutions and issue necessary instructions from time to time.
The family of the trainee nurse whose body was found in a private nursing home in West Bengals Singur reiterated their demand for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday.

The victims father claimed his daughter was raped and murdered inside the hospital and that he has no faith in the current investigation by the sate police.

I still feel that my daughter was raped and killed after mental and physical torture. Then, in the darkness of the night, before about 11 pm, the OC in charge of the police station there and an employee of the nursing home tried to destroy evidence. We have no faith in the police probe. We once again demand a CBI investigation into this, he said.

Kolkata | On a nurse found dead at Singur Nursing Home in Hooghly, West Bengal, LoP and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari says, "In my constituency, Nandigram, a villager sent his daughter to Singur in Hooghly for a nursing job. The nursing home authority called her parents to say pic.twitter.com/OocPA3XugU  ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2025

According to police, the woman was found hanging in a room on the third floor of the nursing home on Thursday.

Her body was taken to the Kolkata Medical College Hospital for postmortem, but the family insisted that the autopsy be done at a central hospital and not a state-run facility. As per the familys request, the autopsy was conducted at AIIMS, Kalyani on Saturday.

The mortal remains of the victim were later taken to her hometown at Nandigram in East Midnapur district and the cremation took place on Saturday evening.

The victims family alleged that she was tortured mentally and physically after she uncovered irregularities in the operation of the nursing home. She had joined the hospital just a few days ago.

Hooghly, West Bengal: On the death of a nurse in Singur, Chairperson of Hooghly Organizational Trinamool Congress, MLA Ashima Patra says, "I can't say how she died. The administration is investigating, and the real truth will come out" pic.twitter.com/eXXeNmFJGf  IANS (@ians_india) August 14, 2025

The nursing home, however, has dismissed the familys allegations and maintained that it was a case of suicide.

Meanwhile, based on a complaint from the womans family, police have already arrested two personsthe nursing homes owner, Subir Ghora, and the victims alleged lover, Radhagovinda Ghatan.

The incident has sparked a political row with both the BJP and the CPI(M) targeting the Mamata Banerjee government over the law and order situation in the state.
The BJP on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan as NDA vice presidential candidate. This comes less than a month after nearly a month after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post.

BJP national president JP Nadda announced Radhakrishnan's nomination during a press conference on Sunday evening after the partys parliamentary board held a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to seek blessings.

Who is C.P. Radhakrishnan?

C.P. Radhakrishnan alias Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan who was Tamil Nadu state BJP president from 2003 to 2006 was appointed the Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024. He had previously served as Jharkhand Governor from February 18, 2023, to July 30, 2024.

PM Modi presided over the Parliamentary Committee meeting, where, after extensive deliberations, it was decided to nominate Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the NDA's candidate for the position of Vice President. Shri Radhakrishnan was born on October 20, pic.twitter.com/oljPCXseFv  BJP (@BJP4India) August 17, 2025

His additional charges in the past included posts of Telangana governor during March-July 2024 and Puducherry Lieutenant Governor during March-August 2024.

Born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, he began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He won from Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat in 1998.

Thanking PM Modi, Radhakrishnan said, "My heartfelt thanks to our beloved Peoples leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Shri. @narendramodi Ji for nominating me as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation."

Nadda said the government discussed Radhakrishnan's candidacy with all parties in the NDA before reaching the decision. He said the Centre will contact the Opposition too, in a bid to seek an "unopposed election". "CP Radhakrishnan considered a statesman, commands respect in all sections of society in Tamil Nadu," he added.

Even if the opposition fields a candidate, the NDA candidate can easily win the election, given its majority in the electoral college.

It should be noted that Radhakrishnan called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at his Chittaranjan Road residence in Chennai on August 11. THE WEEK had cited sources in the Tamil Nadu BJP saying that Radhakrishnans visit was to seek the DMKs support in Parliament during the vice presidential election. Read the full story HERE.
The parliamentary board of the Bharatiya Janata Party will meet on Sunday to finalise the name of the National Democratic Alliances vice presidential candidate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the meeting at the party headquarters with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, party president J.P. Nadda and other senior leaders in attendance.

The NDA has authorised Modi and Nadda to pick the candidate for the second-highest constitutional post, which fell vacant after the surprise resignation of Jagdeep Dhankar on July 21.

The victory of the NDA candidate is a foregone conclusion in the case of a contest since the alliance enjoys a comfortable majority in the electoral college, which includes members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

If the opposition fields its candidate, the election will be held on September 9. The last date of filing the nomination is August 21.

Election Commission of India announces schedule for the election of Vice President of India



Last date for nominations-August 21, 2025

Date of poll (if necessary)- September 9, 2025 pic.twitter.com/Ct6u3A9KpR  ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2025

According to reports, the ruling front is keen on fielding a candidate from the backwards or extremely backwards communities as Dhankhars successor. Given the precedence, the BJP is likely to back a veteran leader with a strong ideological leaning.

According to reports, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan are among the list of probable candidates.

The names of Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Sikkim Governor Om Mathur, and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha are also doing the rounds.

The combined strength of both houses of parliament is 786, and the winning candidate will need to win 394 votes in the election for a vice president, considering all eligible voters exercise their franchise.

In the Lok Sabha, the BJP-led NDA enjoys the support of 293 members, whereas it has the support of 129 members in the Rajya Sabha (assuming that the nominated members vote in support of the NDA nominee). This brings its total support to 422 members out of 786.
As a growing number of Western states are moving towards recognising the Palestinian State, a powerful segment of the ruling Israeli coalition is moving in the opposite direction. Cabinet Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to build a new settlement between Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim in the West Bank. In the words of the Finance Minister and the leader of the Religious-Zionist party, the new proposal finally buries the idea of a Palestinian State, because there is nothing to recognise and no one to recognise. He went on to say: "Anyone in the world who tries today to recognise a Palestinian state will receive an answer from us on the ground." With 14 lawmakers, the Religious Zionists, led by Smotrich, is the second-largest party (after the Likud with 32 seats) in the ruling coalition headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The area designated as E1 covers about 12 sq. kms and has been home to a larger Bedouin community. From the heydays of the Oslo Accords, Israel has been seeking to geographically link the Maale Adumim, the largest Israeli settlement in the occupied territories, with Jerusalem and ensure a territorial continuity. Since the late 1970s, this has been an integral Likud strategy towards settlement activities. While the Labor Party focused on establishing settlements in areas considered vital for Israel's security, the Likuds priority has been different. By establishing Jewish settlements closer to Palestinian population centres, it has been seeking to break the territorial continuity of the West Bank and, in the process, scuttle the prospects of a future Palestinian State. Thus, today the West Bank looks more like a Swiss cheese; more holes with less cheese.

Maverick Ariel Sharon was the architect of this settlement drive. At the same time, he was also the first Israeli leader to publicly admit and recognise the inevitability of a future Palestinian State. His plans to build a security fence along the Israeli-West Bankderided by the Palestinians as the apartheid fencewere partly aimed at limiting the territorial composition of a future Palestinian State. His preference was for a smaller and demilitarised Palestinian state that would not threaten Israel.

The Israel-Palestinian conflict has an interesting twist. The Palestinian leadership literally took four decades to recognise the two-state option of the UN partition plan adopted on 29 November 1947. The UN General Assembly Resolution 181 called for the formation of independent Arab and Jewish states after the British withdrawal from Mandate Palestine. The prevailing regional sentiments were not conducive to the Palestinians to accept that proposal. Rest, as they say, is history. It was only on 15 November 1988after the First Intifadathat the Palestinian leadership accepted the 1947 partition resolution, declared the State of Palestine and signalled its willingness to co-exist with Israel. The Oslo Accords were based on that premise, but they did not fructify.

Still, the mainstream international opinion during the past three decades revolved around a two-state solution; an independent Israel and Palestinian state co-existing side by side, in peace and with security. However, since the historic Rabin-Arafat-Clinton handshake of 13 September 1993, Benjamin Netanyahu was not a fan of the Oslo Accords and did everything in his power to scuttle the process and derail the chances of coexistence.

Earlier, Palestinians were opposed to coexistence with Israel; now it is the turn of the ruling Israeli coalition to tread on the same route. Whether the new settlement materialises or not, coexistence is the only option for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the two-state solution is the only way forward, with or without Netanyahu.

(The author teaches contemporary Middle East at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.)
The United States has stopped issuing visas for people from Gaza, a move that has raised alarm among charities and medical organisations. The State Department said it would also carry out a full review of the procedures for granting medical-humanitarian visas, which it described as a very limited category.

These visas have served as a lifeline for seriously injured children from Gaza who were brought to the United States for treatment that was otherwise unavailable. The decision has come within weeks of France launching an investigation into its visa process for Palestinians. The French move was prompted by the actions of a Palestinian student who posted antisemitic material on social media.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days.  Department of State (@StateDept) August 16, 2025

For more than a year, American and international charities have been organising medical evacuations of children caught in the war. One of the most prominent groups is HEAL Palestine, an Ohio-based nonprofit founded in 2024. The organisation has overseen what it called the single largest evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the United States. In addition to flying children to American hospitals, it has been operating food kitchens in the enclave.

By its latest count, HEAL Palestine has evacuated 63 children, including 11 between the ages of six and fifteen who were sent to hospitals in nine American cities. Many had lost limbs or suffered severe injuries from bombings. Volunteer doctors described complex cases of orthopaedic trauma and burns, often worsened by malnutrition. Another charity, the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, has reported bringing nearly 170 children out of Gaza in the past year, some to the United States and others to countries willing to provide specialised care.

The State Departments abrupt decision followed a campaign by Laura Loomer, a far-right activist known for her anti-Islamic views. Although she holds no formal position in government, she is regarded as having considerable influence over Trump administration policies.

Earlier this month, Loomer discovered that medical flights were arriving in the United States with injured Palestinian children. She began posting about them heavily on social media, calling the arrivals a national security threat and accusing groups like HEAL Palestine of being linked to Hamas, despite offering no evidence.

The amazing American people overwhelmingly agree:



We dont want GAZANS to be imported here.



They have doctors in other countries.  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) August 17, 2025

Her posts targeted flights landing in San Francisco, St Louis, San Antonio and Houston. She shared videos of children arriving at airports, some celebrating in relief, but falsely described their cries of joy as jihadi chants. In another post she called them Islamic invaders from an Islamic terror hot zone.

Loomer tagged state and federal officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding explanations about why visas had been issued to people from what she called a Hamas hot zone. She later claimed credit for the visa halt, thanking Rubio for intervening.

I do not care how many enemies I make.



I do not care how many people threaten to murder me. Im getting TONS of threats from Muslims today saying they want to come kill me for blowing the whistle on GAZANS being imported into the US.



I am proud to stand for the truth and with  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) August 17, 2025

The rhetoric has horrified aid workers and former officials who dealt with Middle East policy.

Andrew Miller, a senior State Department official in the previous administration, dismissed suggestions of a security risk as baseless. He pointed out that Gazans seeking to travel to the United States could only do so after passing multiple layers of checks. They must first be cleared by the Israeli military and security services simply to leave Gaza. They then need to appear in person at a US embassy in Jerusalem, Cairo or Amman, where they undergo further scrutiny before any visa is granted. Experts at the Migration Policy Institute also questioned the logic of the halt, noting that people arriving for urgent medical care posed no plausible security concern.

Human rights groups and medical charities have condemned the suspension. Edward Ahmed Mitchell of the Council on American-Islamic Relations described it as sheer cruelty that would put more childrens lives at risk. He argued that the United States has a moral obligation to extend treatment in such circumstances. The Palestine Childrens Relief Fund said the decision would have a devastating effect on its ability to provide care. Critics have also drawn historical parallels, suggesting that this kind of exclusion echoes earlier episodes when refugees fleeing persecution were turned away.

The policy change comes at a time when Gaza is facing catastrophic humanitarian conditions. Since October 2023, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more maimed. Food shortages are widespread and the United Nations has warned that famine conditions are taking hold. Nearly a lakh women and children are believed to be suffering acute malnutrition. Against this backdrop, medical evacuation programmes have been a rare source of hope for families with children requiring advanced care.
American journalists who were present at the recent Russia-US summit in Alaska were given a bottle of vodka as a gift by their Russian counterparts after a rare professional incident.

According to Russian media reports, a journalist encountered some difficulties with his equipment while covering the summit in Alaska. He proceeded to rent some equipment from the American team present at the location. The story was told by Brian Glenn, an American reporter who spoke to the Russian news site Life.ru.

Later, the journalist presented the American team with a bottle of traditional Russian vodka as a token of gratitude. Life.ru correspondent Alexander Yunashev told Glenn, "Come to Moscow and you will get three of these vodkas."

The Russia-US summit meeting, where the US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine, was held on August 15. The two leaders had a conversation that lasted around 3 hours. After the meeting the both presidents made a statement to the press but did not take questions.

The meeting was considered inconclusive as the leaders did not reach an agreement on Russias war in Ukraine. Trump later said he agreed with Putin that only a peace deal can end the situation without a prior ceasefire.

Experts say that Ukraine will face pressure from the US to begin discussions with Putin on ending the war. Trump said on Saturday that Ukraine should make a deal to end the war with Russia since "Russia is a very big power, and they're not, Reuters reported.

Putin had also been reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land during the meeting, a demand which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he will not agree to.
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munirs tall claims that he had a complete roadmap to put Pakistan in the ranks of the developed countries of the world within five to ten years have been met with criticism online. Munirs tall claims were reported by a Pakistani journalist, Sohail Warraich, who recently met Munir at Brussels.

Warraich, in a column that appeared in a leading Pakistani daily, said he raised the issue of Pakistans economic crisis with Munir. Regarding the solution, Munir said he had a complete roadmap, which planned to put Pakistan in the ranks of the developed countries of the world within five to ten years, Warraich claimed, quoting the Army Chief. He added that Munir said there will be a net profit of two billion dollars every year from Reko Diq, a town in Balochistan known for its significant copper and gold deposits. Munir further added that the profits will increase every year, and with this treasure, Pakistans debt will also be reduced, and Pakistan will soon be counted among the most prosperous societies.

While some mocked the absurdity of the statement, considering that Pakistan is in a deep crisis, with approximately 44.7% of Pakistan's population still living below the poverty line. On the one hand, he said he is a protector and a soldier and does not want any position other than that. On the other hand, he claims to have the entire roadmap for economic development, which is not his responsibility in any way, constitutionally, said another user, questioning why a very senior journalist did not ask this?"

Another journalist, Iqrarul Hassan, reacted to the statement with a mere "Ten years?" .

    ............    pic.twitter.com/UwGdpgTTvz  Advocate Abdullaha Khokhar (@PakistanIKPTI) August 16, 2025

One Pakistani user went ahead and shared a cartoon showing Munir trying to sell snake oil to Trump, while a snake tagged terror wraps tightly around Munirs legs.

Another user brutally put it: The pipedream will be shattered. Neither will the roadmap remain, nor will there be any treasure (for the public).

Will Asim Munir forgive Imran Khan?

Warraich also quoted Munirs statements about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is languishing in prison over corruption charges. When asked about reconciliation with Khan, Munir cited verses from the Holy Quran, stating that those who apologised succeeded while those who refused failed.
Three people were killed and eight others were injured after multiple shooters opened fire inside a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York City, on Sunday morning.

The fatal shooting occurred at Taste of the City Lounge located at 903 Franklin Avenue near President Street in the Crown Heights area around 3.30 am.

BREAKING: Mass shooting in Crown Heights Brooklyn New York City.

7 people shot on Franklin Ave.

NYPD has locked down 903 Franklin Ave under Level 1 mobilization.

Scene flooded with cops and ambulances. #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/WM6pLKQyxh  Buzz Patriot (@BuzzPatriot) August 17, 2025

The deceased were identified as three men aged 35, 27 and another person whose age was not confirmed. The injured included five men and three women. They were rushed to nearby hosptitals but their conditions have not been ascertained.

NYPD has launched an investigation. A firearm was retrieved from the scene but it is not confirmed whether it was used in the shooting. Officers have recoverd at least 36 shell casings from the spot.

Police are yet to arrest anyone in the shooting and effort is on to identify the suspects. They are verifying CCTV footage and taking statements of eyewitnesses.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department has the the first seven months of 2025 saw lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims ever recorded in the city. Something like this is, of course, thank God, an anomaly and its a terrible thing that happened this morning, but were going to investigate and get to the bottom of what went down," she told reporters.

Following the shooting, city officials have alerted commuters about traffic congestion and road closures with several emergency personnel deployed in the area.

The restaurant, which closes around 3 am on Sundays, was opened in 2022. It serves American and Caribbean cuisine and also has amenities like bar, hookah, and DJs, according to the New York Post.
A day after meeting Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump said his talks with Russia has seen "big progress", hinting at a possible ceasefire on the cards.

"BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. This comes as US envoy Steve Witkoff said there could be "robust and game-changing" security guarantees for Ukraine.

What could progress on Ukraine talks mean for India?

If a ceasefire deal is achieved between Russia and Ukraine with US mediation, Trump could rethink his tariff policy on India. He had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, claiming its oil trade with Moscow is "fuelling the war machine".

On Friday, Trump hinted that the US might not impose secondary tariffs on India and other countries importing Russian crude oil.

"Well, he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40 per cent of the oil. China, as you know, is doing a lotAnd if I did what's called a secondary sanction, or a secondary tariff, it would be very devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I'll do it. Maybe I won't have to do it, the US president said.

This comes as US officials expected to visit India later this month cancelled their trip, according to government sources. "US Trade team not coming to India for the next round of trade negotiations. The US team was scheduled to visit India on 25th August for the 6th round of negotiations," the government sources were quoted as saying by ANI.

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set meet Trump in Washington on Monday and he will be accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Experts suggest that the European leaders are accompanying Zelenskyy to avoid a disastrous Oval Office showdown similar to the one in February, when the Ukrainian leader was shown the door by Trump.
FOR 40-YEAR-OLD Savita Devi of Amor, Bihar, the right to vote feels as though it is slipping through her fingers. Twice she walked to the booth-level officers desk, clutching every document she could findAadhaar, ration card, electricity billsand twice she returned home as if invisible. When the Election Commissions draft voter list was published, her name was still missing.

Savita Devi is not alone. Across Bihar are others fighting an almost absurd battle for their official existence. Two such people even stood before the Supreme Court on August 12alive and breathing, yet officially dead according to the draft voter list. Psephologist Yogendra Yadav, appearing in person before the court, called this just the tip of the iceberg. What troubled him most, he said, was an unprecedented trend: more women voters have been struck off than men. Why are women disappearing from the rolls in greater numbers? he asked the court.

In Amor block, with about two lakh voters, a local party leader said around 40,000 voters were deleted from the list. There are also those missing in the list under migrated category who have married [mostly women] in another block, and their name is not in any list, said the leader.

The numbers from Amor are a part a much larger churn. Nationwide, the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has removed about 65 lakh names from draft rollsan annual clean-up aimed at deleting duplicates, the deceased, and those who have shifted residence. But the process has made voters like Savita feel that they have been denied their most basic democratic right.

United stance: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and INDIA bloc leaders protesting SIR during Parliaments monsoon session on July 31 | PTI

Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Sudhakar Singh was blunt. The ECs claim that they are issuing notices to people whose names have been struck is all sham, he told THE WEEK. Not a single voter Ive met has received one. We are not going to sit downwe will file appeals, knock on every door if we have to, to make sure every voter gets their right to vote.

According to Singhs close aide, 17 voters from a single booth in the Ramgarh assembly seat were listed as alive on January 1, 2025. After the SIR, though, all 17 are shown as deadeven though they are very much alive. This, he said, is from just one of the 342 booths in the constituency.

In Amor, more than 80,000 names out of a total of around three lakh voters have been removed. We can help remove Bangladeshis; but citizens should be given their rights, said Azam Rabbani, representative of MLA Akhtarul Iman.

SIR is intended to ensure rolls are accurate before major elections. This years exercise, however, has been unusually aggressive. The EC insists that every deletion follows verification by booth-level officers (BLOs), public notice, and an opportunity to file objections. But the ground reality suggests gaps. In many areas, the notice never reaches the voter in time, or the BLO visit happens when labourers are away on work.

Since 1950, India has undertaken just 13 intensive revisions of its electoral rolls. But never before has the EC appended the word special to such a nationwide exercise. The word has transformed what is typically a quiet, bureaucratic update into a political flashpoint, with states like Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur and Delhi witnessing unrest.

If it is carried out without transparency and due process, it risks becoming a tool of exclusion, former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur told THE WEEK. Disenfranchising voters in the name of administrative efficiency undermines constitutional values.

According to the EC, the exercise is part of routine maintenance. It is neither novel nor sinister. Such revisions happen regularly, said an EC official. This is part of our institutional calendar.

The SIR in Bihar marks a sharp departure from past roll revisions. Traditionally, the EC conducted either summary revisionsannual, limited updateor full intensive revisions, involving door-to-door verification, last seen in Bihar in 2003. This time, the EC has adopted a hybrid, truncated version termed special, deviating from both established formats. Unlike past revisions, which included fresh enumeration and home visits by BLOs, the ongoing SIR relies on pre-filled forms requiring votersespecially those enrolled post-2003to submit proof of citizenship. This shift reverses the burden of proof from the state to the individual, disproportionately affecting marginalised groups.

The revision, therefore, has the opposition viewing it as a tool for targeted disenfranchisement. The controversy has national implications. States where the BJP is not in power have concerns of arbitrary deletions, raising questions about whether the EC is exercising its mandate under pressure.

Former chief election commissioner O.P. Rawat said the timing of SIR was crucial. An SIR is ideally conducted at least a year before assembly polls, he said. This ensures that there is ample time for notice, response, corrections and transparent scrutiny. Conducting such an exercise too close to elections risks excluding genuine voters.

Rawat added that the Special Summary Revision (SSR), a routine annual exercise, is less intensive and can be done closer to electionstypically three to six months prior. Confusing the two, or fast-tracking a detailed SIR process in the guise of SSR, creates apprehensions, Rawat said. Voter disenfranchisement, even if unintended, must be avoided at all cost.

In West Bengal, SIR has stirred unease among both the ruling Trinamool Congress and civil society groups. The state had witnessed earlier allegations of targeted voter deletions. In the ongoing SIR, there have been reports from constituencies like Cooch Behar, North 24 Parganas and Howrah that suggest abrupt notices served to voters without adequate field verification.

In Manipur, SIR takes on a more fraught dimension, given the ethnic conflict that has displaced tens of thousands of people. Many voters, especially from the Kuki-Zo community, are internally displaced and unable to access their polling areas. Civil society groups argue that if BLOs rely on physical verification alone, these displaced voters risk being struck off the rolls. This could further alienate marginalised groups.

Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan said the opposition is prepared to pursue the SIR issue through every possible legal and institutional channel. We will take this matter to its final legal and regulatory consequences, Khan asserted. We are very hopeful that the Supreme court will act in a just manner.

In Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress claim that the process may already have started indirectly. Once they do it, we will involve our people and review the list, said Rajesh Garg, chairman of the Congresss booth management committee.

Responded Krishna Sagar Rao, the BJPs chief spokesperson: The EC has independently taken up SIR. There are reasons why they are correcting electoral rolls, and they are doing it [through] a scientific process. Opposition parties can very well verify it.

As SIR proceeds, its real test will not be in how many names are deleted or added, but in how many rightful voters are able to vote without fear or omission. If the EC fails in that, it risks enabling the very disenfranchisement it was meant to prevent.
The fate of crisis-torn Thames Water is set to be decided within weeks as Ministers prepare to effectively nationalise the troubled utilities firm before getting it ready for a sale. And the front-runner in any bidding war for the debt-laden supplier to 16 million customers in London and the Thames Valley is likely to be a business conglomerate controlled by one of Asia's richest men.

Last week, reports emerged that CK Infrastructure (CKI), which also owns Northumbrian Water, had told the Government it was prepared to take over Thames imminently if it were to fall into special administration, buckling under the weight of 17 billion of debt.

A successful takeover of Britain's largest water group would add another asset to the burgeoning portfolio of CKI's parent firm, CK Hutchison (CKH), which controls a globe-spanning empire encompassing pub chains, container ports and High Street stores.

Behind it all is Li Ka-Shing, CKH's founder, considered the most successful tycoon in Hong Kong's history after amassing a fortune worth nearly 30 billion.

The 97-year-old, who arrived in the British colony in 1940 aged 12 as a refugee from the Sino-Japanese war, is called 'Superman' by locals for his business acumen.

Li is the firm's 'senior advisor' after stepping down as chairman in 2018 after 46 years at the helm.

Still laughing at 97: Hong Konger Li Ka-Shing is famous for his acumen

Despite his advanced years, the tycoon remains involved in the business and still goes into the office twice a week.

He can also be spotted at the Tsz Shan Monastery, a ten-year-old Buddhist temple that Li financed to the tune of 142 million.

CKH remains a family concern, with Li's son Victor serving as chairman. His UK empire includes the 226-year-old Greene King pub chain, bought for 4.6 billion in 2019 through one of the family's other businesses, CK Asset Holdings. Other assets include retailer Superdrug and UK Power Networks, the electricity grid operator for London and the South-East.

CKH also owned mobile network Three before its merger with rival Vodafone earlier this year. It now controls just under half of the new business, which leapfrogged BT's EE to become Britain's biggest mobile phone provider.

CKH's eyeing up of Thames Water comes as the conglomerate's British operations become increasingly profitable.

Last week, CKH's half-year results saw underlying profits rise 11 per cent to 1.1 billion as sales rose to 22.6 billion from 21.8 billion in 2024. But overall profits fell 92 per cent to 80.3 million due to a one-off 983 million loss from the Vodafone-Three merger.

Included in the figures were results from CKI, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange but is controlled by CKH.

CKI reported that its profits from the UK had jumped 19 per cent since last year thanks to 'higher contributions' from Northumbrian Water as well as its electricity grid arm and three British gas networks it also controls.

Despite the firm's success in Britain, a swoop on Thames Water has sparked fear among those who are wary of handing over control of vital infrastructure to a Chinese company. On Thursday, former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said a takeover by Li's firm risked handing 'a country that is a threat, greater power over national infrastructure'. It has also caused consternation in the US Congress.

But Li's history is not all kowtowing to Beijing, with the tycoon having butted heads with China's communist authorities in the past.

When Hong Kong saw a wave of pro-democracy protests in 2019, the government of the People's Republic accused Li of 'harbouring criminality' and allowing the city to 'slip into the abyss' when he called for police to show 'humanity' dealing with demonstrators.

More recently, CKH has found itself caught in Donald Trump's trade war with China. Earlier this year, the company was forced to delay the sale of 43 ports, including two in the crucial Panama Canal, to a consortium backed by US asset manager BlackRock after Beijing criticised the deal.

In its results, Victor Li said the firm expected global trade to 'remain volatile' as Trump's tariffs reverberated through the market.

But despite the headwinds, CKH raised its half-year dividend by 3.2 per cent, landing the elder Li, who controls just over 28 per cent of the business, a 72 million payday.

With Thames Water sinking under its own debt, Ministers may overlook CKH's Chinese ties in the absence of a better offer. Lower-ranking holders of Thames Water's debt are also understood to be keen on a long-term infrastructure owner such as CKH.

The firm has reportedly said it would agree to new rules imposing tougher fines for breaking environmental regulations, which the water group's senior hedge fund creditors have said is financially unviable. Ministers will be hoping Hong Kong's 'Superman' can save the day.
Citigroup Inc. decreased its position in shares of Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE  Free Report) by 53.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 258,394 shares of the companys stock after selling 295,430 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc. owned approximately 0.14% of Cadence Bank worth $7,845,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank grew its stake in Cadence Bank by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 51,634 shares of the companys stock worth $1,568,000 after buying an additional 480 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Cadence Bank by 8.6% in the first quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 7,317 shares of the companys stock valued at $222,000 after acquiring an additional 578 shares during the period. Xponance Inc. grew its position in shares of Cadence Bank by 2.3% during the first quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 26,415 shares of the companys stock worth $802,000 after acquiring an additional 587 shares during the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Cadence Bank by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 43,910 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,333,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the period. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Cadence Bank by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 51,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,561,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.61% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CADE. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Cadence Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, July 26th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $41.00 target price (up from $38.00) on shares of Cadence Bank in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Hovde Group raised their price target on Cadence Bank from $34.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on Cadence Bank from $34.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price objective on Cadence Bank from $42.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Cadence Bank currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $40.40.

Cadence Bank Stock Performance

Shares of CADE stock opened at $35.38 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.59 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $33.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $31.83. Cadence Bank has a 12-month low of $25.22 and a 12-month high of $40.20. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25.

Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.04. Cadence Bank had a return on equity of 9.84% and a net margin of 18.79%. The firm had revenue of $476.32 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $467.60 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.73 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Cadence Bank will post 2.94 EPS for the current year.

Cadence Bank Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Monday, September 15th will be paid a $0.275 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 15th. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Cadence Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.15%.

Cadence Bank announced that its board has initiated a share buyback plan on Friday, April 25th that authorizes the company to buyback 10,000,000 shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to repurchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

About Cadence Bank

(Free Report)

Cadence Bank provides commercial banking and financial services. Its products and services include consumer banking, consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and loans, credit cards, commercial and business banking, treasury management, specialized and asset-based lending, commercial real estate, equipment financing, and correspondent banking services.

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Citigroup Inc. trimmed its stake in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG  Free Report) by 3.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 557,475 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,221 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc.s holdings in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group were worth $7,598,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Natixis Advisors LLC boosted its position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 9.2% in the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 10,756,565 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,612,000 after buying an additional 905,674 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 46.6% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 10,522,079 shares of the companys stock worth $123,319,000 after purchasing an additional 3,342,330 shares during the last quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC lifted its position in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC now owns 6,197,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $84,476,000 after purchasing an additional 247,508 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 40.4% in the 4th quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,021,271 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,570,000 after purchasing an additional 1,731,873 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,820,099 shares of the companys stock worth $65,698,000 after buying an additional 13,167 shares during the period. 13.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Trading Up 3.7%

NYSE:MUFG opened at $15.91 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $9.85 and a 1-year high of $16.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $192.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.73, a PEG ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.42. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $13.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.25.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group ( NYSE:MUFG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 4th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.03. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group had a net margin of 13.95% and a return on equity of 9.35%. The business had revenue of $22.10 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.86 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. will post 0.99 earnings per share for the current year.

Separately, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 9th.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc operates as the bank holding company, that engages in a range of financial businesses in Japan, the United States, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Digital Service, Retail & Commercial Banking, Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Commercial Banking, Asset Management & Investor Services, Global Corporate & Investment Banking, and Global Markets.

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National Bank of Canada FI lessened its stake in Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Free Report) by 94.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,978 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 92,380 shares during the quarter. National Bank of Canada FIs holdings in Unum Group were worth $405,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Unum Group in the first quarter worth approximately $35,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in Unum Group by 196.9% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 478 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 317 shares in the last quarter. Rossby Financial LCC acquired a new stake in Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth $46,000. Wayfinding Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Unum Group during the 1st quarter worth $49,000. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Unum Group by 1,289.7% during the first quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 806 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 748 shares in the last quarter. 86.57% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on UNM shares. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Unum Group from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 3rd. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Unum Group from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated an outperform rating and issued a $95.00 price target (down from $100.00) on shares of Unum Group in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. UBS Group set a $87.00 price target on Unum Group and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Unum Group from $87.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $91.62.

Unum Group Stock Down 2.8%

Shares of NYSE:UNM opened at $68.87 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $11.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.24, a PEG ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 0.40. Unum Group has a 12-month low of $52.71 and a 12-month high of $84.48. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $77.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.12. The company has a current ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31.

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.07 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.23 by ($0.16). The company had revenue of $3.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.35 billion. Unum Group had a net margin of 11.77% and a return on equity of 13.44%. Unum Groups revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.16 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Unum Group will post 9.14 EPS for the current year.

Unum Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 25th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. This is a positive change from Unum Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 25th. Unum Groups payout ratio is currently 22.01%.

Unum Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Unum Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial protection benefit solutions primarily in the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and internationally. It operates through Unum US, Unum International, Colonial Life, and Closed Block segment. The company offers group long-term and short-term disability, group life, and accidental death and dismemberment products; supplemental and voluntary products, such as individual disability, voluntary benefits, and dental and vision products; and accident, sickness, disability, life, and cancer and critical illness products.

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Cresset Asset Management LLC cut its holdings in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IVW  Free Report) by 6.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 180,330 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,098 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF were worth $16,740,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 48,079,544 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,463,224,000 after buying an additional 2,350,072 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 5.5% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 18,929,345 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,757,211,000 after purchasing an additional 988,955 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 7,975,850 shares of the companys stock valued at $809,740,000 after purchasing an additional 186,796 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 6,639,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $616,354,000 after purchasing an additional 279,859 shares during the period. Finally, Park Avenue Securities LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 3,942,984 shares of the companys stock valued at $366,027,000 after purchasing an additional 125,442 shares during the period.

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iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF Stock Down 0.3%

IVW stock opened at $115.45 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $110.74 and its 200-day moving average is $102.31. The company has a market cap of $63.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.33 and a beta of 1.05. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $79.31 and a twelve month high of $116.38.

About iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, formerly iShares S&P 500 Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Growth Index (the Growth Index). The Growth Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market.

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EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV  Free Report) by 16.8% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,697 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 244 shares during the quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Elevance Health were worth $738,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Elevance Health in the 1st quarter worth approximately $789,943,000. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Elevance Health by 81,726.5% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,474,514 shares of the companys stock worth $641,355,000 after acquiring an additional 1,472,712 shares in the last quarter. D1 Capital Partners L.P. acquired a new position in shares of Elevance Health in the 4th quarter worth approximately $294,751,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Elevance Health by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,152,108 shares of the companys stock worth $9,635,281,000 after acquiring an additional 666,534 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners grew its position in shares of Elevance Health by 241.3% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 856,737 shares of the companys stock worth $372,039,000 after acquiring an additional 605,689 shares in the last quarter. 89.24% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ELV has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $478.00 target price on shares of Elevance Health in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. Guggenheim decreased their target price on Elevance Health from $447.00 to $360.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Elevance Health from $500.00 to $440.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on Elevance Health from $400.00 to $330.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Finally, Barclays reduced their price target on Elevance Health from $434.00 to $358.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $413.81.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Elevance Health news, CEO Gail Boudreaux purchased 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 18th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $286.94 per share, with a total value of $2,438,990.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 151,020 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,333,678.80. This represents a 5.96% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock.

Elevance Health Stock Up 4.5%

Shares of Elevance Health stock opened at $308.86 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $331.51 and its 200-day moving average is $381.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.55 billion, a PE ratio of 13.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Elevance Health, Inc. has a 12-month low of $273.71 and a 12-month high of $567.26.

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The company reported $8.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $9.30 by ($0.46). The company had revenue of $49.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $48.26 billion. Elevance Health had a return on equity of 17.59% and a net margin of 2.83%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $10.12 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Elevance Health, Inc. will post 33.96 earnings per share for the current year.

Elevance Health Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $1.71 per share. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 10th. Elevance Healths payout ratio is presently 29.11%.

About Elevance Health

(Free Report)

Elevance Health, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health benefits company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. It offers a variety of health plans and services to program members; health products; an array of fee-based administrative managed care services; and specialty and other insurance products and services, such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health insurance benefits.

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Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its stake in Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG  Free Report) by 0.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 923,979 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 5,265 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. owned 0.30% of Republic Services worth $223,751,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Republic Services by 7.2% in the 1st quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 11,485 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,781,000 after purchasing an additional 773 shares in the last quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT boosted its stake in Republic Services by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC UT now owns 22,459 shares of the business services providers stock worth $5,439,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV boosted its stake in Republic Services by 10.7% in the 1st quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 4,173 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,011,000 after purchasing an additional 403 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Republic Services by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,407 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,310,000 after buying an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc lifted its stake in Republic Services by 145.3% during the 1st quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 115,598 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $27,783,000 after acquiring an additional 68,477 shares during the period. 57.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $266.00 price objective on shares of Republic Services in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Republic Services from $257.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 22nd. Melius assumed coverage on shares of Republic Services in a research note on Monday, June 9th. They set a hold rating for the company. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Republic Services from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Finally, Melius Research upgraded shares of Republic Services to a hold rating and set a $281.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Monday, June 9th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $262.17.

Republic Services Price Performance

Shares of NYSE RSG opened at $232.88 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $72.71 billion, a PE ratio of 34.45, a PEG ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $241.62 and a 200 day moving average of $240.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. Republic Services, Inc. has a one year low of $197.60 and a one year high of $258.75.

Republic Services (NYSE:RSG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 29th. The business services provider reported $1.77 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $4.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.26 billion. Republic Services had a net margin of 12.97% and a return on equity of 18.27%. The firms revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.61 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Republic Services, Inc. will post 6.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Republic Services Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 2nd will be issued a $0.625 dividend. This represents a $2.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 2nd. This is a boost from Republic Servicess previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. Republic Servicess payout ratio is presently 34.32%.

Republic Services Company Profile

(Free Report)

Republic Services, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers environmental services in the United States and Canada. It is involved in the collection and processing of recyclable, solid waste, and industrial waste materials; transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams; and other environmental solutions.

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Round Hill Asset Management grew its position in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C  Free Report) by 17.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 33,725 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,026 shares during the quarter. Citigroup makes up approximately 1.7% of Round Hill Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 18th largest position. Round Hill Asset Managements holdings in Citigroup were worth $2,394,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in C. Private Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in Citigroup by 20.8% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisory Group LLC now owns 69,581 shares of the companys stock worth $4,940,000 after buying an additional 11,978 shares during the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd grew its stake in Citigroup by 109.0% during the 1st quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 1,246,061 shares of the companys stock worth $88,458,000 after buying an additional 649,807 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC grew its stake in Citigroup by 166.9% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 19,990 shares of the companys stock worth $1,407,000 after buying an additional 12,499 shares during the last quarter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC bought a new position in Citigroup during the 1st quarter worth $214,000. Finally, Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc grew its stake in Citigroup by 495.1% during the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc now owns 18,554 shares of the companys stock worth $1,317,000 after buying an additional 15,436 shares during the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Citigroup Trading Down 1.9%

Shares of Citigroup stock opened at $93.66 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.61. The firm has a market cap of $172.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.38. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $87.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $77.84. Citigroup Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $55.51 and a fifty-two week high of $96.90.

Citigroup Increases Dividend

Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The company reported $1.96 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.35. Citigroup had a return on equity of 7.29% and a net margin of 8.44%. The business had revenue of $21.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.75 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.52 earnings per share. Citigroups revenue was up 8.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 22nd. Investors of record on Monday, August 4th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 4th. This is a positive change from Citigroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.56. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. Citigroups payout ratio is presently 35.45%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Peter B. Henry sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.40, for a total transaction of $271,200.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 2,140 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $193,456. The trade was a 58.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

C has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Citigroup from $93.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on Citigroup from $85.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Dbs Bank upgraded Citigroup from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on Citigroup from $84.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Finally, Evercore ISI set a $77.00 price target on Citigroup in a research report on Monday, July 7th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Citigroup has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $96.54.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on C

Citigroup Company Profile

(Free Report)

Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions.

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Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC lifted its position in Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 3.2% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 227,463 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after purchasing an additional 7,057 shares during the quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLCs holdings in Oracle were worth $31,802,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of ORCL. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. raised its position in Oracle by 71.6% during the first quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 257,378 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $35,984,000 after acquiring an additional 107,404 shares in the last quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. raised its position in Oracle by 4.3% during the first quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 51,350 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $7,179,000 after acquiring an additional 2,110 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in Oracle during the first quarter valued at approximately $732,692,000. Rockland Trust Co. raised its position in Oracle by 4.8% during the first quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 10,165 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,421,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Calamos Advisors LLC raised its position in Oracle by 1.5% during the first quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 711,290 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $99,445,000 after acquiring an additional 10,426 shares in the last quarter. 42.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Oracle Price Performance

NYSE:ORCL opened at $248.48 on Friday. Oracle Corporation has a 52 week low of $118.86 and a 52 week high of $260.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.07. The company has a market capitalization of $697.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 57.25, a P/E/G ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 1.43. The stocks fifty day moving average is $230.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $180.52.

Oracle Announces Dividend

Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, June 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.06. Oracle had a return on equity of 87.34% and a net margin of 21.68%. The company had revenue of $15.90 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.58 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.63 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Oracle Corporation will post 5 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th were given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 10th. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. Oracles payout ratio is currently 46.08%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently weighed in on ORCL shares. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on Oracle from $215.00 to $270.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on Oracle from $245.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Oracle from $145.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 12th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Oracle from $220.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, CIBC restated a buy rating on shares of Oracle in a research report on Monday, June 9th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-three have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $227.04.

View Our Latest Report on Oracle

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Michael D. Sicilia sold 15,880 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $254.48, for a total value of $4,041,142.40. Following the sale, the insider owned 99,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,247,469.76. The trade was a 13.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 3,303 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $233.32, for a total value of $770,655.96. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 31,447 shares in the company, valued at $7,337,214.04. This represents a 9.51% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 444,183 shares of company stock valued at $86,521,198. 42.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Oracle Profile

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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Tyler Stone Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 30.1% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,315 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after acquiring an additional 536 shares during the quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Managements holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $307,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Hughes Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Abound Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Wormser Freres Gestion acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. JCIC Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Vision Financial Markets LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on ABT. BTIG Research lowered their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $148.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $143.00 to $145.00 in a report on Friday, July 18th. Finally, William Blair upgraded Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $144.47.

Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, CFO Philip P. Boudreau sold 5,550 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.55, for a total transaction of $746,752.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 51,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,862,453.65. This trade represents a 9.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $131.66 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $229.15 billion, a PE ratio of 16.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.70. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $131.40 and a 200-day simple moving average of $131.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Abbott Laboratories has a 12 month low of $110.33 and a 12 month high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 17th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.26. The firm had revenue of $11.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.01 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 18.32% and a net margin of 32.43%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.14 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 15th were given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.57%.

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

Further Reading

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Premier energy summit set for September to focus on 'Navigating Trade, Technology and Transition"



SINGAPORE, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) by S&P Global  Asia's leading energy conference - will take place from September 8 to 11, 2025, at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore.

A cornerstone of the energy industry for the past 40 years, this premier gathering of close to 1,500 industry leaders, experts and executives across 65 countries aims to explore the evolving landscape of the oil and gas sector, discussing critical issues such as energy transition, technological innovation, and sustainability strategies to prepare for a resilient future. Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth for Singapore will provide the opening address for APPEC 2025.

Alongside more than 200 esteemed speakers, S&P Global's team of energy specialists will provide insights across the global energy landscape  from geopolitical influences to market trends and pricing outlooks and will address pressing topics such as the changing trade dynamics, financing future energy solutions and the impact of technological innovations and disruptions on the energy sector.

"Amid an evolving energy landscape and the onset of new market realities, APPEC by S&P Global continues to provide a vital platform for industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions. This conference will facilitate the exchange of ideas on navigating the complexities of balancing energy security while maximizing opportunities for growth and sustainability," said Dave Ernsberger, co-President of S&P Global Commodity Insights. "It will give participants a valuable forum to gain insights and learn how they can maximize opportunities for their business and stakeholders, while supporting the wider energy transition for the industry."

APPEC 2025 will explore these key themes across a 3-day program:

Day 1: Monday, September 8 - Strategic Conference

Oil market fundamentals: Global dynamics

Geopolitical influences: Navigating tariffs, sanctions and economic shifts

Realigning business models for the energy transition

Exploring opportunities with focus on Americas, China , India , Southeast Asia

Day 2: Tuesday, September 9 - Concurrent Sessions

Strategic Conference

Global oil demand and trading landscape

Downstream developments & drivers

Spotlight on Africa's energy landscape and refining resurgence

energy landscape and refining resurgence Review of the state of upstream and strategies for the future

Chemicals & Carbon Markets Conferences

Structural issues in the petrochemical industry and the impact of changing trade dynamics

Exploring Asia's national carbon mechanisms and regional cooperation

national carbon mechanisms and regional cooperation Financing Asia's low-carbon transition: Navigating policy shifts, supply chains and energy evolution

low-carbon transition: Navigating policy shifts, supply chains and energy evolution Exploring global systems in carbon markets: Article 6 and CORSIA

Day 3: Wednesday, Sep 10 - Concurrent Sessions

Strategic Conference

Pathways for decarbonization and renewable energy

Spotlight on the role of critical minerals

Growth areas for low carbon fuels

AI and energy optimization

Financing the future of energy

Biofuels, Shipping & Bunker Conferences

Asia Pacific's biofuel market potential and regional dynamics

biofuel market potential and regional dynamics Sustainable feedstocks, ethanol, biodiesels in Asia : Current status and future prospects

: Current status and future prospects Navigating the SAF landscape: creating a traceable and sustainable value chain

Investment and financing: fueling the biofuels revolution

Navigating structural shifts in global shipping

Pathways to net zero for shipping

Transition to multi-fuel future

Shaping the future maritime energy mix

S&P Global Speakers & Experts (partial list)

Dave Ernsberger , Co-President, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Co-President, S&P Global Commodity Insights Kurt Barrow , Head of Oil, Fuel and Chemicals Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Head of Oil, Fuel and Chemicals Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Jim Burkhard , Global Head of Crude Oil Market Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Global Head of Crude Oil Market Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Nick Sharma , Executive Director, Upstream Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Executive Director, Upstream Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights Vera Blei , Head of Market Reporting and Trading Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Head of Market Reporting and Trading Solutions, S&P Global Commodity Insights Rahul Kapoor , Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights Roman Kramarchuk , Head of Energy Transition Narratives, Policy Analysis, S&P Global Commodity Insights

, Head of Energy Transition Narratives, Policy Analysis, S&P Global Commodity Insights Paul Gruenwald , Global Chief Economist, S&P Global Ratings

For the complete list of speakers and the latest agenda, visit APPEC 2025 Speakers.

Registration Information



APPEC will be held at Raffles City Convention Centre, Level 4, Singapore, from September 8-11, 2025. For further information and to register, visit APPEC Registration.

Media accreditation and passes



Members of the media interested in covering APPEC 2025 are required to apply for accreditation and should email [email protected].

About S&P Global



S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world.

We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com.

SOURCE S&P Global Commodity Insights
For the Philippines, this is the moment to prove that increased allocation will deliver results beyond Manila and into the remotest barangays

IN TODAYS world, distance should not be a barrier to opportunity.

Whether in bustling cities or remote islands, every Filipino deserves fast, secure, and reliable access to the digital tools that connect people to services, markets, and knowledge.

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The proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program reflects this imperative, with 87.33 billion allocated for ICT and digitalization.

Of this, 18.9 billion is earmarked for the Department of Information and Communications Technology to expand broadband infrastructure, build national data centers, and enhance online government services.

Information Secretary Henry Aguda noted the Department of Budget and Management approved his request to double the DICTs funding, giving the department the resources to push forward with projects long constrained by limited budgets.

The National Broadband Program will receive 1.5 billion to expand access nationwide, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Strengthening backbone, middle-mile, and last-mile connections will link more government offices, schools, economic zones, and communities.

Another 303 million is allocated to improve the National Government Portal, which already hosts more than 200 online services.

An additional 5 billion through the Free Public Internet Access Program will connect public spaces and state universities, while funding fiber optic cables and LTE units to expand free Wi-Fi nationwide.

The 2026 budget marks a turning point, with the Philippine government putting forward digital infrastructure funding thatwhile still trailing our neighborssignals a serious effort to narrow the gap.

Singapores FY2025 budget book for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information allocates S$3.06 billion (124 billion) to agencies including GovTech and the Cyber Security Agency.

Indonesias FY2025 budget for the Ministry of Communication and Digital stands at Rp 12.7 trillion (45 billion), sustaining its satellite and backbone integration programs.

Malaysias JENDELA plan, financed by RM 21 billion (256 billion) through 2025 and complemented by RM 16.5 billion (201 billion) for 5G rollout, shows how public-private partnerships can accelerate coverage.

Thailand, through its universal service fund, earmarked THB5.8 billion (9.1 billion) for broadband expansion in 2025. Compared to these figures, the Philippines 87.33 billion allocation is substantial, but it underscores that we are still catching up.

Global benchmarks underline this.

In the United Nations 2024 E-Government Development Index, the Philippines ranks 73rd, behind Malaysia at 57, Thailand at 52, and Vietnam at 71.

The 2024 Network Readiness Index places the Philippines 63rd, compared to Malaysia at 36, Thailand at 40, and Vietnam at 45. These indicators show that while our budget has grown, outcomes still lag.

Execution and governance, not appropriation alone, will determine whether Filipinos benefit.

Cybersecurity is equally critical.

The 2026 NEP sets aside 457.8 million for the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center and 428.9 million for the National Privacy Commission.

These are essential, but regional counterparts are scaling faster. Singapores FY2025 budget provides the Cyber Security Agency with S$204.8 million (8.3 billion).

Indonesias National Cyber and Crypto Agency secured Rp 1.32 trillion (4.7 billion) for 2025. Malaysias 2025 national budget allocated RM 10 million (122 million) for its National Cyber Security Agency and RM 20 million (244 million) for its National Fraud Response Center.

Vietnam has gone further by mandating that every public agency spend at least ten percent of its IT budget on cybersecurity, a policy first set by Decree 14 in 2019 for 20202025 and reiterated by a Prime Ministerial directive in April 2024.

This ensures that security is not an afterthought but embedded in every system.

A digital state rests on two parallel commitments: connectivity and security.

Broadband expansion without protection undermines trust; cyber defenses without universal access leave millions behind.

The 2026 ICT agenda attempts to strike this balance, but success depends on transparent procurement, inter-agency coordination, and timely delivery.

The lesson from ASEAN peers is that budgets alone do not define progress.

Malaysia and Singapore show how long-term planning and collaboration with the private sector translate allocations into tangible services.

Vietnam demonstrates how policy mandates can embed priorities across the bureaucracy.

Indonesias experience highlights the value of sustained, multi-year satellite and backbone investments.

For the Philippines, this is the moment to prove that increased allocation will deliver results beyond Manila and into the remotest barangays.

Filipinos will measure success not by the billions in budget books, but by lived experience: when renewing a license online takes minutes instead of days, when schools in far-flung areas have reliable internet, when small farmers reach buyers through digital platforms, and when citizens trust that their transactions are secure.

Whether the 2026 budget translates into a digital economy that empowers every Filipino will depend on our ability to ensure these investments reach people where they are, safeguard their trust, and turn peoples aspirations into societal prosperity.
Ethos Financial Group LLC grew its stake in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 22.5% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 56,804 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,438 shares during the period. Ethos Financial Group LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $6,231,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. LeConte Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the first quarter valued at $705,000. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. lifted its position in Exxon Mobil by 0.4% during the first quarter. Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. now owns 65,455 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,785,000 after buying an additional 257 shares during the period. Tyler Stone Wealth Management lifted its position in Exxon Mobil by 0.3% during the first quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Management now owns 62,312 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,411,000 after buying an additional 163 shares during the period. Aldebaran Capital LLC purchased a new position in Exxon Mobil during the first quarter worth about $219,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its position in Exxon Mobil by 21.7% during the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 8,360,731 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $994,341,000 after buying an additional 1,490,055 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Exxon Mobil Price Performance

XOM stock opened at $106.54 on Friday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1 year low of $97.80 and a 1 year high of $126.34. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $110.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.25. The firm has a market cap of $454.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.53.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.64 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.17. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.34% and a net margin of 9.17%. The firm had revenue of $81.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $79.07 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.14 EPS. Exxon Mobils quarterly revenue was down 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid 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 is Friday, August 15th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.25%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

XOM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Friday, July 11th. TD Cowen increased their target price on Exxon Mobil from $120.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Barclays reiterated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Mizuho cut their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $125.26.

View Our Latest Analysis on XOM

Exxon Mobil 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.

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Cascade Financial Partners LLC lowered its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 1.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,241 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 115 shares during the period. Cascade Financial Partners LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $2,540,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ITW. Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at about $214,000. OneAscent Financial Services LLC increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 25.8% in the 1st quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC now owns 1,664 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $416,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 42.2% in the 4th quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,718 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,450,000 after purchasing an additional 1,698 shares in the last quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at about $946,000. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 12.3% in the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 41,557 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $10,242,000 after purchasing an additional 4,560 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.77% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director David Byron Smith, Jr. acquired 872 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $241.16 per share, with a total value of $210,291.52. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 122,884 shares in the company, valued at $29,634,705.44. This trade represents a 0.71% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI cut their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $252.00 to $249.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, May 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Bank of America lowered Illinois Tool Works from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $220.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $239.00 to $244.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Truist Financial lowered Illinois Tool Works from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $283.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $259.33.

Read Our Latest Analysis on ITW

Illinois Tool Works Stock Down 1.5%

Illinois Tool Works stock opened at $258.43 on Friday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $214.66 and a twelve month high of $279.13. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $253.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $250.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.65, a P/E/G ratio of 5.58 and a beta of 1.09.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.58 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.56 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.01 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 90.89% and a net margin of 21.31%. The companys revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.54 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.61 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 30th. This is a positive change from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is 56.44%.

About Illinois Tool Works

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

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Freestone Capital Holdings LLC lowered its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA  Free Report) by 4.9% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 146,946 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 7,548 shares during the quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $12,010,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cascade Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,904,000. Ethos Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 108.7% during the first quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 381,192 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $31,155,000 after acquiring an additional 198,513 shares in the last quarter. Elevatus Welath Management increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 450.5% during the first quarter. Elevatus Welath Management now owns 41,359 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,380,000 after acquiring an additional 33,846 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Financial Group increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 16.7% during the first quarter. Dynamic Financial Group now owns 4,764 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 682 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gen Wealth Partners Inc increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 243.6% during the first quarter. Gen Wealth Partners Inc now owns 9,930 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $812,000 after acquiring an additional 7,040 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.80% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 0.6%

Shares of EFA opened at $92.19 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $66.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.86. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $89.13 and a 200 day moving average of $85.24. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a twelve month low of $72.14 and a twelve month high of $92.28.

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance.

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Northstar Asset Management Inc. lessened its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 18.9% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,488 shares of the companys stock after selling 811 shares during the quarter. Northstar Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $594,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Navigoe LLC bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. 10Elms LLP bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Sunbeam Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 566.7% during the 1st quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 200 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 170 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

Shares of PG stock opened at $154.30 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.70. Procter & Gamble Company has a fifty-two week low of $149.91 and a fifty-two week high of $180.43. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $157.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $163.27. The company has a market capitalization of $361.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.70, a PEG ratio of 4.07 and a beta of 0.37.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 29th. The company reported $1.48 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.06. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.69% and a net margin of 18.95%. The firm had revenue of $20.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.79 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.40 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 18th were paid a dividend of $1.0568 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 18th. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 64.98%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and set a $170.00 price target (down previously from $178.00) on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Friday, July 25th. BNP Paribas restated an outperform rating and issued a $177.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Friday. Redburn Partners set a $161.00 target price on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Bank of America dropped their target price on Procter & Gamble from $190.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $180.00 target price on Procter & Gamble and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $175.94.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble Co engages in the provision of branded consumer packaged goods. It operates through the following segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. The Beauty segment offers hair, skin, and personal care. The Grooming segment consists of shave care like female and male blades and razors, pre and post shave products, and appliances.

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Affinity Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) by 2.1% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 19,018 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 405 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company accounts for 1.1% of Affinity Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest position. Affinity Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $1,365,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WFC. Accretive Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the first quarter worth about $399,000. Secured Retirement Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the first quarter valued at approximately $408,000. RKL Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 166.4% in the 1st quarter. RKL Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,185 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $588,000 after purchasing an additional 5,113 shares in the last quarter. Allianz SE grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 22.6% in the 1st quarter. Allianz SE now owns 212,335 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $15,244,000 after buying an additional 39,150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp grew its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 12.1% in the 4th quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 651,808 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,783,000 after buying an additional 70,104 shares during the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

WFC stock opened at $77.09 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $50.22 and a 1 year high of $84.83. The company has a market cap of $246.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.20. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $79.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $74.97.

Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $20.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.83 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 16.82%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.33 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback program on Tuesday, April 29th that allows the company to repurchase $40.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to purchase up to 17.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. This is a positive change from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.82%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

WFC has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Wall Street Zen lowered Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, July 26th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Dbs Bank raised shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.58.

Check Out Our Latest Report on WFC

About Wells Fargo & Company

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

Further Reading

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For anybody hanging with us late night or early morning this weekend, we're sharing more than a bit of our reading inspired yet again by the legacy of fashion icon & social hottie Jordan as we take a peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Home Team Comeback Underway

Royals win convincingly over the White Sox, 6-2 They've won four of five on the homestand and are back over .500 for the first time since June 10.

Show-Me Legal Weed Restart

Man previously convicted of marijuana crime opens Missouri's 1st micro-dispensary in Platte City Microlicenses are part of a social equity program to help disenfranchised business owners enter the cannabis industry.

Inferno Near Corridor

House fire off Ward Parkway and 76th Street The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Kansas City Fire Department.

Faith Community Checks Facts

KCK archdiocese temporarily removes priest while allegations are investigated The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has temporarily removed a priest after allegations arose. Investigations by law enforcement and the church are ongoing.

Local History Well-Remembered

Kansas City commemorates Civil War Day at John Wornall House Today marks Civil War Day in Kansas City, where visitors can explore the historical significance of the John Wornall House and Museum, a site central to the Battle of Westport.

The Last We Heard From Jordan/Ina

Bayern's 'sexiest fan' offered to chauffeur Marco Reus if he quit Dortmund Marco Reus never made the jump from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich like many others - despite being given a tempting offer to do so by a German glamour model

MAGA Deals With Vlad

Trump tells Zelenskiy that Putin wants more of Ukraine, urges Kyiv make a deal Volodymyr Zelenskiy flies to Washington on Monday under heavy U.S. pressure to agree to a swift end to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Holy Land Hot Mess Underway

Israel prepares to move Palestinians to southern Gaza as Israelis urge mass protest over war Israel says it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza as plans move ahead for a military offensive in some of the territory's most populated areas.

Progressive Angst All Over Again

'Fight the Trump Takeover': Protesters set to rally against GOP redistricting push "Trump is trying to steal the 2026 election by rigging the system and changing electoral maps," the event's website states. "We are fighting back."

EPIC Emerald City Gem Swipe

Thieves steal $2 million in jewelry from Seattle store in just 90 seconds The thieves were armed with bear spray and a Taser, and shattered the building's glass doors before ransacking display cases.

Royal New Beginnings

William and Kate set to move to new Berkshire home Kensington Palace says the Prince and Princess of Wales will move to Forest Lodge later in the year.

Catholic Tech For Faithful

Pope Leo XIV to hold his first digital encounter with young US Catholics - Vatican News Pope Leo XIV will hold his first digital encounter with some 15,000 young people during the National Catholic Youth Conference, who hail from Catholic ...

Teachable Moments For KC

371: CEO Shares Upcoming Programs, Exhibitions for Museum of Kansas City - Northeast News On this week's episode of Women Speak - a segment on Northeast Newscast - hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Museum of Kansas City, Anna Marie Tutera to continue our series on women in education.

Grigs Gives Us Good Info

Extreme heat grips Kansas City metro; relief, rain chances coming midweek Dangerous heat continues to grip the Kansas City metro and much of the Midwest, with a heat advisory in effect through Monday evening.

Apropos for any time for oldheads like TKC, Steve Winwood's Higher Love is the song for the weeknd inspiration and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Michael Hendricks is the newly appointed pastor of Orchard Drive Baptist Church.

Hendricks grew up locally and has lived in the area his whole life. His wife is Amanda Hendricks and the couple have three children  Hunter Hendricks, who lives in New Jersey and is in the U.S. Marine Corps, Holden Hendricks, who is heading to Virginia Tech, and their daughter Bailey Hendricks, who attends school locally.

He worked for himself in landscaping for around 15 to 20 years and didnt grow up religious or as a Christian, though his mother was religious, so he knew about the church.

Around 12 years ago he began strongly feeling as if he was being called to become a pastor, but he dismissed that feeling because he was too busy running his business and didnt have the Christian background to become a pastor.

Around five years ago life took a dip, Hendricks said. And I didnt have anywhere else to turn but to God.

On July 17, 2020, after having a hours long conversation with local pastor Michael Harrison, he decided to give his life to God.

Coming from being nothing in Christ  it was almost like a light switch was flipped on inside me, Hendrick said. I immediately went from thinking about what can I do for me, what do I want, my desires to godly desires ... who can I help, how can I help them.

In 2023 and 2024 Hendricks preached many times at The Community Fellowship, Harrisons church, in Collinsville as associate pastor and was ordained in January.

When I finally accepted that God was going to make me a pastor even though I fought it for several years  even as a Christian I still didnt want to do it  it was a pretty easy transition, he said.

His biggest struggle in this journey has been his reputation from before he accepted God into his life.

Walking a different path than my past is hard for people that have known me for a long time, he said. But he uses his past experiences, he said, to reach a whole different set of people that may not be able to relate with a pastor that has been in faith their whole lives.

He prides himself on being a pastor who preaches directly from the Bible and delivering messages from verses line by line.

In the fall of last year Hendricks came out to be a guest speaker at Orchard Drive Baptist Church which at the time was being pastored by a temporary speaker.

Though Hendricks knew the church was searching for a permanent pastor at the time he visited, while he was on the stage preaching that service, he strongly felt that God was telling him it wasnt the right time.

Just two months ago the temporary speaker said that June would be her last month preaching at the church.

The opportunity fell back in my lap, Hendricks said. With a lot of prayer, God just led me back here and I do know that this time is the right time for me to be here.

What motivates Hendricks to commit to this career and life is seeing people come to Christ, he said.

I know what Jesus has done in my life, he said. I know how my life was without him, I know what my life is with him, so when I see people decide to walk with Christ that makes me want to push harder.

Were here on Earth ... to gain souls for the kingdom of heaven, he added. When I see someone decide to walk with Christ  thats motivation.

At Orchard Drive, Hendricks hopes to grow attendance, focus on youth programming and outreach and to also create a church community similar to what he has experienced with The Community Fellowship out in the Bassett area.

I feel very strongly that God led me here for this church, for these people and for myself, Hendricks said. Im here just as much for me as I am them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 17. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Holiday of the Republic of Indonesia  Independence Day, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, the friendly people of your country on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and extend my most sincere wishes.

The dynamics of the development of Azerbaijan-Indonesia relations in recent times, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks, is gratifying. I would like to particularly note the effective cooperation between our countries within the Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, D-8, and other international institutions.

We attach great importance to the comprehensive development of relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia, which are built on solid foundations of mutual respect and trust. At present, favorable conditions and opportunities have been created to expand our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, cultural, tourism, and other areas. I believe that by making the most of the existing opportunities, we can achieve further broadening of our bilateral agenda.

I am confident that we will continue to successfully pursue our joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between our countries, fully utilize the potential of our cooperation, and deepen our effective collaboration within international structures.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Indonesia," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 17. In accordance with the training plan for 2025 approved by the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the military oath-taking ceremonies for young soldiers were held in the Azerbaijan Army on August 17, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The ceremonies were declared open after the battle flags were brought to the parade grounds in accompaniment of military orchestras.

First, the memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. Then the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed.

The young soldiers solemnly took the military oath and promised to be loyal to the Motherland.

Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and commanders of military units spoke at the events and congratulated the young soldiers on this significant occasion and urged them to remain loyal to the Motherland, the state, and the Commander-in-Chief, to serve as exemplary soldiers, to thoroughly learn the secrets of weapons and equipment, to constantly improve combat training, to precisely and promptly fulfill orders of the command staff, and to always be prepared to defend Azerbaijani lands.

The parents of the young soldiers expressed their pride in their children's honorable service to Motherland and thanked the head of state and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense for providing necessary conditions.

The ceremonies ended with servicemen's solemn marches in front of the grandstand.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 17. Kazakhstans gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 6.3 percent from January through July 2025 compared to the same period last year, Trend reports via the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During this period, the production of goods in Kazakhstan rose by 8.3 percent, and services by 5.2 percent, with the most dynamic segments being transport and trade. Industrial output grew by 6.9 percent.

According to the Ministry, the main contributors to GDP growth were the following sectors:

Transport and warehousing  up by 22.5 percent

Construction  up by 18.5 percent

Wholesale and retail trade  up by 8.6 percent

Mining industry  up by 8.5 percent

Manufacturing industry  up by 6.1 percent

The volume of services in the transport and warehousing sector increased by 22.5 percent, driven by high levels of freight transportation via rail, pipeline, and road.

In the construction sector, the volume of work increased by 18.5 percent (compared to 18.4 percent from January through June 2025). High growth rates were recorded in:

Turkestan region (+34.6 percent)  due to the construction of schools, railways, and roads

Aktobe region (+25.6 percent)  due to the building of modern schools and road reconstruction

Zhambyl region (+13.1 percent) and East Kazakhstan Region (+5.9 percent)  where projects include housing, medical facilities, and power transmission lines

Production in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries remained stable at 3.7 percent. In animal husbandry, growth was 3.4 percent due to increased milk yield (+6.1 percent), slaughter of livestock and poultry (+2.1 percent), and egg production (+0.9 percent).

The Government of Kazakhstan continues to monitor the implementation of President Tokayevs directives to ensure sustainable economic growth, with a focus on supporting key economic sectors, diversifying the economy, and stimulating investment activity.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 17. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Akorda's press service says, Trend reports.

According to the information, Tokayev congratulated Putin on the results of the meeting with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage.

In his opinion, the negotiations contributed to a better understanding by the American side of Russias position on Ukraine, which will help find common ground on this complex issue.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev considers the Alaska summit a breakthrough event in terms of strengthening Russia's international positions and mutual understanding on the world stage. The President of Kazakhstan noted the skillful organization of the visit, which is of great political importance in the current tense situation.

Vladimir Putin, for his part, informed his interlocutor about some specific aspects of the negotiations that took place in Alaska.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 17. Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are of great importance to Iran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said in an statement to local media, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran has good relations with the countries of the South Caucasus. Tehran is ready to support any step that can contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation and peace between the countries of the region.

Bagai noted that Iran is following the processes in the South Caucasus very seriously. It does not downplay or simplify any issue. It is necessary to refrain from some analytical judgments and the dissemination of false information in the country. According to him, some of the analytical judgments are based on incorrect data and may be aimed at worsening Irans relations with the countries of the South Caucasus. The Iranian Foreign Ministry recommends against using expressions and terms that may cause misunderstanding within the country.

"Iran does not consider foreign intervention and involvement of forces outside the region useful and believes that it will lead to geopolitical complications. Armenian officials have publicly stated that the railway (ed. - Zangezur) will be restored with the participation of Armenian companies and an American company registered in accordance with Armenian law, and that no foreign forces will be stationed along the border. Article 12 of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia states that no foreign military forces will be deployed along the borders of Azerbaijan and Armenia," he noted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 17. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen intends to attend a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the head of the European Commission wrote on her X page, Trend reports.

"At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will attend a meeting with President Trump and other European leaders at the White House tomorrow," she said.

Trump's meeting with Zelensky will take place on August 18 at the White House.
EC was asked how many Bangladeshis in Bihar voter lists. His response

The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Sunday failed to give a clear-cut answer when asked about the number of Nepalese, Bangladeshis and Myanmar (Rohingya) nationals found in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Sunday August 17, 2025 9:10 PM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar Sunday failed to give a clear-cut answer when asked about the number of Nepalese, Bangladeshis and Myanmar (Rohingya) nationals found in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The CEC Gyanesh Kumar was addressing a Press Conference Sunday at National Media Centre in New Delhi. The ECI Press Conference today was held amid the widespread allegations of election manipulations and flaws and faults in the voter lists. After over 10 minute of brief, CEC Gyanesh Kumar invited the reporters present there to ask questions.

During door to door survey and enumeration, how many Nepalese, Bangladeshis and Myanmar nationals were found by Booth Level Officers (BLOs)? Does the Election Commission have any figure?? Sreeparna Chakrabarty of The Hindu newspaper asked a pointed question.

The CEC, however, failed to provide any figure. He, instead, started talking about the eligibility of the person contesting the assembly and parliamentary elections.

There was a question how many Nepalese and Bangladeshis were found in the voter list... So I want to make it very clear As per the Indian Constitution, only an Indian citizen can contest MP and MLA elections, he said.

After a while, Gyanesh Kumar added that if such people have submitted enumeration forms that will be checked and verified by September 30 and their names will not be included in the voter lists.

The issue of illegal migrants, especially illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya (read Muslims) is frequently raised by the BJP, including the partys top leadership. It is alleged that some parties are winning elections because of illegal Bangladeshis.

Very recently, the issue was also raised by PM Modi during his Independence Day Speech delivered from the Red Fort on Friday August 15, 2025.

The Election Commission while addressing the Press today said that the revision in electoral rolls is done before any elections. The BJP, however, has publicly claimed that the revision is done to remove the names of Bangladeshis from the electoral rolls.

Illegal Migrants Voted in 2024 LS Elections???

The BJP leadership had claimed the presence of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya voters in Malegaon after it lost the 2024 Lok Sabha election to Congress in the Dhule Parliamentary constituency.

A big hue and cry was made. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was the one who raised the allegations in the Maharashtra Assembly. Fadnavis was also among the BJP leaders who used the Vote Jihad slur to target Muslims in Malegaon.

Following this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed on January 08, 2025. The Special Investigation Team in its report submitted in the ongoing month August after seven months of probe said it found no proof of illegal migrants, Bangladeshis or Rohingya, in Malegaon.

The SIT in its report found some documental irregularities during the issuance of birth certificates, but no proof of illegal migrants.

Also Read: The Othering of Bengalis

The SIT report was submitted to Special Inspector General of Police (Nashik Range) Dattatray Karale (IPS) by Teghbir Singh Sandhu, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Malegon and the Member-Secretary of the SIT. Karale forwarded the SIT report to the State Government on August 08, 2025.

Interestingly, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had summoned hundreds of local citizens to verify the allegations leveled by CM Fadnavis and other BJP leaders. It, however, found no proof of illegal migrants residing in Malegaon.

Similar allegations were also leveled when the Election Commission announced Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar on July 01, 2025.

The Election Commission of India, which released the first draft of Bihar Voter Lists on August 01, 2025, has so far found no details of illegal migrants residing in the state.

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Trump Seeks Trilateral Summit With Putin, Zelensky Coming Friday

U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to arrange a trilateral summit with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Sunday August 17, 2025 3:15 PM , ummid.com News Network

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to arrange a trilateral summit with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump had met Putin on August 15 in Alaska . The two leaders after the meeting indicated that their discussion on ending the Ukraine war was positive.

Trump had held a telephonic conversation with Zelensky after his 3-hour-long meeting with Putin. Putin visited the United States of America for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Following the Alaska Summit, Zelensky will be flying to Washington on Monday for a face-to-face meeting with Trump.

Trump will call for the trilateral summit if his meeting with Zelensky is fruitful, Axios and CNN reported.

The CNN further reported that at least one European leader could join the trilateral if it is finalised. The American broadcaster did not reveal the name of the EU leader.

Putin had earlier invited Trump to Moscow for the second round of peace talks. However, Trump seems to be in a hurry, and instead of the second round of bilateral meet with Putin, he is seeking a direct talks between Putin and Zelensky. But, it all depends on the outcome of his face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian President in White House Monday.

On his part, Zelenskyy described a long and substantive call with Trump on Saturday, thanking him for the invitation and stating they would discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war.

Zelenskyy's last meeting with Trump in Oval Office was a disaster.

Russia and Ukraine are in a war since February 2022 . Ukraine is supported by its NATO allies in the war whereas China and North Korea are on Russian side.

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Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 1 Allotment: Steps, Link to Check

Printing of Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 1 allotment letter, on-line, through website, by the candidates should be completed from August 19 to 24, 2025

Monday August 18, 2025 1:16 AM , ummid.com News Network

Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 1 Allotment: The NEET UG Medical and Dental Admission Counseling Board 2025 Rajasthan is releasing on its official website rajugneet2025.in MBBS/ BDS Round 1 Seat Allotment Result 2025 today i.e. Monday August 18, 2025.

Rajasthan NEET UG Round 1 Allotment

The NEET UG Medical and Dental Admission Counseling Board 2025 Rajasthan was supposed to publish the result of the NEET UG 2025 Round 1 Allotment (MBBS and BDS only) on August 10, 2025. The Board, however, postponed it to a new date.

As per the Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 1 allotment revised schedule, the MBBS and BDS round 1 allotment result will now be published today i.e. August 18, 2025.

Steps, Link to Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 1 Allotment Result

Go to the official website: " rajugneet2025.in ".

". Click on "Round 1 Seat Allotment List".

Enter Application ID, Date of Birth and Phone Number if asked.

Enter Captcha Code and proceed to check NEET UG Round 1 Allotment Result 2023.

Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 allotment letter download

The candidates, who are allotted seats in Rajasthan Round 1 MBBS / BDS Couselling 2025, should download allotment letter from August 19 to 24, 2025.

"Deposition of prescribed one year tuition fee by allotted candidates, and Reporting, document submission (including prescribed eligibility criteria) at the allotted college desk at Academic Block, SMS Medical College, Jaipur is August 19 to 24, 2025", the Board said.

Candidates should carry printout of allotment letter, all original documents, required bonds etc. and two copies of application form along with photocopies of all relevant documents as listed in information booklet while proceeding to confirm their admission.

Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 2 Counselling

The NEET UG Medical and Dental Admission Counseling Board 2025 Rajasthan originally started online registration of students who wish to participate in the 2025 medical counseling from July 28. The registration was re-opened on August 07, 2025 as per the revised schedule.

As per the revised schedule, registration window was open from August 07 to 09, 2025.

Candidates should note that the counselling schedule of Rajasthan NEET UG 2025 Round 2 will be released after the completition of first round. Candidates should note that Round 2 counselling will be held in offline mode.

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Dunmore East will host the annual Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival from August 23 to 25.

With top acts from Ireland, the UK and the US, this free-entry music festival draws fans of bluegrass, folk and Americana to its pubs, cafes and open-air stages.

Its easy-going vibe and scenic setting make it one of the most atmospheric weekends of the summer in Waterford.

The thirtieth year of the festival has attracted a stellar lineup of acts, including the Martha Spencer Trio from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, USA.

Also arriving on Waterford's shores this year is Alabama's Andy Dale Petty.

Additionally playing this year is the Mons Wheeler Band, who have previously played to huge crowds in Dunmore East, and Woodbine, who first played in Dunmore East all the way back in 2002.

The Blackwater Blues Band, based in Co. Waterford, will deliver legendary and contemporary blues and rock.

The Backyard Band will be returning this year, who previously headlined The Comeraghs Wild Festival and have become regulars at the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival.

Exciting additional acts such as Kiss My Grass and Whistle will also feature this year.
Large gas exporters face unprecedented requirements to keep greater supplies of the fossil fuel in Australia as more industry executives indicate they are willing to work with the Albanese government to finally establish domestic reservation rules.

In a major reversal of oil and gas giants long-running opposition to calls for an east coast gas reserve, global energy company Shell has become the second liquefied natural gas exporter to say it would support new domestic supply commitments, including rules compelling it to set aside a specified amount of gas production that cannot be sold overseas and must be delivered locally.

Most of Australias LNG is produced in Queensland or Western Australia, and is sold on long-term contracts to Asia. Credit: Bloomberg

The move comes amid intensifying concerns from Australian governments, regulators and gas users that too much LNG is being shipped offshore from Queensland, exacerbating a supply crunch and driving up prices in Victoria, NSW and South Australia as the decades-old gas fields in Bass Strait rapidly deplete.

Australia is one of the biggest global suppliers of LNG, a commodity that rakes in tens of billions of dollars of revenue a year. Western Australia has its own gas reservation policy, requiring the LNG industry to hold back 15 per cent of their reserves but there were never such rules imposed on Queensland exporters when their terminals were launched a decade ago.
Primarily, our concern is about censorship and its immeasurable cost, they said. We cant speak for the authors and their reasons, but nothing good ever results from silencing intelligent and engaged people who are speaking up against injustice. Complex conversations, such as those which occur at writers festivals, are crucial to addressing complex issues, locally and globally. Since the release of the code, at least 34 writers have withdrawn from the festival. Twenty-one sessions have been cancelled, with ticket holders to be issued automatic refunds. High-profile departures include La Trobe history professor Clare Wright, who co-curated the La Trobe series within the festival, Overland editor and Stella Prize winner Evelyn Araluen, academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah, and journalists and writers such as Jess Hill, Claire G. Coleman and Paul Daley. Wright said she had curated nine sessions for the La Trobe stream of the festivals program and was to have hosted the opening night gala and closing session, and appear on a panel discussing her own book, Naku Dharuk: The Yirrkala Bark Petitions, recently shortlisted for the Prime Ministers Literary Awards.

La Trobe University Professor and Bendigo Writers Festival co-curator Clare Wright. Credit: Paul Jeffers Explaining her decision to withdraw, Wright said the fallout from the festival was a result of what happened when managerialism trumps morality. I think this is what happens when arts and educational institutions are not prepared to stand on principle against the significant pressure from Zionist organisations and other conservative lobbyists and outlets, she said. Wright, who is also a professor of history and professor of public engagement at La Trobe University, said there must be space for difficult conversations to be held at writers festivals and in places of higher education. The idea that you can risk-manage your way out of uncomfortable conversations when there is a genocide unfolding in real time, when violence against women is at epidemic proportions, when neo-Nazis are marching down our city streets, when were in the grips of a climate catastrophe, when sovereignty was never ceded in settler colonies, these are all the difficult topics we can and must discuss, respectfully and lawfully, at writers festivals and in places of higher education.

Loading Graphic novelist and artist educator Ita Mehrotra proceeded with her Saturday session, which was not part of the La Trobe-sponsored stream. However, she has since withdrawn from a Sunday panel she was to have shared with three other authors. All four pulled out, prompting the festival to cancel the event. Mehrotra said she was deeply conflicted about participating but used her Saturday appearance to speak openly with attendees about the unfolding boycott. This kind of mass pullout isnt something Ive seen [before], she said. We need spaces that allow for dialogue, that allow for uncomfortable conversations  to not allow for that is heartbreaking.

It sets the tone for how people are thinking and the culture of the space. Youre going to crush dialogue. Its a bleak future if this is how things are. Graphic novelist and artist educator Ita Mehrotra. Mehrotra added that authors and attendees shared a profound sense of disappointment about how events had unfolded. Its not on the authors, its on a university having crushed this event, she said. In the wake of Bookishs withdrawal, the store was flooded with customers on Saturday, many offering messages of support.

Since publicising our decision, we have been overwhelmed with a wave of love and support from all over the country, with messages coming from authors, customers, human rights organisations, bookshops, industry organisations, and people weve never met, the owners said. Obviously, it is a time of mixed emotions for Bookish as well as for the affected authors, but the overarching feeling in our shop today has been one of joy and solidarity. We are confident we made the right choice. The owners said the festival was the bookshops biggest weekend of the year and involved months of planning and extra work from their staff. Its a logistical nightmare, a huge amount of extra work, and a massive financial blow to a regional small business, they said. To be frank, wed rather cop the financial loss and fight the good fight.

La Trobe University defended its stance, stating that it was committed to fostering a culture that valued all forms of diversity. La Trobe University does not tolerate racism of any kind, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. La Trobes commitment to academic freedom and freedom of speech is consistent with our approach to creating safe environments for the free exchange of ideas, a spokesperson said. Our Anti-Racism Action Plan, which includes a working definition of Islamophobia, was developed through extensive staff, student and community consultation, including of people with lived experience of racism. On Saturday, Bendigo City Council confirmed that 26 sessions had gone ahead since the festival opened on Thursday, including several sold-out events.
The August 17 Edition

In our cover story this week, Uma Thurman shares how a break from big-budget action films gave her time to focus on motherhood, and details two exciting new projects in which shes back to her butt-kicking best.
It was Liliana Sandoval Jimenezs dream to study in Australia. For six years the single mother from Colombia worked two jobs and sold her business to scrape together the funds to provide herself and Joseph, her five-year-old son, with better opportunities.

One of my dreams was to leave [Colombia], she said. For a better life for me and my son.

However, Jimenez never made it to Australia and instead claims to have lost thousands of dollars to an Australian education agency.

Liliana Sandoval Jimenez says she has to start again from zero after spending six years saving the money she claims to have lost from an education agent operating in Australia. Credit: Juan Sebastian Olaya Paez

She said she paid about $6300 to Hi Student Agency between 2023 and early 2024 for a confirmation of enrolment  a crucial document for international students applying for a student visa  and a place in a course provided by a private education provider.
Federal prosecutors sifting through millions of pieces of evidence in the case against accused Russian spies have asked for more time, with many documents still yet to be translated into English more than a year after the couple were arrested in Brisbane.

Kira Korolev, 41, and her husband Igor Korolev, 63, were taken into custody at their quiet Everton Park home on Brisbanes northside in July last year following a major Federal Police and ASIO foreign interference investigation.

Both face charges of preparing for an espionage offence, with the AFP alleging Kira Korelev, who held a role with the Australian army as an information systems technician, travelled to Russia while on leave and instructed her husband to send sensitive material from her work account so it could be shared with foreign authorities.

Kira Korolev and Igor Korolev, the accused Russian spies arrested in Brisbane.

The curious case was heard with little fanfare between dozens of routine alleged crimes at Brisbane Magistrate Court on Friday morning.
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 Alison Beattys adult son was in the midst of a 48-hour schizophrenic episode when he threw her against the wall of their family home. When she next went to the bathroom she noticed blood in her urine, so immediately took herself to Katoomba Hospitals emergency department. There, she was treated by a young male doctor who suspected a broken rib and sent her home without completing tests that would have discovered the internal injuries. The doctor basically sighed and looked up and said, Well, blood in your urine is common for women your age, Beatty, then aged 59, said. She went home and that night had dinner at a restaurant for her birthday. Her symptoms worsened  she developed pain in her shoulder and found it hard to breathe. Her friend and qualified nurse Jennifer Douglas was present and insisted she return to emergency that night. Alison is a stoic lady, shes not a complainer, Douglas said. You could see she was really trying to enjoy the occasion, to put aside the pain, but I could tell she wasnt right.

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They went to the same emergency room and were again dismissed. No pain medication was issued nor tests performed  until Beatty collapsed. Loading She actually started going into shock, Douglas said. All of a sudden they thought, we better do something here. Beatty was intubated, put on life support and rushed in a critical condition by ambulance to Penrith Hospital. An ultrasound finally revealed the assault injury had caused her lungs to fill with blood. By then, because it had been so long, the blood had coagulated; I had to have a long operation where they removed all the blood, Beatty said. I was in intensive care for a long time. The surgeon said, youre very lucky to have survived. I sat on this for some time but I was angry about it. After she recovered she complained to the hospital about how she was treated.

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When they looked at the notes, hed written down: Mother has trouble controlling her child, as if Id had a young child with a tantrum, she said. I felt like I was being treated like a hysterical mother, or not knowing what I was talking about. Most of what I said wasnt heard. If someones got blood in the urine, you dont just dismiss it as their age, she said. They later apologised and said, we failed you. At the very least, Douglas said emergency doctors should have ordered an X-ray, which would have quickly revealed the problem. The near-death incident occurred in 2014 but, more than a decade on, both women are still furious and are speaking up to stop others suffering the same fate. They didnt listen. They did not take a proper history. It was appalling, Douglas said. Im just so glad I was there, otherwise she wouldnt have been here today. Beatty was one of more than 2000 women who participated in a survey by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald documenting experiences as part of an investigation into medical misogyny in Australian healthcare. More than 300 of the respondents described experiences of the gender bias in emergency departments, where diagnostic decisions in busy hospitals can have life-and-death consequences.

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The investigation into medical misogyny has previously revealed disturbing cases of this bias right across the healthcare system, including women being incorrectly admitted to mental health wards or cancer diagnoses being missed. The women, doctors and experts who are speaking out are not seeking to lay blame at the feet of clinicians but to lay bare entrenched, structural problems disadvantaging women in a health system that historically evolved to reflect the needs of men. Dr Clare Skinner, former president of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. Credit: Dr Clare Skinner, a Sydney-based emergency physician, said the gender bias is baked into the medical canon, particularly with how pain is treated in men and women. For women, were too quick to leap to say, thats not serious, she said. If a man says they have pain theyre taken seriously  Theres the idea that women are more likely to overstate their pain. This all plays out along gender lines but also intersectional lines, she said, explaining women of colour experience greater discrimination. However, Skinner, who was formerly the president of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, said enormous work has been done over the past decade, including the introduction of specific training to recognise and address bias.

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I am proud that my specialty has really taken on this notion that we work in an environment where quick judgments are necessary and we have to actually train to make sure our quick judgments are the best, least-biased ones possible. Delays, dismissed In emergency departments, doctors must make quick diagnostic decisions based on little information and rely on guidelines in the triage system for how to prioritise urgency. Studies have shown throughout history that women who present to emergency departments are less likely to be given pain medication, or experience delays in receiving it, compared with men. One American study from 2008 found women who presented with abdominal pain at emergency departments with similar pain levels as men were up to 11 per cent less likely to be given pain medication. More recently, similar results were published in a 2023 study by Australasian Emergency Care, which looked at a cohort of patients presenting similar levels of abdominal pain and found 14.5 per cent of women were given pain medication versus 26 per cent of men. The same study found the average time from presenting to the emergency department and receiving pain relief was 80 minutes for men, compared with 94 minutes for women.

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A man has been charged with murder after a Perth grandfather was found collapsed near bushland in the citys eastern suburbs earlier this year.

Jason Charles Clancy has been charged with the murder of Elmars Kalejs, after he was found collapsed in a carpark in Bedfordale on Good Friday this year.

Kalejs was found collapsed near the drivers side door of his silver Holden Commodore, with head injuries and broken ribs.

He was taken to Royal Perth Hospital but died two months later.
The world was watching as US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin walked away from a critical summit without a Ukraine ceasefire deal, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday.

I think people around the world were watching  we wanted to see a ceasefire, he said.

Anthony Albanese said he wanted to see Ukraines sovereignty protected. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers

Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday (AEST) for what had been expected to be a historic summit discussing potentially ending the war in Ukraine.

After a meeting that lasted for nearly three hours, the pair ended their conversations early and without a ceasefire.
Flash floods triggered by heavy rains have killed more than 360 people in Pakistan and India, and led to severe devastation across the South Asian region.

At least 307 people have died and 23 have been injured in Pakistan since Friday, according to the latest updates from the countrys National Disaster Management Authority.

The village of Pir Baba in Buner district in Pakistans north-west was one of the hardest-hit locations. Credit: AP

Meanwhile, about 60 people were killed and more than 60 are missing in Indias northernmost region of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters.

Local police and other agencies are conducting search and rescue operations in the Kishtwar region of India, about 200 kilometres from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
There is no public shift in the core demands from Putin. First, Ukraine must withdraw from the eastern regions now under Russian control. Second, it must accept strict limits on the size and power of its military. Third, it must give up its dream of joining the NATO defence pact with the United States and much of Europe. There may, of course, be a signal from Putin in private that he may be willing to be flexible on some of these demands, and this might in theory allow Zelensky some scope to make concessions. There is no sign of this, at least so far. The emptiness in Anchorage was apparent in what was not said at the end. Trump did not mention severe consequences for Russia, something he threatened just before the summit. Trump did not mention secondary tariffs on China, either. This move would place pressure on Russia and its key economic partner. Only later, when asked on Fox News, did Trump acknowledge the China question. And then he suggested this was a matter for a later date. US President Donald Trump departs following a joint press conference with Russias President Vladimir Putin. Credit: AP

Putin, in other words, gained more time. At no cost. He played the White House team and made them look like amateurs. Trump will be judged by his actions, not his words. He has reduced American support for Ukraine. US military supplies have slowed and US aid funding has also been scaled back. The claims about putting pressure on Russia are all in the headlines, not in the hard power on the ground. Europe was cut out of this negotiation. Leaders such as Sir Keir Starmer of Britain, Emmanuel Macron of France and Friedrich Merz of Germany tried to back Zelensky but were left watching from a distance as an American and a Russian held a summit to decide the biggest war in Europe in eight decades. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speak to the media in Berlin on Wednesday. Credit: Getty Images This is humbling for European leaders and reminds them that they cannot rely on America  or, at least, America under Trump  to enforce any peace agreement with Putin. They will have to do that themselves.

Western Europe is scrambling to rearm so it can face Putin in a world without American safeguards. It is late, of course. Starmer and Macron will hold a meeting on Sunday, their time, to discuss their willingness to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine. While Starmer is willing to put boots on the ground to do this, few others send this message. The benign view of Anchorage is that Trump was feeling out his Russian counterpart before getting a peace deal, and that he will hear from Zelensky on Monday before deciding the next steps. Nobody can be sure about the full story of the Anchorage summit until this happens. Loading Even so, there are good grounds to think that Trumps decision to shift focus from a ceasefire to a long-term peace agreement means he is open to Putins demands. After all, the dynamic was clear in Trumps attempt to humiliate Zelensky in the White House in February, and then in his generous treatment of Putin in August. The US president would prefer Ukraine to give ground, not Russia. And he seems intent on pursuing this approach in his quest to secure the Nobel Peace Prize.

Loading Trump hates the four-letter barb that is often used to mock his tough talk: TACO, for Trump Always Chickens Out. He countered the critics by bombing Iran in June, but there is no sign he wants to take genuinely firm measures with Russia. Trump said he could end the war. Now he discovers it is harder than he thought, and he tries to put the onus on others to make it easier for him. Now, its really up to President Zelensky to get it done, Trump told Fox News. And I would also say the European nations, they have to get involved a little bit. The easy option for Trump is for Zelensky and the European leaders to nod in support as he trades away large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine. All the risks are on them if this simply emboldens Putin to start another war in a year or two. The Alaska summit may be remembered as Trumps biggest TACO moment. And he will not win the Nobel for that. Everything depends on whether he has the stomach to stand up to Putin and force a lasting peace in Europe.
It has been an unusual few weeks in Indias urban pockets, with animals and birds at the centre of public debates. In Mumbai, the BMC has been struggling to clamp down on kabootar khannas after imposing a ban on feeding pigeons, following resistance from several groups, particularly the Jain community. Meanwhile, animal activists across cities have expressed outrage over the Supreme Courts August 11 order directing the Delhi government and municipal bodies in the capital to begin removing stray dogs from residential areas and housing them in animal shelters. On Friday, hundreds of dog lovers and members of animal welfare groups braved the rains to rally at Azad Maidan against the SCs decision. The justification is the same in both cities: public health. Officials point to rising dog bite incidents and diseases linked to pigeon droppings, some proving fatal. But the solutionsbanning feeding, mass removalsare dividing communities and raising a critical question: can cities simply wish away the animals that have made urban spaces their home? Conservationist Stalin Dayanand whose caller tunethe famous 90s Hindi song Kabootar ja ja jagives away his stand even before we speak, believes so. When any species increases beyond a threshold, it will have serious repercussions and cause a major imbalance in the environment, he says. The pigeons have taken over all the nesting sites in the city. Have you seen any other birds at these kabootar khannas? Thats because even they know that they are dangerous. Isnt this an example of nature rejecting the birds? Food chain disruption Populations boom where food is abundantespecially garbage. This is true for pigeons, dogs, or leopards, says ornithologist Dr Raju Kasambe. In Mumbai, pigeons are overfed: You will see sacks of grains being used daily at these kabootar khannas, so much that even the pigeons cant finish them. The excess food is then devoured by rats. The result is rat infestations, disease risk, and a warped food chain. Predatorsperegrine falcons, black kites, stray catscannot keep pace with pigeon reproduction, Kasambe notes. Prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and pollen on bird feathers can trigger serious lung problems, especially in those with allergies. It often starts as an allergy, progresses to chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and can eventually lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD). Patients with ILD often require long-term medication, oxygen support, and in severe cases, a lung transplant. It may even prove fatal, says Dr Kirti Sabnis, infectious disease specialist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund and Kalyan. Kasambe says theres a need to keep a tab on overfeeding of birds, especially in public spaces. Nothing will happen to the birds if we stop feeding them overnight. Pigeons can migrate and they will find a way to survive. Girish Punjabi is a conservation biologist with the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT). Though he is a dog lover, he admits that a high population of dogs in an urban setting is a threat to humans, because they are predatory and eat meat. The street dog numbers in our cities are definitely a problem. According to Dr Amit Nabar, director of emergency department and community medicine at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim, the incidents of rabies in Mumbai are high, with many going under-reported. Maharashtra, in fact, has witnessed a three-fold increase in rabies death  the state registered 30 deaths in 2023, compared to 10 in 2019. At our hospital, we are seeing at least five to seven cases of dog bites every month. And many of them are by puppies. While theres awareness about the anti-rabies vaccine among the educated, the community at large, Nabar says, is poorly informed about the categories of bitesas per WHO, touching or feeding animals, licks on intact skin (category I); nibbling of uncovered skin (category II); single or multiple transdermal bites (category III)and even the need to get a vaccine as a preventive measure. Thats where the problem begins. Adding to this is the shortage of subsidised anti-rabies vaccines at BMC-run hospitals [see box], which leaves the poorwho, by the nature of their situation, remain in close contact with street dogsmost vulnerable. Knee-jerk solutions wont help Theres a growing frustration with the deteriorating quality of life in our major cities, says Mirror columnist and NCP (SP) national spokesperson Anish Gawande, who was seen in a social media video being manhandled by the Delhi Police earlier in the week while protesting the removal of dogs from Delhis streets. And at every step, its becoming harder to identify whos to blame and who is going to fix these problems. The frustration is spilling over into a desire for magic-wand solutions. Gawande feels that the recent spate of orders by the BMC and the Supreme Court are nothing more than that. The belief is that you will stop feeding the pigeons at the kabootar khannas and they will magically disappear, or that by removing street dogs you will make the streets safer. It might seem logical, but its only a band aid. His sentiments are shared by equal rights activist Harish Iyer, who participated in the Azad Maidan rally on Friday. A false narrative doing the rounds is that dog lovers want more dogs on the streetwe dont. If we want fewer dogs on the streets, and the municipal authorities and those affected by dog bites also want the same thing, then we are not on two different sides of the fence, says Iyer. Punjabi describes the current attempt at tackling the street dog problem as a knee-jerk reaction. Removing the dogs overnight will not work, says the biologist. We have lakhs of dogs in our cities. You cant overcrowd shelters. The dogs will get aggressive when they dont get their own space, and they can pose a threat to those caring for them there. It can also lead to an outbreak of disease. According to Iyer and Punjabi, the money and resources it would take to pay manpower to round up these dogs, create pounds to house them, and feed and look after them, could instead be diverted to bringing down the population more scientifically. The solution is in science Jack Reece, a British veterinary surgeon, has managed and coordinated the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme at the Help in Suffering in Jaipur for over 20 years. Since its inceptionlate 1994 over 100,000 street dogs have entered the programme for sterilisation and vaccination against rabies, and more than 70,000 male street dogs have been vaccinated against rabies. According to data that Reece shared with Mirror, between 3,000 and 3,500 street dogs have been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies annually over the last decade as part of the initiative. This took team effort. Not only has data from the main government hospital in Jaipur showed a decline in human rabies cases coming from the ABC areas of Jaipur, human dog bites in Jaipur have also declined from 721 per lakh human population in 1993 to 220 human bite cases per lakh human population in 2018. Surveys have also indicated a decline in the street dog population to approximately half of the original surveyed street dog population since 1997. Our data shows that if one conducts a programme in a scientific humane manner, you will start seeing results, says Reece, over a video call. He isnt a fan of the alternative suggested by the SC. I suppose something like this would work on an island, but India is not an island, says Reece. Dogs essentially inhabit the streets, because there are resources available to them  this includes food (which includes discarded food), water and shelter. Anecdotal evidence shows that fewer dogs are found in cleaner neighbourhoods. So, you may remove dogs, but their resources remain. What happens then is that dogs from outside the area move in and take over the resources that are left behind, he explains, If you want to control the dog population for good, you really also need to control the resources. Abodh Aras, chief executive officer of Mumbai-based Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD), which works to protect street dogs, recalls an incident that took place in a prominent city club years ago. The club, which I wont name, decided there were too many dogs [all sterilised] in their club. Overnight, illegal dog catchers were called, and the animals were taken far away from the city. It backfired, because soon new unsterilised dogs moved in, and they were even harder to catch. We ended up sterilising and vaccinating more dogs than before. This, he says, shows that removal of street dogs doesnt work. Aras says Mumbais ABC programme, carried out by the NGO in conjunction with the BMCs veterinary department, has been successful because of its consistency and focus on achieving high percentage coverage in various areas. Most of our work also includes rabies re-vaccination, on-site first aid and creating awareness within communities and children, and for people living and working on the streets, who look after and care for the street dogs. They are the ones that help us in catching the street dogs for sterilisation and vaccination. A visible, and more visual, outcome of this is that there are more cats now, as there are fewer dogs to compete for space or deter them. This could also account for one of the measurables of the success of the programme, says Aras. Mumbai, they all agree, does not need a war with animals; it needs a pact with itself. Keep neighbourhoods clean enough that scavengers dont flourish; keep vaccination lines supplied enough that fear doesnt. And sterilise, instead of sensationalising. ... Supply crunch BMC facilities have been hit by an anti-rabies vaccine shortage for the past few weeks. Officials say Mumbai requires 36,000 vials every two months, but the central store received only 18,000; hospitals have been told to buy locally until tendering issue are resolved. Suburban/peripheral hospitals report 30-40 bite cases a day, as per reports.
If I was to be a farmer and I was told I could pick just one breed of cattle to have on my farm, I would pick the Aberdeen Angus. They are a little old-fashioned but they are warm and easy; the perfect breed for the Ox Mountains.

My father loved these cattle. For him they were trouble free and utterly predictable; easily calved and easily fed. I remember him saying once, when he saw a bunch of Aberdeen Angus weanlings in a field, that they were "like buttons on a waistcoat".

Scotland

The Aberdeen Angus is a Scottish breed of beef cattle. They were forged from cattle native to the counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Angus in north-eastern Scotland. The cattle have been exported to many countries around the world and today there are large populations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South America and the United States. In the US, the breed has developed into two separate and distinct breeds, the American Angus and the Red Angus. In some countries the breed has now been bred to be taller than the native Scottish stock.

Aberdeen Angus cattle have been recorded in north-eastern Scotland since at least the sixteenth century. For some time before the 1800s, the hornless cattle in Angus were called Angus Doddies, while those in the historic province of Buchan (later part of Aberdeenshire) were known as Buchan Humlies. Both "doddie" and "humlie" means polled. Polled animals are without horns, a dominant and very useful trait in bovine genetics.

In 1824, William McCombie of Tillyfour, later the Member of Parliament for West Aberdeenshire, began to improve the stock and is regarded today as the father of the breed. The breed was officially recognised in 1835 and a society was formed in 1879. The cattle became commonplace throughout the British Isles in the mid-twentieth century. The Irish Angus Cattle Society was established in 1967, having as its primary objective the development and improvement of the breed in Ireland.

Hardy and handy

Because of their native environment, the cattle are very hardy; they can survive the Scottish winters, winters that are often very harsh with frost, snowfall and repeated storms. Cows weigh about 550 kilograms (1,210lb) and bulls some 850 kilograms (1,870lb). Bulls may be crossed with dairy cows to produce a reasonable beef calf.

The Angus reach maturity earlier than some other native British breeds such as the Hereford. The Aberdeen Angus is reared for beef and the meat can be marketed as superior due to its marbled appearance. This has led many markets, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom, to adopt it into the mainstream.

The Irish Angus Cattle Society was responsible for introducing AI (artificial insemination) to the breed and for later acquiring Canadian bloodlines which radically improved the conformation of the Angus breed. It is also the first breed society in Ireland to introduce a breed specific beef scheme  the Certified Irish Angus Beef Scheme. The society has been responsible for the improvement and consequential revival of the breed as it faced down the challenge of imported continental beef breeds. Irish Angus is now firmly established as the top beef breed in Ireland and quality pedigree Angus stock are again in demand from both commercial farmers and pedigree breeders at home and abroad.

'Moyview Annie of Leitrim', owned by John Brennan of Cloonacool, Co Sligo.

Cloonacool Angus

This piece was inspired by the fact that a neighbour of mine has a small herd of pedigree Abeerdeen Angus cattle. John Brennan explains his connection to the breed, a connection that happened quite by accident, through the persistence of his young daughters.

I always had an interest in cattle and in showing cattle at various local shows," said John. "These were commercial cattle, born and bred for performance. Attending such shows with these cattle was a family affair and if the truth be told, the days out together were as important, if not more important, than winning prizes.

In reply to the question as to how he moved from commercial to Abeerdeen Angus cattle, John said: It was my girls really. They began to see other breeds at the various shows and little by little they fell in love with the Angus. I was eventually persuaded - they are hard to resist - and so we ended up getting our first two Angus heifers about 12 years ago, Owenmore Maizy and Owen Noeleen, from a breeder in Ballymote.

If you were to think that this loveable, docile breed could just be popped up on a trailer of a Sunday morning and taken to a show to win top prizes, you would be sorely mistaken. Such work is painstaking and protracted. John gives some idea of what is involved in getting an animal to show standard.

Work starts a few days after a calf is born. From then on, a lot of the work goes on behind the scenes, which includes washing, walking and grooming. The grooming is done by my son Niall and myself. We are then more than happy to let the girls into the show ring where they are now joined by Niall's daughter Grainne. She has taken to the whole thing like a duck to water and now enjoys the fun and friendships that we ourselves love so much."

The real prize

As I finished chatting to John Brennan, I asked him to sum up his thoughts on his Aberdeen Angus cattle; what was it about them that made them important enough for him to invest his time and money? His reply wasnt quite what I was expecting but then again, it didnt really surprise me either.

Funnily enough, its not so much the breed, lovely and all that they are, but the time spent with family that means the most to me. Yes, we won prizes; rosettes, trophies and prize money and over the years we had some great achievements but other times, we can home with nothing to show for all our efforts.

Reassuring himself that his, by now adult, daughters werent listening, John finishes off by saying, The time spent as a family was always the big win for me.

In a funny way, it seems the Aberdeen Angus were just the catalyst in the Brennan family tradition of showing prize cattle - the thing that brought them together as a family each weekend.

If my father was alive today, he would likely be continuing his tradition of going for a Sunday afternoon cycle. While spinning through Cloonacool, he would spot the Aberdeen Angus weanlings on John Brennans Ox Mountain farm and he would surely hop off his bike to admire them, lined up in the centre of the field like buttons on a waistcoat.
Over the summer I read Original Sin, a book about Joe Bidens decline and his decision to run again for US President. We all know how that worked out, but the details in the book make for a grim - if very interesting - story.

The book was written by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. It sets out the story of how President Biden experienced a major physical and cognitive decline during his presidency, and argues that it was hidden - even covered up - by those closest to him.

As we all know, that process unravelled on June 27th, 2024, when President Biden debated with Republican nominee Donald Trump. Bidens performance was so bad, his delivery so halting and his pauses and gazing into the distance so concerning, that he eventually - after a very few weeks - had to withdraw from the race.

Much of the focus of the book is on how Bidens decline was hidden by a small enough number of people closest to him. The book describes how, in the second half of his Presidency particularly, the President met fewer people. Many senior people who would have seen him frequently at the start of his presidency only saw him rarely in the latter half of it. It describes how, so concerning was his general articulation, that he had to use a teleprompter when he spoke at even casual events, and was generally being shielded from occasions where he would have to engage in back and forth with people.

This, the book argues, amounted to a cover-up of how much he had declined. There is also a lot about how many White House staff and senior Democratic politicians felt that they had been misled about the extent of the problem.

That argument caused me to wonder, though, how something could be apparent to everyone worldwide, but not to people much closer to him than any of us. Well before that debate in 2024, it was absolutely clear that President Biden was no longer the man he had been, either physically and cognitively, and it was not a small thing. You just had to switch on your television or your phone and it was absolutely obvious.

It gained a hard focus early in 2024, more than four months before the disastrous debate with Trump. President Biden was being investigated in respect of some documents he took with him while leaving office as Vice President back in 2017. An independent special prosecutor, Robert Hur, was appointed to look into it and make a decision as to whether the President should be prosecuted or not.

In February 2024, he concluded that he could not recommend prosecuting the President. But, in the report submitted to explain his decision, Hur argued that Biden would be impossible to prosecute because a jury would find him a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.

Now at the time many attacked Hur for the use of that line. Many felt - or at least said out loud - that it was political. But did anyone who watched President Biden at the time not worry that the line reflected the truth? It required no great insight to spot that, or at least to see the worry.

A few weeks after the Hur report, on February 20th, I wrote in this newspaper that it might well be that Biden would not run. That wasnt a particularly insightful or novel observation. It was just simply obvious from looking at the man. And what Original Sin makes clear is that American voters - on all sides - understood this very well. Voters were telling pollsters that he was too old to run and that they did not consider this a debatable point. When I saw the debate with Trump in June 2024, my presumption was that someone in Bidens circle had engineered an early debate, knowing that it would be so bad that it would force a decision on him to withdraw before it was too late. As it did.

No evidence of that as a strategy has emerged - yet anyway. So what on earth did happen?

The book makes a great deal of how President Biden and those closest to him made a big - historic - mistake in choosing to run a second time. But a politician not knowing that his day is done is not an especially unusual event, however consequential it was in this case.

The much more interesting question is why and how did senior Democrats not try to get him off the pitch earlier? There are points that can be made in their defence about that: that the President of the United States is an incredibly powerful person, and you dont tangle with him without peril.

The main explanation seems to be that Donald Trump had to be beaten, and that Biden was the only one who had done it before. Some thought that therefore they had to stick with him. Some no doubt thought that if they challenged the President they would be cut out of his circle, and it would only lead to divisiveness and a definite Democratic defeat by Trump, with the additional danger that they would get the blame. Some who said nothing also thought that if Biden did not run, the candidate to replace him would be the Vice President, Kamala Harris. It was widely felt that, given her unpopular positions on many issues, and her closeness to Biden, there was no way she would beat Trump.

To make matters worse, once the damage was done and Biden had to withdraw, the Democrats decided that the Vice President should run without any contest. One reason for that was the fear that if she was not the candidate, it would reduce turnout among African-Americans in key congressional districts, and that in turn might cause many Democrats to lose their seats in Congress. But by not contesting her, they made her a weaker candidate - a point Barack Obama understood. Had she won a bitter floor fight at the Democratic Convention, she would have been enhanced by that tough victory and had a better chance in the November election. As it turned out, and with virtually no time to prepare, she performed admirably as a candidate.

There were lots of reasons, then, how we ended up where we did, but it seems somewhat implausible that senior Democrats, seasoned politicians and operatives, were duped into believing something the rest of us understood all too well.

The fallout from all of it is enormous. Apart from the obvious - President Trump - the main one is this: the Democrats have spent years telling people that Trump and the Republicans engage in fake news. They talk about alternative realities and disinformation. But the Democratic Party told people - again and again - that there was nothing to see about the health and well-being of the President of the United States when it was really obvious that there was. That will hurt the next time the Democrats try to call something out, as the other side will say hey, these are the guys who tried to tell you Joe Biden could run again.

Joe Biden was a great man and achieved many fine things as President in his first term. He was - and is - a great friend to Ireland and indeed to Ballina. He should never have thought about running again. But that isnt all on him. There are plenty in the Democratic Party who need to reflect on the price of deciding not to tell him earlier that he couldnt.
Agincourt MSc student showcases research on global micronutrient deficiencies

Aashna Beepans scientific poster examined local and global public health interventions addressing common micronutrient deficiencies

Beepan, an MSc student in the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Transitions Unit (Agincourt), attended the Academic Immersion and Travel (AIT) conference, hosted by Martin Luther University in Halle and Charite University in Berlin. Beepan was part of the Fall 2024/25 International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP) cohort.

This cohort comprises health science students from 41 universities who attend a leadership and networking programme spanning weekly lectures and discussions on anatomy, ethics, nutrition and health systems.

The ICEP programme provided a platform to collaborate across borders, learn from diverse perspectives, and apply public health knowledge in a truly global context. It was inspiring to see how science can bridge cultures and shape healthier futures," said Beepan.

Her poster, Global Micronutrient Deficiencies: Lessons from Different Countries, explored how public health interventions address common micronutrient deficiencies in South Africa, the UK, Germany, Finland, Bangladesh and India. Working with Asma Sadoun (Kings College London) and Jay Naran Patel (University of Nairobi), the team won second place in the poster competition.

Micronutrient deficiencies (often called hidden hunger) occur when people dont get enough essential vitamins and minerals (microgramsmilligrams range) needed for normal growth, development, immunity and metabolism. They can exist even when calorie intake is adequate.

The AIT conference is the in-person component of ICEP and aims to expand cultural understanding, foster student connections and promote global collaboration in health sciences. The programme included lectures, workshops, campus tours and cultural exchanges in Halle and Berlin, providing a platform for emerging researchers to build skills in science diplomacy and leadership.
Caitlin Clark's Taylor Swift Premonition Just Came True originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Caitlin Clark still has no timetable for her return from a problematic groin injury that has now cost her 11 straight games on the shelf. As the Indiana Fever star continues to nurse her lingering injury, shes been able to keep up to date with the latest on one of her favorite music icons, Taylor Swift.



Clark expressed her excitement after news broke that Swift was going to be the guest for Wednesdays episode of the New Heights podcast, which is hosted by Swifts boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason Kelce.



Hours before the episode aired, Clark took to social media and joked about how this particular episode has the potential to break the internet.



Are we sure YouTube isnt going to crash tonight?  the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year posted on X.

Are we sure YouTube isnt going to crash tonight?   Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) August 13, 2025

True enough, Clarks premonition did come true. This is after the New Heights broadcast went dark on YouTube for a few minutes as it was airing its Taylor Swift episode.



We hit a glitch but will be back shortly!!! the show announced.

We hit a glitch but will be back shortly!!!  New Heights (@newheightshow) August 14, 2025

In another post, New Heights sent a shoutout to its fans and the Swifties for actually helping us break the internet, which appears to confirm that the stream was, indeed, overwhelmed by the sheer number of viewers.



Clark took to X again to share her reaction to the not-so-unexpected turn of events.

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"Swifties so powerful we broke the internet," she wrote.

Swifties so powerful we broke the internet. https://t.co/dIaL1YorLb  Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) August 14, 2025

Not only did the 23-year-old correctly predict the crash, but she's now also claiming responsibility for the same as a self-professed Swiftie.

Related: Travis Kelce Breaks Social Media Silence for Taylor Swift

Related: "That Team's Just Drama": Sophie Cunningham Isn't Backing Down Amid Fever-Mercury 'Beef'

Related: Caitlin Clark Had Two Words After Indiana Fever Sign New Teammates on Monday

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Calah Jackson is living her best life with her sweet old man.

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys beauty shared the update in an August 14 Instagram Story, shortly after returning from a mountain getaway with her dog, Rocko.

My sweet old man, she captioned a photo of her and the pooch. Had the best week in Colorado exploring with him.

Go inside Calah Jackson's Aspen getaway: "Life is goood"

As seen on her Instagram, Calah spent most of the trip in Aspen, Colorado, where she enjoyed a scenic hike, wine tasting, and delicious-looking food.

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Life is goood, she captioned an August 12 photo of her al fresco lunch at Casa Tua.

RELATED: Steven McBee Jr. Opens Up About Huge Void in Life Now That He and Calah Are Over

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys Calah Jackson and dog Rocko

Kiki Barth in The Real Housewives of Miami Season 7

Chat LIVE with RHOM's Kiki Barth!

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Calah also stopped by Kemo Sabe, the iconic Western-wear store that has been heavily featured in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. (Kyle Richards once said visiting Kemo Sabe was "a rite of passage" for all Aspen visitors.) Calah left the shop with a stunning beige cowboy hat that she branded with her initials, a puppy paw, and the letter R.

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys Calah Jackson's Aspen trip

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R is for Rocko, she wrote. Such a special first trip to take him on.

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys Calah Jackson Aspen trip

The admitted city girl rocked the new hat while hitting a few more Aspen hot spots, including the French Pan-American restaurant Betula and the French Alpine Bistro.

Theres a new sheriff in town, she captioned August 14 photos of her posing with the hat and a glass of wine.

Calah revealed she has since returned home and was ready to catch up on [her] shows & do 500 loads of laundry.

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Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day"

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Receipts, Proof, Timeline, Screenshots: A Complete Guide According to Bravolebs

Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired"

Angela Oakley on the RHOA Beef She Squashed "Too Soon" & What You Didnt See at the Reunion

Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Calah Jackson and Steven McBee Jr.'s Relationship Drama

Split of Steven Mcbee Jr. and Calah Jackson

Related: Steven McBee Jr. Sheds New Light on His Messy Split from Calah Jackson: Hard as Hell (VIDEO)

The Dallas resident shared the life update just weeks after Steven McBee Jr. confirmed their split. The couple met back in 2021 while filming Joe Millionaire: For Richer or Poorer and had an on-and-off-again relationship over the following years. Fans got a closer look at the dynamic in The McBee Dynasty Season 2, which shed light on the drama between Calah and Stevens family.

RELATED: Calah Tells a Producer About the "Final Straw" That Ended Her & Steven McBee Jr.'s Relationship

Steven and I have been through a lot of ups and downs, Calah said in Season 2, Episode 2. Weve gone through a lot together, but we love each other, and the only times weve really had major issues is when other people get involved.

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Tensions escalated during a family getaway to the Ozarks, where Calah got into a heated exchange with Stevens brother, Cole McBee. The confrontation led Calah to end her trip early as uncertainty loomed over her and Stevens relationship.

Where Calah Jackson and Steven McBee Jr. stand today

Steven McBee Jr. and Calah Jackson at a party together

Related: Calah Issues Steven Jr. a Chilling Warning About FBI Investigation: "Truth Is Gonna Come Out"

While its unclear if Steven and Calah will reunite by the end of Season 2, the former recently told The Daily Dish that he and Calah were not romantically involved.

We still talk from time to time  [but] I would say things are not great at this point, he said before being asked about a potential reconciliation. That doors closed. I think theres just been so much damage done that at some point, you just have to say, Hey, I care about you as a person and we had a great run and a great relationship at times, but theres just too many things to try and undo here; too much damage done to try and patch up and repair. Id rather start fresh with someone new than go back trying to fix everything.

Learn more about Calah and Stevens relationship history, and why Steven refused to take a side in the Calah vs. Cole confrontation.
NEED TO KNOW

Jillian Michaels appeared as a panelist on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip on Thursday, Aug. 14

The panel discussed President Donald Trump's order for a review of the Smithsonian Institutions exhibits

During the conversation, Michaels expressed her opinions about White people regarding slavery, race, and the exhibits



Jillian Michaels doubled down on her thoughts on White people in a heated debate on live television about slavery, race, and the Smithsonian Institutions exhibits.

The conversation began when The Biggest Loser trainer joined a panel on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip on Thursday, Aug. 14, who were discussing President Donald Trump's order for a review of the Smithsonian Institutions exhibits.

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The Trump administration sent a letter on Tuesday, Aug. 12, to the Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, explaining that the goal of the internal review was to ensure the exhibits celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.

Bill Pugliano/Getty President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024 President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Alro Steel on August 29, 2024

Michaels argued that Trump is "not whitewashing slavery," adding, "You cannot tie imperialism and racism and slavery to just one race, which is pretty much what every single [museum] exhibit does."

After some of her panelists wanted to chime in, Michaels said, "Do you realize that only less than 2% of White Americans owned slaves? You realize that slavery is thousands of years old?"

Phillip, in response, told Michaels, "Im surprised that youre trying to litigate who was the beneficiary of slavery. In the context of American history, what are you saying is incorrect by saying that it was White people oppressing Black people?"

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Every single thing is like, 'Oh, no, no, no, this is all because white people are bad and that's just not the truth,' " she said. "Every single exhibit, I have a list of every single one like people migrated from Cuba because White people are bad, not because of Castro. Yes. No, its in there."

She then discussed a Smithsonian installation she called Change Your Game that highlights the complexities of gender testing in sports, declaring, "Is it fair to have biological men competing against biological women in sports? No. But why is this in the Smithsonian?

After Phillip said there wasn't enough time to debate everything Michaels was saying, she claimed that "everything is racialized."

Presley Ann/FilmMagic Jillian Michaels attends KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2018 Presented By Capital One at The Forum Jillian Michaels attends KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2018 Presented By Capital One at The Forum

A confused Phillip answered, "This was a conversation about the arts. And you brought up race." Michaels insisted that her point was that "when you make every single exhibit about White imperialism when it isn't relevant at all, that is a problem."

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So when youre talking about Cubans leaving Cuba and you make it about White people bad, thats not accurate, said Michaels.

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.

After the segment aired, Michaels doubled down on her comments on X, by showing a photo of one of the exhibits and writing, "Trump is not trying to 'erase slavery' by suggesting some of the instillations there are inaccurate and bias."

Read the original article on People
Like many of its counterparts worldwide, the Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic) has been amping up its support for television shows. On Aug.18, its proudly screening two episodes of Hidden Island (Isla Oculta), a project that went through its Sanfic Series Lab and is one of the most highly anticipated series from Chile. The closed screening for invited guests is followed by one open to the public on Aug. 21.

Its trailer, viewed by tens of thousands on YouTube (60,000 and counting), has only fueled more interest in the sci-fi thriller series, which already picked up an award at Italys Global Series Festival last June.

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Curated by Argentinas Agustina Lumi and Alejandra Marano since its inception six years ago, the Sanfic Series Lab has evolved into a vital program for many TV projects in their development trajectory.

Some 80 submissions responded to Sanfic Labs Open Call, making selection even more daunting. In general, we review the selected projects, but we usually look at twice that number because we have agreements with various series-focused platforms around the world. So, were not only looking at projects that come through the open call, but also through other industry spaces related to series. Basically, we never stopwe spend the entire year watching series, all day long, said Lumi.

Eight titles made the cut, some of which already came from other development programs where they won fast tracks to Sanfic Lab.

Each of the projects has something unique to share, something that allows it to travel, to tell stories that may be local but resonate globally or in different markets. Thats what we were looking for: projects that have the potential to go international and that are truly unique, with a distinctive voice, Lumi noted, adding that they also consider the track record of the producers and creators behind the projects.

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We closely follow talentthats very true. We pay a lot of attention to the teams behind the projects, Marano concurred, citing International Emmy winner Hernan Caffiero (The Suspended Mourning, Raza Brava) who participates in the lab with the fact-based The Craft of Thieves (El Internacional) as well as writers/creators Luciana Porchietto and Mariana Levy participating with convent-based dramedy skein Amen, Barbara whose Menem, is a recent buzz title on Prime Video. Both agree that the quality of the projects over the past six editions have only increased exponentially.

Selecting series is more challenging when its not about exhibition but about development. You have to know when to choose a project, when to invite it or when to select it for a labmaking sure its at the right stage. The good thing is that, if timed well, you can really help the project instead of unintentionally holding it back, Lumi mused.

The training and acceleration program focuses on the internationalization of projects and all the key elements involved in selling themespecially helping teams improve how they package and pitch their projects, better understand their audiences and analyze successful (or not so successful) cases of similar series.

Added Marano: Each project receives individual one-on-one mentorship sessions. Then they participate in a masterclass on audiences, another on sustainability, focused on sustainable audiovisual production with an eco-vision. We also host keynotes with production companies that have already released projects on major platforms, so participants can engage in dialogues with them. Its an opportunity for exchangenot necessarily direct advice, but definitely the sharing of experience.

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The 21st Sanfic runs over Aug 17-24.

A Drill Down on the Selected Projects:

Amen, Barbara (El Evangelio segun Barbara, Luciana Porchietto and Mariana Levy, Argentina)

Created and written by Porchietto and Levy, writers of Menem, the President Show, now out on Prime Video. The story follows Barbara, rebellious and broke, who fakes her way into a convent for a private room and some peaceonly to find herself on an unexpected spiritual journey. We believe this is a timely, highly adaptable project that could be shot in any Latin American or southern European city  places where two key elements intersect: a strong Catholic presence and a profound housing crisis. The creators describe Barbaras loneliness as universal: Like [Netflixs] Unorthodox  though in reverse  this is the story of a lost young woman navigating a unique, cloistered universe. Amen, Barbara speaks to a generation left out of the housing market, working gig jobs and craving real connection. As agnostics, we are also intrigued by the return of certain humanitarian values to Catholicism under Pope Francis  the idea of the Church as a place for the outcast. That contradiction felt like a story we had to tell.

The Unwelcome (Allegados, Oscar Chamo Godoy, Maria Jose San Martin, Andres Martinez-Rios, Chile, Mexico)

In advanced development. Set in 1980s Chile, it follows a 16-year-old boy who finds solace from his troubled home life through writing and drawing a vampire story in his school notebook. Chiles Alfredo Castro (The Count), Paulina Garcia(Gloria) and Benjamin Vicuna (Envious) have boarded the upcoming series while the search is still underway for someone to play the young teen. The 8-episode series is set to shoot in the second half of 2026. Recent deals include sound post-production with Yagan Films (Chile) and image post-production with Chemistry, Mexico led by Andres Martinez-Rios who has been invited to direct a few episodes alongside Oscar Chamo Godoy and Maria Jose San Martin. Author-screenwriter Ernesto Garratt says he had always wanted to adapt his own books: I aim to challenge the elitist perception of Chilean cinema by crafting more engaging and realistic narratives that incorporate magical realism and fantasy, thereby bridging the gap between cinema and audiences and shedding light on harsh social realities.

Architects From the Global South, (Arquitectas del Sur del Mundo, Ana Cristina Barragan, Chile, Colombia)

The documentary series written by Maria Court explores the lives and visions of leading female architects across Latin America. Each episode, directed by a local filmmaker, delves into their creative processes and addresses themes such as gender, ecology and indigenous knowledge, revealing the continents cultural and architectural richness. Produced by Chiles Clara Films, founded in 2018 by Clara Larrain, the only Chilean woman to win the Marche du Films Promising Producer Award. Series is co-produced with Productora LAP (Colombia). Confirmed architects include Cazu Zegers (Chile) and Ana Maria Duran (Ecuador). Filming begins in December 2026, with development support from Sanfic Lab and Max Belo Horizonte, which confirmed two TV windows. A recent investment agreement was signed with Cazu Arquitectos for the Chilean episode. Says Larrain: Since I was a child, I have witnessed the work of my mother, Cazu Zegers, and her unique way of combining architecture, poetry and landscape, blazing a trail as a woman in a male-dominated field. Inspired by her journey and that of other Latin American architects, I want to document this generation that is breaking down gender and territorial barriers, designing spaces from an ecofeminist perspective that respects nature and champions local knowledge.

The Adventures of Picuy (Las Picuy Aventuras, Nathaly Castillo, Colombia)

An animated childrens series produced by La Comarca Producciones, based in Pasto, southern Colombia and led by Danny Benavides, Paulo Cabrera and Nathaly Castillo, the story follows Senubia, a 5-year-old girl who, while visiting her grandmother and her friend Olmedo Picuy, discovers the magical powers of a ruana [a poncho-style cape] that transforms them into various plants, animals and objects. Currently in the production phase of its second episode, the project also includes 20 complementary audiovisual capsules aimed at broadening its narrative reach. These will soon be broadcast on Telepasto, a regional channel. La Comarca Producciones, founded in 2003, has a history of cultural work and is dedicated to promoting audiovisual projects that highlight real-life experiences and cultural identity. According to screenwriter Danny Benavides, This project invites children into a world where rural life holds valuable knowledge, helping them imagine, learn and grow with purpose. The series combines puppetry, animation and local landscapes to offer unique storytelling with cultural depth. Its a commitment to imagining from a place of sensitivity and collectivity, says Castillo.

The White Wolves (Los lobos blancos Angel Barroeta, Colombia, Venezuela, U.S.)

A visceral, high-stakes drama set in Petare, one of Latin Americas most dangerous slums. It follows Catire Blanco, a young mechanic who defies the barrios sacred rule of never fighting back, drawing his family into a violent conflict with ruthless gangs and corrupt cops. As the situation spirals out of control, the Blanco family must choose between survival and vengeance. The series is a collaboration between L.A.-based Beach House Films, led by Venezuelan actor-filmmaker Raul Walder, and Navaja Pictures, founded by the projects creator, writer and producer Angel Barroeta, based in Miami and Venezuela. Both companies are known for their bold, emotionally charged narratives. This is the Latin America thats fighting to be heard  raw, wounded and burning, says Walder, creator and producer. Barroeta adds, Weve seen cartels and narcos, but never a story like thistold from inside the barrio, with real heart, vulnerability and cinematic ambition. The White Wolves has already earned recognition at Filmarket Hub, Santa Barbara and ScreenCraft, positioning it as a powerful narrative about family, dignity and the cost of freedom.

The Craft of Thieves (El Internacional, Hernan Caffiero, Chile)

Based on actual events, drama about Ronald Zuniga, a young man who defies his father and becomes an international thief. After his friend Laucha Quintanilla is arrested in Europe and blames Ronald, a violent conflict erupts between the Zuniga family, involved in theft, and the Quintanilla family, entangled in drug trafficking. Ronald returns to Chile to defend his familys honor and confront his enemies. The series is produced by DeCulto, a new Santiago-based company founded by Hernan Caffiero, with co-production from Tridi Films. The Craft of Thieves is a raw and human depiction of violence as a cycle, says executive producer Paula Guzman, It explores the cost of success in marginalized contexts. Project has already secured funding from the Chilean Ministry of Cultures Audiovisual Promotion Fund. 40% of the series will be filmed in Spain, with shooting scheduled for the second half of 2026. Through Ronald Zuniga, we portray the dilemmas, loyalties and risks faced by young people in vulnerable environments, says Caffiero.

Tourette (Tourette, Camilo Fonseca and Andres Sanchez Belzunces, Colombia)

From La Guapa, an independent film and series production company based in Colombia and Spain, founded by Camilo Fonseca. The company specializes in developing high-concept, hard-hitting, provocative and boundary-pushing stories, it explains. Created by Fonseca and Andres Sanchez Belzunces, Tourette follows Salva, who, after being fired from a major ad agency in Mexico for an offensive outburst, fakes Tourettes Syndrome to regain his job. His plan backfires as he becomes a viral symbol of political correctness and his life spirals when he meets Lucia, a woman with OCD. The series is currently in development, with shooting dates and casting to be determined. It has already garnered recognition, winning the Sanfic Prize, BAM Prize and Peris Costumes Prize at Conecta Ficcion 2025. Tourette is a politically incorrect comedy about political correctness. It flips outrage culture on its head and dares to laugh at the lies we tell to fit in. Bold, uncomfortable and painfully timely, says Fonseca.

Useless Skills (Las Habilidades Inutiles, Gabriel Dalla Torre and Lucia Bracelis, Argentina)

From El Generador, an audiovisual production company based in Mendoza, Argentina, with over 15 years of experience in both documentary and fiction, including series and feature films. The company focuses on telling inspiring stories and developing innovative ideas across film, TV, and multiplatform formats. Currently offers services in sound design, editing, color correction, co-Working spaces and production rental.

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El Generadors productions have earned national and international acclaim, winning awards at various festivals and funds and being distributed in the U.S., China, Portugal, U.K. and Greece. Useless Skills is an existential crime story that delves into the effects of prohibition, death and societal boundaries, exploring how opposites attract. The screenwriters, Gabriel Dalla Torre and Lucia Bracelis, along with producers Cecilia Aguero and Gisela Levin, aim to create a narrative that blends dark humor and tension. Although the director and cast have yet to be selected, the novel on which the series is based won the Best Novel Award from the City of Mendoza. We champion works that challenge norms through complex characters and bold perspectives  values this series amplifies with its daring tone, say Aguero and Levin.

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The body lay on the floor of the hotel, a bullet hole signaling how it had wound up in that position.

Onlookers gathered, examining the way the body fell, its positioning in the room, entry and exit wounds.

And how did the shooter disappear so quickly?

While the sleuths pondered, other hotel guests dialed 911. But the gruesome scene wasn't real. It had been staged by Killer Nashville, an annual writers conference.

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The dead guy was a dummy.

"That really happened," said Clay Stafford, the man who started Killer Nashville in 2006 from an idea born over a couple too many bottles of saki.

This year's conference will be Aug. 21-24 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Franklin, near the Cool Springs Galleria. More than 450 authors, editors, book agents, public relations agents and literary accountants are expected to attend. Those scheduled to attend are flying in from locations including Australia, Japan, Spain and Lithuania.

Guests of honor will be authors Kemper Donovan ("Loose Lips" and "Busy Body"), Sara Paretsky ("Indemnity Only" and "Pay Dirt") and Caitlin Rother ("Down to the Bone" and "Body Parts").

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No staged crime scenes with bullet-riddled mannequins are on the agenda this year.

"We probably don't need to do that right out in the open," said Stafford, marking his 20th year at the helm.

He came up with the idea because he felt most writing conferences were geared toward readers, not the people who labored quietly to create stories. Over drinks with Barnes and Noble executive Robbie Bryan, he proposed a conference geared toward the writers of mystery, thriller and true-crime works.

"Killer Nashville," Bryan suggested.

That stuck. What was originally going to be a one-night party for authors turned into a business conference for sharing ideas about best practices in the writing business.

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"When we started there was nothing author-focused," Stafford said. "There was a big void."

Over the years, the conference has ventured into downtown Nashville a couple of times, but there were too many distractions. So Stafford wanted to have it at a place a little out of the way, where publishing, not Honky Tonks, would be the focus.

If you're a fan of dastardly prose, don't despair. There will be a pop-up Killer Nashville bookstore at the event, and book signings with the authors.

Rother, a former Southern California newspaper reporter who has written 16 books, will be speaking and participating in panels.

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She has a message for the crime authors in the audience.

"It takes a lot of time and a lot of experience," Rother said. "I had to learn the world of law enforcement. Now I know how detectives think. I know how prosecutors work."

Her new book, a fictional thriller called "Hooked," is scheduled to debut in January.

Rother said there are three things every author needs. "Persistence, determination and the ability to rebound from rejection," she said. "Those are the three keys to getting published and staying published."

*****

Stafford grew up in East Ridge Tennessee, and he was never far from crime.

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He said his grandfather was a bootlegger, and he remembers the FBI sniffing around.

"One of those FBI agents disappeared," Stafford said.

His uncle Henry was also in the moonshine game, until he got religion. Uncle Henry was found dead and the case was called a suicide. But Stafford has never been sure.

As a young child, he lived near an old man who battled alcohol demons. One day, the police were at his trailer. He had been shot in the head.

"I had to grow up fast," Stafford said. "I grew up in crime."

*****

Stafford got into the movie business. He did some acting (soap opera "The Days of Our Lives"), some directing, some publicity work, some movie accounting. He worked on documentaries and PBS specials. He worked in front and behind the camera on shows like "Magnum P.I." and "Murder She Wrote."

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His career took a turn when he began writing books. He wrote a series of children's books in which he re-wrote classics for young audiences  "White Fang," "Huckleberry Finn," "The Wind in the Willows."

A friend in the movie business suggested Tennessee would be a good place to live. So Stafford gave it a try. He met a woman named Jacqueline, married her, and stayed. The Staffords currently live in Franklin.

In the early 2000s, he was working for a local arts organization when he suggested bringing in uber-famous author Michael Connelly, who penned the hard-boiled Bosch detective series.

The organization, however, didn't want to go big.

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"They said no," Stafford said.

It wasn't long before Killer Nashville was created. And Michael Connelly came to Middle Tennesse to be Stafford's guest of honor.

He's had a stellar list of authors in his 20 years overseeing the conference. Connelly, Joyce Carol Oates and Janet Evanovich have come for long weekends at Killer Nashville.

Stafford isn't stopping at 20 years. Killer Nashville has a contact to continue at the Embassy Suites through 2028.

Stafford's message at each of the conferences is always the same.

"I want authors to have the courage to tell their stories," he said.

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For event information and registration, see killernashville.com.

Editor's note: Reporter Keith Sharon, host of The Tennesseean's award-winning "Murder on Music Row" podcast, will appear on the panel "How to produce an effective podcast," during the Killer Nashville conference.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Crime writers converge in Cool Springs for Killer Nashville conference
If you were looking for a reason to love Mexican food even more, let us introduce you to flautas: Rolled and deep-fried, the flute-shaped tortillas are filled with flavorful meats and piled high with fresh toppings and creamy sauces. Typically eaten as appetizers before the main course, the crunchy rolled tortillas are a savory snack meant for indulging; a meaty alternative to chips and salsa. With a few more tortillas or extra filling, flautas can also easily make for a full meal, especially when paired with chunky salsas, cheese, and crunchy veg. The best part is that they are easy to make at home, so you can enjoy the crunchy rolled appetizer without even leaving the house.

Flautas should not be confused with taquitos, which are thinner, snack-sized, and wrapped with corn tortillas. Flautas are usually filled generously and wrapped in flour tortillas, which crisp in a more airy, delicate way in the frying oil. This recipe, written with developer Michelle McGlinn, is a guide to making perfectly crispy, beef-filled flautas that are hearty enough to be eaten for dinner. The beef, which is braised in a broth of guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles, is spicy, smoky, and rich, making it a perfect base for the crunchy tortilla and any variety of toppings. Though braising and frying take some time, the results are worthwhile -- and make taco night just a little more exciting.

Read more: The Most Popular Cuts Of Steak Ranked Worst To Best

Gathering The Ingredients To Make 3-Chile Beef Flautas

ingredients on a table - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

To first make the beef filling that is rolled inside every tortilla, you'll need to grab a small chuck roast. You only need between 1 and 2 pounds for this recipe, since each flauta only requires a small amount of beef to fill. If you can't find a small roast, simply adjust the recipe and save any leftovers for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Besides beef, you'll also need oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, allspice, oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and three types of chile. Though you can use any dried chile for this recipe, we recommend ancho, guajillo, and chiles de arbol, which offer a unique balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. To finish the flautas, you'll need oil for frying, tortillas, sour cream (or crema), cilantro, and radishes. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, but we recommend flour, which are more typical for flautas.

Step 1: Heat Up The Oven

heating the oven to 325 F - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Preheat the oven to 325 F.

Step 2: Combine Spices In A Bowl

spices combined in a bowl - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Combine the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and allspice in a small bowl.

Step 3: Rub The Roast With The Spices

roast covered in spices - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

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Coat the chuck roast on all sides with the spices.

Step 4: Toast The Chiles

toasting chiles in a pot - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, toast the chiles until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pot.

Step 5: Add The Oil

heating oil in a pot - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Add the oil to the pot.

Step 6: Sear The Beef To Brown

searing beef in a pot - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Add the beef and sear on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Add The Remaining Ingredients

beef and chiles in a pot with beef broth - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

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Once seared, remove the pot from the heat and add the garlic, vinegar, beef broth, and toasted chiles.

Step 8: Cook Until Tender

cooked beef in a pot - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Cover and cook for 4 hours, or until pull-apart tender. Halfway through cooking, check the pot and add beef broth as needed.

Step 9: Shred The Beef

shredding beef on a cutting board - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Shred the beef using two forks.

Step 10: Heat Up The Frying Oil

cast iron skillet filled with oil - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

In a deep skillet or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350 F.

Step 11: Warm The Tortillas

warming the tortillas on a plate - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

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While the oil is heating, roll the flautas. Working in batches of 5, wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave to soften, about 20 seconds.

Step 12: Add Beef To The Tortillas

beef arranged in a tortilla - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Add  cup of beef to a tortilla.

Step 13: Tightly Roll And Close

rolled flauta sealed with toothpick on table - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Tightly roll the tortilla into a cylinder and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas.

Step 14: Fry The Flautas

frying flautas in a skillet of oil - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Add the flautas to the oil in batches of 4 or 5 at a time and fry until golden brown, turning as needed, for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 15: Remove From The Oil

draining flautas on paper towels - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

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Remove the flautas and drain them on paper towels.

Step 16: Serve With Toppings

flautas with toppings on a plate - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

To serve, top with sour cream, cilantro, and sliced radishes.

What Can I Serve With These Flautas

3-Chile Beef Flautas Recipe

Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4.67 hours

Total Time: 4.92 hours

Servings: 16 Flautas

Ingredients

For the beef

1 tablespoon oregano

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

 teaspoon allspice

1  pound chuck roast

4 chiles de arbol, seeded and stemmed

2 guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed

2 ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cups beef broth

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For the flautas

3 cups vegetable oil

16 (5-inch) wheat tortillas

 cup sour cream or crema

 cup cilantro leaves

4 radishes, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Combine the oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and allspice in a small bowl. Coat the chuck roast on all sides with the spices. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, toast the chiles until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pot. Add the oil to the pot. Add the beef and sear on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the pot from the heat and add the garlic, vinegar, beef broth, and toasted chiles. Cover and cook for 4 hours, or until pull-apart tender. Halfway through cooking, check the pot and add beef broth as needed. Shred the beef using two forks. In a deep skillet or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350 F. While the oil is heating, roll the flautas. Working in batches of 5, wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave to soften, about 20 seconds. Add  cup of beef to a tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla into a cylinder and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas. Add the flautas to the oil in batches of 4 or 5 at a time and fry until golden brown, turning as needed, for about 4-5 minutes. Remove the flautas and drain them on paper towels. To serve, top with sour cream, cilantro, and sliced radishes.

How Can I Prepare Flautas In Advance?

flautas on a plate with radishes and cilantro - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

Flautas, which are typically served as appetizers, are easier to serve when made in advance. There are two options for prepping the flautas in advance: You can roast, shred, and store the beef and then prepare the flautas day-of, cutting the cook time down to just 20 minutes -- or you can make the recipe in its entirety and air fry or bake the flautas back to warm and crispy just before serving.

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When roasting the beef in advance, you can store the cooked beef for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To then make the flautas, simply heat up the oil, roll the tortillas around the beef, and fry. There is no need to heat the beef before frying, as the frying oil will warm it through. To make the flautas entirely in advance, follow the recipe as written, then remove the toothpicks from the flautas, store them in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator, and bake or air fry the flautas just before serving. This method, which takes just 3 minutes in the air fryer and 10 minutes in the oven, will dry the beef out slightly, but it is the better method to use if you want to avoid a greasy-smelling kitchen just before guests arrive.

What Additional Toppings Can I Add To Flautas?

flautas on a plate with cilantro and radishes - Michelle McGlinn/Tasting Table

While the flautas themselves are delicious, crispy, savory rolls of flavor, the best way to really enjoy them is with plenty of toppings. Like a taco, you can serve the flautas with anything, adding more crunchy vegetables or even squeezing on some hot sauce. If cilantro and radishes aren't your thing, you can make the flautas more classic with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and chopped white onion. You can also top with sliced jalapenos, crumbled cotija, pickled red onions, homemade salsa, or a freshly made guacamole.

Flautas, because of their crispy exterior and dippable nature, also work well with a variety of sauces, which can be drizzled on top or served alongside. To spice up the crema, add a squeeze of lime juice and a spoonful of chipotles in Adobo sauce. Blend avocados and cilantro with crema and lime to make a refreshing avocado cream. Keep it simple and serve with store-bought salsa, which can be spooned over the crispy shells or served by the side for dipping.

Read More Recipes

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  One person was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries after a crash involving a motorcycle early Sunday morning, Aug. 17, in West El Paso, the El Paso Fire Department said.

El Paso Police: Motorcyclist seriously hurt after crash involving 2 other vehicles

The crash happened shortly after midnight along the 5100 block of North Mesa near the Montecillo area, the El Paso Police Department said.

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It involved a vehicle and a motorcycle.

According to the El Paso Fire Department, one person was airlifted to a local hospital via Fire STAR as a level one trauma patient with serious injuries.

The Special Traffic Investigations Unit was deployed to the scene. They typically look into crashes involving serious injuries or fatalities.

We are working to learn more information and will update this story when we do.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was airlifted to the hospital following a two-vehicle crash that occurred just after noon Saturday on northbound Interstate 25, south of Larkspur.

Colorado State Patrol said the crash occurred near milepost 165. The agency told FOX31 the crash involved a silver Honda Accord and GMC Yukon, with one of the vehicles rolling multiple times.

A CSP spokesperson told FOX31 later on Saturday that a driver in one of the vehicles involved was pronounced dead on the scene, but didnt specify if the person was driving the Accord or Yukon.

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2 in custody after police chase led to multi-vehicle crash in Aurora

Northbound I-25 is closed for the crash investigation, as of 12:51 p.m., according to CSP, which is advising taking an alternate route and said there is currently no estimated time for reopening.

This is a developing story. FOX31 will update the story as information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)  Today, Opelousas residents voted to pass the 1% sales tax renewal.

A total of 68% of voters said yes to the 1% sales tax renewal

The special election held earlier today decided the fate of a 1% sales tax that has been in place for over 50 years in Opelousas.

The 1% sales tax will provide the city with just under $6 million a year and go towards road work, infrastructure repair and also the salaries of city workers, including first responders.

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City officials have warned residents that the loss of that revenue could have resulted in many of these employees having to lose their jobs.

With the result of this special election, the impact of this decision remains to be seen.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A dozen kayakers  including six children  were rescued by the Coast Guard and other agencies from waters in the San Juan Islands Thursday afternoon.

Around 2 p.m., officials said a VHF marine radio notified USCG watchstanders in Puget Sound, who then issued a broadcast saying 12 kayakers were reported to be in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island.

Coast Guard suspends search for fisherman missing off Washington coast

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A Coast Guard boat crew from Bellingham, a boat crew from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as a Washington State Parks vessel patrolling the area responded to rescue them.

U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Washington State Park personnel rescued 12 kayakers in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island Wash., Aug. 14, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

USCG said all 12 were safely rescued and no injuries were reported.

A VHF marine radio is a mariners lifeline when there is no cell phone service, said Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
BROOKLYN - Find the latest on the Brooklyn mass shooting here.

Three people are dead, and nine others injured after police say several gunmen opened fire inside a nightclub in Brooklyn early Sunday morning.

What we know

Officers rushed to Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood for reports of a shooting inside the Taste of the City Lounge just before 3:30 a.m.

They arrived to find 12 gunshot victims: eight men and three women, ranging in age from 19 to 61 years old.

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Three victims have been pronounced dead: a 19-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 35-year-old man.

The nine remaining victims were rushed to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say up to four shooters with 9mm and 45-caliber weapons fired at least 42 shots inside the crowded club after a dispute.

The shooting appears to be gang-related, according to police, who say some of the victims were likely involved in the shooting.

What we don't know

The names of the victims have yet to be released.

No one is currently in custody, and police have yet to release any possible suspect descriptions.

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A firearm was found near Bedford Avenue and Easten Parkway, but police still don't know if it is connected to the lounge shooting.

An investigation is underway as police canvas surveillance video inside the lounge and around the area.

What they're saying

"Gun violence of this magnitude really scars a city," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during a press conference on Sunday.

The mayor asked for the public's help to find those responsible for what Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called a "tragic, senseless act of violence."

Officials are asking anyone who was inside the club, heard people talking about the shooting, or saw people flee the scene, to contact the police.

The Source

Information from this article was provided by the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adams.
The Brief

A 13-year-old swimmer has died after being pulled from the water at a Belmar beach.

The victim was found unresponsive and, despite extensive life-saving efforts, was pronounced dead.

The Belmar Police Department is investigating the incident, and the victim's identity is being withheld.

BELMAR, N.J. - A 13-year-old has died after being found unresponsive in the water off the 7th Avenue beach in Belmar, New Jersey, according to police.

What we know

According to the Belmar Police Department, several 911 calls came in at approximately 6:36 p.m. Friday evening for a swimmer in distress off the 8th Avenue beach.

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Once police arrived, officers were told that one person was out of the water, but a second juvenile swimmer was missing.

Belmar water rescue attempts (Photo: Daniel Bowens/WNYW)

The Belmar Water Rescue team entered the water and located the victim at approximately 7:29 p.m. The victim was removed from the water, where life-saving efforts were made by Belmar lifeguards, EMS and paramedics.

The victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. Due to the victim's age, their identity is being withheld at this time.

The incident remains under investigation by the Belmar Police Department.

The Source

This article was written with information provided by the Belmar Police Department.
A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot at a house party in Covina on Saturday night, police said.

Covina police officers responded to the 600 block of East Camellia Drive about 10:15 p.m. Saturday after multiple 911 callers reported gunshots. A large crowd of partygoers was gathered in the street, and the officers requested backup from the Glendora, West Covina and Azusa police to help disperse the crowd and contain the crime scene, police said.

Witnesses told officers that unidentified people took a 16-year-old male party attendee to a hospital with gunshot wounds, Covina Police Sgt. K. Sutherland said. Hospital staffers told officers that the teenager had died from his injuries.

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The teenager is believed to have lived in La Puente, and he may have known the people who drove him to the hospital, Sutherland said. No other injuries were reported.

No one had been arrested as of midday Sunday, Sutherland said. Covina police were pursuing leads and piecing together the events that led up to the shooting.

Sutherland said that although some news outlets reported that the event was a "back-to-school party," his department hasn't released information about the nature of the gathering.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Covina Police Det. Preciado at (626) 384-5622.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
IOWA  The Iowa DNR reported 2 state beaches were closed, and 18 state beaches were not advisable for swimming following routine weekly testing.

Des Moines Water Works opposes Raccoon, Des Moines rivers removal from Impaired Waters List

According to the DNRs website, 18 of Iowas state beaches were found to have E. Coli levels higher than the states standard. The affected beaches are listed below:

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Backbone Beach in Delaware County

Beeds Lake Beach in Franklin County

Bobwhite State Park in Wayne County

Brushy Creek Beach in Webster County

Clear Lake State Park Beach in Cerro Gordo County

Crandalls Beach in Dickinson County

Emerson Bay Beach in Dickinson County

George Wyth Beach in Black Hawk County

Lacey-Keosauqua Beach in Van Buren County

Lake Ahquabi Beach in Warren County

Lake Darling Beach in Washington County

Lake Manawa Beach in Pottawattamie County

Lake of Three Fires Beach in Taylor County

Pine Lake South Beach in Hardin County

Pleasant Creek Beach in Linn County

Prairie Rose Beach in Shelby County

Union Grove Beach in Tama County

Lake Macbride Beach in Johnson County exceeded the state standards for E.Coli and the state Algal toxin action level, according to the DNR website.

Two other beaches were listed in the DNR weekly report. Lake Keomah beach in Mahaska County is no longer being monitored due to renovation activities. McIntosh Woods Beach in Cerro Gordo is closed for the week due to park storm damage.

Many of these beaches have been under a swimming not recommended advisory for several weeks due to persistent high E. coli levels. Advisories will be in place until the levels drop below the state standard.

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For more information about the advisories and the other state beaches, visit the DNRs website. The website is updated every Friday with the most recent test results.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  Mt. Juliet authorities took two people into custody overnight after drugs were allegedly thrown out of a vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 40.

According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, officers initiated the stop on the vehicle, which was heading east on I-40, for driving unsafely and failing to stay in its lane.

Suspected drug dealer arrested in Nashville maternity ward with pocket full of fentanyl

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Law enforcement reportedly saw the passenger throw multiple bags containing fentanyl and methamphetamine out of the vehicle. When they searched the vehicle, police said they found more fentanyl, meth, suboxone strips, marijuana, additional drug paraphernalia and a scale.

(Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department)

The driver  described by authorities as a 46-year-old man from Putnam County  had an active arrest warrant out of Smith County and now faces charges for multiple drug-related offenses and driving on a suspended license.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

The passenger  a 37-year-old Ohio woman  was also arrested for drug-related charges, according to officials.

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We are grateful for the vigilance of our officers, who work hard everyday to keep MJ safe, the department wrote on social media.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BAMAKO, Mali, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The premiere of the documentary "Reparations: The Colonial Debt" was held in Bamako to resounding public and media attention. Produced under the Reveil d'Afrik initiative, the film sheds critical light on one of Africa's most urgent conversations  the call for reparations from former colonial powers.

Reparation

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and researcher Ibrahima Sow, the documentary makes a compelling case for reparative justice. It chronicles some of the most egregious colonial-era crimes and examines the continued economic and political pressures exerted on African nations. Sow also presents detailed legal pathways that could empower national governments to pursue reparations through international frameworks.

The film features perspectives from notable experts across the continent, including Professor Gnaka Lagoke (Pan-African Studies, Cote d'Ivoire), Dr. Fode Moussa Sidibe (Malian historian), and Aminata Dramane Traore (Malian sociologist and writer). Dr. Sidibe asserted that "France has inflicted lasting harm on Mali  seeking reparations is both a right and a responsibility owed to future generations."

The premiere drew an audience of influential figures  from politicians and academics to members of the judiciary and media. Among them was Hon. Dr. Fousseynou Ouattara, Vice-President of the National Defence Commission, who strongly criticized the colonial occupation in Mali, characterizing it as exploitative and dehumanizing.

In attendance was also Mr. Fousseyni Maiga, Director of the National Film Centre and Mali's most prolific filmmaker in recent years. Representing the Minister of Culture, he announced that 2025 has been designated as the "Year of Culture" in Mali and emphasized the importance of screening the film in universities to educate students and faculty alike on the historical roots of the reparations movement.

Across the board, both the film's creators and premiere attendees underscored a shared consensus: that reparations are not only necessary for restoring historical justice but are central to Africa's path toward dignity and autonomy.

The documentary is scheduled for nationwide broadcast on ORTM and Africable Television, expanding its impact across Mali and the broader African continent.

SOURCE Pan-African Peoples Studios
Two U.S. tourists drowned last week in separate incidents at Carnival Cruise Line's new Bahamas resort, authorities said. Both were passengers on Carnival cruise ships that had sailed to the Caribbean, the company confirmed to CBS News on Sunday.

They died Friday while swimming at Celebration Key, a private resort on Grand Bahama Island that only Carnival cruise passengers can use, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Carnival. Police said in a news release that officers on duty responded to the first drowning before noon local time, and the second shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to the release. The circumstances around each death are under investigation.

In the first incident, officers were alerted to a 79-year-old man who was unresponsive on board a commercial ship at the resort. Police said an initial report suggested the man lost consciousness while snorkeling at a beach, and a lifeguard pulled him from the water to administer CPR. The man, reported to be an American national, was ultimately pronounced dead by a doctor, according to police.

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Officers later found a 74-year-old woman unresponsive on board a separate commercial ship. The initial police report in that incident suggested that the woman, also reported to be American, lost consciousness while swimming in a pool. Similar to the first case, police said a lifeguard pulled her from the water and attempted CPR before she was also pronounced dead.

Neither police nor Carnival identified the passengers by name. A Carnival spokesperson told CBS News in a statement that the passengers had sailed to Grand Bahama on the company's Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation cruise liners, and both were traveling with their families.

"Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday  one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away," the spokesperson said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance."

Bahamas police said autopsies will be performed to help determine each tourist's exact cause of death, as investigations into the incidents remain ongoing.

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Carnival opened Celebration Key  a $600 million resort compound on Grand Bahama Island that features numerous restaurants, pools, live music venues, a retail hub and amusement park-style activities  in July. The resort is situated beside a pier where two of the cruise line's largest ships can dock at the same time, allowing passengers exclusive access to the area, according to the company.

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more

Laufey on creating her own sound

A robotics activist's remarkable crusade
State authorities are investigating after a shooting left two dead and two critically injured over the weekend in Fairview, a city of about 2,700 people an hour-and-half northwest of Oklahoma City in Major County.

Around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, officers with the Fairview Police Department responded to a house near Sylvia St. and East State Road, according to a news release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

When police arrived, they said they found four people with gunshot wounds. A 49-year-old man and 17-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the news release. A 44-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy were also transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

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As of Sunday morning, the two were still alive but hospitalized, OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee said.

More: OSBI sees rise in Oklahoma's internet crimes against children

Fairview police would not comment on the shooting but instead deferred to the OSBI, which is now the lead agency in the investigation. McKee clarified to The Oklahoman that no other people were involved in the incident and that the investigation was ongoing.

"We just want to make it clear that the public is safe," McKee said Sunday. "We're still piecing together what led up to the shooting at the house, but no one else was involved."

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McKee said that, due to the ages of the minors who were shot, he was uncertain when the OSBI would be releasing the identities of the victims. But he suggested more updates might be provided at a possible news conference later in the week.

"The OSBI appreciates the Fairview Police Department, Major County Sheriff's Office, and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their assistance with this investigation," the agency said in its statement Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Fairview, Oklahoma, shooting leaves two dead, two injured; OSBI investigating
DENVER (KDVR)  The Greeley Police Department is investigating a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in the deaths of a motorcyclist and a 19-year-old driver.

In a press release the police department said the multi-vehicle crash occured on Friday around 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of 35th Avenue and 10th Street in Greeley.

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The Greeley department said, according to preliminary reports, a motorcyclist was allegedly traveling over 100 mph westbound on 10th Street and ran a red light.

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The police department said that after allegedly running the red light, the motorcyclist hit a vehicle traveling southbound on 35th Avenue, resulting in a five-vehicle crash. The initial impact of the crash also sparked a fire.

Responding officers said that after emergency responders extinguished the fire, the driver in the vehicle traveling southbound, a 19-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorcyclist involved in the crash was also pronounced dead at the scene, said the department.

The Greeley Police Department said that the investigation is ongoing and officials are working to identify the motorcyclist. The agency also noted that at this time it is unknown if alcohol or substances were a factor in the accident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BRIARWOOD, Queens (PIX11)  Two employees were shot at their Briarwood deli late Saturday, sources told PIX11 News.

The shooting happened around 9:34 p.m. at a deli on Manton Street, police said. A 52-year-old and a 48-year-old were shot multiple times, according to the NYPD.

More Local News

Both men were hospitalized in stable condition, according to police. Police have not made any arrests related to the shooting.

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Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A man from Long Island, New York is set to face multiple years in prison after his role in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme centered around COVID relief.

Federal prosecutors noted that 52-year-old Niall Alli pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud. Most of Alli's fraud was centered around improperly received benefits from the Small Business Association's Paycheck Protection Program during the pandemic.

Alli will now have to pay back all of the money he received illegally, as well as $135,000 from corporate bank accounts and Ethereum from a Coinbase wallet.

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Alli saw the COVID-19 programs and the deadly pandemic as an avenue for stealing money from the government and taxpayers, said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr.

"He now knows the price of such conduct is the loss of his freedom and full restitution to the Small Business Administration.

Alli used two different companies to file fraudulent PPP loans with the SBA from April 2020 through November 2021. His applications consisted of fake payroll records and financial data. After his applications went through and he received the money, he doubled down by sending fraudulent forgiveness requests with more fake documents.

Alli reportedly used the money for expensive hotel stays and watches, purchasing two Patek Philippe pieces that cost around $140,000 each. He used the money to amass a fortune in cryptocurrency, and had around $500,000 worth of it in his account at the time of seizure.

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Prosecutors say Alli also used the money to fund private school tuition for his child, and that he spent frivolously on things like $800 champagne and $600 Scotch while eating at high-end restaurants.

USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel Brubaker said that Allis compulsion for fraud exploited funds meant to keep struggling businesses alive during the pandemic."

Todays sentencing proves we will relentlessly pursue anyone who uses the U.S. Mail to defraud the government and steal taxpayer money.

Alli is set to spend up to four years in prison, and his assets will be seized after his guilty plea.

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Based on the Small Business Administration's 2022 report, an estimated 70,000 or more PPP loans were fraudulent, resulting in total losses that likely exceeded $64 billion.

$2 Million COVID Relief Scheme Lands Man in Prison first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
NEED TO KNOW

Two missing kids in Los Angeles County may have been abducted by their dad, who police said is dea" and "mute

The children are Aastha Vides, 8, and Juaquin Vides Jr., 11

Police named the kids' father, Juaquin Vides Sr., and a woman identified as Sylvia Gonzalez, as suspects

Two missing children in California may have been abducted by their dad, and police are asking for the publics help finding them.

On Friday, Aug. 15, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) and its South Los Angeles Station both issued a special bulletin on social media requesting the public's assistance in helping locate two critical missing children, in what was labeled a case of parental abduction.

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The two kids are Aastha Vides, 8, and Juaquin Vides Jr., 11, who were last seen with their father, Juaquin Vides Sr., on Aug. 8 around 6 p.m. local time on the 1000 block of W. 88th Street in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles, according to the LASD bulletin.

The bulletin identified the father, 35, as a suspect and said he is deaf/mute.

The three were last spotted in a green 2012 Mazda2 with the California license plate 9DRV087, according to the bulletin.

Another suspect, Sylvia Gonzalez, 53, was also seen driving the vehicle, per the bulletin. Her relationship with the kids and their father is not immediately clear.

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"They may have a possible destination within the city of San Jose, the LASD said, adding elsewhere in the bulletin, "The family is concerned for the childrens well-being and is asking for the public's assistance in locating them.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Juaquin Vides Sr. Juaquin Vides Sr.

The LASD did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Sunday, Aug. 17.

According to the bulletin, Juaquin Jr. is 3 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 49 lbs. Aastha, meanwhile, is 3 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 35 lbs. They both have black hair and brown eyes, and Aastha also has a birthmark on her left foot, the bulletin states.

Juaquin Jr. was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt with a yellow stripe, and his sister was last seen in a green T-shirt "with white flowers."

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Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sylvia Gonzalez Sylvia Gonzalez

As for the suspects, Juaquin Sr. is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs 220 lbs. and has brown hair and brown eyes. Sylvia is 5 feet, 1 inches tall, weighs 233 lbs., and has gray hair and hazel eyes.

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The LASD said that anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, South Los Angeles Station Detective Partida or the on-duty Watch Commander at (323) 820-6700.

Read the original article on People
DENVER (KDVR)  A man and a woman are facing charges including abuse of a corpse and theft after allegedly not reporting the death of a man with whom the two were in a three-way relationship, according to a Lakewood police affidavit.

James Agnew and Suzanne Agnew are charged in Jefferson County court in the death of James Jim ONeill, who police in the affidavit said died sometime between Dec. 10 and Dec. 20 in 2023, after ONeills family reported in June this year that they hadnt heard from him since 2019.

4 injured after vehicle drives through sports bar patio, driver in custody: CSP

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Police alleged the two were still collecting on ONeills social security benefits even after his 2023 death and took more than $17,000. ONeill has also called Jeffcom dispatch weeks before his suspected date of death about being worried his roommate would hurt him

The two are charged with:

Tampering with a deceased human body

Theft between $5,000 and $20,000

Abuse of a corpse

Unauthorized use of a financial transaction device between $5,000 and $20,000

According to the affidavit, ONeills brother on June 19 requested a welfare check on him at an address in Lakewood after his family hadnt heard from him since 2019 aside from a phone call in 2021.

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At the residence, in the 3400 block of South Ammons Street, James Agnew met with officers and appeared to pretend he was James ONeill, identifying himself only a James and telling officers he didnt want any contact with ONeills family, according to the affidavit.

After ONeills family later told officers James Agnew was not ONeill, officers returned to the residence. James Agnew told the officers that ONeill had never lived at the residence, then corrected and said he lived there for a few months then moved out.

Suzanne Agnew also reiterated this supposed fact, according to the affidavit.

ONeills brother gained access to ONeills bank account information and found it had been regularly used and had a $967 monthly deposit from social security. The account was used for a transaction in June 2025 and had regular ATM withdrawals.

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Police reviewed surveillance footage from one ATM transaction and found a man matching James Agnews description using ONeills card to make a withdrawal.

Investigators also obtained a recording of a phone call ONeill had made on Dec. 3, 2023, in which he reported his roommate had made threats to him and he was worried about if he would carry out those threats.

On July 3, 2025, police executed a warrant to search the residence and detained James Agnew for a previous outstanding arrest warrant.

Suzanne then came to the door and told officers that they would find ONeills body in the residence. Detectives did find his body inside, according to the affidavit.

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Officers later interviewed Suzanne at a police station, where she told them about the intimate three-way relationship between herself, James Agnew and ONeill. She said they had lived together for many years.

Suzanne said she was with ONeill when he made the phone call to dispatch and that the two had been considering moving out of the residence because James Agnews behavior was becoming erratic.

She then said about a week or two later, the three went to sleep, and she woke up to find ONeill dead.

She said James Agnew had suggested calling the police, but Suzanne claimed she was not ready to give up Jim, according to the affidavit.

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Suzanne said there was no fight between James Agnew and ONeill, and she believed he died because of a medical issue.

She told officers they decided to cover ONeills body with an air mattress about a week after his death after some of her eight chihuahuas started chewing on his body, according to the affidavit.

Police also interviewed Jame Agnew, who reportedly told officers ONeills social security benefits were definitely a consideration when deciding if they were going to report his death.

James Agnew told officers he suspected drug use was involved the night of ONeills death.

According to online court records, Suzanne has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 27. James Agnew has arraignment hearings scheduled for Sept. 2 and Sept. 29.

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CHICAGO  A 29-year-old man was shot and killed in West Ridge on the citys North Side early Sunday morning, according to Chicago police.

31-year-old woman shot and killed in Bridgeport during attempted armed robbery Saturday night, according to police

Police say the man was sitting in a vehicle just after 5 a.m. in the 5800 block of North Mozart Street when an unknown offender approached him on foot, took out a gun and shot him multiple times in the body.

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The man was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

4 men shot near United Center late Saturday night, according to Chicago police

Police say nobody is in custody, and Area Three detectives are investigating.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Three people were killed and nine others wounded when up to four gunmen opened fire in a possible gang-related shooting at a Brooklyn hookah lounge around closing time early Sunday, authorities said.

It was the second mass shooting in the city in weeks  occurring after a nut stormed a swanky Midtown skyscraper late last month and shot dead four innocent people before turning the gun on himself.

I can easily stand here and tell you that we have driven down crime, that we have removed over 2,000 illegal guns off our street, a grim-faced Mayor Eric Adams told reporters during a briefing on Sundays violence and mentioning the other recent mass shooting.

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I can give you those numbers and those stats. But that does not comfort those who are victims of gun violence, he said.

Police at the scene of a shooting inside Taste of the City Lounge at 903 Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, on Aug. 17, 2025. LoudLabsNYC

Cops responded to 911 calls of a shooting inside the Taste of the City Lounge at 903 Franklin Ave. in Crown Heights  less than a half mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum  just before 3:30 a.m., NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at the press conference.

The club was packed when the bullets flew, the commish said  with detectives later recovering 42 shell casings from multiple .9mm and .45-cabliber weapons.

The three people killed were men ages 27, 35 and 19, cops said. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two died at the hospital, Tisch said.

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The shooting was apparently sparked by a dispute between the 19- and 35-year-old  with the older man a suspected member of the Folk Nations gang, sources said.

Cops have grainy video from inside the hookah bar that shows the two men pulling out weapons and firing, then two other men following suit, ending patrons scrambling, sources said.

The 27-year-old fatal victim appeared to be an innocent bystander caught in the cross-fire, sources said.

Tisch said at the briefing that innocent victims were among those shot.

Three people were killed and nine others wounded in the shooting. LoudLabsNYC

What we know preliminarily is that there was a dispute inside the crowded club that led to the shooting. We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident, she said.

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At this time, no one is in custody, and the shooting preliminary appears to be gang-related.

A gun recovered nearby, around Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway, is believed to be tied to the shooting, sources said.

Medical examiner technicians remove a body from Taste of the City Lounge. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post

One witness, a 39-year-old man who didnt want to give his name, said he saw one of the victims get shot dead.

Hes a regular, he wasnt doing nothing. Nothing to do with it  Hes just outside the bathroom, hitting a hookah, dead, the man told The Post.

A friend of the older victim said he poked his head inside the doorway and saw his pal being treated.

All I heard was what sounded like fireworks, the witness, RoyJawn Philips, said Sunday. I didnt learn it was real shots until I went to check if my friend was ok and saw CPR being performed.

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When I saw the CPR, I knew the sound I heard wasnt fireworks.

The nine wounded victims  six men and three women  were taken to local hospitals with what cops said were non-life-threatening injuries.

The oldest injured victim was 61.

We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year weve seen on record in the city of New York, Tisch said. Something like this is, of course, thank god, an anomaly and its a terrible thing thats happened this morning.

Cops in hazmat suits were seen going into the club on Sunday morning. Other video, posted on X, showed officers inside the business near a pool of blood and broken glass.

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Officers went into a Foodtown grocery store next door to the club and asked for video footage from the store, a worker inside told The Post.

Ive been in there. Its tight in there, the worker said. Its like 12 ft wide, and it goes all the way back, you know its long it goes back 30 or 40 yards but its tight.

Paramedics load a wounded man onto a stretcher after the shooting. LoudLabsNYC

There are tables on either side and the bar down one side. Theres not much room in there with the bar and the tables, he said.

Taste of the City Lounge serves American and Caribbean plates with a full bar, hookah, and DJs.

The business, which opened in 2022, was the scene of another shooting in November 2024. There were non-fatal injuries in that shooting.

Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Posts signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!

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Many locals said the lounge has been plagued by problems since it opened.

Its not surprising. Anyone who says theyre shocked is lying for the cameras, a woman in her late 40s who lives across the street said, attributing the violence to gang kids.

Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Pastor Montrose, and AT Mitchell attend a press conference in Brownsville, Brooklyn, following a mass shooting the night before. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post

Theyve been fighting lots of times, all summer. Yelling and screaming at each other. Its just over and over, she said.

Another neighbor, who gave his name only as Allen, 66, and lives several doors down from the lounge, said he frequently hears arguments and fights there.

I hear them cursing and screaming. You can hardly sleep without hearing them yelling. Arguing when they take it outside, he said.

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Locals said the crowd inside the club skews young, with one, who gave her name as Florence, 77, recalling The other night, kids came running out of there, yelling, screaming  I was shocked. They were so young.

The super of the building opposite the lounge said it had been different under previous management.

The guy who owned it before, he was good, he said. It was an older crowd, and there really wasnt much trouble, but then he sold it, and it got bad. Young people yelling every night.

-Additional reporting by Nicholas McEntyre and Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
NEED TO KNOW

A mom recently took her 3-year-old daughter and 76-year-old mother for coffee and ice cream at the Hazelnut Cafe in Ocean County, N.J.

While paying at the register, her daughter accidentally broke a $1,600 stone table

The mom claims the cafe owner wouldn't let her leave before handing over her credit card and driver's license

One mom is going viral after sharing an unexpected mishap at a local cafe  and how she resolved things with the owner.

In a TikTok video that has racked up nearly 12 million views, a mom  who goes by beautihut on social media  explained how she recently took her 3-year-old daughter and 76-year-old mother for coffee and ice cream at the Hazelnut Cafe in Ocean County, N.J.

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The woman was paying at the register while they waited at a table, when she suddenly heard a loud bang. She looked over and saw that the 600-lb. stone table had broken into hundreds of pieces after her daughter had tried to push it away from herself. The mom recalled that she immediately began freaking out.

She pushed through the crowd to reach her daughter to make sure she was okay and also checked on her mom, who was both nervous and embarrassed. She then approached the cafe staff, offering to pay for any damages.

"I said, 'Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do. What could I do to make this right?' " she recounted in the video. "My daughter, she's not crying, she's not reaching for Mommy, she's just kinda frozen and scared and nervous."

"When the owner got on the phone, I said, 'Oh my god, I'm so sorry, we're so embarrassed.' My daughter even kept saying, 'I'm so sorry,' " she continued. "The owner said, 'Well, the table is almost $2,000  it's $1,600  so you can't leave until I have your license and a credit card.' "

In the moment, the mom explained, she needed to leave to ensure her daughter was not hurt, especially since pieces of the table had broken off.

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But despite giving her and her husbands emails and contact information, she claims she was not allowed to exit the cafe until she handed over her credit card and drivers license.

"I said, 'I have to call you back and we can figure it out, but I do have to take care of my kid,' " she explained in the video. "But anyway, it was a big scene, and all she kept repeating was, 'You break it, you pay for it.' "

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"I was completely humiliated and embarrassed and I've cried since," the woman added.

The mom said she was eventually able to leave the cafe and took her daughter to urgent care, where medical staff confirmed she was fine  just shaken up by the incident. She did not reveal whether the cafe ultimately charged her credit card and had her pay for the broken table.

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The mom posted about the situation on TikTok, seeking advice from viewers. Since then, nearly 40,000 people have commented, sharing their thoughts on the cafe incident and sending love to her daughter and family.

One commentator wrote, "Wait a minute! The owner flipped the narrative. U were right to apologize & tend to ur daughter. *Their* table is the problem & posed a big danger if a 3yo could push it over. Owner is [delusional] & mean."

"I feel like THEY are at fault here. How does a 3 yr old knock a heavy table over so easily?? They're lucky someone wasn't seriously injured!" said another, while one other TikTok user commented, "The Hazelnut cafe are lucky this story isnt VERY different."



PEOPLE has reached out to both the mom and Hazelnut Cafe for comment.

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The mom later shared an update on TikTok. She confirmed that the Hazelnut Cafe had reached out to apologize for how her family was treated. She said they accepted the cafe's apology" and were "satisfied.

We wish to move forward peacefully and do not wish to comment on this matter any further, she added.

Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

A woman has been charged with manslaughter after her 3-year-old daughter and a dog were found dead in her locked vehicle

Kelly Brown, 40, allegedly claimed to have fallen into a river in Maine on her way to take out trash when the tragedy occurred

The woman's bail has been set at $50,000

A woman has been charged with manslaughter after her 3-year-old daughter and a dog were found dead in her locked vehicle  during a time when she allegedly claimed to have fallen into a river on her way to take out trash.

The Penobscot County Sheriffs Office (PSCO) initially discovered the vehicle of 40-year-old Pennsylvania resident Kelly Brown outside a local business in Milford, Maine, on the evening of Aug. 9, according to Maine State Police (MSP).

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Inside the car, police officers discovered the young girl dead, and they later located the mother "nearby."

After calling in help, MSP arrested Brown, and she was booked at the Penobscot County Jail around 5 a.m. local time the following morning. During an appearance at Penobscot Judicial Center on Aug. 11, Brown was formally charged with manslaughter.

According to an affidavit and court documents obtained by CBS affiliate WABI, NBC affiliate WCHS and Boston.com, Brown told police that she left her daughter in the car while she was picking up trash in the area, but she fell into the Penobscot River and was swept away."

A spokesperson for the MSP did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for confirmation on Sunday, Aug. 17. Attorney information for Brown was not immediately available.

Wangkun Jia / Alamy Stock Photo Maine State Police vehicle Maine State Police vehicle

According to court records obtained by WABI, police assert that Brown left her child and a small dog inside the parked car in a Milford Freshies parking lot around 2 a.m. local time on Aug. 9.

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She briefly returned to the vehicle around 6 a.m., but apparently did not come back again until police and EMS arrived 14 hours later, the outlet said.

Brown, her daughter Fiona and their 13-year-old family dog Penelope left Pennsylvania on July 30 for an annual trip to see family in Maine. According to Boston.com, Brown's mother claimed she had been "hallucinating" and posting disturbing videos on Facebook since late July.

The mother, the daughter and their pet had been camping alongside rest stops on their way back to their family camp. Brown told authorities that she wanted to teach Fiona about keeping nature "clean."

Brown said her daughter and the dog were alive when she last left them in the vehicle. She claimed that she then slipped and fell into the river and was fighting to stay above water," according to the affidavit obtained by Boston.com.

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Police found the child's body "resting, face down, on the drivers side seat very close to the drivers side door," while the dog's head was resting on her foot, the outlet reported.

Brown's family later reported her to police, stating that she had been acting odd and claiming she had been seeing spirits, per WABI.

The affidavit obtained by Boston.com alleges that Brown began to scream when she learned of the deaths of her daughter and dog.



While Brown, who was covered in scratches and bruises, told police that she fell into the river, surveillance footage allegedly contradicted her claims, according to WABI and WCHS, and her clothes were not wet by the time she returned to the vehicle.

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Kelly Browns alternative explanation for abandoning her daughter and dog in the locked closed car on a hot August day contradicts the surveillance video and observations of the law enforcement officers when she appeared on the scene and was later interviewed, the affidavit said, per Boston.com.

According to WABI and WCHS, a judge placed Brown's bail at $50,000.

Police said they found no other signs of the possible causes of death for the child beyond heat exposure. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta then determined the girl's probable cause of death was the result of being left in the car for hours on end, WCHS reported.

Attorneys and the judge agreed to meet again on Sept. 26, according to WCHS. Brown's case will then go in front of a grand jury.



Read the original article on People
CHICAGO  A 31-year-old woman was shot and killed Saturday night during an attempted armed robbery in Bridgeport on the citys South Side, according to Chicago police.

Police say the woman was outside in the 800 block of West 27th Street around 8:45 p.m. when she was shot at by an unidentified male offender from a dark-colored sedan. Upon further investigation, police say the offenders were attempting to rob the woman.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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She was shot once in the chest and taken to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police say nobody is in custody, and Area One detectives are investigating.

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CHICAGO  Four men were shot late Saturday night on the citys Near West Side, close to the United Center, according to Chicago police.

31-year-old woman shot and killed in Bridgeport during attempted armed robbery Saturday night, according to police

Police say nobody is in custody, and the four victims were unable to provide details of the incident, which happened around 11 p.m. in the 2400 block of West Jackson Boulevard.

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However, according to police, a 32-year-old man was taken to an area hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to the body, and a 36-year-old man was taken to an area hospital in serious condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Officer-involved shooting in Batavia leaves 28-year-old man dead

Additionally, police say a 22-year-old man was grazed in the knee and taken to an area hospital in good condition, and a 19-year-old man was grazed in the nose and taken to an area hospital in good condition.

Detectives are investigating the incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  For the first time since they joined the Oregon Nurses Association, the frontline nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham voted to authorize a strike, but did not set a strike date.

The 400 registered nurses voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, ONA officials said in a Saturday release.

What to do if you did not receive Thursdays Multnomah County emergency alert test

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They said theyve been bargaining for nearly two years over pay, recruiting and retaining staff, patient care and benefits, all to no avail.

We dont want to strike, but if management continues to slow-roll negotiations, we are united and ready to act, Lillie Charron, a nurse at Legacy Mount Hood and ONA vice-chair of the bargaining team, said in a statement.

There are mediation sessions already scheduled for August 22 and August 28. ONA officials said if a deal isnt reached, the nurses are prepared to strike.

Legacy Mount Hood (Courtesy photo: Legacy Health via Pamplin Media Group)

Legacy Mount Hood Medical joined the union in April 2023 after opposing a plan to close the Mount Hood Birthing Center. The Oregon Health Authority blocked that closure and the nurses joined the union that same month.

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In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Legacy Health officials said: We remain hopeful we can reach agreement with our nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center ahead of a strike, and we continue to engage in good faith bargaining with the Oregon Nurses Association as we work to reach an agreement which benefits our employees, patients and the communities we serve.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Seven European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday in a bid to end the war against Russia.

Zelensky and Trump announced the meeting on Saturday. On Sunday, it was disclosed they will be joined by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Macron, after appearing in a video conference with several European leader, said Sunday that "our goal for tomorrow's talks is to present a united front between Ukraine and its European allies" and warned "if we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflict."

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Zelensky last saw Trump in the White House on Feb. 23. During the contentious meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III" and being "disrespectful" to the United States. Plans for a cease-fire and a news conference were called off.

Two months later, the two leaders met amicably when they went to the funeral for Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 26.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference with European Commission Ursula van der Leyen and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of a "coalition of the willing." Pool photo by Philippe Magonic/EPA

Zelensky and von der Leyen met in Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday, joining a "coalition of willing," who are Ukraine's main European allies, in a video conference.

"There is a strong consensus among the Coalition countries on the need to continue supporting Ukraine," Finland's Stubb posted on X. "Europe and the United States are further strengthening their common position."

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European Council President Antonio Costa said after the video meeting that "transatlantic unity is paramount at this moment" for a lasting peace in Ukraine in welcoming the U.S. willingness to seek security guarantees to Ukraine.

European leaders on Saturday signed a joint statement that, "as President Trump said, 'there's no deal until there's a deal.' As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks, including President Zelensky, whom he will meet soon."

In addition to the attendees of Monday's meeting in Washington, the statement was signed by Costa and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight -- Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden -- said in a statement that there should be "no decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine and no decisions on Europe without Europe."

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Trump posted Sunday morning on Truth Social "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED."

Minutes earlier, he also criticized the media in two posts, writing that "if I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal. That's why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA."

Earlier, he wrote that "it's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me. There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Biden's stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!"

It had been more than 24 hours since he posted about the war in Ukraine.

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After speaking with Zelensky and European leaders following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska, he wrote that "it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up."

This stance shifted to an end to the 3 1/2-year-old war that began with Russia's invasion of the sovereign nation.

Zelensky was not invited to the summit with the two leaders.

CNN reported Trump told the Europeans he wants a summit among himself, Putin and Zelensky on Friday if talks go well on Monday with Ukraine's leader.

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While many nations' leaders support Ukraine, Putin turned to his allies on Sunday. He held a phone call with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Information from Putin and Trump has been light on details. They spoke to reporters for a total of 12 minutes and took no questions on Friday.

They didn't mention whether Russia or Ukraine will give up land acquired during the war.

The three-on-three meeting included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also is Trump's national security adviser, as well as Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff. They both spoke on Sunday TV talk shows with some slight differences in their perceptions of the meeting.

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"We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remains some big areas of disagreement," Rubio said on ABC's This Week. "So, we're still a long ways off. I mean we're not at the precipice of a peace agreement, we're not at the edge of one, but I do think progress was made."

On NBC's Meet the Press, Rubio downplayed sanctions on Russia. "I don't think new sanctions on Russia are going to force him to accept the cease-fire. They're already under very severe sanctions."

"We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again," Rubio said on CBS's Face the Nation, adding "both sides are going to have to give, and both sides should expect to get something from this."

Witkoff, who served as Trump's envoy to the Middle East, said he saw some progress.

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"The point was that we began to see some moderation in the way they're thinking about getting to a final peace deal," Witkoff said in an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN's State of the Union. "We made so much progress at this meeting with regard to all the other ingredients necessary for a peace deal that we, that President Trump pivoted to that place."

Putin spoke about "land swaps" during the meeting, Witkoff said, but did not go into specifics beyond that the Russian leader is now suggesting swaps occur at the current front lines rather than the administrative boundaries of at least some of the regions.

"The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions," Witkoff said. "Hopefully, we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there."

The Trump administration has said it is up to Zelensky to accept a deal, and noted that Zelensky has opposed land swaps.

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Trump told the European leaders that Putin insists Ukraine allow Russia to totally control the Donbas region in Eastern Ukraine where intense fighting has taken place since 2022, two sources told The New York Times. In exchange, he would freeze the current front lines elsewhere in Ukraine -- the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia -- and promised not to attack Ukraine again or any other European nation.

Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk, which represents 30% of the eastern region. Russia had partially seized the Donbas in 2014 when the nation annexed the Crimean peninsula and captured key areas of the region in 2022.

Witkoff also said Putin agreed to allow a collective defense provision for Ukraine in a peace deal.

For the first time, Witkoff said Putin offered a version of NATO's Article 5 provision -- that the group's members will come to the defense of an ally under attack -- with Ukraine, but without involvement from NATO.

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"We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee," Witkoff said on CNN.

"Putin has said that a red flag is NATO admission," Witkoff said. "And so what we were discussing was assuming that that held, assuming that the Ukrainians could agree to that and could live with that -- and everything is going to be about what the Ukrainians can live with -- but assuming they could, we were able to win the following concession that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection."

Putin hasn't spoken directly about aspects of a possible peace deal.

Zelensky thanked the European nations' support since the beginning of the war in February 2022, and said "sanctions show we are serious."

"We need real negotiations, which means they can start where the front line is now," Zelensky said at a news conference with the EU's von der Leyen. "The contact line is the best line for talking [...] Russia is still unsuccessful in Donetsk region. Putin has been unable to take it for 12 years, and the Constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land.

"Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia and the trilateral Ukraine-United States-Russia. So far, Russia gives no sign that trilateral will happen, and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow."

Zelensky said he wanted more clarity on the "security guarantees" from Trump.

Unlike Trump, Zelensky has urged for a cease-fire before a peace deal.

"First, we have to stop the killings," Zelensky said. "Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them, and if there are really as many as we heard, then it will take time to go through them all.

"It's impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons. So it's necessary to cease-fire and work quickly on a final deal. We'll talk about it in Washington. Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must do it," the Ukrainian president said.

Von der Leyen, noting Ukraine must become a "steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders," said there must be no limitations on Ukraine's military.

"We must have strong security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe's vital security interests. Ukraine must be able to uphold its sovereignty and its territorial integrity," she said.

Pope Leo XIV posted on X on Sunday: "Let us pray that efforts to bring wars to an end and to promote peace may bear fruit, and that in negotiations the common good of peoples may always be placed first."

Situation in Ukraine

Russia continued aerial attacks overnight with five people dead and at least 11 injured in Ukraine's Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson regions, local authorities said.

A 15-year-old boy was killed in a Russian attack in the village of Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian officials said. The boy's parents, younger brother and sisters were injured.

Russia launched 60 long-range drones and one ballistic missile, according to Ukraine's Air Force, as 40 other drones were downed by Ukrainian defenses.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said 46 drones were intercepted from Ukraine. One person was injured in Russia's Voronzh region from debris, the local governor said.

In central Kyiv at a market, the BBC reported few people were hopeful about the meeting on Monday.

"The signs don't tell us about good expectations for tomorrow," said 35-year-old Iryna Levchuk while picking fruit and with her dog Susy, rescued from the frontline city of Kherson.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  New York has the Statue of Liberty. Californias got the Hollywood Sign and the Golden Gate Bridge. Missouri has the Gateway Arch. What monument comes to mind when you think of Michigan?

Some may think theres an obvious answer  I do  but it turns out plenty of Michiganders believe its up for debate.

So what is it? We took the question to News 8s viewers. Here are the top 8 responses.

PAUL BUNYAN

The statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Oscoda, Michigan. (Courtesy Oscoda AuSable Chamber of Commerce)

Several people mentioned the Paul Bunyan statue in Oscoda. The 13-foot tall statue is a fun, campy way to celebrate a piece of local folklore, especially since the state of Michigan declared the city the legends official birthplace in 2006.

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The earliest stories of Paul Bunyan first appeared in print in 1906 in the Oscoda Press, written by a man who previously worked as a lumberjack before becoming a newspaper editor.

One hometown isnt enough for such a larger-than-life folk hero. Several other places claim Bunyan as one of their own, including cities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine and even Nova Scotia. Staying true to form, Oscodas statue isnt the only Paul Bunyan monument in Michigan. There are also monuments in Manistique, St. Ignace and Ossineke, about 35 miles north of Oscoda.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MONUMENT

The Underground Railroad Monument in Battle Creek depicts Harriet Tubman and Sarah and Erastus Hussey, two outspoken residents who opened their home to African Americans escaping slavery in the south. (Courtesy Calhoun County Visitors Bureau)

Michiganders take pride in their ancestors role of fighting to end slavery. Battle Creek was one of the key stops on the famous Underground Railroad, which helped slaves from the South make their way to freedom. To honor the memory, a monument was resurrected in the city.

The sculpture, 28 feet long and 14 feet tall, features Harriet Tubman on one side and Sarah and Erastus Hussey on the other. As Quakers, the Husseys were outspoken opponents of slavery and played a prominent role in the city.

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Tubman never actually passed through Battle Creek, but another popular abolitionist made Battle Creek her home. After escaping slavery in New York, Sojourner Truth eventually settled in Michigan and lived in Battle Creek for nearly 30 years before she died in 1883.

THE SOO LOCKS

(Courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District)

The Soo Locks arent necessarily a monument, per se, but they are such a feat of human genius and so vital to the American economy that they certainly deserve the recognition.

The locks, set on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, date back to the middle of the 19th century. The locks allow ships to navigate a 21-foot drop and bypass a set of rapids to painlessly access Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

The locks typically handle more than 80 million tons of cargo each year, including virtually all of Americas iron ore. Closures can result in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses.

THE FIST

A 2017 file photo of the Monument to Joe Louis at Detroits Hart Plaza. (Getty Images)

The Fist may be more representative of Detroit than Michigan as a whole, but its more than cool enough to merit a mention. The giant sculpture, a 24-foot bronze model of Joe Louis right arm, hangs in the air, suspended by a 24-foot-tall pyramid. It was dedicated to the boxer in 1986.

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The sleek sculpture has become a symbol for the city, embracing adversity with grace and toughness, just like Louis.

The world heavyweight champion from 1937 until a temporary retirement in 1949, Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. One of his biggest wins was against Max Schmeling in 1938. It was fought in the shadow of the growing Third Reich and anti-Nazi sentiment, putting Louis in an odd spot of being both championed by the country and hated for being a successful African American.

THE GRAND HOTEL

A 2011 file photo shows a horse drawn taxi drive by the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. (AP file)

Mackinac Island! Fudge! Arch Rock! Horses Mackinac Island on its own stands out as a Michigan treasure, and the Grand Hotel is the islands crown jewel.

The Grand Hotel has welcomed vacationers for nearly 140 summers, offering luxury, relaxation and a unique blend of timeless Americana. The hotel has hosted five U.S. presidents, Thomas Edison and even lectures from Mark Twain.

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The Grand Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and declared a national landmark in 1989.

BIG RED

A 2022 file photo of Hollands Big Red lighthouse. (WOOD TV8 file)

A lot of viewers believe Michigans lighthouses epitomize the state, and Hollands Big Red lighthouse got the most love, so it makes the cut. And to be fair, it is awesome.

The lighthouse dates back to 1870, keeping watch over the Holland channel. The current structure, a steel tower, was built in 1907 and has been the backdrop of countless lakeshore photos and memories.

In 1971, the U.S. Coast Guard declared the lighthouse to be a surplus and could not justify maintaining it. Local residents started a petition, formed the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission and eventually took ownership of Big Red. Now, the Coast Guard comes out twice a year to inspect and maintain the light.

PICTURED ROCKS

A calm night at Pictured Rocks in Munising along the shores of Lake Superior. (WOOD TV8 file)

Not necessarily a monument, just pure unadulterated natural beauty. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of my favorites and arguably one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet. And its right here in Michigan.

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore pulls its name from the stretch of sandstone cliffs off the coast of Munising that have been slowly carved by groundwater that leaves streaks of color. Some cliffs have more patches of red, caused by residual iron, or yellow (limonite), black and white (manganese) and green and pink (copper).

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was founded in 1966. It protects 15 miles of cliffs and more than 100 miles of trails. The park regularly draws more than a million visitors each year.

THE MIGHTY MAC

An undated photo of the Mackinac Bridge at twilight. (Courtesy Michigan Department of Transportation)

The Mackinac Bridge was the most popular response, and for good reason. Part of what separates Michigan from every other state is our two peninsulas, so the icon that connects them is a perfect fit, particularly when that icon is an engineering marvel.

The bridge, which opened in 1957, is nearly 5 miles long and is considered the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. It is comprised of 42,000 miles of wire, weighing a combined 11,8409 tons. The bridge itself weighs more than 1 million tons, including more than 930,000 tons of concrete.

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More than 3.6 million vehicles typically cross the bridge each year. August is typically the bridges busiest month. According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, more than 640,000 thousand vehicles crossed last August.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

There are plenty of other monuments that merit consideration. Some of them arent exactly great fits. For example, the Calder in Grand Rapids  La Grande Vitesse for the uninitiated  is much more representative of the city compared to the state.

And there are a lot of other quirky options similar to the Paul Bunyan statue, but they simply arent as well known, like the roadside giraffe in Buckley or Penny the Truck-Eating Bridge in Lansing.

The great thing about the recognized monuments is that they illustrate part of what makes Michigan great. This state is home to history, to art, to nature and to so many diverse communities that make it unique.

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TWINSBURG, Ohio (WJW)  An 8-month-old baby boy was rescued from the basement of a burning home in Twinsburg on Sunday afternoon.

According to a press release from the Twinsburg Fire Department, at around 12:20 p.m., it was reported that a child was trapped inside as an active basement fire was taking place in a home on Simsbury Drive.

Shooting victim was trying to break up fight in the Flats: Police

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When Twinsburg police officers first arrived at the scene, they tried to enter the finished basement of the home but were turned back due to heavy smoke conditions, the release said.

According to the release, the fire department arrived at the scene shortly after. They made an aggressive attack on the fire and were able to locate the eight-month-old boy inside a basement room that was protected by a closed door.

Twinsburg firefighters rushed the baby outside through the smoke-filled basement, offering available cover, and began immediate treatment for smoke inhalation, the release said.

The baby was taken to University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center, where he is reportedly in good condition, the release said.

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2 injured after boat crashes into breakwall: USCG

According ot the release, several officers and the owner of the home were also evaluated for smoke inhalation on the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Two dogs and six cats that live inside the home were also located safely.

According to the release, fire damage to the home was contained to the basement area, with minor smoke damage throughout the home. Damage is estimated at over $90,000.

This fire remains under investigation.

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Pete Hegseth, widely considered the least qualified Defense secretary in American history, is hardly anyones version of the ideal Christian husband and father.

Only 45 years old, hes been married three times.

His first marriage  to his high school sweetheart  lasted a mere four years, deteriorating after Hegseth admitted to multiple extramarital affairs.

A couple of years later, he married his second wife, with whom he had three children. During that marriage, he fathered a child with a Fox News producer who eventually became his third wife.

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He paid off a woman who accused him of sexual assault (he denies the assault). He routinely passed out drunk at family gatherings and misbehaved in public when inebriated, according to numerous witnesses. His own mother once accused him of being an abuser of women, though she later retracted her claims when Hegseth was facing Senate confirmation.

Still, the Senates Republican majority, cowed by President Trump, confirmed his appointment. Hegseth has two qualities that Trump prizes above all others. He is blindly loyal to the president, and he looks good on TV.

After his installation, Hegseth proceeded to fire top military brass who happened to be Black or women or both. He has restored the names of Confederate generals to Army bases (Bragg and Benning). His petty "anti-woke" crusade led him to strip the name of the assassinated gay rights leader Harvey Milk, a former Naval officer who served honorably, from a Navy ship. And he has considered doing the same to a ship named in honor of the abolitionist and Civil War hero Harriet Tubman. He has said that women do not belong in combat roles, and has kicked out transgender soldiers, cruelly stripping them of the pensions they earned for their service.

In March, he shared classified information about an impending American airstrike in Yemen on an unsecured Signal group chat that included his wife, on purpose, and the editor of the Atlantic, by accident.

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He is, in short, the least serious man ever to lead this nations armed forces.

As if all that werent dispiriting enough, Hegseth is now in bed (metaphorically) with a crusading Christian nationalist.

Earlier this month, Hegseth made waves when he reposted on social media a CNN interview with Douglas Wilson, the pastor and theocrat who is working hard to turn the clock back on the rights of every American who is not white, Christian and male.

In the interview, Wilson expounded on his patriarchal, misogynistic, authoritarian and homophobic views.

Women, he said, should serve as chief executive of the home and should not have the right to vote. (Their men can do that for them.) Gay marriage and gay sex should be outlawed once again. We know that sodomy is worse than slavery by how God responds to it, he told CNNs Pamela Brown. (Slavery is "unbiblical," he avowed, though he did bizarrely defend it once, writing in 1990 a pamphlet that slavery produced in the South a genuine affection between the races that we believe we can say has never existed in any nation before the War or since.)

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When a new outpost of his church opened in Washington, D.C ., in July, Hegseth and his family were among the worshippers. CNN described Hegseths presence as a major achievement for Wilson.

All of Christ for All of Life, wrote Hegseth as he endorsed and reposted the interview. That is the motto of Wilsons expanding universe, which includes his Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, the center of his Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a network of more than 100 churches on four continents, parochial schools, a college, a publishing house and media platforms. All of Christ for All of Life is a shorthand for the belief that Christian doctrines should shape every part of life  including government, culture and education.

Wilson is a prolific author of books with titles such as Her Hand in Marriage, Federal Husband, and Reforming Marriage. His book Fidelity teaches what it means to be a one-woman man. Doubtful it has crossed Hegseths desk.

God hates divorce, writes Wilson in one of his books.

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Given the way sexual pleasure is celebrated in the Old and New Testaments, Wilson has a peculiarly dim view of sex. I mean, how many weddings have been graced with recitations from the Song of Solomon, with its thinly disguised allusions to pleasurable sexual intimacy? (Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.)

Wilsons world is considerably less sensual.

A man penetrates, conquers, colonizes, plants, he writes in Fidelity. A woman receives, surrenders, accepts. Mutual sexual pleasure seems out of the question: The sexual act cannot be made into an egalitarian pleasuring party. Ugh.

There is nothing particularly new here; Wilsons ideology is just another version of patriarchal figures using religion to fight back against the equality movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. They are basically the hatemongers of the Westboro Baptist Church dressed up in respectable clothing.

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Some people may conflate Christian nationalism and Christianity because they both use the symbols and language of Christianity, such as a Bible, a cross and worship songs, says the group Christians Against Christian Nationalism on its website. But Christian nationalism uses the veneer of Christianity to advance its own aims  to point to a political figure, party or ideology instead of Jesus.

What you have in people like Hegseth and Wilson are authoritarian men who hide behind their religion to execute the most unchristian of agendas.

God may hate divorce, but from my reading of the Bible, God hates hypocrisy even more.

Bluesky: @rabcarian

Threads: @rabcarian

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Two dogs were saved in a northeast Abilene house fire Friday afternoon.

On August 15 at about 3:40 p.m., crews responded to a fire in the 3500 block of East Lake Road. Once on scene, they found flames coming from the attached garage.

The Abilene Fire Department was able to contain the flames to the garage and attic, with estimated damages of $10,000. The occupants made it out safely, and two dogs were rescued.

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No injuries were reported, and the cause is attributed to an electrical wiring malfunction.

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The Brief

The Cherokee County District Attorneys Office said Jonathan Lee Patterson, 38, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with a 2024 SWAT standoff.

Deputies originally responded to Pattersons house after family members asked for a welfare check, according to police.

SWAT ended up rescuing Patterson after the house caught on fire.

He was sentenced to 20 years total: 15 in prison and 5 on probation.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - An Acworth man will spend 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to several crimes stemming from a SWAT standoff in Cherokee County.

The backstory

The Cherokee County District Attorneys Office said Jonathan Lee Patterson, 38, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, two counts of obstruction of an officer, attempted removal of a weapon from a public official, criminal damage to property in the first degree and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony on Aug. 12.

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The charges came from a March 2024 SWAT standoff in the Owl Creek Landing subdivision near Acworth.

Deputies originally responded to Pattersons house after family members asked for a welfare check, according to police. They said they arrived and discovered the front windows of the home had been shot out from the inside.

The SWAT team was called to the scene and a negotiator tried to contact Patterson. At one point, deputies said a rifle was pointed out the window at them and several shots were fired inside the home.

The SWAT team deployed a less-lethal gas munition into the home. Deputies said Patterson likely tried to suppress the gas canister with bedding, but instead sparked a fire that quickly engulfed the home.

Cherokee County firefighters wrap up fighting a fire at a home where a SWAT standoff occurred hours earlier in the Owl Creek Landing subdivision near Acworth on March 28, 2024. (FOX 5)

As the flames spread, the SWAT team entered and pulled Patterson out. He suffered only minor injuries, deputies said.

What they're saying

"This incident garnered swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies, with dozens of officers on scene at the height of the chaos caused by this defendant," said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway. "We are grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who risked their lives, exercised extreme restraint, and safely ended this standoff."

What's next

The judge sentenced Patterson to 15 years in prison and five years on probation. During that time, he must receive mental health treatment. He must also perform 240 hours of community service, avoid illegal drugs and alcohol, possess no firearms and follow other special conditions.

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Prosecutors said the sentence for possession of a firearm will be suspended if Patterson completes the Integrated Treatment Program.

The Source

Information in this article came from the District Attorney of Cherokee County. It includes some original reporting from Denise Dillon who was at the scene in 2024.
At the end of July, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management revealed in a statement that it was revoking a designation of over 3.5 million acres of federal waters for wind development, effectively killing offshore leasing for the foreseeable future.

Critics say the Trump administration acted counterproductively to its stated goals of boosting energy security and independence.

What's happening?

On July 30, BOEM announced that it would redesignate all Wind Energy Areas on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, making them ineligible for wind development.

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The previous day, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum had announced that the Department of the Interior would no longer offer "special treatment" for wind centers.

Burgum also referred to wind technology as "unreliable"  flouting the recommendations of energy experts who say wind development boosts grid stability and would lower electricity costs in New England, particularly in winter, according to Aurora Energy Research.

"My read on this is that there is not going to be any leasing for offshore wind in the near future," a career DOI employee told Canary Media.

Why is this important?

While no energy source is perfect, wind can be a highly beneficial part of the energy mix for multiple reasons, particularly when comparing it to the downsides associated with dirty fuels and considering advancements in wind technology.

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For one, wind is one of the safest forms of energy in terms of death rates from accidents and air pollution  the latter of which directly contributes to millions of annual premature deaths. (Only solar and nuclear account for fewer deaths per terawatt hour of production, whereas coal, oil, and natural gas are the deadliest, per Our World in Data.)

Wind projects are also generally easier to build quickly at scale than dirty energy ones, making them a powerful near-term and long-term solution in mitigating oscillations in the grid. In other words, wind farms can help prevent widespread outages during times of stress, as the Wind Energy Technologies Office explained in a 2018 news release for the U.S. Department of Energy.

What's being done about this?

Canary Media wrote that the revoked offshore wind areas "could hypothetically be redesignated by a future administration or the policy reversed," according to the DOI employee.

Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

However, many experts are scratching their heads because the designations already went through multiple rounds of approval and received input from the public.

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The Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and NASA were all deeply involved in the process  along with fishers, tourism operators, and other stakeholders  before one of the rescinded wind areas was approved, per Canary Media.

This comes as building a reliable grid may be more important than ever before, particularly with the boom of energy-intensive industries, such as artificial intelligence, that rely on data centers.

To that end, the White House announced in July it would facilitate a "rapid and efficient buildout" of infrastructure to support data center development as part of plans to usher in "a golden age for American manufacturing and technological dominance."

However, critics fear the project's focus on dirty fuels as part of its energy infrastructure will lead to an environmental and public health disaster. There is a silver lining, though.

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While wind isn't part of the data center plans, the Trump administration hasn't closed the door on all clean or low-carbon energy projects.

The White House named geothermal and nuclear as valued energy sources to support data center infrastructure. You can make your thoughts known on the issue of clean energy by contacting your representatives and participating in community town halls.

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.
(FOX40.COM)  A man has been arrested after trying to burn a house down with his elderly parents inside on Saturday evening, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office.

The sheriffs office said that just before 5 p.m., Central Division Patrol Deputies responded to a home in the 3600 block of 45th Avenue for a welfare check.

Woman killed after ejected from a vehicle in Burson

SCSO said that its deputies learned from family members that Somekitt Say, who is 37 years old, got into an argument with his 80-year-old father and then tried to burn the house down with his elderly parents still inside the home.

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Family members were able to put out the fire before emergency personnel arrived; however, Say had fled on foot, SCSO stated.

After a while, responding deputies searched the area and located him a short distance away, according to SCSO. Say was taken into custody without incident and has been transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail.

SCSO stated that Say is being charged with two felony counts and is ineligible for bail.

Image: Sacramento County Sheriffs Office

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Gov. Bob Fergusons history with the NAACP goes back to his days in college when he began reading books about the law.

He told a crowd of about 200 people outside the new permanent home of the NAACP of Tri-Cities about how he read the history of lawyers who used the law to bend the country toward justice.

The organization opened the doors on a new chapter by converting a former doctors clinic into their new offices. They celebrated at a Saturday event where the governor came to speak.

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Ferguson told the crowd that he interned with the NAACP legal defense fund in New York when he was in law school.

Which, as you can imagine, (was) a very formative experience. Its one thing to have classroom work. Its another thing to see actual lawyers right in the courtrooms advocating for justice in real time and in real, tangible ways.

It was through that experience that he learned how important it was for people to have advocates helping them navigate the often confusing world of the law.

The new building for the NAACP of Tri-Cities opened its doors Saturday. Chapter President Irving Brown said the new building offers a safe place for people to come with their problems.

Its difficult to navigate a legal system if youre a single parent with two kids, working two jobs. Youre busy. You got a lot going on, Ferguson told the Tri-City Herald in an interview. We need organizations like the NAACP and organizations like that all across the state that stand up for workers and for other communities to be a voice for them.

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He took that into his work with the Washington State Attorney Generals Office, where he opened a civil rights division to help people.

Ferguson said the ribbon cutting was an important event to travel to since it showed the community coming together.

For events like that, that are grounded in community. I think its important for me to express support from my office, but to also express my desire to deepen our partnerships that we have with communities all across our state, he said.

He told the crowd at the event that he would continue to work for justice for everyone in Washington.

That work is critical. The state is not perfect. We need your partnership. We need your help. We need your advocacy, and thats why I wanted to be here personally, to say how much I deeply appreciate that and appreciate the wonderful, wonderful legacy of this incredible organization right here in the Tri-Cities.

NAACP of Tri-Cities Chapter President Irving Brown speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new offices of the NAACP of Tri-Cities chapter building.

For Advocacy Work

NAACP of the Tri-Cities Chapter President Irving Brown said this new building will provide people a safe place to come and seek help.

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(The building gives) the opportunity to those without a voice or a minimized voice to sit in a space where they can truly speak their experience, Brown said.

The chapter has already engaged in advocacy for civil rights, addressing local racial and social injustices, voter engagement and educational opportunities.

The chapter, which was founded in 1948, has 55 members and depends on a base of about 20 volunteers, Brown previously told the Tri-City Herald.

The process of getting the new office only took a matter of weeks, Brown said. He was talking to Councilwoman Blanche Barajas about the need for a building, and within months they were opening the new space.

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This building was a blessing, he said. Something in me said, No more working from home. Weve got to create an atmosphere of safety and invitation.

The building they found was owned by Dr. Faustino Rojas, who agreed to work with the chapter to provide them a new location.

The building is located at 707 W. Margaret St.
An agricultural spray drone sprays a field of soybeans in Clear Lake, Iowa. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Across the country, farmers and small entrepreneurs are adding drones to their fleet of tools for tasks like spraying agricultural chemicals or spreading seeds for a cover crop.

Today, the majority of the ag-drone market is made up of Chinese manufactured machinery, which some federal laws seek to outlaw, largely due to national security fears.

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Those in the industry, however, wonder if the budding American ag-drone market is ready to fill the gaps in the event of a U.S. ban on Chinese drones  which could begin at the end of the year.

How and why drones?

Drones have slowly integrated into the agricultural sector. The price tags and ability to go out and spray right after a rain make them attractive options for farmers who would otherwise risk getting a spray rig stuck in the mud, or wait on the local aerial sprayer to fit them in their schedules.

Cory Maassen attended a spray drone workshop Tuesday in Clear Lake, Iowa, with his father, who farms corn and soybeans near Avoca, Iowa. The younger Maassen, who plans to take over the farm when his dad is ready, said he has been looking into drones as an option to add a supplementary revenue stream to the farm operation.

The Maassen property is under 1,000 acres, so Maassen figured adding a custom sprayer business could help build some longevity in the farm operation.

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To have a different income stream would be nice as well, Corey Maassen said. Its cheaper than buying new land, its cheaper than buying a new sprayer.

Maassens plan is in line with a lot of spray drone operators. Some farmers will buy a couple of drones for their property and make some cash spraying a neighbors field too. Others have built custom spraying businesses with a fleet of drones.

A traditional ag sprayer, one driven in the field, could cost upward of half a million dollars. A new spray drone costs between $25,000 and $60,000, depending on size. Granted, there is a tradeoff in time as a drone can spray a 20- to 30-foot swath at a time, compared to 120-foot booms that could come on a traditional sprayer.

This is a fraction of the cost, Maassen said. And if it holds up as well as what theyre saying it can, it pays for itself within a year or two.

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Doug Dodd, a drone specialist at Titan Pro in Clear Lake, where the workshop was hosted, said the biggest reason a farmer should think about a drone is it gives them control over when they spray.

Dodd said farmers also have the ability to tackle uneven terrains, seed a cover crop and perform multiple applications. To him, drone technology in ag is akin to his grandfathers generation adding tractors on their farms.

You know any farmers who  farm without a tractor? Dodd said. I really feel like if guys are apprehensive, theyre falling farther behind.

Disruption to the Chinese drone market could be imminent

Eric Ringer is the president of the American Spray Drone Coalition and vice president of partnerships for an Iowa City based spray drone retailer and software company.

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Ringer said the nature of the spray drone industry is that the majority of the technology comes from China.

The American Spray Drone Coalition represents nearly 80% of the ag spray drone market in the country and has opposed some legislation that would restrict the sale of Chinese drones in the U.S.

Last year Congress considered, and ultimately passed, the National Defense Authorization Act, which among many things, stipulated the Chinese-owned drone company DJI join the Federal Communication Commissions covered list unless a federal agency reviewed the company and determined it did not pose a threat to national security.

No agency has taken up the process to review the company and if none steps up by Dec. 23 of this year, DJI will join a slew of other Chinese companies on the covered list, and in essence be banned in the U.S.

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According to the American Spray Drone Coalition, Chinese-made drones account for about 90% of the market in the U.S. Ringer said it was estimated that around 80% of spray drone flights in the U.S. were done with DJI equipment as of 2024.

The reality is that the best drones on the market right now are from China, Ringer said. We need to do better, as a nation, in building up good domestic alternatives  but that doesnt happen magically by banning all drones from a certain country.

Ringer said the coalition advocates for consumer choice in the spray drone space and he said the coalition is supportive of legislation that can curb dependency on Chinese options without limiting options in the market.

We advocate for basic farmer choice, Ringer said. We want there to be lots of options on the market so that our farmers benefit from all the good things about competition in technology suppliers.

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Ringer said more competition means downward pressure on price and upward pressure on quality.

According to data from the American Spray Drone Coalition, more than 10.3 million acres were treated via spray drones in 2024, which represented $215 million in rural revenue  not from purchasing drones but from operators offering custom applications and other such services with the drones.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, penned a letter with other lawmakers urging the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to expedite a review of DJI and Autel to prevent the companies from defaulting to the covered list in December. No further action on this effort has been announced.

A DJI spokesperson wrote in an email the company has been urging the relevant agencies to conduct the audit required by Congress, and said the removal of DJI from the American market would have devastating ramifications on the U.S. economy.

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We made clear then  as we do now  that we welcome the opportunity to participate in a rigorous, transparent, and fair audit, the spokesperson said. We believe our products can stand up to scrutiny because our security protections and data privacy controls are real and robust.

The spokesperson also said DJI has also received certifications and security audits from industry experts and federal agencies.

According to the spokesperson, DJI products, which stretch beyond the agricultural sector, generate more than $116 billion in economic activity in the U.S.

Americas drone community deserves due process, the statement said. Today, thousands of farmers, first responders, small businesses, and others would be cut off from essential tools that enable them to operate safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

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Opponents of the Chinese drones fear the surveillance- and data-gathering capabilities of the drones pose a national security threat.

Ringer said if cybersecurity is a concern, then the focus should be on creating the same types of firewalls and security protections that are on foreign-made consumer electronics.

Ringer said U.S. options make up around 5% of all manufactured drones, not just ag drones, on the market. With such limited current capacity, he said legislation should urge U.S. drone manufacturers to focus on the high sensitivity use cases such as military drones and surveillance.

The National Defense Authorization Act is not the only threat to Chinese made drones.

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Certain shipments of DJI drones have been stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, due to concerns of forced labor under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. In a company blog post, DJI said the claims were entirely unfounded and categorically false.

In June, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the Homeland Security budget for fiscal year 2026, which had a provision that would stop U.S. Customs and Border Protections from admitting aerosol-dispensing unmanned aircraft system(s) produced or manufactured in a foreign adversary country.

Ringer said this legislation, if approved by the House and Senate as is, would mean our farmers are left hanging.

Another federal bill, which Ringer said was a good way to go about the issue, has a longer timeline for a Chinese drone ban and it offers grants to domestic manufacturers as they ramp up production.

The thing that we risk if we cut off our supply of drones today, is that the U.S. options are going to get rushed to market, because theres a huge vacuum there, and were going to deal with quality issues, Ringer said.

Ringer said the market has enough options right now that cutting off DJI wont break it. But, he worries about the impacts to the market if all Chinese drones and components are banned.

Texas-based ag drone company ready to step in

Hylio is a Texas-based drone and software company that was born out of a group of college engineering students who saw the potential of ag spray drones.

Currently, Hylio represents between 10%-15% of the U.S. spray drone market, and is the sole drone brand sold at Titan Pro in Clear Lake.

Hylios CEO Arthur Erickson said if DJI were banned in December, his company wouldnt fill the gap immediately, but it really wouldnt take us long to catch up.

Part of that is because there are only a few thousand operators in the U.S. that use ag spray drones. Right now, Erickson said, Hylio can make about 2,000 drones a year, but will be up to 5,000-6,000 annually once they reach full capacity in three or four years.

Erickson said he and his cofounders were not thinking about the geopolitical divide when they founded the company, but as they realized the dominance Chinese brands had on the market, the American-made promise became more of the companys ethos.

Its not that were against China or even DJI, Erickson said. It shouldnt be the only monopolistic option on the market. There should be a lot of different choices.

Erickson said the strategy to ban all Chinese drones could be a rip the Band-aid off method to force American drone companies to accelerate. This would increase demand for Hylio, but also encourage some of the younger U.S. manufacturers to become more competitive.

Its not going to be existential if theres a somewhat limited supply of these spray drones over the next two or three years as these American companies scale up, Erickson said. (Farmers) are not going to go out of business just because they didnt have spray drones for two or three years.

But, he said, some of the risks might come to other sectors of the drone market, like firefighters and police officers who have used drones to locate missing people, as some agencies did following the recent flooding events in Texas.

Erickson said there are certain elements about Chinese owned drones that worry him, including reported funding ties to the Chinese Communist Party and what he called anticompetitive business practices.

Chinas doing whats best for them, but we cant just sit back and let them completely dominate this industry, Erickson said.  It would be an existential threat to let any single entity, Chinese or not, have that amount of control.

Erickson said the bottom line is that China is on the chopping block and that its a serious factor for those purchasing drones to know that some Chinese models could be banned in a couple of months.

Maassen, the prospective buyer, said he was considering purchasing a Hylio drone for that very reason.

DJI, XAG (another Chinese drone company) are going to be cheaper in the buy out  thats the reality of it, Maassen said. Why would I want to buy that drone if Im not going to be able to service it  its not exactly a smart plan on my part.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
Against The Grain

Blake Lanning, director of field operations, loads wheat into a rail car at the Jessen Wheat Company on Jan. 21 north of Pine Bluffs. The organic grain elevator allows the staff to tailor protein content to each clients needs.

On the unforgiving plains of southeastern Wyoming sits the Jessen Wheat Company. Eleven miles north of Pine Bluffs, the farm survives in a dry, windy and oftentimes harsh and unpredictable climate, making farming difficult even by conventional standards.

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Like many Wyomingites, the Jessens are proud of their history, making inheriting the family farm a true honor. Clint Jessen took over his familys large-scale farming operation 25 years ago, which he now runs with his wife, Ashley.

The Jessens farm somewhat differently than the majority of farmers in Laramie County, since being certified organic, regenerative and reduced till makes them unique.

Against The Grain

Clint Jessen and his wife, Ashley, owners of the Jessen Wheat Company, pose for a portrait in a wheat field on July 14, 11 miles north of Pine Bluffs, as harvesting takes place behind them. Their farm is a family affair. They have a small number of full-time employees, and their children work on the farm, as well.

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As of 2022, only 6% of farms in Laramie County are certified organic and only 7% are considered reduced till, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The worst thing I think I could be would be the same as everybody else, whether thats in life or at the farm level, Clint said.

Giving back to the soil

One practice that helps them stand out is regenerative farming.

We are doing it just for the benefit of the farm, rather than for the benefit of a premium, Clint said. Regenerative is more about giving back more than you take from the soil.

Each crop requires a certain amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Rather than continuing to farm the same crop in the same field year after year, substituting for a loss of nutrients with chemical fertilizers, the Jessens rotate crops to replenish nutrients naturally.

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(We) try to maintain this love for the soil, and realize that the soil is a healthy, breathing, live entity that requires care, Clint said.

Part of this process is a three-year crop rotation of peas, wheat fallow and millet. The purpose for the legume crop is purely for the benefit of the soil. Crops in the legume family are known as nitrogen-fixers, said Jessen Wheat Company Chief Operating Officer and farm foreman Jeremiah Johnson.

Against The Grain

Clint Jessen, co-owner of Jessen Wheat Company, holds peas at the farm on Jan. 21 north of Pine Bluffs. Jessen Wheat Company is a certified organic and regenerative farm. Peas are legumes, which serve as nitrogen fixers on the farm.

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The legumes take nitrogen out of the atmosphere and use it to make nodules on the roots, which put the nitrogen back into the soil system, Johnson said.

Transitioning to regenerative is our chance to put back what has been mined from these soils for decades, Johnson said. Its an all-natural way to bring this farm back up to the profile that it was before it was broken into farm ground.

Farming for the benefit of the soil also extends beyond just the farmland itself  it contributes to a larger regenerative movement.

The Jessen Wheat Company partners with Horizon Dairy farms in Colorado to get natural fertilizer in exchange for organic and regeneratively produced hay. They send a truckload of their hay bales down to Colorado for the cows to consume, and in return, they get a truckload of manure, which is spread on the wheat fields to promote healthy soil and healthy crops.

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Against The Grain

Three combines harvest wheat at the Jessen Wheat Company on July 14 north of Pine Bluffs. Wheat is the main crop grown on this large reduced-till farming operation.

The organic way

While the farm has always used organic practices, it wasnt until 2001 that they were offered an extra premium  becoming USDA-certified organic.

Beyond the premium, the Jessens said they were interested in producing organic food, seeing the health benefits to both organic farmers and the people who consume their food.

We do have very toxic farming practices in the United States. Things that are acceptable here are not acceptable in other places, Ashley said. As we travel and we learn and we meet people doing this in other places, we realize that we are essentially poisoning our food supply.

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The food they choose to eat as a family reflects this, Ashley said.

I think that our food is our future, she said. And so I want my kids eating a certain way, and I think if people knew more, they would want to be eating a certain way, too.

Though certification isnt required to conduct these practices, the Jessens do get certified annually. To be certified, the company must prove it has used no synthetic chemicals for at least 36 months prior to certification.

To maintain certification, organic farmers are required to document every bale of hay raised, every load of grain that goes into their organic grain elevator, every time they change the oil on the tractor and more. Each year is documented into extensive binders filled with detailed pieces of information.

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Against The Grain

Clint Jessen, co-owner of Jessen Wheat Company, explains the functions of their organic grain elevator on Jan. 21 north of Pine Bluffs. The organic-certified elevator allows them to tailor the protein content of each load of wheat that goes into the rail cars. They also allow other organic farmers to store grain in their elevator.

The organic grain elevator acts as a way for the Jessens to supplement their income in the winter. This element is a huge addition to their operation.

Not only do they store and ship their own grain, they allow other farmers to use their elevator, as well. Being on the railroad allows them to ship grain nationally.

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The grain elevator also must meet organic standards, and is designed to kill off pests through temperature controls, as opposed to using pesticides.

The elevator has a false bottom with large fans underneath. These fans suck up cold air, which is brought all the way out the top by fans placed in the top of the elevator.

This cold air freezes and kills the pests. The grain is kept at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it takes about 24 hours for the cool air to be sucked all the way up the elevator, Clint said.

The grain elevator allows total control over protein content and gives them the ability to tailor the grain to specific buyer needs, thus increasing the pool of buyers, he added.

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Recognized benefits

The Jessen Wheat Company didnt come to the conclusion that regenerative farming is better for soil health in a vacuum. Many soil scientists have observed the benefits of these regenerative practices.

If you remove plant diversity and only plant one crop, youre losing all the inputs to the soil of that plant diversity, said Jennifer Bell, soil microbial ecologist and assistant professor at the University of Wyoming.

Bells work focuses on the bacteria and fungi that live in the soil, what theyre doing, why theyre there and how they impact the ecosystem.

Monoculture cropping  the practice of growing a single crop in an area repeatedly  reduces microbial diversity, Bell said. This leaves the soil vulnerable to diseases and pests.

Taking everything out of the soil is harmful. Monoculture farming uses more fertilizer and chemical additives each year to balance out what is taken from the soil in each harvest.

In contrast, regenerative farming promotes healthy microbes and nitrogen and carbon balances, Bell said.

Against The Grain

Jeremiah Johnson, chief operating officer and farm foreman, spreads manure at the Jessen Wheat Company farm on Jan. 21. The Jessen Wheat Company provides organically produced hay to a Horizon Dairy farm in Colorado and receives a truckload of manure in return to spread onto their fields.

Organic farms are going to practice more sustainable practices like putting compost in, and theyre going to reduce their loads of synthetic fertilizers, like nitrogen. This is generally really good for the soil, Bell said. By adding things like compost, youre actually adding carbon back into the soil, so the more carbon we can store in the soil, the healthier its going to be for plants and plant productivity.

Regenerative farming also reduces tillage, the process of breaking up and turning over the soil. Farms that dont till, or do so minimally, see huge benefits in soil aggregation, Bell said. Tilling breaks up good aggregation and makes the soil prone to erosion, which has a negative impact on crops.

This way of farming also sequesters carbon within the soil. Another benefit of carbon sequestration is lower greenhouse gases, which helps fight climate change, Bell said.

Carbon in the soil is also going to serve as a food source for our soil microbes, Bell said. So its going to build happy soil communities, which, in turn, is going to provide nutrients for plants and keep your crops happy.

Stepping up

Clint Jessen is an only child and only grandchild. When his parents died, he became the only family member left to inherit the farm. Not only has he kept the farm running for the past 25 years, he has breathed new life into it, taking on new projects each year.

Our neighbors are looking at us like, Youre crazy, but then it worked, Clint said. Were not doing anything, like, magical or vastly different. Were just coming up with a new way to do the same type of things.

Against the Grain: Regenerative farming by Jessen Wheat Company
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  An aluminum fishing boat crashed with a commercial tugboat Saturday night on Pickwick Lake near Florence Harbor, causing the death of two boaters.

The crash happened at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the passengers of the fishing boat went overboard in the crash.

The Sheffield Fire Department says one person was found dead the night of the crash, and the second person was missing for over 36 hours before the Colbert County Sheriffs Office told News 19 their body was recovered Monday morning.

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CCSO told News 19 the boaters were identified as William Michael Sandlin, 63, and Edison Kim Wallace, 66.

(Photo: News 19)

(Photo: News 19)

(Photo: News 19)

The United States Coast Guard, ALEAs Aviation Unit and the ALEAs Marine Patrol Division took part in the search for the missing boater.

We did at one point have an area of interest that we were looking at after putting divers in the water. It was not the fisherman that we were looking for. It was a foreign object. So that was very frustrating, said Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine. You know, were trying to bring some closure at this point. Were dealing with more of a recovery than a rescue. Weve explained that to the family, and thats always tough. But were not going to quit until we can bring some closure and find their loved one.

Sheffield Fire Chief Matt Mothershed said that they had people searching for the boater by helicopter and boats in and out of the harbor searching for crash debris.

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They are bringing those pieces back to shore as evidence in the investigation into what caused this crash, Mothershed 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.
Air Canada is bracing for one of its most significant labor disruptions in recent history, announcing it expects to cancel several dozen flights by Thursday night and around 500 flights by the end of Friday. The move, which will impact roughly 100,000 passengers, comes ahead of a planned Saturday strike by the airlines unionized flight attendants.

Mark Nasr, Air Canadas chief operations officer, told reporters in Toronto that winding down service early is unavoidable given the complexity of a network that spans more than 250 aircraft and connects travelers to over 65 countries. Restarting operations after a complete stop, he said, could take as long as a week.

Its simply not the kind of system that we can start or stop at the push of a button, Nasr explained.

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The strike is set to begin August 16, after 99.7% of the airlines 10,000 flight attendants, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), voted in favor.

Widespread Travel Disruptions Loom

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FlightAware data showed Air Canada had already canceled 10 flights by Thursday afternoon. The airline, along with its low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge, serves about 130,000 customers daily and is the largest foreign carrier into the United States.

The looming strike could strand travelers, disrupt the peak summer tourism season, and pressure Prime Minister Mark Carneys Liberal government to intervene. Air Canada has formally asked Ottawa to impose binding arbitration  a move the union opposes.

U.S. partner airline United has already issued a travel waiver to accommodate affected customers.

Passengers Caught Between Support and Frustration

Passengers caught in the middle Unsplash

For passengers, the situation is a mixture of sympathy for workers and anxiety over ruined travel plans.

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David Nguyen, 28, a pharmacist vacationing near Cancun, said he worries his Friday return flight to Toronto could be canceled, leaving him stranded. If my flight does get canceled, I think thats where Ill be in a little bit of a pickle, Nguyen said, adding that Air Canada should just pay their flight attendants appropriately.

Summer Mehdi, 19, a Queens University student, said her familys long-planned trip from Toronto to Lisbon is now uncertain. We 100% agree with the strike happening, she said. We just wish there was more communication and I think its just like a stressful situation for everyone.

The Core Issue: Unpaid Work

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At the heart of the dispute is a longstanding industry practice  flight attendants are typically paid only when the aircraft is in motion. That means tasks like boarding passengers, performing safety checks, and waiting between flights are unpaid.

CUPE says Air Canadas latest proposal offers to start compensating some of this work, but at just 50% of the attendants regular hourly rate. The union argues that this undervalues essential labor and ignores the realities of the job.

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Earlier Thursday, Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to return to the bargaining table. CUPE claims its negotiators submitted a proposal earlier this week and have yet to hear back from the company. We believe the company wants the federal government to intervene and bail them out, a union spokesperson said.

Air Canadas Offer and Union Pushback

Air Canada offer and union push back Unsplash

Air Canada says it has offered a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, including a 25% raise in the first year. The airline insists it remains open to bargaining at any time on the condition that the negotiation has substance, according to Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, chief human resources officer.

Tensions flared during an Air Canada press conference Thursday when union members interrupted the event with placards reading, unpaid work wont fly and UnfAir Canada, forcing executives to end the session early.

Whats Next for Travelers

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With the strike scheduled to begin Saturday, passengers are urged to monitor flight status updates, explore alternative carriers, and review any travel waivers. The cancellations will primarily affect cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and key U.S. destinations.

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For now, the standoff between Air Canada and its flight attendants shows no sign of resolution  a labor dispute with the potential to ground not just flights, but the summer travel plans of thousands.

Air Canada Already Set to Cancel 500+ Flights Ahead of Flight Attendant Strike first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
Air Canada is less than two days away from a work stoppage, with flights being gradually suspended until flight attendants leave the job.

The Canadian airline began canceling flights on Thursday after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) provided its required 72-hour notice before going on strike. Negotiations between Air Canada and the union reportedly hit an "impasse" on Tuesday after eight months at the bargaining table.

For the past nine months, we have put forward solid, data-driven proposals on wages and unpaid work, all rooted in fairness and industry standards, said Wesley Lesosky, president of the Air Canada Component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, via CNN.

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To make up for the inconveniences customers will be facing, Air Canada says it will try to get passengers booked on flights with other companies. The organization is also allowing anyone schedule to fly on Air Canada between Aug. 15 and Aug. 18 to change their flight to a later date, as long as they bought their ticket no later than Aug. 13.

Customers with canceled flights are also eligible for a refund, but that might not be enough for many. On social media, Air Canada is taking a beating from many members of the public.

Air Canada customers letting their frustrations out

Judging by their complaints, many travelers are angry at Air Canada for allowing things to get to this point.

"Hey @AirCanada- 3 HOURS on hold, DMs and emails sent! ZERO response. You drop a 72 hour strike notice and then vanish like youre running a bike rental shop, not an airline. My Aug 16 flight is in limbo while last-minute fares skyrocket. Do better #aircanadastrike," one customer tweeted.

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"I will be heartbroken if I can't fly to Toronto on Sunday but my god, @AirCanada, your workers deserve so much better. I talk to flight attendants all the time and every single one is burnt out, frustrated with their working conditions and many are angry. They deserve better," a second customer added.

"Well - it took @AirCanada 10 years to win my loyalty & in 3 days it will have lost it," a third person tweeted. "Our flight home is Saturday & they havent cancelled it - so to change our flight to ensure we get home looks like it will cost us $2k  totally within their control - lost my trust!"

"It's astonishing that Air Canada would rather cut hundreds of flights than pay their workers for time when they are working," a fourth person said.

"When it comes to PR over the looming FA strike, youre losing BADLY, @AirCanada. Very, very badly. The public has firmly sided with the FAs," a fifth person chimed in.

How long will the Air Canada strike last?

The earliest flight attendants can leave the job is 1 a.m. ET Saturday. As of now, there's no indication of how long the lockout will last.

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Air Canada says approximately 130,000 customers per day may be affected, with travel in the United States also impacted as well.

Air Canada Passengers Send 'Warning' to Airline Ahead of Strike first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
U.S. Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez went above and beyond the service after service mentality when she volunteered to donate life-saving organs not just once, but twice. In a rare and heroic act, she donated one of her kidneys to save the life of a fellow veteran. Then, she did something very few people have ever done, let alone knew was possible: she donated 40% of her liver, saving yet another human life.

Only 280 people in the United States are living double organ donors, and Lindsay Gutierrez is one of them.

Im now one of only about 280 people in the United States  just 0.000084% of the population  who have become dual living organ donors, Gutierrez told We Are The Mighty. Its a statistic that reflects not just rarity, but the incredible potential each of us has to give life.

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Gutierrez was inspired to join the Air Force because of her grandfather, who was also an Air Force veteran. She served in Security Forces, stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. During her time in service, she deployed to Qatar and Djibouti.

I also went on numerous TDYs, gaining invaluable experience and perspective. The people I served with, the cultures I encountered, and the responsibilities I held shaped me into a more resilient, capable, and purpose-driven person, she told Gina Elise of Pin-Ups for Vets after becoming an ambassador and calendar model for the non-profit organization that helps deployed and hospitalized service members and their families.

In 2014, during one of her deployments, Gutierrez was involved in a vehicle accident that left her with an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI). She served another two years, was honorably discharged, and then endured something many service members experience after active duty  a bewildering chapter of life trying to transition to civilian life and receive medical care for service-connected injuries.

It took years for Gutierrez to finally receive a diagnosis for her TBI.

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That moment became a turning point. It opened my eyes to how many veterans are quietly suffering with undiagnosed or untreated mental health and neurological conditions, she said.

But the experience helped her find what she calls her why. She wanted to become an advocate for others experiencing the same struggles. She used her education benefits to pursue a doctorate in social work and completed two masters degrees, aiming to leverage her education and lived experiences to advocate for improved care, awareness, and support for veterans.

All of that is noble and remarkable  and then she became a dual organ donor.

My journey began, unexpectedly, when a friend told me about someone they knew who was in need of an organ transplant, she shared. That conversation planted a seed in my heart. Months later, I saw an ad in the Military Times for Donor Outreach for Veterans (DOVE), a nonprofit that connects veterans in need of a kidney with living donors and I knew I had to act.

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On May 25, 2022, she donated her left kidney altruistically to a fellow veteran, and on April 30, 2024, she donated 40% of her liver to an anonymous recipient.

(Courtesy of Lindsay Gutierrez, used by permission)

What many people dont realize is that living organ donation is not only lifesaving, its also safe for donors, she explained. The remaining kidney typically grows about 2040% larger in size over the course of a few months after donation. It adapts to handle up to 7580% of the total kidney function that two kidneys would normally provide, which is more than enough for a healthy life.

Regarding the liver, it is the only organ in the human body that fully regenerates, typically returning to nearly full size within 6 to 8 weeks after injury, she continued. Regenerated liver tissue is fully functional and identical to the original tissue. Living organ donation is truly a remarkable medical feat that has expanded access to life-saving transplants for patients who might otherwise wait years.

Gutierrez is now an advocate for the End Kidney Deaths Act, which would give a $10,000 tax credit to kidney donors.

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As a group, veterans have higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than the general U.S. population, according to the American Kidney Fund. While kidney disease affects 1 in 7 Americans, it affects about 1 in 6 veterans, including more than 40,000 VA-enrolled veterans with kidney failure (end-stage renal disease) who rely on dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

Anyone interested in kidney donation can begin by contacting the non-profit organization Gutierrez used for her own donation: DOVE Transplant.

You can see Gutierrez along with other amazing female veterans in the 2025 Pin-Ups for Vets fundraising calendar, and support deployed and hospitalized service members and their families.

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An increase in severe weather events, driven by human-caused pollution and resulting rising global temperatures, is having huge ramifications on the U.S. insurance industry.

What's happening?

German reinsurer Munich Re found that, during the first half of 2025, more than 70% of global damage from weather disasters occurred in the United States, costing more than $93 billion, NBC News reported.

It noted that 90% of insurance industry losses have come in the U.S. and that uninsured Americans and local governments have absorbed $22 billion in damages.

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A string of severe storms in March caused $6.7 billion in damages, and tornadoes in May cost $5 billion.

But nothing matches the deadly wildfires that devastated much of Southern California in January. The blazes, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and forced thousands of evacuations, caused roughly $53 billion in damages.

"Losses are on the rise because often properties are in harm's way," Munich Re climate scientist Tobias Grimm told NBC News. "People still live in high-risk areas."

Why is extreme weather concerning?

Extreme weather events, such as wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, are happening with more severity  and sometimes with greater frequency.

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The scientific community agrees that rising global temperatures are behind this change, and that those temperatures are rising because of human-caused pollution.

The change has been so drastic that one expert referred to rising temperatures as "basically steroids for weather."

Researchers also believe the California wildfires were made worse by the warming planet, saying dry, windy weather amplified the fires' ability to spread quickly.

An increase in the length, strength, and frequency of extreme weather puts more households at risk. With inadequate home insurance coverage or no coverage at all, many people will have to shoulder the financial burden of damaged or destroyed property without support.

What's being done about severe weather?

Many experts worry about the impact recent cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will have on severe weather forecasting and reporting.

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Among those cuts was the NOAA's annual Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters report, which analyzed the cost of weather disasters. Without that report, private reports such as Munich Re's become more vital.

"The probability of extreme weather is changing," Grimm told NBC News. "So we need to adapt and, of course, to mitigate future losses."

But we can all do our part to decrease the threat of extreme weather by preventing the release of planet-warming gases.

Switching from a gas-guzzling car to an electric vehicle, investing in solar panels, and using less plastic are all effective ways to reduce our polluting impact.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Aug. 17Shielded from the sun beneath a canopy tent, Kim Damon slouched in a folding chair on Vermont SE. Her hairdresser, whom she had met for the first time moments earlier, had set up the impromptu salon on the asphalt.

While a haircut is a routine order for some, for Damon, who has spent the past five months sleeping, eating and living on the streets  it was a luxury.

"Do you feel beautiful?" Marisol Flores asked Damon after she finished blow-drying her hair. Damon hesitated. Then quietly answered, "yes."

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After getting a better look at herself in the mirror, Damon combed her fingers through her long brown hair, straightened her back and threw up two peace signs.

"I feel so much healthier, so much lighter," Damon said gleefully. The 48-year-old said it'd been "a minute" since she felt good in her own skin.

From sideswept bangs to mohawks, longtime cosmetologists and friends Flores and Kelly Shea cut hair for the unhoused off East Central in exchange for help cleaning up the block, which had been littered with Styrofoam cups, abandoned shoes and other debris.

From afar, it might've looked and sounded like a block party, with rap music blasting through a speaker on the roof of a fluorescent yellow firetruck, a hot dog stand, and people milling about with smiles on their faces.

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In reality, it was a collective of roofers, hairdressers and addiction clinic employees who took to the streets of Albuquerque's International District to provide basic services for their unsheltered neighbors  services like showers, food and, as they put it, dignity.

"This is giving them a chance to be a part of something again," said Dante Padilla, the founder of Unconditional Love Foundation. "Taste it, feel it, come back. Wake up. You're not gone yet."

Following the collective cleanup effort, the next day city sanitation workers escorted by Albuquerque Police Department officers did an encampment sweep, emptying the street and throwing at least one woman's personal belongings into a trash compactor as she watched. The city of Albuquerque is currently tied up in a legal battle over the enforcement of public camping laws against the unhoused that recently made its way to the state Supreme Court. On the other side of the fight, attorneys representing several individuals who are involuntarily homeless say the city's sweeps violate their client's civil rights.

Many volunteers with Unconditional Love Foundation expressed frustration with government bureaucracy getting in the way of helping those in need and saw their street outreach as a solution.

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"The issue is what the government is not doing  so we had to step up," said volunteer Christian Maes.

Hairdresser Shea used to cut hair for kids in New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department custody, but grew tired of the "politics" and inefficiency of the agency, she said. Now she's happy to help the Unconditional Love Foundation do the work in the streets.

The initiative to wash the hands and feet of his neighbors, most of whom are homeless, started about a month ago, with just two volunteers, said founder Padilla. Tuesday afternoon, there were easily a dozen people from all walks of life passing out shovels and rakes, operating showers and serving up ice water and doughnuts.

Their approach is unique, volunteer Carlos Zuniga said, because it's "for the streets by the streets."

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Zuniga grew up rough. He dropped out of high school, spent time in jail, and struggled with mental illness and drug abuse, which is all too often ignored in his community, he said.

"Most of us in Hispanic culture in New Mexico, we don't know what mental health is, what's bipolar, we don't know the different stages of mental health and we don't talk about it," Zuniga said. "'Get over it. Suck it up. Cowboy up. Sweep it under the carpet. Get a new girlfriend,' but you just Band-Aid the emotion. And then you get frustrated. You don't understand what you're going through. And the first thought for an addict is to self-medicate."

Having recovered from addiction, Zuniga said it's easier to build trust and get people into treatment when they feel they're not being judged.

Staff from Harmony Horizons, a treatment center for substance use and mental health, and Crossroads Treatment Center, an inpatient rehab, were on site Tuesday to offer resources. Several people that day stopped the workers to ask questions about treatment.

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The sweep

The next day the street that was filled with people was a ghost town. A city encampment sweep cleared the area, according to neighbors and people on the street.

The city's Solid Waste Department confirmed that both their workers and APD were there Wednesday.

Teresa Gonzales, who has been homeless for six months, said she could only watch as her belongings  which included a purse with her ID and cash, a crate of high heels and all her clothes  were thrown into the back of a garbage truck and crushed.

It's city policy to give two hours notice before an encampment sweep to allow people to move their belongings, unless it is "apparent that the individual within the encampment is able to vacate the site in a shorter amount of time," according to the policy.

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It is also city policy to first offer temporary storage of personal belongings prior to removal. Solid Waste Department spokesperson Alex Bukoski said that Gonzales declined services from the city that morning.

"Items left behind after a person declines storage and housing options are considered abandoned and disposed of properly," Bukoski said in a statement.

Gonzales, who lives out of a truck with her boyfriend, said she was crossing the street several yards away to move her bike when her belongings were thrown, without warning.

In a video captured by onlooking neighbor Alessandra Barajas during the encampment sweep, an APD officer can be overheard saying, "We (expletive) threw everything away," while other officers laugh along.

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"To serve and protect who? They certainly aren't protecting the people they should be," Gonzales said.

Gonzales took a drag of her cigarette, her hands trembling. She only had $30 to her name, and now it was gone. Without her ID, she won't have the documents necessary for a housing voucher application.

"Knocking you down is all they're doing," Gonzales said. "And kicking you while you're down so you can stay down, too."
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A recent detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near Linda Vista Elementary School has sparked a wave of concern and outrage within the local community  but ICE officials are pushing back on allegations surrounding the incident.

According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE had no involvement on campus. Her office issued a statement, shared by ICEs San Diego Field Office, clarifying that ICE agents detained a manidentified as an unauthorized immigrant from Mexicoafter he pulled into a nearby parking lot, not on school property.

Detained on Aug. 14, the man taken into custody is the father of a student at the local elementary school. Dr. Fabiola Bagula, superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, confirmed he had been waiting to pick up his child when the situation unfolded. Meanwhile, McLaughlin says he has since been placed in removal proceedings.

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WATCH: Helicopter drops water on vegetation fire near Hotel Circle

Despite the official explanation, the incident left many in the Linda Vista neighborhood feeling alarmed. Witnesses described seeing federal agents allegedly hitting the mans car with their hands as they demanded he get outand this all occurring just minutes before school let out for the day.

Dr. Bagula decried the action at a press conference on Friday morning, stating, You can have your immigration reform without traumatizing children. She added, To our families and to every child, documented or not, every child had the legal right to attend public school in the United States. We will protect that right and we will do so together.

This marks the second such incident in recent weeks, amplifying fears among families. Earlier this month, a mother was detained near Camarena Elementary in Chula Vista.

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As immigration enforcement actions near schools continue to garner scrutiny, local officials maintain that schools remains a safe zone, but some parentsand studentsunderstandably remain shaken.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Pastor Doug Wilson wants America to become a Christian theocracy. And, eventually, a world fully converted to Christianity. He plans to get there by peaceful means such as preaching the gospel, he told CNN in a recent report.

Wilson, who leads Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, does not shy away from the label Christian nationalist, he said. And his profile is getting bigger: his network of over a hundred churches now stretches from the Pacific Northwest to Washington, D.C., where he recently opened a new congregation. Pete Hegseth, the current Secretary of Defense, attends a Tennessee church that belongs to Wilsons ministry.

As previous State of Faith newsletter writer Kelsey Dallas wrote, Christian nationalism is a catch-all term for a complex web of intertwined beliefs. It refers to a worldview held by those who believe, among other things, that the U.S. is meant to be a Christian nation and that being Christian is part of being truly American.

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The rise of Wilsons reach and influence is an example of how Christian nationalism has moved from the fringes of the discourse into a mainstream orientation in Republican politics. Its a response to a widespread feeling that our culture lacks clear moral direction and is overly influenced by materialistic, overly sexualized and secular values.

The movement is complex and is often misunderstood. To be a Christian who loves your country is not to be a Christian nationalist, Bradley Onishi, a religion scholar, told NPR. To be a Christian nationalist is to be somebody who thinks that because youre Christian, you get more of the country than anyone else.

In general, the idea of a nation rooted in Christian values resonates with many Americans. A 2022 Pew Research poll showed that 45% of Americans believe that the U.S. should be a Christian nation, meaning that the country broadly should be guided by Christian values.

This sentiment is reflected in a broader moment of Christian ideas becoming more visible in public life. Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas passed laws requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms (they all faced lawsuits as a result). Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson have used Christian language in their speeches, and Hegseth hosted a Christian prayer service at the Pentagon thats to become a monthly event. Supporters like Wilson see this as a return to the nations roots. Opponents, however, view the shift as a distortion of the First Amendments promise of religious liberty.

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Whether Americas founders, many of whom were Christian, intended to create a Christian nation is an old and ongoing debate. The United States was not founded as a Christian nation in any official sense, Catherine Brekus, a professor of history of religion at Harvard University told NPR. The Constitution bars religious tests for office and the First Amendment prohibits a national church. Early America included states with official churches, but the federal government avoided endorsing a single faith.

Still, she noted, most early Americans assumed the country would remain largely Protestant and few at the time predicted the waves of Catholic, Jewish and other immigrants who would significantly change the nations faith landscape.

For many Americans, faith, politics and patriotism are deeply intertwined  they inform each other and the way that we live and vote. Yet the growing debate around Christian nationalism raises a timely and challenging question of when tolerant public expression and exercise of personal faith crosses the line into shaping laws and institutions that elevate one religion above others.

Fresh off the press

How Gen Z is navigating lifes big milestones amid economic uncertainty. For some, faith offers a sense of stability.

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The FAIR Latter-day Saint Conference took place in Utah this past week and my colleagues reported on some of the highlights:

Latter-day Saint abuse help line and clergy privilege protect children best, church attorney says.

Meagan Kohler: We need a broader vision of gender equality

This is a womans church: Panel discusses lived experience of Latter-day Saint women.

Term of the week: Rationalists

The Rationalists are a community that prioritizes logical thinking and is heavily influenced by mathematics, philosophy and science, according to the New York Times. One of their main areas of focus is mitigating the risks of AI, believing that it poses existential dangers if not carefully controlled. The group is centered in a complex called Lighthaven in downtown Berkeley, California.

The Rationalists are also creating a culture of communal living, conferences, and rituals according to the story. Experts say it has all the hallmarks of an emerging religion. Religion is text and story and ritual, Ilia Delio, a Franciscan sister and professor of theology at Villanova University, told NYT. All of that applies here.

What Im reading

There are new developments in the convergence of religion and AI. Magisterium AI is a new chatbot that some Catholics are using to explore their faith in the churchs teachings. The language model is based on 27,000 church-related documents and is designed to help faithful Catholics understand the churchs teachings.  A Catholic AI app promises answers for the faithful. Can it succeed? The Washington Post.

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In his book, Democracy Needs Religion, German sociologist Hartmut Rosa makes a case that religion equips society with tools that can help restore democracy and help it thrive. In an ever increasing race for progress and efficiency, we need religion, but not a dogmatic religion that closes us off from one another, but the kind of religion that facilitates listening, interpersonal connection, transformation and humility.  Democracy Needs Religion  but Which? First Things

Odds and ends

Visiting Deseret Industries in Utah is always a bit like embarking on a treasure hunt, and the book section often proves to be especially thrilling. My latest trip while visiting my in-laws in Southern Utah didnt disappoint. I picked up a 2017 edition of Letters of C.S. Lewis, which contains letters the writer and theologian wrote to his family, friends and fans and that span from his youth up until right before his death.

Its especially fascinating to see how his thoughts on faith have evolved as his atheistic view eroded over the years. In 1916 he wrote to Arthur Greeves, one of his lifelong friends from Belfast: You ask me my religious views: you know, I think, that I believe in no religion. There is absolutely no proof for any of them, and from a philosophical standpoint Christianity is not even the best. All religions, that is, all mythologies to give them their proper name, are merely mans own invention  Christ as much as Loki.

In 1931, we encounter Lewis, who has converted to Christianity. He wrote to Greeves after a long night of conversation with his friends J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson: Now the story of Christ is simply a true myth: a myth working on us in the same way as the others, but with this tremendous difference that it really happened: and one must be content to accept it in the same way, remembering the Pagan stories are God expressing Himself through what we call real things. These two reflections offer a glimpse into an evolution of his faith. This letter addressed to Professor L. Anderson Orr offers a glimpse into the nature of Lewis thoughtful correspondence.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Two popular Austin spots were hit overnight by burglars, the businesses told KXAN Saturday.

Amys Ice Cream and East Side Pies told KXAN they showed up to their locations on U.S.183 near Anderson Mill Road to find their glass doors had been shattered.

East Side Pies shared a video with KXAN showing two people entering the business wearing dark hoodies and covering their faces.

East Side Pies August 6 break-in (Photo: Noah Polk)

East Side Pies break-in (Photo: Noah Polk)

A spokesperson with East Side Pies told KXAN that all three East Side Pies locations had a break-in this month, and that its alarming to see local businesses across Austin being targeted like this.

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East Side Pies said someone broke into their Burnet location on Aug. 6, and they were able to get a picture of the masked intruder.

The spokesperson went on to say that East Side Pies is staying resilient and deeply grateful for the community support as they move forward.

Austin police make arrests in 2 car break-in cases

A spokesperson for Amys Ice Cream said it was a tough way to wake up when they found out about the break it, but they are grateful to share that all of their staff are safe and the shop did end up opening.

Amys shared photos with KXAN showing their glass door shattered.

This break-in is part of a string of burglaries happening across Austin and too many of our fellow small businesses have been affected. What has carried us through today is the love and support weve already felt from our neighborhood and the city. If you are looking for a way to help, the best thing you can do is keep showing up for local spots you love. Come by and share a scoop or a burger with us- and please make sure to stop by our neighbors at East Side Pies, who were also impacted. Moments like this remind us why Austin is such a special place to call home  -Amys Ice Cream Spokesperson.

KXAN reached out to the Austin Police Department about the alleged burglaries. We will update this if a statement is received.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia hosted its 22nd Annual Splash Bash at Marilla Pool Sunday, turning the city swimming spot into a tail-wagging paradise for pups and their owners.

With an admission fee of just $5 per dog, canines of every shape and size splashed, paddled and played in the pool, enjoying a rare chance to make waves in a normally human-only space.

In addition to the pool party, the Splash Bash featured an exciting lineup of games, raffles, concessions and prizes all designed with dogs in mind. Lucky winners took home everything from treat-filled gift baskets and toys to grooming certificates and local business gift cards.

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WV Vintage Fest brings nostalgia and fashion to Morgantown

Its just a way for us to connect to the community, it allows everyone to get involved, especially those who want to help but arent in a position to volunteer or adopt, Shelter Coordinator of Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia Katie Short said. All the proceeds are going towards our new facility that we are currently fundraising to build.

All proceeds from the Splash Bash go directly to support Animal Friends rescue, adoption and outreach programs, helping animals throughout north central West Virginia find loving homes and receive care.

We are a charitable animal rescue, we are not your county government funded facility, Short added. We have a facility; its a sanctuary here in Morgantown where we go into local animal control facilities and pull the unwanted pets from those guys to prevent them from unwarranted euthanasia.

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The Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Truck was also on hand, serving up dog-friendly frozen treats and baked goodies that had pups lining up with wagging tails.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Apopka High School briefly locked down as police search for four men fleeing traffic stop

Apopka High School was briefly placed on lockdown yesterday morning before classes began, while police and the Florida Highway Patrol searched for four men who escaped after a traffic stop.

The lockdown was a precaution while police and the Florida Highway Patrol searched for the suspects.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the four men or the driver, nor the reason behind the initial traffic stop.

Information about the van or its contents is still unknown.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Aug. 17A few months into its development, the Alaska and Arctic Waterways Analytics lab at Alaska Pacific University has already found microplastics in water samples taken all over Alaska.

APU received a $5 million grant from NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project Institutional Research Opportunity, which allowed Dee Barker, an associate professor of chemistry and environmental science at APU, to purchase a cutting-edge microscope and spectrometer. This instrument has the ability to identify the chemical composition of plastics in water samples.

Microplastics are plastic particles that are 5 millimeters  the size of a grain of rice  or smaller. Since plastic is not biodegradable, it slowly breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces over time. Microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on Earth.

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[How microplastics accumulate in the rain of Southeast Alaska]

The Alaska and Arctic Waterways Analytics lab that APU is currently in the process of developing hopes to gain accreditation from the California Water Resources Control Board in about a year.

The lab aims to be self-sufficient by the time funding from the NASA award runs out. The facility will potentially become the first microplastics lab in Alaska to be accredited by the California board, which was the only statewide organization in the U.S. to implement regulations for testing microplastics in water. Once it's accredited, the Anchorage lab will charge to test water for microplastics. Barker hopes this income could also offset the cost for rural communities that are concerned about their water and also want to have their water tested.

The NASA funding will help the lab begin "to get these protocols and materials" and "our training up to speed," Barker said this month about the journey to accreditation.

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The lab is following protocols from the California water board to ensure that each step is standardized. By standardizing each step, results can be compared easier, according to Barker.

The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer microscope enables Barker and other researchers to find and identify the chemical composition of particles down to 5 microns in size. A micron is one-millionth of a meter. Researchers like Barker hope to go the extra mile to confirm that what she and other researchers are seeing is, in fact, plastics.

Microplastic research is fairly new to Barker, who received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Florida. A few years ago, a couple of her students were interested in researching microplastics, however APU did not have the tools they needed.

"I was so invested in this, that's when I had sort of the wake-up call," Barker said. "I had to do this due diligence to serve the community."

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Barker wrote draft after draft, budget rewrite after budget rewrite  she even pulled "four or five" all-nighters until she had a polished application to submit to NASA. Four months later, Barker heard that they had received the award and a cooperative agreement had been formed.

"NASA has provided this for us, their goal is to look at microplastics and drinking water," Barker said.

A couple years ago, Barker and other researchers worked with a remote community in the Norton Sound area, looking at their traditional drinking water source. Those sources included natural streams and springs. According to Barker, the community was interested in the researchers looking at "the chemicals that might be in the water."

"It was amazing how clean it was," said Barker.

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Although the water was clean, Barker was shocked by what she found: "a lot of particles" that appeared to be plastics.

She hypothesized that through atmospheric deposition  where airborne microplastics get transported  these microplastics landed on the water they were sampling.

"In the few days that we were out there collecting water ... there was a wind current that was blowing off the ocean toward the area where we were collecting," said Barker. "We're suspecting that this was material that was blowing off the ocean."

This lab isn't just for researchers, Barker says, "it's also for student explorations and projects."

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In 2024, Barker partnered with two students from the University of Alaska Fairbanks who collected snow from various altitudes on their trek to the summit of Denali.

[Searching for microplastics on North Americas highest peak]

"We were surprised, even near the summit, plastics in the remote areas and in the high-traffic areas" were almost the same concentration, said Barker.

She is still working with this data to see if the microplastics were also a result of atmospheric deposition. Another group went up Denali, collecting samples as they ascended. Barker hopes to compare the samples from both Denali trips to see if there is a consistency.

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Denali is not the only area that students have traversed to in order to collect samples. Nathan Anderson, associate professor of environmental science at APU, rafted the Yukon River with a group of students. As they traveled, the group would take samples from the river.

Turning toward glaciers, Jason Geck, professor of environmental science at APU, took ice cores of the Eklutna Glacier. Barker hopes to use these ice core samples to see when microplastics came into this environment. She can do this by seeing where the concentrations of plastics lie within the core.

Providing nearly 90% of the drinking water for the Municipality of Anchorage, Eklutna Lake was one of the urban water sources tested by Barker. She found microplastics in the water from Eklutna Lake, Chester Creek, Campbell Creek and University Lake.

They often find plastics "in home systems that are municipal based or have trucked water," Barker said.

"It's going to be more of a problem ... our communities are going to pay attention to and try to mitigate," Barker said.
A northern Arizona woman was found guilty after she was accused of driving under the influence, causing a crash that killed her son, the U.S Attorney's Office, District of Arizona said in a news release.

Marian Marsha Josytewa, 40, of Polacca in Navajo County, was found guilty following a six-day trial, the Attorney's Office said. In December 2021, Josytewa was accused of drinking several beers before picking her two children up from school in Flagstaff. On the drive home to the Hopi Tribe homeland on a highway on the Navajo Nation, she rolled her car, which resulted in one of her kids being ejected from the vehicle. Her son died in the crash.

Josytewas blood was tested following the crash and showed a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.113, the Attorney's Office said.

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A federal jury found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, child abuse and driving under the influence. Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 3, 2025.

The FBI Phoenix Divisions Flagstaff office and Navajo Police Department jointly conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Coconino County Sheriffs Office and the Navajo County Sheriffs Office, the Attorney's Office said. The U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.

Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X @CorinaVanek.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona mom guilty after drinking before school pickup, killing son
Marcus Jones gives his acceptance speech after being elected state chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Photo by Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas Democrats elected former congressional candidate Marcus Jones as the state committees new chair on Saturday.

Jones, a retired Army colonel, received 128 votes to party Vice Chair Jannie Cottons 76. Cotton had been serving as interim chair since Grant Tenille stepped down in mid-July as Democratic Party of Arkansas leader after four years.

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Cotton, a longtime party activist, has been vice chair of the state committee since 2023 and is chair of the national partys candidate recruitment effort.

Democratic Party of Arkansas Jannie Cotton gives her campaign speech for the partys top leadership post on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Next to her are Allison Grigsby Sweatman and Gracie Ziegler. (Photo by Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)

In her nomination speech to more than 200 state committee members, Cotton said she heard the call for change, that you needed to feel included.

Im here to be your voice, she said. Im also here to be the voice of those who feel hopeless so that they can feel hopeful.

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In his acceptance speech Saturday at the Sheraton Four Points hotel in Little Rock, Jones alluded to the campaign between him and Cotton by mentioning a Bible verse that says that as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend through debate and dialogue.

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Nows the time we come back together. Nows the time we move forward  and carry those Democratic values outside of this room, he said. Outside, not everybody shares those same values. And weve got to be the people that carry that foward for Arkansas. Weve got to be the people that do that for our nation.

He pledged to help grow the number of active county Democratic committees to 70.

Right now, weve got somewhere between 52 and 55, so weve all got some work to do, Jones said.

He also promised to produce a five-year strategic plan within 90 days that will take advantage of the skills and talents of county and auxiliary committees to help recruit and elect more Democrats.

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Raise money and elect Democrats, isnt a plan, he said in a statement of candidacy. The next Chair must establish a strategic vision for our party and collaborate with every team member to meet a long-term goal.

Jones demonstrated fundraising prowess in his race for Congress last year against Rep. French Hill, and has continued to raise money on behalf of Democratic candidates since, according to his biography.

In introductory remarks Saturday, state Rep. Andrew Collins of Little Rock praised Tenilles work rebuilding the party, for helping secure the victory of state Rep. Diana Gonzales Worthen of Springdale  the first Latina in the Legislature  and the first net gain for her party in the House in nearly two decades.

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HOT SPRING COUNTY, Ark.  Arkansas State Police officials are investigating a Saturday morning shooting that left one person injured.

Officials said the shooting took place early Saturday morning at Jacks Landing, located near Remmel Dam in the Jones Mill community near Malvern.

The incident, which occurred on the Ouachita River at Lake Catherine, left one person with serious injuries.

Witnesses told police that there was a large party at a public park on Remmel Dam Road around 2:30 p.m. where a fight led to gunfire.

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A 24-year-old man from Arkadelphia who police say was an innocent bystander was struck by the gunfire, his condition has been upgraded to stable.

Authorities have not released any details about what led to the shooting or if there are any suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

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For over three decades, my country Azerbaijan and our neighbour Armenia have been locked in one of the worlds most intractable conflicts. The last 30 years have seen two major conflicts and many smaller skirmishes. During this time, consecutive rounds of peace talks have failed and failed again.

But this month in Washington the stars aligned. Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed what the world thought was impossible: an agreement. This may not have happened had it not been for two factors: first, that Azerbaijan had already restored its sovereign borders after a generation when a fifth of its territory was under Armenian occupation and second, because Donald Trump was back in the White House.

President Trump welcomed President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia at the White House where they signed a declaration witnessed by President Trump reiterating and reinforcing mutual, irreversible commitment to peace and normalisation, while the two countrys foreign ministers initialled the text of the future peace agreement.

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Azerbaijan and the United States agreed to set up a working group to prepare a strategic partnership charter and ExxonMobil and Socar, Azerbaijans State Oil Company, inked an MOU on exploration.

Adding a great measure of symbolism, President Trump signed a waiver to the infamous Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which prohibited U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, a sore point in bilateral Azerbaijan-U.S. relations since 1992 and a glaring example of a counterproductive, self-defeating piece of legislation driven by narrow special interests at the expense of wider U.S. objectives in the region.

Another significant step was a joint letter signed by the two foreign ministers requesting the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to abolish its long-defunct Minsk Group, a mediating body co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States, which has, over decades, firmly established its absolute inability to produce any progress towards peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The importance of this joint letter should not be underestimated as it clearly demonstrates that Azerbaijan and Armenia have left the post-Soviet nightmare of never-ending, externally driven conflict-management behind and are entering the era of normalcy. Moreover, the two nations have fully assumed responsibility for their bilateral relations, exactly as neighbours and sovereign states should. Azerbaijan has long insisted on ending the Minsk Group because that would reflect a commitment to a peaceful future for our region rather than entanglement in the legacy of past conflicts.

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In fact, as acknowledged by the Armenian leadership, it was Azerbaijans restoration of its territorial integrity and ending the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani lands that allowed Armenia to assert its sovereignty more forcefully. And normalisation also brings growth and development, including through regional integration and communications.

Moreover, it was Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, who shortly after securing a decisive military success in 2020, proposed a roadmap for peace and normalisation. Over the last five years, the peace process slowly, with some setbacks and interruptions, progressed along the very road map Azerbaijan has suggested already in 2020.

This is because over the three decades of conflict with Armenia, the international law was firmly on the side of Azerbaijan and because President Aliyevs vision is based on Azerbaijans long-standing policy of regional development, shared prosperity and promoting sovereignty of nations in the region.

Since early days of independence in 1990s, Azerbaijan has pursued a strategy of expanding partnership and making sure that the economic growth is not limited to Azerbaijan alone but includes partners such as Georgia and Central Asian nations across the Caspian. Today, such growth and path to prosperity can be shared by our neighbour Armenia because of normalisation.

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Nor is President Trumps support for peace in the Caucasus a new phenomenon. During Trumps first administration  I served as Azerbaijans ambassador in Washington at the time  the U.S. Government pursued a pragmatic policy of ensuring prosperity in our region.

I witnessed first-hand the hard work of the Trump administration in establishing the Abraham Accords and, having attended the Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House in September of 2020, I saw President Trumps ability and desire to be a global peacemaker. In fact, this is precisely what President Aliyev recognised and praised openly in July of 2024 at the Shusha Media Forum in Azerbaijan.

The United States had previously attempted to address the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, under the Clinton administration and more seriously under the George W. Bush administration with Secretary of State Colin Powell presiding over unsuccessful talks in Key West. While I can personally attest to the beautiful setting of Florida Keys as someone present at that time, the premise of the U.S. approach was neither productive, nor sustainable.

More recently, the clumsy attempts of the Biden Administration to push through a rushed success driven by special interest groups and ideological narrative predictably backfired causing major damage to U.S. interests in the wider Caspian region.

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This is why, Trumps approach based on a clear focus on a lasting peace, economic development and genuine interests of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the United States, is welcome and supported by President Aliyev, whose own strategy is based on a similar vision.

In Washington, President Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan and Armenia are closing the page of enmity and confrontation and choosing a lasting peace. President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed to advance President Trumps nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In addition to the most important part, the peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, such a nomination would have another symbolic connection to our region since it has historically been, at least partially funded by the money the Nobel brothers made from the oil business in Azerbaijans capital Baku.

This is the time to look forward to a prosperous, peaceful future for our region and not listen to the usual naysayers. After all, they too benefit from peace and inclusive economic development.

Elin Suleymanov is the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UK and Ireland

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DENVER (KDVR)  A person has been arrested following a stabbing on Saturday at the University of Denvers library, said police.

The Denver Police Department confirmed to FOX31 that a stabbing occurred at the Anderson Academic Commons, which is located at 2150 East Evans Avenue.

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The police department said that the incident involved two adult males, who were not students at the university. DPD said that after the incident occurred, one person was arrested.

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Later on Saturday, an email was sent to FOX31 from DUs Department of Campus Safety about the incident.

The email that was addressed to the DU community stated the following:

Earlier today, two individuals unaffiliated with the University of Denver entered Anderson Academic Commons looking to escape the summer heat. While on the first floor, they were involved in a verbal altercation. During the incident, one individual produced a knife, resulting in minor injuries to the hand of the other.

The individuals who were involved in the incident were detained, issued trespass notices and removed from campus.

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The individual with the knife was taken into Denver Police custody, said the department in the email.

The department also noted that no students, faculty or staff were directly involved.

There is no current information at this time on the name of the suspect arrested.

This is a developing news story. FOX31 will update when more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Art Guenther, owner of Just Arts Saloon, a popular dive bar in Walker's Point, has died at 80.

The gruff, obstinate, and opinionated bartender was a longtime fixture of Milwaukee's bar scene, providing a home for 45 years to an eclectic crowd of police officers, businesspeople, lawyers, college kids and neighbors.

Like its owner, the unassuming tavern at 181 S. 2nd St. is one of the last of its kind, said Craig Peterson, a local PR executive and longtime friend of Guenther's.

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It was a dive bar. Art put no pretenses about what he offered or what he was," he said.

Most people knew Guenther's tough exterior. In reality, Peterson said, Guenther had a "heart of a teddy bear."

When he knew costumers were struggling, he would make sure they were fed and taken care of before they left for the night, Peterson said. He would even look after stray cats in the winter.

"That was a side a lot of folks didn't see of Art," Peterson said, "He watched out for everyone."

Guenther kept his prices cheap, but his occasionally off-color jokes and stories were priceless, Peterson added. Even though his regulars liked to joke that he was a horrible bartender, that's not what customers came for.

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And when people wanted to learn bar dice, they knew who to find.

I cant tell you how many newbies had their first shake of a bar cup in Art's," he said.

As Milwaukee's dive bars have slowly disappeared, Peterson said Guenther and his saloon represent a dying history. He wishes more young people got to have the same experience he did.

At other bars, people just don't know their bartender anymore.

But everyone knew Art.

In the day of social media where everyone is at arms length, its not often that you can be shoulder-to-shoulder at a bar with neighbors and friends and exchange conversation and share ideas," Peterson said.

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The bar's customers have evolved since the 1980s, first as a magnet for the younger generation, then for regulars and neighbors. More recently, Peterson said a younger crowd has made Just Art's an "it" bar again.

He never lost a beat. In fact, in the past couple of years his business increased," he said.

Peterson attributes that to people wanting the local dive bar experience again  one where the owner lives above the bar and knows their name, that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently but keeps churning out delicious food.

Funeral services are pending. For now, Peterson can still close his eyes and see Guenther leaning over the bar, waiting to tell a story. To him, he wasn't just the owner of a dive bar.

"He was it," Peterson said.

Just Art.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee dive bar owner Art Guenther dies at 80
The Brief

The Atlanta Track Club raised more than $40,000 for Officer David Rose's family.

Officer Rose was killed in the line of duty while responding to an active shooter outside the CDC on Aug. 8.

He leaves behind a wife and two children, with another child on the way.

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Track Club raised thousands of dollars for the family of a DeKalb County officer killed responding to the shooting at the CDC just over a week ago.

What we know

On Saturday, all the proceeds from Atlanta's Finest 5K were donated to Officer David Rose's family.

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That was more than $40,000, according to the Atlanta Track Club.

What they're saying

"The opportunity to recognize Officer Rose and the hero that he is and then do something small to take care of his family, take care of his wife and his kids just felt like the right thing for us to do," Atlanta Track Club CEO Rich Kenah said.

"When we made the announcement this week that we were going to use our registration dollars for Officer Rose's family, we saw a significant surge, so it says to me that this running community cares about each other, and they care about Atlanta," he added.

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"When a community loses a police officer, and he leaves behind a child, it's our responsibility to help raise that child," APD Chief Darin Schierbaum explained.

"The whole region lost a police officer and this is the response to that. And we're going to let that family know we're going to let the DeKalb County Police Department know all of DeKalb County know that we're going to honor him for his sacrifice for all of us," he added.

The backstory

Officer Rose was shot and killed in the line of duty during the shooting outside the Centers for Disease Control on Aug. 8.

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According to the GBI, almost 200 bullets hit six CDC buildings but everyone inside at the time made it out without injuries.

Memorials outside the CDC and the DeKalb County Police Department continue to grow each day.

What you can do

In response to overwhelming requests from across the nation, Officer Roses family has established a GoFundMe to provide ongoing support for his wife and children as they navigate the difficult road ahead.

Additionally, a GoFundMe has been established for Rose's oldest daughter named Alyana.

The Source

Information in this article came from the Atlanta Track Club and past FOX 5 reporting on Officer David Rose and the shooting outside the CDC headquarters.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Austin Independent School District said it was working to fix issues with its enrollment process.

According to the Austin ISD Enrollment Services Team, some families were experiencing issues related to continuing transfer students, as well as difficulties accessing the districts parent portal.

We want to sincerely apologize to families who have experienced challenges with the enrollment process. We know this has been frustrating, and we are working around the clock to resolve issues as quickly as possible, AISD said.

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According to the district, students approved for a transfer for the 202425 school year should be sent to their approved transfer school, even if they were reassigned to their zoned school.

AISD said families with returning students who are experiencing access issues with the portal should file an AISD help ticket.

For those with students new to the district who are having trouble finishing enrollment due to login or duplicate account issuesthe district said it was working with campus registrars to resolve the issue.

No matter the issue, your child should come to school on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, AISD said. Every student will be welcomed at their home campus or approved transfer school, as long as they are up to date with their immunizations.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Authorities on Saturday identified the man who died at Paint Mill Lake in Southern Vigo County on Thursday.

Dead is Tony Ingargiola, 47, of Cayuga.

Indiana State Police said the autopsy was performed Saturday at Terre Haute Regional Hospital and a positive identification was made by the Vigo County Corner Travis Norris. Family was notified.

A death investigation led by Indiana State Police continues. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Vigo County sheriff's and coroner's offices are assisting. Once that investigation is complete, a reported will be submitted to the Vigo County Prosecutors office for review, according to ISP.

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Vigo County court and jail records show one person was arrested on operating while intoxicated charges after police responded to a report of a drowning on Paint Mill Lake on Thursday.

Jimm Shane Nidlinger, 54, of Terre Haute, was booked into Vigo County Jail about 8 p.m. Thursday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (first offense, but a with person endangered) and a charge of operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of 0.15 or more.

He was released on his own recognizance about 5:30 a.m. Friday and a probable cause hearing was conducted later Friday morning. An initial hearing now is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 20 in Vigo County Superior Court 5, Judge Matthew Sheehan presiding.

In an affidavit, a state trooper wrote he was dispatched to East Oregon Church Road regarding an incident in which two people had reportedly been boating on Paint Mill Lake while drinking. One person had gone underwater and not resurfaced.

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The trooper wrote that he saw signs of intoxication and smelled alcohol on Nidlinger, the boat operator. Nidlinger refused field sobriety and preliminary breath tests and did not consent to a chemical test, the trooper wrote.

Police obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was obtained at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
A woman hid two turtles in her bra in an attempt to smuggle them through Miami International Airport. Only one of the turtles survived.

What's happening?

As USA Today reported, Transportation Security Administration officials discovered the turtles when using advanced imaging technology. They noticed something abnormal in the passenger's chest area and conducted a private screening.

One of the turtles was not alive when it was discovered. The TSA turned the live turtle over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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"OK friends, please  and we cannot emphasize this enough  stop hiding animals in weird places on your body and then trying to sneak them through airport security," the TSA wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Why is animal smuggling harmful?

Smuggling animals poses threats to global conservation efforts and puts species at heightened risk.

Vulnerable animals are often the ones being smuggled. Removing them from their native habitats disrupts their behavioral patterns and can lead to their extinction.

Every species of animal plays a crucial role in its natural ecosystem, such as controlling prey populations or providing food for other animals. Disrupting this environmental balance can be detrimental to species and also often involves illegal and inhumane practices.

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There have been countless disturbing discoveries of illegally held wildlife at airports and border crossings.

What's being done to stop the illegal transportation of wildlife?

Following the turtle smuggling incident, the TSA emphasized that the agency wants people to be able to travel with pets safely, noting that travelers should contact their airlines to understand rules before boarding flights.

"As far as TSA screening goes, small pets are allowed through our checkpoint but must be removed from any carriers and carried through the checkpoint," they wrote.

Do you worry about companies having too much of your personal data? Absolutely Sometimes Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Part of traveling responsibly and sustainably is following airline rules and not putting animals at unnecessary risk.

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Learn about wildlife conservation issues for species you care about to protect their lives and to avoid the broader harmful impacts of transporting invasive species.

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.
ST. HELENA ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV)  The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) is investigating an early Sunday shooting incident in St. Helena Island.

At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, BCSO deputies received reports of shots fired on Legree Road.

A residential home had been struck multiple times by gunfire, according to deputies. No injuries were reported from the incident.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact BCSOs non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
On May 7, 1824, Ludwig van Beethovens Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna, Austria. On its 200th anniversary, much was made about this seminal achievement of a composer routinely touted as the greatest master who ever lived.

In an essay for The New York Times, conductor Daniel Barenboim wrote that Beethoven was the master of bringing emotion and intellect together.

In another analysis, music historian Ted Olson wrote that the ninth was the crowning achievement of Western classical music.

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There is no question that Beethovens Ninth Symphony is a significant work with global appeal, as my colleague Olson put it. I admit to having a soft spot for this piece. As a cellist, Ive played it twice, once at Carnegie Hall and once while on tour in Asia.

Still, the lionization of Beethoven never sat well with me.

Beethoven backlash

Four years ago, I self-published a blog post under the headline, Beethoven Was an Above-average Composer: Lets Leave It at That.

I had grown tired of notions of the genius of the composer, and how weve all been taught to put him on a hallowed hilltop as a great master of the Western canon.

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To say the least, my blog post created quite a stir.

In Classical Musics Suicide Pact (Part 1), Heather Mac Donald, a conservative fellow at the Manhattan Institute, wrote that my blog post was a Beethoven takedown and that I had whiteness on the brain.

Linguistics professor John McWhorter went so far as to say that I consider Beethoven to be fetishized by the white establishment.

To have conservative commentators defend one of their heroes is nothing new, but the backlash to my simple reinterpretation of the composer was contorted beyond recognition.

Reframing The Master

My intent was to reframe Beethovens greatness within the context of historic ideals of whiteness and patriarchy. I thought then  as I do now  that if Americans could acknowledge that our music and music education are deeply rooted in these two ideologies, then we could realize that Beethoven, surely a good composer, was simply one of many.

The manuscript for Ludwig van Beethovens Ninth Symphony. Ian Waldie/Getty Images

When Beethoven is said to be one of the greatest composers, or the greatest composer, those who make the claim do so without knowing most of the music that has been made over the centuries.

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As I wrote then, Beethoven was definitely above average, but to say he was anything more is to dismiss 99.9% of the worlds music written 200 years ago, which would be unscholarly, and academically irresponsible.

To make sense of his veneration, one must believe in narratives of Western greatness and exceptionalism: that the best musical works on our planet were produced by a select few humans from a select few countries, and those humans were, of course, both white and male.

To further confuse the issue, conservative musicologists usually ask the same question: Well Phil, who then, if not Beethoven?

But this question is usually offered in bad faith, since there is no acceptable answer for those defending the established norms of music tradition. Whoever is chosen  and I could name many  the questioner can always find fault and be dismissive.

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For me, the issue is primarily about whiteness and maleness, their impact on how musical foundations were established, and who gets to define the abstract concept of greatness. Its not necessarily about finding alternative composers who could never possibly live up to the arbitrary and unrealistic standards that Beethoven purportedly embodies.

To be clear, this is not about canceling Beethoven. Instead, its about realizing that there were countless others who were no less great than those lionized white male heroes.

Cancel culture is most often used as a cudgel by those on the right against those, like me, wishing to have adult conversations about our fraught racial past.

And there can be no question about the anti-Blackness of American music curricula.

Shifting priorities

The short version of my argument can be summed up grammatically: as a general migration from the definite article the to the indefinite article a. What was always the foundation for music and music education is now becoming simply a foundation.

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Are chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach the foundation for studying harmony and music theory, or simply one of many? And is Beethovens Ninth Symphony the standard for such symphonies, or just a standard?

This grammatical shift has caused panic among conservative voices. But whats happening in music simply reflects whats happening throughout society, whether in academia, politics, law or pop culture.

I, for one, welcome reimagining our shared musical foundations and can think of no better composer than Beethoven  and his compelling Ninth Symphony  as a starting point for building new musical foundations.

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: Philip Ewell, Hunter College

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Philip Ewell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Aug. 17BEMIDJI  The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, recently granted $32,130 to support the arts in the Bemidji area.

Approved grants include:

* Mask and Rose Theater  Sister Song Scholarship Concert

* Mask and Rose Theater  Art is Fashion and Fashion is Art

* Lead for Inclusion  Inclusive Community Art Series

* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  West African Drumming Artists

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* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  Flash Mob at Paul and Babe

* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  In Studio Completion of Art and Pottery Projects (provided through Frederick Marshall Fund)

* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  Music and Art Scholarships (provided by John Rabel Memorial Music Fund)

* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  Teachers Association Conference (provided by North Star Arts Fund)

* Headwaters School of Music and Arts  Orchestral String Studies (provided by Everett Wilimek Endowment)

* Clear Waters Life Center  Youth Art Classes

* Clear Waters Life Center  Youth Theater Program

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* Bagley Area Arts Collaborative  Art Enrichment at 2 Cornerstone

* Bemidji Community Theater  Anne of Green Gables

* Bemidji Community Theater  Sword and Stone

* Bemidji Symphony Orchestra  Path to Dignity

* Bemidji Sculpture Walk  Cultivating Future Bemidji Sculpture Walk Artists

* Watermark Art Center  Poetry Slam

* Watermark Art Center  Creative Festival Art Zone

* Watermark Art Center  It's Only Clay

* Watermark Art Center  Story Slam Series

* Watermark Art Center  New Voices/ Spoken Word Workshop

* Watermark Art Center  Indoor Family Art Making Activity

BAAE supports a wide variety of arts and music education; art projects and events; and literary, stage and concert performances in the greater Bemidji area.

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To support the BAAE, visit

www.nwmf.org,

hover over "Donors and Giving" and click on "Find a Fund." Donations made payable to "Bemidji Area Arts Endowment" can also be mailed to Northwest Minnesota Foundation, 201 3rd St., Bemidji, MN 56601.

To learn more about BAAE, contact Terri Darco at

terrid@nwmf.org

.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A community blood drive on Saturday was held in memory of Amillier Milli Penn, a 15-year-old boy shot and killed in Grand Rapids more than a year ago.

For Millis father, Corey Penn, blood donation felt like a way to keep his sons legacy alive while bringing healing to others. It was the first time he donated blood, which is something he admitted he was nervous about at first.

I just feel like this was a perfect thing to do to honor him, Penn said. I was afraid to do this at first, but it doesnt hurt that much and theres nothing wrong with giving back. Our community needs to understand that and we should embrace that.

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The blood drive was held in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, where community members were encouraged to give blood to those who need it in Michigan, while remembering a teenager whose family describes him as a leader, respectful and full of love.

He always was a giver, Penn said of his son. He would give the shirt off his back.

Along with the blood drive, a new plaque was installed on a bench at Camelot Park, overlooking the playground where Penn says Milli spent much of his childhood.

That area is right where he grew up, that park, he played there, Penn said. I feel good knowing that in some way, shape or form were telling Millis story still.

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Penn said events like the blood drive are about more than remembrance; theyre about setting an example and encouraging healing in a community when the pain of gun violence lingers.

Our community is already messed up, so we need as much healing as possible, and what better way to set that type of example, Penn said while sitting in the donor chair.

Another blood drive is planned for October, which Penn hopes will draw even more people. However, he says, even a small turnout makes a difference.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Me encontraron cancer en la prostata, my father told me. They found cancer in my prostate.

As a cancer researcher who knows very well about the high incidence and decreased survival rates of prostate cancer in the Caribbean, I anguished over these words. Even though I study cancer in my day job, I struggled to take in this news. At the time, all I could muster in response was, What did the doctor say?

The urologist wants me to see the radiation oncologist to discuss semillas (seeds), he said. They are recommending treatment. Many men, including former President Joe Biden, whose case is advanced, do choose with their doctors to treat prostate cancer.

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However, I understood from my work that not undergoing treatment was also an option. In some cases, that is the better choice.

So I took it upon myself to educate my father on his disease and assist him with the life-changing decisions he would need to make. Our journey can give you a preview of what a cancer diagnosis can be like.

Prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer was not a new topic for my father and me. His battle with his prostate health started over 10 years ago with an initial diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH.

The prostate gets bigger with age for a number of reasons, including changing hormone levels, infection or inflammation. Two of the most frequent symptoms of BPH are difficulty urinating and a sudden, urgent need to urinate, both of which my father experienced.

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Although research suggests that the factors that contribute to BPH similarly contribute to prostate cancer, there is no evidence that an enlarged prostate will necessarily develop into cancer.

Upon my fathers initial BPH diagnosis, I asked about his PSA levels, the amount of prostate-specific antigens in his blood. PSA is a protein that both normal and cancerous prostate cells produce, and elevated amounts are considered red flags for prostate cancer. When combined with a digital rectal exam, a PSA test can allow doctors to more accurately predict a persons risk of having prostate cancer.

My father said his PSA levels were elevated but that the doctors would begin active surveillance, what he called watchful waiting, and monitor his PSA every six months to see if it rose.

After several years of monitoring his PSA, doctors found my fathers PSA level had doubled. He then got a biopsy that indicated he had intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Cancer risk categorization

After his diagnosis, my father was faced with the decision of how to proceed with treatment. I explained that categorizing how aggressive the cancer is and how far it has spread can help determine the best course of treatment.

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Prostate cancer can be grouped into four stages. Stages 1 and 2, when the tumor is still confined to the prostate, are considered early-stage or intermediate risk. Stages 3 and 4, when the tumor has spread beyond the borders of the prostate, are considered more advanced and high risk.

Some patients with early-stage or intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergo additional treatment, including surgery, radiation or radioactive seed implants called brachytherapy. Patients with late-stage prostate cancer typically undergo hormone therapy along with surgery or radiation, or chemotherapy with or without radiation.

Although I was not surprised by my fathers diagnosis, given his advanced age and his battle with prostate disease over the past decade, I still struggled emotionally. I struggled with our conversations about what curing his cancer meant and how to explain his treatment options to him. I wanted to ensure he would have the best outcome and could still live his best life.

Our initial inclination was to undergo active surveillance. That meant we would monitor his PSA every six months instead of immediately starting treatment. That is appropriate for patients with early-stage and less aggressive tumors.

Prostate cancer screening problems

My father was leaning on me to help him decide how to proceed. I felt overwhelming anxiety because I did not want to fail him or my family. Even with all my expertise studying cancer genetics and working with cancer patients, I couldnt help second-guessing our decisions, and I sometimes questioned our decision not to immediately treat his cancer.

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Some people diagnosed with prostate cancer dont immediately start treatment, because many of the tumors found through PSA testing grow so slowly that they are unlikely to be life-threatening. Detecting these slow-growing tumors is considered overdiagnosis, because the cancer ultimately will not harm the patient during their lifetime. Nearly half of all patients with prostate cancer are overdiagnosed, often leading to overtreatment.

Research suggests that many prostate cancer patients undergo unnecessarily aggressive treatments, which are often associated with significant harms, like urinary and bowel incontinence, sexual impotence and, in some cases, death. Several studies in the U.S. have shown that patients with early-stage prostate cancer generally have a good prognosis, and the cancer rarely progresses further. With careful observation, most will never need treatment and can be spared the burdens of unnecessary therapy until there are clear signs of progression.

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to recommend against PSA-based screening in 2012, with caveats for high-risk groups including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. The recommendation was updated in 2018 to make screening a personal choice after discussion with a clinician.

Those recommendations have resulted in reduced screening and increased prostate cancer diagnoses. Given that Black men are more likely to see the cancer progress to aggressive forms of the disease after initial diagnosis, this may worsen existing health disparities.

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Developing tests that better identify patients at risk of dying from prostate cancer can decrease overtreatment. In the meantime, educating patients can help them decide if screening is appropriate for them. For underserved and marginalized communities, community outreach can help improve health literacy and enhance awareness and screening.

When I looked through my fathers stack of medical records, I found a beacon of light that eased my apprehension. His doctor had ordered a genetic test that estimates how aggressive a tumor may be by measuring the activity of specific genes in cancer cells. An increase in gene activity linked to cancer would indicate that it is likely to grow fast and spread.

The test predicted that my fathers risk of dying from the disease in the next five years was less than 5%. Based on these results, we both understood that he had adequate time to make a decision and seek additional guidance.

My father ultimately decided to continue active surveillance and forgo immediate treatment.

Because of disparities in access to screening and treatment, African American men are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. FG Trade/E+ via Getty Images

Surviving prostate cancer

I still worry about my fathers diagnosis, because his cancer is at risk for progression. So every six months, I inquire about his PSA levels. His doctors are monitoring his PSA levels as part of his survivorship plan, which is a record of information about his cancer diagnosis, treatment history and potential follow-up tests.

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My fathers decision to undergo active surveillance was controversial among our friends and family. Many were under the impression that prostate cancer required immediate treatment. Several shared successful treatment stories, sometimes followed by stories of adverse treatment-related side effects.

To date, my father believes that active surveillance was the best decision for him and understands that this may not be the same for someone else. Talk to your doctor to see what the best options are for you or your loved ones.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on Aug. 8, 2023.

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: Luisel Ricks-Santi, University of Florida

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Luisel Ricks-Santi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Bill Maher has lashed out at Democrats for declining to come on his show.

People ask me all the time, Why havent you ever had Hillary or Bill Clinton on? Why didnt you have Kamala on during the last campaign? Maher said on Real Time with Bill Maher Friday. You think we dont ask?

Noting that it took him eight years and a petition to get Obama on, Maher lamented that he could not even attract Democratic politicians for whom he has voted.

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We ask these people every week. They say, No, he added. And these are people, all people I voted for. Think about that. Theyre afraid to come on the show of a guy who voted for them.

Bill Maher complained that it took eight years to get former President Barack Obama on his show. / HBO

By contrast, Maher stated, The Republicans? They show up. And when they do, they take their beating like a man.

The comedian then shared a montage of some of his most dramatic altercations with Republican figures, including Trump confidant Steve Bannon and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Maher then name-dropped some of the Democratic politicians he would like to interview, including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

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Look, I would love to have AOC on the show and Mamdani and Elizabeth Warren, but I cant subpoena the guests, and I cant fix that, he said. I cant fix that what the Democrats are scared of more than anything elseI mean, obviously, besides glutenis being primaried from the far left."

Maher threw down the gauntlet to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying he'd

Even though most Democrats are not far-left, theyre mild-mannered and moderate, he added.

Maher has regularly taken aim at Democrats. Earlier this year, he raged at the party for making itself so unlikable via cancel culture that it would never control the White House.

If the standards on the left are going to be this high, and politics is going to be this much of a c--kblock, were never going to win elections or have any more babies, he said.
Billions of sea stars have wasted away in recent years, their crustose, spiny bodies melted to goop by a mysterious illness known as sea star wasting disease.

The culprit behind this epidemic has evaded detection, until now. Four years of gene sequencing and lab experiments have finally revealed the exact pathogen behind this devastating starfish plague  a bacterium called Vibrio pectenicida.

The outbreak, which was first reported in November 2013, rattled ecosystems across the west coast of North America, while similar reports of wasting events extend across the globe, affecting more than 40 species worldwide.

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Related: Mysterious Syndrome Turning Sea Stars Into Goo Reveals Another Strange Twist

The disease begins with lesions on their bumpy exteriors. Then the muscles begin to disintegrate, the stars' arms twisting and even falling off. Within days, they are dead.

A sunflower sea star is reduced to goo on British Columbia's Calvert Island in 2015. (Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute)

Sunflower sea stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) were hit particularly hard in the early years, experiencing a decline of more than 90 percent.

These dinner-plate starfish can have as many as 24 arms, and come in brilliant sunset gradients of orange and purple. But the disease, paired with deadly marine heat waves caused by anthropogenic climate change, have all but extinguished these brilliant stars.

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By 2015, they had basically vanished from West Coast shores from Alaska to Mexico, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to declare them critically endangered in 2020.

Aside from being beautiful, sea stars fulfil an important role in their ecosystem by eating sea urchins, which eat kelp. In the sea stars' absence, urchins have run rampant in the region's already-struggling kelp forests, transforming these once-lush, multi-story underwater habitats into barren wastelands.

These ripple effects add to the urgency of finding a cure: kelp forests provide important habitat for ecologically, culturally, and commercially valuable species like sea otters, seals, porpoises, fish, lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. They absorb carbon dioxide, reducing the build-up of greenhouse gases and protecting shorelines from the worst effects of storms.

This cookie sea star found near Calvert Island, British Columbia, shows how the wasting disease melts the animal's flesh. (Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute)

Vibrio pectenicida is of the same genus that causes cholera in humans and bleaching in corals. But, as University of Washington marine ecologist Drew Harvell says, "this Vibrio is a sneaky critter because it doesn't show up on histology like other bacteria do," perhaps because of its ability to produce an immune-inhibiting toxin.

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"From initial studies, we thought the culprit was a virus," says Harvell, a member of the international team that tracked down the evasive bug. "So it was a surprise to find the pathogen in a more common group of bacteria."

Other hurdles have stood in the way of identifying this bacterium: the difficulty in finding any disease-free starfish for comparison; the apparent lack of visible pathogens in diseased tissue; the shortage of knowledge we have on marine infectious diseases in general.

Evolutionary ecologist Melanie Prentice led the team in seven controlled exposure experiments, using sunflower sea stars that were bred in captive quarantine.

Hakai Institute research scientist Alyssa Gehman checks on an adult sunflower sea star. (Kristina Blanchflower/Hakai Institute)

When exposed to infected star tissue or fluids, these healthy starfish soon deteriorated, their arms twisting in the familiar sequence that eventually results in death.

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The scientists knew that if the pathogen was viral, it would be able to pass through a 0.22 micrometer filter, or survive heat treatment. But starfish exposed to diseased material that had been filtered or heated survived, unscathed, betraying the disease's bacterial origin.

Amy Chan, a marine microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, compares bacteria cultures from a sick versus a healthy sea star. (Toby Hall/Hakai Institute)

RNA sequencing of infected samples of sea star from both the lab and the ocean revealed the presence of V. pectenicida, a known pathogen of scallop larvae and oysters. This particular strain of the bacterium, FHCF-3, was isolated from infected sea stars and used to infect healthy ones. It wasn't long before their legs began twisting and melting: only then did the team know for sure that they had found their offender.

"We all had chills. We thought, that's it. We have it. That's what causes wasting," says marine disease ecologist Alyssa Gehman from UBC and the Hakai Institute in Canada.

"Understanding what led to the loss of the sunflower sea star is a key step in recovering this species and all the benefits that kelp forest ecosystems provide," says Jono Wilson, the director of ocean science for The Nature Conservancy's California chapter.

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The team suspects climate change might have a hand in the outbreak, since Vibrio bacteria are known to proliferate in warmer waters. Indeed, some sunflower sea star populations are clinging to life in British Columbia's cold-water fjords, which may be too cold for the bacteria to take hold.

"Those patterns of Vibrio in general suggest that we really should look down that road to see how temperature dependence matters," says Gehman from Hakai Institute.

All this gives us a better shot at protecting the world's starfish, so that they can continue to protect the ecosystems they inhabit and foster, and that we depend on. The sea just wouldn't be the same without its stars.

This research was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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An appeal for people to send 100th birthday cards to a World War Two veteran has been issued in a bid to make his big day extra special.

Dougie Shelley joined the Royal Navy at the age of 17, serving as a seaman gunner, and said earlier this year: "There is not many of us left."

The sailor, from Southend-on-Sea, was on a ship in Hong Kong when the news of Germany's surrender filtered through.

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"When we heard about Victory in Europe, everybody got together, and we all had a good old drink up and jolly up," he said.

The Southend branch of the Royal Naval Association has issued the appeal for Mr Shelley, who will turn 100 on 23 September.

Chairman John Hawes, 76, said Mr Shelley was the branch's "last Arctic convoy veteran, and also he was at D-Day".

Mr Hawes, who was a chef and a baker on aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, will make Mr Shelley's birthday cake  a Victoria sponge.

Dougie Shelley has been the branch's chairman, secretary and treasurer [PA Media]

Paul Bennett, Mr Shelley's carer, said the 99-year-old was on HMS Milne on D-Day "supporting the chaps going off to land in craft ashore in Normandy, and he was a gunner keeping the skies clear of enemy aircraft".

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Mr Shelley said: "The war killed so many people, it's unbelievable... the Americans, Russians, all the Allies, the same with the Germans.

"But you were doing a job, the same as they had to. It's either kill or be killed."

Mr Hawes said the aim was to collect at least 100 cards, which will be shown to Mr Shelley on his birthday, and he asked for them to be sent to the Royal Naval Association at 73-79 East Street, Southend SS2 6LQ.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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As President Donald Trump declared Washington, D.C., a crime-ridden wasteland in need of federal intervention and threatened similar federal interventions in other Black-led cities, several mayors compared notes.

The president's characterization of their cities contradicts what they began noticing last year: that they were seeing a drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike. In some cases the declines were monumental, due in large part to more youth engagement, gun buyback programs and community partnerships.

Now members of the African American Mayors Association are determined to stop Trump from burying accomplishments that they already felt were overlooked. And they're using the administration's unprecedented law enforcement takeover in the nation's capital as an opportunity to disprove his narrative about some of the country's greatest urban enclaves.

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It gives us an opportunity to say we need to amplify our voices to confront the rhetoric that crime is just running rampant around major U.S. cities. Its just not true, said Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association. Its not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever.

After deploying the first of 800 National Guard members to Washington, the Republican president is setting his sights on other cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland, California, calling them crime-ridden and horribly run." One thing they all have in common: They're led by Black mayors.

It was not lost on any member of our organization that the mayors either were Black or perceived to be Democrats, Johnson said. And thats unfortunate. For mayors, we play with whoevers on the field.

The federal government's actions have heightened some of the mayors' desires to champion the strategies used to help make their cities safer.

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Some places are seeing dramatic drops in crime rates

Trump argued that federal law enforcement had to step in after a prominent employee of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was attacked in an attempted carjacking. He also pointed to homeless encampments, graffiti and potholes as evidence of Washington getting worse.

However statistics published by Washingtons Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped there since a post-pandemic peak in 2023.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson scoffed at Trumps remarks, hailing the citys historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30% and shootings by almost 40% in the last year alone.

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Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, where homicides fell 14% between 2023 and 2024, called the federal takeover nothing but a performative power grab.

In Baltimore, officials say they have seen historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, and those have been on the decline since 2022, according to the city's public safety data dashboard. Carjackings were down 20% in 2023, and other major crimes fell in 2024. Only burglaries have climbed slightly.

The lower crime rates are attributed to tackling violence with a public health approach, city officials say. In 2021, under Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore created a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan that called for more investment in community violence intervention, more services for crime victims and other initiatives.

Scott accused Trump of exploiting crime as a wedge issue and dog whistle rather than caring about curbing violence.

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He has actively undermined efforts that are making a difference saving lives in cities across the country in favor of militarized policing of Black communities, Scott said via email.

The Democratic mayor pointed out that the Justice Department has slashed over $1 million in funding this year that would have gone toward community anti-violence measures. He vowed to keep on making headway, regardless.

We will continue to closely work with our regional federal law enforcement agencies, who have been great partners, and will do everything in our power to continue the progress despite the roadblocks this administration attempts to implement, Scott said.

Community organizations help curb violence

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Just last week Oakland officials touted significant decreases in crime in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, including a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in all violent crime, according to the midyear report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Officials credited collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services through the city's Department of Violence Prevention, established in 2017.

These results show that we're on the right track, Mayor Barbara Lee said at a news conference. We're going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here.

After Trump gave his assessment of Oakland last week, she rejected it as fearmongering.

Social justice advocates agree that crime has gone down and say Trump is perpetuating exaggerated perceptions that have long plagued Oakland.

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Nicole Lee, executive director of Urban Peace Movement, an Oakland-based organization that focuses on empowering communities of color and young people through initiatives such as leadership training and assistance to victims of gun violence, said much credit for the gains on lower crime rates is due to community groups.

We really want to acknowledge all of the hard work that our network of community partners and community organizations have been doing over the past couple of years coming out of the pandemic to really create real community safety, Lee said. The things we are doing are working.

She worries that an intervention by military forces would undermine that progress.

It creates kind of an environment of fear in our community, Lee said.

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Patrols and youth curfews

In Washington, agents from multiple federal agencies, National Guard members and even the United States Park Police have been seen performing law enforcement duties from patrolling the National Mall to questioning people parked illegally.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the guard troops will not be armed but declined to elaborate on their assignments to safety patrols and beautification efforts.

Savannah's Johnson said he is all for partnering with the federal government, but troops on city streets is not what he envisioned. Instead, cities need federal assistance for things like multistate investigation and fighting problems such as gun trafficking, and cybercrimes.

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Im a former law enforcement officer. There is a different skill set that is used for municipal law enforcement agencies than the military, Johnson said.

There has also been speculation that federal intervention could entail curfews for young people.

But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.

If youre a young person, basically you can be cited, criminalized, simply for being outside after certain hours, Lee said. Not only does that not solve anything in regard to violence and crime, it puts young people in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system.

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A game of wait-and-see

For now, Johnson said, the mayors are watching their counterpart in Washington, Muriel Bowser, closely to see how she navigates the unprecedented federal intervention. She has been walking a fine line between critiquing and cooperating since Trump's takeover, but things ramped up Friday when officials sued to try to block the takeover.

Johnson praised Bowser for carrying on with dignity and grace.

Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle, Johnson said. We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are.
An art exhibition in Thailand has emerged at the centre of international concerns over censorship by China after some artworks by Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong artists were removed or altered following an alleged pressure campaign by Beijing.

The exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) by Burmese artist Sai opened on 26 July, featuring artwork by exiles from China, Russia and Iran.

Titled Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machinery of Authoritarian Solidarity, the show aimed to expose the collaborative repression tactics of authoritarian governments.

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However, just three days later, Chinese embassy staff, accompanied by Bangkok city officials, visited the BACC and demanded the removal of elements critical of Beijings policies.

The Independent has reached out to BACC for a comment.

The co-curator, Sai fled Thailand for the UK with his wife on 29 July, fearing deportation to Myanmar, where he believed he would be punished by the military-run junta for his activism.

After the Chinese official and Thai polices intervention, the exhibition was forced to remove Tibetan and Uyghur flags, a novel about a Tibetan family in exile, and a film by Tibetan artist Tenzin Mingyur Paldron addressing the Dalai Lama.

Artist names are seen blacked out following censorship at the exhibition (Reuters)

References to Tibet, Hong Kong, and Uyghur were obscured with black paint while television screens meant to display Paldrons films were switched off, and artists names were redacted.

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Sai told Reuters Chinas response showed it was engaging in systematic political manipulation far beyond its borders, such as in his own country, where Beijing backs the ruling military.

He said if the Chinese governments claims about ethnic minorities were true, there would have been no need to send officials into galleries in Thailand, no need to black out artists names, and no need to threaten institutions into compliance.

References to Tibet, Hong Kong, and Uyghur were obscured with black paint (Reuters)

Censorship is never the weapon of those confident in the strength of their ideas, he said, describing it as tragically ironic in another interview.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the exhibition distorted Chinese policies and undermined Chinas core interests and political dignity.

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It neither confirmed nor denied that the Chinese embassy was behind the alterations.

The fact that the relevant country took timely measures precisely shows that the promotion of the fallacies of Tibetan independence, East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Hong Kong independence has no market internationally and is unpopular, it added.

Thailands police denied that officers were looking for Sai in a response to the BBC.

The Human Rights Foundation labelled it intimidation, reflecting a coordinated effort to suppress artistic expression.

The show is intended to expose the collaborative repression tactics of authoritarian governments (Reuters)

HRF strongly condemns an order issued by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to remove artworks by artists from Tibet, the Uyghur Region, and Hong Kong, it said.

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This instance of intimidation reflects the CCPs broader pattern of suppressing artistic expression overseas, which is facilitated by the cooperation of authoritarian governments, such as Thailand, who are continuing to acquiesce to the CCPs demands.

Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, said, Beijing should stop its repression against critics abroad. Others should resist such transnational repression to protect rights.

Campaign for Uyghurs called it yet another example of Beijing exporting censorship abroad, silencing art and activism that expose its human rights abuses.

Authoritarian repression doesnt stop at Chinas borders; it targets truth wherever its told.

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The exhibition remains open at the BACC but in its censored form, with an expected end date in October 2025.

Visitor numbers have surged due to online buzz about the controversy, turning the censorship into unintended publicity for the exhibition.

The controversy has renewed debate over Chinas sophisticated systems of censorship, aimed at controlling information, silencing dissent, and shaping public opinion both domestically and abroad. The ruling Communist Party employs a vast digital firewall, strict publishing controls, and pressure campaigns to stifle content it deems politically sensitive or damaging to its image.

In 2010, when imprisoned dissident Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize, Chinese media blacked out coverage, and online searches for his name were restricted. His death in custody in 2017 was also heavily censored.

Chinese authorities also restricted information on social media, and news about the coronavirus outbreak and posts questioning the governments handling of the pandemic were deleted en masse.
LAUCA N, Bolivia (AP)  Bolivia's charismatic, long-serving ex-President Evo Morales told The Associated Press on Saturday that he didn't know what to do about threats by the right-wing presidential candidates to arrest him if they came to power.

From his stronghold in Bolivia's tropics of Chapare, where he has been holed up for months under the protection of die-hard supporters, he repeated his call for voters to deface their ballots in Sunday's high-stakes elections in defiance of the race from which he is barred due to a contentious constitutional court ruling.

What are we going to do? Not even I know, he said in response to questions about how he would respond if either of the right-wing front-runners, multimillionaire businessman Samuel Doria Medina and former president Jorge Tuto Quiroga, wins the presidential election and fulfills their threats to arrest him. I am in the crosshairs of of the right-wing empire.

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Morales, 65, was charged last year with human trafficking and accused of impregnating a 15-year-old girl when he was president.

While he has not outright denied having sexual relations with the underage girl, he has described the charges as politically motivated. A judge issued the arrest order as he and his former finance minister, President Luis Arce, bickered over the control of their long-dominant Movement Toward Socialism Party.

As a result of their bitter power struggle, the party splintered. With the Bolivian economy undergoing its worst crisis in around four decades, the implosion of the MAS party has given the right-wing opposition its best shot at winning at the ballot box since Morales first came to power in 2006.

Look, its an election without legality, without legitimacy .... without the Indigenous movement, without the popular movement, Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous president, contended in his interview with the AP at his political organization's headquarters, where he broadcasts a weekly radio show.

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The null-and-void vote, he said, isnt just a vote for our political movement.

Its a protest vote, a vote of anger."

He insulted Doria Medina and Quiroga, who have both run for president three times before, losing at least twice to Morales, as eternal losers.

Citing widespread voter disillusionment with the options, he expressed confidence that the election outcome would reveal an unusually high proportion of invalid votes.

No one is going to win. It will be the spoiled vote, which is Evos vote, he said, speaking in third person.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Sunday that authorities arrested 68 people overnight in Washington, D.C., amid a federal crackdown on crime in which President Trump has sent the National Guard to the nations capital and federalized the police force.

Over 300 arrests in D.C.  and counting: Just last night, our federal and DC law enforcement partners made 68 arrests and seized 15 illegal firearms, Bondi said in a post on the social platform X. Homicide suspects, drug traffickers, and more are being charged. Ill continue to stand with you as we make DC safe again!

Trump last week said he would take federal control of D.C.s police department and deploy the National Guard to the city. The presidents moves have drawn heavy blowback from Democrats and D.C. residents.

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White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who also recently compared the nations capital to multiple foreign war zones, said in a post on X that graffiti is coming down in Washington, DC.

Graffiti left untouched to scar public spaces is the visual declaration of a societys surrender, Miller said in his Sunday post.

On Sunday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) dismissed Trumps recent crackdown on the nations capital as a stunt and suggested, like other Democrats, that the effort is meant to distract from other events in the news.

Whats happening here in Washington, D.C., is just a stunt. Donald Trump didnt like the fact that the walls were closing in on him, that his own base was questioning why he wouldnt release the Epstein files, why he was protecting very powerful people, Murphy told NBC Newss Kristen Welker on Meet the Press.

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He didnt want to talk anymore about the fact that our health care system is about to collapse because of the cuts that they have made, that premiums are going to go up by 75 percent on Americans, the Connecticut senator added.

But Republicans and the administration have argued the federal crackdown is a necessary step given high murder and crime rates in D.C., while suggesting that Democrats running cities have done a poor job handling the issue.

A White House official told The Hills sister network NewsNation Sunday that the Saturday night D.C. law enforcement operations involved 1,800 participants and that the National Guard was not making arrests at this time.

This story was updated at 4:57 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Border Field State Park, one of San Diego Countys most scenic coastal areas, has reopened after being closed for two years during construction that raised sections of the U.S.-Mexico border wall from 18 to 30 feet.

The reopening allows visitors to once again drive directly into the park, which sits on the southwesternmost corner of the continental United States. The area offers sweeping views of the Coronado Islands and the Tijuana River Estuary, but advocates say the sewage crisis along the border continues to threaten the land and sea.

After 2 years, road to popular beach border park to reopen this weekend

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We are getting a little bit of a chemical smell today from the water, said Bethany Case, an Imperial Beach resident with the Surfrider Foundation who led tours of the park to highlight the environmental damage. This is a perfect spot to get a lay of the land and see whats going on.

The timing coincides with the 54th anniversary of former First Lady Pat Nixons dedication of Border Field State Park and Friendship Park, a meeting point on the border for families separated by immigration status. While Friendship Park remains closed on the U.S. side, festivities were held in Mexico to mark the occasion.

Its the only state park in California that is at the border, said Janice Deaton with Friends of Friendship Park. Right across the border is the first marker that separated Mexico and established the United States here. It has a lot of historical significance.

For many, the park is more than a place to enjoy the scenery  its a site of personal connection.

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Border Report Live: Mexican border states too dangerous to visit

This is a very important meeting place on the border, said James Brown, a park visitor. For people that cant otherwise cross, its a place where they might see their mothers and fathers for the last time, or their grandkids for the first time.

Admission to Border Field State Park is $7 per vehicle, though entry is free for California State Parks annual pass holders.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
We often underestimate the difference one person can make, especially when it comes to the environment. But a recent Mongabay article tells a story that turns that idea on its head.

In Sri Lanka, a determined botanist is transforming the future of plant conservation almost single-handedly, proving that one passionate individual can reshape an entire nation's understanding of its biodiversity.

Himesh Jayasinghe is a Sri Lankan civil engineer-turned-botanist and has quietly made one of the most remarkable contributions to biodiversity science in decades.

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Working largely on his own across the island's remaining forest fragments, Jayasinghe has rediscovered more than 100 plant species once thought extinct, and identified over 200 previously unrecorded species, some entirely new to science. His discoveries have "brought back from the dead" species that were not found and recorded for over a century.

His discoveries, made between 2019 and 2025, have restored Sri Lanka's official floral records and offered a rare glimmer of hope in a world where biodiversity loss often feels irreversible. A local professor called Jayasinghe "a once-in-a-century phenomenon."

By venturing into remote mountaintops, treetops, and waterfalls, he's not only brought lost species back into the spotlight but also renewed faith in the power of individual action to drive conservation forward.

Jayasinghe's discoveries aren't just academic triumphs; they have real-world implications.

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By identifying rare and previously unknown species, his work helps inform environmental policy, guiding decisions about land use, development, and protected areas. This means communities can benefit from more sustainable development and endangered ecosystems stand a better chance of survival.

The detailed documentation also equips local scientists, conservationists, and even schoolchildren with the knowledge to recognize and protect the natural heritage growing right in their own backyards.

Jayasinghe's work has drawn praise and admiration, with supporters commending him for his dedication and discoveries, offering messages like "Good work" and "My appreciation!"

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.
BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A nonprofit based in Breathitt County that focuses on helping neglected people and animals has created a new, perpetual initiative to honor the memory of Jayden Spicer.

Spicer, 10, was found dead by Kentucky State Police troopers in a shallow grave on Canoe Road on Aug. 12. He had been reported missing nearly a week prior by his mother, Felicia Gross, who was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and falsely reporting an incident in connection with his death.

Jayden Spicer, 10, was found dead by Kentucky State Police troopers on Aug. 12. (GoFundMe)

On Saturday, Aug. 16, Aspire Appalachia posted on Facebook that members felt the need to make a change after hearing reports about Jaydens passing.

RELATED:

KSP: Missing 10-year-old Jackson boy found dead, mother arrested

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Breathitt County mother charged in sons death has criminal history spanning a decade

Its a nightmare: Heartbroken family, friends mourning loss of Ky. 10-year-old

We, as a community, have to do better, nonprofit officials said. While nothing can undo what happened, we can make sure Jaydens name lives on through action that brings comfort, protection, and love to children who need it most.

During the inaugural Jayden Initiative, members will be making 25 comfort bags for teenagers and 25 more for young children.

Each bag will be filled with essentials and small items of comfort, letting a child know they are seen, valued, and not alone, organizers wrote.

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Planners of the Jayden Initiative said that each year organizers will find a way to support children in the foster care system around the anniversary of his passing.

Whether its comfort bags or another project, Jaydens name will be tied to bringing hope and kindness to kids in need, charity members said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

How the community can help

Aspire Appalachia wrote that to donate to the Jayden Initiative, organizers have created a wishlist for items that can be sent to them to fill the comfort bags for teens and kids.

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Together, we can carry Jaydens light forward and ensure his legacy is one of hope, comfort, and love for children in need, initiative officials said.

For more information on the Jayden Initiative and Aspire Appalachia, visit the charity organizations 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 56 News.
LONDON (AP)  British horseracing will stage an unprecedented one-day strike on Sept. 10 to protest a proposed rise in taxes on race betting.

The four scheduled meetings that day  at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield and Kempton  will not take place after agreements between the owners of the courses and the British Horseracing Authority, making it the first time the sport in Britain has voluntarily refused to race in modern history.

The BHA set up the Axe the Racing Tax campaign in response to proposals to replace the existing three-tax structure of online gambling duties with a single tax, with fears the current 15% duty on racing could be increased to the 21% levied on games of chance.

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Brant Dunshea, chief executive at the British Horseracing Authority, said the strike intends to highlight to (the) government the serious consequences of the treasurys tax proposals which threaten the very future of our sport.

British racing is already in a precarious financial position and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country," Dunshea said.

This is the first time that British racing has chosen not to race due to government proposals. We havent taken this decision lightly but in doing so we are urging the government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport which is a cherished part of Britains heritage and culture."

The British government said it was bringing the treatment of online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to cut down bureaucracy.

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It is not about increasing or decreasing rates, the government said, "and we welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, the third sector and individuals.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
British horse racing will go on strike on 10 September, taking the unprecedented action of refusing to race in protest against the Government's proposed tax rise on betting on the sport.

As part of its industry-wide Axe The Racing Tax campaign, four fixtures scheduled for that day at Lingfield Park, Carlisle, Uttoxeter and Kempton Park have been rearranged by the British Horseracing Authority.

It is the first time the sport has voluntarily refused to race in its modern history.

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The governing body is campaigning against the Treasury's proposal to introduce a single remote gambling tax, which would increase the 15% tax rate paid by bookmakers on racing and aligning it with online gaming, which is currently taxed at 21%.

The BHA says this would have a "destructive impact" on the industry with its economic analysis predicting an estimated 330m loss in revenue and putting 2,752 jobs at risk in the first year alone.

BBC Sport has contacted the Treasury for comment.

Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves's autumn budget in October is expected to bring tax rises.

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Brant Dunshea, chief executive at the British Horseracing Authority, said the proposals "threaten the very future" of the sport.

Race meetings in Britain take place 363 days a year, unless called off for adverse weather, equine virus outbreaks and national crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

The strike takes place the day before the start of the four-day St Leger festival at Doncaster Racecourse.

"British Racing is already in a precarious financial position and research has shown that a tax rise on racing could be catastrophic for the sport and the thousands of jobs that rely on it in towns and communities across the country," added Dunshea.

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"This is the first time that British Racing has chosen not to race due to Government proposals. We haven't taken this decision lightly but in doing so we are urging the Government to rethink this tax proposal to protect the future of our sport which is a cherished part of Britain's heritage and culture."

The cancelled fixtures have been rearranged for:

Lingfield Park (afternoon) - 8 September (afternoon)

Carlisle (afternoon) - 9 September (evening)

Uttoxeter (afternoon) - 11 September (evening)

Kempton Park (evening) - 15 September (evening)

In addition, the evening fixture at Kempton Park on 15 September has been moved to the evening of 18 September.

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The BHA says the horseracing industry is worth 4.1 billion to the UK economy and supports 85,000 jobs.

"We hope the Government will take a moment to reflect on the harm this tax will cause to a sport in which our country leads in so many ways," said Jim Mullen, CEO at The Jockey Club, which operates 15 racecourses.

"We hope this pause for reflection will enable the Government to truly understand the economic impact of horseracing and its cultural significance to communities across the UK, as well as the world-class racing festivals we host.

"After this period of reflection, we hope the full implications will be understood, and we can prevent the irreparable damage that threatens a sport the nation is, and should be, proud of."
A boy who authorities say endured years of physical and psychological abuse and witnessed his older brothers death is seeking $60 million from the state, alleging that the Arizona Department of Child Safety failed to protect him.

A notice of claim filed with the Arizona Attorney General's Office is packed with graphic detail of torture the two brothers reportedly suffered over at least five years. The claim charges the abuse could have been prevented if the states child-welfare agency had done its job back in 2017, and then again in 2022, when DCS investigations concluded the brothers were not in any present danger.

The claim centers on the reported abuse of Chaskah Davis and his younger brother, which police and prosecutors say they suffered at the hands of their maternal grandmother and her husband.

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Chaskah died at age 11 in January 2022 in the bathtub of a Scottsdale extended-stay hotel, capping years of abuse, according to court documents.

His brother, now 13, has life-altering injuries from years of abuse, as well as cognitive and psychological scars for which DCS must be held responsible, the claim stated.

The boy is living with his mother in Minnesota. The claim was filed by a court-appointed conservator for the child, who is charged with handling details related to the claim and potential litigation.

Attorney Matthew Boatman is handling the case.

The opportunity to save these kids was there, Boatman said Aug. 15. There was ample information on Stephanie Marie Davis that should have set off alarm bells, if only DCS had done its required background work, Boatman said.

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That information revealed that Stephanie Davis had previously abused her own children, had an outstanding arrest warrant at the time of the first reports to DCS in 2017, and lacked legal custody of the boys, having kidnapped them from their home state of Minnesota and brought them to Arizona, according to the claim.

Stephanie Davis faces a kidnapping charge in criminal court, along with her husband, Thomas Desharnais. The two are awaiting trial on first-degree murder, child abuse, and other charges. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Not guilty pleas entered: Couple pleads not guilty to charges of abusing, killing 11-year-old grandson in Scottsdale

DCS never uncovered these alarming red flags because, at best, it conducted a superficial investigation, Broadman wrote in the 54-page claim.

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The notice of claim is an attempt to settle with the state without going to court.

The Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on the complaint, which was filed in March 2025.

Death penalty sought: Scottsdale grandmother, husband accused of killing 11-year-old grandson could face death penalty

Years of reported abuse, beatings

The brothers endured years of abuse that at times amounted to torture, according to the claim, which cited records obtained from DCS and Scottsdale police, as well as testimony from witnesses.

What began as bruises in 2017 turned into bodily mutilation years later, the claim states. Chaskah suffered relentless beatings that eventually took his life. (His brother), powerless to stop it, was forced to witness the horrific moment his brother was beaten and drowned right in front of him.

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The Arizona Republic is not identifying the boy by name as he is a minor and the victim of abuse.

The claim pointed to five occasions where DCS was notified of possible abuse of the brothers.

In 2017, three separate calls were made from two different schools the boys attended. Investigators determined there was insufficient evidence to remove the children. Before the third report could be fully investigated, Davis and Desharnais left the state.

By 2020, the family had returned to Arizona and was living in an extended-stay hotel in Scottsdale. The front desk clerk twice contacted DCS to report apparent signs of abuse and request a welfare check, but the agency did not respond, according to the claim.

5 complaints, but DCS took little action, claim alleges

These five calls should have been red flags, Boatman wrote in the complaint.

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Instead, they were not heeded, resulting in unimaginable and relentless child torture.

The boys lived in what amounted to a torture chamber, according to the claim, as it detailed years of abuse.

Knives, needle-nose pliers, shock collars, lighters, cigarettes, scissors, hammers and socket wrenches were the weapons of choice. The list of injuries they suffered is nauseating," Boatman wrote.

Calculating the cost of injury

Attorneys calculated the cost of the 13-year-olds medical treatment as of 2025 and added projected expenses for the ongoing care he will need, bringing the requested settlement to $60 million.

Those future expenses include medical, therapeutic, and educational costs, as well as compensation for lost educational opportunities, since records show the boy missed several years of school.

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If the claim is rejected, Boatman said he would take the case to court. Its time to reform child welfare, he said.

The opportunity for legal redress is long; state law says the statute of limitations expires a half year after a child turns 18.

This is not the first notice of claim filed against the state involving the boys treatment.

In 2022, Boatman filed a complaint on behalf of Amandria Davis, the boys mother. It sought $12 million, based on wrongful death and negligence claims.

But Boatman said she dropped the complaint because the emotional toll of litigating it was too much to bear.

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media @maryjpitzl.

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'Not every tragedy is a crime': County Attorney Rachel Mitchell speaks on Kiser drowning case

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brother of slain child files $60 million claim against Arizona, DCS
NEED TO KNOW

Bryan Kohberger said the name of Kaylee Goncalves on the night of the Idaho murders, according to members of the Moscow Police Department and Idaho State Police

That information was given to them by surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen, who said that she was confused about what she saw and heard on the night of the murders  but not this

"She advised she knows what she heard, especially about hearing who she believed was Kaylee crying and the male voice telling her he was there for her," Det. Victoria M. Gooch wrote in newly unsealed documents



Bryan Kohberger had no known ties to any of his victims, prosecutors have said. But according to one of the surviving roommates, he identified at least one of his victims by name before stabbing them to death.

Two newly unsealed documents in the murder state that Dylan Mortensen told authorities she heard the killer say Kaylee Goncalves' name during his fatal stabbing spree.

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Idaho State Police (ISP) Tpr. Jeffory Talbot wrote in his report that upon arriving at the Moscow home of the four University of Idaho victims, Sgt. Dustin Blaker of the Moscow Police Department (MPD) provided him with an overview of the information that police had gathered that morning.

"Sometime in the early morning hours, [Mortensen] was awoken and opened her room door [redacted] and heard a male say, 'It's okay Kaylee, I'm here for you,' and crying," Tpr. Talbot wrote in his summary of the briefing he received from Sgt. Blaker, a copy of which was among the unsealed documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Kaylee Goncalves Instagram Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves

At the time of this first interview, Mortensen believed that she heard Goncalves run down the stairs at the time of the murders while trying to flee her killer.

Mortensen said that after hearing Goncalves run downstairs she heard the killer speak

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"She then heard a male voice, which she stated she had never heard before, say 'It's okay, I'm going to help you.' [Mortensen] believed the unidentified male was in the bathroom and with the person who was crying. She believes it was Kaylee who was the one crying," read the report summarizing Mortensen's first interview after the killings.

Instagram; Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle; Bryan Kohbegrer Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle; Bryan Kohbegrer

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.

Mortensen then changed her story later that same day after learning more details about the murders, saying she believed it was "probably Xana who was crying," even though "at the moment of hearing the crying, she stated she believed it was Kaylee who was crying."

She also said Kernodle was likely the person she heard running down the stairs after discovering her friends being stabbed or seeing Kohberger.

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Mortensen did state in both interviews that she was still in shock and trying to process the situation. However, even after saying that, she told police she was certain about the killer using Goncalves' name.

"She advised she knows what she heard, especially about hearing who she believed was Kaylee crying and the male voice telling her he was there for her," Det. Victoria M. Gooch wrote in a report filed after she conducted that first interview with Mortensen alongside Sgt. Blaker of the MPD.

AP Photo/Kyle Green Dylan Mortensen at Bryan Kohberger's sentencing on July 23, 2025 Dylan Mortensen at Bryan Kohberger's sentencing on July 23, 2025

Mortensen, who is the lone eyewitness to have seen the killer on the night of the murders, also struggled to identify Kohberger as the man she saw that night.

This is according to a newly unsealed interview that suggests her testimony  had she been forced to take the stand  might not have been a home run for prosecutors.

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On the day of Kohberger's arrest, authorities discovered that Mortensen said she could not confirm that Kohberger was the man she saw that night.

"From people releasing Bryan Kohberger's name, I know it's him, but I don't know," Mortensen said after the arrest.

Then, in an interview with Det. Joe Lake of the ISP that day, Mortensen said after seeing a picture of Kohberger: "Nothing came back to me at all, so that like, and... I feel like if I saw that my mind would be like, 'Oh yeah, that's him, but ... I just don't remember at all.' "

Mortensen was in court on the day a judge sentenced Kohberger to four lifetimes in prison.

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She spoke to the man who murdered her four friends through tears, describing the fear she still feels every day since losing her four friends. Mortensen then bravely vilified the man who took their lives as he sat just a few feet away.

"He is a hollow vessel. Something less than human. A body without empathy or remorse," Mortensen told the court.

She later said of Kohberger, "He chose destruction, he chose evil. He feels nothing. He tried to take everything from me."

Kohberger, who had confessed to the murders three weeks prior, showed no emotion at any point during Mortensen's remarks.



Read the original article on People
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Dozens of runners crossed the finish line doused in colorful chalk and all for a good cause. Earlier Saturday morning, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office hosted the inaugural Spread the Love Color Run at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Story continues below

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Officials say they wanted an opportunity for the community to show their support for the Special Olympics and the dozens of New Mexicans who compete in it. Its a color run so everybody is coming out and getting sprayed by chalk. The color runs called Spread the Love, and so its just symbolizing spreading the love and showing our support, says Detective Katherine Small with Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office.

Officials say more than 70 runners came out on Saturday to participate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A judge has denied pretrial release for a Buffalo Grove man who is accused of recording videos of women and two female minors at his ice cream shop, the DuPage County states attorneys office and Addison police said Sunday.

Steven Weisberg, 58, of the 300 block of Satinwood Terrace, appeared in court Sunday morning and was charged with two counts of child pornography, a Class X felony, the most severe category of its kind in Illinois, and two counts of unauthorized video recording, a Class 3 felony.

Weisberg was arrested Friday following an investigation that began in early August, when the Addison Police Department received an anonymous complaint of suspicious activity at Flavor Frenzy, an ice cream shop at 48 W. Lake St. in Addison, according to the news release. The complaint, police said, was about what appeared to be a fake wall electrical outlet in the shops restroom. An undercover officer went to the locale and reportedly saw an outlet with a small black lens that was positioned to capture portions of the restroom, including a urinal.

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Having obtained a search warrant for the place, police officers removed the outlet and discovered it had a camera, authorities said. An investigation into the matter alleged that Weisberg had installed the camera a few years ago, and that he was able to access and save the video footage from the camera on his laptop and cellphone.

A search warrant for the accuseds electronic devices at home and the shop uncovered 11 videos in a folder for deleted media in his phone, showing six different people, according to authorities. At least three of them were female employees at the shop, the news release said. One of them was a 16-year-old who was trying on different Flavor Frenzy T-shirts to model for the business, allegedly at Weisbergs request, according to prosecutors.

Detectives also allegedly found two additional videos of female employees undressing and who have not been identified yet. One of them is a minor, according to prosecutors and police.

Mr. Weisberg allegedly falsely created an environment where children should have felt safe and secure, Addison Chief of Police Roy Selvik said. Instead, he betrayed not only their trust, but the trust of our entire community in one of the most heinous and disturbing ways.

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According to Addison police, four more female shop employees, all minors, have since reported that Weisberg allegedly asked them to model T-shirts and had told them to remove their bras so that there was no bra outline in the photos.

The allegations against Mr. Weisberg are not only a crime, they are appalling, DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. The alleged secret video recording of these young girls should send a chill down the spine of each and every one of us.

The Addison Police Department continues its investigation into the matter, and Selvik says it is working to find any additional victims in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Addison Police Department at 630-543-3080.

Weisbergs next court appearance is set for Sept. 15 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
An estimated 12.5 million enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. As a result, the African Diasporan played a significant role in building new societies despite being ripped away from the world they knew.

Despite their enormous contributions, some of this pertinent Black history has been buried and not recognized as it should be. Here is a list of Black History in the worlds most unexpected places.

Brazil

Brazil has the largest population of people of African descent outside of Africa because it was a major importer of enslaved Africans, even more than the United States.

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According to Statista, an estimated 3.2 million enslaved Africans were forcibly relocated to Brazil compared to around 300,000 in the United States. Consequently, African cultures have played a significant role in Brazilian music, dance, and cuisine.

In Brazil, an unexpected Black history is the community known as Quilombo dos Palmares  a large settlement of once-enslaved Africans who escaped in colonial Brazil. Zumbi dos Palmares was a prominent leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares. He was eventually captured and killed on November 20, 1695. He was decapitated, and his head was on display to serve as a warning to others.

Despite his death, he is widely recognized as a symbol of resistance against Portuguese colonial rule and slavery. Today, Quilombo dos Palmares is located in present-day Alagoas, Brazil. The community was a major center of resistance against slavery and remains a testament to the resilience of Africans in the face of oppression.

Honoring The Black Man Who Founded Chicago

The next time you are driving along the 18 miles of the outer portion of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, remember that you are riding on a piece of essential Black history in the Windy City. Consistently voted as one of the most beautiful streets and among the most memorable in the world, the Chicago City Council approved to rename the road to Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive in 2021.

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The roughly 17 or 18 miles of Lakeshore Drive honor Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, a Black man believed to be of Haitian descent, who is credited as Chicagos founder.

According to Chicago City Councilmembers, Pointe DuSable and his wife, Kitihawa, settled where the Chicago River and Lake Michigan met in the late 1770s. They reportedly established a trading post and farm before selling the property in 1800 and moving to the port of St. Charles.

While the name change did not come without controversy, Chicago leaders expressed the importance of recognizing his role in Chicagos history and addressing racial injustice.

The Lion King Of Mali

From the 13th to the 17th centuries, the Mali Empire was powerful in West Africa. The legendary warrior king, Sundiata Keita, founded the empire. At its height, it was known for its wealth that derived from trade. From 1235  1255, Keita, who is known as the Lion King of Mali expanded the Mali Empire through conquest, gaining control over the gold and salt trade routes and establishing a capital at Niani.

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According to the Epic of Sundiata, Keita was a Milinke prince, but after his fathers death, his stepmother banished him, along with his mother. He spent years in exile but eventually returned to defeat his enemies. Keita reclaimed his throne and built a prosperous empire that flourished for centuries.

Under Keitas leadership and following his legacy for several centuries, the Mali Empire was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Africa, thanks to its thriving trade network that stretched across the Sahara Desert, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Traders exchanged gold, salt, ivory, textiles, spices, and luxury items such as silk and ceramics.

1733 Slave Insurrection On St. John, US Virgin Islands

Nearly 60 years before the start of the Haitian Revolution, there was a revolt by enslaved Africans on what was the Danish island of St. John, which is present-day U.S. Virgin Islands. The rebellion was ultimately fueled by the harsh conditions of slavery, including food shortages and brutal treatment.

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In the early morning of November 23, 1733, a group of enslaved people entered the Danish West India Companys fort in Coral Bay, St. John, under the guise of a firewood delivery for the forts soldiers. According to the National Park Service, they had hidden cane knives within the stacks of wood they carried.

They took the soldiers by surprise, killing all but one. After taking the fort, the freedom fighters fired the forts cannon to signal the enslaved community in the area that the insurrection was underway.

The 1733 Slave Insurrection was the first instance in which enslaved people took control of a colony and sparked later revolts that would take place. The Akwamu Fighters, as they are called, are highlighted for taking their fate into their own hands as they rose against their oppressors.

Currently, Virgin Islands National Park in St. John honors the 1733 uprising, where those had hoped to establish the first free African state in the Americas.

Gaspar Yango: The Gabon Man Who Led Enslaved Africans To Freedom in Mexico

Gaspar Yangas legacy is rarely talked about within African history. According to folklore from the region, Yanga was a prince stolen from a royal family in Gabon. According to Black History Heroes, the term Yanga has origins in many of the regions found in West and Central Africa.

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He reportedly escaped from the region of the Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion plantation in 1570. Between 1570 and 1609, Yanga led his followers into the mountains near Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Mexico, the Cofre de Perote, Zongolica, and Olmec regions.

By the 1600s, Yangas maroon settlement was known as palenques, which became a site of resistance against colonial Spain. In 1609, Spanish authorities sent a skilled and armed militia to defeat Yanga and his Palenque, but the army was defeated. Spanish settlers sent another army, but Yanga defeated the forces again. After the second time, Yanga offered to make peace with several conditions. The most significant condition was recognizing the freedom of the settlements residents and the acknowledgement of the settlement as a legal entity, which Yanga and his descendants would govern.

As Blackpast documents, the town of San Lorenzo de Los Negros was officially recognized by Spanish authorities as a free Black settlement in 1618 after years of negotiations. It would later be referred to as Yanga, named after its founder.

Yanga is known as the first liberator of the Americas and led one of colonial Mexicos first successful salve uprisings.







The post Buried But Not Erased: Black History In The Worlds Most Unexpected Places appeared first on Travel Noire.
While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, a majority of superyacht aficionados can't help but shake their heads when it comes to Sailing Yacht A.

As the brainchild of French designer Philippe Starck, Sailing Yacht A is known for its unique design, gargantuan size, and over-the-top features that include its very own three-person submarine.

Photo Credit: Reddit

While posting to r/sailing, one Redditor offered up a long-distance photo of the estimated $590 million yacht that has long been considered to be a controversial entry into the world of superyachts.

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Although it's unclear how far away the original poster was when they took the picture, the unmistakable look of Sailing Yacht A is hard to miss. "Currently seized by Italian authorities," the Redditor wrote. "At anchor in Trieste."

In 2022, Italian authorities seized the superyacht from Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko. Since then, the vessel has remained under their control. However, the superyacht has been moved to various sea ports over the last few years.

With a deal signed in 2011 to build the ship, Sailing Yacht A underwent a lengthy construction process before being delivered in 2017. The 469-foot vessel boasts two MTU 3,600-kilowatt diesel engines in tandem with two 4,300-kilowatt electric motors. Due to its massive size, the superyacht is estimated to produce well over 5,000 tons of carbon pollution per year.

According to a CleanTechnica report, the top 300 superyachts in the world produce nearly 285,000 tons of carbon dioxide pollution every year. As noted by an Oxfam study, the world's wealthiest 1% are "responsible for as much carbon pollution as the people who make up the poorest two-thirds of humanity."

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In the comments section, many users couldn't help but take notice of Sailing Yacht A's unique look.

"Saw that in the harbor of Reykjavik a few years ago," one commenter wrote. "It's the sailboat version of the Cybertruck."

"Looks like a giant cheese grater," added a second user. "That's not a sailboat, it's a luxury yacht / kitchen utensil that happens to have some masts planted on."

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.

However, not every commenter saw the vessel in a poor light. One Redditor offered their optimistic take on the aesthetic of the superyacht. "If you stop thinking of it as a sailing ship, it's actually a really cool looking piece of architecture," they wrote. "It's just even cooler that it sails. It's even cooler from different angles and up close."

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 46-year-old man was rescued by helicopter after he was trapped for two days behind a waterfall in California.

Ryan Wardwell of Long Beach was planning to rappel the Seven Teacups waterfalls Sunday evening but became trapped after the water's strong hydraulics forced him off his climbing lines, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

On Monday, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received a report of a missing man who had last been seen at the top of the waterfall and had not returned to his car.

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Hikers Rescued By Helicopter From Remote Beach After Rising Tides Cut Off Their Only Way Out

A 46-year-old man was rescued by helicopter after he was trapped for two days behind a waterfall in California.

This prompted police to launch an extensive search of the area, using aircraft equipped with infrared technology and cameras. However, the rough terrain and late hour delayed the search until the next morning, law enforcement said.

Cries For Help Lead Rescuers To Injured Hiker After Terrifying 25-Foot Plunge At Popular Waterfall

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Early Tuesday morning, a dive and rescue team began a search, and a drone discovered Wardell was alive and responsive behind a large waterfall, according to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

The California Highway Patrol was called to the site and used a helicopter to bring the climber to safety.

"He had come off his rappel lines and got trapped behind the waterfall because of the extreme hydraulics of the river," according to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

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6 Swept Over Oregon Waterfall; 2 Dead And 1 Missing

The California Highway Patrol was called in and used a helicopter to bring the climber to safety. Wardwell was treated for dehydration and minor injuries before being reunited with relatives, police said.

"The TCSO Emergency Services Division reminds the public to always be aware of their environment and capabilities, especially when navigating whitewater rivers," a release says.

"The TCSO Emergency Services Division reminds the public to always be aware of their environment and capabilities, especially when navigating white-water rivers," a news release states.

In a similar incident earlier this month, rescuers helped a hiker who fell approximately 25 feet onto rocks at Big Falls, located near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino Mountains.

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The Tulare County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: California man rescued by helicopter after spending two days trapped behind waterfall
(FOX40.COM)  A man who started the Markley Fire to cover up the murder of a woman but ended up killing two others was sentenced.

 Video Above: California man set deadly 2020 wildfire to cover up womans killing

In early September 2020, many of us remember the sky staying eerily orange for days on end, the Vacaville Police Department said on social media. Many believed it to simply be from the LNU Fires caused by lightning strikes  however, the truth was far more complex.

Stolen Amazon semi-truck full of packages leads to arrest in Sacramento County

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In August 2020, Priscilla Castros family reported her missing after they couldnt reach her for a few days, according to VPD. Castros car was found abandoned in Vacaville, prompting an investigation.

Around the same time, the Markley Fire erupted near Lake Berryessa and quickly spread south through the Pleasants Valley area. VPD said it destroyed thousands of acres, hundreds of structures, and numerous homes, family pets, and livestock. Additionally, longtime residents, Douglas Mai and Leon Bone, died in their homes during the fire.

Man tells cops hes fine to drive after several beers, Northern California police say

The VPD investigation led detectives to Victor Serriteno, and the discovery of Castros burned body near the Monticello Dam at Lake Berryessa. Solano Country Sheriffs Office and CalFire determined the actual cause of the Markley Fire to be arson, related to Castros murder.

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Serriteno was arrested by Vacaville PD Detectives and booked into the Solano County Jail where he awaited trial.

On Wednesday, he was formally sentenced to 73 years to life in prison for the murder of Castro, the Markley Fire, and subsequent arson murders of Mai and Bone.

The sentence ensures Serriteno will likely spend the spend the remainder of his life behind bars, VPD said in part. This week, our thoughts are with all those affected by the Markley Fire, and especially the families and loved ones of Priscilla Castro, Douglas Mai and Leon Bone.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SACRAMENTO, California  A wind power farm in the mountains of far-Northern California was the first through the door of a new permit streamlining program that came with a lofty promise to renewable energy developers: Once a permit application was complete, the California Energy Commission would make a final ruling on the project within 270 days.

Its been more than 650 days since Fountain Wind completed its application. But the agency still hasn't made a final ruling, after fierce local opposition successfully derailed the permit review.

In renewable energy circles, the project has become a poster child of the sluggish progress California has made toward expediting the infrastructure state leaders say they so desperately want. Meanwhile, local officials and their advocates see the initiative as a prime example of why decision-making is better done within the communities where workers are breaking dirt. That argument will continue playing out in Sacramento in the coming month as language that would further empower the CECs permitting authority is in one of the most-watched end-of-session bills.

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"Why champion a state permitting process that does authorize a local override if youre not going to wield it? said Alex Jackson, executive director of the American Clean Power Association, a renewable energy trade group. In the face of federal attacks on wind and rising demand, the case for grabbing every zero-carbon electron in California could not be stronger right now.

In June 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a major budget trailer bill that was a key step in Californias yearslong effort to pare down its notoriously byzantine permitting processes. AB 205 created an optional permitting process that would allow large renewable energy projects to get the green light from the CEC, effectively sidestepping local advocates who have become so effective at wielding county-level laws to mothball construction.

But three years later, developers are still facing a lengthy review process. The centerpiece 270-day review timeline only kicks off once the CEC determines that an application is complete. Its taken the CEC about a year on average to make that determination for the four projects that have made it that far in the opt-in process. The second longest-tenured project in the pipeline, a solar and battery project in Imperial County, applied over 530 days ago and still hasnt received its stamp of approval that its application is complete.

Long timelines are nothing new, especially in California policymaking circles. But the delays, and the fact that CEC staff cited local opposition in its recommendation to spike the Fountain Wind project, have frustrated renewable energy industry leaders, who are saying the state will never meet its ambitious clean energy goals at this pace. Meanwhile, developers are facing a hostile federal government as the Trump administration continues its assault on wind and solar projects.

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Do you think that Im going to commit to a 10-year, multi-million-dollar development process with the risk that the county supervisors three elections down the road dont think its appropriate? said Michael Rucker, CEO of renewable energy company Scout Clean Energy, which is currently constructing a wind farm in the hills south of San Jose. The CECs action puts the development prospects for wind energy, at a time when the state needs it very much, just on ice.

The industry's concerns have found receptive ears in Sacramento.

SB 254, state Sen. Josh Beckers (D) sprawling bill to rein in electricity rates, contains language that would establish a presumption under the AB 205 system that the facilities' construction would economically benefit local governments, reversing the current dynamic, which has a higher bar for developers to demonstrate those benefits. It would also extend the application window deadline from 2029 to 2034, make smaller projects eligible, and give the CEC a 30-day deadline to ask for additional information after it receives records from applicants.

Becker said his goal is to improve on the initial AB 205 framework, which, in his view, has been been working well in some cases, and not as well in others. He views the bill through the popular "abundance" framework of trying to strike the right balance between protecting the environment while getting projects approved more quickly.

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If we just have years and years of delays  it just adds costs to the system, Becker said.

In a statement, CEC spokesperson Stacey Shepard said that the opt-in program is working as intended, delivering a faster, predictable timeline for reviewing California energy projects. It brought the Fresno County Darden Clean Energy Project across the permitting finish line within the 270 day window, has three others with complete applications in the opt-in pipeline, and five more in the prefiling stage, representing 2,800 megawatts of new generation and 4,800 MW of storage capacity.

Shepard defended the application timelines, saying that Fountain Wind got booted from the 270-day clock due to a change in its water-supply plan, and that there is no time limit restricting how long it takes the CEC to deem an application complete.

Prior to the application being deemed complete, the onus is on the applicant to provide the information to CEC, and CEC has no control over how long an applicant may take to do so, Shepard said.

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Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villasenor did not respond directly to questions about the Fountain Wind project, but touted the governors renewable energy record in a statement.

Under Governor Newsoms leadership, California has expedited more clean energy projects than ever before  helping the state add record energy capacity to our grid, at the fastest pace in our history, Villasenor said. Were not slowing down any time soon.

The Fountain Wind saga

Fountain Winds developers began their effort to erect 71 wind turbines on about 4,500 acres of land in unincorporated Shasta County by submitting an application to local officials. In June 2021, county planning staffers filed a report supporting the project.

But Mary Rickert, then a member of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, wasnt convinced. She remembers the Fountain Fire, which ripped through the region in the '90s, destroying hundreds of homes. She feared that the 679-foot-tall turbines would prevent first responders from effectively fighting fire from the air if another blaze ignited.

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The last thing we want is something that hampers us in fighting a fire, Rickert said.

Many of her neighbors agreed. So did the county planning commission, which voted to deny permission to the project. The board of supervisors, Rickert included, shot down the project when its developers appealed to their body. It looked like the local opposition had killed Fountain Wind.

But then the CEC opt-in program launched along with the promise that state permissions would supersede any local rulings. Fountain Winds developer  a company called ConnectGen which has since been acquired by Spanish energy developer Repsol  jumped at the opportunity, filing paperwork with the CEC in January 2023.

The county wasnt walking away without a fight.

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Before Fountain Wind submitted its application with the CEC, local officials changed zoning laws to prohibit large wind facilities in the unincorporated sections of the county. Nonetheless, the Fountain Wind bid proceeded at the CEC, and in October 2023, the agency deemed the application complete, beginning the 270-day clock for it to make a decision on the project. But locals still had one more card up their sleeve.

Rickert and her allies had approached the mostly-volunteer board of the Burney Water District, serving the nearby community of about 3,000 people. The board quietly voted to pull its permission to sell Fountain Wind water to be trucked to the site, foiling the supply plan Fountain Wind had listed in its opt-in application.

As a community whole, we just didnt want to be taken advantage of just so we would have the windmills in our backyards and no real benefit to the community, said David Barry, the water district president.

Shasta County representatives notified the CEC of the water situation in November 2023. In March 2024, Fountain Wind submitted an alternative water plan to the agency, but it was too late. That month, the CEC notified the developer that due to the substantial change in the water supply, the agency was extending its review timeline and would not decide on the project within the 270-day deadline.

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When the CEC published its staff assessment in March 2025, officials recommended that the agencys leadership deny the project. To override local laws, like the Shasta County large wind facility prohibition, the project had to clear the standard of being necessary for public convenience and necessity. It didnt, officials concluded, and a battery energy storage system would be a more prudent and feasible alternative.

While we respect the work of the [CEC] staff, Repsol disagrees with the recommendation in its Draft Environmental Impact Report regarding the Fountain Wind Project, spokesperson Christi Shafer said in a statement. We believe the project offers a meaningful opportunity to safely and responsibly contribute to the state's and Repsol's clean energy commitments.

The CEC is scheduled to make a final decision on whether or not to greenlight the project during its October business meeting, according to its spokesperson Shepard.

The specter that Fountain Winds application will be denied has infuriated renewable energy advocates, spurring them to shop around a laundry list of further opt-in streamlining measures to lawmakers. At the same time, SB 254 and AB 531, which would expand the CECs authority to certify geothermal power plants, both remain in play as the end of the legislative session approaches Sept. 12.

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Meanwhile, some local government advocates say they never liked the opt-in process in the first place, and they'll fight the moves to expand the state's jurisdiction.

We need to retain discretion over projects that are occurring within our jurisdictional boundaries, said John Kennedy, a senior policy advocate with Rural County Representatives of California, which represents the state's 40 rural counties. When the state overrules county regulations, it can leave locals feeling embittered by projects that come in and dont take their concerns into consideration, he said.
CalMac has paid out more than 460,000 in compensation to passengers because of delays and cancellations to its services since April last year.

The state-owned ferry operator paid 432,735 in compensation to travellers in 2024-25, with a further 33,792 paid out in May and June this year.

It marks a 37% rise on compensation payments in 2023-24, but a slight fall from 2022-23, when the operator paid 454,000 to delayed passengers, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

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A Transport Scotland spokesperson said just over 5% of sailings on the network had been cancelled over the last 10 years.

Lib Dem transport spokesman, Jamie Greene, accused the Scottish government of "letting the ferry network deteriorate".

He pointed to reliability issues within the CalMac fleet and delays in new vessels going into service.

The Glen Sannox ferry, built by Port Glasgow shipyard Ferguson Marine, was delivered years late and over budget.

Its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, will now not be delivered until early next year due to a series of delays.

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Meanwhile, the MV Caledonian Isles, which has not sailed since January last year, could be out of action for a further four months in order to undergo further repairs.

The Lib Dems have launched a consultation on the future of the country's ferry services.

Greene, who represents the West Scotland region, said staff and passengers had been "let down" by the SNP's management of the network

He added: "The SNP government took control of the company and broke their promise to deliver new ferries on time and on budget, which would have reduced the massive bills we are now seeing for compensation and repairs.

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"All of this has created a grim new norm for my constituents along the west coast, from losing business to missing hospital appointments."

Jamie Greene said passengers had been "let down" by reliability issues on the ferry network [Getty Images]

Data obtained by the Lib Dems via freedom of information request showed more than 7,000 compensation claims had been lodged by passengers over a two-year period between April 2023 and April 2025.

The operator has paid out a total of 1.9m in compensation since the 2017-18 financial year.

CalMac said it expected to welcome an additional 13 vessels to its fleet by 2029.

It said, when delays and cancellations did occur, staff worked to find alternative routes or sailings for passengers.

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A spokesperson added: "We're operating more sailings than ever before, with many of our vessels stretched to their limits.

"It is no secret that our fleet is ageing and that this can lead to higher levels of technical problems.

"This is why we are looking forward to welcoming 13 new vessels to the CalMac fleet by 2029, which will lead to less technical problems and cancellations, giving passengers a more reliable service."

CalMac said its fleet was "ageing" [PA Media]

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said those new vessels would be able to "operate in more challenging sea and weather conditions".

They added: "Between January 2015 and June 2025 CalMac have operated over 1.6 million sailings, with just 5.5% of scheduled sailings cancelled. Of those cancelled sailings, 25% were for technical reasons whilst more than double was due to the weather at 60%.

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"In the coming year, the Scottish government intend to invest over 530m maintaining and enhancing our networks and strengthening resilience of services on the west coast and northern isles.

"This represents a near 23% increase on 24-25 funding levels."
NEED TO KNOW

The number of reported cannabis poisonings among children has increased dramatically in recent years, per a new report from The New York Times

Experts believe the increase is linked to the legalization of edible cannabis in a number of states, along with candy-like product packaging

While the majority of cases are not considered life-threatening, these instances can sometimes lead to serious health complications

Cannabis poisonings are on the rise among children, according to a new report from The New York Times.

Recently published data from Americas Poison Centers states that incidents of reported cannabis overdoses among children rose from about 930 cases in 2009 to more than 22,000 in 2024, per the NYT. Additionally, more than 75 percent of all poisonings reported in 2024 involved children or teenagers, per the outlet.

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Experts link the rise in rates to the legalization and commercialization of edible forms of the drug  specifically the fact that cannabis products are often sold as gummies in enticing packaging.

Were seeing a lot of accidental overdoses just because of the packaging, Dr. Stephen Sandelich, a pediatric emergency physician and assistant professor at Penn State, told the outlet. He additionally said that he has intubated several children who had ingested cannabis products.

I definitely have seen floridly psychotic 2-year-olds just waiting for the marijuana to leave their system because they got into someones gummies, added Dr. Shamieka Virella Dixon, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Levine Childrens Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., while speaking to the outlet.

Getty Red jelly candies spilling out of a bottle Red jelly candies spilling out of a bottle

While cases are on the rise, most have fortunately not been considered serious. However, the data did show that some cases led to life-threatening complications, such as breathing problems.

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Additionally, while there were only 10 such serious cases reported to poison centers in 2009, there were 620 reported in 2024  100 of which required the use of ventilators, and the majority of which involved children, per the NYT.

Experts also believe that these incidents are likely underreported due to the fact that hospitals are not legally required to report them.

The NYT report also noted that while the majority of reported cases of cannabis poisonings involve children, older adults have also been affected in recent years.

A study published in 2024 showed that the number of people in Canada landing in the emergency room with cannabis overdoses who are 65 and older increased after the country legalized the recreational use of the drug in 2018. The studys lead researcher noted that this could be due to a variety of factors, including slower metabolisms and potential interactions with prescription drugs.

Read the original article on People
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  This week on Capitol Report the panel dives deep into Republican State Sen. Ryan Fazios recently-launched campaign for governor.

Sales Tax-Free Week starting, is it good for Connecticut Consumers?

Plus, News 8 Political Reporter Mike Cerulli shares more on Fazio.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), DEEP and the CT Consumer Counsel rip FERC for sky-high electric rates.

Finally, Blumenthal recently showed off some dance moves on the New Haven Green, how does he compare to other dancing politicians?

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Watch the full show in the player above.

CAPITOL REPORT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Its been a busy week for the rule of law in Arkansas.

Capitol View host Roby Brock met with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin to discuss a range of topics, including the use of nitrogen gas as an execution method and an upcoming social media summit.

Roby then talks with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett to fire some arrows up and down to target the biggest happenings in national politics

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Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 a.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 KARK.
The Trump administration says it will conduct a far-reaching review of Smithsonian exhibitions in its latest attacks on cultural institutions. Imara Jones, founder and CEO of TransLash Media, joins The Weekend: Primetime to talk about Trump's efforts to rewrite history in his image. "It is just what every single authoritarian regime from the beginning of time has to do, which is capture the arts, and capture culture."
When some women find themselves pregnant, they may feel abortion is their only option. Care Net is seeking to change this mindset.

What were trying to do is offer compassion, hope, and help to anyone whos considering abortion, as well as those who have past abortions, by providing realistic alternatives and crisis center support, said Care Net CEO Roland Warren to The Dallas Express. Were not a pro-life organization; we are a pro-abundant life ministry.

Care Net is a nonprofit that manages more than 1,200 affiliated pregnancy centers and 30,000 volunteers, equips pro-life volunteers, and organizes churches to support pregnant women and their families. It also hosts a pregnancy hotline based in Dallas, according to Warren, offering supportive counseling and alternatives for women considering abortion.

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The term pro-life can mean a variety of things in the political sphere  from total abortion bans to compromises that only protect unborn children in certain stages, according to Warren. But he said Care Net takes a different approach, which he termed pro-abundant life, supporting the mother, father, and child, with the goal of building strong families.

If a woman came to you and she was facing an unplanned pregnancy, and you could change everything except the fact that she was pregnant, what would you want? he said. You want her to have the baby, yes. You want the guy to be involved, yes  but you dont want him to be a baby daddy that brings diapers. You want him to be a husband to her, and a father to the child.

Warren pointed to Jesus, miraculously conceived by Mary, which, from Marys perspective, was an unplanned pregnancy. Despite Josephs initial plans to divorce her, God encouraged Joseph to be Marys husband.

What did God do? He didnt give her a baby daddy with a check, he gave a husband for her, and a father for the child growing inside of her, Warren said. He created a family. Were faced with a dilemma  and what are we doing? Were creating single-mother homes.

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Of all the women who had abortions in 2021, 87% were , as Pew Research reported. Warren expressed concern that much of the pro-life movement has disconnected the pregnancy issue from family and marriage. A political approach has its proper place, according to Warren, but the church needs to lead with a moral perspective.

Care Nets ultimate goal, Warren said, is to build Christian families that will raise children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, who will make disciples who live and love like Jesus.

This is personal for Warren. He said when he was 20, his 19-year-old college girlfriend  now his wife  found herself unexpectedly pregnant.

She went to the campus health center. There, doctors pushed her toward abortion.

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They said, Oh my gosh, youre pregnant. Of course, youre going to have an abortion. My girlfriend says, Well, I dont want to have an abortion. I want to get married, I want to have my baby.

Still, doctors expressed concerns about her academic and career future. Warren said she came back to the dorm room, and they decided to keep their baby.

Warren and his wife got married in college, where she had their first two children. She still became a doctor and has been practicing for more than 30 years.

What was the difference with my wife? Well, she had a guy who said, Ill be a husband to you, and a father to the child growing inside of you, Warren said. Her dreams and her aspirations for her life were not crushed, because she said, Hes going to step into that role to provide that missing support.

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Warren grew up with a single mother, who had four young children by age 23. She and his father separated when he was young.

I didnt grow up in a married household, he said. But the reason why, when I got my girlfriend pregnant, the notion of being a baby daddy or any of that was not in my mind, was because I went to church, and I saw men at church being husbands and fathers. That was aspirational for me.

Care Net aims not to provide a simple fix for pregnant women, but to connect fatherhood, motherhood, sex, and marriage, and Gods design for those things, explained Warren; otherwise, mothers will likely come back in the same predicament.

We know that kids who grew up in father-absent homes are much more likely to have sex early, much more likely to be at risk for abortion. So you basically are generating the same thing, Warren said. If you build a family, then you break this cycle, which is what happened in my life.

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Of all women who get abortions, 54% self-identify as Protestant or Catholic, according to Planned Parenthoods own Guttmacher Institute. As such, Warren challenges churches to do a better job supporting pregnant women, and Care Net has several initiatives to accomplish this goal.

One mission is called Making Life Disciples, which trains small groups within churches to support pregnant women.

Its not just preaching from the pulpit, Abortion is wrong, Warren said. Its about, We have a ministry for you in this church, that if youre ever facing a pregnancy decision, we want you to know that we are here to offer you compassion, hope, help, and discipleship.

Other missions for men and women who have been involved in abortion include Forgiven and Set Free, which focuses on true and lasting healing for women who have had abortions. Meanwhile, Reclaiming Fatherhood addresses the emotional and spiritual fallout of abortion.

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So many women and men sitting in pews today in churches have had abortions, and they need to be forgiven and set free, Warren said.

He calls the church to fulfill the Great Commandment, to love the Lord with all ones heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love ones neighbor as oneself  and the Great Commission, to go therefore and make disciples of all nations.

The call to the church, in my view, is to see this issue like we do other good works that Christians do: water for the thirsty, food for the hungry, clothes for the naked, homes for the homeless, compassion for the pregnant, Warren said. The churches need to exchange leadership on this issue from the podium to the pulpit  thats the key.
ELKHART  The Elkhart Area Career Center received a transfer of two lots of property from the city to build affordable housing during the most recent redevelopment commission meeting.

Adam Fann, assistant director of redevelopment, said the city worked with the career center and Elkhart Community Schools to find spaces where the Building Trades career pathway students could build homes.

Brandon Eakins, director of the Elkhart Area Career Center, said the correspondence with Fann about finding spaces in the city goes back about three years.

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At that time, it didnt make sense for us for a number of reasons, but times have changed and the reasons are now starting to align, Eakins said.

The two parcels of land are located on 1720 W. Indiana Ave. and 1425 W. Indiana Ave. Both parcels were obtained by the city through the tax sale process through the county, Fann said. The tax sale process through the county can take up to a couple of years, he said.

Typically, the redevelopment commission would have to offer the land for sale to the public. However, because the school system is a government entity like the commission, it can just transfer the parcels without offering them to the general public, Fann said.

Im just really excited to get them back into the community and start building some houses for us, Fann said.

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The homes will be two-bedroom, one-bathroom, single-story, cottage-style homes with the possibility of a basement, whether it is finished or unfinished. The main floor and the basement would both be 864 square feet. There is also the potential for a porch and a detached garage.

The homes will cost around $195,000 to $235,000, depending on the housing market at that time. The homes will fit closely with the types of houses already seen in that area, Eakins said.

Were going to build something thats much smaller than whats been built in the past, but that doesnt mean it cant still have some character and some things that can revitalize that area, Eakins said. Many of these lots that weve discussed with the city are lots that have set vacant for some time. Anything we can do to come in to try to reenergize communities, were on board for.

The Elkhart Area Career Center is going into its 54th year of serving students and has built 73 homes up to this point, Eakins said. Jesse Tindle is the instructor for the Building Trades program and Noel Rangel is his assistant. Many of the homes have been built in the county, but Eakins noted that it has been over two decades since the career center has built a home in the city.

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The most recent house the Building Trades senior class built is located on 54207 Starner Ave. According to Zillow.com, it is currently listed as $439,400. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and is 3,863 square feet.

With the growth that we see in the city, redevelopment stuff thats happening in the River District, its been over and over again communicated that theres a lack of housing, especially affordable housing, Eakins said. And I know that when we had an opportunity to hear about the city and the growth of the city this past fall, that resonated with a lot of our staff members and our construction instructors were definitely some of those who were drawn to it.

When the class of seniors in the Building Trades career pathway course builds a house and that house is sold, the money made off the house does not go back to the Elkhart Area Career Center. The Building Trades program and the home project is an independent business put forward by Elkhart Community Schools and all of the funds set up in the business are dedicated to the home project, Eakins said. The business does not earn a profit off of the project, but instead, breaks even in hopes to fund the next project.

Students in the Building Trades program take pride in their work on the homes, Eakins said.

My hope is that were continuing to educate young people on more than just the construction trades, Eakins said. Like what it means to belong to a community. For some of our students, because we serve from 10 school districts, some of our students are probably going to be building in places in Elkhart they probably have never even been before. I think its important people get exposed to everything we have to offer, whether they see it through a positive or negative lens. My hope is by the time theyre finished with that project, it changes their minds, like if they have a negative thought.
Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers, by Caroline Fraser, Penguin Press, 480 pages, $32

The Pacific Northwest produced an appalling roster of serial killers in the 1970s and '80s, some of whom claimed very large totals of victims. We think immediately of Ted Bundy, but there is also Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, with his likely kill count of 50-plus victims; just over the Canadian border, British Columbia produced the serial child murderer Clifford Olson. By some measures, the region is the most prolific in the history of multiple murder.

Observers have often spoken of an "epidemic" with its epicenter at Tacoma, Washington. It is very hard to track serial killings accurately, especially since some styles of murder are more easily detectable in some eras than others, so it is possible that this apparent spike is partly a statistical artifact. But the number of murderers known to be active in this region in this period is undeniably unusually large.

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Caroline Fraser's Murderland explores the crimes of that place and time. It is quirky and sporadically brilliant, bringing together arguments from seemingly unrelated fields of study and combining them in a way that deepens our understanding of mid and late20th century America. It's an impressive book that should be widely read. But it also suffers from omissions and logical flaws.

Penguin Press

Fraser integrates well-known true-crime tales into the larger geography of the region, its communication systems, and, above all, its shocking environmental history, which she covers in horrifying detail. Industrial enterprises here spread unacceptable amounts of pollutants into the environment, including some, such as lead, copper, and arsenic, that have disastrous effects on human beings. One respectable (if not fully accepted) theory suggests that the upsurge of general violence in the U.S. that started in the 1960s correlated closely with the quantities of environmental lead produced by gasoline. As Fraser puts it: "More lead, more crime."

The term "Murderland" thus suggests not just a number of apparent monsters roaming the region, but also lethal conditions imposed wantonly on human populations. Growing up in that toxic environment, Fraser argues, it was only natural that a disproportionate number of children should have developed serious mental and physical anomalies that predisposed them to extreme violence. She presents the murder wave as a by-product of disastrous environmental abuse, to the point where it should almost be seen as a subset of environmental crime. Fraser extends that regional analysis to trace the origins of America's other very prolific killers, such as the BTK Killer, Dennis Rader, whom she locates in the "lead belt" of Kansas. In that sense, America as a whole became Murderland.

Murderland offers a convincing and immersive sense of growing up in the Pacific Northwest in that era, thanks in part to the book's autobiographical material. Born in the Seattle suburb of Mercer Island in 1961, Fraser is uncomfortably aware that if matters had developed slightly differently, she might have ended up as a victim of some lethal neighbor such as Bundy. Besides accounts of the notorious wrongdoers, she has many stories of the remarkably numerous less-well-known mass murderers, bomb makers, and arsonists in her community.

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And all that is over and above her devastating account of the environmental situation. She devotes much attention to the most egregious environmental offender, the American Smelting and Refining Company, which throughout the period was owned by the Guggenheim family. If her thesis is correct, that esteemed line should be subject to as much public obloquy as was received by Bundy.

For all the book's virtues, there is much to question in its account of the serial murder phenomenon. Fraser addresses such crimes from the standpoint of understanding how and why any community should generate monsters who wish to kill savagely and repeatedly. But even if we accept her explanations, multiple murder is a complex issue that requires consideration of the cultural and bureaucratic contexts of the timeof the environment defined in a rather different way.

More specifically: The scale and harmfulness of a serial killer's career actually has very little to do with the degree of his mental disturbance, or of his tendencies to violence. It is a matter of the social setting in which he operates and how he finds his victims.

Imagine two individuals who grow up deeply disturbed and potentially violent, each obsessed with the atrocities he hopes to inflict on potential victims. For the sake of argument, let us assume that both suffer gravely from environmental harms such as lead poisoning. For convenience, I will call the men Bert and Ernie. Bert chooses to turn his rage on authority figures, and he kills a police officer (say) or a high public official. Immediately, that crime earns the full attention of the media and (of course) of police agencies, who spare no effort until the perpetrator is caught and punished. Bert is rapidly arrested and imprisoned, and he never becomes a serial killer.

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Ernie, in contrast, chooses to target urban sex workers, and his murders initially attract little public notice. Media and police alike assume that such marginal individuals live in a dangerous and potentially violent environment where life is cheap. Unless the offender inflicts clear signs of criminality, such as mutilations, many of Ernie's killings will not even be recognized as murder but will be consigned to the category of a drug overdose. In earlier eras, official insouciance was even greater when victims were not white. Not until eight or 10 or 20 young women have perished does some enterprising journalist, perhaps, write a story about the possible connections in the murders and hypothesize a serial killer. Gradually, other media take up the story, and police reluctantly move into action. By the time the offender is apprehended, possibly years later, he has killed dozens and becomes the subject of true-crime documentaries. Perhaps he will earn a reference in a revised edition of Murderland.

If that sketch seems far-fetched, consider the story of Vancouver's Robert Pickton, who confessed to killing almost 50 women over a period of some years, despite all the efforts of the victims' friends and relatives to urge authorities to take the crimes seriously. (Many of the victims belonged to First Nations, and most suffered grave issues with substance abuse.) Nobody else cared, and the killings went on. To take another example, only long after the event did it become apparent just how many prolific serial killers had been targeting the black communities of Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s, where the deaths of marginal young women were commonly assigned to drug or gang activity. The victims were viewed as disposable, so little thought was given to pressing inquiries further. As in the Pickton case, the offenders got away with murder for decades. If they had chosen Bert's targets instead, they never would have killed enough victims to graduate to serial murder status.

Any study of that serial murder wave of the 1970s and 1980s amply confirms the decisive role of official attitudes, and of which victims the criminal chooses. Yes, the horrible environmental setting produced by the smelting might well have created a wave of monsters, such as Pickton or Bundy, who perhaps could not have been prevented from killing at least once. But such people could not have killed prolifically without the social, demographic, and sexual revolutions of the age, which allowed them to be in intimate conditions with multiple partners whose deaths or disappearances would not attract much official concern. Meanwhile, the sprawling drug subculture drove a large number of people into red-light neighborhoods where they depended on selling sex to survive. As the baby boom generation entered adulthood, many young people were open to taking risks with strangers in ways that would have seemed perilous to earlier erasand authorities saw little percentage in attempting a crackdown on random promiscuity, whether straight or gay.

So the potential victim population swelled for a while, offering a wonderful temptation to the depraved and violent. Together, those potent factors might well have conspired to create a serial murder "epidemic" even if nobody had ever thought to put a smelter in the area. Who can tell?

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Any realistic attempt at understanding America's "Murderland" must of necessity foreground the culture and conditions of the societies that the monsters prey on. Murderland makes no sense without considering Victimland.

The post What Caused the Serial Killing Spike of the 1970s and '80s? appeared first on Reason.com.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Coke County Sheriffs Office and Texas Rangers have launched an investigation after an early morning pursuit ended with deputies shooting a 29-year-old multiple times in Robert Lee, according to the sheriffs office.

The Coke County Sheriffs Office reported on the night of Aug. 16 that, at approximately 12:19 a.m. that day, deputies observed a Dodge pickup operated by 29-year-old Jacob Brian Torres in the Robert Lee City Limits leaving the Allsups parking lot at an unsafe speed before entering State Highway 158 West (Commerce Street).

The agency said that, although deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Torres refused to stop. Torres would then lead CCSO members on a lengthy pursuit.

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Florida mans mugshot released after 80 mph chase in San Angelo

The sheriffs office stated that Torres eventually stopped at a residence in the 400 block of East 4th Street, after which he produced a handgun and pointed it at the deputies. The action caused the deputies to discharge their weapons, striking Torres multiple times, as per CCSO.

CCSO said deputies proceeded to secure the area and immediately render medical aid to Torres until local emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene. Torres was then taken to an area hospital.

The sheriffs office said that, as of the time of the press releases publication, Torres remains at the hospital under medical care pending felony charges.

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CCSO reported that no law enforcement personnel or bystanders were injured during the incident.

The agency stated that, at the request of the Coke County Sheriffs Office, the Texas Rangers are assisting with this investigation. It said any further inquiries should be addressed to the District Attorneys 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Fishing report compiled by California Outdoors Hall of Fame member Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, who guides in the greater Fresno area and holds the striper record at Millerton Lake.

Best bets

Delta stripers back, Jeff Soo Hoo reported. Wishon trout limits continue, Kelly Brewer said. New Melones Kokanee and catfish hitting, Kyle Wise reported. Don Pedro king salmon and bass active, Monte Smith said. Westside waterways producing stripers and catfish, and Eastman bass hungry, Tas Moua reported. Isabella multi species buffet ongoing, Copes Tackle said.

Rankings key below: 4: Fish are jumping in the boat. 3: Good fishing. 2: Decent fishing. 1: Poor fishing. 0: Dont bother

Unless noted, area code is 559

Valley/Westside waterways

Striper 3 Catfish 3

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Tas Moua of 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle reported triple-digit heat has limited fishing to the early morning or evenings, but pile worms, anchovies, or chicken liver have been effective for both catfish and striped bass, particularly around Volta and Billy Wright Road. Numbers of small striped bass are the rule. In the southern section of the aqueduct, Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported strong catfish action with Triple S Dip Bait, chicken liver, or cut bait fished on a Carolina-rig or a bait rig, particularly in the calm water downstream of check gates, near outtake grates, or alongside bends. Cut sardines or anchovies are also working for striped bass in the same locations. Whopper Ploppers or Poppers are working for largemouth bass in the eddies and near the bank along with weightless Senkos or 6-inch straight-tail worms on a drop-shot before and after the check gates or in the eddies.

A map of the 16 designated fishing locations on the California Aqueduct can be accessed through this link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DsWR-Website/Web-Pages/What-We-Do/Recreation/Files/230424_SWP-Fishing-Guildines-Locations_Online_FINAL.pdf .

Call: Valley Rod & Gun, Clovis 292-3474 ; Copes Tackle and Rod, Bakersfield  (661) 679-6351; Bobs Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657

Eastman Lake/Hensley Lake

Bass 3 Trout 2 Bluegill 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

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At Eastman, Tas Moua reported a wide-open bite for numbers on shallow crankbaits or plastics on the drop-shot such as Roboworms Morning Dawn, or watermelon/red Brush Hogs on a Texas-rig. Jigs are also effective over the rockpiles. Live crawdads are also working for bass. At Hensley, Moua reported bait fish are pushing up along the shorelines, but overall, the action has been slow for bass. Both lakes are heavily releasing water, and Eastman dropped to 486.79 feet in elevation and 15 percent with Hensley dropping to 461.42 feet in elevation and 11%. No tournaments are scheduled at Eastman through the end of August. Call: Eastman Lake 6 89-3255; 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hensley Lake Hidden Dam 6 73-5151

Lake Don Pedro

Bass 3 Trout 3 Kokanee 2 King salmon 2 Crappie 2

Don Pedro continues to kick out king salmon to 5 pounds with custom shad-patterned spoons at depths from 50 to 80 feet. Even though the full moon was bright, Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing put his clients onto 11 kings and rainbows, losing another ten fish in the process. He said, Jason DeGroot of Manteca landed a 4.6-pound king, and we found rainbows over 3 pounds. There are also signs of kokanee around although we havent been targeting them.

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Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait and Tackle reported a solid topwater bite in the mornings and evenings with Whopper Ploppers or Berkley Choppo 90s along with crankbaits as the bass are holding shallow along the banks. Numbers are taken on nail weighted Senkos on the drop-shot while jigs are producing fewer, but larger bass. During Saturdays Modesto AmBASSadors tournament, Tony and Cody took first with a five-fish limit at 28.43- pounds including a big fish that is Codys personal best at 8.69 pounds.Launch updates are posted at www.donpedrolake.com . The lake dropped to 803.77 feet in elevation this week. Only one tournament is scheduled through the end of August. A self-inspection is required for launching.

Call: Monte Smith, Gold Country Sport Fishing (209) 581-4734 ; Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.

Lake Isabella/Bakersfield area

Bass 3 Trout 3 Crappie 3 Catfish 3 Bluegill 3

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The lake dropped 2 feet to 2574.18 feet in elevation and 47%. Copes Rod and Tackle in Bakersfield reported, despite the lower water levels, the bass bite remains strong for fish in the 1 to 2-pound range with occasional catches pushing 5 to 6 pounds on a wide range of baits including flukes, spinnerbaits, Whopper Ploppers, Buzzbaits, Poppers, crankbaits, Texas rigs, jigs, or Senkos in watermelon red or shad patterns.

The bite is best early in the morning with some topwater action, and again in the late afternoon. As the day progresses, working deeper main lake points down to 20 feet with purple or Oxblood worms has been effective. The North Fork, especially around rocky banks and submerged trees, Rocky Point, the Flume, and Engineer Point have been the top area, and the larger bass are coming on slow retrieves with larger baits around structure. Crappie action has picked up, especially near Reds Marina and the main dam in 10 to 15 feet of water with Get Bent Baits or live minnows fished about 4 feet under a bobber with a slow retrieve.

Trout fishing continues to produce, particularly for boaters trolling deep with Needlefish, Tasmanian Devils, or Berkleys Flicker Shad. Shore anglers are also finding success near the dam using fgarlic-scented Power Bait in deep water. Catfish are being caught on frozen shad, Triple S Dip Bait, live minnows, or nightcrawlers with multiple reports of solid catches throughout the lake. In the upper Kern River, Copes reported the trout bite continues to taper off, but there are still fish to be had as holdover and wild trout are being caught along the popular 20-mile stretch using salmon eggs, nightcrawlers, or minijigs. Fly anglers have been picking off a few trout in the open sections with nymphs or treamers although the bite has been spotty.

In the lower Kern near Bakersfield, the smallmouth Bass bite has been excellent, particularly around rocks, submerged wood, and other structure with twin-tailed grubs rigged on finesse jig heads or small Roostertails. Anglers targeting smallmouth bass are also picking up small catfish on the same presentations. The flows in the upper Kern River has dropped to 361 cfs at Kernville while water releases out of the lake dropped slightly to 1015 cfs at First Point. No additional bass tournaments are scheduled through the end of August.

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Call: Copes Tackle and Rod (661) 679-6351 ; Bobs Bait Bucket, Bakersfield (661) 833-8657 ; North Fork Marina (760) 376-1812 ; Golden Trout Pack Station (559) 542-2816

Lake Kaweah

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 3

The lake dropped another 17 feet to 595.50 feet in elevation and 9%. Copes reported the lake may finally stabilize, and the bite could improve. There is an early morning bite on the surface with Poppers, Gunfish, or squarebill crankbaits while finesse techniques take over later in the day on main lake points or submerged rocks in 5 to 25 feet of water with weightless Senkos. Crappie held on similar structure around 15 feet deep with small live minnows producing steady action. The Kaweah River continues to drop, and it is currently at 70 cfs at Three Rivers. No additional bass tournaments are scheduled through the end of August.

Success

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Trout 2 Catfish 2

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The lake dropped nearly 13 feet to 605.64 feet in elevation and 19%. Copes reported fair fishing as the largemouth bass have scattered and suspended near main lake points and over submerged humps with small jigs, plastics on the drop-shot, or Texas rig worked slowly or dead-sticked. A few topwater and crankbait fish were reported near submerged trees in the North Fork. Crappie held near the same structure with small crankbaits or swimbaits drawing strikes. Catfishing has been good in deeper holes around the lake with dip bait or chicken liver fished on a Carolina-rig.

McClure Reservoir

Bass 2 Trout 2 King salmon 2 Kokanee 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 2

There have been reports of king salmon to 6 pounds and kokanee to 16 inches in the deep water near the dam, but trollers have been keeping this as quiet as possible. Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait in Modesto reported a morning and evening topwater bite with walking baits such as the Berkley Choppo 90 or Whopper Ploppers before hitting the bottom with plastics on a shakey head or drop-shot, jigs, Senkos on a Neko-rig, or deep diving crankbaits. Small fish dominate as the larger fish have been scarce. The lake dropped to 824.56 feet in elevation Tournament action has slowed down with only one more small club tournament scheduled though the end of August.Call: Central Valley Bait and Tackle (209) 312-9417.

Lake McSwain

Trout 2

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The Department of Fish and Wildlife planted the lake last week, and small planted rainbow trout from 6 to 8 inches were reported from the banks along with larger fish around 12 inches. Holdover rainbows are few and far between. The Handicapped Docks, the Brush Pile, or the peninsula between the Marina remain the best locations from the banks with garlic-scented Power Bait or nightcrawlers. Trollers are finding a few holdovers up the river arm with Rapalas, Ruby Red Wedding Rings tipped with a nightcrawler, or spoons at depths from the surface to 30 feet. The lake is at 81 percent. The Splash and Dash water feature dominates the lake through the Labor Day Holiday Weekend. Information https://mysplashndash.com/knowbeforeyougo/#hours.

Call: McSwain Marina (209) 378-2534.

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River

Bass 2 Striped bass 1 Shad 1 Bluegill 3 Crappie 2

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Bass fishing is limited to small spotted bass with plastics in Hologram Shad, Prism Shad, or green pumpkin at depths from 20 to 40 feet in the middle of the channels. Recreational boating dominates here with the triple-digit heat. The lake dropped to 522.47 feet in elevation and 55 percent. The flows in the San Joaquin River at Friant remain steady at 218 cfs. Sycamore Island is open every day from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm. Only one club tournament, the Sierra Bass Club on the 16th, is scheduled through the end of August.

Call: Fresno 559 Bait and Tackle 515-6273.

New Melones Reservoir/Tulloch

Bass 2 Crappie 2 Catfish 3 Trout 2 Kokanee 3

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Kokanee remain the big story here, but the fish are starting to hug the bottom at depths to 120 feet as the males are just now starting to turn. Kyle Wise of Head Hunter Guide Service reported kokanee are spread out throughout the lake from the Carson Wall to the Spillway to Rose Island, and he is focusing on trophy fish over 17 inches with Apex lures coated with Pautskes Crawfish Gel behind a large dodger at speeds from 0.8 to 0.9 mph. Stick weights are necessary to keep from getting hung up on the bottom at depths from 80 to 120 feet. The full moon has created more challenging conditions for some trollers. Wise is also targeting catfish in the evenings with mackerel fillets fished weightless on a 6/0 hook with the bail open on the reel to allow the catfish to swim away with the bait without detection.

Aaron Jones of Central Valley Bait and Tackle in Modesto reported a window for topwater lures before heading to the bottom with Senkos on a nail weight, flukes, or deep-diving crankbaits at depths to 25 feet. All boats must be quarantined for 30 days or decontaminated for golden mussels. A decontamination unit is available at the New Melones Marina, and boaters are advised to schedule a decontamination via h ttps://musseldecon.com/ with a deposit of $60. Costs will vary from a minimum of $60 to $180 up depending upon the size and complexity of the vessel. Boats not making a reservation will be charged as much as $180.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Glory Hole and Tuttletown ramps are open from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From Monday through Thursday, only the Glory Hole ramp is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Downstream Lake Tulloch established the 30-day quarantine process to allow boating for inspected boats after the quarantine period is completed. The lake dropped to 1023.71 feet in elevation and 71% with downstream Tulloch at 96%.

Call: John Liechty, Xperience Fishing Guide Service (209) 743-9932 ; Kyle Wise, Headhunter Guide Service (209) 531-3966 ; Monte Smith (209) 581-4734

Pine Flat Reservoir/Kings River

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 0 King salmon 2 Catfish 2 Crappie 2

The Fresno Bass Club held at two-limit night tournament over the weekend, and Bill Kunz of St. Croix Rods reported the top finishers scored with reaction baits including jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Tas Moua reported the spoon bite is starting in the coves and creek channels along with finesse jigs on the rock walls. There is a topwater bite first thing in the morning with walking baits before heading to the bottom. Neko rigs are also effective.

For king salmon and rainbow trout, Brian Klassen of Reedley was out with his brother Evan and five members of the Flores Family, and he said, We started at 6 am and fished the main lake headed out of Deer creek, trolling towards Zebe Creek. We were targeting kings so we rolled either 2- to 3-inch shad or Brads Mini Cut Plugs in Sardine or Black Magic behind large 7-inch dodgers at depths from 90 to 125 feet. We picked up a few there and a few across from Lakeview boat ramp with a few in the middle of the lake. There was not a single hot spot, just here and there. We ended up with 8 king salmon from 20 to 22 inches on 10 takedowns along with another 10 rainbows on blade/crawler combinations.

Trout fishing has slowed down from the early summer terror, but there still a decent bite. The big news is how low the lake has gotten as it is only 90 feet deep at the main Power Lines. The lake is 80 degrees in the surface and 67 degrees at 100 feet in depth. The kings are stacked along the bottom, and within aa few more weeks, the fish will be stacked in the dam area.

In the lower Kings River, the flows continue to drop steadily, currently at 341 at Trimmer this week. A trout plant occurred last week with another this week, and the planters are holding in the transition for fast to slow water. Roostertails, Panther Martins, Joes Flies, salmon eggs, or Power Bait are effective in the transition from fast to slow water. The catch-and-release section is located below the Alta Weir (also known as Cobbles Weir) extending downstream to the Highway 180 bridge. This area is considered a zero limit, catch-and-release zone where only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed.

The lake dropped to 793.15 feet in elevation and 29%. No bass tournaments are scheduled through the end of August. The blastoff for the Bass 101 night tournament scheduled for September 15 will be at 6:30 pm rather and 6:00 pm, and it will end at 7:30 am. The Pine Flat staff will host a recognition ceremony at 5:00 pm at the Deer Creek launch ramp to honor the six fishermen involved in the lifesaving rescue on January 1, 2023.

Call: 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle 515-6273.

San Luis Reservoir and ONeill Forebay

Striper 2 Catfish 2 Bass 2 Crappie 2

Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill reported pile worms or anchovies along with Duo Realis 130 jerkbaits in Chartruese Shad are working for school-sized striped bass from the banks. The lake is finally stable at 38% for the past few weeks.

Guide Roger George of Roger George Guide Service caught and released a 42, 34-pound striper after 11 hours of working at depths to 70 feet with shad-patterned plugs in the heat  The numbers were low, but the one big strike made up for it George said.

In the ONeill Forebay, undersized striped bass dominate, but keepers are possible as both the largemouth and striped bass are pushing the baitfish into the thick grass. Red-ear perch to 2.5 pounds have also been reported. The forebays is at 86%. Boat inspections at San Luis Reservoir, ONeill Forebay, and Los Banos Creek Reservoir in Merced County are required when exiting these lakes to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. At ONeill Forebay, golden mussels were detected. Boats leaving these San Luis Recreation Area lakes will not be granted a clean boat tag. After boating in waterways, always remember to clean, drain, and dry to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. To check the real time wind conditions on the lake - use wi ndfinder.com/forecast/san_luis_reservoir.

Call: Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711 , Roger George, rogergeorgeguideservice.com (559) 905-2954

High Sierra

Bass Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2

Captain Mike Beighey of Bass Lake Fishing reported an early troll bite for rainbow trout as you have to be on the water by 5:30 am as the bite dies by 9:00 am. Kokanee are holding in the submerged trees, but they arent moving out of the structure. Trout trolling is slowing down, but if you are on the lake early, a few fish per rod is possible. Recreational boat traffic continues to dominate the lake, but there is a small window for trolling in the early mornings or late evenings before sunset before the flotilla ramps up. Tas Moua of 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle reported Power Bait from the shoreline near Duceys Resort in deep water is producing a few rainbow trout. Bass fishing is best for spotted bass with plastics on the drop-shot at depths from 12 to 15 feet, and an occasional quality largemouth is taken on Toxics Wade Hoggs near the buoy line. spotted bass to 3.5 pounds have been landed near the dam with Keitech swimbaits. A live webcam is available at https://www.basslakeca.com/bass-lake-webcam-1 . Call: Tas Moua, Fresno 559 Bait and Tackle 515-6273.

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool

Portal Forebay and Ward Lake received trout plants last week. All the High Sierra lakes are dropping slightly with Edison at 67 while Florence at 78%, and Mammoth Pool at 76%. Southern California Edison (SCE), in partnership with the Sierra National Forest are rehabilitating the boat launch and campground. According to the Sierra National Forests press release, The campground and boat launch have recently been turned over to SCEs control to begin the rehabilitation work. To complete this work, SCE will need one year for the boat launch-related work (until May 2026), and two years for the campground (May 2027), keeping in mind that given the elevation, there is only a limited window of time to complete this type of work during the year. Forest Order 05-15-51-25-06 covering SCEs rehabilitation work will be released soon. Road conditions are available at the High Sierra Ranger Station  855-5355 or htt ps://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra.

Road conditions 297-0706 .

Call: Vermilion Valley Resort at Edison Lake 259-4000

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake

Bass 2 Trout 2 Kokanee 2

Shaver Lake guide emeritus, Dick Nichols of Dicks Fishing Charter reported the Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project held its 14th annual fundraiser dinner this past Saturday night under the direction of chairperson Lorna Roush. One of the highlights was a proclamation being presented to Steve Jones by Assemblyman David Tanigipas office as the official trout record holder at Shaver with his recent catch of a 24.46-pound brown trout. Dick Nichols of Dicks Fishing Charters reported continued slow fishing with regular anglers grinding out a few limits of mixed kokanee and rainbow trout.

Captain Paul Brown of Fishin with Paul Charters picked up a few limits on Sunday near Sierra Marina at 42 to 56 feet down on Dicks Jimbo Trout Busters, Dicks purple Koke Busters, purple Apex lures, or purple Mountain Tubes tipped with scented corn behind Lady Jane or D-MAC Mountain Dodgers. The kokanee are starting to migrate into the Sierra Marina area in their attempt to spawn. The annual Kokanee Power tournament is on September 7.

Recreational boating has been heavy, particularly after the holiday weekend. Both ramps are open. Check the Sierra Marina webcam at http://www.sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html for conditions. At Huntington, a trout plant is scheduled this week, and this will help spur on the troll and shore bite. Check the Sierra Marina webcam at http://www.sierramarina.com/webcam-weather-page.html for conditions. Shaver dropped to 77 with Huntington holding at 98%.

Call: Paul Brown 300-4001; Tom Oliveira, Tom Oliveira Fishing 802-8072 ; Todd Wittwer, Kokanee.net Guide Service 288-8100 ;

Wishon/Courtright

Trout 3

Kelly Brewer of the Wishon RV Park and Store reported the water levels continue to fluctuate at both lakes, and trollers have the upper hand with blade/crawler combinations at 3 to 4 colors of lead core for limits of rainbows and browns averaging from 13 to 14 inches. Trout plants are scheduled at Courtright and Dinkey Creek this week. Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361

Ocean

Half Moon Bay

Rockfish 3 Bluefin tuna 2 Striper 2 Halibut 2 White seabass 1 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 3

The second window for offshore pelagic excursions took place over the weekend, and a handful of bluefin tuna to 212 pounds were landed south of the Half Moon Bay Weather Buoy. With great ocean conditions at the start of the week, more private and six-pack boats are heading out in search of albacore, and second captain Meghan Fox of the New Captain Pete found the longfins on butterfly jigs on Monday. Several more boats will be heading out in the coming days while the weather holds. On the rockfish front, limits were the rule along with a handful of lingcod working the reefs south of the harbor. Captain Melynda Dodds of the New Captain Pete put in 9 limits of rockfish on Saturday. Party boats from the Bay Area fleet have been heading left at the Golden Gate to target rockfish along the San Mateo coast. Rock crab and rockfish are possible from the North or South Jetty with surf perch from the beaches. There will be a 7500-fish quota salmon season from September 4-7 from Point Reyes south to Point Sur, and the next all-ladies trip on the New Captain Pete will be on September 6.

Call: Captain Melynda Dodds, New Captain Pete (512) 825- 8225; Captain Chris Chang, Ankeny Street (650) 279-8819 ;

Monterey/Santa Cruz

Rockfish 3 Halibut 2 Striper 3 White seabass 2 Sand dabs 3 Surf perch 2

From the beaches, Mickey Clements of Coyote Bait and Tackle in Morgan Hill reported an early morning striped bass bite up and down the beaches from Pajaro to Monterey with Duo Realis Tide Minnows. Perch fishing remains slow.

Allen Bushnell of Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Surf Casting Guide Service reported, If you have given any thought to going fishing on Monterey Bay this summer, now would be the time to go for it! With the exception of some windy afternoons, weather and sea conditions have been mostly mild and comfortable. A persistent but small south swell is promoting surf fish activity and further out, huge schools of bait have put all our regular species plus a couple exotics on the bite. Todd Fraser at Bayside Marine may have said it best on Wednesday when he reported, The ocean has come alive on the inshore waters. There has been a mix of halibut, sea bass, bonito, rock fish and lingcod being caught. The halibut and sea bass fishing has been good near Capitola. Bonito are being caught here and there by anglers seeing them boil. The west side of Santa Cruz produced some nice halibut today.

Bonito are small and speedy tuna-like fish that bite aggressively and take off like little rockets once hooked. Casting into a feeding boil of bonito, or trolling lures near the surface are both proven techniques for catching bonito, which can range from two pounds up to twenty. Its not unusual to get bonito in Monterey Bay when the water warms during summer, but they dont necessarily hang around for long, so get them while you can. Many anglers dismiss the bonito as table fare, but caught, bled and iced correctly, they can be delicious either cooked or prepped raw as ceviche or poke.

Meanwhile, our normal species remain abundant all around the bay. Chris sportfishing and J&M Charters from Monterey both reported limits or near-limits of rockcod for all their trips this week, along with a few lings on each go-out. Santa Cruz charter boats report much the same, with an additional accent on halibut. JT Thomas recorded full limits of rockfish and four nice lingcod for his trip on Monday aboard the beautiful Miss Beth. Rodney Armstrong on the Knot Alone, another six-pack operation from Santa Cruz Harbor chimed in with a mid-week account saying, Yesterdays trip we stayed local. The wind up the coast has not been nice.

We had two nice halibut, two lingcod and limits of rockfish. Pretty good fishing out front still. Always nice to get some local kids out on some fish. Halibut fishing is still going strong all around the bay, with catches recorded mostly from the 30- to 60-foot depths. Sand crabs are getting bigger, and so are the surf perch that eat them. Nearly every sandy beach on Monterey Bay hosts the barred surf perch and other varieties of perch. The trick is, you gotta find the right beach at the right time and during the right tide. Right now, incoming and outgoing high tide seems to be most productive for surfcasters slinging live sand crabs, GULP sandworm baits or paddle/curly tail grubs.

The central beaches of the bay, within ten miles north and south of Moss Landing can host giant moving schools of young perch. 20-40 hookups within a couple hours is not unusual lately. These fish are mostly small. Crimping down the barbs on your hooks is a good-sport move, allowing an easier release without injury for the growing fish. It also tests your skills as you try to bring the fish in. Weve had reports of larger perch, but in smaller numbers from beach areas just outside the bay, north of Santa Cruz, and south of Monterey along the Carmel side of the Peninsula.

Both Monterey and Santa Cruz will be able to participate in the next window for ocean salmon on September 4-7, and the boats are filling up fast.

Call: Chriss Fishing and Whale Watching (831) 375-5951 ; Allen Bushnell, Santa Cruz Kayak and Surf Casting (831) 251-9732

Golden Gate/San Francisco Bay

Halibut 2 Bluefin tuna 2 Striper 3 Rockfish 3 Leopard shark 2 white sea bass 2

One of the big advantages San Francisco Bay ports have over the other coastal ports is the ability to target halibut, striped bass, shark, and even white seabass inside the bay while ports such as Bodega Bay, Fort Bragg, and Half Moon Bay are limited primarily to rockfish, particularly during the past three years of full and partial closures of salmon. Its been a banner week for the bay party boats as the weather window opened once again for bluefin tuna on Saturday, and although the action wasnt nearly as hot and heavy as it was during the first window, a few bluefin were brought back to port. The Codfather out of Alameda struck again on Saturday, going one for two hookups with the one being a 140 pounder.

Sundays action was a bit slower with only a few landed. Albacore are within reach, and several boats found them offshore on Monday. While the tides have been huge during the weekends full moon, halibut action has been limited to a small window at the top of the tide, but Captain Steve Mitchell of Hookd Up Sport Fishing out of Berkeley worked the top of the tide and the start of the outgoing push on the North Bar for 11 halibut on Friday, 9 on Saturday, and 6 more to 26 pounds on Sunday. Limits of striped bass have been easy to come by for those willing to start off inside the bay before heading outside the Gate. Captain Trent Slate of Bite Me Charters out of Paradise Cove found tremendous striper fishing with limits at Angel Island, leaving the linesides biting before picking up a few halibut inside the bay at Paradise.

Captain Ron Koyasako of Nautilus Excursions out of San Francisco has been starting off his day with quick limits of striped bass before heading outside the gate for up to 12 limits of rockfish and lingcod on the Marin coast on Saturday. Sunday was a bit different with limits of striped bass by 6:20 am, but the rockfish bite was tough, perhaps because of the full moon. Koyasako said, It was flat calm on Sunday, but it was blowing 10 out of the south on Saturday, and normally the south wind would shut down the bite. There are white seabass lurking inside the bay, and a few large ones in the 40- to 60-pound range are landed daily. It is still early as normally we start targeting the ghosts in October and November. Koyasako is known as The Ghost Whisperer for his ability to put his customers onto the bays white seabass.

Rockfishing along the San Mateo coastline has been lights out, and both the California Dawn 1 and California Dawn 2 have been making a left turn outside the Gate for spectacular fishing. Sundays combined score for the boats was 47 limits of lingcod to 25 pounds, 47 limits of rockfish including sublimits of vermilion rockfish, and 2 halibut to 12 pounds. Captain James Smith of the California Dawn 2 is heading all the way to Ano Nuevo on Tuesday from Berkeley, a one-way distance of 67 miles by land and at least 80 by water. Thats what the combination of a flat ocean and a dedicated captain and crew can do.

There are still a few spots available for Western Outdoor News annual charter on the California Dawn 2 for a Super Combination on Thursday, August 21 for rockfish and lingcod with a potential shot at halibut. Each angler will receive a Western Outdoor News supply bag packed with Gamakatsu hooks, a 300-yard spoon of Izorline, Costa Gear, a Katch Fishing hook keeper, a free Cancun vacation voucher and more. The jackpot winner will receive a Penn Carthage Rod and an Aftco gift card. Book online or call WONs Landon Thomas for bookings or questions at (949) 366-0726.

Call: Captain Trent Slate  Bite Me Charters, (415) 307-8582; Captain Ron Koyasako, Nautilus Excursions (916) 704-4169 ; Captain Jerad Davis, Salty Lady (415) 760-9362 ; Captain Steve Mitchell, Hookd Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736 ; Happy Hooker ( 510) 223-5388

San Luis Obispo

Rockfish 3 Surf perch 2

The San Luis Obispo ports used to be the go-to for late season albacore, but the opportunities have been few and far between over the past decade plus. Rockfishing remains the top option, and Morro Bay Landing sent out 2 boats with 52 anglers on Saturday, returning with 315 assorted rockfish, 44 vermilion, 31 Boccaccio, 26 copper, and 25 lingcod to 13 pounds. The Black Pearl, also out of Morro Bay, was out on Saturday with 33 passengers for 215 assorted rockfish, 6 vermilion, and 2 lingcod to 18 pounds. Out Patriot Sport Fishing in Port San Luis, two boats were out on Saturday with 46 anglers for 388 assorted rockfish, 16 vermilion, one Boccaccio, one Bolina, one rock sole, and 19 ling cod to 9 pounds.

Call: Virgs Landing (800) 762-5263 ; Patriot Sport Fishing (805) 595-4100 ; Morro Bay Landing

Others

Delta/Stockton 

Bass 2 Striper 3 Catfish 2 Bluegill 3

Striped bass are surging into the California Delta as we speak, leading Captain Jeff Soo Hoo of Soo Hoo Sport Fishing to say, The stripers are back, and they are nice fish and lots of them on both the San Joaquin and the Sacramento side of the Delta. They have been back in the system for a while, and the bottom is carpeted with fish. I was running the six-pack Diamond out of Emeryville at Red Rock for stripers on Saturday, and the bay stripers were small and thin, but the linesides in the Delta are of a much better quality. They normally start coming in during the month of July, and this is normal. Soo Hoo will be targeting stripers by trolling out of Lauritzens Yacht Harbor in Oakley as the only available live bait is mudsuckers with minnows still several weeks away.

Largemouth bass fishing remains a grind, but numbers of small bass are possible on a variety of techniques including topwater, squarebilled crankbaits, frogs, flipping, and punching the weeds.

Numbers of small largemouth bass have been the rule, and the key is working the tule patches off the shoreline with moving water. There are still baby bass fry in the water, and small male bass are guarding the - to 1-inch fry. Punching the weeds is producing some larger quality bass.

Alan Fong of Alan Fong Outdoors continues to target largemouth bass in the north Delta, and he reported catching and releasing 25 fish to 5 pounds flipping in the shallows. He said, The bass are transitioning to holding tight to wood.

The addition of striped bass will make the remaining summer months more pleasurable for anglers in the California Delta.

Sturgeon catch-and-release fishing is closed until October 1, but the California Fish and Game Commission will be voting on the new regulations for white sturgeon during their August meeting. Also on their agenda is the second reading of the proposed striped bass slot limits in San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the California Delta. I

Item 13: Recreational take of striped bass - Discuss proposed amendments to regulations regarding recreational striped bass harvest size limits. A July 29 press release indicates the California Fish and Wildlife Department (the Department) supported an 18-30-inch HSL because it would benefit anglers by creating a trophy fishery and increasing total catch. The Department is proposing changes to the following regulations in Title 14, CCR: 2

Amend Section 5.85 Striped Bass, subsection (c) o Add the maximum harvest size limit of 30 inches.

Add reference to the section defining anadromous waters.

Amend text to replace references to minimum size limit with harvest size limit.

Add Section 5.85 Striped Bass, subsection (d)(2) o Add section that specifies that in non-anadromous waters not mentioned in 5.75(d)(1), a minimum size of 18 inches total length and a harvest bag limit of 2 applies.

Amend Section 27.85 Striped Bass, subsection (c) o Add the maximum harvest size limit of 30 inches.

Amend text to replace references to minimum size limit with harvest size limit.

The proposed regulations have been three years in the making in response to The NorCal Guides and Sportsmens Association (NCGASA) proposal for regulation change proposal to the Fish and Game Commission on August 1, 2022. As this is the second reading of the proposed slot-limit regulations, the agenda item will be included in a future meeting of the Fish and Game Commission. The public may submit written comments on or before 5:00 p.m. on September 25, 2025, at the address given below, or by email to FGC@fgc.ca.gov. Written comments mailed, or emailed to the Commission office, must be received before 12:00 noon on October 3, 2025. If you would like copies of any modifications to this proposal, please include your name and mailing address. Mailed comments should be addressed to Fish and Game Commission, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

Call: Steve Mitchell, Hookd Up Sport Fishing (707) 655-6736 ; Vince Borges, Vince Borges Outdoors (209) 918-0828 . Soo Hoo Sport Fishing (925) 899-

Events:

Tournament Results:

Delta/B and W Resort  Bass Angler Magazine Kayak Tournament  August 9th: 1st  Jesse Hoover  99.50 inches; 2nd  Dana Graves  93.50 inches; 3rd- Joey Silva  91.00 inches (Big Fish  23.75 inches).

Delta/Big Break  Best Bass Tournaments Delta/Wine Division August 9th: 1st  Jason and Max Cornell  18.25; 2nd  Brandon Chaline/Joseph Montano  17.84; 3rd- Clayton and Brian Eslick  17.47.

Pine Flat - Fresno Bass Club Night Tournament (10 fish weigh in) August 9/10: 1st  John Albidrez  26.09; 2nd  Mark Corrente 22.18; 3rd- Scott Parsons 19.40. Big Fish  7.19-pound largemouth- Cel Penazola.

Upcoming tournaments (dates and locations subject to change)

Note  tournaments scheduled for New Melones, Camanche, Tulloch, or Pardee are subject to change and will not be listed

August 9th 

Delta/Ladds Marina  Manteca Bassin Buddies

Don Pedro  Modesto AmBASSadors

Isabella  American Bass Association

August 16/17th 

Don Pedro  Great Basin Bassers

McClure  Bass 101

Santa Margarita  Bass Addicts of So Cal

August 16th 

Delta/Ladds Marina  Bass Anglers of Northern California

Delta/Russos Marina  The Bass Hole Inc.

Millerton  Sierra Bass Club

August 17th 

Delta/Ladds Marina  American Bass Association/Anglers Press Outdoors

Delta/San Joaquin County  Stanislaus County Sheriffs

August 23rd 

Delta/Ladds Marina  Nor Cal Bass
Charges: Former school counselor recorded 13-year-old girl as she changed originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A former staff member at a Brooklyn Park school has been charged with filming a 13-year-old student while she changed clothes.

Jason Gary Polzin, 50, of Prior Lake, was arrested and charged with one count of interfering with the privacy of a minor in Hennepin County court this week.

According to the criminal complaint, Polzin worked as a counselor at Maranatha Christian Academy, where he also helped with the schools softball team.

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Brooklyn Park PD was called to the Living World Christian Center, which is affiliated with the Marantha Christian Academy, on May 23, 2024, with officers told that Polzin had filmed a student as she changed clothes in his classroom before softball practice. The alleged incident occurred on April 17, 2024.

The student had reportedly noticed a phone pointed at her as she changed, and then she saw that the phone was recording her.

Hennepin County jail

The student confronted Polzin, who claimed it was an accident. She later reported the incident to her friends and school personnel.

Polzin would also reportedly give the girl rides and invite her on his boat.

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A search warrant was later conducted at Polzins Prior Lake home. Inside, officers allegedly found 52 photos of the victim as well as 165 photos of the victims head on computer-generated bodies. Some of the bodies were naked or wearing lingerie, according to the complaint.

The Maranatha Christian Academy said in a statement that Polzin was placed on leave when the allegations came to light on May 23, 2024, and he was fired on June 3, 2024.

"The safety and well-being of our students is, and will always be, our highest priority," said Deb Larson-Jarpe, Head of School. "We have zero tolerance for any behavior that places students at risk and remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment."

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Charges: Minneapolis man fired officers gun from holster, injuring cop originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Charges have been filed against a man who's accused of assaulting an officer and trying to wrestle away his gun during his arrest in a Minneapolis park earlier this week.

Tazrick Tobias Nall, 28, of Minneapolis, was charged Thursday with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and disarming a peace officer following his arrest Monday.

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Minneapolis Park Police officers were called around 1:15 p.m. Monday to Mueller Park on reports of a man inappropriately touching children. The suspect, identified as Nall, resisted arrest when he was located in an alley in the 2400 block between Bryant and Colfax avenues.

Hennepin County Jail

According to a statement of probable cause, Nall "refused to comply and actively and physically resisted" officer Daniel McShane, and in the struggle, the two ended up on the ground. McShane used his taser on Nall, but Nall was not deterred, the court document reads.

Nall allegedly reached for the gun in McShane's holster and and was "able to get his finger into the trigger guard and discharge the weapon" while it was still in the holster.

McShane was injured and taken to a hospital but released later that day. He's been placed on paid administrative leave.

Related: Officer injured, weapon discharged during arrest near Minneapolis park

Police say Nall continued to resist arrest once backup arrived. Multiple officers were needed to secure and arrest him.

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Nall is being held at the Hennepin County Jail, where his bail is set at $100,000.

Police are investigating the initial reports of a sexual assault involving children.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Charitable organisations in Jersey and Guernsey are appealing for donations to go towards the annual Christmas shoebox appeal.

Last year, the islands collectively sent more than 8,500 boxes to children in need in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.

The shoeboxes are typically filled with toys, toiletries and school supplies for children aged three to 16, as well as tinned food, toiletries and other items for adults.

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Rose Helie, from Mustard Seed Jersey, says they also need donations of welly boots for the aid workers abroad. Collections will take place between 18 and 25 October on both islands.

She said: "One of the social workers in Romania works with a very poor community in that country and their need is just very great.

"It will get worse as time goes on and the weather gets damper and wetter, that is when they're struggling through mud - you really do need the waterproof footwear then."

Ann Outram, from Rotary Guernesiais, said any support went a long way.

She said: "We are helping a lot of children who are in very desperate need in those countries.

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"And of course we wouldn't be able to do it without all the help we get, which we do very much appreciate and we'll be having a very busy time ahead in the coming weeks."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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A rower has said it is "absolutely incredible" to be back on land after returning from a world-record attempt across the Atlantic Ocean.

Jack Jarvis, from Hamble in Hampshire, and his team, United We Conquer, made of rowers David Bruce, Sam Edwards and Adam Radcliffe, returned to Hampshire earlier, after a 3,500-mile (5,630 km) journey from New York.

Their challenge has raised 100,000 for Head Up, a mental health charity for the UK armed forces community.

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Jarvis is hoping for confirmation the team has beaten the official record for distance rowed in 24 hours, which is currently 116.76 nautical miles (134.37 miles /216.24 km).

Jarvis said it was a "real amazing turnout" on their arrival at Hamble [BBC]

He said: "After living off five hours sleep a day, rowing 12 hours, dehydrated, hungry, to be back on land, seeing all my friends and family is absolutely incredible."

Jarvis already holds the world record for being the first person to row single-handed across the Atlantic from mainland Europe to mainland North America non-stop, which he achieved in 111 days, 12 hours and 22 minutes.

The team aimed to break the 43-day world record for the North Atlantic route.

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He said the journey had posed some risks.

"We had a capsize, we had an electrical fire, so pretty much everything that could go wrong, went wrong," Jarvis said.

"But I have a strong team and we were able to finish, you know, we were able to finish what we started."

Their challenge has raised 100,000 for Head Up, a mental health charity for the UK armed forces community [United We Conquer]

The rowers were met by a crowd of supporters at Hamble, including Jarvis's mother, Debs Rolfe.

He described it as a "real amazing turnout" and said "a massive thank you to my hometown Hamble and everyone that's come down from further afield".

Jarvis's mother, Debs Rolfe, was part of the crowd of supporters waiting for the team at Hamble [BBC]

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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The Brief

A 58-year-old man allegedly secretly recorded women and girls inside the bathroom of the suburban ice cream shop he owns.

Police recovered multiple videos on his electronic devices depicting the victims using the Flavor Frenzy bathroom in Addison.

Steven Weisberg was charged with child pornography and unauthorized video recording.

ADDISON, Ill. - A 58-year-old man will remain in jail after he was charged with allegedly recording women and girls in the bathroom of the suburban ice cream shop he owns.

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Steven Weisberg was charged with two counts of child pornography and two counts of unauthorized video recording, according to the DuPage County States Attorneys Office.

Steven Weisberg (DuPage County State's Attorney)

What we know

Earlier this month, Addison police received a complaint about suspicious activity at the Flavor Frenzy ice cream shop at 48 West Lake Street.

They were told about what appeared to be a fake wall electrical outlet in the shops restroom.

An undercover Addison police officer went to the shop and saw what appeared to be an outlet in the shops bathroom with a small black lens in one of the receptacles. Police then obtained a search warrant and removed the phony outlet and found a camera inside.

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Prosecutors said Weisberg allegedly installed the camera a few years earlier and was able to access and save footage on his laptop and cellphone.

Police obtained a search warrant for Weisbergs electronic devices at his home and shop. They found 11 videos on his phones deleted folder depicting six individuals, at least three of whom were female employees at Flavor Frenzy, using the shops bathroom.

One of the videos showed a 16-year-old girl who worked at Flavor Frenzy changing her shirt. She was asked, allegedly by the suspect, to try on different t-shirts for the business.

Investigators found two other videos allegedly depicting female shop employees, one of whom is a minor. The suspect was arrested on Friday.

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Since Weisbergs arrest, four other minor female employees reported to police that the suspect asked them to model t-shirts and told them to remove their bras for photos so that there was no bra outline in the photos.

What they're saying

"The allegations against Mr. Weisberg are not only a crime, they are appalling," said DuPage County States Attorney Robert Berlin, in a statement. "The alleged secret video recording of these young girls should send a chill down the spine of each and every one of us. I commend the Addison Police Department for their extremely quick response to the initial complaint and their thorough follow-up investigation."

What's next

Weisbergs next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 15.
The Brief

Students in Philadelphia public schools are not able to use their cell phones during the school day.

Cell phone policies may differ for each school.

Students caught using their device could have them confiscated.

PHILADELPHIA - Cell phones in schools have become a highly debated topic across the country as school districts continue to enforce stricter policies, while parents push the need for safety and emergencies.

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Here's the latest cell phone update for Philadelphia, and what it means for students in public schools.

Cell phones in Philly schools

What we know

The School District of Philadelphia says students are not permitted to use personal computing devices while inside district buildings.

The policy, which went into effect in 2023, includes electronic devices, computing devices and wearable devices not purchased or issued by the district.

Students are instead instructed to use their district-issued computing devices while at school.

Is it a cell phone ban?

Dig deeper

The district says each school may designate areas within the school and times of day when students can use their cell phones or wearable devices during school hours.

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Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School requires students to keep their cell phones inside a YONDR pouch, or not bring them into the school building at all.

What are the exceptions?

What they're saying

A student may be given approval to carry a telephone paging device/ beeper if they are a member of a volunteer fire company, ambulance or rescue squad; if they have a need due to the medical condition of an immediate family member; or for another reason approved by the principal.

Breaking the policy

What's next

The district says a student's cell phone or wearable device may be confiscated.

The Source

Information from this article was provided by the School District of Philadelphia.
Taiwan's government-supported Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has raised its forecast for 2025 growth in the output value of the country's semiconductor industry to above 22 per cent on strong global demand for artificial intelligence applications, Focus Taiwan reported. In its latest IEK Current Quarterly Model report, the ITRI said the local semiconductor industry will have output of NT$6.5 trillion (US$216.67 billion) in 2025, up 22.2 per cent from a year earlier, an upward revision from a 19.1 per cent increase estimate made in May. The ITRI said the strong showing of the local semiconductor industry largely reflected the stronger-than-expected performance of the IC manufacturing segment. The ITRI forecast came after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, raised its forecast of sales growth to 30 per cent in 2025 from a previous estimate of 24-26 per cent. According to the Focus Taiwan report, TSMC attributed the higher guidance to the greater computing power needed for emerging AI applications, which has driven higher global demand for advanced chips. According to the ITRI, the IC manufacturing sector will generate NT$4.36 trillion in output in 2025, up 27.5 per cent from a year earlier, compared with an earlier estimate of a 23.1 per cent increase. The output value of the pure foundry wafer business, where TSMC has taken the lead over its peers globally, is expected to reach NT$4.16 trillion, up 28.3 per cent from a year earlier, the ITRI said, as per the report. In 2025, the IC packaging segment is expected to see its output rising 13.5 per cent from a year earlier to NT$480.3 billion, while the IC testing segment is expected to post NT$230.5 billion in output, up 15.2 per cent from a year earlier, the news report cited the ITRI report. The IC design segment is expected to grow 12.1 per cent in 2025 to an output value of NT$1.42 trillion, and down from 13.9 per cent growth previously estimated, the ITRI said. In the second quarter, Taiwan's semiconductor industry posted an output value of NT$1.6 trillion, up 7.4 per cent from a quarter earlier. The IC manufacturing segment was the best performer in the industry, with NT$1.06 trillion in output, up 10.4 per cent from a quarter earlier, the ITRI said. The institute said the production value of the local semiconductor industry is expected to rise to about NT$1.68 trillion in the third quarter, up 4.8 per cent from a quarter earlier, while the output of the IC manufacturing segment is forecast to hit NT$1.15 trillion, up 7.3 per cent from the second quarter. (ANI)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) accused President Donald Trump of selling out Ukraine after Trump did not announce an agreement to end the war following his major meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Looks like once again Trump is selling out Ukraine and bowing down to dictator Putin, Schumer wrote Saturday on X, formerly Twitter. No Nobel Peace Prize for that.

Trump said he and Putin made great progress during the summit in Anchorage, Alaska Friday, in which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasnt invited, despite not reaching a deal on the ongoing war.

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In an interview Friday night on Fox News, Trump said that now it is really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done, adding, we have a pretty good chance of getting it done. Trump and Zelensky are expected to meet on Monday at the Oval Office.

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. Contributor via Getty Images

Schumers pointed social media post came after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton floated the idea of nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize should he successfully broker a ceasefire agreement with Putin.

Trump quipped over Clintons remarks, telling Fox News Bret Baier, That was very nice. I might have to start liking her again.

Trump has griped several times in the past about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, a coveted award, which his rival Barack Obama and three other U.S. presidents have earned.

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Meanwhile Trump has had numerous allies offer nominations, and his aides have been publicly campaigning for him to receive the award, citing examples of global peace deals and agreements the White House said Trump has helped negotiate that should earn him the honor.

Related: Zelenskyy Declares Peace Deal Without Ukraine's Input Unacceptable

Last month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president has brokered, on average, about one peace deal or ceasefire per month during his six months in office. Its well past time that President Trump was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a separate X post Friday, Schumer slammed authoritarian thug Putin while accusing Trump of rolling out the red carpet for the world leader.

Related: Trump Says Russia's Concession In Ukraine Talks Is To Not Take 'The Whole Country'

Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for authoritarian thug Vladimir Putin. Instead of standing with Ukraine and our allies, Trump stood shoulder to shoulder with an autocrat that has terrorized the Ukrainian people and the globe for years, he wrote.

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Schumer went on to call the pairs meeting just theater.

While we wait for critical details of what was discussedon first take it appears Trump handed Putin legitimacy, a global stage, zero accountability, and got nothing in return, he added. Our fear is that this wasnt diplomacyit was just theater.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Chuck Todd said former President Joe Biden is to blame for President Donald Trumps return to the White House because Biden lacked the leadership to permanently turn the page on him. (Watch the video below.)

In a Chuck ToddCast shared Friday, the former Meet the Press host noted that collective pushback to Trumps first presidency indicated the country was convinced his type of leadership was harmful to the long-term image of the United States.

Which is why Biden won, Todd said. But Bidens presidency didnt turn the page ... He wasnt a good enough leader.

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A better leader helps the country turn the page, he continued. You know, we rarely go backwards as a country, so how bad of a presidency do you have to have to encourage the country to go backwards? And the perception of the Biden presidency was its just a weak and ineffective presidency.

Related: Trump Writes Post About Moscow That's Absurd Even For Him

Its possible some of the things he signed into law will have long-term success, but the fact of the matter is his legacy is Donald Trump came back, Todd said. And thats on Joe Biden.

Todd said Trumps second term has strengthened one important ability  and its not an admirable one.

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His great skill is that he can bully everyone around him into believing there are no rules  only winners and losers, Todd said.

Fast-forward to 12:25 for Todds takedown of Biden:

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
A truck crashed into a Denver church on Friday evening, injuring the driver and causing damage to the church, officials said.

The Denver Fire Department responded to the Bethel United Church Building around 6:30 p.m. on Friday. There, they found damage to the church building, a struck light pole, and downed power lines.

Firefighters provided medical care to the driver of the 2008 Ford 350 Super Duty, who had sustained minor injuries, until Lincoln County EMS arrived.

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The scene was inspected and secured through the efforts of a number of agencies.

Crews safely removed the truck from the church and then worked to stabilize the building.

Officials said the scene was secured and cleared just after 1 a.m.

North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene and arrested the driver, 49-year-old Alejandro Eligerio Ramirez. Investigations indicate he was recklessly driving impaired and with a revoked license.

He received a $1,000 bond, but his name and mugshot are no longer appearing on the Lincoln County Detention Center site.

WATCH: Authorities tracking down reckless e-bike riders causing chaos in Birkdale Village
A community church in Provo has been awarded a matching grant to preserve its historical buildings as part of an ongoing restoration project.

The Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ has been located at 175 N. University Avenue for more than 130 years and has become an iconic structure among Provos downtown historic district. With a combination of Spanish colonial revival and mid-century modern architectural styles, the church was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.

For years, the church has been used for worship services, community events, interfaith activities, health clinics, service projects and various musical performances including from its two resident choirs, the Wasatch Chorale and the Utah Valley Interfaith Choir. The church has become a cornerstone to the Utah Valley community and an anchor for the downtown corridor, the church said in a statement.

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The churchs two buildings, however, are in need of repair to preserve the historical architecture, a project the United Church of Christ has been working on for several years now.

The Cornerstone Restoration Project is a multi-phase initiative to preserve the downtown landmark through structural improvements and expand the use of the buildings to be a full community center that operates as a venue for music, arts, education, worship and service.

This month, the church announced it was awarded a matching grant through the citys Certified Local Government Program, a program that supports historic preservation at the community level in partnership with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office.

We are deeply grateful to Provo city and State Historic Preservation Office for their partnership and support, said Dave Lewis, project lead for the Cornerstone Restoration effort. This matching grant helps us preserve an important piece of Provos architectural and civic history.

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The church is launching a community-driven fundraising effort to collect money for the city grant to match.

The Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ was awarded a matching grant to preserve its historical buildings as part of an ongoing restoration project, including structural improvements for stucco and building damage. | Provo Community Congregational United Church of Chris

The stucco exterior on both buildings has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with visible cracking and spalling threatening the long-term integrity of the structures, Lewis added. This funding opportunity will enable critical preservation work to protect and restore the buildings historic facades  ensuring the church can continue serving as a spiritual and community gathering place in the heart of downtown Provo.

The expansion aims to increase the churchs public presence by creating a state-of-the-art facility within its historic structure, the church said in a video about the restoration.

Plans include a new community gathering space, a fellowship hall, a bell tower with an elevator to increase access to all floors, and expansion to the sanctuary chancel that houses a historic 1892 pipe organ that the church saved from a Salt Lake City church.

As we continue to build on and expand our community-focused mission, were excited to become a bigger area presence as a worship space, and a place of art, education, music and culture  welcoming all through our doors, the church said.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Clark County Fire Department opened the doors to its newest fire station in the southwest Las Vegas valley to the public Saturday morning.

Hundreds of families flocked to the opening of Fire Station 39, where they were welcomed by a pancake breakfast from firefighters, the chance to hold a fire hose and more.

Neighbors and area leaders said the new fire station, located near the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and South Rainbow Boulevard, mirrors the rapid growth of the southwest valley.

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It was just dirt a short time ago, neighbor Autumn McClean said. So every time we venture down to this side of town and we see something new, were like, Oh, lets go try that, lets go try this. Ive never seen that restaurant before, Its actually really exciting.

Clark County Fire Station 39 location near the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Rainbow Boulevard (KLAS)

Clark County Fire Department Chief Billy Samuels said Station 39 expands their coverage to a region that needed it. The stations service area generally ranges north to Robindale Road. and south to Cactus Avenue, covering calls east of Fort Apache Road and west of Decatur Boulevard

We have stations around this, but they were just having to keep responding to this area, Samuels said. So we identified that years ago with heatmaps to see where actually the calls are going, and were like, Hey, we need to put a place there!

New infrastructure appearing throughout the community seems to be a common theme, with bridges and traffic signals opening in the past couple of months. Clark County District F Commissioner Justin Jones oversees the area and said theres more on the way.

Clark County Fire Station 39 location near the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Rainbow Boulevard (KLAS) Clark County Fire Station 39 location near the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Rainbow Boulevard (KLAS)

Its really exciting to see everything thats coming up, Jones said. Weve got so much more when it comes to the parks, when it comes to bridges. We are we are committed to this part of valley.

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Businesses, big and small, are also committed to the area. A new Costco location is set to open Aug. 21, and new restaurants like Gayla Youngs Hawaiian donut shop, Pipeline Malasadas, are opening their doors to customers.

Just to see that a lot of small businesses in the area, a lot of business especially from Hawaii growing and expanding here, its amazing, honestly, Young 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 KLAS.
Classes at a local high school have been canceled because of ongoing air conditioning problems.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Horizon Science Academy High School announced that classes at its Shoup Mill Road location will be canceled on Monday, according to our school and business closing list.

The school said on its website that it is due to a malfunction with the air conditioning system.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, Horizon Science Academy High School canceled classes on Friday due to A/C issues.

TRENDING STORIES:

All administration staff are required to report at 7:30 a.m.

News Center 7 has contacted the school to see if it will be back open on Tuesday.

We will continue to update this developing story.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
New findings suggest that using an air purifier in your home could reduce the risk of experiencing a heart attack.

Pollution, like particles emitted from car exhaust and tire rubber, can make its way from roadways into nearby homes. These particles can enter the bloodstream after being inhaled and are linked to higher blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, inflammation, and plaque accumulation in the arteries.

However, researchers at the University of Connecticut say that air purifiers could offer an effective solution to combat the potentially deadly problem.

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The study examined 154 adults who live near highways in the United States. The individuals were split into two groups, with one group given a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to use in their homes, and the other given a unit with the filter removed.

After one month of use, the groups switched purifiers.

To assess the participants, blood pressure measurements were taken, and questionnaires were administered, at the beginning and end of each period. People with elevated blood pressure recorded a 2.8-point drop in systolic blood pressure after using the air purifiers with filters, while those with the non-working units experienced just a 0.2-point drop.

This research adds to growing evidence that simple interventions, like in-home air filtration, may help improve heart health for people at risk, said Dr Douglas Brugge, chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut and lead author of the study, per Daily Mail.

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Air pollution is not only linked to a higher risk of cardiac events, but also elevated rates of autism and even dementia.

Last year, The Dallas Express reported on a study by researchers at the University of Cambridge that found for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5, a persons relative risk of developing dementia rose by 17%.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus City Schools students are getting ready to head back to the classroom. To make sure families are prepared, the district held its Back to School Resource Fair in partnership with NBC4 on Saturday.

We are ready to welcome back all of our students on Monday, Aug. 25, Angela Chapman, superintendent of Columbus City Schools, said.

The Fort Hayes campus was flooded with families.

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Ive got two children in middle school and this looks like an amazing event. Supplies being given away. I mean, so many people have come out, Reggie Rice, a CCS parent, said.

Families were provided with bus route information, health screenings and learned about after-school programs. Students also got to stock up on free school supplies from NBC4s Stuff the Backpack campaign.

Its the greatest showing of love and support from our community, Chapman said.

Central Ohio ramen chain opening its third location

This event marked the last stop on NBC4s Stuff the Backpack campaign. This year, the station helped out more than 22,000 students in 20 school districts thanks to our partner, United Way of Central Ohio, along with our sponsors, business donors and viewers.

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They care about the community and I feel like Columbus City Schools is doing a pretty good job of helping people out, said Timothy Williams, a district parent.

Chapman said the goal is to equip students with the supplies and knowledge they need beforehand so that they can go into the school year with excitement.

Im happy because I can see my friends, Kingston Williams, 3rd grade student, said.

If your school district would like to become one of our Stuff the Backpack districts next year please email NBC4stuffthebackpack@wcmh.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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Nine years after a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed while playing dice on the East Side, police remain without leads despite 50 possible witnesses to the crime.

The shooting occurred on May 9, 2016, when officers responded to home near the 800 block of South Weyant Avenue, near East Main Street in Eastmoor. Police located Armani Anderson, 14, who was shot in the torso and taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition. For a previous report on this story view the video player above.

Trial date announced for accused killer of Morrow County sheriffs deputy

Armani Anderson 3_123643

Anderson, who died just before 6 p.m. that evening, was among a group of individuals playing dice when the drive-by shooting occurred at around 5:15 p.m. Police said thats when a dark colored vehicle drove through an alley and an individual began firing shots out of the window.

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A 21-year-old man, now 30, was also shot in the leg, but there were no other injuries reported. Detectives said about 50 people were present when the shooting took place, but no one has come forward with any information.

David Jones-Anderson, Andersons father, told NBC4 days after the shooting that he didnt know his son was in Columbus that evening but said Armani wasnt running with a rough crowd or getting into trouble.

Everybody loved him. Like, goofy kid, liked to joke. Just a kid. If anything, they murdered a baby, for real, Jones-Anderson said. He died for something that wasnt meant for him. Like, he wasnt supposed to be over there. I dont know who he was with, but I know he wasnt supposed to be there.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Rogers County approved an interlocal agreement Monday to help Mayes County stripe 4.4 miles of a rural county road.

Commissioners Steve Hendrix and Ron Burrows struck from the agenda a wholesale striping deal with Mayes County at the Rogers County Commissioners' July 28 meeting. Hendrix said he did not support Rogers County's using its resources to help a county with a larger budget paint its road lines.

District 1 Commissioner Dan DeLozier, who had put the item on the agenda, was absent July 28 but attended Monday's meeting. He joined Hendrix and Burrows in voting to approve the agreement, under which Mayes will pay Rogers to stripe 4.4 miles of East 420 Road between 436 Road and Strang Bridge.

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DeLozier said it doesn't matter to him how big Mayes County's budget is; he said Mayes County deserves the help for the generosity it showed when it sent volunteer crews to his district just after the May 2024 tornado.

"They came over here and helped us for nothing," DeLozier said. "This is to help them get their striping done at a reduced cost to a company that does it for a living, that's going to try to make quite a bit of money off of it. We're doing this at the cost it actually costs us."

Rogers County bought a $500,000 paint truck in 2022; it charges 15 cents per linear foot of paint. Hendrix said July 28 a general striping deal with Mayes would give the county no incentive to call on anyone but Rogers County to paint its roads.

DeLozier said letting Mayes County rely sometimes on Rogers County's striping benefits Rogers because sitting idle too long degrades the paint truck.

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"It keeps our equipment running, and it keeps us from having any major amount of paint left at the end of the year that we have to keep warm at my warehouse until spring," DeLozier said.

The commissioners also received bids Monday for a storage facility it will build adjacent to the Rogers County 911 Center. They will choose a vendor at their Aug. 19 meeting.

Samantha Sherman, who handles purchasing for the county clerk's office, said five vendors submitted bids out of the 20 who attended a mandatory pre-bid meeting. The office will prepare a spreadsheet of the bids for the commissioners to review.

Hendrix said the project is part of an American Rescue Plan Act award that also funded a command center trailer for Rogers County Emergency Management, which would primarily use the 5,500-square-foot storehouse.

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"We really have no place centrally to locate all of their equipment, and this building can also serve as a backup Emergency Operation Center in an event of emergency at the courthouse," Hendrix said.

The commissioners also approved a contract agreement Burrows said would help develop the 4220 Road truck route in Inola.

In June, the commissioners made an application for a $550,000 grant from the Oklahoma Cooperative Circuit Engineering Districts Board. The contract they signed Monday affirmed the county would have to pay it back by June 2027 with no interest.

The span of 4220 Road between East 620 and 650 roads has experienced a higher than normal number of accidents, Burrows said.

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"In Inola, with the activity coming to the port, there's significant road improvements out there, i.e. widening," Burrows said. "These monies will help me purchase rights-of-way and new utilities."

The commissioners also removed a couple of parcels just inside Claremore city limits from the Northwest Fire Protection District's jurisdiction. The land belongs to the Claremore Economic Development Authority.

State law required the commissioners to hold a public hearing before the vote. Adam Heavin, Claremore's city attorney, said the standard for whether property can be transferred between fire jurisdictions depends on whether it would benefit the property owners.

"The city's position and the private property owner's position will all be benefited by being included within city fire, as there are several facilities closer," Heavin said.
YIWU, China, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. Big data from Yiwugo shows that, as of August 12, 2025, demand in the "office and study supplies" sector had been on a steady rise, climbing to 14th place among all categories. Traditionally a stable segment of the consumer goods market, stationery has seen a notable surge in the past 30 days, driven by the approaching back-to-school season in both China and overseas. Many Yiwugo merchants report a buying wave for office essentials and cartoon-themed stationery.

Products on www.yiwugo.com.

Jiangsu Dehuang Stationery Co., Ltd., with nearly 30 years of experience, boasts industry-leading design, R&D, and manufacturing capabilities. Over the years, it has established itself as a trusted supplier to both domestic and international brands. According to owner Wang Xiaohua, the company collaborates with renowned names such as Germany's Staedtler, Faber-Castell, and Pelikan, along with France's Maped and several leading Chinese brands. Its product line includes correction tools, sticky notes, and art crayons.

Since early summer, demand from European customers for art-related products has soared, with average monthly purchases nearing RMB 1 million. The French market, in particular, has experienced a notable upswing, fueled by a wave of new customers introduced through Yiwugo. Major general merchandise chains in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. have expressed strong satisfaction with Dehuang's sticky notes, citing their exceptional paper durability, absence of fluorescent agent reactions, and outstanding adhesive stabilityqualities that have translated into substantial annual orders.

Wang noted that Dehuang's commitment to quality begins with the careful selection of premium raw materials and extends to the acquisition of both domestic and international certifications. Each year, the company undergoes rigorous brand-partner audits on plant design, technology, and supply capabilities. For instance, the production of correction fluid requires not only eco-friendly materials but also exceptional sealing performance. Factoring in production and transportation cycles, manufacturing a single bottle of Dehuang correction fluid costs about 1.5 times more than typical market alternativesyet its shelf life is five to six times longer. This is a key reason for the company's consistently high customer retention rate.

Unlike Dehuang, which has spent three decades building its reputation on quality, Yuanchang Stationery has distinguished itself through its distinctive design. According to proprietor Wu Chenjie, many customers have been sourcing office supplies via Yiwugo recently, with cartoon-themed staplers emerging as bestsellers. Models shaped like pandas, airplanes, and propellers have seen particularly strong demand.

One European client, who initially ordered only a few hundred units of each model, quickly multiplied their orders severalfold after successful trial runsyet demand still outpaced supply. Today, whenever Yuanchang introduces a new product, this client immediately places large orders; just this month, they purchased another shipment of cartoon staplers.

As Wu pointed out, since 2023 Yuanchang has partnered with multiple design agencies to blend charm with functionality. The first major success from these collaborationsthe panda stapler serieshas become an overseas bestseller, now shipping more than 50,000 units each month.

In recent months, Disney-themed stationery sets have been especially popular in Southeast Asia. After securing Disney licensing, Yuanchang has curated stationery collections tailored to different markets, with monthly orders reaching around 500,000 units.

Currently, Yuanchang is busy fulfilling orders from a German retail chain. Through Yiwugo, the company has connected with a growing network of high-quality customers. Wu explained that their R&D team draws on both domestic and international feedback collected via the platform to refine their products, enhancing not only quality but also their playful appeal.

Thanks to Yiwugo's outreach and promotion, an increasing number of premium Chinese brandssuch as Dehuangare gaining wider recognition in global markets, enabling outstanding domestic products to shine both at home and abroad.

SOURCE Yiwugo.com
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said next-generation GST reforms, expected before this Diwali, are set to bring double benefits for citizens across the country. "For us, reform means the expansion of good governance," said the Prime Minister, emphasising that continuous focus is being placed on reforms. He made the marks during the inauguration ceremony of two major National Highway projects worth a combined cost of nearly Rs.11,000 crore in the national capital. He announced that in the coming days, several major reforms will be introduced to make both life and business easier. "As part of this effort, a next-generation reform in GST is being planned. This Diwali, citizens will receive a double bonus through the GST reform," stated PM Modi. Informing that the complete framework has been shared with all states, PM Modi expressed hope that all states will cooperate with this initiative of the Government of India. He urged for the swift completion of the process so that this Diwali can be made even more special. Adding that the government aims to simplify GST further and revise tax rates, the Prime Minister highlighted that the benefits of this reform will reach every household, especially the poor and middle class. He added that entrepreneurs of all scales, as well as traders and businesspersons, will gain from these changes. Sources said that the Central government has proposed to scrap the current slab of 12 per cent and 28 per cent of GST rates and keep only 5 per cent and 18 per cent GST rates. Government sources said as part of the initiative, 99 per cent of 12 per cent slab are proposed to move in 5 per cent slab and 90 per cent of items in 28 per cent slab are proposed to move in the 18 per cent slab. The initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement during his Indepedendence Day Speech on Friday that people are going to get a very big gift on Diwali and the government has embarked on "big reform of GST". The sources said that the proposal will be studied by the GoM and a meeting of the GST Council is likely to be held in September-October to consider the proposal. PM Modi made a major announcement in the Independence Day address relating to GST. "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you. This Diwali, you fellow countrymen are going to get a very big gift. In the last 8 years, we have done a big reform of GST, reduced the tax burden across the country, simplified the tax regime and after 8 years, the need of the hour is that we should review it once. We started the review by setting up a high-power committee and also held discussions with the states," PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort. "We are coming with the next generation of GST reforms, this will be a gift for you this Diwali, taxes needed by the common man will be reduced substantially, a lot of facilities will be increased. Our MSMEs, our small entrepreneurs, will get a huge benefit. Everyday items will become very cheap and that will also give a new boost to the economy," he added. (ANI)
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. (WBOY)  Ice King LLC teamed up with the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department Saturday to host their annual Community Caring Back-to-School Free Giveaway.

The event, held inside the fire hall, was designed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year without the financial burden. More than 300 kids walked away with brand-new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, books and everything kids needed to start the school year strong. Volunteers also handed out toys, games, and even household essentials, ensuring parents could pick up items for the whole family.

Back to school fair held to support Taylor County students

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I love their smiles, their smiling faces coming through that door, they picked out their bookbag, it was awesome, Community Caring Events Organizer Iona Malone said. They need it to learn, education, you know, I was hoping they had everything ready to go, because Tuesday is the first day of school for Monongalia County. So, we was just trying to help everybody as much as we can.

Volunteers from the fire department and the Community Caring organization said the giveaway is about more than just school supplies. Its about community connection, lending a hand to neighbors in need, and sending local students back to class feeling confident and prepared.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Community honors Forest Lake detective following unexpected death originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Family, friends and community members are honoring a Forest Lake police officer following his unexpected death.

Joshua Brown, who worked in the Wyoming and Forest Lake police departments, died while off duty Monday after an unexpected medical event. He was 41 years old.

Brown worked as an officer, SWAT operator, sniper and drug task force member. Most recently, he worked as a detective with the Forest Lake Police Department.

Forest Lake police detective Josh Brown died unexpectedly on Aug. 11, 2025.Forest Lake Police Department

On Wednesday, the department held a procession to honor Brown as his body was returned for funeral arrangements.

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In the wake of his death, a friend of Browns created a GoFundMe to help his family pay for a memorial and day-to-day expenses.

Brown, who also served in the Army National Guard for eight years, had four children with his wife, Jennifer.

While we can never replace what has been lost, we can stand together to ensure Joshs family has the support they need  just as he would have done for any of us, the fundraiser reads.

If you knew Josh, you know he loved big, served with purpose, and gave his whole heart to everyone around him. Your donation  no matter the amount  will make a difference, and your kindness will carry forward the legacy of a man who spent his life protecting, serving, and loving others.

As of Saturday, the fundraiser had reached around $3,300 of its $35,000 goal.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
An Ayrshire community is facing a race against time to stop a historic church in their area falling into disuse.

Locals in Troon want to purchase Troon Old Parish Church from the Church of Scotland - but the B-listed building has a 200,000 price tag attached to it.

The community group were only granted exclusive rights to buy it from May until September, and members have told BBC Scotland News they are concerned that a building that has hosted baptisms, weddings and celebrations for more than 100 years will become an eyesore.

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The purchase plan comes as the Church has been accused of not offering enough support to local communities wanting to take over properties it is selling.

Maureen Leonard and Rachel Tribble are both members of the Troon Development Trust, a local group dedicated to boosting the seaside town.

They meet the BBC on a warm, sunny day, with the beachfront filled with families enjoying the last of the school summer holidays.

The church is only yards from the hubbub of noise, located in the heart of the town - and Rachel believes it has been equally central to people's lives.

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"When we had an event about a month ago, more than one person said they were baptised there, they were married there and that this was their church," she said.

"It's part of the thread that weaves through people's lives. If it started to deteriorate or be boarded up that would be sad to see."

Both Maureen and Rachel feel creating a community space would not only keep the building in use, but also keep alive memories for many of the town's residents.

"I think a lot of people are worried we're going to tear up the sanctuary, " says Rachel.

"We want to keep it almost as is  the architecture, the stained glass windows and the history."

The church was first built in 1895 by the architect Hippolyte Blanc [BBC]

The development trust has ambitious plans for the site, from hosting martial arts classes to art workshops. An evening cafe and local heritage centre are also planned.

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However, the financial costs are daunting.

In 2019 the Church of Scotland's three parishes in Troon announced plans to merge into one, a move that would see one of their properties no longer needed.

Troon Old Parish, which dates back to 1894, was selected for closure, and the development trust expressed interest in taking it over.

Although granted exclusive rights to secure a transfer of the building, the trust were only given about four months to stump up 200,000, with a deadline of 30 September.

A number of churches across the country are facing closure as the Church of Scotland looks to reduce its property portfolio.

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Maureen believes if the property reaches the open market it is unlikely developers would move on it, given costs associated with repairs and re-development - costs the community trust could cover via various heritage funding and charitable grants.

"What you're talking about is a building in the centre of the town, that could go to rack and ruin," she says.

"What we don't want is a repeat of the Station Hotel in Ayr, which could very well happen."

"We're in an almost catch 22 situation," Rachel says.

"If we had the lease there would be so much more we can do with getting funding to repair the building. But we cannot find a funder to buy the building itself, and 200,000 cannot be funded simply through donations and events."

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Rachel moved to Troon with her husband just under 15 years ago.

Initially they used it as a commuter town, but the rise of home working led her to become more involved in the local area, and from there, involvement in the struggle to keep the church within community hands.

"If this was last year, we would have applied to the Scottish Land Fund for up to 80% of the purchase price," she says.

"However because there are Scottish elections next year the deadline is earlier than usual for the coming year. By the time we learned we had exclusivity, we had passed the date for entering it."

Part of the building includes a hall built from the original church, dating to 1838 [BBC]

Both Maureen and Rachel say dealings with the church have been amicable, and hope an extension for their funding bid will be approved.

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Not all communities have been as content.

A community trust in Arisaig in the Highlands failed to buy a church with an asking price of 135,000, after being denied extra time to raise money. It then went to the highest bidder.

The Braemar Kirk in Aberdeenshire was bought by the owners of a boutique hotel, despite the local kirk session favouring another bid that would have retained the building for worship.

Linsay Chalmers, a development manager at Community Land Scotland, said the group understands the church's need to maximise income.

However she added: "These buildings are significant community assets, maintained for many generations by these communities.

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"We are concerned that the Church of Scotland is looking at short-term financial returns and not considering the damage it may do to its own legacy or the impact upon the culture and heritage of the many communities around Scotland who have a close relationship to their kirks and other church buildings."

'Significant strain' on congregations

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland said it had a "strong track record of engaging with community groups" but the general trustees were under a legal obligation to secure the best value.

They added that the congregation had to bear the costs of maintaining a building while it was not in use.

"Delays to the sales process place a significant financial and human resource strain on local congregations until they are sold, therefore sometimes it is not possible to extend periods of exclusivity," the spokesperson said.

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They added that the general trustees of the kirk were having positive discussions with the development trust and that "we hope that the trust is successful in meeting its fundraising target in the near future and a positive outcome for both parties is secured."
John McClung Roofing, in collaboration with community partners, distributed 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children across western North Carolina.

ALSO READ: Western North Carolina businesses still struggling after Hurricane Helene

The event took place at the Eddington Center on Livingston Street in Asheville, aiming to equip local school children as they prepare to return to school.

Our partners at WLOS spoke with organizers about why events like this are so important.

Read more here.

WATCH: NCDOT continues to rebuild western NC roads, bridges nearly a year after Helene
A long-awaited design for an expressway that aims to change how Osceola County travels is set to be revealed to the public next month. But environmentalists have major concerns about its proximity to the 11,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve and its potential impact on wildlife.

The proposed Southport Connector is a 15-mile tolled expressway in southern Osceola County extending from the Poinciana Parkway to Pleasant Hill Road and continuing east to Floridas Turnpike. The Central Florida Expressway Authoritys plan for six elevated lanes built above and in between Cypress Parkway isnearly settled, but a preferred route for the portion just south of Lake Tohopekaliga and bordering the Disney preserve is still in the works.

County officials are eager to approve a path as the area continues to boom in population, with 17,000 homes already approved for an area just east of the Southport Connector, in the master-planned community of Waterlin.

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The road will slice through what is still undeveloped ranch land, the first step in the agencys plan to create a southern highway beltway and provide traffic-choked Osceola residents with their first continuous highway connection across the county.

But the connector will run through a critical portion of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre expanse of state land that provides habitat for many fragile plants and animals, said Jason Lauritsen, the chief conservation officer with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.

Lauritsen said while the foundation is not against the project, its biggest worry is that the road wont be built with ample areas for wildlife to cross.

Whether its deer or black bears or panthers  having connections like this would mean good genetic health for those wildlife populations, Lauritsen said. Anytime you get fragmentation like this, little by little you end up having populations that become isolated from one another, and over time species become less diverse and less numerous.

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The foundation has suggested to CFX that the expressway be elevated even through undeveloped areas to diminish any possible vehicle collisions with wildlife, especially the endangered Florida panthers that roam that very stretch. That approach could prove prohibitively expensive.

Theres a benefit to thinking about these elevated larger roadways that avoid the impacts and keep traffic off those more vulnerable local and rural roads, Lauritsen said. But its costly to do it right.

Managing the habitat once the road is built is also a concern. Prescribed burns are critical for reducing wildfire risk and promoting healthy plant and animal life, said Janet Bowman, senior policy analyst with The Nature Conservancy in Florida, which manages the Disney Wilderness Preserve.

For instance, the woodpeckers that call the preserve home require a specific type of longleaf pine forest, Bowman said. [If it] doesnt get regular prescribed fire, it changes the species distribution and it affects wildlife that depend on that particular habitat.

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But the presence of a road will upend that process. Smoke and highways dont always mix, Bowman said. It would change the way and when we conduct prescribed fire.

The Disney Wilderness Preserve was created when the Walt Disney Company purchased over 8,000 acres of wetlands from a cattle rancher in the 1990s to offset environmental impacts from its theme parks and hotels.

The land, which sits at the head of the greater Everglades watershed and borders Lake Russell, had previously been eyed for growth. It was slated to become a massive residential and commercial project before Disneys purchase and subsequent transfer to The Nature Conservancy.

Now, conservation experts worry the road will propel more urbanization. Charles Lee, the director of advocacy at Audubon of Florida, said he doesnt believe the final portion of the project connecting to the Turnpike is necessary, arguing it would increase traffic, not reduce it.

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There really is no happy ending, Lee said. Theres only what I would describe as a modest lessening of impacts.

Lee said he hopes the connector can still be delayed. Cost and public blowback have already held back the road before.

In 2018, the CFX governing board voted not to move forward with the project due to low toll revenue projections that would not be able to cover the roads cost.

The project also faced years of delay brought by pushback from Poinciana residents, who argued the elevated section above Cypress Parkway would create a Great Wall of Poinciana and divide the largely minority community.

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An event last month to educate residents on upcoming road projects was packed with older residents who told the Orlando Sentinel they struggled getting to doctors appointments because of traffic, Polk County residents who said they felt left out of road decisions that still impact them and young families whose commute times take over 30 minutes for just a couple of miles.

For 62-year-old David Pitts, the traffic near Poinciana and Pleasant Hill Road has gotten so bad that he is moving. The retired sanitation worker said he and others are desperate to have any significant infrastructure improvements.

Im getting ready to move and hopefully come back when they get it right, Pitts said. I dont like planning my day around traffic.

CFX spokesperson Brian Hutchings said in an email that the project may be built in phases so the agency can prioritize working with the local community.

The CFX governing board will make the final decision in December.
A federal lawsuit filed in Columbia, North Carolina is targeting a Confederate monument outside a courthouse that bears an inscription with the line "IN APPRECIATION OF OUR FAITHFUL SLAVES."

The lawsuit is calling for that portion of the inscription to be removed or covered up.

I just remember thinking that slaves had to be so-called faithful or they would be punished or even worse, Sherryreed Robinson, one of the members of the lawsuit, told the New York Times.

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As an adult, the words sitting on the grounds of a courthouse made me question whether Blacks could really receive justice there.

Earlier this year, a federal judge ruled that a portion of the lawsuit could move forward. Tyrrell County officials have been resistant to taking action themselves, citing state monument protection laws that, they say, bars them from making any changes to the monument.

A Confederate statue outside of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia, North Carolina. A group of local residents launched a federal lawsuit in 2024 asking to have one of the statue's inscriptions  which reads "In Appreciation of Our Faithful Slaves"  removed or covered. (Google Maps)

The challenge to the statue  which sits on the lawn of the Tyrrell County Courthouse  comes at a time when President Donald Trump and his administration are restoring Confederate names and monuments after many were demolished and destroyed during or in response to racial justice protests in 2020.

In June, Trump demanded that the military restore Confederate names that had been previously removed from military bases. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that a Confederate sculpture removed from Arlington National Cemetery be re-installed.

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The lawsuit in North Carolina was launched last year  before Trump returned to office  by the Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County, which is made up primarily of older Black residents.

The filing argues that the "faithful slave" portion of its inscription constitutes racial discrimination in government speech, which the litigants argue is a violation of the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. It calls for the county to remove or cover the message.

Tyrrell County officials moved to have the lawsuit dismissed in 2024, arguing that county officials cannot change the monument based on a state law limiting how an "object of remembrance" on state property can be changed or moved.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled that county commissioners are bound by this statute, and that commissioners who are bound by this statute are not motivated by a discriminatory intent, the motion reads. Tyrrell County should not be subject to liability based on its decision to follow state law.

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The statue was one of many Confederate monuments erected during the Jim Crow era in the wake of the U.S. Civil War. The Tyrell Monument Association, founded by former Confederate Army lieutenant colonel William Fessenden Beasley, gifted the monument to the county. It has stood on the courthouse lawn since 1902.

It depicts a Confederate soldier standing on a base that includes a bust of General Robert E Lee. There are inscriptions on each of the base's four sides, one of which includes the reference to "faithful slaves."

A Confederate statue on the lawn of the Tyrrell County Courthouse in Columbia, North Carolina. A group of residents filed a federal lawsuit to have one of the inscriptions on the statute  which reads "In Appreciation of Our Faithful Slaves"  covered up or removed. (Google Maps)

Mark Snell Brickhouse, whose great-great-grandfather's name is one of many Confederates' etched on the monument, said he visits the monument and the family cemetery because it honors his family, but he told the Times he agrees that the "faithful slave" portion should be covered.

I love the statue because it honors my family members, Brickhouse, 72, told the paper. But I can see how the words are offensive to some people. I think the statue should stay because it reflects our history, but those words should be covered.

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The Concerned Citizens of Tyrell County tried in the 1990's to have the statue removed completely, but have since changed their course, only asking for the reference to slaves to be removed or covered.

Ian Mance, a lawyer with Emancipate North Carolina, a racial justice and advocacy group, told the Times that the statue outside the Tyrrell County Courthouse is the only known Confederate monument that directly endorses or shows an appreciation for, slavery.

This is the only monument of its kind at a courthouse with that language of appreciation, or an endorsement, of slavery on it, he said. You are talking about families who have been here since before the Civil War. For them, there is this feeling that this monument is offering commentary about their families.

According to Mance, the lawsuit is not seeking damages.
Crews battling wildfires in central Arizona looked to weekend monsoon storms for relief as they worked to contain the Woods and Washington fires.

Firefighters on the Woods Fire, burning near Sedona, made notable progress, bringing the blaze to 50% containment within two days.

The lightning-caused Washington Fire has not grown in size since Aug. 14, thanks to recent rain. Containment of the wildfire near Payson increased by 5% in a single day.

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In Gila County, affected areas remain under go status, while the set status for parts of Yavapai County was lifted Aug. 15.

Here's the latest on the Woods and Washington fires.

Washington Fire

The Washington Fire, burning about 11 miles north of Payson, has scorched 551 acres, according to InciWeb, a federal wildfire tracker. The fire was 5% contained as of noon Aug. 16.

The fire, caused by lightning, began on Aug. 13, according to InciWeb.

Stage 2 fire restrictions were put in place for the Tonto National Forest, and a closure order was issued for areas affected by the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The Washington Fire burning north of Payson

Gila County Division of Emergency Management recommended the following areas be issued a "go" status due to the fire:

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Mountain Ridge Cabins

Washington Park

Shadow Rim Ranch

Fire officials expected precipitation, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms on the afternoon of Aug. 17. Thunderstorm activity could bring significant rainfall, unstable wind patterns and frequent lightning.

Smoke may still be visible as damp fuels continue to hold heat, according to InciWeb.

Woods Fire

The Woods Fire, burning near Sedona, spread to 59 acres, according to InciWeb. As of Aug. 16, the fire was 55% contained.

The Yavapai County Sheriffs Office lifted the "set status for all affected areas Aug. 15. A temporary flight restriction over the fire was also lifted.

Firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and Sedona Fire District were working together to contain the Woods Fire, located about 2 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek atop Horse Mesa, roughly 6 miles southeast of Sedona. The fire was seen in an Aug. 13, 2025 photo.

The Woods Fire was ignited by lightning around noon Aug. 13. Firefighters and air resources immediately responded to the blaze, burning about 2 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek atop Horse Mesa, according to InciWeb.

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Crews worked to suppress the fire and keep it within a retardant line that was dropped on the first day. As of Aug. 15, firefighters had successfully suppressed the fire and secured its perimeter.

The estimated containment date was Aug. 20, according to InciWeb. Firefighters continued monitoring and extinguishing hot spots within the perimeter as they worked toward full containment and prepared for possible monsoon storms.

High humidity created favorable conditions, allowing crews to use natural landscape features and human-made barriers to keep the fire within its footprint, according to InciWeb. There were 35 personnel assigned to the Woods Fire, as well as two engines, one helicopter, and a medic team, according to InciWeb.

The following trails near Sedona were closed until Aug. 31 due to the Woods Fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

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Jacks Canyon Trail No. 55

Hot Loop Trail No. 40

Woods Canyon Trail No. 93

(This story has been updated to add more information.)

Arizona Republic reporter Helen Rummel contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Containment of central Arizona fires grows over the weekend
A controversial Brooklyn judge gave a reputed teen gangbanger a huge break on gun and attempted murder charges  and then got in hot water for flashing his own firearm in court, The Post has learned.

Jhdae Beckles, 19, was cut loose after getting busted with a loaded 9 mm handgun last year  only to get picked up again one month later in a gang-related drive-by shooting that left two bystanders wounded, law-enforcement sources said.

But gun-toting Judge Jeffrey Gershuny last month insisted on giving Beckles youthful offender status  which could put him back on the streets in just over a year, despite prosecutors objections.

Brooklyn Judge Jeffrey Gershuny stunned a courtroom when he pulled out a gun during a weapons charge hearing. Christina Santucci/Queens Daily Eagle

Jhdae Beckles, 19, was cut loose after getting busted with a loaded 9 mm handgun last year  only to get picked up again one month later in a shooting that left two bystanders wounded. Obtained by NY Post

Sometimes teenagers dont make good decisions, Gershuny told Beckles in Brooklyn court on July 15.

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Its like touching a hot stove. You know never to touch that hot stove again, but you still have to touch the hot stove once to know that it burns. So thats where you are at here. You have touched the hot stove, he continued.

I strongly believe in the power of compassion, mercy and second chances, Gershuny said. And I believe Mr. Beckles is certainly deserving of that.

He promised to sentence Beckles to 1 1/3 to 4 years to settle both cases instead of the six years the District Attorneys Office sought  and the max of 25 years he faced if prosecuted as an adult in the attempted murder case.

What kind of deranged person  let alone a judge  downplays the plight of violent crime in the city to touching a hot stove? one frustrated law-enforcement source said.

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You touch a hot stove, you dont do it again, the source said. But theyre shooting and people are getting hurt again and again and again.

Jhdae Beckles is getting a break on attempted murder charges in Brooklyn Supreme Court, thanks to a soft judge. Gregory P. Mango

Gershuny, who was appointed to the Criminal Court bench by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2019, also raised eyebrows when he flashed his own gun during a hearing in another case earlier this month.

In a move the controversial jurist himself called unprecedented, Gershuny, who was packing in the courtroom, pulled out his weapon at an Aug. 5 hearing while grilling an NYPD cop about a felony gun rap against another suspect.

Gershuny maintained he wanted the cop to explain how he knew the suspect had a gun on him.

Brooklyn prosecutors asked that Jhdae Beckles get six years on attempted murder and gun charges. Google Maps

I want to conduct a little experiment here, he said during the unnamed cops testimony at the hearing. We dont have the weapon in question at the time. I really want to understand your point of view. That is really what is integral to this hearing.

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The judge, saying he had cleared it with security, then pulled out his own licensed gun and a bag similar to the one the suspect was carrying when he was arrested  with prosecutors objecting.

Your objection is overruled, Gershuny said, according to a transcript of the hearing. I want to understand what heavily weighted and what the L-shape of a gun, what is significant about it being a bag that is this officer, what observations he would make.

Brooklyn prosecutors said reputed gangbanger Jhdae Beckles was involved in a drive-by shooting here in November. Google Maps

Al Baker, a spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration, said the agency is reviewing the circumstances reported at the suppression hearing involving the judge displaying his own gun.

He also defended Gershunys discretion in sentencing Beckles.

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The [Unified Court System] does not comment on Judges sentencing determinations, which are based on the facts of individual cases and the judges discretion under the law, or outcomes of suppression hearings, both of which are matters of public record, Baker said in a statement.

Jhdae Beckles was charged with illegal gun possession in September, not far from Brooklyn Borough Hall. Google Maps

Beckles, a reputed member of the Folk Nation gang, was charged with possession of a weapon on Sept. 25, 2024, after school security on Jay Street called cops, who allegedly found a loaded gun on him.

Beckles, then 18, made bail in the case and was back on the streets on Nov. 14, when prosecutors said he was in a stolen Hyundai Elantra with a group of pals who opened fire at suspected rival gang members on West 33rd Street and Mermaid Avenue.

Police recovered 27 shell casings at the scene, and Beckles was later charged with attempted murder.

Beckles is due to be sentenced in January as a youthful offender. Google Maps

However, he remained free on bail and returned to court last month to face Gershuny on the two serious felony charges, both involving guns.

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Beckles attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, said during the hearing that he had grown up in a rough Brownsville neighborhood but was given opportunities that sent him to law school instead of prison  and argued his client deserved the same chance.

The fact that he will have [Youthful Offender status] is a, possibly is an opportunity for him to take advantage of, Montgomery said. But its still going to be up to him, and he is still being held responsible. He is taking a plea to two very serious cases, and he is going to have to grow up in his early teenage years in prison, with people who understand prison in a much deeper and meaningful way than he does.

Jhdae Beckles was free on a gun rap when he was arrested on a gang-related shooting in Brooklyn last year. Christopher Sadowski

The judge, who noted that he had a hard-knock upbringing as well, cited Beckles strong family ties and lack of a criminal record before the two busts for his decision.

Gershuny, a Hofstra University Law School grad, was a city attorney and served as chief counsel to the states top judge before being appointed to the bench, records show.

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Beckles is due to be sentenced in January as a youthful offender.

This is a judge that clearly did what the law allows him to do, and hes doing so thoughtfully, Montgomery told The Post on Sunday. He understands how society works.
A convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Massachusetts was granted parole after his first appearance before the parole board earlier this month.

Kadeem Foreman, convicted of second-degree murder in 2012 after the killing of Toneika Jones in Dorchester, appeared before the parole board in March, which granted his release from prison under special conditions.

Foremans parole will be granted after 90 days in minimum security to a long-term residential program and the 35-year-old must complete a welding program at MCI-Norfolk, according to the boards Aug. 5 decision.

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On Nov. 27, 2012, he was convicted after a jury trial in Suffolk Superior Court and then sentenced to life in prison with a possibility of parole. Other convicted charges included assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of a loaded firearm.

He appeared on March 27 for his initial hearing before the states parole board, and he was not represented by an attorney.

The Board concludes that Kadeem Foreman has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society, the written decision reads.

Decision of the board

The parole board said Foreman was 20 years old at the time of the killing, and that hes invested in self-development and rehabilitation.

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Foreman earned a bachelors degree from Boston College and is currently participating in MCI-Norfolks welding program.

The Board considered his age and context of the offense, the decision reads. Mr. Foreman demonstrated positive adjustment and strong work history.

Two members of the seven-person board voted against the granting of his parole.

The decision says Foreman has been approved for minimum security and has had a number of leadership positions.

Mr. Foreman has a strong support system and re-entry plan, the decision reads.

Family members and community members spoke in support of Foremans release, while friends and family of the victim, as well as a Suffolk County District Attorneys Office official spoke in opposition to parole.

Foremans conviction

On May 22, 2010, in Dorchester, Foreman and his accomplice, or accomplices, were involved in a shooting that killed 24-year-old Jones and injured a 19-year-old man.

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Foreman and his accomplice(s) were among a group that fired a number of gunshots from three firearms at four people standing inside of an apartment vestibule, on Harvard Street in Dorchester, the boards decision states.

The group fired shots while standing outside the closed door to the building. One of the bullets went through the metal door and lodged in the mans arm.

A second bullet struck Jones in the abdomen. She ran up a short flight of stairs, but died within minutes, the boards decision states.

Mr. Foreman and his accomplice(s) fled on foot, but were captured by the police within minutes, hiding in an overgrown vacant residential lot, the decision states.

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Police found a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol along the path of their attempted escape, both of which were used to fire at the victims.

Foreman had left a palm print on the magazine of the pistol and had gunshot residue on his hands, the decision states.

A third weapon, never recovered, was used to fire the two shots that struck the two victims.

Other conditions of Foremans release include electronic monitoring for six months, supervision and testing for drugs and alcohol, and no contact with the victims family.

Massachusetts Parole Board

Read the original article on MassLive.
The home secretary has again defended the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, saying it is more than "a regular protest group known for occasional stunts".

Writing in the Observer, Yvette Cooper said the group had claimed responsibility for incidents that saw those allegedly involved subsequently charged with a range of crimes, including violent disorder and aggravated burglary.

She added that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had assessed these charges have a "terrorism connection".

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Her comments come after the Metropolitan Police said on Friday that a further 60 people would be prosecuted for showing support for Palestine Action.

More than 700 people have been arrested since the group was banned by the government on 5 July - including more than 500 at a demonstration in central London last week.

On Saturday, Norfolk Police arrested 13 people accused of supporting the group, after a protest in Norwich city centre.

The Met added that more prosecutions were expected in the coming weeks and that arrangements had been put in place "that will enable us to investigate and prosecute significant numbers each week if necessary".

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Palestine Action has engaged in activities that have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza.

Cooper moved to ban the group after activists from the group caused an estimated 7m of damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton in June.

The home secretary said while many were aware of that incident, fewer would be aware of other incidents for which the group had claimed responsibility.

In August 2024 alleged PAG supporters broke into Elbit Systems UK in Bristol, an Israeli defence firm that has long been a key target.

A repurposed prison van smashed through a security fence and individuals allegedly damaged equipment. Three people were injured: a security guard and two police officers.

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Palestine Action promoted video of the damage - but not any pictures of the alleged assaults.

Those allegations begin to come to trial in November. Some 18 people deny charges including criminal damage, assault causing actual bodily harm, violent disorder and aggravated burglary

Cooper also referenced a so-called "Underground Manual" from the group, which she said "encourages the creation of cells, provides practical guidance on how to identify targets to attack and how to evade law enforcement".

"These are not the actions of a legitimate protest group," Cooper said.

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She also reiterated a comment made to the BBC earlier this week that some people who were supporting Palestine Action out of concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza were not aware of the true nature of the group.

"No-one should allow desperate calls for peace in the Middle East to be derailed into a campaign to support one narrow group involved in violence here in the UK," Cooper said.

The government's banning of Palestine Action means membership of or support for the group became a criminal offence, carrying a sentence of up to 14 years.

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Last month, the group won permission to challenge the ban and its case will be heard in the High Court in November. It argues that the ban breaches the right to free speech and has acted as a gag on legitimate protest.

Rights groups have also been critical both of the proscribing of Palestine Action as a terrorist group and of the subsequent arrest of hundreds of people.

Amnesty International's chief executive, Sacha Deshmukh, earlier this week suggested the response to last weekend's protest was disproportionate.

"We have long criticised UK terrorism law for being excessively broad and vaguely worded and a threat to freedom of expression. These arrests demonstrate that our concerns were justified," he said.

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The UK is not one of Israel's main suppliers of arms but does provide some parts for the F-35 multi-role fighter jet that has been used extensively by Israel to strike Gaza.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has also flown hundreds of surveillance flights over Gaza since December 2023, reportedly using Shadow R1 spy planes based at an RAF base in Akrotiri in nearby Cyprus.

But the foreign secretary has insisted that the flights have not led to the sharing of any military intelligence with the Israeli military.
Mandhira Kapur Smith, sister of former Chairperson of Sona Comstar late Sunjay Kapur, has voiced strong concerns over the treatment of her family, particularly her mother by the company founded by their late father Surinder Kapur. Speaking to ANI, Mandhira said that her mother Rani Kapur, who stood by her father in building the Company from its beginnings in the jewellery business to an automotive major, has been sidelined. "There should have been some respect given to my mother who is one of the founders with my father, the company that is Sona. Sona Comstar was built because of my father," she said, adding that her mother deserved at least a non-executive board position. Sona Comstar's official stance was that Rani Kapur has not held any direct or indirect involvement in the company since 2019. In her letter to the board, Rani Kapur had said that she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur's estate, and the majority shareholder of the Sona Group including Sona Comstar. Mandhira also criticised the Company's decision to ask her mother to publicly apologise for requesting a postponement of a Board meeting after Sunjay's passing. "She has been literally thrown on the curb. They have not cared about her or her sentiments or the fact that she is the only person who stood behind my father while he built it," she claimed. The family, she alleged, has been treated like outsiders. "Within days everything has been snatched from the family," she said. Mandhira further claimed that the names of the siblings, including hers, was excluded from obituaries and public acknowledgments. For her, the dispute is about more than business or money. "People who have not built it will only see money, people who have built it, which is us, see much more than that. We see (this as) a legacy, we see dad's dreams," she said. Mandhira also spoke about her mother's unanswered questions concerning Sunjay's passing. "He was fit. Who is giving her answers? My mum's asking me every day, how did this happen?" She has raised doubts about her brother demise," she said. Sunjay Kapur had passed away at the age of 53 on June 12 in the UK. (ANI)
On Thursday, Costco said it would not begin stocking the abortion medication mifepristone at its more than 500 pharmacies, and conservative groups declared victory following a yearlong pressure campaign. Whether the groups are actually responsible for the wholesale chains decision is unclear, but they are framing it as a success and pledging to target retailers that already dispense the drug, which would be a blow to abortion access.

In August 2024, a coalition including far-right law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and Inspire Investing  which bills itself as empowering Christian investors through biblically responsible investing  sent letters to Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons and McKesson urging them not to start dispensing mifepristone. The letter to Costco in particular claimed that 6,000 members signed a petition for it not to stock the drug, implying that they might take their business elsewhere.

In a statement shared with MSNBC, Costco said, Our position at this time not to sell mifepristone, which has not changed, is based on the lack of demand from our members and other patients, who we understand generally have the drug dispensed by their medical providers.

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The company did not respond to a follow-up question about how it assessed demand for a medication it doesnt dispense. The potential interest wouldnt be limited to the chains paid members, as nonmembers can fill prescriptions at its pharmacies. It also wouldnt be cabined to abortions, since mifepristone is used off label to manage miscarriages.

The Washington Post reports that Costco had deliberated for more than a year about whether to offer mifepristone and decided this month not to do so; the paper cites anonymous sources familiar with the conversations.

Still, ADF is taking credit for Costco maintaining the status quo. As the organizations corporate engagement legal counsel Michael Ross told Bloomberg News, Its a very significant win and its one we hope to build on this coming year. Ross added that ADF will turn its focus to CVS and Walgreens, which have been dispensing the drug in states where abortion is legal since early 2024.

Its a relatively recent development that pharmacies could even stock this drug, which is typically used alongside misoprostol to end an early pregnancy, and conservatives are trying everything they can to shove the genie back in the bottle.

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Mifepristone has long been overregulated in the U.S., and for two decades after its approval, the medication had to be dispensed in person by the health care provider who prescribed it. The Covid pandemic led to prescriptions via telemedicine that could be fulfilled by mail-order pharmacies, a change made permanent in late 2021. Then, in January 2023, the Food and Drug Administration said for the first time that brick-and-mortar pharmacies could dispense the drug. CVS and Walgreens swiftly announced plans to stock the medication in states where it was legal.

A month later, 20 Republican attorneys general wrote to CVS and Walgreens and claimed that they might be in violation of a federal law known as the Comstock Act, an anti-obscenity statute passed in 1873. Conservatives have argued that the long-dormant law prohibits sending abortion-causing drugs and devices through the mail or carriers like UPS and FedEx. But the same day as the pharmacy change, the Biden administrations Department of Justice released legal guidance saying that the Comstock Act cant be enforced against the shipment of abortion drugs as long as the sender doesnt know the pills will be used illegally.

ADFs letters to Costco and others cited the AGs claims on Comstock, and lobbed a threat that a change in administration could result in federal prosecutions should the retailers begin stocking mifepristone. Last year, 20 attorneys general wrote letters advising pharmacies that receiving and dispensing the drug by mail is expressly prohibited by the Comstock Act and many state laws. Violating the Comstock Act alone carries a prison sentence of up to ten years, the letters read. The statute of limitations is five years, so the current political leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice cannot provide you cover if the administration changes parties.

The bigger picture here is that groups like ADF are not satisfied with only conservative-led states passing abortion bans. Their long-term goal is to ban nearly all abortions nationwide under the 14th Amendment, and theyre hoping that courts will aid them along the way to realizing that project by ruling that the Comstock Act is enforceable, or that the FDA was wrong to allow telemedicine prescriptions, or both.

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ADF took a case to the Supreme Court in 2024 from physicians seeking to end telemedicine prescriptions, and while the justices said those plaintiffs didnt have standing to sue, that litigation continues thanks to three state AGs who joined the case. Missouri AG Andrew Bailey, who organized the letter to CVS and Walgreens, is leading that case. Most of the other AGs who signed the pharmacy letter have also signed an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit.

Abortion pills were used in nearly two-thirds of all documented terminations in the U.S. in 2023, and by the end of 2024, about 1 in 4 abortions were provided via telemedicine. Pharmacies stocking abortion pills would make them more accessible than they already are, which is a threat to conservatives current ban-by-a-thousand-cuts strategy.

The Costco pressure campaign underscores that GOP lawmakers and groups like ADF know an abortion ban cannot pass Congress, so they are trying to limit access in other ways, namely by targeting pills and working to shutter clinics. Their goal is to make it so people can only get abortion medication by physically traveling to a shrinking number of clinics, with more set to shutter amid fallout from the GOP budget bill that defunds large abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood has said that as many as 200 of its clinics could close as a result of the bill, including 75% of its abortion-providing clinics across 12 states. Thats why the organization calls the law a backdoor abortion ban. Making abortion less accessible functions as an effective ban for some women  all before a possible nationwide ban is in place.

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This context is why its so disappointing that Costco will not dispense mifepristone, a necessary medication for people who need abortions and people experiencing miscarriages  and one that is set to become increasingly difficult to access. ADF added in a press release after the Bloomberg story that it applaud[s] Costco for doing the right thing by its shareholders and resisting activist calls to sell abortion drugs. This isnt about selling abortion pills. Its about pharmacies being willing to dispense medications that peoples doctors have prescribed them.

The Costco statement said it believed that people generally have mifepristone dispensed by their medical providers, not pharmacies. While many people do still receive the pill directly from their doctor either in person or by mail, telemedicine prescriptions are increasingly filled by mail-order pharmacies like Honeybee Health, and of course other pharmacies do dispense the drug. Just not Costco.

Later in the ADF release, the group claimed that dispensing abortion pills is a bad business decision. Retailers like Costco keep their doors open by selling a lifetime of purchases to families, both large and small, Ross said. They have nothing to gain and much to lose by becoming abortion dispensaries. Retail pharmacies exist to serve the health and wellness of their customers, but abortion drugs like mifepristone undermine that mission by putting womens health at risk.

Data shows that abortion restrictions are not only bad for peoples health, but also bad for the economy. The landmark Turnaway Study found that women denied abortions are four times as likely to live below the federal poverty level than women who got care. And in June, the Institute for Womens Policy Research (IWPR) estimated that the Dobbs decision has led to $64 billion in economic losses each year in the 16 states that ban or heavily restrict abortion. Nationwide, IWPR estimates that bans and other restrictions keep about 550,000 women out of the labor force annually, which is enough to impact GDP, they say.

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Corporations may not care about trying to prevent a nationwide abortion access crisis, but they should care about protecting their profits and shareholder value.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Aug. 16GRAND FORKS  Though Space Force is the newest service, it is part of a legacy that traces back throughout U.S. history, said the recently appointed commander of the 10th Space Warning Squadron during a speech he gave at Grand Forks' Vets in the Park.

"There's no question that our country, more than most, was founded on a commitment to service," Lt. Col. Keith Marshall said.

Marshall spoke about a recent decline in the propensity to serve, which he said can be attributed to many causes, but said he takes pride in his own service, and being affiliated with people who have stepped up to serve a cause that is bigger than themselves.

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"I want to inspire those who might come next, those young men and women who are trying to decide what they want to do with their lives," he said. "I want them to consider pursuing a life of service to our great nation. I want them to understand the incredible value that each individual can bring in this noble pursuit."

Marshall was announced as the newest commander of the 10th Space Warning Squadron, located at the Cavalier Space Force Station, in July, and he traveled to Vets in the Park from Washington, D.C.

The fourth annual event was held Saturday, Aug. 16, in University Park. A rainy morning made way for sunshine in time for vendors and organizers to quickly set up and get the program started with only a slight delay.

More than 20 vendors showed their appreciation for the community's veterans, offering resources such as medical and emotional support, clubs and education. A few different food trucks, face painters, bouncy houses, raffles and other activities were available for attendees as well.

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Marshall was one of the three speakers. UND President Andy Armacost, a veteran himself, spoke about the university's commitment to its active duty and veteran students, saying that "the community of Grand Forks does it better than anyone, in terms of support to our veterans."

"Nearly 2,000 members of our campus  our student body  are either veterans, family members of veterans, active duty or ROTC cadets," Armacost said. "The University of North Dakota remains committed to all of the support that we provide to that community."

The final speaker was Chaplain (First Lt.) Annalee Eickenbrock, who spoke about her work and how she feels it is a gift to be able to serve everybody in the military, no matter their spiritual beliefs or lack thereof.

"We walk alongside soldiers in every phase of their journey, supporting life, healing pain and respectfully remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Eickenbrock said.

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Outside of her work as a chaplain, she runs Operation Toothbrush for Homeless Veterans, an organization created to provide essential personal hygiene items to veterans and their families. The organization has begun holding pageants to raise money for veterans, during which one participant is crowned "Queen of the Pinups."

Eickenbrock decided to honor the Love in Action volunteers who largely organize Vets in the Park by crowning them honorary patriotic pinup queens. They include Doris Lebby, Erica Claus-Numsali and Janet Nelson.

"Thank you all for everything that you do for our veterans," Eickenbrock said. "God bless you."

In attendance at Vets in the Park was the 2024 Miss Patriotic Queen of the Pinups, Tianna Bergeron, a local salon owner who said she was inspired to participate in a pageant for the first time last year and "ended up winning the whole thing, which was kind of a wild experience."

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"I love pinup because it's all-inclusive," Bergeron said. "It's for everybody. It's every size, shape and color  and I love that so much."

Though the pageant is ultimately a competition, she said it doesn't really feel that way; it's more about camaraderie between women. Bergeron encourages anyone to participate, because everyone supports each other through the process.

This year's Miss Patriotic Pride Pinup Pageant, Car and Bike Show is scheduled for Sept. 6. It will take place at the Grand Forks County Historical Society and will feature live music, food, a silent auction and raffle.
What started as a simple favor in a Wesley Chapel kitchen  Can someone make me a homemade bagel?  has turned into a tasty success story.

Tim Neal and Jaclyn Francese never planned to open a bagel shop. But a request from Jaclyns mom sparked a culinary experiment that has changed their lives.

Now, the married couple is the force behind Vito Rose Bagels, the latest hit at the Shoppes of Golden Acres off Little Road in New Port Richey, where months of hard work and long days are paying off.

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We were completely swamped the first few weeks, said Jaclyn. We couldnt be more thrilled.

Despite challenges like a broken air conditioning system during their opening period, the shop opened June 18 and has maintained a steady stream of enthusiastic customers. On Google, Vito Rose Bagels boasts a 4.9 rating out of 5.

Rave reviews are nothing new for the married couple. It was the success of their bagel home-delivery business, practically run out of their garage, that persuaded them they were onto something.

Vito Rose Bagels, named after Jaclyns grandfather, started with a simple request from her mother for a bagel.

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So, Tim, who attended culinary school and was most recently a general manager for Chuck Lager restaurant in Tampa, figured hed give it a try.

The first effort was terrible. The second, a little better. One thing about Tim, though: He doesnt quit.

Eventually, he found the mark, and for the next few weeks he kept experimenting and coming up with different kinds and flavors of bagels, and before long, the garage was stuffed with them.

You could say that the day Vito Rose officially opened for business was the day they started selling them out of their garage in Epperson for $1, just to clear space.

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People wanted more.

So Tim kept baking, and soon he and Jaclyn started delivering. At their peak, they were making almost 1,000 bagels a week and running more than two dozen deliveries a day.

That success sparked the idea for a shop.

If they thought it was tough keeping up with their success in Wesley Chapel, now they drive across Pasco County, sometimes leaving home as early as 3:30 a.m., to make bagels for their new customers in New Port Richey.

The daily routine can be grueling. It is a 30- to 45-minute trip to New Port Richey. The shop opens at 6 a.m. on weekdays and closes at 3 p.m., with slightly later weekend hours of 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Thats the hard part.

The best part, though? The customers.

Almost daily, we talk to somebody whos from New York, whos been looking for a bagel shop like back home, and how they now have it, Jaclyn said.

One customer, a regular, drives down from Spring Hill for his bagel fix. He told Jaclyn, I feel like Im home again.

She smiled back at him and said, You know what? This is the reason that we love being here, because we get to talk to you.

Vito Rose doesnt claim to make a New York-style bagel. They make delicious bagels, here in Florida, with their own recipe and sometimes whimsical flavors and never-ending experimentation.

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Favorites include the top-selling Everything but the Bagel to cinnamon raisin and sesame seed.

They also have specialty bagels with flavors like French toast, cheddar jalapeno and sun-dried tomato pesto.

Bagels can be ordered with classic spreads, like cream cheese, or as one of 10 different sandwiches, including the Francese: turkey, green apple, cheddar cheese, honey mustard and arugula between a sliced three-cheese bagel, Jaclyns favorite.

Sometimes, specials and limited-time flavors are offered on their social media pages.

A variety of coffees are available to help wash it all down.

While they still deliver a few rare orders around Wesley Chapel and Land O Lakes and stock some local coffee shops, their hearts  and bagels  are in New Port Richey.

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Eventually, they hope to open another shop closer to home.

But for now, were going to stay right here and finish getting everything perfect, Jaclyn said. Once we are perfect, we will see what is next.

For more information on Vito Rose Bagels or to place an order, visit VitoRoseBagels.com or check them out on Facebook @vitorosebagels.
Federal workers in Hawaii are facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty following a federal appeals court ruling that allows agencies to terminate collective bargaining agreements under executive orders issued by President Donald Trump.

The Aug. 1 ruling directly affects unionized staff at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki, as well as federal employees across multiple agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Health Agency.

Earlaina Samson, 69, has spent more than half a century in federal service. She started her career in 1974 at the Armed Forces dining room at Fort DeRussy before moving to the Hale Koa when it opened in 1975. The hotel is an Armed Forces Recreation Center resort that serves members of the U.S. military, their families and other authorized users. It is totally self-supporting with revenue generated by hotel operations.

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Over the decades, Samson, a server at the hotel, became a shop steward and a liaison between management and UNITE HERE Local 5, the union representing hotel staff.

The changes  I dont think I can take four more years of not knowing whats going to happen with the union. Its scary every day,  she said.

Samson plans to retire next month, citing the uncertainty surrounding union protections as a major factor.

Union representation has long played a critical role at the Hale Koa. Before Local 5 began representing employees there in 2008, scheduling often reflected management favoritism and employees had little input in workplace decisions, according to Samson. Today, she said, departments bid schedules by seniority and employee feedback is incorporated into decisions affecting their roles.

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With Local 5, now every department gets to bid their schedule by seniority. If youre nonunion, it doesnt matter. Thats a big difference,  she said. The union is an important asset to the workers and management. It makes their job easier. Without it, you lose your dignity, you lose your rights, because management can do what they want.

Nationally, federal employees have expressed similar concerns.

The Hawaii Government Employees Association also has spoken out on the issue, and Executive Director Randy Perreira said the union is actively fighting back against Trump administration labor policies.

In April, HGEA condemned the anti-collective bargaining executive order, warning that it threatened to strip millions of federal workers of their right to organize. A union statement called the order a blatant abuse of power  by billionaires and anti-worker extremists running this administration,  and highlighted its potential impacts beyond the federal level.

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Lisa Marie Akau, 60, a former TSA officer and national organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees, was laid off from her job in Hawaii on Aug. 1 after 15 years of service. She helped lead a historic 2010 campaign in Hawaii that unionized 45, 000 TSA officers across the nation, one of the largest union victories in recent labor history.

It was the best thing of my life, becoming a union organizer,  Akau said. Its about empowering workers, giving them a voice, strength in numbers.

Akau said the court ruling is already affecting employee morale and daily operations.

People are frustrated. People are leaving. Theyve lost faith in the union, because  we have a legally binding contract, and we have a government thats not recognizing it,  she said.

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If agencies dont have enough staff, essential serv ices such as health care and airport security could suffer, according to Akau. Without a contract, she said employees lose basic workplace protections.

The appeals court decision allows federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, which oversees the Hale Koa, to restrict union negotiations. At the hotel, this has temporarily halted payroll deductions for union dues because federal payroll offices have been instructed not to process them.

However, Samson said the collective bargaining agreement continues to be honored on the ground.

I was supposed to retire earlier, but because of this Im trying to make sure Im organizing the employees. In case the day comes we have no union, we will still be strong,  she said.

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Samson has been training worker committees to ensure employees can self-organize if union protections are removed.

Beyond Hawaii, the ruling has sparked concern among federal unions nationwide. Akau described a growing sense of fear and uncertainty among AFGE members.

Theyve done something similar with the TSA. The union was not recognized, even though theres a legally binding contract. People are scared,  she said.

Union advocates warn that the court ruling, combined with Trump-era directives such as the Patriotic Hiring Plan,  could politicize federal hiring and workforce decisions. The plan allows political loyalty to play a larger role in staffing decisions, raising concerns that federal employees could become at-will  workers with diminished protections and recourse in disputes over workplace safety, staffing or pay.

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The AFGE issued a statement in April expressing concern that recent developments could undermine the merit-based civil service system and lead to the replacement of skilled professionals with political allies.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, has sided with federal workers, saying they deserve to be able to organize, negotiate fair wages and advocate for better working conditions.

While this ruling is a setback, we will continue to do everything we canin the courts and in Congressto protect federal workers in Hawaii and across the country,  Schatz said in a statement to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

For Samson, the uncertainty is a daily reality. While the Hale Koa continues to operate under its existing contract, she said workers are in limbo about future negotiations and union rights.

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She also warned that the effects of the appeals court ruling could ripple through all federal agencies, particularly those providing critical public services. Staffing shortages, disrupted grievance procedures and weakened worker protections could affect everything from airport security to veterans health care.

Despite the challenges, both Samson and Akau emphasized the need for resilience and solidarity among workers.

Stay united. Stay strong and never give up on the union, because the union is still there. Its only when people believe that the unions gone that its actually gone,  Akau said.
COVID-19 rates in the Southwestern United States reached 12.5%  the highest in the nation  according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this week. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County recorded the highest COVID levels in its wastewater since February.

The spike, thanks to the new highly contagious Stratus variant, comes as students across California return to the classroom, now without a CDC recommendation that they receive updated COVID shots. That change in policy, pushed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been criticized by many public health experts.

The COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, mutates often, learning to better transmit itself from person to person and evade immunity created by vaccinations and previous infections.

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The Stratus variant, first detected in Asia in January, reached the U.S. in March and became the predominant strain by the end of June. It now accounts for two-thirds of virus variants detected in wastewater in the U.S., according to the CDC .

The nationwide COVID positivity rate hit 9% in early August, surpassing the January post-holiday surge, but still below last Augusts spike to 18%. Weekly deaths, a metric that lags behind positivity rates, has so far remained low.

In May, RFK Jr. announced the CDC had removed the COVID vaccine from its recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.

The secretary argued it was the right move to reverse the Biden administration's policy, which in 2024, urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot, despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children.

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That statement promptly spurred a lawsuit from a group of leading medical organizations  including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Assn.  which argued the baseless and uninformed decision violated federal law by failing to ground the policy on the recommendation of the scientific committee that looks at immunization practices in the U.S.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been routinely recommending updated COVID vaccinations alongside the typical yearly flu vaccination schedule. In its update for the fall 2024-spring 2025 season , it noted that in the previous year, a COVID booster decreased the risk of hospitalization by 44% and death by 23%.

The panel argued the benefit outweighed isolated cases of heart conditions and allergic reactions associated with the vaccine.

The panel also acknowledged that booster effectiveness decreases as new COVID strains  for which the boosters were not designed  emerge. Nevertheless, it still felt that most Americans should get booster shots.

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The CDC estimates that only about 23% of adults and 13% of children received the 2024-25 COVID booster  even with the vaccine recommendation still in place. Thats compared to roughly half of adults and children who received the updated flu shot in the same time frame.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso Police Department and Crime Stoppers of El Paso are asking for your help in identifying a man who burglarized a cell phone store two weeks ago in the Lower Valley.

This is this weeks Crime of the Week, as publicized by Crime Stoppers.

According to Crime Stoppers, at 10 p.m. on Aug. 5, a man broke the glass front door of the Metro by T-Mobile store, located at 7110 Alameda Ave.

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The suspect ran in and managed to grab a small amount of coins from the cash register and a cell phone that was on display, according to Crime Stoppers.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspect running south on C.R. Croom.

Crime Stoppers describes the suspect as an Hispanic male, 6 feet in height, with a thin build and in his mid-20s.

Photos of suspect involved in cell phone store burglary. Courtesy of Crime Stoppers of El Paso.

He was seen wearing a black mask, a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and dark shoes.

Anyone with any information on the identity of this burglar should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.cselpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash reward.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Cruise ship unexpectedly stops at Port Canaveral to avoid Hurricane Erin

The Vision of the Seas cruise ship unexpectedly stopped at Port Canaveral today to steer clear of Hurricane Erin.

Originally scheduled to visit, the ship changed its itinerary because of the hurricanes approach and instead docked at a different location.

Im here in Cape, been here before. Im still on the cruise, cant be upset about it, said one passenger. Another passenger added, It wouldnt have been my first choice, were okay, never been to port before, nice day, make the best of it.

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The Vision of the Seas arrived at Port Canaveral this morning to seek shelter from the approaching storm. Despite the change in plans, passengers seemed to take the situation calmly, showing satisfaction with the unexpected stop.

The cruise line intends to resume its voyage to Bermuda tomorrow, weather conditions permitting.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
As Connecticut starts off August with soaring temperatures and lots of sunshine, the state is facing abnormally dry conditions with the potential to turn into a moderate drought, according to officials.

Amid a summer heat stretch this month, Connecticut has seen temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s throughout the week, with mostly sunny and humid conditions, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. So far, this month has been dry, with less than an inch of precipitation falling across the state.

Its been a very dry start to August, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Theres been little to no rain across the state.  But as far as any break in the pattern, we dont necessarily see that happening anytime soon.

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According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the southern part of the state is listed as abnormally dry along the shoreline.

The problem with this time of year is that we have a high evaporation rate, Kines said. So most rainfall events are quickly evaporated from the ground within a day or two. As we get closer to September, the evaporation rate goes down. So more moderate rainfall events generally take longer to evaporate.

August generally experiences high evaporation rates due to increased temperatures and solar radiation. While heat is a major factor, wind speed also plays a significant role, especially in arid regions, where it can exacerbate evaporation, according to AccuWeather.

We generally want to see higher rainfall in August as the chance for thunderstorms drops once we get into September and October, Kines said. This is time of year, we often see a lot more precipitation events. The frequency of those events tend to drop as we head into the fall months.

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So far this year, 25.54 inches of rainfall has been recorded in Connecticut, well below the 30.82 inch average for this time of year, according to RainDrop.com. June saw just 1.66 inches of accumulated rainfall, and July saw 5.17 inches. This August, just 0.11 inches of accumulated rainfall has been recorded across the state to date.

As of August 15, the total rainfall in the Hartford area since the beginning of this month is 0.91 inches. This is 1.18 inches below the average for the month to date, according to the National Weather Service.

Because of the high evaporation rate, almost all of that rainfall has evaporated, leaving the ground relatively dry, Kines said. What we really need is some sort of slow moving front or a weakened tropical system moving into the Northeast. The downside to those is sometimes they produce too much rain and cause flooding. Its kind of pick your poison unfortunately.

A slow-moving front, also known as a stationary front, occurs when a weather front, either warm or cold, stalls or barely moves. These fronts are characterized by the boundary between two air masses remaining in the same location for an extended period, he said.

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Last August, heavy rains in Connecticut caused flash flooding and rescues in Fairfield County. Towns including Seymour and Oxford suffered historic flooding that totaled millions in damages. The massive downpour dropped 14 inches of rain on Oxford in a single day and represented a 1,000-year storm, officials said.

But while storms remain unpredictable, this year may see abnormally dry conditions persist into September, as the state still reels from a series of devastating wildfires last year that led to the death of a Wethersfield firefighter. The Hawthorne fire in Berlin, which consumed more than 100 acres at its peak, was one of the largest in the state in decades. So far this month, there have been two brush fires reported in Westport and Durham, according to the Wildland Fire Reporting System through the states Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The states largest water utility company Aquarion Water said that water levels remain normal but precautions are in place, according to corporate communications director Peter Fazekas.

While conditons have been dry, were not seeing any big water impacts, Fazekas said. Water levels remain normal, but we are closely monitoring them to ensure any timely updates to our irrigation program.

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Aquarion Water partnered with the state back in 2016 to develop irrigation schedules for towns to help conserve water during summer. The irrigation schedule runs from April 1 to Oct. 31 and is usually two times per week. The water company said they dont recommend automatic sprinkler irrigation systems because they often use large volumes of water  about 40% more than homes without the systems.

Thats to ensure we can deliver water supplies during high demand periods in the summer months, Fazekas said. So were closely monitoring that and making sure people know about our irrigation schedule, especially during ongoing drought conditions.

Customers in Darien, East Granby, Easton, Fairfield, Granby, Greenwich, Groton, Mystic, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Simsbury, Stamford, Stonington, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton must follow a twice-weekly watering schedule from April 1 through Oct 31, Fazekas said.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
A development in the dispute over the quashed Whitehaven deep coal mine and a rescue to remember for one dog - here are some of the stories from Cumbria you might have missed this week.

Meet the Lake District 'binfluencers'

Litter pickers take to the national park every week [BBC]

The "binfluencers" are out in the Lake District every week, cleaning up mess left by visitors.

"It seems to be a trend to hang a dog poo bag on a tree like a Christmas decoration," founder Annie Garforth said.

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The group's name is a play on the social media influencers she accused of being "the death of this place", as they compete for likes, follows and the perfect photo "without mentioning anything about the Countryside Code".

What are the most commonly found items? Find out here

Investors in quashed coal mine sue government

Plans for a new coal mine in Whitehaven were quashed by the High Court last year [West Cumbria Mining]

The latest in the saga surrounding a proposed coal mine in Whitehaven has seen investors sue the government in a process known as investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).

Plans for the UK's first deep coal mine in more than 30 years were abandoned earlier this year.

The government said it did not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.

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You can read about the dispute here

Dog rescued in the fells

Prince the husky seemed to enjoy the attention, rescuers said [Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team]

Rescue teams were called to rescue a husky after he cut his paws during a long day on the Lake District fells.

Prince's owner had carried him a distance, but started to fall on steep ground and called for help.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said Prince "happily" accepted the stretcher and enjoyed the attention.

You can read about Prince's eventful day out here

'Treasure trove' of Everest memories

Sir Chris Bonington said the exhibition brought back vivid memories [BBC]

A Grasmere exhibition marked fifty years since a British expedition reached the summit of Everest via a route which had never been climbed before.

Mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington, who led the expedition, described it as a "treasure trove" which brought back "vivid memories".

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Read about some of the photographs and equipment on show here

'Years of sacrifice' for tug-of-war win

Great Britain defeated Switzerland at the Dong'an Lake Sport Park to claim gold in the 640kg (1,411lbs) outdoor Tug of War final [The World Games]

A Carlisle tug-of-war champion said his success took more than 16 years of "sacrifice and discipline".

Joe Birch was part of the British team that won gold at the World Games in Chengdu, China.

You can read about his journey to the top here

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

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Recent data breaches at AT&T could prove to be extremely costly for the company. The telecommunications giant will be paying millions to customers as part of a class action settlement, and some customers could receive thousands.

The Kroll Settlement Administration says that in 2024, customers had their sensitive information leaked on the dark web. This breach in March included addresses, social security numbers, birthdates, passcodes, billing numbers and phone numbers.

Another breach later that year in July compounded the issue. In that instance, more customer data was collected, including call logs for individual customers.

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The settlement website says that customers can submit a claim by Thursday, November 18. If they submit documents that prove they were affected by the data breaches, they could receive up to $5,000.

Additionally, those who had their Social Security numbers leaked as part of the first data breach can apply for a tiered payout system. Tier one in that system is five times higher than tier two's amount.

Customers who were affected in the second data breach could also be eligible for up to $2,500, putting the total payment for customers at as much as $7,500.

Back in 2024, the AT&T data breaches were noted as a significant lapse in cybersecurity, putting thousands of customers at risk of having their identities or finances compromised.

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These are incredibly sensitive pieces of personal information and, when taken together at the scale of information that appears to be included in this AT&T breach, they present a massive NSA-like window into Americans activity, said University of Toronto researcher John Scott-Railton about the breach.

Scott-Railton called the hack a "megabreach" in an interview with CNBC, and other experts agreed that the amount of sensitive information involved was severe.

If you have somebodys metadata, you know when they go to work, where they go to work, where they sleep every night, said Thomas Rid, professor in the cybersecurity studies institute at Johns Hopkins.

In total, AT&T is expected to pay $177 million to customers as a result of the settlement. As the end of the year and the deadline to file approaches, we'll see if those predictions turn out to be accurate.

Customers Could Receive up to $7,500 in AT&T Settlement first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
Mandhira Kapur Smith, sister of former Chairperson of Sona Comstar late Sunjay Kapur, has posed questions surrounding the circumstances of her brother's untimely demise. "There was a simple request from my mother (Rani Kapur). We have gone through a loss of a family member. For us, it was my mum's son, for me it was a brother. When was his last medical test (done)? Did he check his heart? I want answers. My mum's asking me every day, how did this happen? He was fit. Who is giving her answers?" Mandhira Kapur Smith said, speaking to ANI. On whether they would take up the matter with the authorities in London, she said, "I think it's something that my sister, my mother and I will have to sit down and discuss and see what we want to do." Mandhira also spoke out strongly about the way her family, particularly her mother, has been treated following Sunjay Kapur's passing. Mandhira said that her mother Rani Kapur, who stood by her father in building the Company from its beginnings in the jewellery business to an automotive major, has been sidelined. "We're being treated like strangers. My mother even requested them to put our name on. They said it was done by Sona. It is in bad taste. My father did not build this for the family to be cut off. We are treated like strangers and outsiders. We're not. We're the ones who've done this. This entire thing is done by my father...So, how is everyone taking credit and taking everything out of it? My mother, who is alive, has not got anything to do with it. My sister and I are being told basically to go to hell. I mean, we were not put on any obituary. We were not put on anything... You can try to take it away from us, but it's in our blood," she said. Mandhira Kapur says that Sona is very close to their hearts and now the family feels like they have lost everything. "There was a simple request from my mother. We have gone through the loss of a family member...Within 13 days, everything has been snatched from this family. There was no legal thing from us. There was simply a letter saying can you give us time to find out what's going on? The legal started with Sona Comstar who should not have because we haven't accused Sona Comstar of anything. Again, I'm going to say Sona is a very big thing that is very close to our hearts. It's what our family is. Our family is Sona. I've worked in Sona, my brothers worked there. We've all had a role to play in Sona. So today you're telling us what we've created as a family is gone. I think we've not only lost a brother, we've lost everything. And I don't think it's fair that we've not been allowed to grieve. My mother is 80. Do you not think she should be allowed to grieve her son's death?" she said. She argued that her mother Rani Kapur deserved at least a non-executive board position in the Company. Sona Comstar's official stance was that Rani Kapur has not held any direct or indirect involvement in the company since 2019. In her letter to the board, Rani Kapur had said that she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur's estate, and the majority shareholder of the Sona Group including Sona Comstar. Sunjay Kapur had passed away at the age of 53 on June 12 in the UK. (ANI)
A cyclist was hit and killed by a vehicle on US Highway 17-92, south of Spartan Drive, in a hit-and-run crash that is now under investigation.

The incident happened as the bicyclist was traveling northbound in a marked bicycle lane when an unknown vehicle entered their path, leading to a fatal collision.

A witness stated that a vehicle, likely a white BMW SUV, merged into the northbound lanes from State Road 414 before hitting the bicyclist.

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The vehicle left the scene heading north on US Highway 17-92 following the collision.

Investigators suspect the vehicle will show visible front-end damage such as a broken headlight, hood and undercarriage damage, and potentially a shattered windshield.

Authorities are asking anyone with details about the crash to reach out to the Florida Highway Patrol at (*347) or call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Students at two Dallas schools walked into brand-new, state-of-the-art buildings as John Lewis Social Justice Academy and Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy opened their doors.

The combined $143 million campuses mark a milestone in the districts massive school modernization effort. The gleaming new facilities represent Dallas ISDs commitment to education and innovation. Both schools feature cutting-edge technology and specialized learning spaces designed to prepare students for 21st-century careers.

The projects are part of the districts 2020 bond initiative, which allocated $3.2 billion for new construction and upgrades across more than 200 schools. The voter-approved program aims to transform aging infrastructure into modern learning environments.

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Longfellow Career Exploration Academys $63 million campus boasts specialized facilities for six career pathways: business, law, culinary arts, multimedia, STEM, and career/college readiness. The school includes a new production studio and library alongside collaborative workspaces throughout the building.

This building is something that makes me very proud of Dallas ISD, because it is a campus built for these students to get the best possible chance at success in their life, said Principal Michael Tatum.

The new campus honors Longfellows history while embracing innovation. A timeline displays the schools legacy, and designers preserved a section of the original gym floor featuring the hand-painted logo.

We have some of the best visual performing arts and other elective CTE spaces in the district and probably in the state, Tatum said. This campus was built to be a collaborative space for students and for adults to work together. Everywhere you look, there are spaces for people to break out of a traditional school model and to sit down and be creative together  everyones very visibly learning together. And that is something thats very, very exciting about this building.

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John Lewis Social Justice Academys $80 million replacement campus will serve 800-900 students. The school, formerly known as Oliver Wendell Holmes Humanities/Communications Academy, honors the late civil rights icon and congressman.

A striking black-and-white mural of Lewis greets visitors above the main entrance. The building incorporates architectural elements from the previous structures facade and includes a spacious board meeting chamber.

The new John Lewis campus is more than a building; its a promise, said Principal Monique Paige. A promise to our students that their brilliance will be seen, nurtured, and celebrated. A promise to our staff that their commitment and craft are the foundation of transformation. A promise to our families and community that we are not just rebuilding a school; we are reimagining whats possible.

Paige views the facility as a symbol of hope and determination.

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This campus represents resilience, justice, and the belief that every child deserves to thrive in a space built intentionally for their success. It is both a fresh start and a powerful continuation of our legacy, she said.

The new campuses signal Dallas ISDs broader transformation efforts. As students settle into their state-of-the-art classrooms, theyre experiencing firsthand the districts vision for modern education.
Dallas police arrested a top 10 most wanted sex offender during a surveillance operation on Wednesday in North Dallas.

Martin Deanda, 43, was captured by North Central CRT officers in the 5800 block of Spring Valley Road.

The arrest removes a high-priority fugitive from Texas streets. Deanda had recently been added to the states most wanted list for failing to register as a sex offender.

Officers conducting covert surveillance spotted and positively identified Deanda on August 13. They immediately took him into custody without incident.

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Deanda faced a warrant from the Dallas Police Department for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety had recently elevated Deanda to its 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list. This designation typically comes with increased resources dedicated to locating fugitives.

Bringing fugitives like Deanda to justice ensures the safety of our communities and reinforces our commitment to holding offenders accountable, said Major Pollyanna Ashford, commander of the North Central Patrol Division.

Officers booked Deanda into the Dallas County Jail following his arrest. The case is documented under number 003553-2025.

The North Central Crime Response Team specializes in fugitive apprehension operations. Their surveillance work led directly to Wednesdays successful arrest.
A $9 fee to enter downtown New York City during peak periods has resulted in smoother traffic, improved air quality, and fewer noise complaints.

The city's congestion charge zone, which went into effect in January 2025, spans the southern tip of downtown Manhattan north to 60th Street, and it has reduced traffic delays by a quarter, according to research cited by The Guardian.

Meanwhile, the policy has helped reduce carbon pollution by 2.5%.

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Air pollution exposure has been correlated with a number of harmful health impacts, such as stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and pneumonia, according to the World Health Organization.

One study even found that air pollution increases dementia risk among cardiometabolic disease patients, and another paper linked it to a loss of independence later in life.

Traffic-related pollution is also a major contributor to the overheating of our planet, which is set to cause a slew of other negative health impacts, including a rise in mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, as the World Mosquito Program explained.

New York City's congestion pricing has also reduced traffic-related injuries, while noise complaints along Canal Street  one of Manhattan's major arteries  are down by 70%.

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Meanwhile, pedestrian traffic was up by 8% in May 2025 compared to May 2024, and subway visits have increased by 7%.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the city's congestion pricing a "huge success" as it hit its six-month anniversary in July, according to Fox 5.

And while some people, including President Donald Trump, complained that the pricing was "classist," others disputed this claim.

"A very, very small portion of drivers who enter Midtown Manhattan during business hours are economically disadvantaged," Eric Goldstein, a senior attorney and New York City environment director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in an explainer prior to the implementation of the policy.

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.
HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM)  Roads near Hersheypark Stadium will be closed due to the Jonas Brothers concert on Sunday.

Derry Township Police say the closures are scheduled for between 2-8 p.m. and between 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

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The closures are set for Hotel Road from Hersheypark Drive to the entrance of Catherine Hall and Boathouse Road from PA39 to Sand Beach Road, where general parking is set up.

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Hersheypark Stadium shared on social media that the grass parking lot will open at 12 p.m. and the main doors open at 6 p.m. The show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and guests are being reminded that Hersheypark Stadium is a cashless venue.

Fans can also visit JONACON for food trucks and drinks at 5:30 p.m. in the courtyard.

The concert is part of the JONAS 20: Living The Dream Tour, announced in March. The former Disney stars will be joined by Marshmello, The All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls in Hershey.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 17 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1807, Robert Fulton began the first American steamboat trip between Albany, N.Y., and New York City.

In 1915, a hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, killing 275 people.

In 1946, George Orwell publishes Animal Farm.

In 1969, the Woodstock music festival ended after three days on a 600-acre farm in Bethel, N.Y.

People pay respect at a memorial tribute of flowers, messages and candles to the victims on Barcelona on August 19, 2017, two days after a van plowed into the crowd, killing 14 persons and injuring over 100. Another two victims died in later attacks. File Photo by Angel Garcia/UPI

In 1978, Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson and Larry Newman completed the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by balloon, landing their helium-filled Double Eagle II near Paris.

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In 1987, Rudolf Hess, Hitler's former deputy, was found strangled in Berlin's Spandau Prison. He was 93.

H. Ross Perot attends the dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Air Force Memorial October 14, 2006, in Arlington, Va. On August 17, 1996, the Reform Party nominated Texas businessman Ross Perot for president. File Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI

In 1996, the Reform Party nominated Texas businessman Ross Perot for president. He would go on to lose the 1996 general election with 18.9 percent of the popular vote and zero electoral votes. President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, won with 43 percent of the popular vote and 370 electoral votes. Republican George H.W. Bush lost his re-election bid with 37.4 percent of the popular vote and 168 electoral votes.

File Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI

On August 17, 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton said he had a relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky that was "not appropriate." File Photo courtesy of the White House

In 1998, addressing the American people, U.S. President Bill Clinton said he had a relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky that was "not appropriate."

In 1999, an earthquake in a densely populated region of northwestern Turkey killed at least 17,000 people and injured about 40,000.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard head into the water with their flat-bottom boats to assist locals during the flooding in Baton Rouge, La., on August 14, 2016. On August 17, 2016, the flooding had killed 13 people, and left thousands of people in shelters and seeking aid. File Photo by Brandon Giles/U.S. Coast Guard

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In 2017, a man drove a van into a group of pedestrians in Barcelona, Spain, killing 14 people and injuring another 130 people. The driver killed a 15th person in a carjacking while fleeing the scene. In a related attack hours later, a group of terrorists drove into more civilians, killing a 16th person. All told, eight attackers were also killed.

In 2019, an explosion at a Kabul, Afghanistan, wedding hall killed at least 63 people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility.
NEED TO KNOW

Col. Russell Williams, trusted to fly prime ministers and Queen Elizabeth II, secretly prowled neighborhoods and broke into homes 82 times to steal women's underwear

Investigators linked him to two murders and multiple sexual assaults, crimes he admitted to in a disturbing taped confession

Williams was sentenced to life in prison in 2010 with no parole eligibility for 25 years, ensuring decades behind bars



He was one of Canada's most trusted military commanders  but behind closed doors, Colonel Russell Williams was living a secret life of fetish, sexual violence and murder.

Williams' ascent in the Canadian Armed Forces seemed impeccable. He rose to command CFB Trenton  Canada's largest military air base  piloting dignitaries, including the prime minister and Queen Elizabeth II, according to NBC News.

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But what no one suspected was that during that time, and over the course of several years, he was secretly breaking into women's homes, driven by a disturbing compulsion.

Investigators eventually linked Williams to 82 break-ins across Ontario, where he stole lingerie, underwear, bathing suits and shoes  often photographing himself wearing the items while masturbating  and, in some cases, targeting girls as young as nine, CityNews Vancouver reported.

He meticulously catalogued his crimes and even returned to many of the same homes.

REUTERS/Canadian Forces Combat Camera/Warrant Officer Carole Morissette/Handout

In November 2009, Williams attacked Corporal Marie-France Comeau, raped and murdered her in her home, and later sent a condolence letter to her family as though he had no connection to the crime, CityNews reported.

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Police would later learn that Williams exploited his access to Comeau's flight schedule to know when she'd be alone, per the Durham Region.

Just two months later, 27-year-old Jessica Lloyd vanished. Investigators found distinctive tire tracks in the snow outside her house and began checking vehicles in the area.

The treads matched those on Williams' Nissan Pathfinder, prompting police to bring him in for a ten-hour-long interrogation on February 7, 2010.

At first, Ontario Provincial Police Detective Sergeant Jim Smyth pressed Williams on forensic evidence tying him to the crimes. Eventually, Williams shifted, showing more concern for how his actions would appear to others than for his victims.

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When you talk about perception, my only two immediate concerns from a perception perspective are what my wife must be going through right now, and the impact this is going to have on the Canadian Forces, Williams said in the videotaped confession, according to a transcript reviewed by PEOPLE.

Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty

As the interview went on, Williams began to describe the killings in startlingly matter-of-fact terms. About Comeau, he admitted to beating her with a flashlight and then strangling her.

"Her skull gave way... she was immediately unconscious," he said. "Then, I strangled her."

Before killing her, he had raped Comeau repeatedly, per testimony later given in court. During the assault, she begged for her life, telling Williams "have a heart please... I've been really good... I want to live," per CityNews.

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He told investigators that he placed her body in the garage afterward. When asked why he returned to the base so soon after the murder, Williams said it was because of his duties: I was flying early the next morning.

On Lloyd, Williams recounted how he tied her up, held her captive for hours, forced her to wear lingerie he had stolen, assaulted her and took hundreds of photos before killing her with duct tape.

He also confessed to two violent assaults  two months before killing Comeau, Williams attacked Laurie Massicotte in her home, where he tied her up, blindfolded her and forced her to pose for photos. He targeted another woman, whose name has not been made public, in a similar assault that same month.

After his arrest, police uncovered a trove of trophies from his years of break-ins and assaults  thousands of stolen undergarments catalogued and photographed in neat order.

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The shocking revelations rocked the Canadian public and devastated the military, with then-Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk calling Williams actions  a fundamental breach of trust, duty and valour in a statement.

Williams pleaded guilty to 88 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, and in 2010 was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Stripped of his rank and military honors, his uniform was burned and his medals destroyed.

Williams reached out-of-court settlements with the family of murder victim Jessica Lloyd and Massicotte  the latter for $7 million  in 2014 and 2016, respectively per CBC News.

Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Tensions ran high Saturday across the District as crowds gathered to protest the federal law enforcement agencies patrolling D.C.

Protestors confronted three reported ICE agents after a visit to a restaurant in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood; however, it did not appear as if the agents had anyone in custody.

Trump administration agrees to keep DC police chief in place, but with immigration enforcement order

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The showdown came hours after protestors made their way to the White House, where hundreds marched from Dupont Circle, rallying cries such as Trump must go now through the streets.

We need to have our independence, and this is not that, said Lizzie Logan, one of the demonstrators.

She took exception to one agency used in the crackdown on crime.

The presence of the National Guard, Logan said. The National Guard looks very bored right now because theres nothing to do.

A White House official provided DC News Now with clarification of the National Guards presence, stating:

The National Guard is not making arrests at this time  they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence.

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The march was not the only demonstration.

Banners and signs, stating Melt ICE, were strung along Lamont Park in Mount Pleasant, replacing the signs that had been previously taken down.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Just weeks before President Donald Trump federalized the Washington, D.C., police force over crime woes, the Metropolitan Police Department was hit with accusations of allegedly juking crime stats for more favorable results.

"When our members respond to the scene of a felony offense where there is a victim reporting that a felony occurred, inevitably there will be a lieutenant or a captain that will show up on that scene and direct those members to take a report for a lesser offense," D.C. Police Union chairman Gregg Pemberton told NBC Washington in July of an alleged trend to manipulate crime stats.

"So, instead of taking a report for a shooting or a stabbing or a carjacking, they will order that officer to take a report for a theft or an injured person to the hospital or a felony assault, which is not the same type of classification."

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The accusations from the union chief followed the police department suspending Washington, D.C., police commander Michael Pulliam in mid-May for allegedly changing crime statistics in his district, local media reported in July.

Dc Violence Has Grown Far More Deadly, Despite Dems Claiming 30-Year Low

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., is accused of changing crime stats.

The police commander was accused of falsifying crime data to make crime trends look more favorable for the city, but has denied the allegations. A week before his suspension, Pulliam filed an equal employment opportunity complaint against a higher-up, local outlet NBC Washington reported.

Read On The Fox News App

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Pulliam is currently under investigation over allegedly changing stats. The Metropolitan Police Department told Fox News Digital Thursday, when asked for additional comment and updates on the case, that it "does not comment on internal investigations or personnel matters."

Former Capitol Police Chief Says Crime By Gangs Of Youth In Dc Has Spiked, Escaped Certain Neighborhoods

The accusations over changing crime stats were soon followed by Trump federalizing the police department on Monday in response to a spate of high-profile killings and attacks, as well as a crime wave in the District that has persisted since the 2020 era. The president federalized the local police department under section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the president to assume emergency control of the capital's police force for 30 days.

President Donald Trump speaks to the press about deploying federal law enforcement agents in Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2025.

"Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people," Trump said Monday. "And we're not going to let it happen anymore. We're not going to take it."

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"We're taking it back under the authority vested in me as the president of the United States, I'm officially invoking section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act," he added. "You know what that is. And placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. In addition, I'm deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, D.C. And they're going to be allowed to do their job properly."

On Thursday, Trump railed against the accusations of manipulating crime data in the District.

"They are under investigation right now," Trump said Thursday during an Oval Office press conference. "They are giving this phony crime stats just like they gave other stats in the financial world. But they're phony crime stats. And Washington, D.C., is at its worst point, and it will soon be at its best point. You're gonna have a very safe, you're going to have a crime-free city."

Trump-aligned legal group America First Legal Foundation, which was founded by White House advisor Stephen Miller, exclusively told Fox Digital Thursday that it filed a FOIA request seeking all crime records and data compiled by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, including any records "reflecting the falsification or non-publication" of crime data and statistics.

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Radical Dc Officials Treated Officers Like Crap, Police Leader Says  7 Attacks That Led To Trump Takeover

Democratic lawmakers and local liberal leaders have slammed Trump over federalizing the city  which has included hundreds of National Guard members flooding D.C., as well as law enforcement officers from agencies such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Capitol Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisting with Trump's law and order crackdown  claiming crime is at a 30-year low.

Police officers set up a roadside checkpoint on 14th Street Northwest on Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington, following the federalization of the D.C. police.

"Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at a 30-year low," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Monday. "Donald Trump has no basis to take over the local police department. And zero credibility on the issue of law and order. Get lost."

"As you listen to an unhinged Trump try to justify deploying the National Guard in DC, here's reality: Violent crime in DC is at a 30-year low," former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted to X .

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Washington, D.C., was among the cities caught up in a spiking national crime trend in 2020  when the COVID-19 pandemic raged and protests and riots overtook cities nationwide  recording 198 homicides that year , which marked a 16-year high for the city. Homicides jumped to 226 in 2021, edged down to 203 in 2022 and soared in 2023 to 274  a 20-year high.

Trump Claims Dc Crimes Trounce Stats From Notoriously Violent Cities Worldwide

D.C. saw homicides drop by roughly 31% from 2023 to 2024, according to year-end Metropolitan Police Department data reporting 187 in 2024. The data shows violent crime across the board fell by roughly 35% from 2023, when the department reported 5,345 incidents, to 2024, when it reported 3,469.

Law enforcement officials make arrests following President Trump's federalization of the city.

A study published in July by the Council on Criminal Justice found the chances of a person facing a violent crime in Washington, D.C., have dropped in recent years, but the possibility of dying during such a crime has skyrocketed.

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The study examined violent crime data from 17 large U.S. cities between 2018 and 2024, specifically investigating the lethality of violent crimes in those cities. It found Washington, D.C., had the highest lethality level out of the group  which included Baltimore and Chicago  at a 38% increase in lethality in 2024 compared with 2018.

Exclusive: Trump-aligned Legal Group Files Foia Request For Dc Crime Data, Citing Alleged Manipulation

Lethality in D.C. jumped by a whopping 341% when compared to 2012 data, the study found, reporting that there were 13 homicides per 1,000 serious violent crimes in 2012 to 57 homicides per 1,000 serious violent crimes in 2024.

The study defined lethality as "the number of homicides per aggravated assaults and robberies."

President Donald Trump announced the federalization of Washington, D.C.'s police force on Aug. 11, 2025.

"You have less chance of being victimized, but if you are victimized, you have more of a chance of dying," John Jay adjunct lecturer Jillian Snider, a retired New York Police Department officer, told Fox News Digital Tuesday of violent crime trends in the nation's capital.

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The District's police union chief told Fox News Monday that it supports Trump's federalization while slamming claims crime has ticked down in the city.

"We completely agree with the president here that crime in the district is out of control and something needs to be about it," Pemberton said in support of Trump's actions during an interview on FOX Business . "This concept that crime is down is really an old trope. They're using statistics in a way that makes it appear that crime is going down, but our rank-in-file officers know that we're going call to call to call, for armed carjackings, stabbings, robberies, shootings, homicides and the crime isn't going anywhere."

Fox News Digital reached out to the union for additional comment on the matter, but did not immediately receive a reply.

Fox News Digital's Hannah Panreck and Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.





Original article source: DC police accused of changing crime stats just weeks before Trump federalized city
In southeast Washington, DC, children stood in line Friday to receive new backpacks filled with school supplies, while community organizers passed out free hot dogs and hamburgers to teenagers to celebrate the last few days of summer. But just a few blocks away, the sight of National Guard trucks cut into the celebration  a reminder that the school year will begin under the shadow of federal troops.

This is not going to go off well  most middle school kids walk to school by themselves. Theyre going to have to walk through soldiers and police, Dara Baldwin, a DC-based activist on the Free DC advisory council, told CNN. Theyre going to be fearful for their lives.  Theyre either not going to want to go to school, or theyre going to react to these people in their space.

President Donald Trumps deployment of federal law enforcement to the nations capital to combat what he has described as roving mobs of wild youth has ignited fear among parents, activists and youth advocates that Black and Latino teens will face heightened policing as they return to class next week.

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When Trump announced he was placing the District of Columbias police department under federal control and deploying National Guard troops, he argued that youth crime in DC demanded urgent intervention. According to a report from the DC Policy Center, the juvenile arrest rate in DC is nearly double the national rate. Data from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, an independent DC agency that tracks public safety statistics, shows that total juvenile arrests during the first half of 2025 have largely remained consistent with the number in the first half of each year since 2023, when there was an increase after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Looking specifically at juvenile arrests for violent offenses, which includes robberies, aggravated assaults and assaults with a deadly weapon, between 2019 and 2020, they dropped from 585 to 347, as did the overall number of arrests in DC during the beginning of the pandemic. That decline was short-lived: The numbers began climbing again in 2022, rising from 466 arrests for violent offenses to 641 in 2023 before dropping again in 2024 to 496, according to the data from the CJCC.

Youth advocates cite the citys investment in more resources and programs targeting young people as part of the reason for the drop in arrests for violent offenses. In 2023, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a declaration of a juvenile crime emergency which focused city resources on addressing the issue.

This year the DC Council approved stricter juvenile curfews that also give the citys police chief the ability to double down with even stricter emergency short-term curfews. She used those curfews recently around Navy Yard, an area near the Washington Nationals ballpark and the waterfront.

Demonstrators gather near police headquarters to protest Donald Trumps federal takeover of Washington, DC, on Friday. - Camila DeChalus/CNN

Its clear that the target is the inner-city youth, Kelsye Adams, an activist for DC statehood and director of DC Vote, told CNN at a rally outside of the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters on Friday. And what Ive seen on the news from where the police checkpoints and the neighborhoods that theyre going in, they are directly attacking young, Black and brown kids.

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The White House says the administrations policies are aimed at making DC safer.

Washington DC leaders have failed the citys youth  juvenile crime has been a serious concern for residents and local leaders even before President Trumps intervention to Make DC Safe Again, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, told CNN in a statement. The status quo of ignoring kids committing violent crimes has not worked, it has only exasperated the situation  President Trump is making DC safe again for everyone.

The DC Metropolitan Police Department did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

CNN has spoken to more than a dozen DC residents about Trumps crime crackdown and whether it will impact the children in their communities  and some parents say the extra presence could reduce violence.

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I got mixed reactions with that, Kim Hall, 45, a longtime district resident who has three children in the DC public school system, told CNN at the backpack event in Anacostia. To me, it actually makes the street more safe, because a lot of the crime that goes on, especially over there in southwest and southeast, is happening while the kids are going to school or theyre coming out of school.

If the police is around, there wont be so much of the gun violence, she added.

Anthony Motley, 76, a DC resident who has 10 grandchildren in the school system, told CNN that young people are the future, and we need to protect the future. So, whatever we need to do to protect our future, Im for that.

Others CNN spoke with, including Sharelle Stagg, a DC resident and educator in the public school system, arent convinced that increased patrols and law enforcement are going to help their children.

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Im not certain this is the best strategy, especially when you think about just the way that it was rolled out and kind of presented to communities, Stagg said.

Tahir Duckett, executive director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law School, agrees that Trump deploying National Guard troops to DC could make violence worse, not better.

When you have these major shows of force, and you have people who feel like the police arent actually part of the community, but are more of an occupying force, then you tend to see people not want to cooperate with the police, he said, which can lead to increased crime rates.

Youth advocates also told CNN they are worried young Black and Brown men will be the most impacted by the larger law enforcement presence. Black children make up more than half of DCs youth population, according to census data.

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Ive been brought up into the community where weve seen this often. So it might look different to some other people, but not me, not the community that I come from, and our communities have been targeted for years, Carlos Wilson, who works with Alliance of Concerned Men, a group that helps inner-city youth and hosted the back-to-school event in southeast DC, told CNN.

He argued that Trump could use the funding for more resources to help young people in this city instead of on an increased law enforcement presence.

Thats whats gonna make it better, more programs, more opportunities for the younger folks. I think thats whats gonna make our community better. Not police presence. We need resources. We need help, not people coming in.

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The discussions centred on finalising the second tranche of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) further to enhance the trade and investment ties between our nations, the minister posted on X.

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) is in its third year of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies.

The Ind-Aus ECTA has significantly advanced trade ties, creating new opportunities for MSMEs, businesses and employment in both nations while reinforcing the foundation of their economic partnership.

Since its signing, bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled, according to an old government statement.

Key sectors like textiles, chemicals, and agriculture have shown substantial growth, while exports on new lines, including gold studded with diamonds and turbojets highlight the diversification enabled by the agreement.

Imports of essential raw materials, such as metalliferous ores, cotton, wood and wood products have fuelled India's industries, contributing to the win-win nature of this partnership. Sectors such as electronics and engineering have room for growth, the statement had asserted.

The aim is to achieve trade to reach AUD 100 billion by 2030 between India and Australia. (ANI)
Henry MCCollum still dreams about death row at Central Prison, where he spent half his life for a crime that he didnt commit.

McCollum and his brother Leon Brown were exonerated in 2014 after spending nearly 31 years in prison for the wrongful conviction for rape and murder, The News & Observer previously reported. On Saturday, McCollum joined death penalty opponents to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the last time that North Carolina executed a prisoner.

They stole me and my little brothers life away from us, McCollum, 61, said at Saturdays event organized by the N.C. Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. I just thank God that me and my brother are free.

Henry McCollum (center) talks about being a death row exoneree at an event at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. on Aug. 16, 2025 organized by the N.C. Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Beside him are fellow death row exonerees Ed Chapman and Alfrred Rivera.

The advocacy group met at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh before about 50 people marched to Central Prison, which houses the states death row inmates.

Nineteen years since last state execution

Between 1984 and 2006, North Carolina executed 43 people.

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The last execution was on Aug. 18, 2006, when Samuel Flippen, 36, was executed by lethal injection for the murder of his 2-year-old stepdaughter, The N&O previously reported.

Theres been a de facto moratorium since then as inmates have challenged the constitutionality of the use of lethal injection. More than 100 of the 121 people currently on death row are challenging their death sentences with claims of racial bias during jury selection or sentencing in their trials.

On his final day in office in December, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper issued clemency to 15 people on death row. The N&O previously reported. Death-penalty opponents are urging Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to grant clemency to the 121 remaining death row inmates.

We are here to remember 43 lives that were taken by the state, said Noel Nickel, executive director of the N.C. Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. We are here to resist any more lives ever being taken.

Death by electrocution or firing squad?

Some Republican state lawmakers hope to resurrect the use of the death penalty.

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Legislation filed earlier this year by state Rep. David Willis would allow electrocution and the firing squad to be used as alternative methods of execution. This would be an effort to get around the legal challenges over use of lethal injection.

Its not something thats used every single day, obviously, but I think our (district attorneys) and our courts need to have this option on the table to combat some of the heinous crimes and murders and things that were seeing, Willis,a Union County Republican, told The N&O earlier this year. And as a tool in their belt, to at least have as a possibility, I think, goes a long way, and helps our prosecutors in that regard.

The bill didnt advance this session but could be revived if legislative leaders want to do so.

The law is the law, and our law, as it has for a long time, allows the death penalty in North Carolina, and I think that when a jury decides something, that the will of that jury ought to be carried out, House Speaker Destin Hall told The N&O earlier this year.

We live death row every day

Three former North Carolina death row inmates met Saturday for the first time since they were exonerated of their murder convictions. Theyve now taken on the mission of sharing their stories and fighting to save the lives of the death row inmates who became their families at Central Prison.

Death row exonerees Alfred Rivera, Ed Chapman and Henry McCollum meet at an event sponsored by the N.C. Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty on Aug. 16, 2025, at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C.

Im against capital punishment, McCollum said. Like I told them brothers on the row when I left them there Sept. 4 of 2014, I said, Hey, I love yall and all that. I will keep fighting as long as God gives breath to my body.

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Alfred Rivera spent nearly two years on death row in the 1990s before being exonerated of murder charges. He said they need to be the ones who speak out against the death penalty.

We were not supposed to be there and we witnessed it and returned back with the grace of the all or the most high or the high self, or whatever it is you have the faith in, Rivera said. It brought us to this point.

Ed Chapman spent 13 years on death row after being wrongfully convicted of murdering two women in Hickory in 1994, The N&O previously reported. Its been nearly 18 years since Chapman was released, but I fight every day to keep my sanity, Chapman said.

We live death row every day, Chapman said. Its not a one-day thing. Its every day.
A new study indicates Delaware has the highest rate of home theft in the United States, alarmingly higher than even the second state on the list.

The study, by Las Vegas-based H&P Law, used FBI data for thefts from buildings between 2019 and 2023 to calculate the average theft rate per 1,000 residents by state.

Delaware has the highest rate of home theft in the United States, according to H&P Law.

Delaware leads the nation with an average of 367.8 thefts per 100,000 residents, over three times the national average (99.8 thefts) and over 100 thefts more than the second-leading state of Tennessee (248.9 thefts). On average, between 2019 and 2023, Delaware had 3,692 thefts from buildings per year, among its population of roughly 1 million.

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A statement from H&P Law pointed to the rise of "porch pirates" as a significant contributing factor to the numbers.

"These high rates of home theft not only result in financial losses for residents but also create a sense of violation and insecurity in communities," the statement said. "The surge in online shopping in recent years has unfortunately created more opportunities for package theft from porches and doorsteps."

The most stolen car in Delaware: What it is and what you need to know

To reduce "porch pirate" incidents, H&P Law recommends installing security cameras, using package lockboxes and only allowing deliveries when someone is home.

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Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: In US, Delaware has highest rate of thefts from home, study shows
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Louisiana State University of Alexandria has established the Dr. James DeLee and Catherine Puerta DeLee Endowed Scholarship, honoring the familys legacy of service, learning, and community impact.

James DeLee, Ph.D., a former LSUA faculty member, served the university from 1975 to 1990. He and his wife, Catherine, shared a commitment to education and community while raising their family in Alexandria.

Dr. DeLee exemplified the very best of LSUA, said Chancellor Paul Coreil. He was a visionary educator, a devoted mentor, and a generous community leader. This endowed scholarship continues his legacy and reflects the DeLee familys unwavering belief in the power of education.

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The scholarship will provide financial support to LSUA students, helping reduce barriers to higher education.

Lsua, LSU Health Shreveport start fast-track OT program

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Air travel can be inconvenient at times, particularly all the steps leading up to actually getting onto the plane.

Security lines are sometimes slow and winding, and the bag checking process can be cumbersome. Fortunately, Delta Airlines just rolled out a new policy that should help customers fly smoother moving forward.

Beginning this week, Delta is using its new App Bag Drop experience at four major airports: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit and Seattle. The program is designed for fliers who are already checked in on the app and just need to print bag tags and check their luggage.

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Under the "App Bag Drop" practice, these customers can skip the regular lines, shaving time off their trip.

"Coming to all Delta hubs by the end of the year, this perk streamlines the journey for app users  allowing for shorter lines and more time to unwind before takeoff," Delta said.

Travelers near the Delta Airlines check-in area at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City, Mexico, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. The Trump administration is threatening to revoke antitrust immunity for Delta Air Lines Inc. and Grupo Aeromexico's pricing agreement amid a set of new orders demanding Mexico move forward to address anticompetitive behavior. Photographer: Mauricio Palos/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg/Getty Images

Passengers must download the required app to participate. As stated above, the program will be implemented nationwide by the end of 2025.

The "App Bag Drop" is one of several new initiatives Delta is introducing with the intention of makings things faster for customers.

Other changes include streamlining the customs process for people flying from Incheon, South Korea or London Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and expanding the use of TSA Precheck Touchless ID to all Delta hubs by the end of 2025.

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No one better connects the world than Delta, and we want to make your connections  and travel experience as a whole  smoother, smarter and more efficient at every step of the journey, said Greg Forbes, Delta's managing director of airport experience. These initiatives rolling out and expanding this summer are big steps towards delivering on that promise.

Delta Announces Big Change to Speed Up Traveling first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
A key senator on the Foreign Relations committee called Donald Trumps Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin a disaster Sunday and blamed the U.S. president for legitimizing his Russian opponent in front of the world.

It was an embarrassment for the United States. It was a failure. Putin got everything he wanted, said Chris Murphy, the ranking Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on European security cooperation.

Murphy told NBCs Meet the Press that Trump was forced to abandon his main commitment  a call for a ceasefire  during the meeting and was similarly unable to convince Putin to drop demands for Ukraine to cede more territory, something the senator from Connecticut said was stunning to see a U.S. president consider.

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He wanted to be absolved of his war crimes in front of the world. He was invited to the United States  war criminals are not normally invited to the United States of America, Murphy said.

Sen. Chris Murphy said that Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin was a 'disaster' for America (NBC/Meet the Press)

Trump walked out of that meeting saying, I didn't get a ceasefire. I didn't get a peace deal. And I'm not even considering sanctions, the senator continued. And so Putin walks away with his photo op, with zero commitments made, and zero consequences. What a great day for Russia.

Murphys comments to NBC come as two top Trump officials who traveled with the president to Alaska for the summit Friday, Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, did the rounds on separate Sunday morning programs defending the outcome of the presidents meeting with Putin.

The optics of the meeting are being endlessly scrutinized in the mainstream press, partly due to the few specifics released so far about what the two men discussed.

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Among those moments been picked apart by analysts included the arrival of the Russian president, which was preceded by U.S. troops, in uniform, rolling out a red carpet on the tarmac.

On Sunday, Witkoff told CNNS State of the Union that the U.S. secured what he claimed was a game-changing development in the discussions: Putins willingness to consider accepting a U.S. security agreement protecting the future sovereignty of Ukraines borders. This was the first time negotiators were able to gain ground on the issue, he explained.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO," he said.

Putin and Trump shake hands during their Alaska meeting (REUTERS)

Witkoff wouldnt specify whether the security guarantee could lead to what Trump and his followers have long opposed  a promise to directly engage U.S. troops in defense of Ukraine should Russia continue crossing Trumps red lines.

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Murphy, on Sunday, seemed to imply that such a guarantee would be the bare minimum standard necessary for any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

That [security guarantee] is an essential element of a peace agreement because any commitment that Vladimir Putin makes to not invade Ukraine again isn't worth the paper that it's written on, said the senator. He's made that commitment many times. So yes, there has to be a guarantee that if Putin were to enter Ukraine after a peace settlement, that there would be some force there, a U.S. force, a U.S.-European force there to defend Ukraine.

He would go on to hammer Trump over reports that Witkoff wouldnt confirm when pressed by CNNs Jake Tapper, which revealed that Trump had signaled his own willingness to accept Russian demands for Ukraine to cede the entire occupied Donbas region as part of a potential agreement. Murphy said that the reported development was another sense that Putin is just in charge of these negotiations.

Chris Van Hollen, another Democrat on the Foreign Relations panel, was equally critical of Trumps meeting with the Russian president during an interview with ABCs Martha Raddatz on This Week.

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Heading into Fridays summit, Trump warned of severe consequences if Russia continued to oppose peace efforts and said that he was working towards an immediate ceasefire. Afterwards, he claimed in a Truth Social post that "It was determined by all [in attendance] that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

Van Hollen called this news a setback for the U.S.s European allies and Ukraine, while accusing Trump of being flattered by Putin.

Theres no sugarcoating this. Donald Trump, once again, got played by Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin got the red carpet treatment on American soil. But we got no ceasefire, no imminent meeting between Putin and Zelensky, said Van Hollen.

Jake Sullivan, national security adviser to the Biden administration, agreed.

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"President Trumps stated goals were very simple, get an immediate ceasefire, and in the absence of a ceasefire, impose what he called severe consequences," Sullivan said. "Well, the summit has come and gone. There is no ceasefire. There are no consequences.

Trump is now scheduled to meet Monday with European leaders including Finnish president Alexander Stubb, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron and the UKs Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Stubb is known for his personal relationship with Trump, and is poised to be on-hand to quell any disputes between Trump and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, who will also be in attendance.

Zelensky is reported to be wholly opposed to any demand to recognize Russian occupation of the Donbas as legitimate.
Almost three months before Zohran Mamdanis earthquake of a victory in New York Citys Democratic mayoral primary this summer, a substitute teacher and long-time union organizer named Alex Brower shocked Milwaukee City Hall by winning a special election for city council as a Democratic Socialist. Brower ran on highly specific local issues  namely, lowering utility bills by challenging the We Energies company in Milwaukee. Attending the biennial Democratic Socialists of America convention in Chicago last weekend, Brower, wearing a brown T-shirt with the words SOCIALIST PARTY scrawled in big, unmissable letters, struggled to stop talking about local policymaking when we spoke in one the few quiet corners of the convention center.

Every two years, delegates from each chapter of the organization gather to debate and vote on resolutions on DSAs priorities and elect a National Political Committee (NPC) to lead them. Brower, a Milwaukee-DSA delegate, laughed off the notion that traditional Democrats can replicate Mamdanis success  or his own  via savvy social media alone, rather than running on affordability and redistributive policies. People are very angry with the system right now, Brower says. At DSA, were leading by saying, OK, heres a material problem. Heres how DSA proposes to fix it.

This years convention comes at a watershed moment for DSA, two months after Mamdanis victory sent shockwaves across the political establishment  and precisely 10 years after Bernie Sanders did the same when he announced his presidential bid in June 2015, galvanizing a new generation of American leftists. Today, Mamdani can hardly record a man-on-the-street video without being interrupted by fans lining up for photos, while the rest of the Democratic Party holds its lowest approval rating in over 30 years and has been unable to cut through the noise.

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The stakes couldnt be higher for DSA to take advantage of the current political moment. President Donald Trump has wasted no time reshaping the country around corporate interests, signing a sweeping budget bill that threatens to force at least 17 million people off their health insurance while allocating over $170 billion to ICE and border enforcement. The midterms are on the horizon, and regaining control of Congress could be Democrats best  perhaps even their last  chance at reining in this unabashedly authoritarian administration.

With the momentum of Mamdanis victory, the existential threat of the second Trump era, and lingering reminders of where the organization fell short 10 years ago under Sanders banner, there was a lot to discuss at the convention last weekend. Among the nearly 2,000 DSA delegates and leaders who convened, many arrived  and left  with disagreements about how best to seize the moment.

But every DSA member I spoke to easily agreed on one thing: Its their moment to seize.

Numerous delegates identified Browers race as an example of what they want to see from the organization nationwide: a pipeline of Democratic Socialists in local government, a bench of candidates who can eventually, successfully run for mayor  or higher. In 2017, 15 DSA members were elected to state or local office, bringing the organizations total number of elected officials to 35. In 2025, over 250 DSA members hold elected office  90 percent were elected after 2019, following Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs upset victory the year before. As of this year, a third of Portland, Oregons city council consists of DSA members.

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Like so many other members, Brower got involved with DSA a decade ago when Sanders entered the national scene. He tells me he knew hed run for office someday the night Ocasio-Cortez won her primary. Brower may have some disagreements with other DSA members or electeds under the DSA banner, but leaders like AOC, Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Bernie, who have identified as Democratic Socialists in Congress, are an inspiration to all kinds of people to run for office. Theyre the reason he and so many of the people gathered in Chicago  with their colorful array of keffiyahs and canvas tote bags, their comfortable shoes and curiously styled mustaches  were there at all.

But theres a broad range of opinions about some of the Democratic Socialists who Brower name-dropped as role models, and the extent to which the organization should open its tent to as many elected officials and members as possible  or whether it should instead sharpen and potentially narrow its standards for membership.

Kristian Hernandez, who formerly served on the NPC for four years and organizes in North Texas, says the sometimes highly public, highly messy disagreements within her organization dont alarm her: Its like with my family, she explains. Were very, very passionate, we have a lot of political arguments. Hernandez joined DSA in 2016, organizing for immigrant rights and eventually becoming a delegate for Sanders presidential campaign. She was the one to convince large swaths of her initially pro-Hillary Clinton family to vote for Sanders.

Navigating political disagreements  within either a large family or an organization attempting to build political power across the nation  can be messy: Last summer, NYC-DSA voted to endorse Ocasio-Cortez in her reelection bid. The national DSA, meanwhile, rescinded its endorsement, questioning the congresswomans commitment to the movement for Palestine and our collective socialist project. Some DSA members regarded Ocasio-Cortezs support for Joe Biden and then Kamala Harris that year as implicit support for the Biden-Harris administrations outsized role in funding and arming Israels war on Gaza. Other DSA members see Ocasio-Cortez as a reliable ally and partner in governing, and one of a small number of Congress members who publicly call Israels war on Gaza a genocide.

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At least one proposed resolution at the convention aimed to censure Ocasio-Cortez over certain votes and comments on Israel and Palestine. Last month, Ocasio-Cortez appeared to defend U.S. funding for Israels Iron Dome as defensive military aid to protect civilians. But critics argue that distinguishing between defensive and offensive military aid is meaningless, because funding the Iron Dome gives Israel the capacity to carry out its brutal occupation and war on Palestine without repercussions. Nonetheless, that resolution was placed distinctly low on the conventions deliberation agenda, ensuring no time for delegates to debate or vote on it, and leaving it  along with the rest of the remaining resolutions  to be decided by the NPC.

We have this phrase in DSA, Hernandez says, that were somewhat building the plane as were flying it. There will be messiness and contradictions.

Leftists arent exactly known for civility in disagreement, though  especially online.

DSAs internal culture is frequently the object of online jokes about, say, its quirky singles mixers, or its members addressing each other as comrade in the year 2025. And a decade since Sanders rise also marks a decade since the hotly debated caricature of the white, male Bernie Bro as a stand-in for the average DSA member and leftist. In the liberal imagination, the Bernie Bro is insensitive toward social issues and identity politics, blurring these in favor of a materialist, populist economic lens. Of course, many women and marginalized people vocally supported Sanders. And universal health care is more tangibly beneficial to most womens everyday lives than electing a woman who opposes universal health care. Still, the caricature endured.

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Megan Romer, who at the convention was elected to her second term as NPC co-chair after receiving the most first-place votes of any candidate, acknowledges about 70 percent of DSAs membership is male. But since June, DSA has highlighted the strikingly diverse coalition of voters who backed Mamdani  East and South Asian, Latine, Black, Arab, and Jewish communities and young voters decisively mobilized for him, where Sanders presidential campaigns struggled with some of these demographics.

There are some bro-y dudes around, because there are bro-y dudes around in society, and they also need affordable health care, affordable college, Genevieve Rand, co-chair of DSAs Trans Rights and Bodily Autonomy Committee and a trans woman, tells me. But the slander that thats the only people who are here has been the opposite of my experience.

On the second day of the convention, I met leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker shortly before his stream that afternoon. Piker attended the convention as a DSA booster. We talked for well over an hour about the organization and leftist politics and culture in this political moment. I asked him about the now-10-year-old concept of the Bernie Bro.

Im the original Bernie Bro, he jokes. Piker is one of few popular media figures who espouse progressive politics to a massive young male fan base.

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There are definitely white people in DSA and white people do sometimes have blind spots. But people like to hyper-focus on these sorts of things, because as a leftist, as a socialist, the expectations are significantly higher, Piker says. He points to the dynamics between Democrats and Republicans and the massive gulf between what constitutes cancelable offenses on both sides: The Democrat is expected to operate in a certain way, as opposed to how Republicans can do whatever the fuck they want. A similar dynamic exists between the left and Democrats, where, as a leftist or socialist, youre expected to behave in certain ways, where things that otherwise wouldnt be considered problematic can all of a sudden be used against you. One example: I got canceled for buying a house, he says, referring to criticism over the Los Angeles home he shares with his family.

Despite popular portrayals of DSA members as unpleasant Bernie Bros who despise each other, many delegates I spoke to say they joined DSA for radical politics, but stayed for community. Among demographics like young men, companionship seems increasingly crucial to staving off right-wing radicalization from the online manosphere. Solidarity has a similar feeling to the expression of love. It sounds kind of corny, but I feel much less lonely when Im at a protest or alongside people in political movements, Piker says. If you dont have any sort of love for other people around you, then youre not going to fight for or defend them.

But the methods of how best to fight for each other, how best to win for each other, are hotly contested across DSA. The American left has something of a reputation for struggling to organize internally, for being quick to cannibalize each other over what might seem like small disagreements. But some DSA leaders, like Colleen Johnston, an outgoing NPC member, think these narratives can be overblown: I think theres interest in portraying us that way, as always fighting, because then they dont have to talk about all the ways were building power, our policies, our effective campaigns across the country.

To Ashik Siddique, now serving his third term as co-chair of the NPC, the important thing is we have strong discussions. DSA is a democracy, in a country where formal democracy is not very strong. In DSA, we vote on our positions, then move forward. Even when it feels messy, we get to a point where we have consensus.

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Messy is one word to describe certain scenes amid three days of hours-long, nonstop debate about DSAs future. Rose decor  balloons, hats, flyers, art  was everywhere in the convention hall, sprawled across walls, on tables, alongside snack spreads that included everything from granola bars and water bottles to Altoids and Zyns. And roses, which feature prominently in DSAs logo, come with thorns; theyre a package deal.

Early Friday, Tlaib walked onstage to a standing ovation and thunderous applause to deliver her keynote address. If DSA members hold mixed opinions about some Democratic Socialist politicians, their adoration for the first Palestinian-American member of Congress seemed universal. Much of Tlaibs speech condemned Israels brutal campaign in Gaza and Congress seemingly unconditional support for the war. She struggled to speak through tears as she questioned whether her own colleagues would be able to so easily press the yes button to send more weapons to Israel if they saw Palestinian children  Palestinian people  as human beings.

With each free Palestine she uttered, the room erupted in cheers so deafening you could barely hear her next words. Then came Tlaibs remarks that have since been clipped in numerous viral social media posts, appearing to reference her fellow-Squad member Ocasio-Cortezs Iron Dome comments: I say this honestly with love: I dont care what you label or call it. A weapon is a weapon. You support the funding of genocide or you dont. Tlaibs remarks electrified the convention hall as she railed against her warmonger colleagues, against imperialism and capitalism: The violence against our people doesnt have to come in the form of a bomb or a gun. The systems and structures around us kill our neighbors. Its the same effect. She urged DSA to cultivate this people-power into a force that can fight fascism and win a united front in order to beat fascism.

This is our duty. This is our responsibility. This is our moment, she said. You dont need to tell me that the Democratic Party establishment has completely failed to present meaningful resistance to this billionaire class, to Trump and fascism. Across the U.S., working-class people know they have been let down. Theyre looking for a new home. They want to envision alternatives, and we have it.

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Tlaibs remarks united the room. You would hardly guess that, within an hour, the same convention hall would become a site of intense, sometimes vitriolic arguments.

Thanks in part to Mamdani, this years convention came amid the most national attention the organization has had on it since Sanders rise almost a decade ago. With that momentum, some factions of DSA want the organization to focus on external organizing, expansion, and growth, bringing in as many new people as possible. Other factions see this as a key moment for moral clarity, for setting clear internal standards of conduct and ensuring that members and electeds are unwavering against genocide and fascism.

Romer doesnt see internal and external organizing as mutually exclusive: I see it as a yes, and rather than either-or, she says. Queens DSAs Aaron Fernando agrees, but he questions some DSA leaders priorities based on the convention agenda, including which resolutions were debated and voted on and which were buried. For instance, he hoped the convention would focus more on setting priorities for DSAs resistance to the new Trump administration, like strategizing on how to fight for trans people, rather than internal conflicts. I think we went in the wrong direction this convention, he says. Instead of focusing on more outward-facing mass politics, we stagnated on personal beefs and factionalism within DSA. That sort of agenda is not good for a national organization.

Some resolutions were uncontroversial: On Saturday, delegates passed one for DSA to run a presidential candidate in 2028, likely under the Democratic Party ballot line, similar to Sanders in 2016 and 2020. An amendment to specify that the candidate would run under a third party failed. Rand told me shes particularly excited about this resolution: What Bernie Sanders showed even though he didnt win is that a socialist can win the highest office in America, she says.

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Other resolutions were more contentious. A resolution known as 1m1v, or One Member One Vote, for instance, swallowed up a large chunk of deliberation on Friday afternoon. Under 1m1v, each dues-paying DSA member would get to vote on members of the NPC. Proponents argue it embodies direct democracy, mimicking labor unions and other international leftist parties, and allows rank-and-file members to both feel and be part of the national organization. Opponents worry about less active and less informed members potentially sabotaging the organization.

Floor debate over 1m1v devolved, at times, into enough of a mess to spark semi-viral social media outrage. One delegate who supported the resolution drew comparisons between those who opposed it and those who opposed Reconstruction and civil rights. These comments were met with a wave of boos, shocked gasps, and jeers. Some DSA members took to social media to complain about being compared to slaveowners for disagreeing with their comrades.

The resolution decisively failed.

The most heated debate surrounded the For a Fighting Anti-Zionist DSA resolution, which restates DSAs commitments to Palestinian liberation and against any material support for Israel  and establishes a red-line for members, candidates, and elected officials, opening the door for expulsion or required political education for those in violation. To some delegates, the resolution read as a proxy for resolutions to expel Ocasio-Cortez and Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman over statements or votes regarding Israel. These opponents argued the resolution is redundant given DSAs existing positions on Palestine, and that its a vehicle to punish and expel members or electeds, including those who have since changed their positions. Supporters of the resolution deny that it would be applied retroactively or in bad-faith.

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The resolution decisively passed on Sunday afternoon to Free Palestine chants across the convention hall.

Seemingly less controversial resolutions on the national organizations budget and stipends for its political leadership sparked less heated debate. But some delegates told me these resolutions emerged from simmering tensions between certain factions of DSA.

In 2023, at the onset of Israels war on Gaza and explosive political debates across the U.S., DSA carried out layoffs. Romer says that at the time, the organization was $1 million in debt. Thats the worst feeling you have as a socialist, she says of the situation. But on the condition of anonymity, some delegates disputed this version of events, claiming the organizations finances were never that dire, that DSAs membership base is full of skilled fundraisers who could easily have raised the necessary funding to keep staffers employed, and that some members of DSA leadership actively want to divest from staffers to consolidate more organizational power for themselves. Some of these allegations have been made quite publicly, and the staff union filed a complaint to the National Labor Relations Board last January. Romer maintains that the 2023 layoffs were necessary due to budget constraints.

Its difficult if not impossible to break down the range of factions and tensions within DSA without getting too in the weeds. Fernando, who represents one of the organizations two major factions, sees DSAs goal as bringing in as many people as possible and winning elections everywhere, and regards Mamdanis coalition-building, grassroots field operations and victory as an inspiration. Romer, who aligns with DSAs other major faction, agrees on the importance of winning elections, but also stresses the importance of agitation, praising Mamdanis past activism in the form of hunger strikes for Palestine and in solidarity with taxi drivers as an inspiration. Mamdani  like Tlaib  is a unifying name across all caucuses.

NYC-DSA co-chair Gustavo Gordillo, who joined DSA a decade ago around when Sanders first ran for president, has attended four DSA conventions. Over time, Ive seen disagreement handled better, with far less personal, healthier conversations, he says. When we first started having these bigger disagreements after the Bernie surge, when so many people with sometimes very different politics joined, disagreements were treated much more personally. Now, I think weve matured as an organization, where we dont let disagreements destabilize us.

When Mamdani first launched his mayoral campaign at the end of October, he was a state Assembly member with minimal name recognition. By June, posters of his face were plastered across the city; you couldnt walk a block without seeing his smile in the window of nearly every coffee shop, bodega, halal cart, or apartment. Much as some Democratic strategists would like to attribute his surge in popularity solely to charisma and engaging social media, just as well known as his name are the tenets of his platform: free buses, freezing the rent, and universal child care. And what his opponents repeatedly tried to nail him with as a liability  his unwavering support for Palestine and strong criticisms of Israel  has instead proven a strength.

Almost a decade ago, Quinnipiac University polling showed Democratic voters sympathized with Israelis more than Palestinians by a 13-point margin; new polling from July reveals a 56-point swing, with Democrats now sympathizing more with Palestinians by a net 43 points. CNN polling expert Harry Enten called this a sea change, the scale of which he rarely sees in politics. In January, polling showed among the nearly 20 million people who voted for Biden in 2020 but didnt vote in 2024, a third cited Harris sustained support for Israel.

Voters like to see anyone standing their ground on Palestine. I think thats increased a lot of peoples confidence [that] Zohran is actually going to deliver on his platform  they thought, Oh, you cant really deliver, Siddique said. But because he stood his ground on Palestine, or people see him challenging ICE very directly  people trust fighters.

DSA leaders, who have long held support for Palestine as the moral position, are navigating a new paradigm in which support for Palestine is also the politically smart one. Were rapidly approaching the 2026 midterms, and as mainstream Democrats resist their own base by unconditionally, materially backing Israel, DSA members believe they can fill this vacuum in leadership.

Olivia Katbi, co-chair of Portland-DSA, says her chapters organizing has focused largely on Palestine and overseeing successful local boycott, divest, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns against Israel in recent years. The Democratic Party is a capitalist, racist, pro-genocide party, and DSA is offering an actual alternative to that, she says. Batul Hassan, an NYC-DSA steering committee member whose organizing has focused on pro-Palestine initiatives, echoed Katbi: A lot of the member growth that weve had, the mass turnout for Zohran, who is very morally consistent on his position on Palestine, is because of that  because were member-driven, not beholden to pro-genocide billionaires.

DSA members are determined to ensure Mamdanis victory on these principles, on an unrepentantly socialist and pro-Palestine platform, wasnt just a flash in the pan. In November, NYC-DSA member Claire Valdez won her seat in the state Assembly after crushing the Democratic incumbent Juan Ardila by 48 points in the primary. Right now, the Democratic establishment is unwilling or incapable of meeting the moment, fighting Trumps fascist administration, the genocide and famine in Gaza  theres a vast gulf between what the Democratic base wants and how were being represented, Valdez tells me. She believes Democratic Socialists are poised to make waves in 2026: People are hungry for an alternative. You saw that with my campaign, you saw that with Zohrans.

In addition to Valdez, and Brower in Milwaukee, candidates like Atlanta city council candidate Kelsea Bond and Jersey City council candidate Jake Ephros also attended the convention. Ephros says he wouldnt be running without my local DSA chapter, with which he organized for over five years before running for office this year.

NYC-DSA co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gordillo, alongside Siddique, hosted a workshop on strategies to run and win on a campaign like Mamdanis on the conventions final day. Mausser emphasized the importance of partnership and patience when working with candidates: We knew when we endorsed Zohran there were going to be tensions and contradictions in electing a socialist mayor, she says. But we cant let those tensions hold us back from taking power. The left has done that for far too long. With Mamdani, Mausser says NYC-DSA is building a new model of partnership, navigating disagreements while still prioritizing collaboration and a fruitful governing relationship.

Today, everyone in New York City knows who Zohran is  a socialist  because he identifies as a socialist, and it wasnt a liability but a strength for him, Gordillo said. Across all chapters, every DSA member and leader I spoke to said some version of the same thing: They believe, today, socialism is popular, socialism can win, and socialism can thrive in all the spaces where the Democratic Party is stagnating. As Hernandez puts it: Its not just about saying Democrats are bad, but also giving people something positive to vote for.

Gordillo says the chapters membership has almost doubled since Mamdanis victory, which positions him to be the highest-ranking socialist in office in U.S. history. Delegates from chapters across the country say theyve seen surges in interest, too. Zohran showed that a mass coalition can be led by a socialist. We saw him bring along supporters who are more moderate or considered liberals, to build a large tent that was actually led by a working-class, socialist agenda, Gordillo says. Biden was not able to do that. Kamala Harris also failed  thats because they were constantly trying to compromise with the billionaire class. He believes Mamdani models the way forward.

I think we need to let a million Zohrans bloom, and theres Zohrans everywhere for those with eyes that see, Piker says. There have been far worse circumstances where people have been able to successfully organize and make changes that have improved humanity. I think thats what can happen right now.

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Deported and alone, Annie Garcia landed in Mexico with $40 in her pocket, a criminal record in the United States behind her and an unknown future ahead in a country she barely remembered.

Fast forward to the present, to a video shared with her more than half-a-million social media followers in August. Her hair blows in the wind as she speeds on a boat through an emerald sea. She tagged the clip: #LifeAfterDeportation.

Expelled from the United States, young Mexican immigrants like Garcia, 35, are documenting the aftermath of their deportation online. Their videos  raw grief over what they lost in America, surprise and gratitude for what they've found in Mexico  are rapidly gaining them tens of thousands of followers.

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At least a dozen of these deportees-turned-influencers, Garcia included, have started over in Mexico's west coast beach gem, Puerto Vallarta.

Social media influencer Annie Garcia, who goes by the handle @annigrcx on Instagram.

If theres one thing I wish my content could embody it's how much life there is on this side of the border," Garcia wrote June 15 on Instagram. "Our countries arent what they were 20 or 30 years ago when our parents left."

Returning to an unfamiliar 'home'

More than 70,000 Mexican nationals were deported from the United States to Mexico in the first six months of 2025, according to Mexico's Interior Ministry.

That's down from the more than 102,000 deported during the same six-month period in 2024, when people were being deported after crossing the border. Now, the people being deported are more likely to have built lives and families in the United States.

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With President Donald Trump's aggressive mass deportation campaign underway, Francisco Hernandez-Corona feared being detained.

So he self-deported to Mexico, accompanied by his husband. He started vlogging. The 30-something Harvard graduate and former Dreamer had been taken to the United States illegally as a boy, he explained on TikTok. Multiple attempts to legalize his status in the United States failed.

In June, he posted his migration  and self-deportation  stories online.

Between photos of golden sunsets and mouthwatering tacos, he posted in July: "Self-deporting isn't always freedom and joy and new adventures. Sometimes it's pain and nostalgia and anger and sadness. Sometimes you just miss the home that was."

'Life in the pueblo is not easy'

Mexico remains a country of extremes, where stunning vistas and limitless wealth can be found in big cities and beach resorts, while hardship and poverty often overwhelm smaller communities.

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Olga Mijangos was deported from Las Vegas on Christmas Eve 2024, two years after being charged with a DUI. She returned to the Oaxaca state pueblo she had left when she was 5.

Mijangos, 33, has tattoos on her neck, stylized brows and long lashes  all part of her Vegas style.

Social media influencer Olga Mijangos, who goes by @olgaschronicles23 on Instagram.

Back in her hometown, she began posting videos of goats being herded through the streets; the community rodeo; the traditional foods she began cooking. She posted videos from her first job: harvesting and cleaning cucumbers, earning 300 pesos a day, or $15.

"I clearly understand why my mother decided to take us when we were little. Life in the pueblo is not easy," she said in a video of the cucumber harvest. "There is hard-living. There is poverty."

Struggling to make ends meet for her family, including two children with her in Mexico and one in the United States, she moved to Puerto Vallarta, where she met Garcia and Hernandez-Corona.
One of the UK's largest housebuilders has secured approval to remove large sections of hedgerow ahead of putting forward revised plans for 360 new homes at a nature reserve in Somerset.

Persimmon Homes was granted planning permission in January 2024 to build homes near the Meadows Surgery, in Canal Way in Ilminster.

The development site was designated as a nature reserve by South Somerset District Council in July 2018.

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A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said the company would work with the council to "meet our shared goals of taking on the housing crisis with real action, leaving a positive and lasting legacy in Ilminster".

The Exeter-based developer submitted plans in June for the access arrangements, which involved removing 120 metres (393ft) of hedges and changing the layout of the surgery's car park.

Persimmon said the new development would deliver a biodiversity net gain of 10%, in line with government guidelines.

According to the plans, the developer will maximise hedgerow retention, plant additional hedgerows and monitor and manage wildlife habitats.

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Persimmon said dormouse boxes would be provided and 1.6 hectares (16,000 sq metres) of woodland would be planted.

The plans involve removing 120 metres (393ft) of hedgerows [LDRS/Daniel Mumby]

The spokesperson added: "In addition to these ecological enhancements and meeting housing need in the area... we are investing nearly 3.5m in community infrastructure as part of our plans for Ilminster."

Persimmon is due to submit the detailed planning application in September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Somerset Council is then expected to make a decision on the development within months.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

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Top New York Democrats will swallow hard and eventually endorse lefty socialist Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for mayor, ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner predicts.

Weiner, the convicted perv whose own career crashed amid sexting scandals, said it was inevitable that the nations leading Democrats in Congress  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries  would eventually back Mamdani.

At the end of the day, people like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, they are going to have to endorse the nominee of their party [Mamdani], Weiner said Sunday on The Cats Roundtable radio program on WABC 770 AM.

Ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner predicts New York Democrats will eventually endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor. AP

At the end of the day, people like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, they are going to have to endorse the nominee of their party [Mamdani], Weiner said on The Cats Roundtable radio program. Getty Images

I think its inevitable, he told host John Catsimatidis of the two lawmakers from Brooklyn.

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Some moderate Democrats who detest Mamdanis views will not endorse him  but Schumer and Jeffries as party leaders cant avoid the spotlight, he said.

Some people can stay on the sidelines, and I think youre going to see a lot of people do that. but the leaders of the party, which Chuck and Hakeem are, are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, he said.

They dont want to harm their moderate candidates all around the country, which are the ones they need to take back the House and Senate, Weiner said about why Schumer and Jeffries have not endorsed the democratic socialist yet. REUTERS

Theyve got the Democratic Party, whos now chosen their nominee, Weiner said.

Top Dems like Schumer and Jeffries have been dragging their feet on endorsing Mamdani to avoid harming moderate members of their party in the 2026 midterms, Weiner opined.

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The reason Chuck and Hakeem have been so slow to endorse Zohran is because they dont want to harm their moderate candidates all around the country, which are the ones they need to take back the House and Senate, he said. Thats a political question for them.

According to Weiner, unfortunately, or fortunately  I think were going to have Zohran Mamdani as the mayor in New York City. James Keivom

Republicans are already trying to link their Democratic rivals to Mamdani in this years municipal elections across the Empire state.

Weiner also predicted that Mamdani, as the Democratic nominee, will win the mayoralty.

Unfortunately, or fortunately  I think were going to have Zohran Mamdani as the mayor in New York City, he said.

Catsimatidis noted that two other Democrats are running as independent candidates in the November election  incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who didnt run in the June Democratic primary, and ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who lost badly to Mamdani in that race.

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But Weiner dismissed their chances at winning while running on independent ballot lines in the general contest.

Weiner attempted his second comeback, running for a City Council seat in District 2 on Manhattans East Side in June, but lost badly to Assemblyman Harvey Epstein.

Weiner, whose career crashed amid sexting scandals, attempted his second comeback by running for a City Council seat in District 2 on Manhattans East Side in June, but lost. Paul Martinka

Weiners downfall began in 2011, when he resigned from Congress after admitting hed sent salacious selfies to at least six women.

He then saw his comeback campaign for mayor in 2013 go down in flames when it was revealed he resumed the pervy activity using the pseudonym Carlos Danger.

He pleaded guilty to sexting with a minor and did some prison time.

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His scandal-scarred baggage and criminal conviction may make him unelectable  but Weiner suggested his more moderate brand of politics played a role.

Weiner had previously resigned from Congress after admitting hed sent salacious selfies to women. Angelina Katsanis/AP

Right now, the Democratic Party in a lot of parts of New York  is very, very left to the point of falling off the edge of the cliff, he told Catsimatidis.

Many mainstream or moderate Democratic lawmakers are looking over their shoulders wondering if the next AOC [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] or Zohran Mamdani is going to be coming out of the woodwork to win in a primary, Weiner said.

While leftist or Democratic socialist candidates have won some races, they havent shown yet that they can govern effectively, he said.

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The one thing that the left hasnt shown that they can do  if you look at Chicago and San Francisco  they havent shown that they can govern yet, Weiner said.

The bigger problem is what outcomes are we going to get as citizens and taxpayers if these candidates are successful? Unfortunately, it looks like were going to find out in New York City.
Related Video: First hearing held for Dr. Brian Hyatts civil lawsuit in August 2024.

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Former Rogers psychiatrist Brian Hyatt, accused of Medicaid fraud, has been involuntarily admitted to a mental health treatment facility, according to court documents filed in his ongoing divorce case.

Brian Hyatt, 52, after his July 3 arrest for DWI and other charges. (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center)

A Sebastian County judge signed the admission order on July 10. Attorneys included it in an Aug. 14 motion to overturn his divorce, saying doctors found he was gravely disabled with paranoia and manic behavior.

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The plaintiffs [Hyatts ex-wife] statements regarding the defendants mental health were true, the filing said. He had been exhibiting concerning mental health symptoms since a fall in November 2024, which were increasingly severe and exacerbated since April 2025.

The divorce case began April 16 and closed May 21, with Hyatts ex-wife awarded custody of their child, the family home and other assets. Hyatt was left with solely his clothing and a motorcycle, a settlement his counsel described as so one-sided as to be unconscionable.

Photo shows Hyatt kissing his ex-wife in Hawaii in June, before she reportedly forced him out of the house on June 30. (via Court Connect)

In the Aug. 14 motion, Hyatts counsel claimed the couple continued living together for about 45 days after the decree. The filing alleged his ex-wife told Hyatt the divorce was merely a sham to protect her, their son and their marital assets from seizure in ongoing litigation being pursued against him.

Bentonville man sentenced to 10 years for 12 counts of CSAM

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Hyatt believed her, the filing said, citing evidence that the pair kissed in Hawaii in June. But after they returned on June 30, his ex-wife reportedly forced him out of the house, which caused extreme emotional distress and led to a police interaction on July 3 and an order of protection.

Hyatts attorneys want the decree thrown out and a new deal reached, with a conference set for Aug. 18.

Medicaid fraud charges and lawsuits

In April 2022, a confidential informant told the Arkansas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that Dr. Brian Hyatt, 52, then director of the Behavioral Health Unit in Springdale, was often present only briefly during scheduled workdays and had little to no contact with patients.

Hyatt, who led the unit from February 2018 to May 2022, was later charged with two counts of violating the Medicaid Fraud Act.

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He was arrested in October 2023 and released on a $15,000 bond, pleading not guilty to the charges. Court records show an omnibus hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12, with a jury trial to follow on Oct. 20.

In addition to the criminal case, Hyatt faces more than 200 civil lawsuits from former patients who accuse him of false imprisonment during his time at the facility.

Hyatt was arrested in Benton County on July 3 for DWI, open container and refusing a chemical test. The arrest came weeks after prosecutors sought to ban him from drinking alcohol following a June public intoxication case.

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According to Gurugram Police, over a "dozen rounds" of ammunition were fired outside the residence of Elvish Yadav. The actor was not present at his residence.

"Three masked miscreants opened fire outside the residence of YouTuber and Big Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav in Gurugram's Sector 57. The incident took place at around 5:30 AM. More than a dozen rounds were fired. Elvish Yadav was not at his residence at the time of the firing," said Sandeep Kumar, PRO Gurugram Police.

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted an interim stay on legal proceedings against Elvish Yadav in connection with a rave party case, where snake venom and other illegal drugs were allegedly supplied and consumed.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the respondents, including the Uttar Pradesh government and complainant Gaurav Gupta, seeking their response to Yadav's plea.

Yadav had approached the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the chargesheet filed against him and the summons issued in the case.

Earlier in May, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed his plea, observing that the allegations warranted a thorough legal examination as multiple FIRs had been registered in the matter.

The top court ordered an interim stay of legal proceedings against Yadav and issued a notice to the respondents in the matter.

For reference, Elvish Yadav has been chargesheeted under Sections 9, 39, 48A, 49, 50 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act and Sections 284, 289 and 120B of IPC and Sections 8, 22, 29, 30 and 32 of NDPS Act in the FIR lodged at Police Station Sector-49, Noida, District Gautam Buddh Nagar.

A summons order has also been issued by the First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Yadav challenged the chargesheet and the proceedings on the ground that the informant was not a competent person to lodge an FIR under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

It is pleaded that no snake, narcotic or psychotropic substance has been recovered from the applicant. (ANI)
(WKBN)  August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and doctors are urging parents to get their children vaccinated for the upcoming school year if they havent already.

The Centers for Disease Control has recommended a vaccine schedule to determine what vaccines a child needs and when.

Doctors say these vaccines have been around for years and have proven to be safe and effective.

Side effects are generally mild, but complications are rare.

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Skipping vaccines can put both your child and other kids at risk.

Vaccines are really important for kids. They help to protect against diseases that have potential to cause really serious illness, hospitalizations and sometimes even life-long disabilities or death, said Dr. Kimberly Giuliano with Cleveland Clinic Childrens.

Giuliano says creating your own vaccine schedule is not recommended. The longer your child remains unvaccinated, the higher their risk of potentially getting sick.

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The ghost of Edvard Benes may well be haunting Washington when Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelensky to hear the terms for peace in Ukraine. In 1938 Benes had to accept the annexation of part of Czechoslovakia by Germany, agreed at the notorious Munich summit by Britain and France. Benes was forced to resign and, after the entire country was occupied by the Germans, went into exile in the UK.

What does fate have in store for Ukraines president? The circumstances may be different but the dynamics are similar: an aggressor is demanding part of his country as the price for peace and a foreign power is brokering the outcome.

If, as is now expected, Mr Trump insists that Ukraine give up much of Donetsk in exchange for a cessation of hostilities on other fronts, Mr Zelensky simply cannot accept it. The sacrifices his people have made in three and a half years of conflict since the Russian invasion make such a capitulation impossible. Even with US-backed security guarantees it is not an outcome Mr Zelensky can possibly go along with, not least because past promises of Ukraines territorial integrity, dating back to 1994, have not been fulfilled.

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Nonetheless, like Benes, he may have no choice but to agree and then step aside to let someone else manage the aftermath. If the American president is intent on giving Vladimir Putin the spoils of his war, he is presumably prepared to withdraw support to Ukraine if Kyiv continues the fight.

European leaders, despite a great show of diplomatic support for President Zelensky  including accompanying him to Washington to prevent the browbeating he received before  are not committed enough to go it alone without US backing.

This, then, is the prospect facing the Ukrainian leader as he prepares to meet an American president who is seemingly unable to hold to a consistent position on how peace can be achieved.

For a while it appeared that he favoured tougher action against Moscow and its allies to demonstrate the price to be paid for its continued onslaught. But that prospect disappeared with the summit in Alaska when the Russian leader received the red-carpet treatment and took his place back on the world stage.

Perhaps Mr Trump will change his mind again and be persuaded that a tighter squeeze needs to be applied to Russia. But, judging by the briefings in Washington, that is unlikely. Mr Zelensky faces being cast as the Edvard Benes of today. Everyone knows what happened next.

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A Navy veteran couple celebrated their romantic and patriotic 80th wedding anniversary on the same day World War II ended in 1945, marking a milestone both personal and historic.

Ray Williams, 101, and his wife Ellie Williams, 99, spoke with Fox News senior correspondent Jonathan Serrie to share their "lifelong love story" on "America Reports."

For most Americans, Aug. 15, 1945  Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day  commemorates the moment Japan announced its intent to surrender, informally bringing an end to World War II. But for Ray and Ellie Williams, it represents something even more profound: the start of their marriage and eight decades of partnership.

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Uk, Japan, President Trump Mark 75Th Anniversary Of V-j Day

U.S. Navy Veterans Ray and Ellie Williams celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary on V-J Day 2025.

Ray and Ellie Williams were serving together in the Navy when their romance budded in the midst of World War II.

"I thought he looked good in his hat," Ellie Williams recalled.

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Ray Williams was enlisted, and Ellie Williams was a volunteer with Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (Waves), a branch of the Naval Reserve created during the war to integrate women into the wartime effort.

Their courtship was short at just four months, but it was enough.

"I just liked the way we kind of enjoyed being together," Ellie Williams told Fox News.

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After their whirlwind romance, Ray Williams proposed, and the pair set a wedding date for Aug. 15, 1945. By chance, their chosen date coincided with one of the most significant days in world history.

101-Year-old Wwii Veteran Was One Of The First Females To Deploy Overseas: Was A Thrill

The very day they made their nuptials, Japan announced its surrender, effectively concluding years of global conflict and putting World War II to an end. Japans surrender sparked celebrations across the United States and among Allied nations ahead of the official signing of the surrender document on Sept. 2, 1945.

For the newlyweds, the day carried a double meaning.

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"V-J Day was a tremendous happening, and of course, we had the personal joy of being newlyweds," Ray Williams reflected. "It was a double joy for us."

Today, the couple live together at WellStar Atherton Place, a senior living community in Marietta, Ga., which held a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the couples "double joy," remembering the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring the beginning of Ray and Ellie Williams' enduring marriage.

The "sheer coincidence" has tied their marriage to history. Each year, as the world commemorates the end of World War II, the duo have had another reason to celebrate  the success of their own union.

The couple told Serrie their advice for a lasting, loving marriage: Dont hold grudges, and be prepared to compromise. They also said they have relied heavily on their Christian faith.

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While many remember V-J Day for its victory for world peace, Ray and Ellie Williams celebrate even more.





Original article source: A double joy: Navy veteran couple marks 80th wedding anniversary on V-J Day
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A man was shot and killed and another was injured early Sunday morning in New Haven, police said.

Police said Dillon Cornelius, 18, from West Haven, died from his injuries.

New Haven police release sketch of Fort Hale sexual assault suspect

Police responded to a shooting on the 200 block of College Street around 2:52 a.m. Officers on bar detail believed they heard gun shots on College Street between Crown and Chapel Streets.

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Upon arrival, officers found Cornelius unresponsive in the street. He was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he died from his injuries.

The scene on College Street where an active homicide investigation is taking place. The scene on College Street where an active homicide investigation is taking place.

Multiple vehicles and businesses sustained damage from gunfire, according to police.

Shortly after, police were informed by Yale-New Haven Hospital that a 23-year-old Hamden man with a gunshot wound walked in for treatment. His injuries are non-life-threatening.

The man from Hamden told officers he was downtown when he was struck by gunfire. Police have not made any connections between the two gunshot victims personal lives at this time.

Police believe the gun used in this incident may have had an extended magazine as over 30 shell casings were found at the scene.

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Cornelius is known to police and may be associated with those responsible for the shooting, according to New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

There are different groups that are beefing, Jacobson said. We dont just have the regular bar let-out to deal with, we have these other situations going on.

Female pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in New Haven

Police presence in the area has increased since a shooting in July, according to Jacobson.

I was down there myself that night, Jacobson said. We had about 10 officers, we increased it to 15 officers. Well be increasing it to more officers.

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Sunday was the start of Yale Universitys Move-In Day for new and first-year students. Move-in activities will continue as scheduled, according to a statement from the university.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and hopes for a speedy recovery for the person who was injured in Sundays off-campus incident, Yale University officials wrote.

Anyone with information is urged to contact New Haven police at 203-946-6304 or through the departments anonymous tip-line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

Stay with News 8 for updates.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A third suspect has been arrested after a group of three men in a car full of weapons tried to drive into a restricted area during a vigil and balloon release for a local rapper in Raleigh.

Tyron Perkins, 29, was booked into jail Saturday. Police say he was the driver of the car.

He faces the same charges as his co-defendants, Deeric Walton, 28, and Khaleed Nooh, 27, whose arrests were announced by police a day before.

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Two charged after candlelight vigil turns to chase with car full of guns, police say

Deeric Walton and Khaleed Nooh

The three men are each charged with three counts of aggravated assault against a first responder, evading arrest on foot, six counts of felon in possession of a firearm, six counts of using a firearm in a dangerous felony, two counts of possession of a machine gun and marijuana possession.

Police say a vigil and balloon release in Raleigh for slain rapper C Money turned threatening Friday evening when three masked suspects in a Nissan Altima full of weapons led police on a chase that ended in a crash.

Memphis rapper identified in fatal Frayser shooting

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It happened around 7:30 as MPD was providing security during a vigil in the 3400 block of Austin Peay near the Raleigh Springs Civic Center, which is home to a police precinct.

Thats when they say the suspects tried to drive into a restricted area.

When an officer told them to stop, the driver allegedly reversed aggressively, striking one officer and nearly hitting two others. One officer suffered bruising, police said.

The driver, identified as Perkins, sped off on Austin Peay. Two men in the car, Walton and Nooh, bailed out and were captured by police. Perkins continued driving.

The chase ended when the Altima struck another car near Holmes Road and Swinnea in the airport area.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man has been found guilty of multiple charges in connection with a crash that killed another man and seriously injured an officer in Joelton nearly five years ago, according to officials.

Nashville-Davidson County District Attorney General Glenn Funk announced the conviction on Friday, Aug. 15, saying a Davidson County jury recently found 60-year-old Roger McElroy guilty of vehicular homicide by intoxication, as well as aggravated assault.

AUGUST 2020: Driver charged after crash kills man, injures Metro officer

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When the crash happened on Aug. 26, 2020, authorities said the preliminary investigation showed McElroy ran a stop sign at Bernard Road and Clarksville Pike in a pickup truck and hit 66-year-old Steven Toths vehicle, which collided with Metro Nashville Police Department Officer Ben Cantrells patrol car.

News 2 previously reported that Toth was taken to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, where he died. Meanwhile, Cantrell  who, at the time of the incident, was returning home after completing his shift  was brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to Funk, McElroy admitted he had marijuana and prescription drugs in his system prior to the high-speed crash. In addition, at the time of the wreck, McElroy reportedly had two previous convictions for driving under the influence.

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McElroy is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 17, Funk said.

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On August 17, 2025, a driver was detained on State Road 408 in Central Florida for driving the wrong way and showing signs of alcohol impairment.

During a patrol, the trooper stopped a blue Hyundai heading west in the eastbound lanes of State Road 408.

According to FHP documents, the driver, James Michael Manning, ignored the emergency lights and sirens and kept driving.

After intercepting the vehicle, the trooper pursued the Hyundai to prevent a possible head-on collision. Manning eventually pulled over onto the left shoulder of the road.

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Upon approaching the vehicle, the trooper detected a strong smell of an unknown alcoholic beverage and noted Mannings glassy, bloodshot eyes. Manning was incoherent when asked if he was aware of driving the wrong way.

Manning cooperated with the troopers request to step out of the vehicle, but exhibited further signs of impairment, including his pants being undone as he exited the car.

Manning was taken to a DUI testing center but declined to give a breath sample despite being informed of implied consent.

Afterwards, he was brought to Orange County Jail and booked without any issues.

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OAK BROOK, Ill.  A driver who failed to move over crashed into an Illinois State Police squad car with a trooper inside early Sunday morning on westbound I-88 in west suburban DuPage County.

According to an ISP news release, just after 4 a.m., the ISP trooper was parked on the right shoulder at milepost 139, with emergency lights activated, behind a tractor-trailer that had broken down.

4 men shot near United Center late Saturday night, according to Chicago police

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A Tesla failed to move over and struck the rear passenger side of the troopers squad car, with the trooper inside, according to ISP. That pushed the squad car into the back of the tractor-trailer, injuring the trooper.

The trooper and the driver of the Tesla, 24-year-old Sebastian G. Rodriguez of Romeoville, were both taken to area hospitals with injuries, according to ISP, and the troopers squad car was towed from the scene.

31-year-old woman shot and killed in Bridgeport during attempted armed robbery Saturday night, according to police

Rodriguez was charged with driving under the influence and aggravated Scotts Law/Move Over Law violations. The Move Over Law, also known as Scotts Law in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated.

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A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violators drivers license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.

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Drones attacked a major railway hub in the Russian city of Liski in Voronezh Oblast on the night of 16-17 August.

Source: Russian Telegram channel Astra; Voronezh Oblast Governor Alexander Gusev

Details: Russian news outlets reported that the attack had targeted a railway station in Liski, a large hub of Russias South-Eastern Railway.

Local residents reported hearing drones overhead and at least six explosions around 02:40.

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Gusev confirmed that air defence systems had been responding and claimed that several drones had been shot down over three districts of the oblast and over the city of Voronezh itself. He said that debris from one drone damaged a power line at the Liski station, which caused delays to several trains.

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Next to small bundles of belongings, Maruf waited for a car to take him and his family away from their village in northern Afghanistan, where drought-ridden land had yielded nothing for years.

"When you have children and are responsible for their needs, then tell me, what are you still doing in this ruin?" said the 50-year-old.

Many of the mud homes around him are already empty, he said, his neighbours having abandoned the village, fleeing "thirst, hunger and a life with no future".

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Successive wars displaced Afghans over 40 years, but peace has not brought total reprieve, as climate change-fuelled shocks drive people from their homes and strain livelihoods.

Since the war ended between the now-ruling Taliban and US-led forces in 2021, floods, droughts and other climate change-driven environmental hazards have become the main cause of displacement in the country, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In early 2025, nearly five million people across the country were impacted and nearly 400,000 people were displaced, the IOM said in July, citing its Climate Vulnerability Assessment.

The majority of Afghans live in mud homes and depend heavily on agriculture and livestock, making them particularly exposed to environmental changes.

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The water cycle has been sharply impacted, with Afghanistan again in the grip of drought for the fourth time in five years and flash floods devastating land, homes and livelihoods.

"Crop failure, dry pastures and vanishing water sources are pushing rural communities to the edge," the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said in July.

"It's getting harder for families to grow food, earn income or stay where they are."

Experts and Taliban officials have repeatedly warned of escalating climate risks as temperatures rise, extreme weather events intensify and precipitation patterns shift.

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The country's limited infrastructure, endemic poverty and international isolation leave Afghans with few resources to adapt and recover -- while already facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises worsened by severe aid cuts.

- Too little -

Abdul Jalil Rasooli's village in the drought-hit north has watched their way of life wither with their crops.

Drought already drove many from his village to Pakistan and Iran a decade ago.

Now they've returned, forced back over the border along with more than four million others from the two neighbouring countries since late 2023 -- but to work odd jobs, not the land.

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"Everything comes down to water," said the 64-year-old, retreating from the day's heat in the only home in the village still shaded by leafy trees.

"Water scarcity ruins everything, it destroys farming, the trees are drying up, and there's no planting anymore," he told AFP.

Rasooli holds out hope that the nearby Qosh Tepa canal will bring irrigation from the Amu Darya river. Diggers are carving out the last section of the waterway, but its completion is more than a year away, officials told AFP.

It's one of the water infrastructure projects the Taliban authorities have undertaken since ousting the foreign-backed government four years ago.

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But the theocratic government, largely isolated on the global stage over its restrictions on women, has limited resources to address a crisis long exacerbated by poor environmental, infrastructure and resource management during 40 years of conflict.

"The measures we have taken so far are not enough," Energy and Water Minister Abdul Latif Mansoor told journalists in July, rattling off a list of dam and canal projects in the pipeline.

"There are a lot of droughts... this is Allah's will, first we must turn to Allah."

Hamayoun Amiri left for Iran when he was a young man and drought struck his father's small plot of land in western Herat province.

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Forced to return in a June deportation campaign, he found himself back where he started 14 years ago -- with nothing to farm and his father's well water "getting lower and lower every day".

The Harirud river was a dry bed in July as it neared the border with downstream Iran, following a road lined with empty mud buildings pummelled back to dust by the province's summer gales.

- Too much -

Taliban authorities often hold prayers for rain, but while the lack of water has parched the land in some parts of the country, changes in precipitation patterns mean rains can be more of a threat than a blessing.

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This year, rains have come earlier and heavier amid above-average temperatures, increasing flood risks, the UN said.

A warmer atmosphere holds more water, so rain often comes in massive, destructive quantities.

"The weather has changed," said Mohammad Qasim, a community leader of several villages in central Maidan Wardak battered by flash floods in June.

"I'm around 54 years old, and we have never experienced problems like this before," he told AFP in the riverbed full of boulders and cracked mud.

Eighteen-year-old Wahidullah's family was displaced after their home was damaged beyond repair and all their livestock were drowned.

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The family of 11 slept in or near a rudimentary tent on high ground, with no plans or means to rebuild.

"We're worried that if another flood comes, then there will be nothing left and nowhere to go."

sw/ecl/mtp/cwl
The first boutique of Messika was launched at The Chanakya Mall in New Delhi. The evening marked a stylish cocktail soiree attended by Valerie Messika, founder of Messika; Pranav Saboo, CEO of Ethos; and Ishaan Khatter, Bollywood celebrity, adding star power to the unforgettable night.

Ishaan looked fashionably cool as he donned a white shirt and paired it with beige pants. In the accessory department, 'The Royals' actor wore a silver-plated chain around his neck and a bracelet.

He complemented his outfit with brown shoes, highlighting his high fashion sense.

On the work front, Ishaan Khatter starrer 'Homebound', which also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa, was screened at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

What made the premiere special was the almost 9-minute-long standing ovation given to the team by the audience.

Several visuals from the screening surfaced online in which filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan could be seen getting emotional on receiving thunderous applause.

Teary-eyed Neeraj also hugged producer Karan Johar.

Ishaan also got emotional as the crowd stood up and clapped nonstop in the theatre.

As per Variety, 'Homebound' revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they've long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together. (ANI)
Several of the surviving Dunkirk little ships will be open to the public in September.

The Classic Boat Festival organisers say attendees can step aboard the vessels which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940 as part of Operation Dynamo.

In what Winston Churchill dubbed "the miracle of Dunkirk", about 1,000 little ships sailed through heavy enemy fire to rescue more than 338,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk's beaches.

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The boats form part of more than 50 vintage vessels will assemble at The Classic Boat Festival in St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September.

Operation Dynamo more than 338,000 British and Allied troops rescued from Dunkirk's beaches [Getty Images]

The little ships took part in 85th anniversary celebrations of Dunkirk in May, by recreating their voyage from Ramsgate to Dunkirk and back.

In 1940, hundreds of small boat owners answered a call by the Admiralty to sail to the south-east coast to be used by the Royal Navy in its rescue mission.

Also included in the free festival are motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel.

In its 16th year the festival extends into the west basin, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges displayed along the public pontoon.

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Visitors will also have the opportunity to step aboard some of the vessels and meet the owners who have preserved these nautical treasures, say organisers.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A recent investigation into a burglary at a storage unit in Livingston Parish led to the arrest of two people.

Torrie D. Lacey, 44, and Jason Rex, 40, both of Denham Springs, were charged with simple burglary.

The investigation started on Aug. 2, when the Walker Police Department was asked to look into a reported burglary at a storage unit.

The storage unit was located on Walker South Road, and it belonged to a recently married couple.

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The couple said the storage unit contained their wedding gifts, an electric scooter, and other items. They returned to their unit a month after placing the items in the storage unit.

They said the storage unit was nearly empty.

The e-scooter had a GPS tracking device on it, which led police to a trailer park on Walker South Road.

The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office accompanied the Walker Police Department and found that the e-scooter was not where they thought it was.

Walker PD said they later found out that Lacey was a neighbor of the residence on Walker South Road to which the e-scooter had initially tracked was also a renter of a storage unit at the same storage facility used by the complainants.

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LPSO and Walker PD went back to the trailer park on Aug. 12 and found the duo at Laceys residence.

From left to right: Jason Rex and Torrie Lacey (Photo courtesy of Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office)

Rex said he was in possession of the e-scooter, which was in a shed close by. The 40-year-old stated that he successfully bid for an abandoned storage unit.

The unit was located at the storage facility on Walker South Road, where the e-scooter and other items were taken from. Rex said those items were located in the abandoned storage unit.

Law enforcement then got a search warrant, which led to the discovery of many items in Laceys residence that belonged to the married couple, Walker PD said.

Another search was conducted on Buddy Ellis Road at Rexs residence, and items that belonged to the married couple were also found there.

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Walker PD said that the storage unit belonging to the married couple was accessed through the abandoned storage unit for which Rex was the successful bidder.

Denham Springs antique district vandalized with lewd graffiti

The duo from Denham Springs was taken to the Livingston Parish Detention Center. Rexs bond was set at $92,500, while Lacey was given a bond amount of $43,000. Rex has bonded out.

The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office also booked Lacey and Rex on drug-related charges, according to the Walker PD.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Walker PD said more charges are possible in this case.

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We are pleased to have been able to clear this burglary so quickly, said Police Chief David Addison. Our Detectives and those of the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office did a great job of identifying the people responsible for this burglary and recovering so much of the stolen property. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication to protecting our City and this Parish.

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DURANGO, Colo. (KRQE)  Its not every day you see a dog stuck in the produce aisle. At a Durango, Colorado Walmart, a large dog was seen being pulled out of the produce section by its owner.

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News 13 reached out to the City of Durango for more details, but they said they are unsure what happened after the video ended, and details are limited. The City of Durango says their main goal of sharing the video on their social media was to remind residents to keep their dogs on a leash or something like this can happen.

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FAIRMONT  Despite an understanding that the Governors Thursday visit to Marion County was going to focus on an announcement about Immigration and Customs Enforcement announcement, that was not the case.

However, that didnt stop protesters from showing up to voice their displeasure over the governors decision to deputize state police and the National Guard into ICE.

I think thats a bad idea, Fairmont resident Pat Adams said. Our police should be working for us, not the federal government.

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Adams was part of a small group of some 15-20 people who waved signs outside the Fairmont Public Safety Building during the Gov. Patrick Morriseys visit. Morrisey acknowledged their presence at the start of his press conference. The day before coming to Fairmont, Morrisey announced that the West Virginia National Guard, State Police and West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation have signed agreements with ICE to participate in whats known as the 287(g) program.

According to the American Immigration Council, the 287(g) program comes from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1996. The program allows ICE to delegate its authority surrounding immigration to state and local officers.

You can have a local officer write up an immigration charge and send it on to the immigration court, Matt Cameron, a Boston-based immigration attorney said on the Opening Arguments podcast on Dec. 16, 2024. That is a force multiplier. Thats something that has the potential to allow them to do a lot more than ICE could do, especially if youre talking about people who are overseeing jails and prisons.

Cameron said the deputizing power of 287(g) gives local officers the power to identify non citizens, interview them, get their documents and biographies together and make sure the Department of Homeland Security has what the information they need on matters related to immigration. Cameron said 287(g) takes a lot of work off of immigration officers by having local law enforcement do the legwork for the agency.

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Morriseys office said the West Virginia National Guard and State Police will operate under the task force model of the 287(g) program. Officers will have the power to arrest individuals accused of breaking immigration law without having an arrest warrant.

According to the American Immigration Council, the task force model of cooperation was discontinued by ICE in 2012 due to its track record of racial profiling and harm. However, the Trump administration resurrected it. The task force model allows local law enforcement to enforce immigration law during routine police activity.

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation will operate under the warrant service officer model, under which the WVDCR can arrest undocumented immigrants it has in custody for immigration violations at the time of an inmates release.

Only law enforcement personnel who are nominated, trained, certified and authorized have the authority to conduct the delegated ICE functions. These actions will be under the supervision or direction of ICE.

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Morrisey argued the partnership makes sense for West Virginia, despite the fact that the state is not a border state. Morrisey tied undocumented immigration to fentanyl and the states opioid epidemic.

Ive always been a believer that West Virginia functionally becomes a border state with respect to these federal problems, because when a lot of the folks who are undocumented aliens  illegal aliens come in, West Virginia may not see the same volume as other states on the undocumented aliens, but I can promise you we were blitzed very badly with the amount of fentanyl that came into West Virginia, Morrisey said.

Morrisey said he views cracking down on undocumented immigrants as a prerequisite for the drug front, because the state has too many people that are still dying from fentanyl. The American Immigration Council found the majority of fentanyl smuggled across the southern border enters not on the backs of migrants crossing the border on foot, but in the vehicles and bodies of U.S. citizens and other lawful entrants seeking admission at land ports of entry. Seventy nine percent of deportations in 2024 were non-criminal.

Before his career in West Virginia politics, Morrisey spent eight years as a Washington lobbyist representing the interests of big pharmaceutical companies. Morrisey has denied working on opiate issues in the private sector. While serving as West Virginia Attorney General, he also sued various drug companies for their role in causing the addiction epidemic. Undocumented immigrants played no role in Morriseys litigation.

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Morrisey defended giving state law enforcement officers additional powers beyond those they already use to prosecute drug trafficking.

Define what working means, Morrisey said. West Virginia has obviously seen some decreases in terms of fentanyl gaps, but until we make even more strides to eliminate these deaths, you cant say anything is working. You have to be rigorous. I think every life is precious, and most certainly if you can get the border under control, and were hoping that is part of the process, its going to lead to good results in terms of reduction in the supply.

Morriseys office said the state has 88 undocumented immigrants in custody. President Donald Trump called for one million undocumented immigrants to be deported in his first year. ICE only removed 270,000 in 2024. As of April, Trump reported ICE had removed 140,000. According to Pew Research, in 2024, fewer than 1% of W.Va. households included an unauthorized immigrant. Out of the states total of 700,000 households, that leaves 7,000 households containing someone who lacks legal status. Theres concern among civil liberty advocates of how Trump will reach that goal of deporting one million undocumented immigrants.

Theres also the matter of the many accusations of lawlessness ICE has received for the manner in which theyve conducted their operations. ICE behaves like a secret police, covering their faces and preventing identification. Individuals have been rounded up in vans and ICE officers showed up at a press conference held by Gov. Gavin Newsom in California as the governor discussed a plan to counter the redistricting plan Texas is pursuing to give Republicans more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. ICE has also been moving detainees around in an effort to prevent them access to legal representation.

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It sounds a little bit too much like Argentina, where people just disappear, Adams said. The reports coming from the detention centers are very very bad, bad conditions there. And theyre snatching people who are here legally. But nobody deserves that.

ICE has also run afoul of the very people it partners with. The Polk County Sheriffs Department in Florida accused ICE of trying to poach its officers away despite the fact both entities had signed 287(g) agreements. The sheriff called it inappropriate.

ICE is not stopping with Latino immigrants. ICE detained a German national with a green card after he returned home from Luxembourg in Boston. The individual had no active legal or court issues, but had a misdemeanor charge roughly a decade ago.

ICE arrested a Jamaican national employed as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine after the officer attempted to purchase a weapon for his employment. The officer, Jon-Luke Evans, entered the country legally. ICE alleges Evans tried to buy the weapon illegally. However, the officers police chief said the Department of Homeland Security cleared the indvidual for work as law enforcment and confirmed Evans legal status. DHS blamed the department for relying on e-verify, the governments own employment verification system for immigrant work authorization.

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Although the police department noted the officer was not allowed to purchase a weapon for work as a reserve officer, its not clear what made that purchase illegal at all in the first place.

State Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Fairmont, said as a criminal defense attorney, hes wondering what the implications will mean for everyday civil rights in West Virginia.

With the number of things Ive read about the erosion of our civil liberties, because ICE agents can arrest somebody without necessarily having probable cause, other than thinking that someone is in the U.S. illegally, he said. My name is Garcia. If I dont have my license on me, can somebody come and put me into a detention facility?
St. Johns Riverkeeper has launched the River Reels: Trash Talk Video Contest for middle and high school students in Duval County, encouraging them to create videos that raise awareness about trash impacts and river protection.

The contest, sponsored by Community First Credit Union, invites students to submit videos of 60 seconds or less that focus on reducing waste and proper disposal to protect local waterways. Submissions are due by midnight on September 30, 2025, with winners receiving a $500 prize.

The St. Johns River is so important to Jacksonville and who we are as a city. Were inviting students to get creative and think about solutions to a tangible problem in their community, explained St. Johns Riverkeepers education director, Jamie De Nisco.

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Were excited to work with St. Johns Riverkeeper on this initiative. They have long been a community leader in cleaning up our green spaces and waterways, as well as educating the public. This contest is a creative way to get the citys young people involved with the campaign, said Melissa Ross, the City of Jacksonvilles director of strategic initiatives.

The contest is part of the Keep Jax Cute, Dont Pollute campaign, which includes the Jax Litter League cleanup contest. This initiative aims to engage the community, particularly young people, in environmental stewardship.

St. Johns Riverkeeper is known for hosting regular community cleanups around the St. Johns River and its tributaries. Their education team actively visits K-12 classrooms to teach students about the river and organizes field trips and boat excursions for firsthand learning experiences.

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An 83-year-old woman reported missing in the DeBary area has been located safe in Orlando.

Herme Council was last seen driving a white 2004 Toyota Camry near South Charles R. Beall Boulevard in DeBary. Authorities previously issued a Florida Silver Alert, suspecting she might be lost and could be in Seminole County.

The Volusia Sheriffs Office had been actively searching for Ms. Council after she was reported missing. Her vehicle, a white 2004 Toyota Camry with Florida tag 6427YG, was a key detail in the search efforts.

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The Florida Highway Patrol located Ms. Council in Orlando, where she is currently being evaluated for any medical concerns.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of local law enforcement authorities and the Florida Highway Patrol, Ms. Council has been successfully located and recovered.

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  How many people can say they have lived to be 103 years old? One Elmira woman can, as she celebrated her 103rd birthday amongst family and friends on Saturday.

In the assembly room at the Chemung County Nursing Facility, Edna Mae Taylor, was celebrated for her 103rd birthday on Saturday, Aug. 16. Taylor was born in Quincy, Florida and has been living in Elmira since 1947.

Taylor exclaimed that it was wonderful to be with six generations of her family for the occasion.

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Being honest with everybody. I just feel that this is the way youre supposed to be, and God has been good to me to let me live, to get the age that I am, and I know thats nothing but a blessing, said Taylor.

Mansfield florist hosts back-to-school flower bar for students

She gave credit to God for helping her see year 103 and added that If you want to live right, live right, because it pays off, emphasized Taylor.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  There was a false-alarm water rescue call off of the West Sycamore Street bridge in Miamisburg.

Anonymous viewer photo.

Montgomery County Regional Dispatch told 2 NEWS crews officials were dispatched at approximately 3:35 p.m. for a water rescue.

2 NEWS arrived at approximately 3:50 p.m. When we arrived, the area was already cleared.

Later, the Miamisburg Police Department shared the incident report with 2 NEWS.

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Per the report, a 12-year-old boy had been fishing with friends when his cell phone died.

The boys phone has the tracking app Life360, and when it died, it displayed his location as if he were inside the river.

A worried relative saw this and tried to call him, but didnt get a response. So she called 911 while driving to the river herself. Once they were on scene, she told officials she could hear someone shouting back when she screamed the boys name.

Some other kids nearby helped her and officials locate the boy. Who was, thankfully, fine.

He went home with this relative.

2 NEWS will update this article if more information is available.

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One of the largest solar-and-storage power generating facilities in the U.S. has come online in Southern California, immediately providing 7% of all of L.A.'s power needs, the Los Angeles Times reported. With the plant's opening, 64% of the city's power now comes from renewable sources.

The Eland solar-and-storage facility "demonstrates our commitment toward our renewable and clean energy transition," said Janisse Quinones, chief executive officer for the L.A. Department of Water and Power, according to the Times. "We're not backing down from that."

The sprawling facility is located in Kern County, which sits about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. It covers enough land to contain 13 Dodger Stadiums, including parking lots, according to the Times.

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"This is the largest project for LADWP when it comes to solar and battery, and that is a huge accomplishment for us because it takes away the fear of doing more of these  and we need about 10 more of these to hit our goals," Quinones said.

Los Angeles has pledged to use 100% cleaner, renewable energy sources by 2035.

The massive complex includes 1.36 million solar panels and 172 lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which are used to store energy produced during the day for distribution at night.

By the end of 2023, 469 hybrid renewable-energy facilities were in operation across the U.S., an increase of 21% over just the year prior, according to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

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According to the United Nations, 75% of all planet-warming pollution comes from burning dirty, nonrenewable fuels derived from oil, coal, and natural gas, with 90% of all carbon dioxide pollution coming from these sources.

In order to reverse the trend of rising global temperatures, it is necessary to significantly reduce the amount of planet-heating pollution entering the atmosphere. With electricity generation accounting for a quarter of all such pollution, according to the EPA, hybrid renewable-energy facilities like Eland are a powerful and important tool for reaching those goals.

Importantly, renewable energy projects like the Eland facility now can compete on a direct economic basis with power from other sources "with or without tax credits," according to Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon, the company that built the Eland hybrid plant.

Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Making these projects even more competitive, Eland was brought online just two years after shovels first hit the ground, years faster than power plants using natural gas or nuclear power, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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Smaller-scale solar projects also increasingly make economic and environmental sense.

By installing solar panels on your home, you can drop your energy bill to practically $0 while also reducing planet-warming pollution. EnergySage offers free tools that make it easy to compare quotes from vetted solar installers in your area while also taking maximum advantage of tax credits and other incentives while they last, saving customers up to $10,000.

Running your home on solar also makes it cheaper to run electric appliances like heat pumps. If you're looking for an affordable heat pump that is right for you, Mitsubishi can help.

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.
Erin remains a powerful major hurricane on Sunday as it churns through the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.

While its winds are down from Saturdays peak as a scale-topping Category 5, Hurricane Erin continues to grow in size and could restrengthen soon.

Anyone visiting The Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and residents across Atlantic Canada should closely monitor the track of this system heading into the upcoming week. Rough seas and rip currents will extend far away from Erins path.

DONT MISS: An inside look at Hurricane Erins astounding rise to Category 5

Erin still a major hurricane

Saturdays astonishing bout of rapid intensification made Hurricane Erin the fifth Category 5 storm weve seen in the Atlantic since 2022.

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The storm spent about nine hours with peak intensity of 260 km/h winds before winds slackened a bit as an eyewall replacement cycle began.

Hurricane Erin current status (Category 3 Aug. 17)

Forecasters with the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) found that Erin remained a powerful Category 3 major hurricane on Sunday, with maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Hurricane Erin is expanding in size. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 km from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 335 kilometres. The NHC expects Erin to double or triple its current size over the coming days.

A ridge of high pressure over the central Atlantic will force Erin to slowly recurve as it heads north through the upcoming workweek, avoiding a direct landfall in the U.S. or Bermuda.

Hurricane Erin forecast track through Tuesday

SEE ALSO: La Nina watch issued for this winter as key factors signal change

The hurricanes outer bands are affecting islands in the southwestern Atlantic, prompting tropical storm warnings for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as the southeast Bahamas.

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Additionally, flooding rains and gusty winds are occurring over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Localized flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible.

Hurricane Erin intensified rapidly to a category-5 storm north of Puerto Rico Saturday. Erin will track west of Bermuda ~Wednesday then NE'ward later this week where we will keep a close eye on possible effects in Atlantic Canada. pic.twitter.com/94kw6qqz9B  ECCC Canadian Hurricane Centre (@ECCC_CHC) August 17, 2025

Any hurricane recurving close to North America warrants close monitoring in Atlantic Canada. Its possible that the system may make a close approach to southeastern Newfoundland, especially the Avalon Peninsula, late next week.

Rip currents a major hazard

Regardless of Erin's track, rough surf and rip currents will pose a significant hazard to beaches throughout Puerto Rico on Sunday, and then the Bahamas, Bermuda, eastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada during the early and middle part of this week.

Rip currents form when waves hit the beach head-on, creating narrow currents of water that rush back out to sea.

Rip Currents explained

STAY SAFE: Rip currents are a natural hazard along coasts  heres how to spot them

It is highly uncertain at this time if or what impacts to the U.S. East Coast could be. However, its track has nudged westward, raising concern for a closer brush with the U.S. East Coast. Bermuda and North Carolina's Outer Banks are both highlighted as potential, mid-week impact zones.

WATCH: What steers a hurricane?

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A notable westward shift in model guidance is increasing uncertainty for the U.S. East Coast, and as the storm expands in size, rough seas and rip currents will reach a much broader area of the Western Atlantic.

Always heed the advice and orders of local officials and stay out of the water if theres a threat for rip currents. Dont panic if youre ever caught in a rip current. If you cant swim, calmly signal for help and tread water until assistance arrives. Swimmers should swim parallel to the beach until youre out of the rip current, then swim back to shore.

WATCH: What is a rip current and what makes it so dangerous?

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Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur recently shared a heartfelt memory of working with the late actress Sridevi, recalling their first day of shooting, which appears to be from their 1987 film 'Mr. India.' The film, which also starred Anil Kapoor, went on to become one of the most iconic movies in Indian cinema. However, for Kapur, it's the moments behind the camera that he still remembers fondly. On Sunday, the filmmaker took to Instagram to share a throwback picture from the sets. Along with the image, Kapur penned a heartfelt note, revealing how he was left "mesmerised" by Sridevi's dancing during a song sequence in Mahabaleshwar. He recalled that when she began performing, it felt like the "world stopped" for everyone on set. "This was my first day of shoot with Sridevi ever. We were shooting a song in Mahabaleshwar. And when she started to dance the world stopped for all of us .. the only thing that moved was Sri Devi dancing ..," Kapur wrote. "We all just gawked. It was like another being had descended amongst us .. and I even forgot to say Cut ! Like everyone else in the set .. we were too mesmerised by Sridevi 's dancing ..," added. Kapur also reflected on Sridevi's loyalty during the difficult phases of filmmaking. He shared how she would "fiercely protect" him and often went out of her way to support her director. "There were other things about Sridevi that are not spoken about .. that she was fiercely loyal .. when the film got into trouble .. she would take any chance she got to protect me .. speak about how incredible I was .. she took it upon herself to fiercely protect her Director ..," Kapur wrote. "Yet, behind her stardom and incredible talent, lay such innocence, such vulnerability," he continued. "And she would use not only her talent to perform .. but bring to it her vulnerability and innocence to it too. As if the only person she would express her inner feelings to was the camera .. her protector in a way .. That's why she was such a star .. she was not afraid to reveal her inner self to the Camera ..," he concluded. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNcrqqQxoD_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Kapur and Sridevi collaborated only once, but 'Mr. India' remains one of Bollywood's most celebrated films. Sridevi's fiery performance in the song "Hawa Hawai" cemented her status as one of the greatest stars of her generation. Sridevi breathed her last on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, where she had gone to attend a family function. (ANI)
(Reuters) -The European Union is trying to prevent the United States from targeting the bloc's digital rules as both sides work through the final details of a delayed statement to formalise a trade deal reached last month, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

EU officials said disagreements over language relating to "non-tariff barriers", which the U.S. said include the digital rules, are among the reasons for the hold-up of the statement, the newspaper said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The European Union, the White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The statement had originally been expected days after the July announcement by EU President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump, according to FT.

The July deal imposed a 15% import tariff on most EU goods - half the initially threatened rate - and helped avert a broader trade war between the two allies, who together account for nearly a third of global trade.

The U.S. wanted to keep the door open for possible concessions on the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which Washington says stifles free speech and imposes costs on U.S. tech companies, according to FT, which added that the commission has said that relaxing these rules is a red line.

The EU's DSA is a landmark law meant to make the online environment safer and fairer by compelling tech giants to do more to tackle illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material.

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The commission had anticipated that Trump would sign an executive order by August 15 to cut tariffs on EU car exports to the U.S. from 27.5% to 15%. However, a U.S. official signaled that this would be delayed until the joint statement was finalized, according to FT.

(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard and Kim Coghill)
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova has said that a "peace" that demands Ukraine give up the non-occupied parts of Donbas is unacceptable. She emphasised the EU will not tolerate a peace that is merely another word for capitulation.

Source: Mathernova on Facebook

Quote: "In Anchorage, President Trump opted not to push for a ceasefire. Instead, Putin presented a so-called 'peace proposal' that is nothing but the aggressors dictate: Ukraine is, for example, expected to surrender the eastern part of its territory, beyond what Putin achieved militarily. Such a 'peace' is unacceptable."

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Details: Mathernova stressed that the EU has been clear and firm in its position from the outset: peace must be based on the principles of international law  on full respect for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"No illusions, no compromises with aggressors," Mathernova emphasised.

She added that the presence of European leaders in Washington together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday will be a clear signal that "Europe stands with Ukraine united and determined. It will not tolerate a peace that is merely another word for capitulation".

"Together with the United States, we must push Putin towards a real ceasefire and then real peace  something that did not happen in Anchorage," the EU ambassador wrote.

Background:

French President Emmanuel Macron said following a Coalition of the Willing meeting on Sunday that Russia is offering Ukraine a "peace" that would mean capitulation.

On 18 August, Zelenskyy will meet Trump in Washington. Several European leaders will accompany the Ukrainian president to the US. However, according to media reports, Zelenskyy will first hold a bilateral meeting only with Trump, followed by a joint meeting with the European leaders.

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Editor's note: This story has been updated with official confirmations of European leaders joining President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Aug. 18.



European leaders will personally accompany President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Aug. 18 for his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, officials confirmed on Aug. 17.

The move comes after Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, where the U.S. leader said he would seek to bring Putin and Zelensky together for trilateral talks on a peace deal.

No breakthrough was achieved in Alaska, but Putin received a red-carpet welcome that raised alarm among European allies.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that she will welcome Zelensky in Brussels on Aug. 17 and participate together in the online "coalition of the willing" videoconference.

At Zelensky's request, von der Leyen will also join the White House meeting with Trump and other European leaders.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also travel to Washington alongside Zelensky and other European heads of state and government.

According to the German government, the discussions will cover the state of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial questions, continued support for Ukraine, and maintaining sanctions pressure.

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French President Emmanuel Macron will also join Zelensky in Washington, according to BMFTV, and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to attend, according to Sky News.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb will also join the delegation, the Finnish presidential office confirmed, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is participating in the talks as well.

European officials see the summit as pivotal to preventing Trump from conceding to Russian demands that Kyiv finds unacceptable, including ceding territory partially occupied by Moscow, Politico reported on Aug. 16.

Privately, officials fear a repeat of February, when a meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office devolved into a heated argument over U.S. aid to Ukraine, Politico says.

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The clash in February led Trump to cancel a planned U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement and publicly accuse Zelensky of having "disrespected the United States of America in the cherished Oval Office" in a post on Truth Social.

After the Alaska meeting, Trump said he negotiated with Putin over possible land swaps, but declined to give details.

Macron and Starmer are expected to lead a videoconference on Aug. 17 with members of the so-called "coalition of the willing"  countries that have pledged to provide security support to Ukraine after a potential peace deal.

Read also: Editorial: That meeting was sickening. Putin loved it

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On the eve of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, European leaders plan to hold consultations on Sunday in a bid to influence the direction of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to convene a video conference of the so-called Coalition of the Willing at 3 pm (1300 GMT). The coalition is a loose grouping of nations backing Kiev against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

The discussions follow Friday's high-profile summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's warm welcome for the Kremlin leader, the meeting produced no breakthrough on halting the war.

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Trump's position on the conflict has swung sharply, at times faulting Ukraine for the invasion while at other moments threatening Moscow with punitive measures if progress toward a ceasefire stalls. On Saturday, he told Fox News that Ukraine needed to make a deal with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and theyre not."

European capitals, wary of being sidelined, have been pushing to ensure their views  and Kiev's  are not excluded from the US-Russia dialogue that could shape Europes long-term security.

European leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire as a first step toward peace, demanded binding security guarantees for Ukraine, and warned Trump against trusting Putins assurances.

Zelensky, who was not invited to the Trump-Putin summit, is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday. He has insisted Ukraine must be included in all negotiations about its future, especially territorial questions.

US media reported after Friday's summit that Putin demanded full control of the occupied eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
On the eve of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, European leaders plan to hold consultations on Sunday in a bid to influence the direction of efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to convene a video conference of the so-called Coalition of the Willing at 3 pm (1300 GMT). The coalition is a loose grouping of nations backing Kiev against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

The discussions follow Friday's high-profile summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's warm welcome for the Kremlin leader, the meeting produced no breakthrough on halting the war.

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Trump's position on the conflict has swung sharply, at times faulting Ukraine for the invasion while at other moments threatening Moscow with punitive measures if progress toward a ceasefire stalls. On Saturday, he told Fox News that Ukraine needed to make a deal with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and theyre not."

European capitals, wary of being sidelined, have been pushing to ensure their views  and Kiev's  are not excluded from the US-Russia dialogue that could shape Europes long-term security.

European leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire as a first step toward peace, demanded binding security guarantees for Ukraine, and warned Trump against trusting Putins assurances.

Zelensky, who was not invited to the Trump-Putin summit, is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday. He has insisted Ukraine must be included in all negotiations about its future, especially territorial questions.

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Several media outlets reported after Friday's summit that Putin demanded full control of the occupied eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for a ceasefire.

Trump has often floated the idea of Russia and Ukraine "swapping" territory to end the war. The proposal has alarmed Kiev, which has categorically rejected ceding any of its land to Moscow.

Trump has said he hopes to eventually have a three-way meeting involving Zelensky and Putin.

Starmer posted on X on Saturday: "President Trump's efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russias illegal war in Ukraine ... While progress has been made, the next steps must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him."

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Sunday that he spoke to several of his European counterparts over the weekend to coordinate steps ahead of the leaders' video conference.

Sybiha wrote on X that in order to force Russia to end the war, Europe needed to help strengthen the country's defence capabilities and provide a "deterrence package" to prevent future Russian aggression, which would include security guarantees.

Sybiha also stressed the need to increase sanctions pressure, with the European Commission preparing a 19th package of punitive measures.
European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, writing on the social media platform X on Sunday, announced she was going at the request of Zelensky.

In Berlin, a spokesman for Friedrich Merz said the German chancellor would also attend the talks.

But before that discussion, Zelensky will be in Brussels on Sunday to participate in a video conference with a broad range of European leaders, von der Leyen said.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Merz are co-chairing the talks of the so-called Coalition of the Willing at 3 pm (1300 GMT).

The coalition is a loose grouping of nations backing Kiev against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

The discussions follow Friday's high-profile summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Trump's warm welcome for the Kremlin leader, the meeting produced no breakthrough on halting the war.
European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he travels to Washington, D.C., on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Sunday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb all confirmed their attendance. Their joint presence underscores Europes determination to present a united front in support of Ukraine as Russia's war drags on.

Putin Demands Control Of Key Ukrainian Territory In Exchange For Peace: European Diplomat

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Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy met with von der Leyen at the European Commission in Brussels to set priorities for the White House talks, focusing on long-term military aid, Ukraines ambitions to join the EU, and bolstering transatlantic solidarity in the face of Russian aggression.

At a joint press conference, von der Leyen said she was glad to be joining Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Washington on Monday.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen attend a joint press conference in Brussels, on August 17, 2025.

"We will continue to support you for as long as it takes," she said, adding that the EU backs a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States.

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She warned that the Eu will move forward next month with its 19th sanctions package against Russia if the Kremlin refuses to halt its war in Ukraine.

Trump: We're Going Straight To Russia-ukraine Peace Deal, 'Not A Mere Ceasefire'

Zelenskyy said he hopes the upcoming meeting with Trump "will be productive" and not a repeat of the shouting match that took place in the Oval Office during his February visit.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky get into a verbal argument in the oval office.

Zelenskyy's meeting at the White House comes on the heels of Trump's summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Anchorage on Friday, where Trump dropped his demand for a ceasefire and urged a final peace deal.

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After meeting with Putin, Trump said the Russian leader was willing to end the war in exchange for key Ukrainian territory concessions. Trump said Kyiv should take the deal with Moscow because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

Zelenskyy, alongside European leaders, consistently rejects proposals to surrender any Ukrainian land to Russia.

"Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral Ukraine, United States, Russia," Zelenskyy told reporters at the European Commission on Sunday. "So far, Russia has given no sign that the trilateral will happen," he added.





Original article source: European leaders will join Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, signaling solidarity with Ukraine
KYIV (AP)  European leaders to join Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for White House meeting with President Trump.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  European and NATO leaders announced Sunday they will join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington to present a united front in talks with President Donald Trump on ending Russias war in Ukraine and firming up U.S. security guarantees now on the negotiating table.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Finland are rallying around the Ukrainian president after his exclusion from Trumps summit on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their pledge to be at Zelenskyys side at the White House on Monday is an apparent effort to ensure the meeting goes better than the last one in February, when Trump berated Zelenskyy in a heated Oval Office encounter.

The Europeans are very afraid of the Oval Office scene being repeated and so they want to support Mr. Zelenskyy to the hilt, said retired French Gen. Dominique Trinquand, a former head of Frances military mission at the United Nations.

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Its a power struggle and a position of strength that might work with Trump, he said.

Putin agreed at his summit in Alaska with Trump that the U.S. and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATOs collective defense mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the 3 1/2-year war, special U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

It was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, said Witkoff, who called it game-changing.

Later, French President Emmanuel Macron said the European delegation will ask Trump to back plans they drafted to beef-up Ukraines armed forces  already Europes largest outside of Russia  with more training and equipment to secure any peace.

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We need a credible format for the Ukrainian army, thats the first point, and say  we Europeans and Americans  how well train them, equip them, and finance this effort in the long-term, the French leader said.

The European-drafted plans also envision an allied force in Ukraine away from the front lines to reassure Kyiv that peace will hold and to dissuade another Russian invasion, Macron said. He spoke after a nearly two-hour video call Sunday with nations in Europe and further afield  including Canada, Australia and Japan  that are involved in the so-called coalition of the willing.

The several thousand men on the ground in Ukraine in the zone of peace would signal that our fates are linked, Macron said.

This is what we must discuss with the Americans: Who is ready to do what? Macron said. Otherwise, I think the Ukrainians simply cannot accept commitments that are theoretical.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier at a news conference in Brussels with Zelenskyy that we welcome President Trumps willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine. And the coalition of the willing -- including the European Union -- is ready to do its share.

Macron said the substance of security guarantees will be more important than whether they are given an Article 5-type label.

A theoretical article isnt enough, the question is one of substance, he said. We must start out by saying that the first of the security guarantees for Ukraine is a strong Ukrainian army.

Along with Von der Leyen and Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb also said they'll will take part in Monday's talks, as will secretary-general of the NATO military alliance, Mark Rutte.

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The European leaders support could help ease concerns in Kyiv and in other European capitals that Ukraine risks being railroaded into a peace deal.

Neil Melvin, director of international security at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said European leaders are trying to shape this fast-evolving agenda. After the Alaska summit, the idea of a ceasefire appears all-but-abandoned, with the narrative shifting toward Putins agenda of ensuring Ukraine does not join NATO or even the EU.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that a possible ceasefire is not off the table but that the best way to end the war would be through a full peace deal.

Putin has implied that he sees Europe as a hindrance to negotiations. He has also resisted meeting Zelenskyy in person, saying that such a meeting can only take place once the groundwork for a peace deal has been laid.

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Speaking to the press after his meeting with Trump, the Russian leader raised the idea that Kyiv and other European capitals could create obstacles to derail potential progress with behind-the-scenes intrigue.

For now, Zelenskyy offers the Europeans the only way to get into the discussions about the future of Ukraine and European security, says RUSI's Melvin.

However, the sheer number of European leaders potentially in attendance means the group will have to be mindful not to give contradictory messages, Melvin said.

The risk is they look heavy-handed and are ganging up on Trump, he added. Trump wont want to be put in a corner.

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Although details remain hazy on what Article 5-like security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe would entail for Ukraine, it could mirror NATO membership terms, in which an attack on one member of the alliance is seen as an attack on all.

Zelenskyy continues to stress the importance of both U.S. and European involvement in any negotiations.

A security guarantee is a strong army. Only Ukraine can provide that. Only Europe can finance this army, and weapons for this army can be provided by our domestic production and European production. But there are certain things that are in short supply and are only available in the United States, he said at the press conference Sunday alongside Von der Leyen.

Zelenskyy also pushed back against Trump's assertion  which aligned with Putin's preference  that the two sides should negotiate a complete end to the war, rather than first securing a ceasefire. Zelenskyy said a ceasefire would provide breathing room to review Putin's demands.

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Its impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons, he said. Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must do it.

 Leicester reported from Le Pecq, France. Associated Press writers Pan Pylas in London, and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.
European leaders said they will join Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he meets US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, as they navigate Trumps alignment with Russias position on ending the war.

After meeting Russias Vladimir Putin on Friday, Trump backed Putins preference for a sweeping peace deal, rather than an immediate ceasefire, which analysts say would let Moscow continue its battlefield gains, while pressing for territorial concessions from Ukraine.

But Kyiv and its European allies see hope in Washingtons proposal to offer Ukraine security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.

For Putin, the Ukraine talks are less about ending the current conflict and more about clawing back Russias lost post-Cold War stature, The New York Times wrote.
On Saturday, the 59-year-old actor, who is preparing for Siddharth Anand's upcoming film 'King,' surprised his fans by interacting with them online after a long time. As always, the session was full of fun questions, heartfelt messages, and, of course, a few trolls trying their luck.

During the session, one user attempted to taunt the actor about his age, asking him to "retire" and give space to younger actors.

"Bhai, ab umar ho gayi, retirement le lo aur dusre bachche logon ko aage aane do. #AskSRK" (Brother, you've grown old now, consider retiring so that the new kids can move forward), the user tweeted.

SRK, known for handling such moments with humour and class, gave a befitting reply that went viral in no time.

He responded, "Bhai, tere sawaalon ka bachpana jab chala jaaye... Phir kuch acchha sa puchna! Tab tak, temporary retirement mein reh please."

The witty comeback had fans cheering for their favourite star. Many praised him for his sense of humour, while others shared that Shah Rukh will "never retire from their hearts."

One fan wrote, "There is no full stop in success, and there won't be. Work until you breathe." Another called him "the undisputed king" for handling criticism with such grace.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the shooting of 'King' has been paused due to SRK's shoulder injury. (ANI)
By Andrew MacAskill, Tom Balmforth and Max Hunder

LONDON/KYIV (Reuters) -European leaders will join Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet Donald Trump in Washington, they said on Sunday, seeking to shore up Zelenskiy's position as the U.S. president presses Ukraine to accept a quick peace deal to end Europe's deadliest war in 80 years.

Trump is leaning on Zelenskiy to strike an agreement after he met Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Alaska and emerged more aligned with Moscow on seeking a peace deal instead of a ceasefire first. Trump and Zelenskiy will meet on Monday.

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"If peace is not going to be possible here and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands ... we may unfortunately wind up there, but we don't want to wind up there," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation."

Trump on Sunday promised "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA" in a social media post without specifying what this might be.

Sources briefed on Moscow's thinking told Reuters the U.S. and Russian leaders have discussed proposals for Russia to relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv ceding a swathe of fortified land in the east and freezing the front lines elsewhere.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's envoy to international organizations in Vienna, said Russia agreed that any peace agreement on Ukraine must provide security guarantees to Kyiv.

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"Many leaders of #EU states emphasize that a future peace agreement should provide reliable security assurances or guarantees for Ukraine," Ulyanov said on social media platform X. "Russia agrees with that. But it has equal right to expect that Moscow will also get efficient security guarantees."

Top Trump officials hinted that the fate of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region - which is already mostly under Russian control - was on the line, while some sort of defensive pact was also on the table.

"We were able to win the following concession, that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection," Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, suggesting this would be in lieu of Ukraine seeking NATO membership. He said it was "the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that."

Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty enshrines the principle of collective defense, in which an attack on any member is considered an attack on all.

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That pledge may not be enough to sway Kyiv to sign over Donbas. Ukraine's borders were already meant to be guaranteed when Ukraine surrendered a nuclear arsenal in 1994, which proved to be little deterrent when Russia absorbed Crimea in 2014 and launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The war has killed or wounded more than 1 million people.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a meeting of allies on Sunday to bolster Zelenskiy's hand, hoping in particular to lock down robust security guarantees for Ukraine that would include a U.S. role.

The Europeans are eager to help Zelenskiy avoid a repeat of his last Oval Office meeting in February when Trump and Vice President JD Vance gave the Ukrainian leader a public dressing-down, accusing him of being ungrateful and disrespectful.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also travel to Washington, as will Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who has played rounds of golf with Trump this year, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, an admirer of many Trump policies.

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EUROPEAN SHOW OF UNITY

European leaders at the Sunday meeting projected unity, welcoming U.S. talk of a security guarantee but stressing no discussions over territory could take place without Kyiv's involvement and clear arrangements to safeguard the rest of Ukraine's land.

Some called for an immediate ceasefire, which Trump originally said he was trying to secure during his summit with Putin. Trump later changed course and agreed with the Russians that peace negotiations could come without a ceasefire, an idea dismissed by some of Ukraine's European allies.

"You cannot negotiate peace under falling bombs," Poland's foreign ministry said in a statement.

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A joint communique released by Britain, France and Germany after the meeting said their leaders were ready "to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine's armed forces."

Some European countries, led by Britain and France, have been working since last year on such a plan, but others in the region remain reluctant to become involved militarily.

Zelenskiy said on X there had been "clear support for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty" at the meeting. "Everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force."

He said any prospective security guarantees "must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europe's participation."

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Rubio said both Russia and Ukraine would need to make concessions to reach a peace deal and security guarantees for Ukraine would be discussed on Monday. He also said there must be additional consequences for Russia if no deal was reached.

"I'm not saying we're on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement, enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelenskiy and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this," Rubio told broadcaster CBS.

Putin briefed his close ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, about the Alaska talks, and also spoke with Kazakhstan's president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Trump said on Friday Ukraine should make a deal to end the war because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

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After the Alaska summit, Trump phoned Zelenskiy and told him the Kremlin chief had offered to freeze most front lines if Ukraine ceded all of Donetsk, a source familiar with the matter said. Zelenskiy rejected the demand.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Tom Balmforth, Andreas Rinke, Layli Foroudi, Max Hunder, Julia Payne, Joshua McElwee, Dave Graham, David Ljunggren, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Jan Strupczewski and Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Matthias Williams, Raphael Satter and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Colleen Jenkins, Frances Kerry, Rod Nickel, Chris Reese and Diane Craft)
European allies of Ukraine are planning to accompany President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the US to strengthen his position in talks with US President Donald Trump and to avoid a repeat of the conflict in the White House.

Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, citing two European diplomats and informed sources

Details: Politico reported that Europe wants to avoid another "ambush" of Zelenskyy that could damage relations between the presidents at this delicate moment. To this end, Finnish President Alexander Stubb  one of Trumps favourite interlocutors  is expected to travel to Washington. Stubb is set to accompany Zelenskyy during the talks, help prevent conflicts and persuade the US president to involve Europe in any further negotiations.

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According to the sources, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who has built close relations with Trump, may also arrive in the US.

Quote: "Europe and Ukraine see Mondays summit as key to making sure that Trump does not accede to demands from Putin that they find unacceptable, such as ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia that Moscow has only partially taken control of."

Details: Politico noted that Trumps embrace with Putin caused concern in Europe, where there are fears that the Ukrainian president will not receive equally friendly treatment.

"It is clear that the outcome of the Alaska summit has risen concerns in Europe, as Trump seems to have bought a large portion of Putins argument," said Camille Grand, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

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He said that while the summit is not a catastrophe, "Europeans are definitely worried about the direction of travel". This is why the allies want to avoid any "drama" during Zelenskyys upcoming visit.

European officials breathed a sigh of relief that Trump had not struck a deal with Putin, but were disappointed that the matter of strict secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil had been removed from the agenda, Politico wrote.

Background:

The New York Times reported that Trump had invited European leaders to his meeting with Zelenskyy, scheduled for Monday at the White House.

The NYT notes that Trump wants to discuss a "peace plan" that involves Ukraine making territorial concessions.

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Talks between European leaders and US President Donald Trump on Monday in Washington will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine, the German government said on Sunday.

Central to the talks is the scenario of NATO-like security guarantees along the lines of Article 5, which says that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, triggering mutual defence.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN and Fox News that Russia has agreed to allow the United States and European allies to provide Ukraine with such security guarantees.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be accompanied to Washington by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Finland.

A pre-Trump meeting

Speaking in Brussels, Zelensky emphasized that NATO-style security guarantees are essential for ending the war.

"We need security to work in practise, like Article 5 of NATO," khe told reporters. Von der Leyen reinforced this goal, highlighting that the US is also willing to contribute.

"We welcome President (Donald) Trump's willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine," von der Leyen said alongside Zelensky in Brussels.

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The Coalition of the Willing, including the European Union, is ready to play its part, she added.

The NATO treaty's Article 5 states that "an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all." The NATO Council determines when the collective defence clause applies, which has only been invoked oncefollowing the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States.

Russia's attack on Ukraine did not trigger this clause because Ukraine is not a NATO member.

On Sunday, Zelensky reiterated that EU membership for Ukraine would also serve as a security guarantee for the country.

US reports alleged Russian concession

Witkoff said Russia has agreed to allow the US and European allies to provide NATO-like security guarantees to Ukraine.

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"We moved the Russians significantly past where we thought they were going to end up," Witkoff, who was at the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday, said on CNN.

He said the US "is potentially prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States and other European countries. That is big. I mean, really big."

For Putin, Ukraine's NATO membership remains non-negotiable. Witkoff said the US was able to bypass that to reach an agreement that could provide Article 5 protection to Ukraine.

This is reportedly the first time Russia has agreed to such a scenario, but there has been no direct comment from the Kremlin.

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Discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine were already part of negotiations between Kiev and Moscow in Istanbul in 2022. At the time, Russia sought to be one of the guarantor powers and demanded a veto over the involvement of other guarantor states in the event of conflict. This was unacceptable to Ukraine and potential Western guarantors, which is considered one reason why the negotiations were abandoned.

Ceasefire or not?

The US hopes for a swift agreement between Ukraine and Russia, but the positions of the warring parties remain irreconcilable. For example, Russia demands that Ukraine cede a significant number of territories, a demand Zelensky categorically rejects.

After his meeting with Putin, Trump abandoned his central demand for a ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Instead, he now wants to move directly to discussing a peace agreement, aligning with Putin's position. Following this, German Chancellor Merz indicated that he also considers peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia without a prior ceasefire to be acceptable, provided a swift agreement is reached.

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"If that succeeds, it is worth more than a ceasefire that may last for weeks without further progress in political and diplomatic efforts," Merz said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also attended the Friday summit, stressed on Sunday that a ceasefire is "not off the table." But he told NBC News "it was agreed to by all that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal."

"I think thats the best way to end the war."

Avoiding another White House fiasco

The outcome of the Washington meeting will likely determine the next steps in efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine. Much is at stake, especially after the Alaska summit, where Trump effectively rehabilitated Putin on the world stage.

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In February, a meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office escalated in front of live cameras, forcing the Ukrainian president to leave empty-handed. As a result, the US temporarily suspended its crucial military aid to Ukraine. A repeat of such scenes is to be avoided at all costs.

Possible trilateral summit on Friday

There is a possibility that Zelensky's meeting with Trump could be followed by a trilateral summit with Putin. Chancellor Merz also mentioned this possibility, though he noted that no location or time has been set. According to an unconfirmed Axios report, the US president informed his European counterparts that he is aiming for such a meeting on Friday.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information on President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Brussels.

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels for a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov told journalists on Aug. 17.

A joint press briefing is scheduled afterward, followed by a meeting of leaders of the "coalition of the willing."

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Von der Leyen said she would also participate in the "coalition of the willing" meeting to show European unity and support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to lead the videoconference.

Von der Leyen is among the European leaders expected to accompany Zelensky when he travels to the U.S. on Monday for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

"At the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow," von der Leyen wrote on X.

According to Politico, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, a trusted Trump interlocutor, may also accompany Zelensky to Washington to ensure Europe has a voice in the negotiations. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is reportedly considering joining the trip as well.

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The visit follows Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, where the U.S. leader said he would try to bring Putin and Zelensky together for trilateral talks on a possible peace deal.

No breakthrough was achieved in Alaska, but Putin received a red-carpet welcome that raised concerns among European allies.

Privately, officials reportedly fear a repeat of February, when a meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office devolved into a heated argument over U.S. aid to Ukraine. The clash led Trump to cancel a planned U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement and publicly accuse Zelensky of "disrespecting the United States" in a post on Truth Social.

Read also: Everything we know about the fallout of Trumps meeting with Putin

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Reuters) -European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that she will be meeting U.S. President Donald Trump along with other European leaders in the White House on Monday at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

She also said that she will welcome Zelenskiy in Brussels later on Sunday and together will participate in a meeting of European leaders.

(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Evanstons Land Use Commission initially denied some citizens, who are neighbors of a controversial proposed residential building that would be the third-tallest in Chicagos suburbs, the right to speak at a Wednesday meeting at which the Land Use Commission had been scheduled to vote on the project.

Commission officials acknowledged their error at the meeting, saying they had misinterpreted two conflicting government codes. They rescheduled the hearing for Aug. 27.

The building has been controversial because in addition to its proposed 31 stories and 331 feet in height, some have spoken about density, parking and potential wind issues at its proposed site in downtown Evanston at 605 Davis St. The proposal calls for 430 apartment units and 80 on-site parking spaces, with an agreement proposed for 120 more at a city-owned garage.

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Some residents have spoken in favor of the site as well, pointing out that the 605 Davis Street site has been vacant for decades, and that the development would provide 86 affordable units, higher than the citys 15% mandated inclusionary housing ordinance requires. Downtown business owners have also supported it for its increased foot traffic and population that could bring in more customers to their stores.

Conversations on densifying Evanston, which has a mix of apartment buildings and single-family homes, have been largely divisive. The City Council is also in the process of mulling Envision Evanston 2025, the citys 20-year comprehensive plan which would likely increase density significantly.

Per the citys Land Use Commission rules, residents who own property within 1,000 feet of a proposed development can ask for a continuance, or a delay, when it reaches the commission to air their concerns regarding a proposed development. At a continuance, a resident can challenge claims made by a developer, and can present evidence and call on experts to help make their case.

At a previous Land Use Commission meeting in July, the commissions chair, Jeanne Lindwall, and city staff said they confused conflicting language in the citys zoning code and Land Use Commission. The commission granted a continuance for five residents who opposed the proposed building to speak at the Wednesday hearing, but mistakenly rejected six other residents from speaking at that hearing, Lindwall said at Wednesdays meeting.

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Id like to apologize both to the applicant and to the members of the public for the situation, but I believe its important that we rectify this error as expeditiously as possible, Lindwall said.

Some residents also spoke against the project at the July meeting, but only people who own property within 1,000 feet of 605 Davis St. and submitted a request for a proposal in writing to the commission will be allotted time to speak at the continued August meeting. Residents can also make public comment at that meeting.

The city contacted the six residents on Monday, explaining their mistake and offering them a chance to speak. In order to give them time to prepare for the hearing, and to also allow the full commission to be present at the hearing, Wednesdays hearing was continued to Aug. 27.

I believe this request makes a lot of sense, both in terms of the continuity of the proceeding and the fact that two of the LUC commissioners who were present on July 23 were unable to attend this evening; I believe staff is also supportive of this request, Lindwall said.

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Residents who were granted a continuance will have up to five minutes to present their testimony and evidence at the Aug. 27 hearing, Lindwall said. Residents who bring in an expert will have an additional five minutes to hear from the expert. The developer, and experts they wish to invite, will have an opportunity to cross examine the residents expert after each testimony, and is also allowed a 20 minute closing statement or rebuttal after all residents have testified.

Residents who are not able to attend the Aug. 27 hearing can submit their testimony and expert analysis in writing, Lindwall said. After all the testimonies have been heard, the Land Use Commission is expected to deliberate and make a decision on the 605 Davis St. proposal, she said.

Id also like to remind the members of the public that it is inappropriate to contact Land Use Commissioners individually regarding this or any other case. We do our deliberations in public and hear testimony, and so please respect our role and the position were in by not trying to reach out and discuss any case with us individually, Lindwall said.

Once the Land Use Commission gives a recommendation on the proposal, the plans will then head to the citys Planning and Development Commission, made up of six members of the City Council. In order for the development to advance to the full City Council, it will need at least a tie or a simple majority vote from that commission. The development would then need to win a simple majority of votes from the city council.
One of the things that history teaches us about fighting against terrorist groups is that their safe haven must be destroyed, the site where they can regroup and plan their next moves.

The two areas that the IDF hasnt fully entered and removed Hamas infrastructure from are the refugee camps along the southern corridor, and Gaza City, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror explained in a conversation with The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

One of the things that history teaches us about fighting against terrorist groups is that their safe haven must be destroyed, the site where they can regroup and plan their next moves, he explained. Amidror is a senior fellow at the The Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) and the Washington-based Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA).

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The massive problem facing this military plan is that that is where most of the Palestinian population is, in humanitarian areas in some cases, and simply trying to survive - and is likely where the hostages are being held as well.

If the IDFs goal is to truly dismantle and defeat Hamas, these are the sites it needs to conquer, he added.

Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, as seen from Israel, May 16, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Israel's new initiative to seize Gaza

Israel said earlier this month that it intended to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the Strip's largest urban center. The plan has raised international alarm over the fate of Gaza, which is home to about 2.2 million people.

The war began when Hamas led a massacre attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Hamas continues to hold 50 hostages in underground tunnels.

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Israel set out to dismantle Hamas's military and civilian control over Gaza. Per Hamas-run Gaza health authorities, the assault against Hamas killed over 61,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced most of Gaza's population and left much of the enclave in ruins.

Amidror explained that these two areas are ones that Hamas exerts control over like it did before the war. The emphasis here is control over both above-ground infrastructure and below-ground, i.e. the vast tunnel network.

This means that they are actually still in charge in these areas - military and civilly, said Amidror.

Hamas had immunity because Israel was careful not to hurt the hostages, said Amidror, adding that the working assumption is that all the homes there are all booby-trapped - like they were in Rafah and Khan Yunis.

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This war is extremely difficult, and joins historic wars in that terrorists are fighting amongst their countrymen, which makes it so much harder for the IDF to separate civilians from military targets, explained Amidror.

Those who encourage Israel not to harm civilians are essentially asking Jerusalem not to fight at all, he said.
A Florida man who fatally stabbed his estranged wifes sister and parents and then set fire to their house is scheduled for execution in Florida under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

David Pittman, 63, is set to die Sept. 17 in the record-extending 12th execution scheduled for this year. DeSantis signed the warrant Friday, as two other men, Kayle Bates and Curtis Windom, await execution later this month.

The highest previous annual total of recent Florida executions is eight in 2014, since the death penalty was restored in 1976 by the US Supreme Court. Florida has already executed nine people this year, more than any other state, while Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each.

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A total of 28 people have been executed so far this year in the US, exceeding the 25 executions carried out last year. It ties 2015, when 28 people were also put to death.

Pittman was convicted and sentenced to death in 1991 on three counts of first-degree murder, according to court records. Jurors also found him guilty of arson and grand theft.

Pittman and his wife, Marie, were going through a divorce in May 1990, when Pittman went to the Polk County home of her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, officials said. Pittman fatally stabbed the couple, as well as their younger daughter, Bonnie. He then set fire to the house and stole Bonnie Knowles car, which he also set on fire, investigators said.

A witnessed identified Pittman as the person running away from the burning car. A jailhouse informant also testified that Pittman had admitted to the killings.

The Florida Supreme Court is already scheduled to hear an appeal. An appeal will also likely be filed with the US Supreme Court.

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Thai wildlife authorities garnered attention online after posting images of a rare, purple-shelled crab.

The crab is known locally as the princess crab in a nod to Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thailand's princess, but is more commonly called the panda crab, according to Popular Science, which described the animal as "alien-looking."

Photo Credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Typically, panda crabs feature black-and-white markings, not the vibrant purple shown in the photos.

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"The discovery is considered a precious gift from nature," read a post accompanying the images of the surreal crustacean, according to a translation in Popular Science. "The appearance of the Princess Crab is not only a rare sighting of an elusive species, but also an important indicator of the ecosystem's health."

Park rangers working at Thailand's Kaeng Krachan National Park spotted the rare crab near the conclusion of the park's tourist season.

"Kaeng Krachan National Park, a World Heritage Site with valuable biodiversity, is home to protected wildlife species," read a subsequent post by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, per Popular Science. "The presence of these animals demonstrates that the forest area still maintains excellent environmental quality."

In addition to the rare crabs, the park contains a broad spectrum of biodiversity, including animals ranging from leopards and bears to king cobra snakes, according to its website. The largest national park in Thailand, Kaeng Krachan covers more than 1,100 square miles.

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Maintaining healthy ecosystems in which biodiversity can thrive benefits humans in numerous ways. Biodiversity plays a vital role in providing people around the globe with food, clean water, and even medicine.

According to the World Health Organization, pollinators alone contribute as much as half a trillion dollars per year to global agricultural output, feeding billions of people. Additionally, more than half of all modern medicines have been "derived from natural sources, including antibiotics from fungi and painkillers from plant compounds."

The experts working at Thailand's national parks understand this lesson well.

"The appearance of the royal crab serves as a reminder of the value of our world heritage forest, which we must all help to preserve," the department said in its post, according to Popular Science.

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A climate tech executive writing for Fortune warned of a rising disparity between Europe and the United States, contrasting a putative commuter's experience in the hot and "sticky" former environment with that of an American in "optimized" conditions.

"The fundamental difference between these two realities? Air conditioning," author Taco Engelaar said.

America's broadly air-conditioned landscape and Europe's relative absence of the technology have been a perpetual topic of debate on social media for years. As temperatures in the U.K. soared and triggered water restrictions, the topic was revived on platforms and in the news.

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As it relates to an overall warming planet, air conditioning occupies a strange space. On one hand, there are valid concerns about a corresponding increase in emissions for more widespread adoption of air-conditioned environments.

However, extreme heat is a form of extreme weather, and as Engelaar noted, Europe is warming faster than any other continent. Heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures cause much of the day-to-day life to grind to a halt amid previously rare high temperatures.

"This climate vulnerability isn't just inconvenient, it's a serious threat to economic competitiveness," Engelaar wrote.

The issue isn't as simple as fitting homes, workplaces, and public areas with air conditioners, either, he added. Upgrades to the energy grid and broader infrastructure are needed, Engelaar observed, citing recent blackouts during a heatwave in Italy and a frustrating contradiction.

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"It's a deep irony that the vast quantities of solar power brought about by hotter, drier summers  which could unlock AC capabilities without creating a new carbon burden  can't be properly harnessed due to grid connection delays," he lamented.

Comfort and the ability to engage in daily life are frequently the center of discussions about Europe's soaring average temperatures and air conditioning, but extreme heat is incredibly dangerous.

Nearly half a million people die worldwide each year due to heat-related illness, causing over 175,000 deaths in Europe annually, underscoring the necessity of understanding climate-related issues.

"In the European region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death in the region," said World Health Organization Regional Director Dr. Hans Kluge.

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Although it's not an overnight solution, transitioning to renewable energy will go a long way in mitigating concerns about air conditioning and emissions, and increased adoption of solar energy is  as Engelaar pointed out  likely to ease a necessary or even inevitable transition.

In April, the World Economic Forum reported that more than 40% of the world's electricity was generated by renewables in 2024.

Ultimately, air conditioning is among the "most effective and lifesaving methods of adaptation to a changing climate," Dr. Cory Franklin wrote in a Chicago Tribune editorial advocating for increased adoption of the technology as a life-saving measure.

"Human-made efforts to reduce greenhouse gases are essential, but human-made efforts to adapt to weather extremes would have lifesaving consequences more immediately," Franklin concluded.

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Janhvi Kapoor clapped back at trolls after a video of her chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" at a Janmashtami event in Mumbai went viral. The actress attended a Dahi Handi celebration in Ghatkopar on Saturday, where she broke the 'matki' with a coconut and raised the chant. Soon after, some social media users mocked her, joking she had mixed up Janmashtami with Independence Day. The video quickly became "meme material," with many calling it a "goof-up." Reacting to the trolling, the 'Param Sundari' actress took to her Instagram to share the full video and clarify that the viral clip had been "edited" and didn't show the full context. She went on to explain that she only repeated the chant after someone in the crowd had said, "Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and added that she would proudly say the slogan not just on Janmashtami, but "every single day." She wrote, "Just for context, full video lol. Unke bolne ke baad nahi bolti toh problem, aur bolo toh bhi video ko kaat ke meme material. Waise sirf Janmashtami ke din nahi, roz bolungi Bharat mata ki jaiiiii. (Just for context, here's the full video lol. If I didn't say it after they did, it would've been a problem. And if I do say it, the video gets edited and turned into meme material. By the way, not just on Janmashtami -- I'll say Bharat Mata Ki Jai every single day.)" The full video shows a voice prompting, "Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai," after which Janhvi repeats the chant and smashes the 'matki.' Meanwhile, on the work front, Janhvi is preparing for the release of her upcoming film 'Param Sundari' with Sidharth Malhotra, which hits theatres on August 29. (ANI)
An exceptionally cute Australian animal is making a comeback thanks to concerted protection efforts, according to the Miami Herald.

Trail cameras managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy captured footage of a mother Shark Bay bandicoot with two young in tow.

The rare animals were introduced to the Pilliga State Conservation Area in New South Wales two years ago. The 14,000-acre habitat is the first place in northwest New South Wales for over 150 years that the Shark Bay bandicoot has been able to call home.

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"It definitely made our day seeing the photo of the three young bandicoots scurrying to keep up with their mum," field ecologist Maisie Duffin said. "We were sifting through thousands of motion sensor camera images when we came across that gem."

The proof of offspring is great news for the health of the species, as previous relocation efforts haven't gone well. Predators such as cats and foxes introduced to Australia initially destroyed mainland populations. As a result, repopulation has required areas with strict predator management, and even then, it can be hard to keep wily species away from prey.

This serves as yet another example of the harm invasive species can cause natives. Cats were originally introduced to Australia for pest control in the 1860s, but once free in the wild, they spread like crazy. Feral cats have since incurred $11 billion in costs to Australia, resulting in the deployment of dogs to combat the issue. Neighboring New Zealand faces similar challenges and has licensed the hunting of feral cats.

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy has been optimistic about the future of the adorable bandicoot.

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"Having been involved in the initial reintroduction of Shark Bay bandicoot to the Pilliga, it is exciting to see them now breeding  a promising sign that they are well on their way to establishing a viable, self-sustaining population," David Kelly, manager of the Threatened Species unit at the National Parks & Wildlife Service, said.

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CUMBERLAND  About 300 motorcyclists taking part in Americas 911 Ride went through the city Friday morning to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and raise scholarship funds for families of first responders.

Over three days, first responders, police, foundation members and people from across the country travel to all three crash sites.

They start at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, then head toward the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, before reaching Ground Zero in New York City.

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PHOTOS/VIDEO | 911 riders pass through Cumberland

Motorcyclists pass the Cumberland Public Safety Building on North Mechanic Street Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, on America's 911 Ride. Riders left Somerset County, Pa., about 7 a.m. and made a brief stop at Rocky Gap State Park before continuing on to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. On Saturday, the riders travel to New York before a Sunday ceremony at Ground Zero. The Americas 911 Foundation was formed in 2003 to raise funds for a scholarship program dedicated to children of EMS personnel, firefighters and police officers and to help emergency services organizations with funds, materials, equipment and volunteers.

Its a bucket-list ride, said Roger Flick, a board member of Americas 911 Foundation, which organizes the ride.

Ive had people tell me for the last 15 years, this is the most well- organized large ride youll ever be on because weve been doing this for a long time.

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The first ride was in November 2001 when a large group of motorcyclists traveled from the White House in Washington to Ground Zero. Since then, riders have traveled to all three crash sites every third weekend of August.

From Shanksville, the group rides through Cumberland every year and stops at Rocky Gap State Park for a quick break before continuing east on Interstate 68.

Flick said seeing support for the ride in cities like Cumberland is uplifting.

Riding through places like Cumberland, the people come out and wave their flags, Flick said during the Rocky Gap stop. Its extremely patriotic.

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Riders such as Gordon Ehrlich, who has participated in the ride from its inception, hope that raising awareness and honoring the memory of the past will prevent future tragedies.

It was almost 25 years ago, and theres a lot of people that dont remember (or) werent even born, Ehrlich said. I think complacency opened the door for 9/11 to happen. We felt isolated and secure, and they showed us that were not. I think its important to remember so that we have the resolve to never get complacent again and allow it to happen to us again.

Along with honoring the past, the ride serves as a fundraiser for the Americas 911 Foundation scholarship program for families of active first responders to attend college. This year, the foundation awarded 20 scholarships, each totaling $2,000, Flick said.

The foundation, run completely by volunteers, has found other ways to support first responders by showing up to support them through disaster relief during catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina and the severe flooding in Westernport this May.

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Were getting into disaster recovery. Its not really part of our core thing, but we go help the first responders, Flick said.

Through the foundation, many riders have formed lasting friendships.

Actually for a lot of us, this is like a family reunion because we see people that we only get a chance to see once a year on this ride, Flick said.

Ehrlich agreed.

I have a 9/11 family, Ehrlich said.

While participation in the ride has dwindled in past years, Flick said he expects a boost in the number of riders next year for the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Even if participation was in the single digits, Ehrlich said, it wouldnt stop him and his friends from completing the ride each year.

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Were going to ride no matter what, even if its six of us. Were just going to do the ride to all three crash sites, Ehrlich said. So, its been important to keep this moving, and thats why I continue to raise the money so that it goes to the foundation to help keep it alive.

Onlooker Anna Stewart and her young son unexpectedly came across the ride during their trip to Rocky Gap Friday morning.

Stewart said it was a good opportunity to sit with her son and talk about the tough subject.

Its just a good conversation starter to remember what happened and how it changed us, Stewart said.
Claim:

Trader Joe's offered people over 50 years old a gift basket for under $12 if they filled out an online form in August 2025.

Rating:

Rating: Scam

Context:

"Trader Joe's only sells products inside our stores. Trader Joe's is a card-present retailer, meaning we only accept payment in our physical store locations," Trader Joe's said when Snopes reached out by email.

Someone's daughter is sharing a deal at Trader Joe's only known to employees and their families  at least according to several Facebook posts.

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The posts (archived), which spread in August 2025, used (archived) near-identical (archived) wording (archived) to tell people about a deal Trader Joe's apparently offered to people over 50. Those people could claim a Trader Joe's gift basket for under $12 by filling out an online form, according to the posts. Snopes readers sent emails and searched the site wondering whether the offer from the posts were real.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0G3f4wHhjLue8QriXN6KPwfVuB9k55BxeujSDJjTjzrxgKhY3ohCrHDfdngXP7TZel&id=61578155978909&__cft__[0]=AZVrPKXfOPZDtAnTivRifIgDDjBaDbggvK8nX0KYDIBMe0Gfouq3th7qsesPKzXbeL_wrCIbbKKxFFmay9ghe31eUPXh3QRvEgomcYQ6Ti6FZwvYgxmSFRcSnvUXXqecOWrbtlL8RHJVGJPwTi7WEOFJsczNG4YH4DnVHRMvX_0Nag&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

The "deal" in the posts was not a real Trader Joe's offer. The supposed gift basket was a scam.

"Trader Joe's only sells products inside our stores. Trader Joe's is a card-present retailer, meaning we only accept payment in our physical store locations," Trader Joe's said when Snopes reached out by email. "We don't want anyone impersonating us and disappointing our customers, and we do everything we can to prevent this."

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The accounts posting about this gift basket frequently linked to the survey people supposedly needed to fill out to claim a gift basket.

A scan of one such link by ThreatYeti, an online software for detecting malicious links, rated the URL as "high risk." ThreatYeti found the website was created within a week of people sharing it on Facebook; phishing links and other malicious websites are often newly created because their sites eventually get discovered and taken down. ThreatYeti also found the website's host similarly hosted a number of other suspicious and high risk websites.

The above URL redirected people to another website, which is also common for phishing links and scam websites. The URL people were redirected to showed different content for human and non-human users. While human users saw a page for starting the survey, nonhuman users, such as archive tools, saw a 2013 blog post reviewing a Trader Joe's product. This is a technique scammers use called "cloaking," which helps them evade detection by search engines and security tools, according to NordVPN.

The page humans were sent to had a timer at the bottom. Creating a false sense of urgency is another common scam tactic meant to rush people into making hasty decisions without thinking them through. While there was a Trader Joe's logo at the top left of the page, clicking it did nothing (as opposed to taking the user to the Trader Joe's homepage, as it does on the company's actual website). Similarly, a search icon and shopping list icon at the top right of the page did nothing when clicked.

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People who completely filled out the survey were taken to the "product page" which required a person to give out their personal information to claim the gift basket. That page also included a countdown claiming the special offer expired within a few minutes, as well as a notice that the stock was limited, which itself counted down to further create a sense of urgency.

None of the webpages people were redirected to in the process of "claiming" their gift basket were part of Trader Joe's website. It's unlikely Trader Joe's or any other legitimate retailer would host an authentic offer to customers on a website other than their own.

Scammers create pages like these to potentially harvest victims' personal information, steal their credit card info and/or "sell" them products or subscriptions that never come.

Sources:

"AlphaMountain ThreatYeti: Results for Food-Basket.org." ThreatYeti, alphaMountain, threatyeti.com/search?q=food-basket.org/tr%D0%B0derjo%D0%B5s. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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NordVPN Experts. "Threat Protection Pro: Defending against Cloaking Techniques." NordVPN, 24 June 2024, nordvpn.com/blog/threat-protection-cloaking-techniques/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7S0VN5IDCr7VWq0Jz3WWEtdiv4JYolPvgfxXz_LajRdPuNAbU. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

Rohde, Nakia. "Comment from Trader Joe's Public Relations Manager." Received by Emery Winter, 8 Aug. 2025.
Did North Carolina pass a law allowing foreign doctors to practice medicine in that state without taking a U.S. qualification exam? No, that's not true: The legislation, which was signed into law by North Carolina's governor on July 1, 2025, addresses a severe shortage of primary physicians at the state's rural hospitals by giving non-U.S.-trained doctors "new licensure pathways," according to the North Carolina Medical Board. The law requires foreign doctors to not only have passed their own country's medical qualification exam, but another test chosen by the North Carolina Medical Board. The doctors could only practice in the rural hospital where they are hired and they must be supervised by another licensed physician.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) shared on X on August 16, 2025. It read:

North Carolina just passed a law allowing doctors from these countries to practice without completing a US residency or passing a US qualification exam. Not good. #ncpol.

This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:

Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories

The law does not list the 21 Middle Eastern countries included in the post, or any specific countries. It only refers to any physician who did not graduate from a U.S. medical school.

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This is a summary (archived here) of the law provided by the North Carolina Medical Board, which is charged with administering the program:

Part II of SL 2025-37 sets up a pathway to licensure for individuals who have obtained medical education and post graduate training outside the United States. This license is only available to applicants who have been offered full-time employment at an NC licensed hospital or a medical practice in certain rural counties where an NC licensed physician is physically practicing on-site. The applicant will also need to provide information to NCMB, including proof of licensure in good standing from another country within the last five years, 130 weeks of medical education from certain designated schools, two years of postgraduate training or active practice for at least 10 years, and demonstration of competency through examination. The applicant must also have no disciplinary actions or pending investigations in any jurisdiction, no criminal convictions, and be legally authorized to work in the United States. The scope of this license is limited to practicing at NC licensed hospitals or rural medical practice where an NC licensed physician is physically present. After four years of licensure, the international physician license holder is eligible to apply for a full license. Additional information will be provided closer to the effective date in January 2026.

Source: screenshot of ncmedboard.org by Lead Stories

Part II of SL 2025-37 (archived here), titled "INTERNATIONAL PHYSICIAN LICENSURE," details what the medical board must verify before issuing such a license to practice in a rural hospital. An applicant must have "demonstrated competency to practice medicine in one of the following ways," as seen at the top of page 14:

a. Successfully passing each part of an examination listed in G.S. 90-10.1. b. Successfully passing each part of a nationally recognized standard medical licensing examination from a country that is a member of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities that meets all of the following requirements: 1. Tests for the ability to practice medicine. 2. Tests for medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for providing patient care, including general practice, cardiology, internal medicine, gastroenterology, hematology, nephrology, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry, pulmonology, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, rheumatology, urology, and surgery. 3. Tests for communication and interpersonal skills. 4. Includes an interactive testing component. The examining body must provide verification in English directly to the Board that the applicant has passed an examination meeting the requirements of this sub-subdivision.

Source: screenshot of ncleg.gov by Lead Stories

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The first way (a) references G.S. 90-10.1 (archived here), which is this list of examinations the medical board may require the foreign doctors to pass:

 9010.1. Examinations accepted by the Board. The Board may administer or accept the following examinations for licensure: (1) Repealed by Session Laws 2019191, s. 16, effective October 1, 2019. (2) The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination or its successor. (3) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) of this section or its successor. (4) The Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) or its successor. (5) Other examinations the Board deems equivalent to the examinations described in subdivisions (1) through (3) of this section pursuant to rules adopted by the Board. (2007346, s. 10; 2019191, s. 16.)

USMLE

An analysis (archived here) by Concordia University found that North Carolina has the largest rural doctor deficit, needing "an estimated 642 additional primary care physicians in rural areas to match urban access levels."

Rural residents in the state already face a 122% greater burden in accessing care, with an average of 2,228 people per physician in rural areas, compared to just 1,005 per primary care physician in urban regions.

A 2024 report (archived here) by the Cicero Institute said that 92 of North Carolina's 100 counties are health professional shortage areas.

Source: screenshot of ciceroinstitute.org by Lead Stories

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Claim:

Online photographs show Ivan Stepanov, a Russian tourist, saving a drowning bear beneath the Tallac Bridge in South Lake Tahoe.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

A seemingly heartwarming story of an animal rescue spread like wildfire across social media in August 2025. The story, accompanied by photos in each post, was of a Russian tourist named Ivan Stepanov, who dove into frigid waters to rescue a sedated, drowning bear beneath the Tallac Bridge in South Lake Tahoe. According to the story, Stepanov said when asked why he risked his life, "In my country, we say a man's strength is measured by who he chooses to protecteven if it has claws."

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A Facebook post (archived) of the story got nearly 400,000 reactions in just a couple of days. Another Facebook post (archived) of the same story got 16,000 reactions. An Instagram post (archived) sharing the story got over 40,000 likes. Several readers reached out to Snopes to ask if it was true and many others searched the site for the story.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=122254356302208589&set=a.122221791602208589&type=3&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=ZyC5lKQq8FJwtV23&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1RExFqesry%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

The story as told in the Facebook posts was false. The photos were real, though, and from a real drowning bear rescue by an American man in Florida.

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A Google search for "Ivan Stepanov bear" yielded no legitimate news outlets covering the rescue, just social media posts spreading the story. A reverse image search (archived) for the photo attached to the story, however, returned 17-year-old news articles about a man who rescued a bear in Florida.

The rescue, according to The Gainesville Sun, Tampa Bay Times and Gulf Breeze News, was the work of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist Adam Warwick in 2008. After the bear wandered too close to people's houses, state wildlife officials shot it with a tranquilizer gun so they could move it, but the bear reacted by paddling out into the Gulf of Mexico. Warwick, believing he had only a few minutes before the tranquilizer dart took effect and the bear would drown, jumped into the water and first tried to splash it to encourage it to go back to shore. But that didn't work, so Warwick got behind the bear, hugged it and tried swimming it to shore.

"The bear was heavy. Warwick used the animal's buoyancy to help him haul it to shore," the Tampa Bay Times wrote. "The animal was awake but could barely move. The bear tried to help out with a little doped-up paddling of its own."

According to the Times, Warwick and a colleague drove the bear three hours east to Osceola National Forest the next morning. Two weeks later, the bear wandered into another residential area and Warwick found it a home at Hardee County Animal Refuge to save it from being euthanized, The Gainesville Sun reported at the time.

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Six years later, in 2014, the rescue got some national attention with stories from Game & Fish Magazine and the Financial Times.

The version with "Ivan Stepanov" wasn't a real bear rescue shared with the wrong photo, either. Not only was there no real reporting of the tale, it also happened at a place that doesn't exist.

While there is a Tallac area around South Lake Tahoe, there is no Tallac Bridge, even where the road crosses Tallac Creek. In fact, there are no bridges that cross Lake Tahoe.

Sources:

"Daring Rescue: FWC Biologist Saves Drowning Bear from Gulf." Gulf Breeze News - Your Community Newspaper, Gulf Breeze News, 3 July 2008, news.gulfbreezenews.com/articles/daring-rescue-fwc-biologist-saves-drowning-bear-from-gulf/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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Garry, Stephanie. "Biologist Pulls Doped Bear from Gulf." Tampa Bay Times, 10 July 2008, www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/06/29/biologist-pulls-doped-bear-from-gulf/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

Hanson, Debbie. "Florida FWC Biologist Makes Heroic Black Bear Rescue - Game & Fish." Game & Fish, Game & Fish, 20 Mar. 2014, www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/black-bear-rescue/193659. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

"Ivan Stepanov Bear - Google Search." Google.com, www.google.com/search?q=ivan+stepanov+bear&sca_esv=026ca5c1e8389fd9&source=lnt&tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A%2Ccd_max%3A8%2F15%2F2025&tbm=. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

"Lake Tahoe - Google Maps." Google Maps, maps.app.goo.gl/NtXvx443WRkK9HKZ7. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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The Associated Press. "Rescued 375-Pound Black Bear Will Go to Hardee County Zoo." Gainesville Sun, 10 July 2025, www.gainesville.com/story/news/2008/07/10/rescued-375-pound-black-bear-will-go-to-hardee-county-zoo/31577784007/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

van Gilder Cooke, Sonia. ""I Saved a Bear from Drowning."" Financial Times, Financial Times, 13 June 2014, www.ft.com/content/057ad0ac-f0fa-11e3-8f3d-00144feabdc0. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.
A Kenyan magistrate this week expressed the hope that a British property tycoon would finally "find rest in eternal peace", after his body had spent 11 years in a mortuary.

But this week's conclusion to the decade-long inquest into Harry Roy Veevers' death in 2013 still leaves many questions unanswered.

It was a case that involved accusations of murder by poisoning, rancorous legal proceedings, the exhumation of a body after almost a year and ultimately divided four siblings  two sons from his first marriage and two daughters from the second.

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In one hearing, the sisters, Hellen and Alexandra, were reprimanded by the magistrate for shouting out that a witness was lying and threatened with spending time in a cell, reports said.

In another, Hellen Veevers emerged from the courthouse with a message she had written on her vest-top: "My daddy was not murdered."

Despite the lengthy inquest into the death of the wealthy 64-year-old, the magistrate, David Odhiambo, found that the cause of death could not be determined "due to the level of [the body's] decomposition" after spending so long underground. He ordered that the corpse be released to the family for reburial at a place of their choice.

An unsatisfactory ending that could lead to further disputes. Lawyers for both sides told the BBC they were considering their next steps.

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"When you have a family split down the middle, how does the court say the remains should be released to the family, when both sides have been fighting since 2013?" said Francis Kinyua Kamundi, representing Mr Veevers' sons, Richard and Philip.

Harry Roy Veevers' daughters have maintained that their father died of natural causes [Standard Newspaper]

From the start of his detailed 95-page ruling, the magistrate acknowledged the deeply entrenched feud between the family members.

"Although the death of a loved one often brings survivors closer through the inevitable grieving," he wrote, "The emotions associated with death can also tear survivors apart".

This was definitely a case of the latter.

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"What happened soon after his burial tore the family apart and marked the beginning of a legal drama," according to Mr Odhiambo.

On one side of the case were the sons and on the other were Mr Veevers' second wife, Azra Parvin Din, along with their daughters.

The children were living in the UK, while their father and Ms Parvin Din, who had been together for more than 30 years, were living on the Kenyan coast.

The family feud started after his death on Valentine's Day 2013, at his home in Mombasa where he had long settled and had an extensive property portfolio. The children then travelled to Kenya.

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The drama began the moment they arrived.

It was Saturday 16 February, a day before the burial.

According to Richard Veevers' court testimony, Ms Parvin Din was agitated when questioned about the deceased. His brother Philip also told the court that she had initially refused his request to view his father's body.

Ms Parvin Din said he had died of a heart attack.

When they finally saw their father the following day, Richard said he "noticed redness in the face and the lips were purple and pink", according to the magistrate's summary.

Tensions seemed to escalate over Ms Parvin Din and her daughters' reactions to the photos that Philip had taken of the body  including demands that he should delete them, the brothers said.

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In the magistrate's ruling, he said Alexandra Veevers had testified that "she did not see any marks on her father's body and that she only saw the face since the body was wrapped in a cloth She stated that they asked for the videos and pictures but Richard and Philip refused to give them out and she didn't understand why they did not want to share the photos".

Mr Veevers was buried shortly afterwards without a post-mortem or police involvement.

It was Ms Parvin Din's "decision that the deceased should be buried without post-mortem and did not consult anyone," the court ruling said. Nor did she inform the police about the death, stating that she was not aware that she had to report it.

The Islamic burial, done quickly according to tradition, further raised suspicions from his sons, who said their father was not Muslim and had been buried under a false name.

The brothers, Richard (L) and Philip (R), were in court for some of the inquest that took place over a 10-year period [Standard Newspaper]

According to the court documents, Richard Veevers "questioned why their father was being buried as a Muslim yet he was a Christian and he was told that if buried in an open cemetery, people would dig him up and steal gold from his body".

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Ms Parvin Din testified that Mr Veevers had converted to Islam.

The brothers also accused Ms Parvin Din and her daughters of poisoning their father, so that they could inherit his multimillion-dollar portfolio  which they vehemently denied. A further complication is that there does not appear to have been a will.

Unconvinced by the circumstances surrounding his death, the sons filed an application for the exhumation of their father's body and a formal investigation into the cause of death.

A court order for exhumation was granted on 28 April 2013. However, the body was not dug up until 31 January 2014 - more than nine months later.

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The lawyer representing the sons has blamed the delay on the opposing side, citing repeated "frustrations" that stalled the process.

By the time the exhumation could happen, the body had significantly decomposed.

In the final ruling this week, the magistrate said that "due to the level of its decomposition" at the time of exhumation, it was too hard to say what had led to his death.

"The cause of death of the deceased remains unknown and as such nobody can be called to answer to any charge," he said.

Over the years, the case has passed through the hands of numerous magistrates and judges, all trying to weave through the haze of unanswered questions and delays, to find the elusive truth.

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The magistrate, Mr Odhiambo, noted that when it first began, he was just starting out his legal practice and would read about it in the newspapers, with "no idea that almost a decade later I would be presiding over the case".

In January last year, the inquest had neared its end - after years of hearings, a magistrate ruled that Mr Veevers' death was not suspicious.

However, it was soon reopened after his sons successfully challenged the ruling at the High Court. Citing irregular procedures it referred the case back to a magistrates' court, allowing them to submit new evidence.

Mr Odhiambo highlighted other issues that plagued the "convoluted case," including conflicting forensic reports submitted by different pathologists.

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One pathologist had traced a "highly toxic substance", cyhalothrin, on both the body's remains and the soil where his body was exhumed.

"The experts showed to us that there could be different interpretations... that the lay person is left wondering what to believe"", Source: David Odhiambo, Source description: Senior Resident Magistrate, Mombasa, Image: A head and shoulders image of magistrate David Odhiambo

But the magistrate noted that this evidence had been called into question as samples had reached the UK four months after exhumation and they were not in the containers they had originally been packed in. Two other pathologists in the case did not find any traces of the toxic substance in their samples.

"The experts showed to us that there could be different interpretations about a subject [such] that the lay person is left wondering what to believe," Mr Odhiambo said.

He said a lot of things had happened soon after Mr Veevers' death, but it was not possible to determine whether the "acts of commission and omission" by different parties in the case could be tied to the cause of death.

He suggested that the parties ought to have handled the matter differently.

The doctor who first attended to Mr Veevers should have advised Ms Parvin Din to report the death to the authorities and insisted on a post-mortem, he said.

Dr Salim Omar's failure to do so, he observed, had contributed to the suspicions surrounding the circumstances of the death. The doctor has since faced disciplinary action from the medical regulatory body for his handling of the matter.

As for Ms Parvin Din, the magistrate said, nothing she had done or not done was enough to find her responsible for Mr Veevers' death.

And yet, despite the finality of the ruling, the end result is a body that has remained in a mortuary for more than 11 years is still suspended in legal uncertainty, caught between siblings with irreconcilable wishes.

It is not a choice either side would willingly make.

The sons have all along argued that their father was a British citizen and should be buried in the UK, while his second wife and her daughters have wanted him to be reburied in Kenya.

The court acknowledged that determining Mr Veevers' final resting place was "nerve-racking" because of the absence of formal legislative provisions to guide burial disputes in Kenya.

It was also a "tough" decision because Mr Veevers did not ascribe to a specific custom, and no will had been presented to show that he wished "to exit the world in a certain way".

Nor was there any evidence to "show that he had a sour relationship with any of his close family members so as to exclude anyone from claiming his body".

The magistrate stated that he would not wish to interfere with who would be given the body but urged them to seek legal redress from another forum. He also noted that the dispute over inheritance was still pending in another court.

Mr Veevers' long wait for "eternal peace" will not be over any time soon.

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AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP)  A popular bagel shop has expanded its business in a new location.

Fancy Bagels has just rolled out the red carpet inside the Southgate Shopping Plaza in Agawam, just 19 minutes away from its original location.

We go to New Day Church, which is in the same plaza, and a group of us always go to breakfast, so this is so convenient and we like it, said customer Mary Ann Diestschler.

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Feline frenzy: Springfield hosts all-breed cat show championship

Since 2024, the owners of Fancy Bagels have been calling Southwick home. Now, after months of getting another venture off the ground, theyre adding Agawam to the list.

This one took a lot more work than the other one, said owner Tony Degrandi. So were in Southwick, and that one was a pizza place. And we just converted it and made it our own. This was just a box. Four months of a lot of electrical work, a lot of plumbing.

While Sunday is only the third day of Fancy Bagels opening in Agawam, the owners said they did not expect business to be booming so quickly.

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We started off a little quiet first thing, Degrandi said. As soon as we started hitting social media, it started to get crazy. And yesterday is just like how it is today.

On any given day, well over 100 customers visit their Southwick location, and the owners are starting to see that rush at their new spot. Many were stopping by after church, including one loyal customerthe owners brother-in-law, who has a sandwich named after him.

Its a monster, its three meats, its ham, bacon, and sausage, two eggs, cheese, and hashbrown, and your bagel of choice, said Jeffrey Parentela.

Many customers said they plan to be back for fresh, authentic, New York-style bagels and more.

Local News Headlines

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Theres a whisper on tinternet that Nigel Farage has sold out. Its based on things hes said  ie its impossible to deport every illegal alien  or the dissenting views of individual Reformers. Vanessa Frake, his new justice adviser, recently opined that its impractical to ban all trans women from all prisons, contra the position of Farage himself.

Journalists said Reform must be divided; the Tories, that Reform has turned wet. Men belong in mens prisons, wrote Rob Jenrick. End of.

In a sign of how far the Overton window has shifted, even Labour is now attacking Farage as soft on crime. Its latest ad says he wants to make it easier to share revenge porn online, as if Nigel had secreted a camera into Rupert Lowes bedroom and uploaded the grim results on YouTube.

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What is going on? The fuss around Frake needs to be contextualised: she was speaking for herself, and theres nowt wrong with that.

Reform is a start-up. The whole premise is to offer a platform to those who hate machine politics but still want to serve the public. Such people, completely new to this business, are going to be opinionated; they will speak their mind. Isnt that what we want? Voters complain that politicians are robotic, yet the minute one of them demonstrates free will, commentators leap on it as evidence of civil war.

Moreover, pluralism of thought is inevitable in any organisation growing this fast. A year ago, Reform was a one-man band. Today it has around 230,000 members, 450 branches and over 850 councillors, with competitive elections under way to staff the board.

Farage couldve banked winning 10 councils and moved on: instead he has set them a task, chiefly to save money, and invited voters to judge the national party on how local officials, operating beyond his direct control, do. Thats brave; a hostage to fortune. But it reflects Farages personal transformation from spoiler vote to potential PM.

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If hes moderating his rhetoric, its probably not just because its necessary to win. I think that Farage believes he will win. This is a man of conscience on the cusp of power, being careful not to over-hype expectations of what a Reform government can actually achieve.

Consider past mistakes. Rishi Sunak said stop the boats, and didnt. Keir Starmer said smash the gangs, and he still hasnt. The failure to deliver promises on immigration has done as much damage to the country as mass migration itself, fuelling perceptions of elite failure  or lies  and eroding faith in democracy.

The Left assumes that when Farage says Britain is on the verge of social collapse, of disorder and riots, this is what he wants to happen, but the opposite is true. He means it as a warning. Instinctual conservatives like Farage abhor revolution, and its precisely because he has long operated on the interzone between centre and radical Right that he knows the anger thats out there and the potential for violent upheaval. Hence a Reform government, far from being fascist, might be the last chance to do the things that quell nativist anger.

Saving our system from itself is the historic role Farage played in the late 2000s, when the rise of Ukip drained support from the BNP, channelling it into the safer waters of euroscepticism. He is the last gasp of the 20th century, defending its liberality and patriotism, and has an old-fashioned reading of British identity rooted in history and constitutionalism, not race or religion.

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I havent fought the change, caused by immigration, he once said, provided it comes with integration. Im sure that to him, men like Zia Yusuf  Reforms former chairman, Muslim and stinking rich  exemplify a British Dream that stretches from the beaches of Dunkirk to Ibiza, the freedom not to be told what to do, the right to have a laugh.

To populist critics, however, Yusuf is a suspicious character who kept dragging Reform back to an illusionary centre-ground  compromise and betrayal  and Nigels tolerance of him epitomised a lack of intellectual rigour. Farage might be tougher than the establishment on immigration, they say, but hes out-of-date. Doesnt see how bad things have got, doesnt get the existential threat posed by Islam. Lowe has speculated that he was driven out of Reform, in part, because the leadership didnt want him talking about mass deportation.

Spying an opportunity, the Tories are triangulating against Reform, suggesting Farage has embraced full communism by seeking to expand child benefit or nationalise industries. Arguably this illustrates their own, very unconservative addiction to economic dogma. Farage has evolved with circumstances  this is an insecure age that demands more babies, more manufacturing  and out of loyalty to constituencies that have been loyal to him.

In short: if Scunthorpe wants its steel protected, hell do it. The alternative is to offer the working class a dry lecture on supply and demand and what the country cannot afford. A bitter pill given Westminster earmarked 7bn to relocate Afghan refugees to the UK.

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Indeed, the basic problem the Conservatives have with trying to attack Farage from the Right is that we can remember what they did in office. Even if the Tories dumped Kemi and brought in Jenrick, who Farage has said will almost certainly end up to the Right of him on immigration, Farage will turn to him at that first debate in 2029 and ask: Why did your party open the borders and refuse to leave the ECHR?

Jenrick has undergone a genuine conversion on these points, but my gut tells me the Tories are essentially a liberal party that occasionally says conservative things, whereas Reform is a conservative party that occasionally says liberal things. I am therefore more willing to give Reform the benefit of the doubt.

The physical comparison between the slimline Jenrick and old Nigel, in a blazer, beneath a halo of cigarette smoke, would also be significant. Farage embodies his conservatism. So does Donald Trump.

Trump, too, has said things at odds with his base  on abortion or war  and several Republicans ran against him from the Right in presidential primaries. They lost. Ultimately, politics is about vibes, and you are never going to convince the voters that Nigel Farage is a globalist cross-dressing as a nationalist.

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Workers at Triumph Foods pork processing facility are pictured on April 28, 2017. The facility houses 2,800 employees in St. Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Preston Keres, USDA via Flickr)

A pigs head arrives in front of Christopher Lopez.

He knows the drill: cut into the area behind the ears, find two small lymph nodes and incise them three or four times each. Check the nose and mouth for signs of disease  six to nine seconds to finish the inspection. Wash the gloves and sanitize the knives. One to two seconds to breathe.

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Another head is already coming.

For a year and seven months, Lopez performed procedures like this for 10 hours a day, five to six days a week. Its what he was trained for as a consumer safety inspector at the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

I would have my fingers start to lock up because I was gripping my knives too hard, Lopez said. Even though we kept ourselves at a high standard of being clean, I felt dirty, so I didnt like to eat. Its hard to stay hydrated, because if I had to take a drink, I had to take off my gloves, and I dont have a lot of time to do that.

At larger processing facilities, Lopez  who left his position in April  would help inspect thousands of animals a day for issues ranging from fecal matter to pathogens. The fast operation rates posed a challenge but were manageable, he said.

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I would say I had enough time, Lopez said. Did I have as much time as I wanted? No, absolutely not.

Many swine and poultry plants across the U.S. are now increasing rates of processing and inspecting animals  or line speeds. The change is part of what government officials call a modernized inspection system, which also shifts carcass sorting duties from federal inspectors to company employees.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins makes her first official address to employees at the USDA Headquarters in Washington, D.C, on Feb.14, 2025. Four weeks later, she announced plans to make faster line speeds permanent for pork and poultry. (Photo by Paul Sale, USDA via Flickr)

In March, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to extend modernization waivers and to make faster line speeds a federal standard under President Trumps second administration.

The move could permanently change the level of oversight FSIS inspectors have on the lines.

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The USDA has said increasing line speeds will help companies meet growing demand without excessive government interference, according to a March release. Pork and poultry industry groups backed the announcement almost immediately, and one company official told Investigate Midwest that privatizing certain responsibilities allows for more in-house accountability during inspections.

Paula Soldner, national joint council chairperson of a FSIS inspectors union. (Photo provided by Soldner)

However, critics of the change argue that federal inspectors play an essential role as independent watchdogs in privately run plants, and increasing line speeds with less federal oversight poses a significant risk to consumers, workers and animals.

To put it simply, the plant will control every aspect of it with minimal oversight, said Paula Soldner, national joint council chairperson of a FSIS inspectors union.

Shifts to modernization began in 1997 as FSIS permitted faster line speeds and fewer federal inspectors at a handful of swine and poultry slaughterhouses nationwide. In 2014, a new program began permitting poultry plants to modernize voluntarily, and an opt-in system for swine plants followed in 2019.

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As of August, 168 poultry plants and 18 swine establishments have converted to modernized models. Waivers for two poultry facilities and four pork plants are currently pending.

At modernized poultry plants, line speed caps have risen from 140 to 175 birds per minute, and their swine counterparts face no line speed limits. All these establishments rely on their own employees to sort carcasses  the process of analyzing meat and trimming off defects  while government inspectors remain hands-off at the ends of the lines.

Though FSIS insists the modernized system keeps federal inspectors in charge, just with fewer physical responsibilities, The Washington Post reported in 2019 that inspection duties are shifting to private companies under modernization  if not on paper, then in practice.

At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the nations third-largest poultry producer with over 26,000 employees, modernization efforts have led to a handoff of inspection responsibilities, according to Juanfra DeVillena, senior vice president of quality assurance and food safety. He confirmed company personnel have taken over initial inspection tasks and are now in charge of ensuring quality, while federal inspectors continue to oversee food safety.

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FSIS is food safety inspection, and they were getting into areas that did not belong to them, DeVillena said. What FSIS did is they just switched their focus to what they should have always done, which is food safety, and put the quality oversight back into our operations.

In a statement to Investigate Midwest, a USDA spokesperson maintained that modernization is backed by science and common sense.

These reforms allow for greater efficiency while strengthening U.S. food production, reducing costs for producers and consumers, and supporting a more resilient supply chain, the government spokesperson wrote.

Some of them can be sneaky: Inspectors warn of food safety risks

From August 2023 to last April, Lopez worked as an inspector on and off the processing lines at 16 pork, poultry, beef or bison plants in three states. Multiple were modernized facilities, he said, including Pitman Farms, a Utah turkey establishment.

Christopher Lopez, former FSIS consumer safety inspector. (Photo provided by Lopez)

There, company personnel sorted the carcasses, and as a federal inspector, Lopez observed their actions and screened every bird at the end of the line.

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There were benefits to this hands-off role, he said, like being able to sit there and actually look at product and not have to focus on sharpening our knives. Thats part of how FSIS framed the change in its modernization policy: by removing inspectors from hands-on duties, the agency said they could devote more time to evaluating carcasses online and completing offline verification tasks that are more effective in ensuring food safety.

Extensive research has confirmed that modernized systems uphold the highest food safety standards, the USDA spokesperson wrote to Investigate Midwest.

But under the poultry modernization program, only one federal inspector is stationed on each processing line, responsible for reviewing all carcasses sorted by plant employees. And problems arose for Lopez when the workers he oversaw consistently outnumbered him five to one.

Yes, were there, and we have the potential to see everything thats going on, but in reality, it doesnt always work out that way, Lopez said. You cant look at five people and watch everything that theyre doing as well as pay attention to what youre inspecting.

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To Lopez, the success of a plants modernization depends on staffing levels. If line speeds increase, so should the number of plant workers and federal inspectors to maintain food safety standards, he said.

A USDA spokesperson did not address questions from Investigate Midwest about how the agency enforces federal staffing standards at traditional plants, and how these regulations differ at modernized plants.

Soldner, of the FSIS inspectors union, has visited several modernized slaughterhouses over the past few years. She said she noticed no glaring food safety concerns because all the facilities were adequately staffed.

But even sufficient staffing may not be enough. According to Lopez, FSIS requires its inspectors to undergo intensive training prior to certification, where food safety is highlighted as the top priority. At the modernized plants where Lopez worked, he said private employees tasked with carcass sorting went through similar training, though he believes it was not nearly as rigorous.

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FSIS does not mandate any standardized training for company sorters. The agency instead encourages companies to conduct independent training based on federal guidelines for both pork and poultry, which are derived from FSIS inspector training protocols.

At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, DeVillena said privately-hired sorters undergo annual recertifications using an internal training manual developed from federal guidelines. The training includes classroom lectures, on-the-job training, follow-up sessions and continuous monitoring.

I honestly dont know the frequency in which the FSIS inspectors get trained, but I can tell you that for our group, its more strict because we own that process, DeVillena said. We gotta be able to defend it and validate it.

But Wayne-Sandersons approach is not industry standard  or federally mandated. Critics say that flexibility is the problem. Without enforceable, uniform training requirements, each company can decide how thoroughly its workers are prepared to identify contamination and disease.

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In public comments on the 2019 swine modernization policy, several advocacy groups urged FSIS to establish official training for company sorters. Even industry members requested that the agency improve existing training guidelines.

FSIS responded that its current guide was sufficient, and it would not be prescribing specific sorter training or certification. When Investigate Midwest asked why, the agency did not respond.

Adequate training only goes so far, Lopez said. In his experience, even if carcass sorters were well-trained, their priorities as private personnel may have leaned toward keeping the lines moving.

Some of them can be sneaky about what they do, Lopez said. In instances where he flagged a carcass for contamination but didnt immediately take control of it, he said employees would sometimes make the contamination mysteriously disappear or mix the carcass in with others. They might do it in the name of efficiency, but not necessarily in the name of food safety, he added.

In response to Lopezs experiences at modernized plants, DeVillena said the structure of modernized inspection systems at Wayne-Sanderson Farms makes it impossible to hide defects.

Even if we wanted to do that, which we dont want to, theres no way for us to do that, DeVillena said.

Juanfra DeVillena, senior vice president of quality assurance and food safety for Wayne-Sanderson Farms. (Photo provided by DeVillena)

DeVillena described two levels of FSIS oversight at his company: a carcass inspector stationed at the end of the line to catch external contamination like fecal matter, and a verification inspector who examines 10 carcasses in detail each hour, including internal checks, to make sure company employees do their jobs effectively. He emphasized that the latter inspector can open the carcasses, examine every surface and is not directly supervising the sorters work  but still has full access to verify product safety.

However, other inspectors have described experiences similar to those of Lopez. In April 2020, Jill Mauer, a federal consumer safety inspector, filed a declaration as part of a 2019 lawsuit against the USDA over its swine modernization policy. In it, Mauer said shed been working at a modernized pork plant in Austin, Minnesota, for 23 years prior.

I have witnessed slaughterhouse employees attempt to sneak defective carcasses past me, her declaration stated. Diseased animals and defects like toenails, hair, and abscesses are routinely allowed for human consumption at the facility, Mauer wrote.

Part of the problem, she said, was the short inspection time. At the modernized plant in Minnesota, inspectors have about two seconds per pig to identify pathology and fecal contamination, Mauer stated. Investigate Midwest reached out to her for comment, but she declined to speak on the record.

Soldner, who worked as a FSIS inspector for 32 years prior to her full-time role at the inspectors union, said this window wasnt nearly enough time for federal inspectors to spot hazards  even if private employees had already reviewed the carcasses.

The shrinking role of inspectors on pork and poultry lines reflect a fundamental shift in oversight, she said.

When I came in in 1987, we regulated the industry, Soldner told Investigate Midwest. Now, industry regulates what FSIS inspectors have the ability to do.

Industry groups defend modernization

Pork and poultry industries claim faster line speeds do not make food any less safe.

When the USDA announced its plans to formally increase line speeds in March, the National Chicken Council, a trade association representing U.S. chicken companies, voiced its support. In a March 17 release, the Council cited a 2021 study concluding that faster line speeds do not predict higher salmonella contamination risk in young chicken processing plants.

In a statement to Investigate Midwest, Tom Super, the Councils senior vice president of public affairs, emphasized that modernization in poultry processing applies only to the speed of evisceration lines  the highly automated areas that involve organ removal, carcass cleaning and inspection.

Food safety outcomes are not determined by the speed of the evisceration line, Super wrote. Instead, he said, they depend on maintaining strict protocols, using science-backed safety measures and ensuring consistent oversight.

Investigate Midwest reached out to several other modernized swine and poultry companies for comment about faster line speeds and the reorganization of federal inspectors. None responded to multiple requests for comment.

For years, industry groups have lobbied for faster line speeds, records show.

In 2017, the National Chicken Council petitioned the government to permit faster line speeds in young chicken slaughterhouses. Shortly after, multiple trade associations and corporations shared nearly identical letters of support.

In the letters, industry groups  including the Ohio Poultry Association, the Indiana State Poultry Association, Wayne-Sanderson Farms (then Wayne Farms) and House of Raeford Farms  celebrated the petition as a step forward in promoting and enhancing FSIS inspection procedures and increasing industry efficiency.

Industry members wrote that they believe modernization would maintain food safety, citing a 2017 federal report that found no increase in salmonella contamination at modernized poultry plants.

The data also demonstrated that inspectors are performing four times more off-line food safety verification tasks in modernized plants than in their traditional counterparts, the letters stated.

In one letter, House of Raeford Farms  one of the top poultry producers nationwide  highlighted the competitive disadvantage of line speed caps. Plants in other countries like Canada operate at higher line speeds, the company wrote, so eliminating domestic line speed limits would put U.S. producers on more equal footing.

FSIS ultimately denied the National Chicken Councils petition in January 2018, but said it intended to allow faster line speeds at young chicken plants that follow certain criteria in the near future. A month later, the agency published that criteria, permitting certain facilities to increase line speeds.

Now, under Trumps second administration, faster line speeds are on track to become the new federal standard for both pork and poultry.

For plants with high daily outputs, Lopez, the former FSIS inspector, said that faster lines and shifting federal oversight could lead to food safety risks. But he sees potential in modernized systems, he said, especially at facilities that maintain sufficient staff and dont overwhelm them with thousands of animals a day.

I think that some of the medium-sized establishments really could benefit from it, Lopez said. The large establishments just kind of take advantage of it.

Is speed or staffing to blame for increased worker injury?

Data shows that meatpacking and poultry companies are among the most dangerous industries in America.

Two government-commissioned studies published in January found that 81% of workers at evaluated poultry facilities and 46% of workers at evaluated swine plants were at high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) like carpal tunnel syndrome.

PULSE_PoultryStudy_250109_Final

Many workers and advocates say faster line speeds increase risk of injury. Jose Oliva  campaigns director at HEAL Food Alliance, a coalition of food and farm system workers  called the change a total travesty for plant employees. Prior to HEAL, Oliva served as director of the Food Chain Workers Alliance, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers in the food system.

Even though you are wearing protective equipment, that does not give you 100% protection, Oliva said. If (workers are) injured or cut themselves, if the injury is not too deep, they just continue to work. The line just keeps moving.

A policy brief from Johns Hopkins University supports this conclusion, according to Patti Truant Anderson, the briefs author.

What we found in our review of literature was that theres strong evidence that line speeds are associated with higher worker perceptions of injury risk, so they feel like its more unsafe when theyre made to work at these higher line speeds, said Anderson, who is policy director at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Her analysis also found that line speeds are associated with lower worker well-being and higher injury risk from repetitive tasks, she said.

Several reports by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog agency, highlight these concerns. The assessments, published between 2005 and 2017, repeatedly note stakeholder concerns about worker safety with faster line speeds. When asked if GAO is investigating modernization in light of Rollins recent announcement, public affairs specialist Jasmine Berry Franklin told Investigate Midwest the agency has nothing currently in the works.

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/24395843/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/24395843

The National Chicken Council, however, points to results from the January study on poultry workers, which suggest no associations between evisceration line speeds and MSD risk. The identical study on swine workers found conflicting evidence: faster evisceration lines were linked to an increase in MSD risk at one facility, and a decrease at another.

In the statement to Investigate Midwest, the USDA spokesperson cited the same studies, concluding no direct link between line speeds and workplace injuries. The agencys March 17 announcement to formalize faster line speeds also halted any further collection of worker safety data from modernized plants, calling the information redundant.

According to Carisa Harris  principal investigator of both studies and director of the Northern California Center of Occupational and Environmental Health  evisceration line speeds arent the main determinant of worker safety.

Instead, she said, the critical metric is piece rate: the number of animal parts handled per minute by each individual worker. While evisceration line speeds measure the speed at which the lines move in one stage of processing, piece rate takes into account both line speeds and staffing levels to determine the individual workload of each employee throughout the entire process.

Both studies found a correlation between MSD risk and piece rate.

swine processing line speed study

Theres been so much attention on evisceration line speed, and our hope is that the conversation changes because thats not the variable thats going to help protect workers, Harris said. If we can talk about piece rate by area or by job, that would be a much more productive conversation to have.

The two studies werent without limitations. One, as Harris called it, was healthy worker survivor bias  the tendency for results to reflect only workers healthy enough to continue on.

Those who left employment due to work-related pain or the inability to keep up with the high pace of work were underrepresented, the poultry report stated. The swine study echoed this limitation.

Debbie Berkowitz, who served as chief of staff at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from 2009 to 2014, said she believes evaluated plants may have also added staff during the study period to reduce individual workloads while under observation.

Because (the plants) knew they were being studied, they added workers to jobs, which meant that nobody was working harder and faster in the key jobs that they studied, Berkowitz told Investigate Midwest.

The USDA spokesperson did not respond to a question about this phenomenon, but Harris acknowledged it was a concern  that plants may have temporarily improved working conditions during the study. However, she said her team regularly interviewed workers to assess whether the conditions they experienced during the studies matched their usual work environments. According to Harris, very few reported any differences.

Lori Stevermer, a Minnesota pork producer and immediate past president of the National Pork Producers Council, reiterated that increased line speeds are not a leading factor in worker safety in a statement to Investigate Midwest.

Super, of the National Chicken Council, said unsafe line speeds would be counterproductive for the industry itself.

If line speeds are set too fast, then tasks will not be performed properly and the result will be a costly de-valuing of the final poultry products, Super wrote in the statement. No benefit exists for plant management to operate production lines at speeds that are unsafe, and will not permit all work to be performed at high levels of skill and competence.

Where efficiency meets animal welfare

Slaughterhouse operations are systematic. Animals undergo a step-by-step process that stuns, scalds, removes organs, washes, cuts and chills in a highly efficient fashion.

However, protocol can go awry for a variety of reasons, ranging from worker error to machinery malfunction. And animal welfare advocates allege that it has, especially at modernized swine and poultry plants with increasing line speeds and shifting federal oversight.



Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute at the Vermont Law and Graduate School. (Photo provided by Winders)

Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute at the Vermont Law and Graduate School, said faster line speeds result in more inhumane practices.

Animals who are not keeping pace with the line are handled violently by workers who are just trying to keep up, Winders told Investigate Midwest. This involves increased dragging of animals, hitting of animals and excessive electroshocking leading up to slaughter, she said.

Concerns like these helped fuel a 2019 lawsuit filed by Winders and a group of animal welfare organizations, challenging the USDAs swine modernization program. The lawsuit alleged, among other claims, that increasing line speeds and shifting responsibility from federal inspectors to slaughterhouse employees jeopardize humane handling.

Even downed pigs  animals too sick or injured to walk  were handled in this way, because, according to a supervisor, they dont have time to handle them more humanely, the lawsuit stated.

As part of the court case, advocates and inspectors submitted a series of declarations about personal experiences with modernization. One testimony came from Mauer, the consumer safety inspector who raised food safety concerns about her modernized pork plant in Austin, Minnesota.

Mauer wrote that on multiple occasions, she noticed pig carcasses with water-filled lungs from the scald tank  a stage in the slaughter process where animals should be dead.

While there are a few reasons why tank water in the lungs may occur, tank water in hogs lungs is an indication that pigs were possibly still breathing at the time they entered the scalding tank, her declaration stated.

Improper execution at slaughterhouses isnt a new complaint. In 2013, the Washington Post reported that nearly 1 million birds were boiled alive in U.S. poultry plants every year, based on USDA data. This was in part due to rapid line speeds, which can result in unsuccessful slaughter prior to scald tank immersion, the article found.

But Super, of the National Chicken Council, maintained that modernization only changes the speeds of postmortem evisceration lines. Leading up to and during slaughter, Super said, chicken processors consider animal welfare the top priority, and they strictly adhere to federal guidelines for humane handling.

Advocates remain critical. Michael Windsor  senior corporate engagement director at The Humane League, a nonprofit working to end farmed animal abuse  told Investigate Midwest in a statement that faster line speeds in any stage of processing add pressure to the entire system.

Any increase in line speeds  pre- or post-mortem  create a dangerous ripple effect that increases suffering for animals and hazards for workers, Windsor stated.

He added that consumers likely have a limited sense of what goes on behind closed doors at modernized plants.

When people think about food safety or animal welfare, they dont necessarily picture the exhausted workers racing to keep pace with hundreds of birds per minute or the animals being improperly stunned and boiled alive, Windsor wrote. This lack of awareness isnt accidental. The meat industry operates in secrecy, and USDA policies  like allowing company employees to replace federal inspectors  only deepen the opacity.

Four years after the 2019 lawsuit, the judge dismissed the case and upheld the federal swine modernization program. In a December 2023 ruling, the court found that FSIS had adequately considered humane handling impacts, which was all the law required.

Winders said she believes courts generally defer to the judgment of administration agencies like the USDA.

Its very hard to prevail against an agency because everything is going to be interpreted in their favor, she said.

Winders and her team stand firm on one claim, arguing modernization reduces federal oversight and endangers animal welfare. Theyve appealed the ruling, and an oral argument is approaching in the next few months. With formal laws on the horizon, Winders said issues surrounding modernization are only growing more critical  not just due to risks to animals, but also to workers and consumers.

Its hard to disentangle the animal welfare concerns and human safety concerns, she told Investigate Midwest. Theyre really intertwined.

This article first appeared on Investigate Midwest and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y.  Zohran Mamdani told reporters on Sunday that the fatal shooting in New York City hours earlier was the latest example of the "scourge of gun violence" in the country's most populous city.

New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that there were 12 victims, including three fatalities, in a suspected gang-related shooting at the Taste of the City Lounge in the borough's Crown Heights section.

During a canvass launch event in the Prospect Park neighborhood, Mamdani told reporters that the incident is "yet another example of the scourge of gun violence that has taken hold across so much of our city."

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The New York City Democratic mayoral nominee noted that just three weeks ago, the city experienced its deadliest mass shooting in 25 years when a gunman killed four people in Midtown Manhattan before taking his own life.

Deadliest Nyc Shooting In Decades Takes Center Stage In Mayoral Race As Candidates Spar On Public Safety

Mamdani called for investing "in the very kind of programs and services that have been proven effective at combating this epidemic" of gun violence, specifically scaling up what he referred to as New York's crisis management system.

Read On The Fox News App

Mamdani Dodges Responsibility For Threats To Nypd In First Presser Since Deadly Manhattan Shooting

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The mayoral hopeful said on Sunday that he is proposing 275% increased investment in the Department of Community Safety.

Last month's Manhattan shooting propelled Mamdani's past comments, including those calling to defund the NYPD, to center stage in the race for Gracie Mansion.

"My statements in 2020 were ones made amidst a frustration that many New Yorkers held at the murder of George Floyd," Mamdani responded last month when a reporter asked if he regretted any of his prior comments.

Mamdani has since walked back his stance on defunding police, but his competitors, including former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seized on such comments, telling CNN that Mamdani doesnt understand the "importance of NYPD."

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As details emerged on Sunday about the fatal shooting in Brooklyn, incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, claimed his administration has driven down crime by removing illegal guns from the streets.

"What I can tell you, we will continue our aggressive pursuit to remove these illegal guns off our streets. Every single victim of violence, particularly gun violence, is one too many," he said.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo arrives to testify before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Rayburn House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.

In a statement on X, Cuomo called the incident "another horrific mass shooting."

"My heart goes out to the victims and to their loved ones. Public safety is, and always has been, Job 1. This isnt the time to defund or dismantle the police. We need more officers, not less, to keep our communities safe," Cuomo said, in an apparent political jab at Mamdani and his past comments.

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Meanwhile, the Republican mayoral nominee, Curtis Sliwa, CEO of the Guardian Angels, said his "thoughts are with the victims and their families after this latest shooting."

"Cuomos pro-criminal laws created this mess, and Mamdanis radical agenda would only make it worse. The status quo has failed. Im the only candidate with the courage to restore law and order in NYC," Sliwa said in a statement on X.

Fox News' CB Cotton contributed to this report.





Original article source: Fatal Brooklyn lounge shooting reignites NYC mayoral candidate clash over gun violence response
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said on Saturday that a 'zero-tolerance policy' has been adopted in the fight against drugs, so police and other security agencies have been instructed to take strict action against people involved in drug smuggling. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organised by the Aurobindo Sangha at the AD Nagar Higher Secondary School grounds in Agartala. He said that there are various problems related to drug use in Tripura. "Along with boys, girls are also getting addicted to drugs. The state government is continuing its fight against this. Various security agencies, including the police, are conducting operations against drugs. Efforts are being made to catch the drug kingpin. The police and other agencies have been instructed not to let anyone associated with drugs go free," he said. "A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in the fight against drugs. Work is being done in that way. The amount of drugs destroyed has increased by 132% compared to last year. The amount of drug seizures has increased by 104%. Parents should also be more vigilant and aware of drugs. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country forward, we are also trying to move forward," he said. The Chief Minister said that everything cannot be solved in a single day, as it is not possible to undo the atmosphere created by the work and policies of the Communists and Congress over the last 35 years, along with another 5 years. "It needs a lot of time. Still, we want to build a beautiful state. India has now come to the fourth place in terms of economy, whereas earlier it was in the 11th place. Tripura is in the second-highest position among the states of the North-Eastern region in terms of GSDP and per capita income," he added. CM Saha further said, "The amount of drugs destroyed and seized has increased significantly. Apart from this, Tripura is many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation". Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that there can be no greater donation than blood donation. "We can donate clothes, money, food, education, etc., but blood donation is a donation that cannot be bought from the market for money. Blood donation brings a divine feeling. Others can also be motivated through this social activity. We are many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation. Out of 100 people, 15 have a negative blood group. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate stock of negative blood," he added. Dr. Saha said that the Aurobindo Sangha organized various activities from August 1 to August 15 on the occasion of its foundation day and Independence Day. As part of this, responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it organized the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' program. "A mature tree provides 260 pounds of oxygen every year. The Prime Minister started this program across the country with respect for mothers. He also emphasized reducing the level of carbon dioxide in India in the coming days. A tree can absorb about 48 to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is good if everyone knows these things scientifically," said Dr. Saha. The function was attended by MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Alok Roy, Corporator of the Municipal Corporation, Shyamal Kanti De, President of the Aurobindo Sangha, Secretary Supriya Ghosh, and other distinguished persons. (ANI)
OCHOPEE  This week, Angelica Maldonado faced her first day of high school without her father, Rufino.

Authorities detained the 51-year-old Mexican immigrant Aug. 10 and are holding him at Alligator Alcatraz.

On Aug. 16, 14-year-old Angelica joined more than 100 people for a Mass outside the immigrant detention facility, led by the Rev. Frank O'Loughlin. For the 83-year-old O'Loughlin, founder of the Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach, and the teenager, the service was both a protest of today's conditions and a prayer for a better tomorrow.

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We are not just fighting for the future, O'Loughlin said. You are proclaiming this kingdom of death will end and the reign of God will shine forth among us.

Immigration crackdown: He lived an immigrant's nightmare. One problem: He's a citizen, got his arrest on video

The Mass was part of OLoughlin's 60th jubilee celebration as a priest. He has spent his years serving immigrants and migrant workers across Florida and is known to many as "Father Frank." OLoughlin said he brought people like Angelica to the shadows of the detention center to rally against the reported conditions of the people detained there.

"I am here to protest to have my dad back with me and my family again, Angelica said as she stood outside the detention center built in the Everglades, an hour from her family's home in Homestead.

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My dad has always been there for me on the first day of school, she said, breaking into tears. This is cruel what they are doing to people. They are ripping families apart.

"I miss my father, said Angelica, hugging her younger brother.

The Rev. Frank O'Loughlin, 'Father Frank' to much of South Florida and the founder of the Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach, celebrates Mass outside the immigrant detention center in Ochopee known as Alligator Alcatraz on Aug. 16, 2025.

Most of those who traveled to the service, which took place on a hot day at a buggy crossroad on the Tamiami Trail midway between Naples and Miami, came from South Florida, but others came from far away to take part. They said they did it to honor O'Loughlin.

Jerry Kay, 78, flew in from California days earlier.

Hes much more frail than when I knew him 50 years ago, Kay said of O'Loughlin. But when he takes to the pulpit, hes got more strength than most people I know."

About 100 gathered in summer heat for Mass at Alligator Alcatraz

The staff of the Guatemalan-Maya Center  which over the past 30 years has become a key point of services for new arrivals from Central and South America  arrived hours early to erect a large white tent in front of Alligator Alcatrazs entryway. The facility itself wasnt visible from the road, but its sign stood opposite the pulpit.

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Between the two, organizers arranged rows of folding chairs on a plastic sheet, welcoming newcomers with bug spray and water bottles. With 30 minutes to go before the start of the Mass, the tent began to fill in earnest.

"While we gather together to celebrate Father Franks diamond jubilee, we remember all the parents who fled violent regimes only to be met with further oppression here, said Mariana Blanco, the center's director.

Mariana Blanco, Director of the Guatemalan-Mayan Center, places Father Frank O'Loughlin's signature Guatemalan drape before his Mass on Aug. 16, 2025 held outside Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Florida Everglades.

Attendees cars lined either side of the two-way road. Some were dressed for church and others only to withstand the heat. Those who arrived early enough to get a seat in the tent sat shoulder to shoulder, a swamp to their right and the detention center at their backs.

O'Loughlin appeared next, along with a swarm of friends and followers, some to ask for a photo, others to clip a microphone to his lapel, to put spray bug repellent down his back or to give him a cold cup of water and aim a portable fan, equipped with a mister, at the octogenarian.

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He accepted the help warmly.

Those who stood outside the tent did so with mud on their shoes. They raised their hands in prayer, then kept them up to block the sun. When a young woman  called to the lectern to speak about those inside the detention center walls  began to cry, others wiped their faces too, from tears or sweat or both.

Worshippers traveled from as far as 175 miles away to Ochopee on Aug. 16, 2025, for the Rev. Frank O'Loughlin's Mass outside the immigrant detention center called Alligator Alcatraz. O'Loughlin celebrated Mass to protest President Trump's treatment of immigrants.

If they werent fanning themselves or shielding their eyes, they were clasping hands with strangers. They prayed aloud, sometimes in unison, during a Mass that was as much a sermon as a show of solidarity with those inside the detention center.

Shall we ever permit anybody to call them aliens? OLoughlin asked, to a resounding No.

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If you start calling them illegal, the next stop is calling them criminal," he said.

Again and again, the priest returned to the language of the biblical book of Exodus. He reminded the crowd that God once freed his people from Egypt, calling on his own congregation to see todays migrants as modern-day Israelites. Communion itself, he said, was born of slaverys escape: the unleavened bread of the runaway slaves who struck out into the desert for freedom.

To accept the sacrament was not only to savor ones own deliverance, he said, but also to accept the responsibility to liberate others.

"Thank you, Father Frank," someone shouted as O'Loughlin wound up his remarks. The crowd erupted in laughter and clapped in a standing ovation.

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Immigration crackdown: He played Jesus on Good Friday. Ten days later, he was deported.

Many who atttended Mass said they opposed ICE separation of families

The Aug. 16 service, a blend of prayer and policy talk, drew parishioners, immigrant advocates and families from across Florida.

One couple, Hilario and Maria Barajas, both 75, left their home in Auburndale at 5 a.m. to attend. They picked fields across the country their entire lives and first protested along with O'Loughlin 45 years ago. He even baptized their son.

This time, they came to rally against the detentions at Alligator Alcatraz.

We are against all this separation of families, said Maria. And of people being deported for no other reason than being here to make a better life for their children.

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Kim Stones and Rachel McGerman drove from Lake Worth Beach to join the Mass. Both said they are concerned with reports of authorities detaining day laborers in their city and across Palm Beach County.

"The terror that these families are in on C Street, this is our home, McGerman said. "I also know it would mean a lot to the people who are being detained across the street to know that there are people here praying for them.

Also from Lake Worth Beach, Karim Salcedo, a teacher at the Guatemelan-Maya Center, brushed tears off her cheeks throughout the ceremony. She said she has learned the father of one of her voluntary pre-K education students is also detained at Alligator Alcatraz.

"I can visualize her dad in there, Salcedo said, her voice thinning out. Many of them came here looking for freedom and liberty and now they are locked up in there without hope.

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Salcedo said OLoughlins Mass gave her hope.

"This Mass, it was like the grace of God shining in a moment of darkness, Salcedo said.

The Rev. Frank O'Loughlin smiles at one of about 100 people who gathered outside the detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz for Mass on Aug. 16. O'Loughlin, known as 'Father Frank' to many, held the Mass to protest the treatment of immigrants in the U.S.

Maria Garcia, a Naples resident, celebrated her 30th birthday by holding a banner along the busy road in from Alligator Alcatraz holding a sign that read Silence is compliance.

Dont ever think it's not going to be you, Garcia said. Because by the time it is you, there is not going to be enough people to speak up.

Our rights are getting chipped away day by day, she added. So wake up and speak up.

Valentina Palm and Hannah Phillips are reporters for The Palm Beach Post. Reach them at vpalm@pbpost.com and hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Catholic priest holds Mass at Alligator Alcatraz detention center
(Photo/Emma Ricketts)

In a 94-page decision released on Friday, August 15, a federal judge in Arizona rejected the most recent attempt by the San Carlos Apache Tribe, environmental groups, and other plaintiffs to block the federal government from transferring land from the U.S. Forest Service to Resolution Copper.

The land commonly known as Oak Flat is known to the Apache as Chichil Bildagoteela sacred site to tribal members, known for its ancient oak groves and traditional plants that are vital to Apache religious practices.

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Federal District Court Judge Dominic W. Lanza recognized that the planned copper mine would destroy one of the Apache people's most sacred sites, pose serious environmental risks, and consume vast amounts of water amid Arizonas ongoing historic drought.

However, he concluded that the plaintiffs had not presented a strong enough legal case to warrant halting the project.

Lanza noted that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in May to decline hearing Apache Strongholds appeal played a role in shaping his ruling. He pointed out that the high court had refused to take up the case even though it involved claims that, in his view, raised more substantial and compelling legal questions than those presented in the current lawsuit.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe, Apache Stronghold, and other plaintiffs have spent years in court battling to protect Chichil Bildagoteel.

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With the decision, the land transfer could occur as soon as this coming week on August 19.

The planned land exchange would hand over 2,422 acres of Tonto National Forest, including Oak Flat, or Chichil Bidagoteel in Apache, to Resolution Copper, a mining venture jointly owned by London-based Rio Tinto (55%) and Australian firm BHP (45%).

The area, 70 miles east of Phoenix, is a sacred ceremonial site for the Apache and listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property.

Adding to concerns is the international ownership structure of Resolution Copper. Rio Tintos largest investor is the Chinese state-owned Aluminum Corporation of China, which holds a 14.6% stake.

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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
The Brief

The latest numbers from the federal police takeover in D.C. have revealed that there have been more than 240 total arrests and 38 firearms seized since Thursday, August 7.

Last night's operations alone led to 52 arrests, with 28 of those being migrants.

Twenty-five homeless encampments were removed, and the D.C. National Guard is conducting patrols in the area.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A White House official has today revealed that more than 240 arrests have been made in the district since President Donald Trump's federal takeover began.

What we know

This initiative, which is in compliance with the President's March Executive Order, saw 52 arrests during Friday night's operations. In total, 38 firearms have been seized since the initiative began August 7. This is more than double the more than 120 arrests reported by FBI Director Kash Patel just a few days ago.

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Among the 52 people taken into custody, 28 were defined as migrants, according to a White House official. Three illegal firearms were also seized during the night's operations. The arrests included charges for armed robbery, possession with intent to distribute and outstanding warrants for grand larceny.

In addition to the arrests, 25 homeless encampments were removed during Friday's reporting period. Officials noted that teams reported no negative confrontations and did not make any arrests during the removals.

According to a White House official, 22 multi-agency teams were deployed throughout all seven districts in D.C. to promote public safety and arrest violent offenders. The official stated there were over 1,800 participants in last nights operations.

The D.C. National Guard is also involved in the initiative, conducting roving patrols on foot and in vehicles around the National Mall and Union Station. The official clarified that the National Guard is not making arrests at this time but may be armed to protect federal assets and deter violent crime.

On Saturday, August 16, the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) was directed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey to support Trump's federal takeover by deploying troops to D.C. at the request of the Trump administration.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Fire Department battled a structure fire in south Abilene Sunday afternoon.

At 2:30 p.m., crews responded to the 2000 block of Jeanette Street in south Abilene. According to officials, the fire began in the shed on the corner of the property and spread to the garage, also causing damage to a part of the home and the fence.



According to the Abilene Fire Department, the home also suffered heat and fire damage on the exterior nearest the structure. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical short circuit. The estimated damage is $40,000.

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Firefighters responded to a tank fire at a paving company in Shelby County on Friday.

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Sidney firefighters responded just before 5:45 a.m. to reports of a fire involving a 10,000-gallon liquid asphalt tank at Barrett Paving on Kirkwood Road, according to a Sidney Fire spokesperson.

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Upon arrival, firefighters discovered flames coming from a transfer pump located at the bottom of the asphalt tank.

They worked for approximately an hour to extinguish the fire and cool the tank.

No injuries were reported during the incident, but the estimated property loss remains unknown, the spokesperson said.

Crews from Anna, Lockington, Houston, and Port Jefferson fire departments provided mutual aid.

The spokesperson added that the swift response by multiple fire departments ensured that the fire was contained quickly, preventing further damage or injury.

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The Vernon Fire Department freed a 40-year-old man who was stuck in the middle portion of a tube slide at a Vernon Elementary School on Saturday afternoon, officials said.

According to a report from the Vernon Fire Department, first responders were dispatched to Northeast Elementary School on East St for a confined space rescue.

First responders found the man wedged in the middle portion of the slide.

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More manpower and apparatus were called to the scene and EMS provided oxygen as the patient was in extreme discomfort and hot temperatures were a concern as well, according to the Vernon Fire Department.

First responders set up ventilation to cool the space before the man was freed. The man was unstuck in about 30 minutes by removal of a portion of the slide.

The man was evaluated by EMS, but refused medical treatment, according to fire officials.
UPDATE @ 8:40 p.m.

A person was injured after jumping into the water at Ludlow Falls on Saturday evening.

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Medics responded to Ludlow Falls around 6:20 p.m. on reports of a water rescue, according to Miami County Sheriffs deputies.

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Deputies told our news crew at the scene that a person jumped into the water but had to be pulled out because they could not walk. A rescue team was also requested.

West Milton medics put a basket down to rescue the swimmer, deputies told News Center 7.

Medics transported the person to an area hospital with minor injuries.

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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Multiple Clarksville parks are temporarily closed after a water rescue operation turned into the discovery of a childs body Sunday afternoon.

The Clarksville Police Department said it was helping Clarksville Fire Rescue and Montgomery County EMS with the operation at Billy Dunlop Park.

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According to officials, witnesses reported seeing a girl going under the water near the metal bridge shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, with several adults in the water trying to locate her.

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As soon as first responders arrived, they said they started searching the river area next to the park for the missing 11-year-old.

Then, just before 2:45 p.m., police said the girls body was found and removed from the river.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and the Blueway are closed until further notice, authorities said.

No additional details have been released about Sundays deadly incident.

This news comes less than three months after another child who disappeared at Billy Dunlop Park was found dead. According to law enforcement, the 12-year-olds father reported him missing after he was last seen in the river on May 18. Then, on May 22, officials announced the boys body was recovered less than a mile downstream from the original search area.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A Fitchburg man was arrested on firearm charges after an incident in Boston.

According to Boston police, on Saturday, around 9:27 p.m. officers responded to a call for a person with a gun in the area of 2565 Washington Street in Roxbury and provided a description of the suspect.

Upon arrival, officers were directed to the location and observed a male, identified as 29-year-old Frederic Dawhensky, of Fitchburg who matched the description.

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Officers approached Dawhensky and instructed him to remove his right hand from his pocket. When he complied, officers observed a weighted object in his shorts.

A subsequent pat-frisk revealed a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun inside the right pocket of his shorts.

The firearm was later determined to be unloaded, with a magazine containing nine rounds of ammunition.

Dawhensky is facing charges of carrying a firearm without a license and carrying ammunition without an FID card. He is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey has ordered all U.S. and Massachusetts flags to be lowered from sunrise until sunset on Sunday.

Service member ejected from F-15 aircraft at Barnes ANGB in Westfield

Flags across Massachusetts fly at half-staff on Sunday, Aug. 17, to honor Senior Airman Jacob Foster-Cole of Norton, who died earlier this month, Gov. Maura Healeys office announced.

Healey has ordered that both the United States flag and the Commonwealth flag be lowered from sunrise until sunset on the day of Foster-Coles interment.

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Senior Airman Foster-Cole, who served in the U.S. Air Force, died on Aug. 3.

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Delhi Police on Saturday suspended eight policemen on charges of negligence in the security arrangements for the Janmashtami festival in the Outer North district, one of Delhi's eleven administrative districts, officials said. According to officials, Delhi's new Police Commissioner, S.B.K. Singh, was on a visit to inspect the security arrangements near the Outer North district's ISKCON Temple, where he found some policemen absent from their duties and chaos in the security. "Police Commissioner S. B. K. Singh had gone to inspect the ISKCON Temple located in the Outer North district. On the spot, he found chaos in the security, and some policemen were missing from duty, after which eight policemen, including Shahbad Dairy police station inspector, have been suspended," said officials. More details are awaited. Earlier, on August 5, seven Delhi Police personnel, including constables and head constables, were suspended as a dummy bomb went undetected in the Red Fort during a security drill, Delhi police said. The dismissed policemen were deployed for the security of the Red Fort. According to Delhi Police, "seven police personnel, including constables and head constables, deployed for the security of the Red Fort, have been suspended 'due to negligence' in security." "A team of the Special Cell conducted a drill on Saturday (August 2) 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 suspended," the police added. (ANI)
A second council has vowed to remove English or British flags that have been attached to lampposts by patriotism campaigners.

Tower Hamlets in east London said it would take down the St Georges flags as soon as possible after they were put up in recent days as part of the Operation Raise the Colours patriotism campaign that has been gathering momentum online.

It come days after Birmingham council ordered the removal of hundreds of Union and St Georges flags flying from street lampposts in the city, which were raised in the past fortnight in a patriotic outpouring.

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The Labour-run authority claimed the flags put the lives of pedestrians and motorists at risk despite being up to 25ft off the ground.

But Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, was furious, telling The Telegraph: This is nothing short of a disgrace and shows utter contempt for the British people.

British or English flags have been raised on streets across England including in Swindon, Bradford, Newcastle and Norwich.

Now Tower Hamlets council, which is run by the pro-Gaza Aspire Party, has confirmed it will remove any St George flags from council property including lampposts as soon as possible.

A spokesman told The Telegraph: We are aware members of the public have been putting up St Georges flags on various structures.

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While we recognise people wish to express their views, we have a responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure.

Where flags are attached to council-owned infrastructure without permission, they may be removed as part of routine maintenance.

One of the many Palestinian flags that could be seen flying from lampposts in Tower Hamlets for months - Julian Simmonds

Lutfur Rahman, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, ordered the removal of Palestine flags from council buildings and lampposts in March 2024 after Jewish families said the oppressive and intimidating symbols made them feel unwelcome in the borough for the first time.

Critics accused the council of two-tier bias because the Palestine flags were not taken down for months after popping up in the aftermath of the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, accused Tower Hamlets council of absurd national loathing.

He told The Telegraph: Tower Hamlets council have allowed Palestinian flags to be publicly displayed on lampposts but not the flag of our country.

This absurd national self-loathing must end. This is yet more two-tier bias against the British people. We must be one country united under the Union flag.

St Georges flags are seen in a Tower Hamlets street  but the council wants them removed

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, asked: Why would we leave [Palestinian flags] up and take down flags that represent one of the countries of the UK?

Critics pointed out that Palestinian flags have flown elsewhere on the streets of the city, where 29.9 per cent of residents are Muslim, since the war in Gaza began in 2023.

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Suella Braverman, a former home secretary, said our national flags are a great source of pride and patriotism, adding that they should be flown from as many places as possible as often as possible.

Government guidance first published in 2021 states: Flags are a very British way of expressing joy and pride.

It goes on to say that: The Government wants to see more flags flown, particularly the Union flag.

The guidance warns however that flags must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport.

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 flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tucson at 4:49 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16. This warning applies to Pima County.

The National Weather Service warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

See weather radar for Pima County

What are weather service meteorologists saying?

At 4:49 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:

"The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Eastern Pima County in southeastern Arizona, Until 5:45 p.m. MST. At 4:49 p.m. MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is already occurring.

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HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.

SOURCE: Radar indicated.

IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Tucson. This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 256 and 258. This includes the following Flash Flood Prone Locations, Stone Ave at Mabel St."

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours, according to the weather service. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

What's the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the weather service says. If you are in a flood-prone area, you should move immediately to high ground. The weather service issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.

Turn around, don't drown: Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by 2 feet of moving water, or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.

Watch out for fire hazards.

Move to higher ground.

Stay alert and turn weather notifications on.

Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

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Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flash flood warning issued for Tucson area
Flash flooding threats in Minnesota as more storms arrive on Sunday originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Heavy rain is the major threat from another series of storms in Minnesota on Sunday, with flash flooding a possibility in parts of the state.

Southern Minnesota has already experienced a long line of storms that brought persistent heavy rain to the region early Sunday morning, with 2-4 inches of rain falling and sparking a series of flash flooding warnings near Marshall and Mankato.

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The latest rain totals from this morning's storm shows 4.87 inches of rain fell in Janesville, with Mankato getting just under 4 inches, and cities including Waseca and Austin seeing 3 inches.

This is expected to be followed by another round of storms later on Sunday afternoon and into the evening, with heavy rain and flooding once again the "main threats," according to the National Weather Service, which says that strong winds are also a concern.

Related: How much rain fell during the Friday and Saturday severe storms in Minnesota?

The storms that will arrive later on Sunday are expected to be further north, with central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro potentially in line for the worst of the weather.

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The metro is currently included in the NWS's "slight risk" zone for excessive rain leading the potential flooding.

NWS Twin Cities

The NWS notes that flooding is more likely in areas that have already received heavy rain. That could well include the Twin Cities, which was drenched during the strong and severe storms on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, with almost 4 inches of rain falling in Minneapolis.

Looking ahead, the American model is currently showing a further 3 inches of rain could fall by Monday morning, with a swath of west-central and central Minnesota and part of the Twin Cities metro included in the area that could potentially be worst affected.

Weatherbell

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
In the weeks since Alligator Alcatraz opened deep within the Everglades in southern Florida, there have been mounting reports of the horrific conditions inside: Maggots in the food, sewage overflowing near beds, people having to remove fecal matter from the toilets with their bare hands due to a lack of water. To protest the conditions, detainees have launched a hunger strike, which likely continues, despite the Department of Homeland Securitys attempts to deny and suppress information about it.

Construction at Alligator Alcatraz could be halted indefinitely in the wake of a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and an Indigenous tribe arguing the detention centers development on protected wetlands violates environmental laws. Another suit brought by the ACLU claims detainees constitutional rights are being violated. Florida seems undeterred. The state is planning to build a second detention center at a correctional institution that was shuttered in 2021 after numerous reports of excessive violence and abuse of inmates by guards. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling the facility the deportation depot.

This scary reality is snowballing in its brutality as President Donald Trump and his administration, Republican politicians and large swaths of the American population continue to broaden the cultural profile of who we deem dangerous enough to lock up. Several states are developing similar concentration camps, including one at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and an Indiana facility dubbed The Speedway Slammer. Im not surprised.

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Im also not surprised that Florida is leading the way in building these facilities. The U.S. has the largest incarcerated population in the world, and Florida locks up a higher percentage of its people than any independent democratic country on earth. To date, no other state has spent as much effort collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the second Trump administration. Following DeSantis special session on immigration in January, the Sunshine State passed laws requiring local jurisdictions to enter into agreements with ICE and offering a $1,000 bonus to local officers participating in ICE raids and operations. Immigration detention in Florida quadrupled in less than six months. As the state runs out of space, Florida jails are being used to house detainees, exacerbating overcrowded conditions and forcing people to sleep on the floor. When ICE staff opposed the plans to use Florida jails as ICE detention facilities because it would violate current federal regulations and standards, a local sheriff dismissed the claims, calling them woke.

Prisoners in the Florida Department of Corrections system are often held under many of the same inhumane conditions present at Alligator Alcatraz. My uncle is one of them.

Ive visited him in facilities up and down the state: In detention centers; maximum security units; psych wards; private correctional institutions; facilities with barbed wire fences, search dogs and rooftops decorated with armed guards; places in towns so small the only store for miles is a Piggly Wiggly.

I dont pretend that many of Floridas prisoners are not guilty of the crimes theyve been charged with, and I wont downplay the severity of the crimes committed  my uncles included. Unlike the detainees held in Alligator Alcatraz, they have ostensibly been given due process, though we could argue about the justice systems version of the right that is often applied to Black, brown and poor people. Regardless of the circumstances, however, I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and humanity. I dont believe that violence and cruelty has ever nudged anyone toward a better version of themselves.

The authors uncle is serving time in the Florida Department of Corrections

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One Wednesday in May, I woke up to frantic voicemails from my mom. My uncle had been stabbed multiple times, and she wasnt sure if he was alive or dead. It had happened two days earlier, but shed just found out that morning from a fellow prisoners girlfriend. Details were spotty. My uncle was an inmate at Dade Correctional Institution, a facility in south Miami deemed the deadliest in Florida by the Miami Herald following an investigation into a record number of inmate deaths in 2017. An earlier investigation into the facility revealed that officers had made sport of tormenting mentally ill inmates, including forcing inmates into a specially rigged, scalding hot shower as punishment for unruly behavior.

My uncle had been transferred to the facility from another prison a few years ago because Dade Correctional Institution has an Americans With Disabilities Act unit and he, a lifer, has gone deaf from decades of loud, echoing conditions.

Since hes deaf, he didnt hear the man  or men  coming up on him with the knife. Despite our many requests, the Florida Department of Corrections has not gotten him a hearing aid that doesnt beep loudly in his ears, so he prefers to stay in his own, soundless world.

I imagined him walking into the same yard where weve sat for visits, thinking about how hell get to pet his favorite rescue dog later, the one corrections officers bring in for training. He prefers the dogs to humans, saying theyre the only redeeming thing about the place. In my mind, he was thinking about the dog when he was surrounded by the other men. He was thinking about the dog as the knife pierced his skin, plunging into the back of his neck and then into his ear. I imagined and reimagined the scene, watching him get caught by surprise, his eyes widening at the pain.

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Did he fall to the ground? Call out for help? The woman who called my mom said four other inmates were also stabbed, and that corrections officers were involved, but its impossible to verify.

There are so many questions. Did the officers provide the knife? Join in on the stabbing? Simply look the other way?

My mom and siblings and I called and emailed each of the prisons classification officers, coordinators and wardens. This was not the first time in my uncles 30-year incarceration that weve had to hound the Florida Department of Corrections for answers about his well-being. It was not the first time weve received calls from another inmates girlfriend or relative about my uncle. There was the time, a few years ago at another facility, when he was taken to the medical unit for lesions in his stomach. He was kept on a gurney in a hallway for days without treatment. He was in so much pain he thought he might die, so he had a friend get in touch with us to let us know.

Then, like now, we called and tried to get information from the staff and were given the run around. The person with answers was always on break. The warden was never available. We were treated like nuisances for caring. They informed me I was not on the list to receive information, a bold-faced lie. I pleaded with anyone I could get on the line. They gave me one-word answers and told me to calm down in an almost bored tone. I cried, begging them to have some compassion, to imagine it was their loved one who was hurt.

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.

I canceled a few work calls. Without thinking much about it, I texted my co-worker and told her my uncle was stabbed. She expressed alarm and concern. I kept calling, relaying information to my mom and siblings. I reached out to the media, including the writer who investigated Dade Correctional Institution years ago. She recommended that I request copies of my uncles inmate file, which is public record, and any incident reports involving his name. I did this and got nothing. I tried again  still, nothing. Unfortunately, none of this was newsworthy, and my sources inside were not considered credible, so the reporters I spoke with didnt have much to go on. I reached out to an advocacy group and received a reply three months later stating that, due to a lack of resources and too much demand, they could not help me.

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A coordinator at the prison eventually told us my uncle was alive, that he had received medical treatment and was being held in solitary confinement for his safety. We were given nothing else. When I asked why we werent notified of the incident, I was told that its the inmates responsibility to notify loved ones  as if he could call us after being stabbed multiple times, and while he was in solitary confinement with a disability that makes it difficult to communicate by phone.

Several weeks later, my uncle was transferred to another facility at the opposite end of the state. He had 28-day-old sutures he contemplated removing himself because they itched so badly. My fury was exhausting. My family and I stopped talking about the incident and went back to business as usual, putting money on his commissary, sending him books and figuring out how to get messages to him via the new facilitys byzantine communications systems. I dropped any hope of trying to get information about what happened, even from my uncle, who, speaking on a recorded line, just said, Shit happens in here. The upside, for him: At least the new facility has air conditioning.

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, including the denial of necessary medical care for inmates. But thanks to the Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1996, its incredibly challenging for inmates to bring suits against this treatment, and just about 1% of all cases actually win. One ongoing lawsuit against Dade Correctional Institution concerns the lack of air conditioning that led to four inmates dying last year in Miami, where heat indexes can rise up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The Florida Department of Corrections sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the deaths were not caused by heat, but a federal judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed. The majority of Floridas prison housing units are not air-conditioned.

I imagine the detainees in Alligator Alcatraz without adequate shelter or air conditioning in the middle of hurricane season in a South Florida swamp. I think of the cavalier way Republican lawmakers have denied claims about the detention camps conditions. I think of Isidro Perez, the 75-year-old Cuban man who died in ICE custody at the Krome Detention Center in Miami in July. I think of the elderly prisoner in a wheelchair who begged for help in the heat at Dade Correctional Institution and died after being refused medical attention. I think of all the lives we have lost to the normalization of cruel punishment, and how many more there are to lose.

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Over the last 50 years, our bureaucratic desensitization to incarceration has grown largely unchecked. Prisons are built quietly, out of sight from the public. Visiting my uncle, regardless of where he is, requires a long drive, countless forms and hours waiting, adherence to seemingly arbitrary rules that differ from place to place and can change at any moment without notice. The point is isolation, to forget about these people. To systematically dehumanize them  first prisoners, then immigrants  and to watch as the public starts to believe they dont deserve to be treated like humans.

The author, accompanied by her mother, visits her uncle in prison

You might be wondering what my uncle did to get locked up. Or maybe youre like my mom, or me, wondering what he did to get himself stabbed. You might be like my co-worker, who, a few days after the incident, asked about my uncle. She didnt want to pry, she said, but what exactly happened? She imagined, maybe, that he was the innocent victim of a crime, stabbed while walking down the street or getting into his car. When I mentioned my uncle was in prison, she looked ashamed for me. Her face flushed as she stared down at her laptop. Oh, she said, and left it at that. She never asked about it again. She wasnt the only one to have a reaction like this, although to be fair, I have only told a few people. We are all embarrassed by incarceration.

Well, maybe not all of us. Donald Trump has joked that Alligator Alcatraz will teach prisoners how to run away from alligators. He and DeSantis laughed together, giddy at the thought of immigrants being torn apart by wild animals. Even the gators deserve better than being used as props for political theater.

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I remember the last time I went to the Everglades a few years ago. I watched tourists crowd around the alligators that walked alongside them on the trails. The tourists couldnt believe they were out in the wild with the gators; they crouched down and posed for selfies next to them. I looked on, horrified. I wasnt sure what scared me more, the thought of the tourists being attacked, or the way they were all so nonchalant in the face of danger creeping right up to them.

The post Florida desensitized my family to cruel and unusual punishment appeared first on Salon.com.
A Florida man convicted of killing his estranged wife's sister and parents before setting their house on fire 35 years ago will be put to death next month, which could extend the Sunshine State's record number of executions to 12.

David Pittman, 63, is set to be executed on Sept. 17 under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.

Pittman was convicted in 1991 and sentenced to death on three counts of first-degree murder, as well as arson and grand theft, after the killings that were carried out the year before.

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Florida Breaks 50-Year Execution Record With Ninth Death Sentence Carried Out This Year

Pittman and his wife, Marie, were going through a divorce when he went to the home of her parents, Clarence and Barbara Knowles, in May 1990 and stabbed them and their younger daughter, Bonnie, to death, according to officials.

He then lit the Polk County home on fire and stole Bonnie Knowles' car before also setting the vehicle on fire, investigators said.

Read On The Fox News App

A witness identified Pittman as the man running away from the burning car and a jailhouse informant testified that Pittman had admitted to the stabbing deaths of his wife's family.

David Pittman was convicted of killing his estranged wife's sister and parents and was sentenced to death for the crimes.

The Florida Supreme Court will hear an appeal seeking to block the execution, and an appeal will also likely be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court.

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In 2022, the state Supreme Court denied Pittman's claim that he was intellectually disabled as well as allegations that his death sentence was illegal because he had not received an evidentiary hearing on his disability claim.

Execution Date Set For Florida Man Convicted Of Kidnapping Woman, Killing Her

Pittman is set to be the 12th person put to death in Florida this year, including Kayle Bates and Curtis Windom, who are scheduled for execution later this month.

David Pittman will be the 12th person to be put to death in Florida this year.

Florida has executed more people this year than any other state, with 9 after an execution in July. Texas and South Carolina are tied for the second-most with four each.

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Before this year, Florida's previous record for executions in a year since the death penalty was restored in 1976 was eight in 2014.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Florida schedules execution for man who killed estranged wife's family, set house on fire
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  In this weeks edition of East Texas In Focus, KETKs Nolan Hoffman concluded our three-part back-to-school series by discussing the upcoming school year with the superintendents of Tyler ISD and Longview ISD.

IN FOCUS: CHRISTUS doctors give back-to-school health tips for East Texas students

Nolan first spoke with Tyler ISD superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford about new school policies like the statewide cell phone ban for students.

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Its going to really be a little bit of a change at the high school level, Crawford said. But Im hearing, some districts that have already started school that this has not been as big of a challenges as they said it was going to be. But again, were doing it from the middle schools down to the elementary schools, completely gone in the elementary schools altogether.

When Nolan asked Crawford about what parents and students should know about the phone ban, Crawford suggested that the problem can be solved before students even get to school.

Well, first of all, lets put our phone away, Crawford said. I think a lot of these things can be, taken care of before they actually get on the bus by the parent, or in the car by the parent and, you know, parental engagement and having their partnership on this initiative is going to be extremely important. If you do get your cell phone taken up, lets not make a big a big deal about it.

Crawford also noted that Tyler ISD students have Chromebooks that their parents can email them on if need be and that teachers will still have their phones in their class rooms.

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After touching on the raises that Tyler ISD staff have gotten this year, Nolan and Crawford discussed the controversial school voucher bill that was passed into law and goes into effect on Sept. 1.

East Texas districts react to senates approval of school choice bill

Crawford expressed that his opposition to the bill was based upon its use of public funds that might have been used to fund public schools. Despite his opposition, hes excited to get to compete against local private schools and charter schools.

You start talking about taking out $1 billion of available dollars of state funding for public education. Why would I why would I be for that, Crawford said. Now that this has been passed, again, were just going to continue to do what we can do and compete academically, which our college preparatory programs are outpacing, a lot of private school metrics, a lot of charter school metrics and other public schools as well. So were excited about that.

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Next, Nolan spoke with Dr. Marla Sheppard, the Superintendent of Longview ISD. Nolan and Sheppard discussed House Bill 2, which was passed by the state legislature in order to raise teachers pay across the state.

According to Sheppard, teachers whove been through the district for between three and four years got a $2,500 raise, while teachers whove been in Longview ISD for more than 5 years got a $5,000 raise.

I think this raise is incredible for our teachers. We know teachers put a lot into what they do every day and districts run because we have great teachers and so them receiving this raise has been paramount for them and were very excited about it, Sheppard said. We hope that it does retain teachers because we know that retention is something that across the state, we need to work on with our teachers.

IN FOCUS: CHRISTUS doctors give back-to-school health tips for East Texas students

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On the issue of retention, Nolan asked Sheppard about the statewide teacher shortage. Sheppard said that Longview ISD has worked hard to keep enough teachers so that now they have no vacancies in the district.

Were fortunate in Longview in that we dont have any teacher vacancies right now but we had to work really hard to get our teachers, Sheppard said. I think the most important thing, its not the recruiting, because I think we find that we can recruit people, but its the retention. Thats the reason why the the additional funds will help us, because we dont want to just recruit. We recruit ten and then ten leave. Then you have a net zero but if we can recruit teachers and retain them, then it helps everybody.

The districts also investing $20 million dollars into safety measures like new high resolution cameras and fence gates at Longview High School, in order to keep students as safe as possible.

We actually got new cameras at the high school, new safety cameras, which have very high resolution. We have a new gate, a fence, thats been installed all around the high school so that we can keep our kids safe, Sheppard said. Those entry points youll actually have to be badged in and badged out so that we can make sure that our children stay safe and the right people enter into our high school. Weve done lots of renovation at our high school, but a lot of what were trying to do is to keep our children safe. Safety is above all for us and so weve installed cameras all around the district at all the other schools as well.

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Nolans interviews with Crawford and Sheppard are even more in depth, covering issues like the having the Ten Commandments in the classrooms and upcoming plans for their districts. Check out their respective videos above to hear their full conversations.

To watch this weeks full episode of East Texas In Focus, check out the video at the top of this article.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

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Aug. 17The Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation was created nearly 20 years ago to steward those two huge chunks of primitive country and keep them accessible to visitors.

But there's a second, less visible outcome  exposing young people to the lessons and challenges of wilderness and thereby shaping their career paths and life passions.

Both were on display in Moscow last week during a presentation by the organization's 2025 wilderness ranger fellows. The college students are fresh off a summer of maintaining trails in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return wilderness areas and a few forays into the Gospel Hump and Sawtooth wilderness areas that cover millions of acres in central Idaho stretching roughly from Stanley to Lowell. They spent 14 weeks swinging pickaxes and Pulaskis and using primitive crosscut saws while backpacking through the vast tangle of mountains and river canyons.

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Some of them had never slept under the stars before nor toted 60-pound packs laden with camping gear, primitive tools and food. They emerged from the experience as "certified trail dogs full of the right kind of grit, with knowledge and confidence to tackle anything out there," in the words of Josh Page, the group's program director.

They also were baptized in the soul-enriching effects of wild country "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."

Raegan Dick is a forestry and wildlife ecology student at Michigan Technological University. When offered the job last January, she struggled with the decision. She wondered if it was right for her, if the work would be too daunting for someone from a relatively flat state and worried if she accepted, a better opportunity might be missed.

"I can say confidently now that I've never felt so convincingly that I belong somewhere, and that I've made the right choice for myself to do something this summer, and I'm so glad I didn't wait for something better to come along, because I think this is about as good as it gets," she said.

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In the beginning, the daily hikes from camp to work site were indeed a challenge. The wilderness rangers in training would often gain thousands of feet in elevation before their work began.

"I found that this challenge turned into something that I looked forward to each day, trying to do better than I had the day prior," Dick said.

Dick was chosen by her collegues to be honored as the Warren Miller Wilderness Skills Fellow, named for the late wilderness ranger and primitive tools expert.

Abe Wilkinson, a University of Idaho student from Grangeville, was no stranger to Idaho's wild country prior to his stint with the organization. Still, he came away with a new outlook.

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He sees wilderness as a combination of clarity, challenge and community.

"You get to visit these awesome lakes, be on top of some pretty amazing peaks. And when you're out there, you look out and you really get a great perspective of just how small you are and how big the world around you is, and just how lucky we are to be able to have these opportunities to get outside."

It was a challenge to work despite days of soaking and chilling rain, living in a nylon tent that, no matter its weatherproof attributes, became damp and rank. He counts the people he met, both his comrades and volunteer groups that accompanied them on some stints, as one of the bright spots.

Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM

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"It's just amazing to be with these people," he said.

Bryce Schull, from Springfield, Ill., had a pretty good idea he was in for a special summer. He likes working with his hands and being outside and wants a career that keeps him far from a desk.

"I went into it thinking it would be probably the coolest thing I've ever done and I think it still blew me away."

Jacquelyn Bouchard from Bradenton, Fla., had spent plenty of time outdoors. But her home state has nothing comparable to Idaho's wilderness areas in terms of solitude and vastness. She relished the hard work with blister-inducing hand tools.

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"It was super fun to get crosscut bucking and felling certified. Those saws are no joke, and there's definitely a rhythm and technique to using them that I feel like I've gotten down pretty well throughout the summer," she said. "I also learned the basics of stock packing, how to load boxes so they ride balanced and don't rattle around on pack animals, and how to work and act around horses and mules in the backcountry. We don't have anything like that in Florida."

Dick had the chance to lead a volunteer group of teens from Iowa on one of her hitches and as a Midwesterner felt pressure to ensure they had good wilderness experiences.

"Which was so special because just two months prior, I was seeing these things for the first time and now I was a teacher instead of the person who was there to learn."

The experience has opened her eyes to new career paths. She had previously switched her emphasis from forestry to wildlife ecology but now wants a career in wilderness. She said the foundation made that possible.

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"I've really been able to step back and be more of a student than I ever really have been this summer, which is awesome," she said. "I've been able to learn a lot. So, I'm wanting to go more in the wilderness direction."

Opening eyes and opening trails is what the foundation is all about, said Jim Heidelberger, a member of the organization's board of directors from Moscow and an annual participant in volunteer trail maintenance trips. This summer came with the extra challenge of turmoil within the U.S. Forest Service that manages the two wilderness areas. The agency was unable to hire trail crews and lost staff to layoffs and retirements at the direction of the Trump administration.

Supporters of the foundation responded with record donations, enabling it to hire its full complement of wilderness ranger fellows and other staff.

"I think it's because people who value wilderness realize how tenuous it is," Heidelberger said. "Because it's not there forever unless we do something to be proactive and make it happen. So people that were small donors became bigger donors because of the importance wilderness is to them. It's such a treasure to have these wilderness areas and if we don't do something to keep them open, people don't get to go there and pretty soon nobody is interested in it and then you are not going to get people like us who are passionate about it."

More information about the foundation is available at selwaybitterroot.org.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A former Denver mayor and the citys former first lady gave back to the town of Wellington in a big way.

In July, FOX31 reported that the town of Wellington had seen more than $30,000 in vandalism of local parks and playgrounds, with slides melting from arson and fireworks set off in public bathrooms.

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After the initial reporting, Wellington Webb and his wife, Wilma Webb, decided to donate $5,000 for playground repairs in the town of Wellington.

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Mr. Webb, who served as the mayor of Denver from 1991-2003, has been an advocate of parks and open spaces. During his time in office, he added more park space than any other mayor, says the city and county of Denver on their website.

FOX31 got the opportunity to interview Mr. Webb, who said that playgrounds are just as important as mountain peaks.

We said well we put some money away when we were younger. We called a charity fund and we agreed to give them $5,000 towards repairing the recreational equipment for the kids, said Mr. Webb.

The town of Wellington showed its appreciation and thankfulness for the donation through a letter to the Webbs.

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The letter signed by the town included the following:

We are also very honored to now be a small part of your long, rich history of serving the public. Much like your thoughtful donation to Wellington, your legacy in civic service will endure for generations. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Melanie Murphy with the town of Wellington told FOX31 that she grew up watching Mr. Webb on the news during his time in office and that the donation was an incredible contribution.

We feel that Wellington gets forgot a lot of the time because we are so small out here. We dont think many people think of us. So for someone like Wellington Webb, Mayor Webb to think of us was incredible, said Murphy.

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Mr. Webb also noted to FOX31 that how could someone be against Wellington giving a donation to Wellington.

FOX31s Greg Nieto 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 FOX31 Denver.
An adviser who helped Nigel Farage to boost his social media presence has suggested that the UK would have been better off had it not got involved in the Second World War, rather than deciding to fight Nazi Germany.

In his personal blog, Jack Anderton also suggested Britain should not support Ukraine in its fight against Putins illegal invasion, saying: Russia is not our enemy.

The 23-year-old, who helped to run Mr Farages TikTok account, has never been an official Reform UK employee.

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The blog, first revealed by The Observer, also saw Mr Anderton claim the UK could regain former colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa, as well as suggesting the UK should copy the policy of mass incarceration carried out in El Salvador, which has been condemned as a breach of human rights.

We get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine, wrote Anderton (Jack Anderton/YouTube)

In a post from June 2024, titled A Self-Interested British Foreign Policy, Mr Anderton wrote: Britain spent nearly 3trn on WW1 and WW2. What did we get for that? We are no longer the great power we once were, we dont even get a thanks anymore.

We impoverished ourselves for decades, we didnt finish paying the loans off to America until 2006.

Our economy stagnated, we lost an empire, and we are pushed around by America. And Germany, a country we beat, has been richer than us since the 1970s.

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He said the only wars that were truly in Britains interests were the Falklands conflict and the invasion of Egypt for control of the Suez Canal, adding: If Britain had not fought in WW1 and WW2, it would not have had to rely on America for economic support, and it would have had the independence to act accordingly.

Britain could have developed India, Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, The Bahamas, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. In the coming Meritocracy, perhaps Britain could regain some of these nations.

Suggesting Britain should not be supporting Ukraine, he wrote: Whilst yes, we are not at war with Russia, we are sending billions of pounds (that we cannot afford) to prop up a country that we have no allegiance to.

Russia is not our enemy, they have not attacked Britain. Its perfectly acceptable and preferable to state that Russia is not our enemy, but they are not our friend either, we treat them with suspicion, but we do not escalate a conflict with them.

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Why are we fighting a European war? We do not border any of these countries. In their pursuit of all that is good and a handshake from Zelensky, the British ruling class is pushing this country into a war that we have nothing to do with.

He added: At least in WW1, we got some land in the Middle East, we get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine.

In a second post from, also from June 2024, Mr Anderton issues an endorsement of the policies of Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who has been accused by Amnesty of committing massive human rights violations, including thousands of arbitrary detentions and violations of due process, as well as torture and ill-treatment. At least 18 people have died in state custody, the organisation said.

Seemingly endorsing his policies, Mr Anderton said: Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Id even argue the measures arent that extraordinary and should be in place in times of normalcy.

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He added: El Salvador is perhaps a lesson for those in Britain who wish to take back control of their country. Power works, and it is all that matters. State power when used effectively is basically omnipotent.

The meritocracy will be established, criminals and corrupt officials will be jailed, immigration will drop to zero, houses will be built, and our citizens will once again feel proud of the country they call home.

Mr Farage has previously suggested that British criminals could be sent overseas to El Salvador to serve their sentences as part of a crackdown on crime.

Jack Anderton and Nigel Farage have been contacted for comment.
The clock is ticking toward September 30, 2025, when one of Americas most vital cybersecurity protections will expire unless Congress acts. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) has quietly become the backbone of our nations cyber defense. Without creating any additional regulations, it enabled the rapid sharing of threat intelligence between government and businesses that has prevented countless cyber attacks over the past decade. The Acts protections have facilitated threat warnings to thousands of organizations just this year. Its potential sunset threatens to unleash a wave of cyberattacks that will devastate the small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that form a foundational part of our economy.

As someone who has worked on both sidesfirst leading public-private partnerships at the FBI and now facilitating industry collaborationIve witnessed firsthand how CISA 2015 transformed our cybersecurity landscape. The law provides crucial liability protections that encourage companies to share threat indicators with the government and each other, while offering antitrust protection for industry-to-industry collaboration. Without these safeguards, the robust information sharing that has made American networks more secure simply stops.

The SMB Crisis Waiting to Happen

The consequences of letting CISA 2015 lapse will fall most heavily on Americas small and medium-sized businesses. Recent data from NetDiligences 2024 Cyber Claims Study shows that ransomware cost SMBs an average of $432,000 per attack. These businesses dont have the cash reserves to weather extended downtime. At most, many can only survive three to four weeks of operational disruption before facing permanent closure.

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According to industry analysis, small and medium enterprises represent 98% of cyber insurance claims while accounting for $1.9 billion in total losses, underscoring their vulnerability in todays threat landscape. CISA 2015s expiration will significantly weaken the early warning system that has helped businesses stay ahead of emerging threats. Without the governments ability to share robust intelligence about new attack methods, SMBs become sitting ducks for cybercriminals who specifically target organizations that cant afford to lose days or weeks.

Healthcare: Where Cybersecurity Becomes Life and Death

The stakes become particularly dire in healthcare, where ransomware attacks dont just threaten profitsthey threaten lives. The University of Minnesota School of Public Healths experts estimate that ransomware attacks killed 42 to 67 Medicare patients between 2016 and 2021. These numbers represent a horrifying trend: threat actors deliberately target hospitals because they know healthcare systems will pay quickly to avoid putting patients at risk.

If information sharing degrades after CISA 2015s sunset, hospitalsand all other critical infrastructurevery likely will lose crucial early warnings about ransomware variants and other attack methods. When a hospitals systems are threatened, rapid information sharing matters. Minutes count in medical emergencies, and delays can be fatal.

Economic Ripple Effects

The economic impact extends far beyond individual companies. SMBs make up the vast majority of (99%) businesses in the U.S., and employ nearly half of the private sectors workforce. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, theyre responsible for 43.5% of our GDP, so their widespread failure would create devastating ripple effects throughout the economy.

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More concerning, Americas technological leadership depends on the robust threat intelligence sharing that CISA 2015 enables. Our cybersecurity companies lead the world precisely because they have access to comprehensive threat data that helps them develop superior products and services.

Other countries modeled its cybersecurity information sharing after our system, recognizing that Americas approach gives us a competitive advantage. If we allow this framework to collapse, were not just making individual businesses more vulnerablewere undermining the foundation of American cybersecurity leadership that other nations seek to emulate.

The Path Forward: Clean Reauthorization Now

Theres bipartisan agreement that CISA 2015 should be reauthorized, with experts from across the political spectrum recognizing its vital importance. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has urgently called for reauthorization, emphasizing that public-private partnerships have grown stronger because of the information-sharing guidelines established in CISA 2015.

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The cleanest path forward is a straightforward reauthorization while Congress works through any technical improvements. The core framework has proven its worth over a decade of operation, facilitating billions of dollars in prevented losses and creating a culture where information sharing is the default rather than the exception.

Beyond Politics: A National Security Imperative

In an era of political division, cybersecurity remains one of the few areas where Americans across the political spectrum can find common ground. We need to defend against constant attacks coming from the likes of Chinese actors using ransomware during SharePoint vulnerabilities to Iranian groups deploying ransomware as a political weapon to hundreds of criminal ransomware groups operating at any given time.

The solution isnt more regulation or government overreach. Its the collaborative approach that CISA 2015 has fostered. As I used to tell businesses when I was at the FBI: we cant help you if we dont hear from others, and we cant help others if we dont hear from you. This principle of mutual aid and shared defense has made America stronger, and we cannot afford to abandon it now.

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Congress must act before September 30. If we allow our cybersecurity information sharing framework to collapse it will devastate small businesses, endanger the sick, and undermine Americas position as the global leader in cybersecurity. The time for action is now, before the attacks that could have been prevented become the disasters we failed to stop.

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Congress's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', launched against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged "vote theft", will begin from Sasaram on Sunday. Senior RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, will also participate in the march. Preparations are underway for the yatra outside the residence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said the campaign aims to raise awareness among voters, especially those whose names have been excluded from the electoral list. "We are starting the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' from Sasaram tomorrow. Tomorrow, we will all be with the Mahagathbandhan allies. We will visit several districts, and our effort will be to make people aware so that no voter's name is left out. We also have fought for this and got a relief from the Supreme Court in this matter, whether it is the Supreme Court direction to the Election Commission of India to publish the list of 65 lakh persons excluded or deleted from the Bihar draft electoral voters list, along with the reasons," Yadav said. He described the yatra as a "historical journey" and said the Mahagathbandhan is confident he will get the support of the people. He said, "Tomorrow, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will go among the people and make them aware of voter rights. Along with this, we will also raise the local issues. We will also convey what our vision would be if we form our government. This is going to be a historical journey, and we will get the blessings of the Bihar voters." Earlier, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had announced that the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' would start from Sasaram. (ANI)
"Matan. If you weren't taken, we could've been married. I don't stop thinking about what was taken from us in just one day. Our world was changed, and you were taken from me," Gritzwesky said.

Captivity survivor Ilana Gritzwesky, alongside Einav Zangauker, held a mock wedding ceremony for her boyfriend Matan Zangauker, who is still in Hamas captivity in Gaza, during a demonstration at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

"Matan. If you weren't taken, we could've been married. I don't stop thinking about what was taken from us in just one day. Our world was changed, and you were taken from me," Gritzwesky said.

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"You're not here to hug me, and I'm not here to keep you strong. I'm fighting for you until you return, you and all of the hostages. We will bring you back alive, heal together, and god willing, build our home together in Israel."

The crowd subsequently cheered, "You are not alone, we are with you."

Shortly after the event concluded, sirens sounded due to a missile from Yemen, and attendees were forced to take cover.

Captivity survivor Ilana Gritzwesky holds a mock 'wedding' for her boyfriend, Matan Zangauker, who is still held by Hamas in Gaza, during a demonstration in Tel Aviv, August 17, 2025. (credit: Hostages Families Forum)

The missile was successfully intercepted and no injuries were reported.

This is a developing story.
Former pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui who is wanted by the Chinese city has been granted asylum in Australia, he said in a social media post, calling on Canberra to do more for those who remain jailed.

The former British colony -- handed back to China in 1997 -- has seen dissent quashed since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following huge and at times violent democracy protests that erupted in 2019.

Hui, a high-profile participant at the time who has since resettled in Adelaide, said the Australian government had granted him a protection visa this week, with asylum also extending to his wife, children and parents.

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"I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Australia -- both present and former -- for recognising our need for asylum and granting us this protection," he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

A vocal critic of Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, Hui is among several overseas activists targeted in 2023 by police bounties of HK$1 million each.

The bounties, which have previously drawn strong criticism from Western countries, are seen as largely symbolic given that they affect people living abroad in nations unlikely to extradite political activists to Hong Kong or China.

In this Facebook post, Hui urged the Australian government not to forget other Hong Kong activists who remained jailed, including tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has been behind bars since 2020.

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"Australia must do more to rescue them and to speak up for their humanity," Hui said. "Its stance matters internationally, and its protection of Hongkongers sets a precedent for other democracies."

He added that he and his family will "give back to Australia in every way we can -- through our work, our civic engagement, and our commitment to the values of democracy and freedom".

While Hong Kong's government did not comment directly on Hui's case, a spokesperson said Saturday those who absconded should not think they could evade "criminal liability".

"Any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong," the spokesperson said.

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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has previously objected Hong Kong's arrest warrants and bounties.

"Freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy," she said last month on social media.

"We have consistently expressed our strong objections to China and Hong Kong on the broad and extraterritorial application of Hong Kong's national security legislation, and we will continue to do so."

burs-lec/dhc
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Former student research assistant LingLong Wei plans to sue Michigan State University for $100 million following a thyroid cancer diagnosis, which the Greenlight Law Firm says was caused by repeated exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Greenlight said that the university ignored countless safety protocols and repeatedly exposed her to dangerous chemicals without protective equipment or safety training, despite Weis repeated requests, in a news release sent to 6 News.

According to Greenlight, Wei was enrolled at MSU between 2008 and 2011, pursuing a masters degree in horticulture.

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During this time, she was required to spend hours spraying pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate and oxyfluorfen, which have been specifically linked to thyroid cancer.

The lawsuit alleges that Weis 2024 cancer diagnosis is directly linked to the chemical exposure.

Lets be clear. MSU knew these were dangerous, toxic chemicals and they had the resources to protect Ms. Wei and her fellow student research assistants. But they chose not to, said Attorney Maya Green, who is representing Wei.

Once again, MSU has proven that they care more about cashing their students tuition checks than keeping them safe.

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Green and Weis other attorney, Tilmandra Wilkerson, held a news conference Monday morning in Lansing.

I will live with a permanent scarI will need to take thyroid pills every day for the rest of my life, said Wei during the news conference.

Michigan State University says that it does not have a comment on the specific pending litigation. However, the university shared the following statement with 6 News:

Michigan State University prioritizes the health and safety of our entire campus community. Appropriate and required training and necessary personal protective equipment is provided in compliance with applicable university policies and state and federal laws. Amber McCann, University Spokesperson

Greenlight has shared the following documents with 6 News:

Wei ComplaintDownload

Demand.docxDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fort Worth residents living near DFW Airport will benefit from improved aircraft noise tracking after the City Council approved new monitoring systems.

The council approved agreements with the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board to install two solar-powered noise monitors in southeast neighborhoods.

The upgraded technology will help validate residents noise complaints and push the airport to address community concerns more effectively.

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One monitor will replace aging equipment near Fire Station 33 on Statler Boulevard. A second will be installed in the Post Oak Village area, both in Council District 5.

The systems will collect real-time data on aircraft noise levels. The 20-year agreements include automatic annual renewals at no cost to residents, with the city receiving a symbolic $1 fee per site.

By supporting this project, the City is helping build stronger ties between DFW Airport and surrounding communities, said Roger Venables, Fort Worth aviation director. Access to precise, location-based aircraft noise data allows the airport to validate concerns and respond to them more effectively.

City leaders framed the investment as supporting neighborhood quality of life. The solar-powered monitors will operate continuously, providing round-the-clock noise data that residents and officials can use to document disturbances.

The timing addresses long-standing complaints from residents of the southeast Fort Worth neighborhood about aircraft noise. The monitors will establish baseline measurements and track changes over time as DFW Airport continues expanding operations.
The Brief

Fort Worth Police are searching for Cindy Lyn Osborn, a 60-year-old woman who was last seen on Saturday near the 500 block of S. Beach Street.

Osborn, who is deaf and has a diminished mental capacity, was last seen on foot using a walker.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4222.

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Police Department is searching for 60-year-old Cindy Lyn Osborn. She was last seen near the 500 block of S. Beach Street on Saturday, after 5 p.m.

Cindy Lyn Osborn Missing

What we know

According to the police, she is deaf and communicates through American Sign Language.

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She is described as a white female, 5'2", 110 pounds with brown and gray hair and blue eyes.

She was last seen waring a gray and black jacket, and green Christmas pajama pants. She has no teeth.

She was last on foot using a walker.

Officials say she has diminished mental capacity and may be lost.

What you can do

Anyone with information about her should call Fort Worth Police at 817-392-4222.

The Source

Information in this article is from the Fort Worth Police Department.
Seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro, who was reported missing Aug. 14 in Yucaipa. (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)

Foul play cannot be ruled out in the disappearance of an infant from Yucaipa who was last seen in the parking lot of a sporting goods store there, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said Saturday.

The child, 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, disappeared on Thursday after his mother, Rebecca Haro, said she was assaulted by an unknown man while changing her son's diaper, the department said.

Haro said she was rendered unconscious. When she awoke, her son was gone, she told investigators. Deputies were not able to locate the baby in a search of the area.

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The department said that when investigators confronted Haro about inconsistencies in her initial statement, she "declined to continue with the interview."

"At this point in the investigation, investigators are unable to rule out foul play in the disappearance of Emmanuel," said the department, which also interviewed the boy's father, Jake Haro.

In an interview with KTLA on Friday, Rebecca Haro, who had a black eye, pleaded for the return of her son. She said that she had planned to go to the Big 5 Sporting Goods store Thursday evening to buy a mouth guard for her older son.

If you know anything, please come forward or take him to the cops, she said. Please come and bring my son back. Im begging you.

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The child was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie; he has brown hair, brown eyes and is cross-eyed, KTLA reported.

Whoever took my son, please return him, Jake Haro told KTLA. We just want him back. We wont do anything to you. Just give us our son. Keep him safe, dont hurt him, make sure you feed him and change him.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

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 large wildfire that scorched southern France during the first week of August became the country's largest wildfire of the year. One person died, at least a dozen others were injured, and over 32,000 acres were charred.

This has been an active year for wildfires in France. Just over 91,000 acres have been burned, the third-highest total of the past 20 years, according to Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program.

A single blaze, the Corbieres Massif fire, is responsible for nearly half of the acres burned so far this year. According to PBS News, close to 2,000 firefighters and a fleet of water bombers were called in to combat the blaze that erupted on Aug. 5.

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The Corbieres Massif fire was under control five days later, but the devastation it left behind in the villages of the Mediterranean region near Spain's border, where it first sparked, is significant.

"It's a scene of sadness and desolation," the mayor of Jonquieres, Jacques Piraux, told BFM TV, according to PBS News. "It looks like a lunar landscape, everything is burned. More than half or three-quarters of the village has burned down. It's hellish."

Hot and dry weather has made conditions conducive to the rapid spread of wildfires in France this summer. The Aude region, where the Corbieres Massif fire occurred, has been experiencing drought conditions. A statement from the environment ministry said the rainfall deficit in August "played a major role in the spreading of the fire, since the vegetation is very dry," according to AP News.

Acting like atmospheric steroids, the heat-trapping gases warming our world are driving stronger and more frequent extreme weather events. Many heat waves and droughts have been supercharged by our overheating planet, stretching out wildfire seasons and making them more active.

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A historic late-June to early-July heat wave claimed about 2,300 lives across 12 European cities, and a new study links roughly 1,500 of those deaths, nearly 65%, to our warming world. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London say climate change tripled the toll.

Scientists with World Weather Attribution found our overheating planet made the weather conditions that led to deadly South Korean wildfires in March nearly twice as likely.

"Even in today's climate, that has warmed by 1.3C due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels, the combination of high temperatures, low humidity and high wind speeds (HDWI) observed over the 5 days following March 22nd, when the fires broke out, was very unusual," concluded researchers with WWA. "In the current climate they are expected on average about once every 300 years."

The wildfires, the deadliest ever in South Korea with 32 deaths, also left 45 injured and around 37,000 residents displaced.

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.
French President Emmanuel Macron does not believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace.

"Do I think President Putin wants peace? The answer is no," Macron said on Sunday at his summer residence in Bormes-les-Mimosas in southern France following a video conference with European leaders.

"I believe he wants Ukraine's capitulation."

But he said he thinks that US President Donald Trump, however, does want peace.

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Macron plans to travel to Washington on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of the United Kingdom, Italy and Finland along with European Union and NATO leaders to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine.

Macron outlined three key objectives for the meeting: First, to reaffirm that Europeans, Ukrainians, and the United States are united in their pursuit of a robust peace. Second, to emphasize that there must be no discussions about Ukrainian territories without the involvement of elected Ukrainian representatives. Finally, to address security guarantees, particularly the structure of Ukraine's military.

"There must be no division on this issue between Ukrainians, Europeans, and Americans," Macron said.

He stressed that the trip to Washington is not merely to accompany Zelensky but also to defend European interests.

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Discussions must also include the extent to which a reduction in the size of the Russian military should be demanded, as it is a source of global instability.

"If we are weak with Russia today, we are preparing the conflicts of tomorrow," Macron warned.
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:

Secretary of State Marco RubioDemocratic Rep. Jason Crow of ColoradoFiona Hill, former senior director for Europe and Russia on the National Security CouncilRepublican Sen. Dan Sullivan of AlaskaJose Andres, chef and founder of World Central Kitchen

Click here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."

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MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan in Washington.

And this week on Face the Nation: After President Trump's Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, we will go one-on-one with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Following the Russian president's warm welcome to Alaska and a three-hour meeting that ended abruptly, President Trump adopts Putin's road map for ending the war in Ukraine, no cease-fire, but negotiations for a lasting peace in the 3.5-year conflict.

(Begin VT)

DONALD TRUMP (President of the United States): I think the meeting was a 10 in the sense that we got along great. And it's good when two big powers get along.

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(End VT)

MARGARET BRENNAN: But what about the other countries, like Ukraine and its Western allies, who are still tightly aligned?

Along with Rubio, we will hear from Trump's former National Security Council Russia expert Fiona Hill, Alaska Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, and Colorado Democrat Jason Crow.

Plus, World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres will join us following his trip to Gaza.

It's all just ahead on Face the Nation.

Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders are heading to Washington Monday to meet with President Trump to discuss next steps following Mr. Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin. The awkward conclusion to Friday's summit yielded no formal agreement, with Vladimir Putin still insisting that Ukraine turn over the lands seized by Russia in the war, plus additional territory, something that President Zelenskyy continues to refuse.

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We begin with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended those talks in Anchorage.

Good morning to you, Mr. Secretary.

MARCO RUBIO (U.S. Secretary of State): Good morning. Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Vladimir Putin did not give President Trump the cease- fire he sought. And now Putin says the root causes of the conflict have to be resolved in a peace agreement.

Isn't the root cause the fact that Russia invaded in the first place?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, ultimately, yes.

But, I mean, what he means by root causes is this long historical complaints that we've heard repeatedly. This is not a new argument. He's been making this for a long time. And it's the argument that it's Western encroachment. I don't want to get into  it's just so long.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: But the bottom line is that all of  you know, we're not going to focus on all of that stuff. We're going to focus on this, are they going to stop fighting or not, and what it's going to take to stop the fighting.

And what it's going to take to stop the fighting, if we're being honest and serious here, is, both sides are going to have to give, and both sides should expect to get something from this. And that's a very difficult thing to do. It's very difficult, because Ukraine obviously feels, you know, harmed, and rightfully so, because they were invaded, and the Russian side, because they feel like they have got momentum in the battlefield, and frankly, don't care, don't seem to care very much about how many Russian soldiers die in this endeavor.

They just churn through it. So I think what the president deserves a lot of credit for is the amount of time and energy that his administration is placing on reaching a peace agreement for a war that's not a war that started under him. It's half  you know, it's on the other side of the world.

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That said, I mean, it's relevant to us. But there are a lot of other issues he could be focused on.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: So, tomorrow, we'll be meeting with President Zelenskyy. We'll be meeting with European leaders. We just met with Putin. He's dedicated a lot of time and energy because he has made it a priority of his administration to stop or end war, stop wars or prevent them.

And, right now, this is the biggest war going on in the world. It's the biggest war in Europe since World War II. We're going to continue to do everything we can to reach an agreement that ends the dying and the killing and the suffering that's going on right now.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.

You know this well, how long these kind of diplomatic negotiations often take. President Trump was telling European leaders what was discussed was Putin demanding control of Donetsk, a region in the east that his forces do not fully hold. And the U.K. estimates that taking that full area could be as long as another four years.

Putin also is demanding Russian be an official language in Ukraine and something regarding Russian Orthodox churches. Did the U.S. accept all of what Putin laid out at that table?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: The United States is not in a position to accept anything or reject anything, because, ultimately, it's up to the Ukrainians. They're the ones that Russia has to make peace with, and Ukraine with Russia.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the president said he did come to some agreements.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: It's up to the Ukrainians to make these conditions.

Well, the agreements were that we were going to try to do things like, for example, get a leader  a leaders meeting. We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelenskyy and President Zelenskyy and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelenskyy has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war.

Now, there were some concepts and ideas discussed that we know the Ukrainians could be very supportive of in that meeting. I don't think it's  we're not going to negotiate this in the media. I understand that everybody wants to know what happened.

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But, ultimately, there are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, that are potentials for progress. We'll be discussing that more in depth tomorrow with our European allies, with the Ukrainians that are coming over. We'll be discussing all of these things, because, ultimately, we do need to find areas where we're making progress and try to begin to narrow the gap between the two sides.

But there's a reason why this war has been going on for 3.5 years. And that is, when it comes to the big issues here, there are still some big differences between both sides. Let's see how much progress we can continue to make. It's  it's  it's not been easy, but it's something the president has made a priority, peace.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: And he deserves a lot of credit for that.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: But, ultimately, if  if Vladimir Putin is going to be offered land that he has not seized yet, but negotiates his way into, doesn't this set a dangerous precedent that the United States now accepts this concept that it is OK to seize land by force?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, Putin has already seized land by force, and that, in and of itself, is not a positive precedent. This whole war is a negative president  precedent.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you demanding withdrawal?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, again, here's the  in order to have a deal here to end  to reach the end of this conflict, both sides are going to have to make concessions. That's just a fact.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But does that mean accepting

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: In any negotiation, if

MARGARET BRENNAN:  where Russian forces are now?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: No, no, but, if  but this is not about acceptance. This is about what Ukraine can accept and what Russia can accept. They both have to accept it. Otherwise, there won't be a peace deal, OK?

If there aren't concessions, if one side gets everything they want, that's called surrender. That's called the end of the war through surrender. And that's not what we're close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender or anything close to it.

So, in order for there to be a peace deal  this is just a fact. We may not like it, it may not be pleasant, it may be distasteful, but in order for there to be an end of the war, there are things Russia wants that it cannot get, and there are things Ukraine wants that it's not going to get.

Both sides are going to have to give up something in order to get to the table in order to make this happen. That's  that's just the way it is. And, I mean, the sooner we accept that, that's the reality.

Now, what those things are is going to be up to both sides. There's no conditions that can be imposed on Ukraine. They're going to have to accept things, but they're going to have to get things too. And so, for example, Ukraine is a sovereign country. They have a right, like every sovereign country does in the world, to have  to enter into security alliances with other countries to prevent an invasion in the future, to prevent threats to their national security.

That's not an unreasonable request. That's something that needs to be worked on. Territories will have to be discussed. It's just a fact. And there are things that maybe Russia is holding now that they're going to have to give up. Who knows?

The point is, we need to create a scenario where that becomes possible. And that's why this has been so hard, because neither side, up to now, has been willing to give on some of these things. But we'll see if that's possible. It may not be, but we're going to try, and we're going to do everything we can to try to achieve a peace.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, I understand you  you can't get into specifics in a public conversation, but we're looking at Russian troops and strikes intensifying. Did you hear anything from Vladimir Putin that indicated he is willing to make a single concession?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, I think there are a couple. I mean, there were not enough for Ukraine. If not, we would be announcing a peace deal this morning, right?

But  but, certainly, there are some things we notice, changes. There are some changes that I think are possible. I think there's some concepts that were discussed that could potentially lead to something. But, again, all these things have to be verifiable. We  it isn't real until it's real.

I mean, you  one thing is what you say you might be willing to consider. Another thing is your willingness to do it. And it always becomes a tradeoff in all of this. But you talk about the intensifying strikes on the Russian side. Yes, I mean, they're a full-time war machine. I mean, that's what's happening. The Russian economy has basically been turned into a full-time wartime economy.

They have a lot of people. It's a big country. It's not just large geographically. It has huge populations. It continues to churn through people. You know, they lost  20,000 Russian soldiers were killed last month in July in this war. That just tells you the price they're willing to pay.

Not saying any of this is admirable. I'm saying that this is the reality of the war that we're facing. It's become attrition in some ways. It's a meat grinder, and they just have more meat to grind.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, let me ask you about the security bit you just mentioned there, because Italy's prime minister says that President Trump revived the idea of security guarantees inspired by NATO's Article 5 and a collective security clause that would involve the United States.

How does that work?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Yes, I mean

MARGARET BRENNAN: Are these U.S. troops? Are these U.S. monitors?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, that's what we're going to be working on. Well, that's what we're going to be working on.

That's why  that's one of the reasons why, you know, I talked yesterday to all the national security advisers, a bunch of them from the different European countries. There are European leaders coming here tomorrow, heads of state coming tomorrow, along with President Zelenskyy, to discuss this in more detail.

I mean, the constructs of something like this needs to be built out. Once thing  it's  a concept is one thing. The reality, you know, how it's built and how it would work, is another. But those are the kinds of talks that we're going to be having with them, along with some of the other issues that are at play.

But that  that is one of the  if you were to break this thing down, I mean, there are  obviously, there needs to be an agreement on territories and where the lines are going to be drawn. That's not going to be very easy. That's going to be tough. I think there has to be some discussion about security guarantees for Ukraine, because they don't want this war to  none of us want to see this war in the future.

They're a sovereign country. They have a right to have security agreements with other countries and security alliances with other countries. And then there's the whole issue of reconstruction.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Including United States?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: How do you rebuild the country?

Well, potentially. Like I said, that's what we're going to be having a conversation about, and that's what we're going to be meeting  that's why they're all coming here tomorrow. And that's why we've been talking on the phone for the last 48 hours with them.

And even leading up to it, throughout the week, there were various meetings just to sort of build out some of these ideas. So all of these right now are ideas. They are concepts that require some more specificity. We'll need to work with our partners to see what that looks like.

And I think that's an area where potential progress is real, but that alone won't be enough. There's a bunch of other things that have to be worked through here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes. Well, Russia claims it has rescued 700,000 children. I know you know that the warrant out for Vladimir Putin's arrest is for the state-sponsored abduction of kids.

I have seen estimates there are something like 30,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted. Is the United States demanding, or at least, even just as a statement of goodwill here, that Russia return these children?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Yes, I mean, we've repeatedly raised that issue on  in every forum possible.

And those have also been, by the way, topics of discussion, not just in our meetings with the Ukrainians, but in the negotiations and talks that were going on between Ukraine and Russia at the technical level. These talks were going on in Turkey, as an example, Turkey, over the last few months.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes, and nothing so far from the Russians.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: That's been a topic of discussion as well.

Well, it's unfortunate. Children should be returned to their families. We - - on that position, I don't think there's any ambiguity on our side. And they shouldn't even be, you know, a bargaining chip in regards to a broader negotiation.

But it's just one more element of how tragic this war is. After 3.5 years, this war is getting worse. It's not getting better. You've made the point about the uptick in strikes. This is a war. It's going to get worse. It's not going to get better. And that's why the president is investing so much time in bringing this to an end.

And, by the way, everyone is begging us to be involved in this.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: The Europeans want us involved. The Ukrainians want us involved. Obviously, the Russians want us involved, because the president is the only leader in the world  if this is possible, he's the only one that can help make it happen.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he's got the leverage over Vladimir Putin if he wanted to crush his economy or at least do more damage to it.

But you have held off on those secondary sanctions. President Trump told Fox News his advice to President Zelenskyy is: "Make a deal. Russia's a very big power and they're not."

You know there is concern from the Europeans that President Zelenskyy is going to be bullied into signing something away. That's why you have these European leaders coming as back up tomorrow. Can you reassure them?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: No, it isn't. That's not why they're coming as back  that's not true. No, but that's not  why would  that's not true.

They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're not coming  in fact, they're coming here tomorrow because

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, that February Oval Office meeting in front of television cameras, where President Zelenskyy was dressed down

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Do you know how many meetings we've had since then?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Oh, no, I know. And I was just up in Alaska

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Yes, but we've had a bunch of meetings since then.

MARGARET BRENNAN:  watching the one with Vladimir Putin, where a red carpet was rolled out for the Russian leader.

It was very different.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: No, but with Zelenskyy  we've had more meetings - - we've had  we've had  we've had one meeting with Putin and like a dozen meetings with Zelenskyy.

So, that  but that's not true. They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're coming here tomorrow because we've been working with the Europeans. We talked to them last week. There were meetings in the U.K. over the following  the previous weekend.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And they said President Trump was going to demand a cease-fire.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: The president's talked to these leaders as early as Thursday.

No, no, but you said that they're coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're not coming here tomorrow  this is such a stupid media narrative that they're coming here tomorrow because the  Trump is going to bully Zelenskyy into a bad deal.

We've been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff. They're coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But the president told those European leaders last week that he wanted a cease-fire. The president went on television, said he would walk out of the meeting if Vladimir Putin didn't agree with on  he said there would be severe consequences if he didn't agree to one. He said he'd walk out in two minutes.

He spent three hours talking to Vladimir Putin, and he did not get one. So, there's some mixed messages.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Because, obviously, something  things happened during that meeting.

Well, because obviously things  look, our goal here is not to stage some production, for the world to say, oh, how dramatic. He walked out. Our goal here is to have a peace agreement, to end this war, OK? And, obviously, we felt, and I agreed, that there was enough progress, not a lot of progress, but enough progress made in those talks to allow us to move to the next phase.

If not, we wouldn't be having Zelenskyy flying all the way over here. We wouldn't be having all the Europeans coming all the way over here. Now, understand, and take with a grain of salt, I'm not saying we're on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement, enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this.

You talk about the sanctions. Look, at the end of the day, if peace is not going to be possible here, and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands. The president has that option to then come in and impose new sanctions.

But if he did this now  the moment the president puts those additional sanctions, that's the end of the talks. You've basically locked in at least another year to year-and-a-half of war and death and destruction. We may unfortunately wind up there, but we don't want to wind up there.

We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war, so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again. That's the goal here. We're going to do everything possible to make that happen, if it's doable.

It will require both sides to make concessions. It will require both sides to get things they're asking for. That's how these deals are made, whether we like it or not.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Before I let you go, quickly, why did the State Department just announce that they're halting visitor visas for all Gazans coming here for medical aid? Why would some of these kids, for example, who are coming to hospitals for treatment be a threat?

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Well, first of all, it's not just kids. It's a bunch of adults that are accompanying them.

Second, we had outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it. And so we're going to reevaluate how those visas are being granted, not just to the children, but how those visas are being granted to the people who are accompanying them, and, by the way, to some of the organizations that are facilitating it.

There is evidence been presented to us by numerous congressional offices that some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas. And so we are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas.

So we need to  we're going to pause those visas. There was just a small number of them issued to children, but they come with adults accompanying them, obviously. And we are going to pause this program and reevaluate how those visas are being vetted and what relationship, if any, has there been by these organizations to the  to the process of acquiring those visas.

We're not going to be in partnership with groups that have links or sympathies towards Hamas.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, we have to leave it there for this morning. Thank you for joining us.

SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO: Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Face the Nation will be back in one minute. Stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we're joined now by Colorado Democratic Congressman Jason Crow.

Good to see you in person.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW (D-Colorado): Good morning.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Before we start talking about Ukraine, I want to pick up on something, since you sit on the Intelligence Committee.

The secretary of state just said that lawmakers had come to the Trump administration with information that they have been granting visas to individuals with ties to Hamas or with organizations with ties to Hamas. That's a pretty stunning accusation. Israel controls who enters and exits Gaza.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The United States screens all visas. So is there really a blind spot that you are aware of?

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: I'm not aware of that. But, if that's true, actually, that is concerning. That would be a problem. I mean, Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. They should not be traveling anywhere. So, if that's happening, it should be stopped immediately. And the Intelligence Committee has a role to play in that.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But the Intelligence Committee wasn't behind the information presented to the secretary of state?

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: I have not been briefed on that. I have no information about it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.

On Ukraine, you know that the U.S. intelligence assessment is that the battlefield is turning in Russia's favor, despite the fact that Putin has to rely on Iran and North Korea to keep this thing going. If neither President Biden nor President Trump were ever willing to commit troops, doesn't the secretary have a point that it has to be hammered out at the negotiating table?

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: You know, this absolutely will end at a negotiating table, like most conflicts will.

But what happened on Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There's no other way to put it, right? You listen to what Marco Rubio and the president have said. They keep on saying they're dedicating time. They're making it a priority. They're focusing their attention on it.

In any negotiation, when you're trying to end an armed conflict, there's nothing more important than understanding what motivates your adversary. What is making Vladimir Putin tick in this instance? Vladimir Putin does not care about the amount of time that we're nego  we're allocating to this, does not care about a B-2 bomber flyover, does not care about a lineup of F-22 fighters rolled out.

He doesn't care about any of that. What Vladimir Putin cares about is basically three things. He cares about economic pressure in the form of sanctions. He cares about political, diplomatic isolation, being a pariah state. And he cares about military defeat. Those are the three things that will end this conflict, if he feels pressure on all of those three fronts.

And this administration continues to be unwilling to do anything to assert pressure in any of those three areas.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, they have put in place some secondary sanctions, at least on India here. And they haven't pulled back. They would need Congress to help them repeal a lot of these sanctions.

But bigger picture, in hindsight, do you think the United States to date has been too hesitant to actually help Ukraine win this war? President Obama did not send offensive weapons to Ukraine. President Biden was criticized for being perhaps too slow in delivery of certain weapons.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: Yes, there's no doubt.

As you know, I was one of the members of Congress that on a bipartisan basis pushed really hard in the first two years of this war under the Biden administration to do more, to do more quicker. And I was concerned that we were doing just enough to prevent Ukraine from losing and not doing enough to help them win.

And I do believe that, had we done more, and we had done  done it faster, and that we were willing to be more aggressive in providing aid and support for Ukraine, then they would be in a different position on the battlefield today.

But compare that to what this administration has done, which has relieved almost all pressure. Like, look at what happened on Friday.

U.S. military personnel in uniform literally were on their hands and knees rolling out a red carpet for the most murderous dictator of the 21st century, somebody who has kidnapped and is holding prisoner tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, somebody who started this whole war, right?

This both-sides-ism that the administration is engaging in, that both sides need to come to the table and negotiate, Ukraine is the victim. They are the victim. They didn't start this war. Russia did. And somehow we keep on acting like Vladimir Putin deserves to be brought out into the open like any other head of state.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: This is a historic embarrassment and defeat for U.S. foreign policy.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You have served this country in uniform.

I wonder, since you sit on the Armed Services Committee, how comfortable you would be with the United States giving this, whatever the Article 5- like security guarantee would look like. Is that something you should see boots on the ground to do?

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: I don't think boots on the ground would be the way to go, but, certainly, the United States has assets and capability that I think are essential to any type of security guarantee.

I think Europe has to come forward with the forward presence of military, but we can provide intelligence. We can provide economic support, diplomatic support. One of the most important things that we can do right now is actually seize Russian assets. This would be huge. This would be a game-changing thing that would put pressure on Vladimir Putin and actually create security guarantees and reconstruction for Ukraine.

There's over $150 billion of seized Russian assets. And the United States could lead a coalition to seize that money

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW:  allocate it towards reconstruction, allocate it towards security, allocate it towards the building of a Ukrainian military that could actually resist Russia going forward. But this administration is unwilling to do it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The last administration was too.

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: That's right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They did agree to the legislation.

But on the immigration front, you and your fellow Democratic lawmakers are now trying to challenge the Trump administration's policy that requires notice to be given before you visit an immigration facility. You just did visit some. What did you see? And how does that compare to the last administration?

REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW: Well, there's an ICE detention center in my district in Aurora, Colorado. I have visited that center 10 times now over the last five years, six years.

And oversight of federal facilities is one of the most important things that any member of Congress does, Air Force bases, military bases, VA hospitals, and ICE detention centers. This administration just tripled the budget of ICE, made it the largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the United States, bigger than the FBI, ATF, DEA, all others combined.

And they are putting in roadblocks to prevent oversight, to prevent transparency because they are trying to hide what they are doing. That is unacceptable. So we filed a lawsuit to force them to abide by federal law that guarantees us access.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes. And we will see where that heads next.

Jason Crow, thank you.

We will be right back.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will be right back. Stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to FACE THE NATION.

Fiona Hill served as the senior director for Russia and European affairs on the National Security Council during President Trump's first term. She joins us now from Waterville, Maine.

Good morning to you.

FIONA HILL (Former NSC Senior Director, European and Russian Affairs): Good morning, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Fiona, you were an advisor during that infamous Helsinki summit in 2018. You've spoke about that in the past. I wonder what you think about how this Alaska summit compared.

FIONA HILL: Well, obviously quite different in  in many respects. Part of it was the fact that they decided to skip the one-on-one meeting and the lunch. I mean these are usually part of this sort of set of summits like this. And the press conference, obviously, was more of an announcement or a set of announcements. Presentations by both leaders, much more by President Putin, and more of a commentary by President Trump. So, there wasn't that free for all of press questions, which I'm sure was a bit disconcerting for you and others who were present there at Alaska.

But the optics weren't exactly great, as Congressman Crow has laid out, for the United States and for President Trump again. I mean, again, different. But although it was presented as perhaps a show of power by being at a U.S. Air Force Base with the flight passing of the B-52s and the fighter jets, it did certainly looked much more like a show of appreciation for Vladimir Putin. And so the optics were really much more favorable to Putin than they were to the United States. It really looked like Putin set the agenda there, the narrative, and in many respects the tone for the whole summit meeting.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, saying that, you know, the president has a team of advisors around him. In a traditional administration, those advisors would be setting the policy, they would be planning the optics, and they would be thinking through that.

Do you think that the president's team set him up for success here?

FIONA HILL: Well, look, it may well have been that one of the demands, because we've heard from Secretary Rubio, which, I have to say, I think was a very fair assessment of where things are. So, it may well have been that one of the demands by the Russians to make any progress in moving further forward was to actually have that kind of show of pomp and pageantry that is  basically marks Putin's re-entry into international affairs. Maybe the Russians said to them in Moscow, either to Steve Witkoff or to Secretary Rubio or to anybody else that basically they wanted to have a  a major U.S./Russia bilateral summit appearance before they would move on to the nitty-gritty of anything else in Ukraine. That's, you know, to give them all the benefit of the doubt there.

But it all now depends on what comes out of this. And I think, again, Secretary Rubio made it very clear that it's not going to be easy. He was certainly downplaying any expectations of a major breakthrough, but he did say that it was something that might be possible. And I think that's what's going to be the proof of whether this was actually worth all the effort that they went to in Alaska or not.

And as Congressman Crow said, there's a pretty high bar here because what Putin is doing is pretty brutal. And he's not showing right now any signs whatsoever of giving anything up.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The United Kingdom's defense secretary has said that they would be willing to put boots on the ground in Ukraine to help oversee a ceasefire. When you hear these security guarantees being talked about, and the secretary said he is going to negotiate that tomorrow, what should we think  you know, what form is that going to take? What do you think that should look like?

FIONA HILL: Well, look, I think he actually let this out, and you did too in your questions. And I think Congressman Crow has made it very clear as well, it has to be a combination of all of the things that we've already heard discussed on the show today. You have to be able to have some boots on the ground. Congressman Crow said it doesn't have to be the United States. That's actually the case. But it actually has to be some commitment from the United States to enable European forces to actually hold that territory and to provide some security guarantees for Ukraine.

The United States is key in terms of its intelligence, in terms of enabling equipment and the information of the data that we would need for all of this to make a security intervention mean something. And it's also essential in terms of all kinds of other forms of equipment and defensive weaponry. We've already heard, of course, about Ukraine needing all kinds of equipment, from javelins in the past, to patriots, now in terms of an integrated missile defense system that Ukraine desperately needs. So, there's a lot there that we all know needs to be done.

And what we really need to see, I think, in these meetings that will take place on Monday and moving forward, is a real commitment to the United States to work with Europeans and to work with Ukraine to make this happen.

Look, this is existential also for European security. So, minimizing the role of Europe here, be it the United Kingdom, be it Poland, be it Finland, be it France, be it Germany, is not the way to go. Europe has to have an equal say in all of this. This is about Europe's future and the future of European security, not just about Ukraine's.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you about the dynamic between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. You know both men. You've written biographies of Vladimir Putin and, of course, you served under Donald Trump. In one of the Fox interviews that President Trump did, he said that he spoke about mail- in voting in the United States with Vladimir Putin. And during that press address, Putin also claimed that the war wouldn't have happened at all if Donald Trump had been pretty. I mean that's a counter factual, but that's something Trump often says on the  on the trail. Why would those things be discussed at all if this was about Ukraine?

FIONA HILL: Exactly. Well, look, this is Vladimir Putin, as usual, trying to manipulate U.S. domestic politics. I've seen him do this over and over again, including at Helsinki when he set the president off, not in the press conference, but before that, in a whole diatribe against his political enemies because Putin deliberately asked him about this.

So, Putin knows that President Trump wants to have an acknowledgment of his self-assertion, that the war wouldn't have happened had he not  had he been in the presidency. And so Putin's giving him something that plays well for President Trump and his own domestic environment. It doesn't play well in the international environment where people know things are much more complicated but it's basically gifting a concession to President Trump himself.

And Putin wants to sow chaos in the American electoral system ahead of the midterms. So, of course, he's laid into this whole issue of mail-in voting. And President Trump asserted in his Fox News interview that there were no countries in the world that allow mail-in voting. Well, Russia allows mail- in voting. And if everybody wants to go out and look, they can look for themselves. In 2020, President Vladimir Putin signed into law Russians being able to vote by mail and also on the internet. And more than 30 other countries also allow some forms of mail-in voting. So, it's just not true that other countries, including Russia, don't use this. It's a pure blatant piece of manipulation, and that's the kind of thing that Putin likes to do.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And, of course, I don't think you would endorse the outcome of that voting system and those elections are rigged in Russia, correct?

FIONA HILL: Of course.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

FIONA HILL: And, I mean, basically Putin wants to see us tie ourselves up in knots between now and the midterms. He's trying to sew chaos. And he's just better used his time with President Trump to push that along.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

FIONA HILL: It's  again, it's a diversion. It's a distraction really from the negotiations on Ukraine because Putin doesn't really want to give anything up. So, he gives up basically something that plays well in the political arena for President Trump and something that actually plays very badly for the United States in its own political arena, which is the mail- in voting point that he made.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Fiona Hill, always appreciate your analysis. Thank you for joining us today.

We'll be right back.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: During our trip to Alaska last week for the Trump/Putin summit, we talked with Alaskan Republican Senator Dan Sullivan about the strategic military importance of Alaska. We began by asking about potential offers to Putin to get him to end the war in Ukraine.

(BEGIN VT)

MARGARET BRENNAN: "The Telegraph" was reporting offering Putin a chance to invest in the natural resources off of Alaska's coast, in the Bearing Strait.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN (R-AK): Yes. Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you comfortable with that?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Well, look, we have plenty of America investors and our allies who want to invest in Alaska's natural resources. We're having a boom here. We don't need Russian investments. We don't need Russian money. They're a competitor of ours when it comes to energy and natural resources and critical minerals. So, I doubt that's on the table. And, you know, I would not 

MARGARET BRENNAN: You'd be upset if there was?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: I would not  I would not support that.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Your colleague 

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: And by the way, just to  on that point though, a contrast. You might remember last time I was on your show we talked about the Biden administration 

MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to talk about this.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: With this great state of ours.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Shutting us down, right? I mean that was 70 executive orders to shut down, exclusively focused on Alaska, shut down our resource development economy. Our own federal government, the Biden administration, sanctioned my state more than they sanctioned Iran. What we're seeing with President Trump in his administration is a complete 180 on that. Unleashing Alaska's resource potential has been a huge focus of the president since day one.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you mentioned how furious you were with the Biden administration for the executive actions they said they were taking to protect natural resources.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They said land conservation was necessary, and the indigenous population here really wanted it.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Right. Right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You called it a lie.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: I did call it a lie. It was a lie.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And you said it was national security suicide. Trump has already reversed this.

But are you at all concerned that there are short-term benefits to your state financially, but longer term real damage to the environment here?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: No. Look, Alaska has an incredible record of being able to develop our resources and protect the environment. You walk around here, you see what a pristine, beautiful environment we have here. But we know we need jobs. We need natural resource development. So, we can do both. The entire north slope of Alaska, the Nupiet (ph) community, across the board was against what the Biden administration did, which was lock up the entire natural petroleum reserve of Alaska, which was set aside by Congress to develop our resources. And then he had the audacity to say, hey, I did this on behalf of the native people. That was not true at all. It was an outrage.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So  so, for activists or for those concerned about the damage here 

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You say they just don't know what they're talking about?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Well, I say  well, a couple things. There's no place on the planet that has higher standards on protecting the environment than us. And if we need American energy, why would we go, like the Biden administration did, begging from Iran, Venezuela, places that have no environmental standards, when you can get it from America, from American workers, with the highest environmental standards any place on the planet. And secondly, when you have resource development, particularly in our rural communities, you see life expectancies increases  increasing.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, in this region 

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The Arctic is of supreme concern from a national security perspective.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The ice is melting.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Majority of scientists attribute that to global warming, but the end result is there's a potential for an Arctic area for trade routes.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Correct.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Also tapping into the natural resources there.

How does the United States gain an edge in  in dominating that?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Well, look, it's a great question. It's really important. You're mentioning trade routes that are opening up. We've already talked about natural resources, which are huge, up in the Arctic. And what we need to do is recognize that we're an Arctic nation. We're an Arctic nation because of Alaska.

And, look, this has not always been a priority of previous administrations. What we're doing up here, we're rebuilding our military. The one big, beautiful bill certainly does it. As I mentioned, you know, Alaska exudes military might. We're the cornerstone of missile defense, and we're going to be the cornerstone of the president's golden dome initiative. We are the hub of air combat power. You're seeing them flying over here. We have over 100 fifth generation fighters based in Alaska. We have a brand-new U.S. Army airborne division up here. So, we are building out our military, which is great, but also building out our Arctic capabilities.

And again, in the one big, beautiful bill, almost $26 billion investment in the Coast Guard, which is the biggest investment in the Coast Guard in American history by far, 16 icebreakers coming with that, 22 cutters, 40 helicopters, a bunch of shore side infrastructure, a lot of that's going to be in Alaska to defend the Arctic. And we need to defend the Arctic because, as you and I have talked about, the Russians and the Chinese are in our waters and in our airspace all the time, including doing joint operations up here, which is unprecedented.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I wanted to ask you about that because the war in Ukraine has hurt Russia's finances 

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Made them more dependent on Beijing, including when it comes to exploring up and around the Arctic.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They had a joint bomber task force come here 

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Correct.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Pretty darn close.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Oh, they were in our ADIZs, as they  as we call it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The Air Defense Identification Zone.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Correct.

MARGARET BRENNAN: So, are you concerned this actually becomes a flashpoint?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: I think this is already becoming a flash point. I mean the number of times that the Russians and Chinese are doing joint strategic bomber task forces in our airspace and joint naval task forces in our EEZ, in our waters, they're 

MARGARET BRENNAN: Economic Zone?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Yes. That's happening on a regular basis now, that's unprecedented. They don't do joint operations anywhere else on America's borders. That's for sure.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, the Republican chair of the Armed Services Committee and the Appropriations Committee says there is far more needed for the U.S. military than what has been provided by the White House and their budget.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: We need to do more and we certainly need to keep it above 3 percent of GDP and growing towards 4 or 5 percent of GDP. It's a dangerous world right now.

But this one big, beautiful bill, the budget reconciliation bill does a lot for our military right now on urgent needs. Shipbuilding. As we have talked about, our Navy, our ability to build ships is completely atrophied. Weapons and ammo systems. The golden dome.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I know you have your own proposal.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: Absolutely.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But has the Pentagon told you what the golden dome is?

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: All right, I mean, I've been working on this with the Pentagon. This is missile defense that is a layered missile defense. So, what that means is, right here, like I said, you have the ground-based missile interceptor  the missile interceptors in Alaska. You have all the radar systems in Alaska that protect the whole country in terms of ballistic missiles.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: We have new threats. We have hypersonics. We have drones. We have, heck, even we've seen it here in Alaska, spy balloons. What we need to do is upgrade the system with what's called a layered defense. Not just the ground-based system here, but you work it more with different systems, Aegis Ashore, THAD, and then including space-based systems, both for tracking and intercepting. And you to do that with an open architecture in terms of software to integrate those systems. So, I am very familiar with what the golden dome is doing and I'm leading the effort in the Senate on it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

SENATOR DAN SULLIVAN: And, by the way, my state is the cornerstone of all the missile defense right now and will continue to be so.

(END VT)

MARGARET BRENNAN: You can find more from our interview with Dan Sullivan on our website, facethenation.com and our YouTube page.

We'll be back in a moment.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza where the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that the total number of starvation- related deaths has now risen to 250, including 110 children. Seven of those deaths in the last 24 hours.

World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres joins us this morning from Jerusalem. He visited Gaza late last week.

Good morning.

JOSE ANDRES (Founder, World Central Kitchen): Good morning.

MARGARET BRENNAN: It is rare to get a look inside of Gaza. The IDF does not allow journalists in to freely report. But they let you in. What did you see?

JOSE ANDRES: It was a day trip. I was able to go early in the day and leave before sunset. And I visit our main  one of our two main kitchens inside Gaza in Derbala (ph). And I was able to visit the few warehouses we have there, the bakery, the kitchens. And I spending a day trying to see what else the teams need, what else we need to be doing, how we are going to be increasing the hot food and bread we are producing right now. So, it was a day again to show support, to see on my own and assess the situation of our own kitchens. And  and that's how  what I have to report with that.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The U.N. says that there is starvation happening in Gaza. Israel's prime minister says there is no starvation. What's real?

JOSE ANDRES: Obviously, there is always a gray area. But we are making boxes for children that we know they are in very special need situation. I saw those boxes be made with the name of every one of the children. We need to remember that during many weeks no food was going inside Gaza. And this is to 2 million people.

So, in the places we know we're feeding, we are doing around 200,000 meals a day, but this is only 10 percent of the need. That's why we are trying to increase.

I can say that where we are, obviously people are  are  are being fed. At the very minimum. It's not everything they should be receiving, but at the very least they are receiving a piece of bread and a piece of food.

But we need much more aid. We need to make sure that the aid is never interrupted again. We need to make sure that the flow of trucks keeps happening. We need to make sure that we have safe roads so those trucks can reach their intended delivery place. We need to make sure that all the NGOs that are actively trying to do the best they can to take care of people inside Gaza, and this is beyond food, obviously medicine, et cetera, et cetera, we need to make sure that the aid is massive enough that we don't get to those moments where in some areas, like in the north, that these are still very difficult to reach, that we know that people are desperate for food.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You mentioned for many weeks no food was allowed in. That was a government policy. There was a blockade for many months. That is now lifted officially.

But as you say, your organization wants to scale up. You are trying to produce 1 million meals a day in Gaza. Can you get the fuel in to do that? Can you get the food in? Are Israeli officials giving you a green light?

JOSE ANDRES: Well, it's a million because we  we are an organization that we specialize in emergencies and in food. But really we are requesting that all the NGOs that are participating in feeding are giving more access, including us, and other organizations, like Anera (ph), which was one of the organizations we work with that they have been in Gaza for many, many decades, and many others. We need to make sure that everybody has access. For that we need a lot of things. The trucks inside Gaza. We need to remember that the trucks come from outside Gaza. And they are  they are put aside. And then we need to reload the trucks that are inside Gaza. This takes time. We need more trucks inside. So, the trucking company can have enough people and enough trucks to have a constant flow.

I have to report that as I saw a good flow of trucks going in, around 150 to 250 trucks are going in every day. But even I would say that this is not enough. We need to make sure that we massively increase, that we massively make sure that nobody has to be walking for miles to try to reach a place where they can find a plate of food or use a bag of rice. We need to make sure like what World Central Kitchen does. At one moment we had, you know, 100 to 200 kitchen partners. We need to make sure that we are cooking where people live. We need to make sure that we are feeding them where people are so the people don't have to be again leaving their neighborhoods, leaving their tents and walking for hours back and forth only to try to bring a little bit of food back home.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Jose Andres, thank you very much for your time this morning.

We'll be right back.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: That's it for us today. Thank you all for watching. Until next week. For FACE THE NATION, I'm Margaret Brennan.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

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A robotics activist's remarkable crusade

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 17, 2025.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We begin with Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who attended those talks in Anchorage. Good morning to you, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO: Good morning. Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Vladimir Putin did not give President Trump the ceasefire he sought. And now Putin says the root causes of the conflict have to be resolved in a peace agreement. Isn't the root cause the fact that Russia invaded in the first place?

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SEC. RUBIO: Well, ultimately, yeah. But I mean, what he means by root causes is this long historical complaints that we've heard repeatedly. This is not a new argument, he's been making this for a long time, and it's the argument that it's Western encroachment. I don't want to get into- it's just so long. But the bottom line is that all of- you know, we're not going to focus on all of that stuff. We're going to focus on this: are they going to stop fighting or not? And what it's going to take to stop the fighting. And what it's going to take to stop the fighting, if we're being honest and serious here, is both sides are going to have to give, and both sides should expect to get something from this. And that's a very difficult thing to do. It's very difficult because Ukraine obviously feels, you know, harmed, and rightfully so, because they were invaded. And the Russian side, because they feel like they got momentum in the battlefield, and frankly, don't care, don't seem to care very much about how many Russian soldiers die in this endeavor. They just churn through it. So I think what the President deserves a lot of credit for is the amount of time and energy that his administration is placing on reaching a peace agreement for a war that's not a war that started under him. It's half, you know, it's on the other side of the world. That said, I mean, it's relevant to us. But there are a lot of other issues he could be focused on. So tomorrow, we'll be meeting with President Zelenskyy. We'll be meeting with European leaders. We just met with Putin. He's dedicated a lot of time and energy because he has made it a priority of his administration to stop or end war- stop wars or prevent them. And right now, this is the biggest war going on in the world. It's the biggest war in Europe since World War Two. We're going to continue to do everything we can to reach an agreement that ends the dying and the killing and the suffering that's going on right now.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You know this well, how long these kind of diplomatic negotiations often take. President Trump was telling European leaders what was discussed was Putin demanding control of Donetsk, a region in the east that his forces do not fully hold, and the UK estimates that taking that full area could be as long as another four years. Putin also is demanding Russian be an official language in Ukraine, and something regarding Russian Orthodox churches. Did the U.S. accept all of what Putin laid out at that table?

SEC. RUBIO: The United States is not in a position to accept anything or reject anything, because ultimately, it's up to the Ukrainians. They're the ones that Russia has to make peace with, Ukraine with Russia--

MARGARET BRENNAN: --Well, the President said he did come to some agreement--

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SEC. RUBIO: --It's up to the Ukrainians to make these conditions. Well, the agreements were that we were going to try to do things like, for example, get a leader- a leaders meeting. We have to make enough progress so that we can sit down President Zelenskyy and President Zelenskyy and President Putin in the same place, which is what President Zelenskyy has been asking for, and reach a final agreement that ends this war. Now, there were some concepts and ideas discussed that we know the Ukrainians could be very supportive of in that meeting. I don't think it's- we're not going to negotiate this in the media. I understand that everybody wants to know what happened. But ultimately, there are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, that are potentials for progress. We'll be discussing that more in depth tomorrow, with our European allies, with the Ukrainians that are coming over. We'll be discussing all of these things, because ultimately, we do need to find areas where we're making progress and try to begin to narrow the gap between the two sides. But there's a reason why this war has been going on for three and a half years, and that is, when it comes to the big issues here, there are still some big differences between both sides. Let's see how much progress we can continue to make. It's- it's- it's not been easy, but it's something the President's made a priority. Peace. And he deserves a lot of credit for that.

MARGARET BRENNAN: But ultimately, if- if Vladimir Putin is going to be offered land that he has not seized yet, but negotiates his way into, doesn't this set a dangerous precedent that the United States now accepts this concept that it is okay to seize land by force?

SEC. RUBIO: Well, Putin has already seized land by force, and that, in and of itself, is not a positive precedent. This whole war is a negative precedent--

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- Are you demanding withdrawal?--

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SEC. RUBIO: --precedent. Well, again, here's the- in order to have a deal here to end- to reach the end of this conflict, both sides are going to have to make concessions. That's just the facts--

[CROSSTALK]

MARGARET BRENNAN: But does that mean accepting--

SEC. RUBIO: --in any negotiation--

MARGARET BRENNAN: --where Russian forces are now?

SEC. RUBIO: No, no, but, if- But this is not about acceptance. This is about what Ukraine can accept. And what Russia can accept. They both have to accept it, otherwise there won't be a peace deal. Okay. If there aren't concessions, if one side gets everything they want, that's called surrender. That's called the end of the war through surrender. And that's not what we're close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender or anything close to it. So in order for there to be a peace deal, this is just a fact, we may not like it, it may not be pleasant, it may be distasteful, but in order for there to be an end of the war, there are things Russia wants that it cannot get, and there are things Ukraine wants that it's not going to get. Both sides are going to have to give up something in order to get to the table, in order to make this happen. That's- that's just the way it is. And I mean, the sooner we accept that, that's the reality. Now, what those things are is going to be up to both sides. There's no conditions that can be imposed on Ukraine. They're going to have to accept things, but they're going to have to get things too. And so, for example, Ukraine is a sovereign country. They have a right, like every sovereign country does in the world, to have- to enter into security alliances with other countries to prevent an invasion in the future, to prevent threats to their national security. That's not an unreasonable request. That's something needs to be worked on. Territories will have to be discussed. It's just a fact, and there are things that maybe Russia is holding now that they're going to have to give up. Who knows? The point is, we need to create a scenario where that becomes possible, and that's why this has been so hard, because neither side, up to now, has been willing to give on some of these things. But we'll see if that's possible. It may not be, but we're going to try, and we're going to do everything we can to try to achieve a peace.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: I understand you, you can't get into specifics in a public conversation, but we're looking at Russian troops and strikes intensifying. Did you hear anything from Vladimir Putin that indicated he is willing to make a single concession?

SEC. RUBIO: Well, I think there are a couple. I mean, there were- not enough for Ukraine, if not we would be announcing a peace deal this morning, right? But- but certainly, there are some things we notice changes. There are some changes that I think are possible. I think there's some concepts that were discussed that could potentially lead to something. But again, all these things have to be verifiable. We- it isn't real until it's real. I mean, you- one thing is what you say you might be willing to consider, another thing is your willingness to do it. And it always becomes a trade off in all of this. But you talk about the intensifying strikes on the Russian side, yeah, I mean, they're a full-time war machine. I mean, that's what's happening. The Russian economy has basically been turned into a full-time wartime economy. They have a lot of people. It's a big country. It's not just large geographically. It has huge populations. It continues to churn through people. You know, they lost- 20,000 Russian soldiers were killed last month, in July, in this war. That just tells you the price they're willing to pay. Not saying any of this is admirable, I'm saying that this is the reality of the war that we're facing. It's become attrition, in some ways. It's a meat grinder, and they just have more meat to grind.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, let me ask you about the security bit you just mentioned there, because Italy's Prime Minister says that President Trump revived the idea of security guarantees inspired by NATO's Article Five and a collective security clause that would involve the United States. How does that work? Are these U.S. troops? Are these U.S. monitors?

SEC. RUBIO: Well, what we're going to be working on. That's why- that's one of the reasons why, you know, I talked yesterday to all the national security advisors, a bunch of them from the different European countries, or European leaders coming here tomorrow, heads of state coming tomorrow, along with President Zelenskyy, to discuss this in more detail. I mean, the constructs of something like this needs to be built out once it- concept is one thing. The reality, you know, how it's built and how it would work, is another. But those are the kinds of talks that we're going to be having with them, along with some of the other issues that are at play. But, that-that is one of the-if you were to break this thing down, I mean, there are, obviously, there needs to be an agreement on territories and where the lines are going to be drawn. That's not going to be very easy. That's going to be tough. I think there has to be some discussion about security guarantees for Ukraine, because they don't want this war tonone of us want to see this war in the future. They're a sovereign country. They have a right to have security agreements with other countries and security alliances with other countries. And then there's the whole issue of reconstruction

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MARGARET BRENNAN: -- Including the United States?--

SEC. RUBIO: -- How do you rebuild the country? Well, potentially, like I said, that's what we're going to be having a conversation about, and that's what we're going to be meeting. That's why they're all coming here tomorrow, and-and that's why we've been talking on the phone for the last 48 hours with them, and even leading up to it throughout the week there were various meetings just to sort of build out some of these ideas. So all of these right now are ideas, they are concepts that require some more specificity. We'll need to work with our partners to see what that looks like. And I think that's an area where potential progress is real, but that alone won't be enough. There's a bunch of other things that have to be worked through here.

MARGARET BRENNAN Yea, well, Russia claims it has rescued 700,000 children. I know you know that the warrant out for Vladimir Putin's arrest is for the state-sponsored abduction of kids. I've seen estimates there are something like 30,000 Ukrainian children who have been abducted. Is the United States demanding, or at least, even just as a statement of goodwill here, that Russia return these children?

SEC. RUBIO: Yeah, I mean, we've repeatedly raised that issue on- in every forum possible, and those have also been, by the way, topics of discussion, not just in our meetings with the Ukrainians, but in the negotiations and talks that were going on between Ukraine and Russia at the technical level. These talks were going on in Turkey, as an example. Turkey over the last few months--

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MARGARET BRENNAN: --Yeah, nothing so far from the Russians --

SEC. RUBIO: --that's been a topic of discussion as well --

SEC. RUBIO: Well, it's unfortunate. Children should be returned to their families. We- on that position, I don't think there's any ambiguity on our side. And they shouldn't even be, you know, a bargaining chip in regards to a broader negotiation. But it's just one more element of how tragic this war is. After three and a half years, this war is getting worse. It's not getting better. You've made the point about the uptick in strikes. This is a war. It's going to get worse. It's not going to get better, and that's why the President is investing so much time in bringing this to an end. And, by the way, everyone is begging us to be involved in this. The Europeans want us involved. The Ukrainians want us involved. Obviously, the Russians want us involved because the President is the only leader in the world- if this is possible, he's the only one that can help make it happen.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he's got the leverage over Vladimir Putin if he wanted to crush his economy or at least do more damage to it, but you have held off on those secondary sanctions. President Trump told Fox News his advice to President Zelenskyy is make a deal, Russia's a very big power and they're not. You know there is concern from the Europeans that President Zelenskyy is going to be bullied into signing something away. That's why you have these European leaders coming as back up tomorrow. Can you reassure them?

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SEC. RUBIO: No, it isn't. That's not why they're coming as back- that's not true. No but that's not, why, that's not true. They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're not coming- in fact --

[CROSSTALK]

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well that February Oval Office meeting in front of television cameras, where President Zelenskyy was dressed down --

SEC. RUBIO: -- Do you know how many meetings we've had since then?

MARGARET BRENNAN: Oh, no, I know. And I was just up in Alaska --

SEC. RUBIO: Yeah, but we've had a bunch of meetings since then.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: -- watching the one with Vladimir Putin where a red carpet was rolled out for the Russian leader. It was very different--

SEC. RUBIO: -- No, but it wasn't Zelenskyy. We've had more meetings, we've had, we've had, we've had one meeting with Putin and like a dozen meetings with Zelenskyy. So that, but that's not true. They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're coming here tomorrow because we've been working with the Europeans. We talked to them last week. There were meetings in the UK over the following, the previous weekend --

MARGARET BRENNAN: -- And they said the President Trump was going to demand a ceasefire --

SEC. RUBIO: -- The President's talked to these leaders as early as Thursday. No, no, but you said that they're coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. They're not coming here tomorrow- this is such a stupid media narrative that they're coming here tomorrow because the- Trump is going to bully Zelenskyy into a bad deal. We've been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff. They're coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. We invited them to come. The President invited them to come.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: But the President told those European leaders last week that he wanted a cease fire. The President went on television, said he would walk out of the meeting if Vladimir Putin didn't agree with him. He said there would be severe consequences if he didn't agree to one. He said he'd walk out in two minutes. He spent three hours talking to Vladimir Putin, and he did not get one,so--

SEC. RUBIO: --Because obviously something, things happen during that meeting, well, because obviously things,look our goal here is not to stage some production for the world to say, oh how dramatic he walked out. Our goal here is to have a peace agreement to end this war. Okay? And obviously we felt, and I agreed, that there was enough progress, not a lot of progress, but enough progress made in those talks to allow us to move to the next phase. If not, we wouldn't be having Zelenskyy flying all the way over here. We wouldn't be having all the Europeans coming all the way over here. Now understand, and take with a grain of salt, I'm not saying we're on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement, enough movement to justify a follow up meeting with Zelenskyy and the Europeans, enough movement for us to dedicate even more time to this. You talk about the sanctions. Look, at the end of the day, if peace is not going to be possible here, and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands, the President has that option to then come in and impose new sanctions. But if he did this now, the moment the President puts those additional sanctions, that's the end of the talks. You've basically locked in at least another year to year and a half of war and death and destruction. We may unfortunately wind up there, but we don't want to wind up there. We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again. That's the goal here. We're going to do everything possible to make that happen if it's doable. It will require both sides to make concessions. It will require both sides to get things they're asking for. That's how these deals are made, whether we like it or not.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Before I let you go, quickly, why did the State Department just announced that they're halting visitor visas for all Gazans coming here for medical aid? Why would some of these kids, for example, who are coming to hospitals for treatment be a threat?

SEC. RUBIO: Well, first of all, it's not just kids, it's a bunch of adults that are accompanying them. Second, we had outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it, and so we're going to reevaluate how those visas are being granted, not just to the children, but how those visas are being granted to the people who are accompanying them. And by the way, to some of the organizations that are facilitating it. There is evidence, it's been presented to us by numerous congressional offices, that some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas. And so we are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas. So we need to- we're going to pause those visas. There was just a small number of them issued to children, but they come with adults accompanying them, obviously, and we are going to pause this program and reevaluate how those visas are being vetted and what relationship, if any, has there been by these organizations to the- to the process of acquiring those visas. We're not going to be in partnership with groups that have links or sympathies towards Hamas.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. We have to leave it there for this morning. Thank you for joining us.

SEC. RUBIO: Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: 'Face the Nation' will be back in one minute. Stay with us.

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more
Nagaland Minister and BJP leader Temjen Imna Along condoled the death of Governor La Ganesan, who passed away on Friday evening in Chennai. Remembering him as a kind and humble person, Along said Ganesan's life was guided by the spirit of nationalism and love for the people of Nagaland and India. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Temjen Imna Along said, "The passing away of Governor La Ganesan has left the state of Nagaland in grief. I convey my condolences to the bereaved family. He was a kind man, and his life was built on the ethos of nationalism... His humility, presence of mind, love for the people of Nagaland and for the people of India were always at its best all the time..." La Ganesan passed away at 6:23 pm on August 15 at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Nagaland has declared seven days of state mourning from August 16 to 22. Senior leaders and dignitaries gathered in Chennai on Saturday to pay their last respects to Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who passed away on Friday evening. Tributes poured in from across the country, with Union ministers, state leaders, and representatives from Nagaland recalling his remarkable public life and contributions to politics, literature, and governance. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, speaking on behalf of the Government of India, described Ganesan as a close friend and dedicated leader. "Nagaland Governor La Ganesan is no longer among us; we have come to express our condolences on behalf of the Government of India. We have expressed our condolences; he was our good friend. He made a significant contribution to building the party in Tamil Nadu... He was a remarkable personality; I pray to God for the peace of his soul...," Meghwal said. Union Minister L Murugan highlighted Ganesan's journey from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to becoming the Governor of Nagaland, noting his decades of service to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Tamil society." (ANI)
A networking event just for women is happening next weekend on Chicagos South Side.

Be Fearless is holding a womens networking brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Connection, 4321 South Cottage Grove Avenue, in Bronzeville. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Jewells Jems: Experience sound meditation with Current Vibrations

Jasmine Barlow, CEO of Be Fearless, and her cousin, Circuit Court Judge Maria Barlow for the City of Chicago  who will be a panel speaker at the event  joined Jewell Hillery on Sundays WGN Weekend Morning News to share more about the event.

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Be Fearless is not about fear. Its about taking the first step and not knowing what the second step is, Jasmine Barlow explains. I have created a networking event now that is absolutely free. Coming from the community that Ive come from, you hear about things, and you cant afford it, or you may not feel comfortable going, or whatever.

So I just wanted women to know that theyre not alone. Dont put yourself in isolation. There is a network out here thats willing to help, and we want to give you the information you need so you can branch off and do your own thing.

Judge Maria Barlow said shes participating in order to share her own experiences and inspire others.

I came from a large family, I was the first one to go to college, first one to go to law school, first one to be elected as judge, she says. I kind of want to share with them the story and experience, because so many people feel like, Oh, I cant do this.

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You can. You have to just try. You might fall. Just get back up and keep going.

Back to school lunch inspiration from The Chopping Block

The networking event will including food and music, and its totally free.

Were just going to have fun and network, Maria Barlow says.

Watch the attached video for the full interview, and see more information about the event 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 WGN-TV.
More than half of the school districts in Schuylkill County have raised property taxes for the 2025-26 school year, reflecting ongoing challenges in public education, officials said.

Administrators in local districts said they have dealt with rising cyber charter school costs, special education, increased operating expenses and other issues that put a strain on their budgets.

Some schools had not implemented a tax increase in a few years  in Shenandoah Valleys case, nearly a decade.

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The district included a 3.2-mill tax increase for 2025-26, its first increase since 2017-18.

Even after a Commonwealth Court ruling deemed Pennsylvanias method of funding public education unconstitutional, the district is still disadvantaged due to chronic underfunding in many areas, Superintendent Brian Waite said. Shenandoah Valley was one of six school districts that sued over inequities in funding.

Schools have also seen changing trends in public education enrollments, as they continue to see rising numbers of cyber charter students and other out-of-district placements.

In Schuylkill Haven Area, a challenge lies in the large number of students who attend schools or facilities outside district boundaries, but need to be transported there at the districts expense, Superintendent Shawn Fitzpatrick said.

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Schuylkill Haven seeks to accommodate students like those  and have some of them return to in-house schooling  while continuing to provide quality programming and education for all of its students, he said.

We want to reduce costs, he said, but not sacrifice the great programming we have in place for students.

Below is a list of each public school district in Schuylkill County and whether it implemented a tax increase this year.

Ongoing challenges in public education have resulted in increased taxes for many Schuylkill County residents. (GRAPHIC BY RYAN SHARP)

Blue Mountain

The Blue Mountain School Districts budget for the 2025-26 school year includes a 2-mill tax increase.

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The new tax rate is 46.325 mills, meaning the owner of a property assessed at $100,000 would see a $4,632 school tax bill.

The budget sets total revenues at $52,413,773 and total expenditures at $52,948,286.

Business Administrator Amy M. Tomalavage said the primary drivers for the tax increase were a 12.47% increase (about $1 million) on health insurance, salary increases and raises, and high costs for cyber charter schools.

While the districts preliminary budget did not contain a millage increase, the final budget included the 2-mill increase. Tomalavage clarified that was because the district was awaiting its final health insurance numbers and did not factor those costs in to the preliminary budget.

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Mahanoy Area

Mahanoy Areas budget includes a 3-mill tax increase, raising the real estate tax rate to 59.5 mills.

The 2025-26 budget has total expenditures at $26,252,088 and total revenues at $25,604,708, up from last years figures of $24,140,920 for expenditures and $22,651,884 in total revenues.

The primary drivers for the districts tax increase were unfunded charter school tuition costs and increased special education costs, according to Business Manager Jack Hurst.

The 2025-26 charter school costs are projected to be $1.6 million (equivalent to about 18.34 mills of real estate tax). Thats a $831,000, or 117%, increase over the last 10 years, Hurst said.

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Hurst noted the district did receive $135,366 for the 2024-25 school year to help offset charter tuition costs, but that was not included in the proposed state budget this year.

Net special education costs are projected to increase this year by $844,165, or 28%, he said.

Additionally, the district has a rapidly expanding English Language Learning (ELL) population and had to add a third ELL teacher this school year. The district has about 190 ELL students, compared to 135 last year, according to Hurst.

Five years ago, the district enrolled only 27 ELL students, he said.

Minersville Area

Minersville Areas $25.5 million general fund budget has a real estate tax rate of 48.79 mills this year, up from the previous rate of 47.29 mills.

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The budget includes a $5 local service tax, a $200 occupation tax and a 1% earned income tax  0.5% for the school district and 0.5% for municipalities.

North Schuylkill

North Schuylkill has held the line on taxes for the second time in the past three years.

The districts $39.1 million budget does not include a tax increase for residents this year, as was the case in 2023-2024. The district did have to implement a 3.5% tax increase for 2024-25 to maintain high-quality programs and services, Superintendent Robert Ackell said.

Ackell attributed the districts fiscal stability to several factors, including efficient use of its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funds, and adequacy funding approved by the state, which he said has provided significant and much-needed support.

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He also credited the leadership of Business Manager Robert Amos. His strategic budgeting, careful investment decisions and commitment to efficiency have been instrumental in maintaining the districts financial health, Ackell said.

Pine Grove Area

Pine Grove Areas 2025-26 budget includes a 2.417-mill tax increase, bringing the real estate tax rate up to 47.167 mills.

The budget includes a $1.35 million deficit. Total expenditures are set at $31,259,830 and total revenues at $29,914,415.

Pottsville Area

Pottsville Area held the line on taxes this year, keeping the millage rate at 45.4025.

The 2025-26 budget balances expenses and revenues at $51,842,309.

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District officials have spoken about the dire fiscal situation the district was in as recently as 2019, when the Pennsylvania Auditor Generals office said Pottsville was at risk of being placed on financial watch by the state.

By contrast, the 2025-26 budget avoids a tax hike while adding important personnel, making much-needed improvements to buildings and infrastructure, increasing programming for students, and maintaining reserves despite rising expenses, officials said.

The approved millage rate means that a property assessed at the districts median rate of $27,030 next year will pay $1,227 in taxes.

Pottsville has not raised taxes in 12 of the last 19 years.

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Saint Clair Area

Saint Clair Areas $15.26 million budget holds the line on taxes, keeping the tax rate at 38.16 mills.

Saint Clairs tax structure is based on 38.16 mills on assessed valuation of real estate, earned income and business privilege taxes.

The district has not raised taxes in seven years.

Schuylkill Haven Area

The districts $26.4 million 2025-26 budget includes a 2.4-mill real estate tax increase, its first in four years.

The district was due for a tax increase  it implements one about every three years  and it made the decision due to rising expenses across the board, said Superintendent Shawn Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick said that most of the properties taxed by the district are residential, so it does not have the boost from large corporations and businesses that some others receive.

The budget includes a $2.5 million deficit, which Fitzpatrick attributes largely to the transportation and other costs associated with out-of-district students. The district has a number of students who receive special education services or go to charter school outside of the district facilities  some, up to an hour away from their home  and are transported in vans or other vehicles.

Fitzpatrick said the district aims to reduce the deficit by limiting the number of out-of-district placements, and ensuring the schools have support services and teachers available for all its students. The goal, he said, is to maintain strong programming, special education support and equipment. While bringing in more in-house students will also drive up those expenses, Fitzpatrick believes that is more efficient than the costs associated with outside placements.

We are looking at every single thing we can in terms of reducing costs without sacrificing the programming for our kids, he said.

Shenandoah Valley

Shenandoah Valleys $28.7 million budget includes the districts first tax increase in eight years.

The real estate tax rate is set at 60.175 mills, up 3.2 mills from the previous rate. The decision was made after careful consideration, and it reflects rising costs in areas largely outside of the districts control, said Superintendent Brian K. Waite.

Waite said the district is currently underfunded by nearly $8,000 per student, one of the largest gaps in the state.

While the Fair Funding Lawsuit brought attention to these inequities and a commission has proposed a long-term fix, the reality is that those dollars havent reached us yet, he said.

The district has seen major increases in cyber charter tuition (over $600,000), special education needs ($500,000) and health care costs (now totaling $1.3 million), Waite said.

These rising expenses, coupled with chronic underfunding, make it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of our students without additional local support, he said. We know any tax increase impacts our community, and we remain committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with the educational needs of our students.

Tamaqua Area

The districts 2025-26 general fund budget has revenues at $41,755,213 and expenditures at $42,756,201, keeping the real estate tax rate steady at 44.93 mills.

Tri-Valley

Taxes are going up for Tri-Valley School District residents. The 2025-26 budget includes a 2-mill tax increase, bringing the millage rate up to 45.721.

Superintendent Matthew J. Horoschak said several factors contributed to the decision  among them the substantial and rising cyber charter school costs. He said those expenses alone created a sizable deficit in the budget.

The district also has seen increased operating costs across the board due to broader economic conditions, Horoschak said

The rising prices of resources, supplies and services necessary to provide quality instruction to our students and support our educators have placed additional strain on our budget, he said. The combination of these factors made a tax increase necessary in order to maintain our commitment to delivering a high-quality education while meeting our financial obligations.

The budget sets total revenues at $17,215,310 and total expenses at $18,418,881.

The tax rate was raised by about 3 mills in 2024-25.

Williams Valley

Taxes are going up for Williams Valley School District residents in both Schuylkill and Dauphin counties.

The budget has a 45.036 millage rate for Schuylkill County and a 21.501 millage rate for Dauphin County, up from last years rates of 42.457 and 20.489, respectively.

The budget sets total expenditures at $19,661,389 and total revenues at $18,760,980.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot visited Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday to express solidarity with the families of individuals still held by Hamas.

A video released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum showed the "Wonder Woman" star comforting the wife of a hostage, smiling as she held her hands before embracing her.

Gadot also spoke with Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan has been held in Gaza for nearly two years. Zangauker has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war and the hostage crisis.

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The visit to the plaza in Tel Aviv, which has become a gathering point for the families of captives and their supporters over the past 22 months, coincided with a nationwide day of strikes and protests organized to draw attention to the plight of the hostages.

Businesses closed, demonstrators blocked roads, and police reported dozens of arrests.

Gadot, 40, has previously spoken out in support of Israel and the hostages following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent Gaza war. Her stance has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian activists and calls to boycott her films.

Israelis block the road during a protest calling to end the war on Gaza and to free the hostages. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Gavin Newsom knows the popular image of him is of a smooth talker with slicked-back hair, the wealthy liberal who co-owns a vineyard.

He knows, regarding the presidential ambitions hes hardly hiding, that the biggest question he would face out of the gate is whether he could sell Americans on wanting California to represent their future rather than seeing it as the place where the wackiest liberal dreams go to run wild.

The redistricting fight that Newsom and the state legislature are launching Monday could, he and his inner circle believe, give him all the rebuttals he needs.

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If it succeeds.

Newsom is already raising money and preparing for an onslaught of Republican cash aimed at defeating the November ballot initiative California legislators expect to enact as quickly as Thursday, asking voters to allow a gerrymander of five new Democratic seats in the US House. He has started making plans for what he assumes will be President Donald Trumps retaliation against him for trying to erase Republican gains in Texas.

He recently spent an hour on the phone trying to smooth over former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who created Californias independent redistricting commission and has made fighting gerrymandering one of his post-politics priorities. (It may not have helped: Schwarzenegger posted a deliberately cryptic photo Friday of himself lifting weights in a T-shirt reading: F*** The Politicians: Terminate Gerrymandering.)

Democrats often talk about fighting Trump more. Newsom now has yet another actual fight to have.

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Newsom told CNN that he feels blessed to have the chance and that hes worried Democrats are undermining voters faith with inspiring but ultimately empty promises.

Its faith and works, he said in an interview hours after he formally launched his redistricting push with a vow to fight fire with fire. You go to church. Its, as you pray, move your feet. Its passion and action.

I dont want to go to another candlelight vigil. I dont want to hold hands. People need to do something. Do something! I hear it. Do something. People are done with us. If I give another speech and I dont follow up with something, Im done. And (Trumps Republicans) are going to roll us over, Newsom said.

Aides to several of Newsoms potential presidential primary rivals told CNN they werent going to address directly what the governor is doing. But all the people already thinking about the bigger political picture for Democrats know what this showdown could mean for him.

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What do you mean he cant win a general election? one of Newsoms strategists told CNN, asking the question they know hell confront and speaking anonymously to discuss the internal thinking about how this would reverberate. He just helped us take back the House. If this wins, and the Democrats win, hes a winner: a leader of the opposition, and an effective leader.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are greeted by Newsom after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on January 24. - Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Dealing with Trump

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco-based former House speaker who has long been a Newsom booster and is already helping him fundraise for the ballot initiative campaign, said that after Trump started the unusual mid-decade redistricting push, you throw a punch, you better be ready to take punch  for the children, as I always say, and for our democracy.

When this came along, it provided a vehicle like none other, Pelosi said. And people who had been saying, Give me something to do, what can I do? or, Why arent we doing more? are now really very excited about the leadership that is being provided by California under the leadership of Gavin.

Just a few months ago, after calling a post-election special session of the legislature to pass several Trump-proofing laws, Newsom began to reach out to the president.

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First came the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Newsom, exhausted and frantic by the scale of the destruction and what rebuilding would entail, spent days in a command center managing the response but also apoplectic about the misinformation he saw spreading on social media, often from the Trump directly and with signal-boosting from Elon Musk. Still, he showed up at the airport to greet the newly inaugurated president and kissed the first lady on the cheek, then spent 90 minutes in the Oval Office, pleading for disaster aid.

Then was what came off to many allies and rivals as a journey of self-exploration via podcasting. He seemed to switch his position on transgender rights to better match the Democratic backlash that set in after those questions helped take down his old rival Kamala Harris. He invited on MAGA celebrities Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, saying he was looking for common ground.

Many Democrats felt betrayed. Others dismissed Newsom as being purely opportunistic. Even people who worked for him said that he seemed adrift, following his own sense of what he wanted to do, and he needed to decide whether he wanted his future to be on the iTunes charts or in the White House.

Weeks before standing up to the presidents June immigration enforcement crackdown in Los Angeles, Newsom introduced massive social services cuts for the state budget, which he said were the only way to deal with the coming shortfalls under Trump. At the time, Lorena Gonzalez, a Democratic former member of the State Assembly and now powerful California Labor Federation president, told CNN that Newsom was behaving like a San Diego Republican of the 2000s or 2010s.

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Responding to Trump that way, Gonzalez told CNN in June, is a choice. Its not a choice I would make.

Gonzalez was one of the speakers at Thursdays redistricting kickoff in Los Angeles, introducing Newsom in lionizing terms, while Sen. Alex Padilla called him the person who has brought us together for this fight of all fights. A few minutes later US Rep. Maxine Waters said he was showing the kind of leadership thats going to determine the future of this country.

And underscoring both the Trump administrations crackdown in California and Newsoms feeling that retaliation is coming, Border Patrol agents arrived outside the rally to detain people with cameras rolling.

For those who wanted more pushback right away in Trumps second presidency, Newsom is ringing a little hollow now.

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Im very glad that Gavin Newsom has abandoned the sit down with our mortal enemies for podcasts phase of his political career, said one top Democratic strategist starting to think through the 2028 race, asking for anonymity to not speak directly toward a candidates calculations. But his turnabout here speaks to the fundamental problem he has with the Democratic electorate: He says and does what he thinks is right for him in the moment as opposed to what is right for the country.

Newsom fights back

Newsoms response: Give me a goddamn break. What a bulls*** comment.

He was riled up, calling himself the guy whos done more progressive policy than anybody, ticking through his record on expanding health care, raising the minimum wage, building housing, and enacting a wide range of larger social, racial and economic justice initiatives.

They cant be serious, because theyre not serious, because they dont know what the hell theyre talking about, Newsom said, saying hes still the same man who as San Francisco mayor first made headlines 20 years ago for officiating the first legal gay marriages in the country.

Then-San Francisco Mayor Newsom speaks to reporters after touring an oil affected beach at Crissy Field on November 12, 2007. - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Ive been hiding in plain sight. Its, like, really? Youve now discovered something thats been there the whole time, Newsom said. I think its maybe a secret power because, you know, get ready.

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Many Democratic governors who tangled with Trump through the pandemic walked away chastened, believing they could never work with him again. Newsom said he got everything he asked for even after the last intense wildfires. He said he started out wanting to believe that he could work with Trump again until that meeting in the Oval Office in February, when it quickly hit him that the president is a different person.

Trump, Newsom said, kept talking about himself, pointing to a picture of Franklin Roosevelt and talking about running for a third term like Roosevelt did before the US Constitution was amended with a two-term limit.

It was maniacal, Newsom said. You felt those authoritarian tendencies coming in a way that even  when I say even, in quotes  even in the first term, were not as present.

As for hosting Kirk or Bannon on his podcast, Newsom said its ridiculous to argue he was doing anything to platform people who already have huge followings.

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Just because you turn your back, theyre going to disappear? How naive is that? How stupid? Give me a break, Newsom said. We need to understand what makes them tick, what motivates them.

Plus, Newsom said, there are areas of agreement, like when he felt Bannon seemed in favor of Californias tax system. Maybe theres some opportunity for Democrats there, too.

A trolling operation

Newsoms podcast, for all the snickering it caused, is at breakthrough levels of listeners. His email list is generally considered the second-best in Democratic politics, only after Harris from the presidential campaign.

Newsom gestures to the crowd alongside his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and children on January 7, 2019, in Sacramento, California. - Stephen Lam/Getty Images

His press offices social media account has become a multi-aide operation itself and shifted to a Trump-aping full-time troll, complete with schoolyard nicknames and THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! sign-offs.

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Asked last week by a reporter to defend the tone hes adopted online, Newsom said, If you have issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what hes putting out as president, decrying what he said was the normalization of that approach even as he noted he was pleased with the attention.

Newsom is fundraising. He will campaign hard through November. He will hope that a combination of Democratic turnout, a pitch about giving voters the voice in redistricting, and the reaffirmation of the independent redistricting commission for future cycles will get him to victory.

The next fight is already on his mind, as he says he will make sure the University of California, Los Angeles, does not agree to a settlement with the Trump administration  well never settle out, like Harvard appears to be selling out, he said.

But Newsom said he already knows what he will say if he loses this one.

Ill tell people: I put it all on the line. Did what I thought was right. And you know what? I value your opinion. I value your point of view. And I pray for all of us, Newsom said. Because, you know, God help us if were not successful. And I mean it. You may have enjoyed one of your last free and fair elections. And it will be a free and a fair election, despite these guys showing up in masks.

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GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)  Community members in Georgetown had the chance to hear directly from candidates running for city council during a forum held at the Howard Auditorium on Saturday.

Candidates discussed some of the citys most pressing challenges including high utility costs, job scarcity, and housing.

The forum began at 1 p.m. with only two candidates present: Sharon Melton and Jessie Walker, both Democrats. Other candidatesJim Clements, Hobson Milton, Jimmy Morris, and Jonathan Angner were not in attendance.

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Melton, a New York native who has spent much of her life in Georgetowns historic waterfront district, shared her concerns about the city budget.

I believe our monies are not going to where they need to go. I believe were not getting the transparency of where our funding should be, said Melton. The biggest thing is to look at our budget and see how we can break that down to make it make sense.

Walker, a Georgetown native, emphasized the need to invest in overlooked communities like the citys West End. She noted that the last comprehensive plan for the area was created more than 20 years ago.

Its been 20-something years, but the plan is still there. I dont think it should sit any longer, Walker said. We need to not only update it, but form roots with individuals who have a vision and make it happen.

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Despite their different experiences, both candidates agreed on the need for more development in rural areas and more investment in Georgetowns youth.

Marvin Neal, president of the Georgetown NAACP, said voter participation will be key to driving change.

Voting is democracy. Sometimes it doesnt look that way it looks like your voice is not being heard. But hey, this is an opportunity for every citizens voice to be heard, and it has power when you walk to that ballot booth, Neal said.

This was the first city council forum of the election season. Organizers say a mayoral forum will be held on September 20.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Saturday reaffirmed the importance of a ceasefire in Ukraine following the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, Wadephul said a halt to hostilities was a prerequisite for any further negotiations. "Without a ceasefire, it is unreasonable to expect anyone  especially Ukraine, which has been invaded  to continue talks or engage in a peace process," he said.

Before the summit, Trump had pushed for an immediate ceasefire, but the issue was not mentioned in post-meeting statements. European allies had identified a pause in fighting as one of their key priorities in the lead-up to the talks.

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However, Wadephul emphasized that "nothing is meaningless in talks. Any conversation aimed at finally ending this war is a good conversation and one we support." He noted that Trump is now focusing on a comprehensive agreement but stressed: "No agreement about Ukraine without Ukraine."

The minister criticized Trump's handling of the summit, particularly his seemingly friendly reception of Putin in the city of Anchorage. "One has to acknowledge that Vladimir Putin has been waging a war in Ukraine for years that violates international law. To then welcome him in such a way  almost amicably  takes some swallowing," Wadephul said.

He stressed that it must always be clear that Putin "is on the wrong side of both law and history" and that Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky are under attack. "This could have been expressed more clearly in outward appearances than President Trump deemed appropriate," Wadephul added.
BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany's foreign minister on Sunday criticised what he called the "aggressive behaviour" of China in the Taiwan Strait ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, and stressed the need to strengthen internationally binding rules.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul praised Japan's solidarity with Europe over Ukraine as he prepared to board a plane, and highlighted the importance and economic potential of the two populous Asian countries.

His ministry also published a separate statement from Wadephul in which he expressed concern about China.

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"China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also affects us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global co-existence are at stake here," the minister said.

"We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order, which is supported by the strength of the law and binding rules for all."

Tensions have simmered between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese military said it monitored and "drove away" a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy said its action was in line with international law.

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Wadephul's criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington that aims to work towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading partner but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, causing friction with Western powers over the conflict. Beijing says it is not helping Russia's military and is not a party to the war.

(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
Specially trained firefighting units from Bonn, Dusseldorf and three other cities set off from Bonn at midday on Sunday to help Spain combat its severe wildfires, according to the Bonn Fire Department.

They are part of a joint unit specializing in wildfire suppression and are being accompanied to the affected areas by firefighters from Lower Saxony.

Spain requested the assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in the early hours of the morning, the Bonn Fire Department said in a press release. A total of 67 personnel, with 21 vehicles and three trailers, have been deployed and are expected to arrive on Tuesday evening.

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The mechanism provides for so-called wildfire modules for large-scale fires, which can be requested quickly within the European Union, the Bonn Fire Department said in a press release. A module consists of several off-road firefighting vehicles, a command unit and a logistics unit.

It remains unclear where and how exactly the firefighters will provide support, the Bonn Fire Department spokesman said on Sunday. However, the deployment is likely to take place in the north-west of Spain. The mission is currently planned to last until August 30.

Over the past two weeks, fires in Spain have already destroyed approximately 1,150 square kilometres, according to official figures.
Specially trained firefighting units from Bonn, Dusseldorf and three other cities set off from Bonn at midday on Sunday to help Spain combat its severe wildfires, according to the Bonn Fire Department.

They are part of a joint unit specializing in wildfire suppression and are being accompanied to the affected areas by firefighters from Lower Saxony.

Spain requested the assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in the early hours of the morning, the Bonn Fire Department said in a press release. A total of 67 personnel, with 21 vehicles and three trailers, have been deployed and are expected to arrive on Tuesday evening.

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The mechanism provides for so-called wildfire modules for large-scale fires, which can be requested quickly within the European Union, the Bonn Fire Department said in a press release. A module consists of several off-road firefighting vehicles, a command unit and a logistics unit.

It remains unclear where and how exactly the firefighters will provide support, the Bonn Fire Department spokesman said on Sunday. However, the deployment is likely to take place in the north-west of Spain. The mission is currently planned to last until August 30.

Over the past two weeks, fires in Spain have already destroyed approximately 1,150 square kilometres, according to official figures.

Deployment likely in north-western Spain

It remains unclear where and how exactly the firefighters will provide support, the Bonn Fire Department spokesman said on Sunday. However, the deployment is likely to take place in the north-west of Spain. The mission is currently planned to last until August 30.

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Over the past two weeks, fires in Spain have already destroyed approximately 1,150 square kilometres, according to official figures.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, and at least three people have lost their lives.

"It is self-evident for us to send our firefighters to provide support," said North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul, according to a spokesman.

"In Europe, we stand by each other, especially when it matters most," Reul said.

This is not the first time the unit has supported wildfire suppression efforts abroad, according to the Bonn Fire Department. In August 2021, it was deployed in the Peloponnese region of Greece, and in August 2022, the firefighters assisted in the Bordeaux area of southern France.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to raise the issue of maintaining sanctions on Russia during his visit to Washington on 18 August, where he will meet with US President Donald Trump and other leaders taking part in the talks.

Source: German federal government press service, citing spokesperson Stefan Cornelius, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Merz will raise the issue of continuing sanctions pressure on Russia in Washington.

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"The talks in Washington will focus on security guarantees, territorial issues and further support for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression," Cornelius said.

"This also includes maintaining sanctions pressure," he added.

Background:

On Monday 18 August, Merz will fly to Washington for a meeting with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 17 August, Zelenskyy will arrive in Brussels for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen also intends to be present in Washington on 18 August.

European leaders are planning to accompany Zelenskyy to the US to strengthen his position in talks with Trump on Monday 18 August. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are expected to travel to Washington.

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Ghee Sankranti (Ghyu Tyar), a traditional folk festival celebrated with fervour in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister said that our folk festivals are not only a symbol of our rich culture and heritage but are also invaluable heritage connecting generations. He also said, "I pray to God that this holy festival brings happiness, prosperity and good health in your life." In a heartfelt message shared on X, CM Dhami congratulated everyone and emphasised the cultural significance of the festival. "Heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all of you on the traditional folk festival of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Ghee Sankranti (Ghyu Tyar). Our folk festivals are not only symbols of our rich culture and heritage but also invaluable treasures that connect generations. I pray to God that this sacred festival brings happiness, prosperity, and excellent health into your life," CM Dhami wrote on X. Earlier on Saturday, CM Dhami extended wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Janmashtami. Remembering Lord Krishna on his birth anniversary, he called him the "symbol of truth, righteousness, and justice". "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Lord Shri Krishna, the symbol of truth, righteousness, and justice. I pray to Lord Shri Krishna for the happy, healthy, and auspicious life of you all," CM Dhami wrote on X. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister also paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary at the Chief Minister's Camp Office. In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "At the camp office, tributes were paid on the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India, Bharat Ratna, and our inspiration, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who gave a new direction to Indian politics with democratic ideals." (ANI)
The Brief

Kevin Pyles is accused of making terroristic threats towards a Valley synagogue.

Pyles, 32, was arrested and jailed on a $250,000 bond.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - A man who allegedly made terroristic threats towards a Valley synagogue has been arrested.

What they're saying

Kevin Pyles, a 32-year-old Glendale resident, appeared before a judge on Aug. 16. He was arrested by Phoenix Police officers on Friday.

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"The suspect has gone onto synagogue property before. He threw a Passover glass onto a synagogue property, and then he filmed this. He also, while he's saying this, and I apologize for this language, your Honor, he says, F--- Jews, kill yourself f------, get out of here, your Honor. Given the very serious allegations, the state as well as the suspect's hate towards the Jewish faith," the prosecutor said.

Dig deeper

According to court documents, a user on an anonymous social media account made several antisemitic threats. After the posts were reported to police, investigators were able to track the social media profile to Pyles.

Pyles allegedly admitted to making the threats, saying his inability to hold down a job was due to the Jewish community.

Kevin Pyles

What's next

Pyles was given a $250,000 bond and ordered to stay off the internet, except for work or school, if he bonds out of jail.

He's scheduled to be back in court later this month.
More imagery of Chinese loyal wingman type drones, or at least mockups thereof, that are set to make their official debut at a major upcoming military parade has emerged. The uncrewed aircraft are just one part of a massive reveal of new capabilities around this event, some possibly aspirational, but some very real.

At least five different loyal wingmen drones, also now commonly referred to as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by the USAF, had already been expected to be shown at the upcoming parade in Beijing, based on satellite imagery of the preparations that TWZ previously reported on. It is possible that some of the designs are higher-performance uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) with enhanced degrees of autonomy, but that could still have collaborative capabilities. The GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing drone, a centerpiece of Chinese UCAV developments to date, and lower-tier medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) types will also be part of the parade.

We can now see that one of the designs that will be shown at the parade, seen below, has a clear resemblance to the FH-97, which is at least heavily inspired by the XQ-58A Valkyrie from U.S. drone maker Kratos. However, the others do not readily align with known Chinese types.

A drone with a design similar to the FH-97 seen in a picture of the ongoing parade preparations that emerged on Saturday. Chinese Internet

Yesterday, a new image emerged offering a better look at one of the designs, which has a traditional wing and tail arrangement, as well as a top-mounted air intake. Another picture of this drone also began circulating online earlier today. As noted, it has distinct similarities to the FH-97, which was first shown publicly at Chinas Zhuhai Airshow in 2021. The angular shaping of the vertical stabilizers, in particular, very much aligns with the FH-97, as well as the XQ-58.

The FH-97-esque drone seen on a truck on the street in another picture that appeared online today. Chinese Internet

A model of the FH-97 on display at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2021. Chinese Internet

A comparative look at the tail of the FH-97-esque drone seen as part of the parade preparations (at left), the tail of the FH-97 as shown in a past render (at center), and the tail of the XQ-58 (at right). Chinese Internet/USAF

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Comparisons have also been drawn to General Atomics YFQ-42A, which is now under development for the U.S. Air Forces CCA program, but that design has vertical stabilizers with a different trapezoidal shape.

A rendering of the YFQ-42A. General Atomics

It is worth noting here that the company behind the FH-97, Aerospace Times Feihong Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), also presented a very different design dubbed the FH-97A in 2022. Unlike the FH-97, the FH-97A is a dead ringer for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat developed by Boeings division in Australia. What we are seeing now might be a further addition to the FH-97 line.

Today, additional images emerged showing two of the other new drone designs, which are tailless with modified delta wings. One of the designs has a very slender nose in front of a significantly wider body, while the other (also seen in an image at the top of this story) has a broader nose and center section. Both of them are still under wraps, with details that could point to their engine layouts and other features obscured. Based on their sizes compared to the trucks carrying them, the two drones are significantly larger than the FH-97-esque design. The larger size of the drones also points to higher performance.

The tailless drone design with the slender nose. Chinese Internet

The drone design with the broader overall profile. Chinese Internet

Chinese Internet

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Its also worth noting that the drone with the broader design is highly similar, if not the same, as an airframe or mockup thereof spotted in satellite imagery of the Chinese plane maker Shenyangs main plant earlier this year, which TWZ was first to report on. However, it is not entirely clear from what we can see now if the wings on the two designs are exactly the same.

The next-generation fighter-like airframe or mockup seen at Shenyangs main plant on Jan. 1, 2025. PHOTO  2024 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

Two other drone designs seen in the previous satellite imagery of the parade preparations, which also appear to be tailless with modified diamond-like delta and cranked-kite wings, have yet to come into clearer view.

Drones set to be shown at the parade on Sept. 3 seen in a satellite image from Google Earth taken in June. Google Earth

As TWZ has previously reported, all of this reflects Chinas clear pursuit of multiple CCA and/or UCAV designs for land-based use, as well as operations from aircraft carriers and big-deck amphibious warfare ships. The two-seat J-20S stealth fighter is also now routinely depicted acting as an airborne drone controller, a role TWZ has long highlighted as being ideal for the aircraft. The KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft is also regularly discussed as part of Chinas future crewed-uncrewed air combat ecosystem, and it has been suggested that the H-6 missile carrier aircraft could act as a launch platform for lower-tier tactical drones.

Un passage dans un reportage de CCTV-7 montre la possible collaboration entre un J-20 biplace et des #drones GJ-11 a faible observabilite.



La representativite est a confirmer. pic.twitter.com/9Xy8Q8KQOO  East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) October 12, 2022

I suspect there may not be a single dedicated cca/MMUT platform



Rather different CCAs for varying roles of ISR/EW and A2A/G combat etchttps://t.co/Hqk5ZGAla5 pic.twitter.com/JHqJVhamU3  Hurin (@Hurin92) July 5, 2025

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China has also secured a broader position as a global leader in advanced uncrewed aviation developments. What appears to be a very large, low-observable, flying-wing, high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft also emerged earlier this year, as TWZ was first to report.

The very large flying wing design seen at Chinas secretive test base near Malan in Xinjiang province in a satellite image taken on May 14, 2025. PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

Beyond CCA/UCAV-type drones, the upcoming parade, which will take place on September 3, will mark the 80th anniversary of the countrys victory over Japan in World War II, is going to feature a variety of what Chinese authorities have referred to as new-type combat capabilities.

On the uncrewed aviation front, what looks to be a new vertical takeoff and landing-capable drone will be on display. From what can be seen of the design so far, it may have a twin intermeshing rotor design. This is a rare configuration for helicopters, crewed or uncrewed. The Kaman Corporation in the United States is best known for producing designs with this configuration, including a pair of CQ-24 drone versions of the companys K-MAX helicopter, which the U.S. Marine Corps operated for a time in Afghanistan.

And another intersting find by bsdnf/SDF:



Intermeshing-rotor UAV like Kaman K-MAX/CQ-24A? Very compact & foldable rotor design, which means it can be carried on ship. The large fuselage may be used for transport missions like the K-MAX, but closer to Z-20 and more reasonable. https://t.co/RUKU2ECRtk pic.twitter.com/tBoWY4vv0B  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) August 16, 2025

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Imagery of the ongoing preparations shows that a number of new missile designs are also set to make their public debut. This includes the YJ-17, which has a shape in line with past waverider type hypersonic missiles, as well as the YJ-19, with a style of air intake often seen on designs with scramjet engines. Another design, labeled YJ-20, has a long conical-like shape that is very much in line with a mysterious missile seen being fired from what was said to be a Type 055 destroyer in a video that appeared online in 2022.

Various new missiles (ship UVLS launch?) confirmed, my 2c on roles:

 YJ-15, ramjet compact supersonic?

 YJ-17, waverider hypersonic glide?

 YJ-19, ?maybe scramjet hypersonic?

 YJ-20, biconical hypersonic/aeroballistic? Possibly seen before from 055..



Via REautomaton, SDF pic.twitter.com/9061QDAi09  Rick Joe (@RickJoe_PLA) August 17, 2025

The PLAN will publicly display 3 types of hypersonic anti-ship missiles in its inventory for this years VJ Day Parade.



->Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM)

->Hypersonic Glide Vehicle with a delta-winged body similar to the DF-17

->Hypersonic Glide Vehicle with a bi-conic design pic.twitter.com/bLbw3Hfkwr  SomePLAOSINT (@someplaosint) August 16, 2025

What may be a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), or another type of very large weapon with a ballistic-missile like capability, as well as other new ground-launched missiles, also look set to be unveiled at the parade.

Lack of launch stations on the right hand side of the cab and the short stature of the canister makes me suspect this is a loading vehicle but we'd need to see if it has a launch table or not before coming to any firm conclusions pic.twitter.com/WWuuPEqMS5  Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) August 16, 2025

The PLA Rocket Force's (PLARF) commitment to a new seemingly subsonic ground-launched land-attack cruise missile is a notable development given the strikingly modest scale at which the CJ-10 and CJ-10A cruise missiles are understood to have been deployed.



While the https://t.co/WTtMIFRKyo pic.twitter.com/ZQxCRSQjdn  Shahryar Pasandideh (@shahpas) August 16, 2025

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Previously unseen very large uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV) with torpedo-like shapes, as well as uncrewed surface vessels (USV), will also be showcased at the parade.

Images now circulating online also confirm that a number of new crewed tracked and wheeled armored vehicles will also be featured prominently in the parade. There had been speculation that at least one new armored vehicle design would break cover at the event after a video showing mysteriously unidentified vehicles concealed underneath large, box-like structures began circulating on social media in July. Some of the armored vehicle crew members seen taking part in the parade preparations are wearing headsets of a kind often associated with augmented reality vision systems. Uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV) will also be on display at the parade.

PLA Airborne Armored IFV pic.twitter.com/U8O7uvKBw3  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 17, 2025

 PLA Gen IV Light Tank & Fire Support Platform https://t.co/Q8BPjOjVMppic.twitter.com/ggxJnouaZn  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 16, 2025

 PLA 105mm Unmanned Combat Vehicle(?) pic.twitter.com/8uwEOnjX10  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 16, 2025

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A variety of ground-based air and missile defense systems, including directed energy weapons, will take part in the parade, as well.

PLA Unknown Air Defense Convoy | Beijing



HQ-11(?)

HQ-16(?)

HQ-19(?)

HQ-26(?)

HQ-29(?)

HQ-32(?) pic.twitter.com/Eb7hRVfZaT  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 16, 2025

 PLA Huge Laser Vehicle | Beijing pic.twitter.com/2uZLQkqccT  David Wang (@Nickatgreat1220) August 16, 2025

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It is, of course, important to stress that it is not immediately clear how many of the drones and other new systems that will take part in the parade are actually operational or even close to being put into service. Mockups have been shown at many major Chinese military parades in the past. At the same time, in many cases, those designs have turned into very real capabilities, with the GJ-11 being one of the best-known examples. A stealthier iteration of the GJ-11 design was one of the big reveals at a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Communist state in China in 2019.

All of this reflects larger efforts by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to modernize its capabilities across the board. While the PLA retains a heavy regional focus, including around preparedness for a potential military intervention against Taiwan and enforcing Chinas widely rejected territorial claims in the South China Sea, it has also been working to expand its ability to project power further and further abroad. The PLAs nuclear deterrence capabilities and associated doctrine have also evolved significantly in recent years.

Altogether, Beijing looks set to make full use of the upcoming parade on Sept. 3 to send signals globally through the official debut of a host of new CCA/UCAV-type drones and many other advanced capabilities, big and small.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
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!
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  Governor Henry McMaster authorized Saturday the deployment of 200 South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C.

According to the governors office, the guardsmen will support federal law enforcement activities under President Donald J. Trumps executive order to Restore Law and Order in the District of Columbia.

However, should a hurricane threaten South Carolina this season, or another natural disaster, Gov. McMaster said they would be required to return to the state.

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South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nations capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there, said Gov. McMaster. As our National Guard works to support President Trumps mission, should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, these men and women can and will be immediately recalled home to respond.

Gov. McMasters order comes at the request of the Pentagons National Guard Bureau, according to his office.

The deployment will be funded by the federal government under Title 32.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Governor Henry McMaster has authorized the deployment of South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington DC.

McMaster shared in a media release that up to 200 guardsmen will be sent to support federal law enforcement activities under President Trumps executive order.

South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nations capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there, said Governor McMaster. As our National Guard works to support President Trumps mission, should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, these men and women can and will be immediately recalled home to respond.

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McMaster clarified that the guardsmen will be immediately recalled if a hurricane or other natural disaster requires the National Guard to return to South Carolina.

The order comes at the request of the Pentagons National Guard Bureau. Officials stated the deployment will be funded by the federal government under Title 32.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As the elected Representative of South Carolina House District 49, I am writing on behalf of my constituents who deserve answers about your recent authorization to deploy 200 South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C.

Governor, the people of South Carolina have a right to know: how much will this deployment cost us? We are told federal reimbursement will cover the expenses, but history has shown there are always hidden costs that fall back on the taxpayers. These are resources and manpower pulled away from South Carolina at a time when our communities need them most.

While you send our National Guard to Washington, crime continues to climb in our own

neighborhoods. While you pledge loyalty to a president, rural hospitals are closing, forcing families to drive hours just to see a doctor or worse, leaving them without care altogether. While you march soldiers out of our state, thousands of South Carolina children are going to bed hungry and without the healthcare they deserve.

Governor, this is not leadership. This is political theater at the expense of the people you swore an oath to serve. South Carolina does not need a governor more worried about pleasing Washington than protecting his own backyard.

So, I ask you plainly: When will you finally put South Carolina first? When will you prioritize our children over your political ambitions? When will you fight for the hospitals, the schools, the safety, and the future of our people with the same energy you rush to fight for someone elses cause in D.C.?

The people of South Carolina deserve a governor who will stand for them not sell them out for political gain. Until then, Governor, your priorities remain clear and tragically, so do your failures.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed Springdale resident Aaron Abbott to the Arkansas State Board of Education.

Abbott will serve a term ending June 30, 2032, replacing Kathy McFetridge.

Sanders said Abbotts extensive background in education and steadfast commitment that every child can learn make him a strong fit for the board as Arkansas continues to implement the LEARNS Act.

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Education is all about building the future and with people like Aaron advocating for our kids, fighting for parents, and supporting educators, that future is bright, Sanders said in a news release.

I think everybody has that right: ASP colonel shares opinion on carrying in state parks

Abbott said he was honored and humbled by the appointment.

The changes underway are putting parents at the center, raising literacy rates, and building stronger pathways from the classroom to careers or college, Abbott said. Im looking forward to working with the governor, my fellow board members, and communities across Arkansas to help ensure every student is set up for success.

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Abbott works as an account manager and consultant at Halda, partnering with colleges and universities on student recruitment and engagement. He previously held leadership roles in enrollment management at the University of Arkansas, John Brown University and Williams Baptist University.

A native of Northeast Arkansas, Abbott holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Arkansas. He lives in Springdale with his wife, Chelsea, and their four 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 KNWA FOX24.
A dossier containing details about timings and locations for the Alaska summit was reportedly found by hotel guests on a printer hours before Donald Trump greeted Vladimir Putin.

The papers, which appeared to have been prepared by US state department staff, included potentially sensitive information about the high-stakes talks.

The eight-page document was found at around 9am on Friday by three guests at Hotel Captain Cook, located around 20 minutes from the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson base in Anchorage, according to NPR.

The document included details of the Aug 15 schedule, including specific names of the rooms inside the Anchorage base where each meeting would take place.

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A seating plan as well as information about Mr Trump planning to give Putin a ceremonial present of an American Bald Eagle Desk Statue were also included in the documents, the outlet reported.

The document states it was produced by the Office of the Chief of Protocol. It is not known who left the schedule on the printer, but Mr Trumps protocol chief is Monica Crowley, a former Fox News analyst.

The papers reportedly list the names and phone numbers of three US staff members as well as the names of 13 US and Russian state leaders.

It also included phonetic pointers for how to pronounce the names of the Russians expected at the summit, including Mr President POO-tihn.

Putin missed out filet mignon, part of the summit lunch  details of which were found on a forgotten document

The dossier also contained details about Fridays planned luncheon, which did not go ahead.

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According to the document, the two world leaders would have sat opposite one another, flanked by their respective delegations.

Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, was supposed to sit next to Mr Trump, on his right, with Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.

Classic baked Alaskan halibut Olympia was also on the menu

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, Howard Lutnick, the secretary of commerce, and special envoy Steve Witkoff would have sat to Mr Trumps left.

They would have started with a green salad, followed by filet mignon and halibut Olympia and creme brulee for dessert.

For dessert, it was creme brulee  consisting of a rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelised sugar

Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, denied that leaving the papers, which she described as a multi-age lunch menu, in public amounted to a security breach.

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Tommy Pigott, the principal deputy spokesman for the state department, told The Telegraph: Instead of covering the historic steps towards peace achieved at Fridays summit, NPR is trying to make a story out of a lunch menu. Ridiculous.

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FIRST ON FOX: As Israel prepares to expand its operations in the enclave, a quiet resistance is emerging against Hamas. In eastern Rafah, teachers are laying the foundation for the first schools focused on peace and tolerance under a non-Hamas civil administration.

Samira Mousa Mohammed Abu Mousa, one of the educators, told the Center for Peace Communications in an interview, "I despise Hamas because they were discriminatory, they were extremely biased, even when posting jobs. You had to have connections to get work."

Her classroom has become a space where children are learning. During a recent lesson, she asked her students, "Is it OK to violate a girls rights and lock her in her room?" The response was immediate: "No way!" the kids replied. "Everyone has the right for freedom." She emphasized the broader mission of education beyond academics.

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Who Is The Gazan Challenging Hamas Rule, And Does He Have A Chance?

"People like me yearn for peace, comfort, hope and safety. We want to live in an environment free of war, shelling and destruction. We have been living through war for two years. We will begin again and restore education, God willing."

The efforts in eastern Rafah mirror the broader shift across Gaza. Citizens, educators and activists are increasingly rejecting Hamas, calling for a government that serves civilians, not the terror organization.

Read On The Fox News App

"Theyve been tracking me for months," Moumen al-Natour, a lawyer and co-founder of the We Want to Live movement, told Fox News Digital. He has been forced to live like a fugitive due to Hamas' growing crackdown on dissent..

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"Im moving from place to place, hiding because I dont want to be killed or even paralyzed. This is how Hamas operates."

Al-Natour, who is also the president of Palestinian Youth for Development, says the number of people opposing Hamas has dramatically increased since Oct. 7. "There used to be some opposition to Hamas," he says, "but after the attack and the consequences that followed, more and more people in Gaza despise them. The suffering caused by Hamas actions has turned the tide.

"Its a catastrophic situation almost the entire population has been displaced."

Exclusive: Whistleblower Alleges Misconduct By United Nations In Gaza

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Al-Natour says Hamas is using extreme measures to silence any opposition. "Hamas recently released a video showing members of the Al-Qassam Brigades executing people. They publicly threatened anyone who speaks out against them, saying they would treat them as enemies."

Mkhaimer Abusada, a Gazan political analyst speaking from Cairo, told Fox News Digital, "Its very anti-Hamas in general, whether its in Gaza or among Palestinians here in Cairo. The Palestinian people have endured unimaginable hardship over the past 22 months  killing, destruction, starvation  with many now placing the blame squarely on Hamas. At the end of the day, they blame it on Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack."

He said the Israeli government's stance, which offers Hamas no alternative or negotiation options, has worsened the situation. "The worst is yet to come," Abusada warns. "The Israeli cabinets plan to take over Gaza City and the entire Gaza Strip will only make the situation more catastrophic."

Palestinian Hamas terrorists stand guard on the day of the handover of hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Feb. 22, 2025.

Netanyahu Vows To Take Full Control Of Gaza Strip, Liberate People From Hamas

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Palestinians, according to Abusada, are calling for Hamas to accept a ceasefire and include other parties in the negotiations. "Negotiating solely with Hamas doesnt help Hamas people don't care about death. They think if they die, they go to paradise. That is why its very rare when Hamas fighters surrender. Most of them fight until the end, wanting to become shaheed (martyrs). They are ready to die."

"The voices I hear from Gaza are calling on Hamas to bring in the PA (Palestinian Authority) or Egypt to be part of the ceasefire talks. People just want an end to this madness," he said.

Another Gazan, who requested anonymity, echoed these sentiments. "Its true a lot of people are against Hamas now. People speak freely about it. They're not afraid anymore. They dont fear Hamas anymore. They are just killers, stupid people."

Gaza City on Feb 2, 2025.

"The people of Gaza dont want to fight Israel," the Gazan man added, "But at the same time, many Gazans do blame Israel for not differentiating between civilians and Hamas. Why are we being kept in the same area as Hamas? Israel should have thought about safe zones from the beginning. Now, more people are realizing the importance of this idea. We need many safe zones where people can go, far from Hamas, and where aid can reach them."

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"For the first time, people are speaking out, even at great personal risk they want change. They want an end to the violence, and they are ready to make their voices heard," al-Natour said.





Original article source: Grassroots push for freedom grows in Gaza as Hamas tightens its deadly grip
Warning: This article contains strong language

The video opens with some white cliffs and a politician standing on a beach. This isn't Dover, and it's not Nigel Farage (although the echoes with Reform UK are deliberate). Rather, it's a campaign video for the Green Party's leadership hopeful, Zack Polanski.

Amid slick filming and a moody orchestral soundtrack, he delivers an animated and uncompromising message.

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Small boats, he declares, are an "obsession that has gripped the country," blamed for a "crumbling" NHS and "obscene" rents, while people are told there's no money left.

"Well," he says, looking into the camera, "I call bullshit."

The real problem, he continues, are the "super-rich and their yachts".

The Green Party is on the brink of choosing its new leader. It usually does it once every two years and the contest can go fairly unnoticed.

Not this year.

Polanski, a former actor who is the party's deputy leader, has turbo-charged the race, the result of which will be announced on 2 September.

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He calls his approach "eco-populism" and says it's about being "bolder" and more clearly anti-elite in communicating social and economic issues, as well as environmental ones.

This, he argues, is the style of messaging that the Green party needs to embrace.

He wants to "connect with people's anger" and then offer solutions, something the Greens are, in his view, often "too nice" to do.

He worries it leaves them looking "out of touch".

"I think far too often in the past we've equivocated or we've been too worried to challenge wealth and power in as blunt a way as possible. This isn't about shouting, it isn't about being louder, it's about being more effective."

Tried and tested vs a radical approach

The Greens had record success at the General Election last summer, going from one to four seats in Parliament and overturning large Labour and Conservative majorities.

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Together with the Scottish Greens and the Green Party of Northern Ireland, they won 6.7% of the vote.

Now, the party is at a crossroads: does it stick with what it knows has worked or pick something more radical?

And, given the candidates don't really differ on policy, just how big a difference could new leadership make to the party's national chances?

Polanski, who is a member of the London Assembly, wants the Greens to replace Labour as the "party of the left".

But his opponents, the current co-leader Adrian Ramsay and new MP Ellie Chowns, who are running on a joint-ticket, believe Polanski would explode a winning formula that has brought them their greatest ever electoral success.

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Ramsay and Chowns were elected to Parliament in last year's general election.

Their style is, mostly, less combative - they believe it's important that the Greens have broad appeal and that the party is seen to be at the heart of Westminster if it wants to bring about change.

Chowns says many voters already have a "generalised warm feeling" towards the Greens, they just need convincing they're a credible option.

"It's really the difference between populism and popularity," she says.

"What they need to know is that if they put their vote in the Green box on the ballot paper that's got a really, really good chance of electing somebody."

Time to capitalise on discontent?

Plenty of analysts, and Green party members themselves, have questioned why the party hasn't already capitalised more on left-wing discontent with Labour, or why it hasn't pitched itself more effectively as an alternative to the traditional parties, in the way Reform UK has.

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Matt Zarb-Cousin, a former spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn who joined the Greens in 2022, is a founding member of Greens Organise, a group that wants the party to take a more socialist stance.

He argues that it is "inexcusable" that the party hasn't made a breakthrough in the polls since the election.

Like Polanski, he believes that voters understand the party's environmental credentials and so it needs to highlight its policies on the cost of living, inequality and taxing wealth over work.

"It's not just about saying we support those things, it's about how you frame that argument: who are the enemies? Whose side are you on?"

Ramsay and Chowns have secured endorsement from the former Green MP Caroline Lucas [Ian Forsyth/Getty Images]

Former Green party councillor Rupert Read, who is an environmental philosopher and a co-director of the campaign group Climate Majority Project, says a lot of Green party policy is left-wing, but adds that this is often the result of "making green policies that work for ordinary people".

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"You need to come from a starting point that is not dogmatically and self-avowedly left. If you do there'll be a strict ceiling on the level of support which is possible."

Ramsay and Chowns make a similar argument. Ramsay says that Polanski is "about appealing to a narrow base of activists," which he and Chowns argue isn't enough to win in the UK's first past the past electoral system.

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Chowns also believes that Polanski's approach is too similar to strategies that have failed in the past.

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"We spent years as the Green party engaging in the sort of politics where we stood on street corners and told people why we were very passionate about things...

"It's all well and good but it's not the way to win people over."

Return of the 'Green surge'?

The Green Peer Baroness Bennett, who led the party between 2012 and 2016, said there had been "a level of excitement and interest around this leadership election more than I've ever seen before by a very large scale".

It is reporting a "significant increase" in members in the past few months, although it won't yet give an exact figure. (The cut-off date to join and be able to vote in the leadership contest was July 31.)

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Baroness Bennett also points to "organic growth in the grassroots" since the general election.

The party has held 12 seats in council by-elections since 4 July 2024, and won another 14 - mostly at the expense of Labour, while losing four to the Conservatives.

This all marks a significant change from the past - the so-called "Green Surge" in 2015, under Baroness Bennett's leadership, saw the party's membership and vote share grow but still only returned Caroline Lucas to Parliament.

Prof Neil Carter from the University of York, a long-time observer of environmental politics, says he can see an argument for following Polanski's strategy, as the Greens have traditionally had the greatest success with "metropolitan, liberal-minded, young, professionals".

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The sort of voters who are key to Chowns and Ramsay's approach could be harder to win over, he argues.

"The trouble is you can reach out to a sort of middle-class Tory rural voter to some extent, if you just talk Green, but as soon as you start to talk about all of those other issues that the Greens like to talk about, you're going to alienate those voters."

But Chowns, who, like Ramsay, won a formerly Conservative seat, says that's not her experience. "People across the political spectrum find a lot to like in what we stand for."

Attracting 'anti-system' voters

Getting noticed is often a struggle for smaller political parties. For that reason, Luke Tryl, who is UK director of the political research organisation More in Common, believes that Polanski's approach might be the Greens' quickest route to boosting its numbers.

"If you are trying to get 10 to 15%, it's probably what gets you noticed." But he argues it would net the party far fewer seats than the 40 that Polanski believes he can win.

Polanski calls his approach "eco-populism" and says it's about being "bolder" [Mark Kerrison via Getty Images]

He says that the party is rarely brought up in the focus groups which he runs outside of Green areas and that a charismatic leader could help the party cut through.

There is a segment of the population that is "anti-system", he says, to whom a more radical pitch from the Greens might appeal.

Mr Tryl, however, believes that while eco-populism could be a good way of getting known, the Greens would then need to "moderate" to become a "genuine mass movement party with potential for power".

On getting into government, he says: "The Adrian and Ellie approach is right because you need to win over more of the North Herefordshires and Waveney Valleys (Chowns' and Ramsay's seats) and actually places like the Isle of Wight - but they are a long way from that".

Where Corbyn's new party fits in

There is another challenge facing all candidates: the new party that will soon be launched by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, a former Labour MP.

Both Prof Carter and Mr Tryl warn that Polanski's strategy could be crowded out by this new party that has yet to be named but which, according to Corbyn, had 600,000 people sign up by early August.

A new party is set to be launched by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, a former Labour MP [Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire]

Ramsay goes further. He believes the new Corbyn party would blow Polanski's pitch "out of the water".

Research carried out in June by More in Common suggested that the establishment of a Corbyn led-party could cut the Green's nationwide vote share from 9% to 5%. (This did not take into account who would be leading the Greens).

Polanski has signalled he would be willing to co-operate with a possible Corbyn-led project and believes the Greens' position as an already established party will mean he can succeed.

It is Ramsay and Chowns who have secured what could be considered the "OG" of Green endorsements: the former MP Caroline Lucas.

The strategy they propose sticking with is based on the one she used to get elected as the first ever Green MP in 2010, and focuses on intensive local campaigning.

The question of who to target

Both leadership pitches include carrying on with local targeting but Polanski believes it can't be scaled up sufficiently to get large numbers of seats on its own.

Chowns dismisses this idea: "My vision at the next general election is that we will have multiple large numbers of target seats and definitely more than one in every region."

During the election period, the Green Party raised just 160,000 compared with more than 1.6m for Reform UK [Dan Kitwood / Cameron Smith, Getty]

With either approach, the Greens face other obstacles, such as funding.

The party's principle of not being funded by large donors means they lack the financial resources of other political parties.

During the election period, the party raised just 160,000, compared with more than 1.6m for both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats, and 9.5m by Labour.

The Green leader has also little direct control over policy, as it is set by the members - not that there is much difference between the candidates.

Polanski has gone further than current party policy by suggesting the UK should leave Nato, but there are only a few differences between the candidates' public positions.

All three candidates back a wealth tax, which has been the Greens' major campaigning issue for several years [Dan Kitwood /Getty Images]

Ultimately, whoever is chosen to lead the party this time will likely face re-election again before the next general election. The political landscape may have changed further but there is certainly an opportunity for the Greens if they land on the right strategy.

As Mr Tryl puts it, "In the age of very fragmented multi party politics, small vote shares can deliver outsized results".

Top picture credit: Dan Kitwood / Leon Neal via Getty

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.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo said the state is moving steadily towards its goal of connecting three lakh homes with solar power under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana by 2027. Deo said that applications have been sent to over 93,000 vendors, and more than 11,000 houses have already been connected. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, KV Singh Deo said, "...Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, applications have been sent to 93,826 vendors, out of which 11,397 houses have been connected... We will achieve the target of providing connections to 3 lakh houses till 2027 under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana..." Earlier, on August 3, the Deputy Chief Minister had asked the Opposition not to politicise the case of a 15-year-old girl who died after being set on fire by miscreants. Expressing condolences to her family, he said the state government had taken all necessary steps to save her. Singh Deo told ANI, "I want to express my condolences to her family. The state government took all necessary steps. She was sent to AIIMS Delhi as well, but the doctors were unable to save her. The opposition parties should stay away from politicising such matters. The government has taken all necessary steps, but unfortunately, her life could not be saved." He further said that the family of the victim has also acknowledged the government's efforts. "Normally, in such cases, the victim's family doesn't stand with the government, but the family is with the government, and they are saying the government has done its best and that they are satisfied with it, so the intervention of any third party in the case is unfortunate," he said. The 15-year-old girl died on August 2 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in the national capital. She had been set on fire by miscreants in the Balanga area of Odisha's Puri district on July 19. (ANI)
Shop owners should greet customers as soon as they enter a store in a bid to deter shoplifters, police have advised.

Lancashire Police said shoplifters can assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff, in what is known as "the three-to-five second rule".

"By greeting genuine shoppers, not only does this provide a positive impression of your store, it also deters potential shoplifters," the force said.

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The advice comes as retailers said theft was spiralling out of control with the highest levels across England and Wales since current records began two decades ago.

In July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there were 530,643 reported shoplifting offences in the year to March, which is a 20% increase from the previous year.

British Retailers Association director Tom Ironside said the ONS figures "prove what retailers have long been telling us - that retail theft is spiralling out of control".

He said such theft triggered violence and abuse towards staff and cost retailers and customers 2.2bn a year.

'Aggressive when challenged'

Lancashire Police issued the advice to retailers in an online guide - Securing your shop from shoplifters - as part of Operation Vulture, which tackles shoplifting.

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"If a thief thinks they've been spotted they're more likely to leave," the guide said.

But it also urged caution as "shoplifters could respond aggressively when challenged".

It advised staff to keep a safe distance, ask if the person needed help or a basket, and to step away and alert a manager or security if they felt uncomfortable.

The force also warned that thieves targeted stores where there was only one member of staff, "so have a few members of staff and make sure they're trained in how to spot shoplifters".

It said Operation Vulture also involved hotspot patrols, increased visibility in targeted areas, and working with retailers to understand retail crime and identify offenders.

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Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

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HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP)  The Hadley Police Department is seeking information about a man who may be hurt or in danger.

Police said that at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, an unknown man rang the doorbell of a home on Breckenridge Road. The residences Ring camera captured the man asking to use the phone before leaving the area.

Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley in Northampton announces closure, citing zoning change

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The man had visible, fresh cuts on his right hand and arm, and his clothing appeared to be wet. Following a report of the incident, Hadley police searched the area for the man but were unable to locate him.

(Hadley Police Department) (Hadley Police Department)

Police say that there is no concern for the public and no crime has been committed, but rather they are concerned for this individual. If you see this man or have any information related to this incident, you are advised to contact the Hadley Public Safety Complex at 413-584-0883.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A former UNRWA insider says Hamas influenced hiring in Gaza and that UN officials suppressed probes into possible terrorist ties.

A whistleblower has accused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) of misconduct in its Gaza Strip operations, alleging that senior officials permitted Hamas-affiliated entities to influence staffing and hindered internal investigations, Fox News reported Friday.

According to a confidential complaint obtained by Fox News, a former UNRWA employee claimed that the representatives from aid organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) repeatedly ignored internal concerns about ties between its staff and Hamas, and even actively prevented oversight efforts.

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The whistleblower, whose identity was not disclosed, wrote that the agency's hierarchy systematically undermined UN oversight mechanisms by refusing to approve routine investigations, allegedly to avoid political fallout.

Among the claims made in the complaint was that Hamas representatives were permitted to vet and approve candidates for employment within theGaza Strip. In one case, a candidate was reportedly hired as a school principal despite having previously been rejected for suspected affiliations with a terrorist organization, according to the document cited in the report.

The individual also alleged that the decisions of some UNRWA members, as well as members of other aid organizations, were routinely influenced or directed by members of Hamas. The complaint added, In several instances, UNRWA management had knowledge of, or even encouraged, such conduct.

Empty UNRWA and World Food Program trucks head to the Kerem Shalom crossing to collect limited humanitarian aid and fuel, in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, July 24, 2025 (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90)

According to the Fox News investigation, the complaint includes internal emails and records allegedly showing that requests for investigations were stalled or dismissed. The complainant warned that failing to address these patterns would continue to jeopardize the agencys neutrality and credibility.

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UNRWA, in response to Fox News, denied the claims and stated that it maintains strict neutrality and operates with full adherence to UN regulations. A spokesperson for the agency said, UNRWA categorically rejects these allegations and reiterates its commitment to impartial humanitarian assistance.

The whistleblowers complaint follows a series of international concerns over Hamas infiltration of UNRWA, particularly after the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel. In the aftermath, Israel accused several UNRWA employees of direct involvement in the attack. The agency later terminated the contracts of 12 staff members and launched an investigation.

Fox News noted that the whistleblower complaint was filed in the weeks after that assault, adding further pressure on the UN body, which has faced scrutiny from Israeli officials and donor countries over its operations in the Gaza Strip.

IDF, Shin Bet reveal previous instances of Hamas using civilian infrastructure

The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and IDF have previously reported on instances in which Hamas uses civilian infrastructure, including UN facilities, to store weapons or plan attacks, though the UN has denied any institutional involvement.

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UNRWA, which provides aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the region, resumed its operations in parts of the Gaza Strip despite ongoing conflict and criticism. The agency said it continues to rely on thousands of brave staff who risk their lives daily to serve civilians.

The whistleblower, however, expressed doubt about the agencys ability to reform from within. Unless real accountability is enforced, the individual wrote, we will continue to be complicit in enabling extremism under the guise of neutrality.

Fox News confirmed that the complaint had been forwarded to relevant UN departments, but as of Friday, no formal action had been publicly announced.
MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  Harrison County Historical Museum Executive Director Tina McGuffin loves the work she does. That work is a little more complicated now.

History in your backyard: What you missed about Marshall

March executive orders from President Donald Trump called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and the cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants.

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When asked about the executive orders in an interview with the Marshall News Messenger, McGuffin said, With the changes of how theyre funded and the trickle down to the states, Humanities Texas lost 65 percent of their budget.

That move is expected to cut federal funding for museums and libraries from $300 million to $5.5 million, a 98 percent cut. The hit to the Harrison County Historical Museums budget is approximately 20 percent.

The museum is more than just exhibits and pictures. The funding also goes towards the Inez Hatley Hughes Research Center, a research center with decades worth of documents. From researching family land to family members school transcripts, county documents of all kinds can be found there.

However, the museum requires funding to operate. All exhibits, sites, and research provided by the museum are available to the public at no cost. While the museum accepts donations and receives local funding, the loss of federal funds is creating a new puzzle to solve.

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The museum cannot do much good if it cannot stay open. The museum requires funding for staffing and operational expenses to continue providing the services for which it is known.

Four historic Shreveport Streets named after Texas Revolution leaders

Despite the difficulties, McGuffin and her staff are committed to safeguarding our history.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 video above aired in June, 2025.

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  The Hartford Police Department is seeking to dedicate High Street in honor of fallen Hartford Police Det. Robert Bobby Garten, who was killed in the line of duty in 2023.

Man who struck, killed Hartford Police Det. Bobby Garten sentenced

Police are urging the Hartford City Council to rename High Street to Bobby Garten Way to honor his death.

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Officials said in September 2023, then 18-year-old Richard Barrington fled a traffic stop and struck the passenger side of a police cruiser. Garten, who was in the passenger seat at the time, later died due to his injuries.

In April, Barrington pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree assault. He pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, suspended after 16 years in June.

Police are urging the Hartford City Council to dedicate High Street to a fallen detective

Renaming a street in his honor is a meaningful way to pay tribute to his life and the sacrifices he made for our city, the department wrote in a Facebook post. It will serve as a constant reminder of his bravery and the risk that police officers take every day to keep us safe.

The department shared a change.org petition to gather support for the street dedication.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Come November, Hawaiian Airlines will cease operations on three "underperforming" routes, the company announced Tuesday.

The airline will suspend service between Honolulu and Incheon, South Korea; Fukuoka, Japan; and Boston, Massachusetts this fall. The final day for flights from Fukuoka and Boston to Honolulu will be November 19, while the last day for Incheon to Honolulu trips will be November 21.

Its always a difficult decision to suspend a route, especially in cities like Seoul, which we have enjoyed serving for over 14 years. However, despite our teams best efforts, soft post-pandemic travel demand from Asia combined with various market challenges have persisted in Seoul, as well as in Fukuoka and Boston, both of which we entered in 2019, said Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, via Hawaii News Now.

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These adjustments will ensure we are meeting strong demand for travel to Hawaii  both internationally and domestically  while providing all our guests access to more destinations."

A history of 'underperformance'

Planes that had flown the three discontinued routes will instead be redeployed on busier routes, Hawaiian Airlines said.

The service to Fukuoka has been running three times weekly, with Boston four times and South Korea five times. According to Hawaiian Airlines regional communications Alex DaSilva, all three routes had been substandard.

The underperformance has persisted for several years  and not just year-over-year  on all three routes being discontinued, Da Silva said. We wanted to see if the combination with Alaska Airlines could improve them, but after nearly a year into our combination, and after months of review and unfruitful efforts to stimulate the markets, we are making the decision to suspend service this November."

What's coming next?

Some of the redeployed aircraft will be used to fortify Hawaiian's routes between Honolulu and Sydney, Australia, Papeete, Tahiti, Los Angeles and Seattle.

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Hawaiian will increase its Honolulu-to-Sydney service from five flights weekly to daily service from December 18 through January 31, 2026. The airline will also double its service to Papeete, running two weekly flights starting in March 2026.

Hawaiian will also add a fifth daily flight between Honolulu and Los Angeles for two periods during peak holiday travel season: November 21 to December 1 and December 19 to January 6.

Finally, the airline will debut a fourth daily flight from Honolulu to Seattle from late November to mid-April.

Hawaiian Airlines to Suspend 3 'Underperforming' Routes This Fall first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
A Hendersonville resident's photo was among more than a dozen chosen from hundreds of submissions for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's annual magazine calendar.

Amateur and professional photographers, alike, were invited to submit photos of fish and wildlife native to the Volunteer State as well as outdoor recreational scenes like fishing, hunting and camping for Tennessee Wildlife Magazine, the official publication of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which is responsible for managing and conserving native fish and wildlife resources and enforcing public safety.

Officials said they recieved a record number of photo submissions  1,205 as compared to 873 in 2024  for a spot in the 2025-26 Tennessee Wildlife Magazine calendar spread.

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Winning entries are scheduled to appear in the annual calendar beginning in August.

But TWRA says the remaining 1,191 submitted photos will be kept on file and may appear in future agency publications or online.

The staff of Tennessee Wildlife congratulates the winners and reminds photographers that if your photo was not chosen, next years entry could be a winner, TWRA officials said in a news release.

Timothy Loyd, of Sumner County, was recently announced by the agency as one of the 14 winners

Loyd got his start in wildlife photography as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic, TWRA Communications Manager and Host of Tennessee WildCast Jason Harmon said.

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Since picking up his camera and heading out into the woods, Loyd has participated in similar photo contests conducted by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and Tennessee State Parks.

His photos have been featured in the Tennessee Wildlife Federation calendar several times, officials noted.

This was his first try at securing a spot in the TWRAs yearly Tennessee Wildlife Magazine calendar.

Other Middle Tennessee residents chosen as winners include:

Lisa Byrd of Rutherford County

Donna Bourdon of Decatur

Peggy GeFellers of Greeneville

Bill Gelsleichter of Crossville

Phillip Grubb of Mascot

Mark Harriman of Germantown

John Mack of Ithaca, N.Y.

Rick McCulley of Rockwood

Becky Ross McRae of Bartlett

Sue Mitchell of Lenoir City

Michael Pachis of Memphis

Houston Reasonover of Lebanon

Frank Snyder of Athens

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Rules and deadlines for the next Tennessee Wildlife photo contest will be available in future issues of the magazine and on the TWRA website, the news release from the agency said.

For more information, visit tn.gov/twra/wildlife/tennessee-wildlife-magazine.

Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Photo from Hendersonville man bested hundreds for TN Wildlife calendar
The Brief

Police said they found a missing teen after hours of searching.

Officials said Hogan Archer, 19, left his house on Patrick Circle in Jenkinsburg just before 11 a.m. on Saturday, after he got in an altercation with his family.

Police said Archer is legally blind and has an altered mental status on top of being legally blind.

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. - Police in Henry County said they located a missing legally blind teen after hours of searching Saturday.

What we know

Officials said Hogan Archer, 19, left his house on Patrick Circle in Jenkinsburg just before 11 a.m. on Saturday, after he got in an altercation with his family.

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Police said Archer has an altered mental status on top of being legally blind.

What we don't know

It's unclear when or where police located the teen. A FOX 5 crew on scene saw officers and deputies still searching for the teen as late as 11 p.m. on Saturday.

The Source

Information and the picture in this article came from the Henry County Police Department via Facebook. It has been updated to show that Archer was located.
In eastern Ukraine, quiet nights in the dim corridors of a front-line medical post can shatter in an instant. Medics roused from sleep rush to meet another stretcher wheeled in from the Donetsk front.

They work with urgency  chest compressions and shouted commands  until it becomes clear that the soldier arrived too late. The room falls silent as his body is sealed in a white bag.

He could not be saved, the anesthesiologist said, because evacuation took too long. By the time he reached the stabilization point, he was already dead.

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It was not an isolated case, but part of a broader shift in the war where medical evacuation has become increasingly difficult.

Because of drones ... that can reach far, the danger is there for the wounded themselves and now for the crews working to get them out, said Daryna Boiko, the anesthesiologist from the Ulf medical service of the 108th Da Vinci Wolves Battalion. Thats why the main difficulty now is transport.

In the early months of Russias full-scale invasion, evacuation vehicles could reach almost to the front line, giving the wounded a better chance of survival.

Now, the heavy use of first-person-view (FPV) drones, which let an operator see the target before striking, has turned areas up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the front line into kill zones. Medics say they have not treated gunshot wounds for months, and most injuries now come from FPVs.

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The drones are the most feared weapon, both because of their precision and because they reduce survival chances for those already injured by complicating the evacuation.

For Ukraines outnumbered army, that makes preserving crew even harder.

Evacuations in the kill zone

The growing use of FPVs has also made moving the wounded between points more difficult, said the commander of the 59th Brigade medical unit with call sign Buhor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Everything is getting harder  the work has to be more mobile, the way we operate changes and the level of safety changes, he said.

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Asked whether those conditions have increased mortality among the wounded, he replied: Significantly. Theres nothing you can do. Everything burns from those FPVs  everything, even tanks.

He explained that the munitions carry a charge from a rocket-propelled grenade  a shoulder-fired weapon that launches an explosive designed to pierce armored vehicles. When it blasts, a jet of molten metal and fragments penetrate the cabin at extreme temperatures. The impact can cause anything from minor cuts and burns to severe wounds, including amputations, depending on where the fragments hit and their size.

Buhor said self-aid and self-evacuation are now heavily emphasized during training, but the existence of the kill zone means soldiers can be stuck in position for days or weeks  especially if a wound is not immediately life-threatening.

On foot to safety

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When Artem Fursov arrived at the stabilization post late one night with three other soldiers, Buhor inspected his wounds and praised the bandage on his arm, asking who had done it. It was the work of a fellow soldier  and an example of effective self-aid, Buhor said.

Fursov, 38, was wounded on Aug. 4 by an explosive dropped from a drone, but he didnt reach a medical post until five days later. To get to safety, he had to walk several kilometers. A small wooden cross he wore under his clothes the whole time now hangs against his chest.

You cant even lift your head there. This is already a robot war, he said about the front line. And the Russians are coming in like its their own backyard.

Valentyn Pidvalnyi, a 25-year-old assault soldier wounded in the back by shrapnel, said that one month on the positions in 2022 was easier than trying to survive one day now as infantry.

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Its a very hard sector, he said, but if you dont destroy them, theyll take the tree line, then the town, then the whole region.

Forced to keep moving

Buhor has worked in the Pokrovsk area since late 2022. When troops are forced to retreat, stabilization points must also move. In the past two and a half years, Buhor and his team have relocated 17 times.

They left their previous location to the sound of FPV drones.

Other stabilization points are facing the same situation.

Boiko from the Ulf medical service recalls that at the beginning of winter  when the stabilization point was still in Pokrovsk  there were still gunshot wounds. That meant there was more direct contact between the infantry, the first line of defense, on both sides.

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Months later, the situation had changed dramatically.

They try to protect themselves as much as possible  limiting movement, using camouflage, equipping all vehicles with electronic warfare systems. Their evacuation crews go out only in body armor and helmets.

We try to safeguard both ourselves and the wounded, doing everything we can to hold our position as long as possible. If we have to move farther back, the evacuation route for the wounded becomes longer  and for those in critical condition, that can be fatal, she said.

___

Associated Press reporters Vasilisa Stepanenko, Evgeniy Maloletka and Dmytro Zhyhinas in the Donetsk region and Volodymyr Yurchuk in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report.
The taxi was reportedly used in the terrorist stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction in the West Bank in July, killing one security guard.

Hilltop Youth stole a Palestinian taxi that was left unattended outside an IDF base, before abandoning it at the side of the road, Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported on Sunday.

The taxi was reportedly used in the terrorist stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction in the West Bank in July, killing one civilian.

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The terrorists were neutralized at the scene.

The IDF is investigating why the taxi was left unattended outside the base following an investigation by Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) into how it was used to carry the two terrorists to the site of their terror attack last month.

Eyewitnesses said that the terrorists arrived in a stolen car at the shopping center and stabbed Shalev Zevuloni, a security guard, outside the Rami Levi supermarket. The assailants then snatched the guards handgun and exchanged fire with a soldier and an armed civilian before being killed.

Israeli soldiers and rescue personnel at the scene of a terror attack outside Rami Levy supermarket in the Etzion Etzion, in the West Bank, July 10, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Biden administration sanctioned Hilltop Youth

The United States imposed sanctions on the Hilltop Youth, an extremist movement of Jewish settlers known for establishing illegal outposts and attacking Palestinians in the West Bank, in October.
Connectivity on the highway has been blocked at several points, causing major disruption to vehicular movement.

No reports of human loss have been received in the incidents, according to Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mandi.

Police personnel are maintaining a strict vigil at all affected sites, while restoration work is underway to clear the route and restore traffic flow.

Several places in Himachal Pradesh continue to reel under the impact of the heavy monsoon rains.

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the state has recorded 261 deaths between June 20 and August 16, 2025.

Of these, 136 people were killed in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and house collapses, while 125 lives were lost in road accidents.

The impact has been particularly severe in Mandi district, which reported the highest number of rain-related casualties (26 deaths) along with major losses to public infrastructure. Other severely hit districts include Kangra (28 deaths, including 7 in landslides and 6 in flash floods), Chamba (10 deaths), and Kullu (11 deaths).

The HPSDMA report highlights that 2,14,457 lakhs rupees worth of damage has been caused to public and private property this monsoon. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture, and electricity infrastructure have suffered massive damage. The Public Works Department (PWD) alone has reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while agriculture and horticulture combined losses are estimated at over Rs 83,000 crore.

Road connectivity remains one of the worst-hit sectors, with frequent blockages on major highways, including NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), due to landslides and flash floods. Villages in interior areas remain cut off for days, making rescue and relief operations difficult.

The report also notes widespread damage to homes: 278 houses fully damaged, 288 partially damaged, and 703 cowsheds destroyed. Over 27,000 animals and birds have perished in rain-related incidents.

Officials said restoration of essential services - roads, power, and water supply - remains a top priority, but continuous rainfall and recurring landslides are slowing down the process. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed weather advisories. (ANI)
Curd spills as a boy tries to break an earthen pot filled with curd, after climbing on top of a human pyramid as part of celebrations to mark Janmashtami festival in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

ASSOCIATED PRESS
I am appalled that the U.S. President has invited Vladimir Putin to meet on American soil to sell out our allies and the brave Ukrainian nation. This war criminal should be arrested, not rewarded for his treachery. Putin has repeatedly violated cease fire agreements. President Donald Trump has responded by dropping new sanctions threats against Russia.

Putin has set Trump up to embrace a 21st Century Munich Agreement. Lest we forget, the 1938 agreement emboldened Hitler; it did not achieve peace in our time. If Trump acquiesces to Putin, the result will be the same. Trumps cowardice will live in infamy. The world, especially our adversaries, is watching.

Mark McClure, Durham

SB 266

Lawmakers overrode Gov. Josh Steins veto of S.B. 266, the Power Bill Reduction Act, thanks to the bipartisan support. Steins justification for the veto was based on an unsubstantiated memorandum, which relied on several worst-case assumptions by N.C. State professors.

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The memo ignores the affordable, reliable and carbon emission-reducing qualities of natural gas. Natural gas prices have decreased 50% since 2021, falling to historic lows in 2024, according to federal energy trackers. Despite the memos assertions, liquefied natural gas exports do not have a negative impact on domestic prices. Several ongoing projects will increase supply to North Carolina. Additionally, natural gas has lowered CO2 emissions, helping cut them statewide by 25.2% since 2007.

North Carolina should support natural gas and energy diversity to benefit consumers and the environment. The veto override was a positive step to ensure North Carolinians continue to have access to affordable and reliable energy.

Justin Sykes, regional director for the American Petroleum Institute, Raleigh

Good trouble

According to the NC Budget and Tax Center, the federal budget will have serious consequences for North Carolina. The richest one percent of North Carolinians will get an average tax cut of nearly $60,000, the bottom 60 percent will receive less than $1,000. Cuts to Medicaid and changes to the Affordable Care Act could lead to 600,000 North Carolinians losing health insurance. Rural hospitals face closure from reductions in Medicaid funding, and changes to the food assistance could impact 1.4 million North Carolina residents, including 600,000 children.

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Clean energy, environmental protections and disaster relief will be impacted. The federal plan will lead to educational cuts, job loss, threats to medical research at universities and increased cost of living via tariffs. We are called to make good trouble, not just demonstrations, but much more.

Tim McGloin, Durham

DC Drama

What a different president Trump would be if he cared about long-term solutions rather than political theater. His recent takeover in D.C. is instructive. If Trump was concerned about crime in D.C., why not meet with the Mayor and others, discuss the problems and the solutions. Then, go to Congress, demand more funds to DC law enforcement and partner with the D.C. leaders to bring in troops?

He always takes the approach of a bully by showing up in the city with troops, to the chagrin of local people. He leans on media outlets to say there really is crime in D.C. to justify sending in the troops! He wants the politics of pretending there is a problem and offering action but no legal solutions.

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Solutions would be normal, rationale and potentially more effective but would not have all the drama and rancor. In his world, those are the point. Not solutions. Thats what all Americans must understand about him.

Laura Stillman, Raleigh

Students welcomed?

Will the world still come the U.S. and North Carolina? That leads to the question of will the world still welcome our students to overseas universities? Its easy to speculate that a tit-for-tat mentality will take over and our students will not be welcome abroad like they once were.

Deborah Brogden, Durham

Citizen tests

The government is considering increasing the difficulty of the test to become a naturalized citizen. I propose that all native born citizens be required to pass this test as a condition of voting or holding public office.

Peter Aitken, Chapel Hill
CHICAGO (WGN)  The Archdiocese of Chicago honored Cardinal Blase Cupich on Saturday at Holy Name Cathedral, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Ordained on Aug. 16, 1975, in his native Nebraska, Cardinal Cupichs journey has spanned from parish ministry in his home state to South Dakota, Washington and Chicago.

This is a celebration for him, for 50 years of dedicating life to the church and for serving Gods people, Rev. Andy Matijevic, Holy Name Cathedral associate pastor, said.

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Rev. Matijevic ministers to the spiritual needs of the community while also working closely with Cardinal Cupich, especially during celebrations such as Holy Week and ordinations.

Just seeing him be that shepherd of what a bishop is to the priest, to the people has been impactful for me, Rev. Matijevic said.

In his remarkable five decades of ministry, Cardinal Cupich has served the church with dedication through parish ministry, Diocesan leadership and international service.

He was appointed archbishop of Chicago in 2014 and elevated to cardinal in 2016  the first American bishop to receive that honor from Pope Francis.

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He even played a role in electing the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, and has been a contributing voice in global church initiative.

Cardinal Cupich has been a voice of Pope Francis in the United States and Chicago. Hes really built bridges. Hes worked with the Jewish community, the Islamic community, Rev. Matijevic said. He has spoke up for the migrants and for those who were disenfranchised and pushed to the margins.

Rev. Matijevic says that as Cardinal Cupich focuses on the future, he remains committed to promoting a church that is more compassionate, merciful and inclusive for all.

Continuing along the lines of Pope Francis open church that all people have sense of belonging, Rev. Matijevic said.

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Cardinal Cupich has become a respected figure in American Catholicism and will be recognized with a special tribute this September. For more details, 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 WGN-TV.
Shortly after moving into the neighborhood, a homeowner noticed that a nearby neighbor had made a shocking change to their lawn.

"Neighbor around the corner from me has had [dirt] added and seeded in their drainage ditch," they shared on Reddit recently, highlighting the logistical concerns during heavy rainstorms. "At my old house I was glad for deep ditches a few times during crazy storms, where the sewer couldn't take water fast enough."

Photo Credit: Reddit

Photo Credit: Reddit

Commenters were quick to agree with the original poster, even noting that this was likely done against the municipality's wishes.

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"Looks like they performed illegal fill work with a municipal right of way (the hydrant is usually a good indicator of the right of way limit)," one commenter noted. "Call [your] local Municipality and report them."

"This absolutely needs to be reported to the municipality's Public Works Director and/or Code Enforcement Officer ASAP," said another commenter, who works for a municipal public works department. "Someone in your community could get a lot of misdirected water that'll do damage in the next huge storm."

Drainage issues  especially avoidable ones resulting from poorly informed decisions like this one  can do severe damage to nearby neighbors' properties and homes during severe weather. As torrential rainfall becomes more common and widespread due to the overheating of our planet, homeowners must install and maintain effective landscaping and drainage measures.

For those with nonexistent drainage, projects like a French drain installation can help deal with flooding in yards. In larger-scale settings, some urban areas are even becoming "sponge cities," which incorporate infrastructure like extensive parks and bodies of water to help stave off flooding.

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In this Redditor's case, reporting this project to the city will likely quell the concern, and commenters are anxious to know the results when they do.

"Please fill us in later after the city comes out," one commenter said. "We want to know what happens!"

Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)  A Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and a former lawmaker who are wanted by the citys authorities have been granted asylum in Great Britain and Australia, respectively.

Tony Chung, an activist who was imprisoned under Hong Kongs sweeping national security law, and Ted Hui, a former lawmaker who was facing trial for his role in anti-government protests in 2019, both announced over the weekend that they have received asylum in the countries where they now live.

They are among dozens of activists on the run from Hong Kong authorities. Civil liberties in the city have been greatly eroded since Beijing in 2020 imposed a national security law essentially criminalizing dissent in the former British colony. Both Beijing and Hong Kong have hailed the security law as bringing stability to the financial hub.

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Hui, who fled Hong Kong in December 2020, is part of a group of overseas activists who are targeted by police bounties of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,800). The former lawmaker is now working as a lawyer in Adelaide.

He announced on Facebook on Saturday that he and his family have been granted protection visas.

I express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Australia  both present and former  for recognising our need for asylum and granting us this protection, Hui wrote. This decision reflects values of freedom, justice, and compassion that my family will never take for granted.

While in Hong Kong, Hui had been an outspoken pro-democracy lawmaker. He was also known for disrupting a legislative session after he threw a rotten plant in the chamber to stop a debate of the national anthem bill  controversial legislation making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem. He was subsequently fined 52,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,600) for the act.

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Chung, who had advocated for Hong Kongs independence, was sentenced to almost four years in prison for secession and money laundering in 2020. He was released on a supervision order, during which he traveled to Japan, from where he fled to Britain seeking asylum.

In a post on social media platform Threads on Sunday, he expressed his excitement at receiving refugee status in Britain along with a five-year resident permit. He said that despite his challenges over the past few years, including persistent mental health problems, he remains committed to his activism.

British and Australian authorities didnt immediately comment on the activists statuses.

Hong Kongs government did not comment directly on the cases but issued a statement on Saturday condemning the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country.

Any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kongs legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong, the statement read.
In Jerusalem, protesters blocking the tunnel opening to Highway 16 were sprayed with a water cannon by police to try to clear out the road for traffic.

Thousands flocked to streets and highways and donned yellow ribbons on Sunday in nationwide protests to exert pressure to free the 50 remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as soon as possible. Scuffles between protesters and exasperated citizens, and police, shortly followed.

Israel Police said that 39 people had been arrested so far. Twenty people were apprehended or arrested on the northern side of the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, said police, adding that they didnt listen to instructions. It said it secured the opening of the highway.

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Maarach Otef Atzurim, a legal aid group for protesters, noted at around noon that three were arrested near the Begin Highway in Tel Aviv, and that one had already been released, while on Ayalon Highway, three arrived at police stations so far after being apprehended.

Police noted that protests are the hard lines of protests - which it has sworn to protect - is lighting fires, "damaging free traffic, and disturbing public order," the latter of which carries esoteric applications and can be stretched far and wide.

Earlier, at around 8 a.m., a truck driver stepped out of his vehicle near the Ra'anana junction and violently hit a protester, who left bleeding from his nose.

Protesters block a road in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)

Later on Sunday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., protesters blocked the KKL-JNF and La Guardia junctions of the Ayalon Highway. The highway was reopened approximately half an hour later.

Dozens of protesters also gathered outside the IDF Southern Command headquarters in Beersheba.

Drivers attack protesters

In Kfar Saba, another protest site, one of the drivers who got caught in the traffic caused by the protests got out of her car and sprayed people standing nearby with pepper spray.

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One man was arrested by police in Ness Ziona, Maarach Otef Atzurim, said. He was released shortly after, and a hearing was scheduled for him for Monday morning.

In Jerusalem, protesters blocking the tunnel opening to Highway 16 were sprayed with a water cannon by police to try to clear out the road for traffic. Maarach Otef Atzurim said that three were on their way to police stations. Seven people were arrested by police.

It added that three people were arrested in Haifa.

This comes as Israel's politicians trade blows about the protests. The opposition encouraged people to protest in support of the hostages.

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"Go on strike today. This is not a provocation, it's not part of the political quarrel, it's not the opposition. Strike out of solidarity. Strike because the families asked, and that is reason enough," said opposition leader Yair Lapid.

In contrast, some right-wing politicians claimed that the strikes benefit Hamas.

"This strike strengthens Hamas and pushes further away the return of the hostages," said National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Hodaya Ran contributed to this report.
M., a mother of four and wife to a hi-tech professional, described her mission in five words: returning the hostages and denying Hamas aid."

As a uniformed officer, my role is first and foremost to protect the State of Israel and everyone who lives here, Lt.-Col. M., 42, head of the Foreign Relations Department in the Coordination and Liaison Directorate (CLD) for Gaza, told Walla in an interview.

Since December 2024, she has overseen the coordination of humanitarian aid activity in the Gaza Strip with dozens of international organizations.

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M., a mother of four and wife to a hi-tech professional, described her mission: returning the hostages and denying Hamas aid."

Most of our work involves coordinating humanitarian efforts with actors inside and outside the Gaza Strip, she explained. We bring in humanitarian aid, and we also coordinate the evacuation of patients and the safe transfer of foreign nationals.

Her role extends far beyond supervising aid trucks. Theres coordination that is not necessarily foodsuch as medical equipment, blood units, and more. On the one hand, we are fighting, and at the same time, medical teams or humanitarian convoys must move during or near combat zones. These are two parallel efforts that must be synchronized.

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, August 12, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

M. noted that the looting of aid is routine. Most of the trucks are looted along the way. We see it. Aid from these trucks, with international logos, is sold in the markets. You can even see its impact on pricesfor example, flour prices have dropped.

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She has also had to address complex incidents, including the deaths of World Central Kitchen (WCK) staff in an Israeli strike. After every incident, we stop, investigate, study what happened, and try to understand why. Gaza is a war zone. Its not a sterile area.

Returning the hostages

M. was directly involved in Operation 'Derech Eretz,' which saw hostages returned and Palestinian prisoners released. The truth is, Operation 'Derech Eretz' shook me the most, she recalled. To see the coffins of our hostagesits to hurt, to cry on what happened to us as a people, a nation, an army on October 7. And a minute later, you have to pull yourself together, remember youre on an operational mission, and continue.

The hostages are my top priority, M. stressed. Even if some of the aid we bring in reaches them and keeps them alive one more day, Ive earned my bread. This is my lifes mission.

Despite the strain, she insisted her fight is not against the civilians of Gaza but against Hamas. I will do everything to prevent Hamas from accessing humanitarian aid. And I live with the hope that at any moment, I will get the call: prepare for another hostage return.
A research project that collects survivor stories and documents related to grooming gang activity in Britain, is fundraising for its first therapeutic retreat.

The Survivors' Archive needs 10,000 so it can take 10 women, who were groomed and abused as children or young adults, to a country hotel in Oxfordshire for a weekend away.

Organisers will provide a safe space, activities such as art therapies and meditation sessions, as well as trained therapists.

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Director of the project, Donna Rachel Edmunds, said women had been telling her it would be "completely life-transforming just to know that somebody out there cares".

A review into the abuse carried out by grooming gangs in England and Wales was published in June.

It found that figures from the datasets were unreliable as the crime was "under-reported and suffers from confusing and inconsistently applied definitions".

The audit, let by Baroness Louise Casey, has prompted a national inquiry into grooming gangs, while local inquiries are also carried out.

Ms Edmunds said she had felt they were "too narrow in their focus".

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Speaking of her research project she said: "I envisage us doing this work for decades to come and I hope that I'll be able to pass it on to historians and archivists that come after me to carry on doing that work because [it is] what would you call it, a phenomenon scandal."

She also hopes the retreat, will be "the first of many" and will help "fill a gap left by poor mental health provision by the NHS".

The project said survivors were "routinely offered as little as six sessions with an allocated talking therapist, an offer which is nowhere near adequate".

She said she hoped the weekend away would be "a way to give them an experience of starting to feel a little more at ease in their own bodies".

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"If we do more and more of them, we'll start to build a community of survivors who can be that support system for each other," she added.

She added that women survivors had welcomed the idea, telling her that they hadn't been on holiday "for years", while another told her she was "desperate just for a break".

Another survivor told her: "This will be completely life-transforming for me just to know that somebody out there cares."

Reflecting on this, Ms Edmunds added: "So it's an appeal for people to think about the practical difference that you know we can make in each other's lives."

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The weekend retreat will run from 26 to 28 September at a hotel in Oxfordshire.

Survivors can contact the project website for more information.

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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The Brief

Multiple "Fight the Trump Takeover" rallies took place around Houston on Saturday.

Demonstrators spoke out about concerns they have with the Trump Administration, as well as the redrawing of district 18.

HOUSTON - Political leaders and community members are continuing to fight for the 18th congressional district.

Racial gerrymandering

What they're saying

On Saturday, Congressman Al Green hosted the 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update Breakfast under the theme "Weve Come Too Far to Turn Back Now."

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Special guests included prominent clergy, public officials, and civic organizations from the Greater Houston Area.

State Representative Ron Reynolds (D-27) was present at the breakfast. If you recall, Representative Reynolds was part of the dozens of Texas House Democrats who broke quorum ahead of the redistricting vote.

"Here we are in 2025 and the state of Texas is trying to turn back the clocks with this racial gerrymandering," said Representative Reynolds, at the breakfast. "We are not going to let them take us back."

Fight the Trump Takeover

Local perspective

Also on Saturday, there were multiple "Fight the Trump Takeover" rallies in Houston with community members and political leaders speaking out about the redrawing of District 18, including Black Voters Matter.

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One of the organizers, who says they were also at the breakfast and press conference with Congressman Al Green, adds that even though they are small in numbers, coming together makes a larger impact.

"Local organizers got together in conjunction with a lot of other organizations nationally to host a National Day of Action rally to fight back against mid-decade redistricting plans and its horrible impact on our communities," said Anza Becnal, community organizer with Black Voters Matter. "We feel as though we have a responsibility to educate the city and then to assemble and decide what we are going to do next."

Other demonstrators in Kingwood also participated. They told FOX 26 the fight started in Texas, but it doesn't end here.

"We are protesting Trump's influence in state politics, the gerrymandering specifically of the Texas voters. We dont want it. Trump shouldnt be involved in it and Abbot shouldn't be involved in Trumps business," said demonstrator Cindi Hendrickson. "What else can you do? Why else am I on the street? Its all I can do to make noise. If we just sit back, and we dont do anything, we're done. We are toast."

The Source

FOX 26 covered the Annual Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update and "Fight the Trump Takeover" rallies in the Greater Houston area.
The Brief

A man was shot in the leg during a fight at a fraternity party early Saturday morning.

Houston police responded to Wheeler Avenue around 2:30 a.m. after a fight broke out between the group hosting the party and a group of uninvited guests.

Police said a member of the uninvited group shot one round into the group fighting and hit the party host in the leg.

HOUSTON - Houston police said a man is in stable condition after he was shot in the leg during a disturbance at a fraternity party early Saturday morning.

What we know

Officers responded to a shooting call on Wheeler Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

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Lt. Ali said officers found a man that was shot in the leg. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

According to police, a group of fraternity brothers were hosting a party when a group of people who were not invited showed up.

The group was asked to leave the party and a fight broke out in the street, Ali said.

A person in the group grabbed a gun from a vehicle and fired one shot at the party group.

The victim, who police said was hosting the party, was shot in the leg.

What we don't know

Ali said officers have a "pretty good idea" of the identity of the suspects.

There was no mention of any arrests being made.

The Source

Information in this article comes from the Houston Police Department.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo flagged how US President Donald Trump has made it a habit to "threaten" other countries on the basis of tariffs and emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong stance for farmers and fishermen. Speaking with ANI on the 25 per cent tariff imposed by the US and the announcement of an additional 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian crude oil, KV Singh Deo said, "PM Modi has given a message to fishermen and farmers that the whole country stands with them. I don't think anyone should be afraid if a country's PM is clearly speaking about it. Threatening every country has become a habit of US President Donald Trump. He is trying to do ragging like a bully in school, college. Our PM isn't allowing him to do so." President Donald Trump announced sweeping and substantial tariffs on India, one of America's most important trading partners. In addition to a 25% tariff, Trump also announced an additional 25% tariff on India that will go into effect later this month as a repercussion for importing Russian oil and gas. India is actively involved in the discussions on the Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US, which the two sides could not conclude due to the American demand to get comprehensive access to the Indian agriculture and dairy sector. PM Modi has reaffirmed his support to protect farmers, saying that he is "standing tall like a wall against policies which are against farmer interest." "If any policy is against India's farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers, Modi is standing like a wall," PM Modi said. Additionally, KV Singh Deo emphasised PM Modi's vision of Aatmairbhar Bharat while speaking about Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana announced from Red Fort on Independence Day "The government led by PM Modi has always emphasised that the youth should get employment. PM Modi has called for Aatmanirbhar Bharat to make farmers and fishermen self-dependent. We have to walk on that path," Deo said PM Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana with an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore. This transformative scheme aims to support the creation of over 3.5 crore jobs in two years, the Ministry of Labour & Employment said in a press release. (ANI)
The Brief

Heat and Humidity Dominate Start To New Week

Daily Rain Chances This Week

Tropics Heating Up

HOUSTON - Houston residents are advised to stay hydrated as a heat advisory remains in effect, with "feels like" temperatures expected to reach 104 to 106 degrees Sunday.

Hot and humid start to new work, school week

Houston and Southeast Texas can expect temperatures to soar Monday.

Highs in Houston are forecast to reach 98 degrees. Feels-like temperatures could reach as high as 106 degrees.

There is no active Heat Advisory, but it is very important to stay safe in this heat. Drink plenty of water, take breaks inside with a/c, reapply sunscreen and always remember to look before you lock your vehicle.

Daily rain chances this week

The overall rain outlook this week is a bit random with a daily round of afternoon showers and storms expected, but with periods of hot sunshine in between.

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Our extended models are very mixed with timing and coverage of rain, but isolated afternoon storms make sense in this pattern. Rainfall totals will likely be a bit higher toward the end of the week and potentially the upcoming weekend.

Erin churns in the Atlantic, tropics heating up

Hurricane Erin continues to churn in the Atlantic as it passes north of Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The latest models have Erin curving away from the eastern coast of the U.S. this week.

Indirect impacts of large swell and dangerous rip currents are likely up and down the eastern seaboard.

The system is far away from Texas and will have no effect on our area.

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There are two other areas in the Atlantic with the chance for further development. We are watching a tropical wave near the west coast of Africa over the next several days.

Right now, the national hurricane center is giving it a low 30% chance of development.

Stay up-to-date with the latest tropical updates on the free FOX Local app.

The Source

Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority
Aug. 16DALLAS  Rep. Brenda Pugh said Thursday's human trafficking event at Dallas High School was deemed "highly impactful" and it has received tremendous feedback from community members, law enforcement and advocacy groups.

To help educate residents on the prevalence of human trafficking, Rep. Pugh hosted "Behind the Screen: How to Protect Your Children from Human Trafficking in a Digital World."

The event, held at Dallas High School, was designed to educate the public and build coordinated action to combat human trafficking. Rep. Pugh said the event was hailed as a major success  and it has sparked widespread demand for similar programs across the region.

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Rep. Pugh said the centerpiece of the event was a powerful panel discussion featuring:

District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce (Luzerne County).

District Attorney Joe Peters (Wyoming County).

Heather Castellino, Chief Deputy Attorney General and expert in human trafficking prosecution.

Representatives from the Northeast Pennsylvania Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

Chaz Balogh of ourrescue.org.

Rep. Pugh said these leaders shared critical insights into the scope of human trafficking in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the signs to watch for, the legal tools available to combat traffickers, and survivor-centered approaches to justice and recovery.

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"This is not just a national or global issue  it's happening right here in our communities," said Rep. Pugh, R-Dallas Township. "Events like this empower the public to be part of the solution.

"The feedback has been overwhelming. We've already received multiple requests to bring this program to other parts of the district  and we fully intend to do so."

With strong support from both state and local leadership, Rep. Pugh said the planning team is working with community partners to schedule additional human trafficking awareness events throughout the coming months.

The 120th Legislative District includes the boroughs of Courtdale, Exeter, Forty Fort, Kingston, Luzerne, Pringle, Swoyersville, West Wyoming and Wyoming and the townships of Dallas, Exeter, Franklin, Jackson and Kingston in Luzerne County.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Guidance has come into closer alignment today with the latest consensus showing the trough moving into Maui County by Sunday afternoon.

Expect an uptick in showers across windward Maui by Sunday evening, with the moisture plume spreading westward into Oahu and Kauai County Sunday night into Monday.

Rainfall totals through Monday will be around 0.5 to 1.0 inches across windward and mauka areas of the smaller islands.

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With the moisture plume staying north of the Big Island rainfall totals across windward and mauka areas will generally be less than 0.5 inches.

The trough looks to exit the region towards the west on Tuesday, with high pressure quickly rebuilding across the area.

However, guidance now shows another moisture plume moving into the area on Wednesday which may bring an increase in clouds and showers to windward and mauka areas.

Otherwise, expect predominately dry and stable conditions to return for the latter half of the forecast period, with typical summertime conditions yielding limited clouds and showers across the state under moderate to breezy trades.

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Small Craft Advisory until 6 PM HST Sunday for Kaiwi Channel, Maui County Windward Waters, Maui County Leeward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Windward Waters, Big Island Leeward Waters, Big Island Southeast 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 KHON2.
The Trump administrations crackdown on violent crime in Washington, D.C., has already netted more than 240 arrests and taken 38 guns off the streets, a White House official told Fox News.

The show of force has swept up gang members, robbery suspects and immigration violators. On Friday alone, 52 people were arrested, including 28 illegal immigrants, while three guns were seized.

Federal teams also cleared 25 homeless encampments, and officials said those removals were carried out without confrontations or arrests.

The Trump administrations crackdown on violent crime in Washington, D.C., has already netted more than 240 arrests and 38 guns, a White House official told Fox News.

Expert Flips Script On Dems Pushing 'Cherry-picked' Crime Stats To Resist Trump's Dc Crackdown

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White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller hailed the scale of the operations and said the numbers are "breathtaking."

"We have seen a record number of violent offenders, bad guys, gang members and all kinds of threats to public safety removed off the streets as well as their illegal weapons that they've been using to terrorize the citizens of this city," Miller told "Fox News Live."

Read On The Fox News App

"Additionally, we have seen over 70 homeless encampments that have scarred and disfigured the public streets of this city, dismantled and thrown away and the homeless cleared from those encampments. At the same time, we have the National Park Service going around and getting rid of the gang graffiti that has been left untouched by this city for decades."

Washington, D.C., city workers dismantle tents and remove personal belongings during a sweep of a homeless encampment in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood Aug. 14, 2025.

The operation began quietly Aug. 7 with the launch of the "Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful" task force created by President Donald Trump in March through an executive order.

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He escalated it Aug. 11 by temporarily seizing federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under emergency powers in the Home Rule Act, the first such move in U.S. history.

Woman Gunned Down In 'Safe' Dc Neighborhood As Trump Launches Federal Police Takeover

The order puts the MPD under federal authority for up to 30 days, unless Congress extends it, and 800 National Guard troops were deployed.

In all, 22 multi-agency teams with more than 1,800 personnel were deployed across all seven police districts as the president vowed to aggressively "take our capital back."

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"We have a capital thats very unsafe.  Somethings out of control. But were going to put it in control very quickly," Trump said Monday.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, accompanied by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announcing the deployment of federal law enforcement agents in Washington to bolster the police presence Aug. 11, 2025.

Other arrests included drug distribution, weapons violations and outstanding warrants. Police also detained suspects accused of fleeing law enforcement, reckless driving, assault with a dangerous weapon and kidnapping.

The D.C. National Guard carried out roving patrols on foot and in vehicles around the National Mall and Union Station last night. While they remain armed, the officials stressed they are not making arrests, instead securing federal assets and providing cover for police.

Trump began floating the idea of federalizing D.C. law enforcement after the brutal beating of a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee during an alleged attempted carjacking in Washingtons Logan Circle. He then moved to ramp up his crackdown on Monday, invoking the Home Rule Act.

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Democrats and local officials pushed back, noting MPD and the U.S. Attorneys Office report violent crime is at a 30-year low, down 35% from 2023 to 2024.

FBI data for the same period shows a much smaller decrease of around 9%, highlighting a substantial gap between local and federal statistics. The discrepancy stems from differences in how crimes are classified and reported to federal databases.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said the number of arrests was "breathtaking."

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the federal action as "unsettling and unprecedented," while Democrats have introduced a joint resolution in an effort to put the brakes on the federal takeover of police.





Original article source: Hundreds arrested as Trumps Washington, DC, crime crackdown hits full stride
The Brief

Hundreds gathered at Lake Merritt on Saturday to protest the proposed redrawing of Texas' congressional districts.

Texas lawmakers are attempting to gerrymander their state, to send more Republicans to Washington ahead of the 2026 election.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed similarly redistricting California to offset the additional Texas Republicans.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Hundreds of Bay Area residents gathered in Oakland on Saturday to push back against President Trump's attempt to gerrymander Texas.

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Multiple elected officials, including Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon assembled at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater, and Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, spoke to the crowd of nearly 400 people.

"Trump and his Republican allies are trying to steal the 2026 election by redrawing districts in their favor and attacking our voting rights," Bas said at the event. "This attack on our democracy may have started in Texas, but without immediate action, it can sweep dangerously across our country."

The event featured a 15-foot-tall inflatable chicken with orange hair, meant to represent President Trump, as well as several large, cardboard rotten eggs with the names of Texas politicians  including Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott  involved in the push to redraw the state's maps.

"This unparalleled attack on democracy would not be possible without the Texas Republicans who are answering not to the people, but to one man: Donald Trump," Keith Brown of the Alameda Labor Council said. "California will not sit back and watch the erosion of our democracy."

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Indeed, California has responded to the Lone Star State's redrawn congressional map. Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday released a map that showed the proposed redistricting of California's congressional districts.

If approved, the map would add more democratic congressional seats to balance those that would be eliminated by the redrawn Texas map.

Pushing back

The backstory



Texas' lawmakers are considering a new map that would help them send five more Republicans to Washington, but Democrats have so far halted that effort by leaving the state to prevent their GOP colleagues from meeting Trump's demands.

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"We can't stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district, all across this country," Newsom said at a Los Angeles press conference on Thursday. "Not just in Texas, but in Missouri, where J.D. Vance went just a week ago, in Indiana, in places like Ohio and places like Florida. We need to stand up, not just in California. Other blue states need to stand up."

There are 435 seats in the U.S. House. Of those, Republicans currently hold a 219-212 majority, with four vacancies. New maps are typically drawn once a decade, after the census is conducted.

Proposed changes

By the numbers

Many states give legislators the power to draw maps but some, including California, rely on an independent, non-partisan commission.

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The redrawn map is consistent with the criteria laid out by the California's Citizen Redistricting Commission, and keeps district more compact than the current map, which helps to keep more communities and neighborhoods in the same district.

The new map splits fewer cities than the current map  57 in the submitted map versus 60 in the current map. The proposed redistricting would leave eight districts untouched and would, in 20 districts, impact fewer than 10% of residents.

The new map will be put forth to voters in a special election, with the California legislature set to take up the issue next week, to call for a vote on Nov. 4.
Hundreds of people have joined an anti-immigration protest in Dudley in a demonstration over the use of hotels for asylum seekers.

A small group of counter-protesters also gathered in Market Place on Sunday.

Dudley Council's Conservative leader Patrick Harley has instructed a legal team to see if he can mount a legal challenge against the Home Office to prevent asylum seekers being housed in hotels in the area.

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The Home Office previously said it was working with communities who had concerns. West Midlands Police said a protest and counter-protest took place "without significant incident".

A BBC reporter at the scene said there were about 200 anti-immigration protesters, many with union flags, and about 20 or 30 counter-protesters, some with Palestine flags.

He said there were a few scuffles with police that quickly died down.

The protest later moved to the site of a hotel where protesters believed asylum seekers were staying.

Dudley Council's leader defended people's right to protest [BBC]

West Midlands Police said officers were present at the protest and no arrests were made.

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A spokesman said there was some temporary traffic disruption and he thanked people for their patience.

"Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing, public order and protests we must balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to tackle crime so we can ensure public safety," he said.

"The right to peaceful and lawful protest is a fundamental element of any democracy, and we are committed to upholding and facilitating this."

Before the protest took place, Harley claimed that his comments had "probably calmed things down".

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He said people were "seeing a council taking a tough stance", adding: "They're seeing Dudley Council does not have the same issues with asylum seekers in lots of hotels as other authorities do  we only have one in the authority."

West Midlands Police had a presence at the demo [BBC]

He said people were entitled to protest and were "very angry" about the issue.

Harley said: "This is an issue that is very emotive, so I can understand why people want to protest.

"What we don't want to see is people breaking the law, damaging property, making threats and really not bringing a good look to our borough.

"What we want is a peaceful protest and if people can come and protest in a very peaceful and lawlike manner, then I welcome people making their feelings well-known.

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"But it has to be a peaceful protest and not the scenes we've seen in other parts of the UK recently."

Protesters later left the town centre and moved to the site of a hotel [BBC]

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BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has sought assurances from Russia that it will refrain from interference in his country's politics, saying there would be no scope for meaningful cooperation without respecting its sovereignty.

Earlier this week, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) published a statement describing Magyar as being loyal to "globalist elites" and alleging that the European Commission was considering "regime change in Budapest."

Magyar, whose Tisza Party is leading Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz in most polls ahead of parliamentary elections due next spring, published an open letter to Russia's ambassador in Hungary, asking what was the intended effect of the SVR statement.

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"I demand clear assurances that the Russian Federation will refrain from any actions that could be deemed as interference in Hungary's domestic politics, including disinformation campaigns, cyber operations or the intimidation of politicians and citizens," Magyar said in the letter published on Facebook on Sunday.

On Monday, Magyar posted a letter on Facebook that he said the Russian ambassador to Budapest had sent him in reply, saying that Magyar's accusations were "baseless" and Russia did not interfere in the domestic affairs of any foreign country.

The statement by the SVR on Hungarian politics "speaks for itself and requires no further explanation. Its contents are clear and understandable for everyone," the letter, signed by Ambassador Evgeny Stanislavov, said.

The Russian Embassy in Budapest did not respond to Reuters' emailed questions for comment.

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In power since 2010, Orban has been criticised by some fellow EU leaders for his government's warm ties with Moscow and opposition to military aid for Ukraine. Orban has also accused EU leaders of plotting to topple him.

Magyar, a former government insider, has previously said he would strive for "pragmatic relations" with Russia, which supplies Hungary with most of its energy and is also involved in an expansion of its Paks nuclear plant.

He said the SVR's statement showed Russia was trying to intervene directly to sway voters in Hungary, which is a member of the NATO military alliance but which under Orban has refused to send weapons to neighbouring Ukraine.

"Hungary's sovereignty and the inviolability of our democratic processes cannot be negotiable. Adherence to these principles is the minimum requirement for any meaningful bilateral cooperation between our countries," Magyar said.

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by David Holmes and Toby Chopra)
Police are searching for the driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash who allegedly fled after striking and running over a pedestrian in a crosswalk Saturday night in Kansas Citys Northeast area.

The fatal crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. at Independence and Monroe avenues in the Lykins neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department.

Investigators say a silver Toyota Camry was headed west on Independence at high speeds. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing Independence at Monroe from south to north, using a marked crosswalk.

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The traffic signal showed red for traffic on Independence, Gonzalez said.

The driver of the Camry allegedly failed to stop at the red light and struck the pedestrian, throwing the person to the ground, Gonzalez said. The Camy then ran over the pedestrian, and the driver fled the scene without stopping.

The pedestrian was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injures, and did not survive.

Saturdays death marks Kansas Citys 47th traffic fatality of the year, compared to 59 deaths at this point last year.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Hurricane Erin is churning through the Atlantic with sustained winds of 125 mph, posing a threat of dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday.

The Category 3 hurricane is currently located about 170 miles north-northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 14 mph.

Maximum sustained winds have reached 125 mph, making it a powerful storm capable of causing substantial damage. Erin is expected to remain a major hurricane over the next few days.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore.

Erin should gradually turn toward the north and eventually the northeast, the National Hurricane Center said in an update Sunday morning. The NHC track forecast has been nudged to the west in the short term based on the initial motion and latest model guidance.

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The National Hurricane Center warns that while Erin is not expected to make direct landfall, its outer bands could bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the Bahamas and potentially impact the North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coastlines later this week.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore.

Erin is growing in size, and that trend is expected to continue over the next few days, the hurricane center said. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.

Residents in these areas are advised to monitor the storms progress closely.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore.

While the storm is expected to remain well away from New Jersey, it could cause dangerous conditions at the Jersey Shore.

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As the week goes on, were focusing on the impacts from Hurricane Erin via rip currents, beach erosion, high surf, and coastal flooding, the National Weather Services office in New Jersey said.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a Tropical Storm Watch issued for the Southeast Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center emphasizes that interests along the North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coasts should remain vigilant, as strong winds from the storms outer rain bands remain a potential risk.

Current weather radar

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
Hurricane Erin weakens to Category 4 as a new eyewall develops

7:54 PM UPDATE

Erin is now undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle and has weakened to a Category 4 storm.

At 8 pm, NOAA Hurricane Hunters found weaker winds of 150 mph, making Erin a Category 4 major hurricane.

An eyewall replacement cycle often weakens storms as a new eyewall forms and the inner eyewall disintegrates.

Original Story

Hurricane Erin remains a powerful Category 5 major hurricane Saturday evening as it moves just north of northern Lesser Antilles.

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The 5 pm advisory from the National Hurricane Center now has Erin with winds of 160 mph, making it a Category 5 major hurricane.

Erin is the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic since Milton last October.

A Tropical Storm Watch has now been posted for the Turks and Caicos, where tropical storm conditions are possible Sunday.

Tropical Storm Watches continue for the northern Lesser Antilles, where tropical storm force winds remain possible Saturday night.

Some fluctuations in intensity are expected through late Sunday, and Erin may have peaked as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane is expected to begin weakening on Monday.

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The storm is expected to turn to the west-northwest later tonight and a turn to the north is expected early next week.

Erin is likely to move just north of the northern Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sunday.

Long-term, Erin will likely pass between the east coast of the United States and Bermuda next week.

Because of its now expected large size, it is possible Bermuda could get grazed by the storm.

Erin is still expected to stay well east of Florida as it makes a northward turn.

The east coast of the state will likely deal with large swells of 6 to 9 feet and dangerous rip currents early next week from the system.

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Dry air will also likely push into Florida, reducing storm chances for the middle of next week.

Stay with Severe Weather Center 9 for the latest on Erin.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday left for Bihar to launch the party's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Sasaram, organised against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the state. The Congress leader left his residence early in the morning to join the march, which will also see the participation of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the yatra outside the residence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said the campaign aims to raise awareness among voters, especially those whose names have been excluded from the electoral list. "We are starting the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' from Sasaram tomorrow. Tomorrow, we will all be with the Mahagathbandhan allies. We will visit several districts, and our effort will be to make people aware so that no voter's name is left out. We also have fought for this and got a relief from the Supreme Court in this matter, whether it is the Supreme Court direction to the Election Commission of India to publish the list of 65 lakh persons excluded or deleted from the Bihar draft electoral voters list, along with the reasons," Yadav said. He described the yatra as a "historical journey" and said the Mahagathbandhan is confident he will get the support of the people. He said, "Tomorrow, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the Mahagathbandhan will go among the people and make them aware of voter rights. Along with this, we will also raise the local issues. We will also convey what our vision would be if we form our government. This is going to be a historical journey, and we will get the blessings of the Bihar voters." (ANI)
Editor's Note: Hurricane Erin continues on its path. See the latest update for Monday, Aug. 18.

As Hurricane Erin travels along the Caribbean, two other disturbances are being tracked in the Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center.

On Sunday, Aug. 17, at 5 a.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center announced that over the next several days, Erin is expected to produce "life-threatening" surf and rip currents at beaches in the Bahamas, the East Coast of the U.S. Bermuda and Atlantic Canada.

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As of Sunday morning, the storm is a Category 3 hurricane, according to AccuWeather. But, it is forecast to become a Category 4 on Sunday afternoon.

At 8 a.m. ET, the hurricane center issued an advisory for Hurricane Erin, located north of the Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea southeast of Puerto Rico.

Heavy rains are expected to continue across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Sunday, and flash and urban flooding, landslides and mudslides could impact the islands, according to hurricane center.

The hurricane center is tracking two other disturbances. The first is around 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina, which has a low chance of formation, 10%, over the next seven days. Another disturbance, a tropical wave near the Cabo Verde Islands located west of the coast of Senegal in Africa, also has a low chance, 20%, of developing over the next seven days.

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Powerful Hurricane Erin: Storm could mimic damage from earlier hurricanes that stayed offshore

Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricane Erin

On Monday, Aug. 18, the Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to face tropical storm conditions, while those conditions are also possible in the Southeast Bahamas the night of Aug. 17 and throughout Aug. 18.

"Gusts to tropical storm force are possible in Erin's outer rainbands in portions of Puerto Rico today, (Aug. 17), and in the central Bahamas on Monday, (Aug. 18), and Tuesday (Aug. 19)," the hurricane center said.

Hurricane Erin could be near the southeast portion of Florida by Monday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.

Hurricane Erin will travel northeast, along the Eastern coast of the U.S., towards Canada.

Storm tracker: Tracking storms in the Atlantic

Spaghetti models for Hurricane Erin

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

When did the 2025 hurricane season begin?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November.

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Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.

A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until its too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.

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Prepare now for hurricanes: Here's what you should do to stay safe before a storm arrives

Develop an evacuation plan : If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.

Assemble disaster supplies : Whether youre evacuating or sheltering in place, youre going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.

Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions : Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesnt cover flooding, so youll need a separate policy. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.

Create a family communication plan : NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.

Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your homes ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is Hurricane Erin headed? See tracker, forecast map
Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm Saturday, Aug. 16, but winds decreased to 125 mph by Sunday morning, Aug. 17. Erin is still a major Category 3 hurricane and is expected to intensify again while growing in size, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Erin is located about 275 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 165 miles east of Grand Turk Island. The storm's core is expected to pass to the east and northeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas.

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Hurricane Erin's outer rainbands are producing gusty winds and heavy rains across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at near 13 mph. A gradual turn to the northwest and north on Monday and Tuesday, according to the hurricane center.

This motion should take the core of Erin to the east of the Bahamas on Monday and then roughly midway between Bermuda and the east coast of the U.S. around the middle of the week, NHC forecasters said.

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Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days.

Interests along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bermuda should monitor the progress of Erin as there is a risk of strong winds associated with the outer rainbands during the middle part of the week.

Erin is expected to bring dangerous conditions to offshore waters and beaches along the Florida coast from Aug. 18 - 21, including rip currents and rough, high surf with breakers greater than 7 feet on the 19th and 20th, said the weather service office in Jacksonville, Florida.

Officials are encouraging residents to monitor the storm closely and to make sure they're prepared.

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 Hurricane drama vs. data: Why Erin is a minuscule threat to Florida, U.S. east coast

Hurricane categories: Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Category 1 hurricane : 74-95 mph

Category 2 hurricane : 96-110 mph

Category 3 hurricane : 111-129 mph

Category 4 hurricane : 130-156 mph

Category 5 hurricane: 157 mph or higher

Hurricane Erin update, path

Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Location : 275 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico; 165 miles east of Grand Turk Island

Maximum sustained winds: 125 mph

Movement : west-northwest at 13 mph

Pressure : 946 mb

Next update: 8 p.m.

Hurricane Erin now a Category 3 storm

Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm Saturday, Aug. 16, but winds decreased to 125 mph by Sunday morning, Aug. 17.

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Some increase in size and strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. Erin has been growing in size, and that trend is likely to continue over the next few days, with its expanding wind field resulting in rough ocean conditions over much of the western Atlantic.

Spaghetti models for Hurricane Erin. Where is the storm going?

Special note about spaghetti models: 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 Hurricane Erin

Is there a hurricane coming to Florida?

No. Erin is moving west-northwest. A gradual turn to the northwest and north is expected on Monday and Tuesday, according to the hurricane center. The center of the storm is expected to remain east of Florida.

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Remember, forecasts can change, so it's always best to be prepared.

U.S. rip current risk from Hurricane Erin, as of 5 a.m. Aug. 17, 2025.

What impacts could Hurricane Erin have on Florida?

Erin is expected to produce dangerous surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the East Coast of the U.S., including Florida, and Atlantic Canada next week.

Erin is expected to bring dangerous conditions to offshore waters and beaches along the Florida coast from Aug. 18 - 21, including rip currents and rough, high surf with breakers greater than 7 feet on the 19th and 20th, said the weather service office in Jacksonville, Florida.

How strong is Hurricane Erin and where could it go? See the scenarios

At 8 a.m., the center of Hurricane Erin was located by an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 20.7 North, longitude 67.0 West. At 5 p.m., the center was located near 21.7 North, longitude 68.5 West.

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Erin is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph. This motion is expected today, followed by a gradual turn to the northwest and north on Monday and Tuesday.

On the forecast track, the core of Erin is expected to pass to the east and northeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas tonight and Monday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph with higher gusts. Erin is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some increase in size and strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. Erin is likely to remain a dangerous major hurricane through the middle of this week.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 50 miles (85 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km).

Have any watches or warnings been issued for Hurricane Erin?

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

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Turks and Caicos Islands

Southeast Bahamas

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 24 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 hours.

Interests elsewhere in the central Bahamas, the North Carolina Outer Banks, and Bermuda should monitor the progress of Erin.

Hazards affecting land from Hurricane Erin

RAINFALL: The outer bands of Erin continue to produce areas of heavy rainfall across Puerto Rico. Additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches are expected across Puerto Rico through Monday. Additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts to 6 inches, are forecast over the Turks and Caicos and the eastern Bahamas including San Salvador Island through Tuesday. Locally considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible.

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WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands beginning tonight. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the southeast Bahamas late tonight and Monday.

SURF: Swells generated by Erin will continue to affect portions of the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and the Turks and Caicos Islands during the next couple of days. These swells will spread to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the early and middle portions of the week. These rough ocean conditions will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Please consult products from your local weather forecast office for more information.

STORM SURGE: Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore winds in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeast Bahamas. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Hurricane Erin

Bands of heavy rainfall will continue across portions of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through tonight, but are expected to diminish by Monday. Locally considerable flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in the southeast Bahamas tonight and Monday. Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the east coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. Interests along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bermuda should monitor the progress of Erin as there is a risk of strong winds associated with the outer rainbands during the middle part of the week.

Current forecast: How strong could Hurricane Erin get?

At 5 a.m.: 125 mph

12 hours: 130 mph

24 hours: 145 mph

36 hours: 140 mph

48 hours: 130 mph

60 hours: 125 mph

72 hours: 120 mph

96 hours: 110 mph

120 hours: 100 mph

Northwestern Atlantic: Recent satellite-derived winds indicate an elongated area of low pressure located a couple hundred miles off the coast of North Carolina with associated surface winds of less than 20 mph. Shower activity remains limited, and development, if any, of this system should be slow to occur during the next day or so, while it drifts generally eastward. The opportunity for development should end on Monday, when environmental upper-level winds are expected to become unfavorable.

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Formation chance through 48 hours : low10 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: low10 percent.

Central Tropical Atlantic: A tropical wave located near the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some gradual development of this system is possible during the middle to latter portion of the week while the system moves westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

Formation chance through 48 hours : lownear 0 percent.

Formation chance through 7 days: low30 percent.

Interactive map: What tropical storms, hurricanes have impacted your area in the past?

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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane Erin path tracker, location now. Florida impact
A Saturday morning confrontation between federal immigration agents and a local family in San Bernardino escalated into gunfire and a seven-hour standoff before ending without arrests, according to both advocates and police.

The incident began at about 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 16, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stopped a man near 1030 N. Mountain View Avenue, according to the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. The advocacy group said the agents, who did not present a warrant, fired three times at the mans vehicle before he returned home with his family and called 911.

San Bernardino police confirmed in a statement that officers were dispatched at 8:51 a.m. following reports of shots fired near Acacia Avenue and Baseline Street. When officers arrived, they encountered federal agents who told them they had been involved in an officer-involved shooting and that the suspect had fled.

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Shortly after, the man contacted police dispatchers himself, saying masked men had broken his car window and fired at him, according to the statement. The man, who said he did not know the agents identities, requested police assistance. Officers later located him on Mountain View Drive but did not intervene further, citing the California Values Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from assisting with immigration enforcement.

By around 11 a.m., Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the residence. Advocates said the family remained inside as multiple police and federal vehicles surrounded the home, and they expressed fear after their car had been struck by gunfire. The Inland Coalition alleged the man had no criminal record and was targeted without legal justification.

San Bernardino police said they were asked to return at about 1:12 p.m. after a crowd began forming around the residence. At that time, federal agents told officers the man was wanted for allegedly assaulting a federal officer, which criminalizes forcibly resisting or impeding federal officers. Police said they provided only crowd control support as federal agents attempted to make the arrest.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said two Customs and Border Protection officers were injured during the encounter when the suspect refused to exit his vehicle and drove toward the officers. Because of the subject forcing a CBP officer to discharge his firearm in self-defense, the subject escaped the scene, the spokesperson said. After the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department located the subject at a residence and briefly had him in custody, he was set free. This decision was made despite the subject refusing to comply and wounding two officers  another example of Californias pro-sanctuary policies in action.

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Agents left around 3:45 p.m. without detaining the man, ending the standoff.

Federal investigators are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting, according to police.

The Inland Coalition said it is mobilizing to provide the family with legal support.

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Colombian TikTok influencer Leidy Tatiana Mafla-Martinez was taken into ICE custody while live streaming from her home in Los Angeles. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Martinez was arrested in connection with a prior DUI.

Newsweek reported Martinez, who is well-known on TikTok for posting videos that document several ICE arrests, was filmed on Friday seated in her Tesla when agents opened her car door and pulled her onto the pavement. She also appeared to experience a medical event during the arrest, and at one point onlookers are heard demanding treatment for her.

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The arrest was also briefly interrupted by a man who attempted to tow one of the police cars in the arrest.

He mocked and videotaped ICE officers chasing after him, McLaughlin also told Newsweek. Secretary Noem has been clear: Anyone who seeks to impede law enforcement will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Martinez was initially transported to White Memorial Hospital and is currently being held in a detention center in downtown Los Angeles.

On Thursday, Los Angeles Rep. Jimmy Gomez accused ICE of staging an empty migrant detention center.

One person was talking to the Mexican consulate who happened to be there, and the other person was just in the cell with their head down on a table or on the table or something. He was just kind of sitting there, Gomez said of the center he visited recently.

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Gomez also questioned why the center was so empty despite the numerous arrests made recently. Nearly 2,800 people have been taken into ICE custody since early June.

Theyve been running raids, even over the weekend, and all of a sudden theres no one there? Thats just completely bizarre, he told MSNBCs Jen Psaki.

The post ICE Arrests TikTok Influencer Who Documented Immigration Raids at Her Home on Livestream appeared first on TheWrap.
Eyal Zamir: The ongoing operation has achieved its objectives, Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities it had before the operation; we dealt a severe blow.

The IDF will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas, with the hostages at the forefront of our minds, said IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir from the Gaza Strip on Sunday.

The IDF bears the moral duty to bring the hostages home, both alive and dead, he added.

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The military is ready to move to the next phase of fighting: Focusing on dismantling Hamas strongholds in Gaza City, said Zamir.

IDF chief: Ongoing Gaza operations has "achieved its objectives"

The ongoing operation has achieved its objectives, Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities it had before the operation; we dealt a severe blow, he said.

The chief of staff added, The current campaign is not a pinpoint one; it is just another layer in a long-term and planned strategy, with a multi-front vision to strike all components of the axis, and first and foremost Iran.
The manager of a local vape shop is in custody after police executed a search warrant at the business Friday.

North Strabane Township police say the search was done at Washington Vape & Tobacco, located at 800 Wildflower Circle, Suite 804, after an investigation into its activity.

Police say a large amount of illegal items was seized, including marijuana, THC products, counterfeit vape cartridges, psychedelic substances, and various types of drug paraphernalia.

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Also, the store was reportedly found to have sold products to young-looking customers without requiring identification.

Illicit substances sold at this establishment  including unregulated vape and synthetic psychedelic products, often manufactured overseas without regulations  pose serious health risks," a release from the police department reads. These products frequently contain harmful and potentially dangerous chemicals, endangering the public, particularly youth within our community.

The manager of the business was arrested, and police say other criminal charges are being considered.

The North Strabane Township Police Department remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our residents, the release says.

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Anyone with information about the case is told to contact the North Strabane Township Police Departments anonymous tip line at 724-746-4090 or email tips@nstpd.com.

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From inside the truck, the young man shook his head as federal immigration officers banged on the door and his father repeatedly said in Spanish, "Don't open it."

"Francisco! Roll down the window!" one agent said, addressing the father, who was in the driver's seat.

Another officer smashed the window, shattering it, and Francisco sped away, as three bangs that sounded like gunshots rang out.

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The attempt by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in San Bernardino to question the men in the truck Saturday morning, captured on video by two of the men, ended with allegations from federal authorities that officers were injured when the driver tried to "run them down."

"In the course of the incident the suspect drove his truck at the officers and struck two CBP officers with his vehicle," read a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. Because of that, the official said, a CBP officer discharged his firearm "in self-defense."

DHS said it was a targeted enforcement operation, which is likely how the officers knew the driver's name. The department did not answer follow up questions about why they were trying to arrest the man in the truck or about the condition of the officers who were struck.

Later, at home, family members took photos of what appeared to be at least two bullet holes in the side of the truck.

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"At the moment that they broke the windows, the driver of the vehicle felt like his life was in danger and the life of his child was in danger as well," said Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice.

Hernandez said that Francisco, 43, did not try to run over any officers with his truck.

"The family wants an investigation, they want to clear their name, that they didn't run anyone over," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said that Francisco, who is undocumented and has lived in the U.S. for over 23 years, was heading home from a store at around 8:45 a.m.

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Francisco's 18-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, was in the passenger seat, and his 23-year-old son-in-law was in the backseat, Hernandez said.

The officers, who in the video were masked, with one wearing a "CBP" hat, approached the truck and asked the men to get out of the vehicle, according to Hernandez, who said the family was not available for interviews.

As President Trump's immigration crackdown continues, with people taken into custody in Southern California and around the country, videos have shown federal agents smashing car windows after people inside refused to open the door.

In a raid outside of a Hollywood Home Depot, a Border Patrol agent slammed his baton against the window of a truck, then reached inside to unlock the door and detain the driver.

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During this summer's immigration operations, federal agents have not previously been captured on video shooting at a vehicle.

After speeding away, the family called 911, Hernandez said. While San Bernardino police were questioning Francisco, Border Patrol officers arrived, and family members identified the officer they believed had shot at the truck.

"The officer said, 'I didn't shoot. I tapped your window three times,' " the family told Hernandez.

Art Acevedo, who served as police chief in Houston and Miami, said local law enforcement officers are trained not to shoot at moving vehicles in most cases.

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"Poor tactics where officers unnecessarily placed themselves in harms way" had led to such shootings in the past, Acevedo said.

As a result," he said, "many law enforcement agencies revised departmental policies and generally prohibited shooting at moving vehicles and officers from standing in the path of a vehicle."

Local law enforcement officers shooting at vehicles is unique compared to more typical situations involving suspects armed with guns, knives or clubs, said Ed Obayashi, a Modoc County deputy sheriff and district attorney special prosecutor specializing in state and national shooting investigations.

Cars can be weapons, he said, so the question is, When does the vehicle as perceived by the officer or agent become a threat to his or her safety or his fellow officers?'"

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Obayashi emphasized that federal law enforcement, which has different standards for use of force, will be investigating the incident.

The San Bernardino Police Department said in a news release that it is leaving the investigation to federal authorities.

"Under the California Values Act, California law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting federal officials with immigration enforcement, so our officers left the scene as the investigation was being conducted by federal authorities," the news release said.

Police officers stayed with the family at the house for about two hours, Hernandez said, then said they were done taking the lead and that the FBI would come and talk to the family.

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The FBI is not involved in the investigation, a bureau representative said Sunday.

In a statement, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson misidentified the police department, describing it as the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, and said local authorities had a suspect in custody but then set him free.

"This decision was made despite the subject refusing to comply and wounding two officers  another terrible example of Californias pro-sanctuary policies in action that shield criminals instead of protecting communities," the unidentified spokesperson said.

Hernandez said the family refused to open their gate to immigration officers "unless you all have a warrant, present a warrant and we will comply."

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Hernandez said the officers never presented the family with a warrant, resulting in a stalemate for around five or six hours.

Francisco said he doesn't have a criminal record and is unsure why immigration officers targeted him, according to Hernandez.

At one point, Francisco tried to legalize his immigration status through his children, giving up when he realized he would have to leave the country for a period of time. That effort could have triggered deportation proceedings, Hernandez said.

Hernandez he fears that what happened to Francisco and his family will happen to others.

"As long as the federal government continues to say that they don't have to present warrants, that they don't have to present badges, that they don't have to present who they are, these incidents are going to continue happening," Hernandez said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, will be one of 11 countries to have executed aid drops in Gaza, with the coordination request specifically coming from within the political echelon.

Indonesia will start airdropping aid into the Gaza Strip, KAN News reported on Sunday, as the IDF begins to expand its operations in Gaza.

Countries typically coordinate airdrops with COGAT, but KAN reported that the request specifically came from within the political echelon.

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Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, will be one of 11 countries that have executed aid drops in Gaza.

Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu has invited any country willing to airdrop food into Gaza to join the humanitarian effort, an anonymous senior political source told KAN.

So far, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Singapore have all dropped aid into Gaza.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025. (credit: Stringer/Reuters)

Witkoff says Gazans could be moved to Indonesia

However, Israel has not allowed airdrops from nations it believes are hostile, such as Turkey.

The Jerusalem Post reported earlier this year that US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff suggested that the population of Gaza could be relocated to Indonesia.

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You have to be right on top of it, ready to snuff out a problem if it happens, the official said, adding that Witkoff plans to be a near-constant presence in the region to assist with any potential issues that may arise as the hostage-prisoner exchange unfolds over the coming weeks.

If we dont help the Gazans, if we dont make their life better, if we dont give them a sense of hope, theres going to be a rebellion, an anonymous official told NBC.
This article has been corrected to show this incident occurred in Grand County, Colorado, not in Grand County, Utah, as originally reported.

GRAND COUNTY, Colorado (ABC4)  Grand County Search and Rescue crews responded to assist an injured man on Mount Flora on Friday afternoon.

In a Facebook post, Grand County Search and Rescue crews responded to the area on a report of a 70-year-old hiker that fell and injured their knee, preventing them from traveling back down the mountain.

(Grand County Sheriffs Office) (Grand County Sheriffs Office) (Grand Canyon Sheriffs Office)

Crews from Grand County, along with the Mountain Medical Response Team (MMRT) and the U.S. Forest Service, were able to reach the injured hiker just after 1 p.m. They were able to provide medical care and carry the hiker down the mountain. The hikers significant other, also in their 70s, was helped down the mountain as well.

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All personnel were safely off the mountain by mid-afternoon.

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This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Ten glass jars of briny pickle juice are lined up on tables swathed in neon green and yellow cloths. Each is filled to the brim with just under a litre of the acidic liquid, and behind them theres a row of competitors gearing up to chug the contents. While many seem confident, playing up to the crowd with frenetic waving, others shift on the spot, eyeing the jars nervously while contemplating their decision to participate in this curious event.

After a run through of the rules  no hands off the jar until youre finished, and no excessive spillage  the participants inch closer to the table and unscrew the jars lids, liberating the sour scent.

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Three, two, one, go! a voice screeches over a microphone, and in swift synchronicity, the contestants knock their heads back and bring the jars up to their gaping mouths. Clapping rips through the crowd, each spectator looking on in awe, disbelief or disgust. Within eight seconds, an emptied jar is slammed back onto the table, the pale-faced victor spitting into his waste bag before raising his arms in triumph.

This curious ritual is one of three dill-cathalon games  the others being pickle bobbing and pickle eating  that encapsulate the chaotic and competitive spirit of Picklesburgh, an annual festival which transforms Downtown Pittsburgh into a three-day celebration of all things pickle, gherkins and dill.

Pickle-reletated memorabilia is in hot demand at Picklesburgh. Photograph by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Founded in 2015 by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, a non-profit organisation developing community initiatives in the area, the event was created to recognise the citys connection to the humble pickle, from its origins as the birthplace of Heinz (which first bottled pickled condiments in Sharpsburg, just across the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh, before creating its iconic ketchup) to more multicultural iterations of the delicacy found in the city today.

There wasnt much on here in the summer months and we wanted to change that, explains Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the partnership. Its debut saw 20,000 pickle fanatics descend on the city. This year  the festivals 10th anniversary  saw 200,000 attendees peruse almost 60 stalls stretching from PPG Plaza to Market Square and continuing across two of the citys Three Sisters bridges. Its taken on a life of its own. We see this as much more than a street festival  its a uniquely Pittsburgh celebration were proud to be stewards of.

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My exploration of pickled goods begins at the Roberto Clemente Bridge, where I notice a giant inflatable pickle floating in the sky before I stop at Pittsburgh Mobile Bars to try some pickled pink lemonade. Visually, its got a signature rosy-coloured tint, but a sip quickly reveals a sharp tang slicing through the sherbet. Its zingy with a strong taste of dill, yet somehow not overpowering. Every year, the pickled pink lemonade seems to be very popular, says team member Heather Luimes, who mentions that the bar also serves an alcoholic version made with vodka later in the day. Any initial reservations I mightve had subside; its the perfect cooler on a hot July afternoon.

Next, The Brinery at Two Acre Farm offers sliced pickles stuffed into a cup of juice infused with maple, bourbon and peach, while Burgatory serves up pickled smash burgers with layers of gooey cheese, crispy bacon and chunky tomato slices. One of the longest lines is for Giovannis on Sixth Street, where large slices of pizza topped with pickles, bacon and onion are being churned out to meet relentless demand.

I make my way to Andy Warhol Bridge and stop at the Grandpa Joes Candy Shop stand. Were Pittsburgh born and Pittsburgh proud, so it [Picklesburgh] is somewhere we have to be, says Kate Speer, Grandpa Joes VP of marketing and brand development. Treats on offer include the companys bestselling pickle saltwater taffy. At first, the pale-green candys flavour is gentle, but the dill quickly gains momentum as the stretchy remnants stick to the roof of my mouth.

Another sweet treat gaining traction is Redbeards pickle mango sorbet, which has liquidised in the heat. The sorbet, now resembling a slushie, is punchy  the mango flavour fades but the tang of pickle lingers.

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Many of the stalls are operated by businesses from across southwestern Pennsylvania, and many of them have been with us for the entire 10 years, says Jeremy. One such vendor is Gosias Pierogies, run by Terry Smith-Rawecki and her husband Jan. Every year, they put a briny spin on the classic Polish dumplings with their limited-edition dill pickle pierogi, also made with potato and cheese. The dumpling recipe is from Terrys family in Poland, and the remaining ingredients are a closely guarded secret. Picklesburgh makes us very proud of the work we do, says Terry. Ill be there until Im physically unable [to return].

Photograph by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Photograph by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Over on PPG Plaza, intergenerational festivalgoers fly through air as theyre flung off a bucking mechanical pickle, arms flailing, onto an inflatable mat below. The ride, a new addition for this year, resembles an oversized, asymmetrical pickle fitted with a single front handle and Velcro strap. It careens erratically, tilting riders in all directions before vaulting them off. Excitement spills out from under the tent, the crowd cheering for those managing to stay on for more than half a minute and offering a consolatory clap for those on the mat within seconds. Once defeated, participants receive green, sparkly medals and rejoin the masses, brows sweatier than before.

In its decade of existence, Picklesburgh has solidified itself as a flagship event not only for the city, but its 50,000 out-of-state and international visitors, too. There are folks from all walks of life coming together, from those in their business clothes on a Friday afternoon lunch excursion to others whove made their own T-shirts because theyre excited to celebrate the pickle, says Jeremy. I love how our businesses and our community have taken this event on.

Amid the memorabilia emblazoned with puns, including Im kind of a big dill, three friends clad in pickle costumes stand out. This is a holiday for us, say Alexandria Sahyoun, Aidan McDanel and Julia Gurevitz in unison, their upbeat, breathless voices overlapping. Theyve each just had a turn riding the pickle and their cheeks are flushed as they fiddle with the medals they received for taking on the challenge. Originally from neighbouring Ohio, theyve been coming to all three days of Picklesburgh for the last five years. This is our Christmas and our New Years Eve. Were here every year  we cant miss it.

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Bhajan Kirtan was organised at the Durga Mata Mandir in Chanderkote of Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Shree Krishna Janmashtami. The programme featured devotional songs and prayers, drawing a large gathering of devotees. The event was marked with great fervour and enthusiasm. Additionally, special prayers were offered for the victims of the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, seeking peace and solace for the affected families. Devotees across India throng to temples, singing bhajans and taking part in midnight rituals to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees gathered and participated in celebrations marked by bhajans, chanting of mantras, and sacred rituals. At the ISKCON temple in Delhi's East of Kailash, large crowds gathered to witness the festivities. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also visited the ISKCON Temple and offered prayers on the occasion. Prayers were also performed at the ISKCON Temple in Dwarka. Renowned classical dancer Yasmin Singh and her group presented a devotional dance performance at the ISKCON Temple in Dwarka. Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "I have come from Madhya Pradesh, and my fellow dancers are from different parts of the country. We performed a dance on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. I feel fortunate to be performing on the occasion of Janmashtami today... We are very happy... The audience also enjoyed our performance a lot..." Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the 22nd Matki Phod event at Tyagraj Stadium. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said, "This festival teaches us that we should not shy away from our duties even in the most difficult circumstances... We will realise Prime Minister Modi's resolve for a developed India and follow the teachings of Lord Krishna." Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad, is celebrated with special fervour in Mathura, his birthplace, and in Vrindavan, where he spent his childhood. Across India and beyond, the festival was observed with devotion, joy, and vibrant traditions. (ANI)
(NewsNation)  The warming temperatures across the country have alerted scientists to an invasive tick infection that can cause debilitating symptoms and even death.

Scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station told NBC News earlier this spring they found that the longhorned tick was a carrier for the bacterium that causes the Ehrlichiosis infection. The species, since then, has been detected in nearly two dozen states.

I am afraid to say that it is a storm brewing, said Dr. Goudarz Molaei, director of the CAES Tick Testing Program for Lyme and Allied Diseases.

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National parks animals are changing their habits in response to humans: Study

Climate change eventually will almost eliminate winter in our region. And this tick, like other tick species, will be active year-round.

Because of the warm conditions, longhorned tick and other tick species have been able to wake up early from their hibernation. This issue has increased peoples chances of getting bitten.

The longhorned tick is an original native of East Asia. It was first identified in the United States back in 2017, but has been in the country for over 15 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 NewsNation.
GARLAND, Utah (ABC4)  Five vehicles caught fire in a Garland parking lot on Friday, according to Garland Fire.

Just before 8:55 a.m. on Aug. 15, Box Elder County authorities received a 911 call regarding a vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Lakeshore Learning factory, a facility producing childrens educational materials, in Garland.

Fire personnel responded to the scene and found that multiple vehicles were involved.

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Courtesy of Garland Fire Dept.

Given the rapidly developing conditions, mutual aid was requested, and a responding engine from Tremonton Fire Department was dispatched to assist, Garland Fire said in a statement on social media. Crews worked quickly and effectively to contain and extinguish the fire, successfully preventing it from spreading to additional vehicles and the adjacent facility.

A total of five vehicles were involved, officials said. Three of those vehicles reportedly suffered extensive damage. The cause of this fire is under investigation at this time.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, Tremonton Fire Department, and Box Elder County Communications Center for their coordination and assistance during this incident, Garland Fire said. Their collaboration was instrumental in preventing further property loss and any injuries. We also want to thank our very own firefighters for dropping everything at a moments notice to help out our communities.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
IRBIL, Iraq (AP)  Iraqi officials have begun the excavation of what is believed to be a mass grave left behind by the Islamic State extremist group during its rampage across the country a decade ago.

Local authorities are working with the judiciary, forensic investigations, Iraqs Martyrs Foundation, and the directorate of mass graves to carry out the excavation of the site of a sink hole in al-Khafsa, south of the northern city of Mosul, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported Sunday.

Ahmad Qusay al-Asady, head of the Martyrs Foundations mass graves excavation department, told The Associated Press that his team began work at Khasfa on Aug. 9 at the request of Nineveh provinces Gov. Abdulqadir al-Dakhil.

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The operation is initially limited to gathering visible human remains and surface evidence while preparing for a full exhumation that officials say will require international support.

After an initial 15 days of work, the foundations Mosul teams will build a database and start collecting DNA samples from families of suspected victims.

Al-Asady explained that laboratory processing and a DNA database must come first to ensure proper identification. Full exhumations can only proceed once specialized assistance is secured to navigate the sites hazards, including sulfur water and unexploded ordnance.

Khasfa is a very complicated site, he said.

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Based on unverified accounts from witnesses and families and other unofficial testimonies, authorities estimate that thousands of bodies could be buried there, he said.

Scores of mass graves containing thousands of bodies of people believed to have been killed by the extremist group have been found in Iraq and Syria.

At its peak, IS ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom in Iraq and Syria and was notorious for its brutality. It beheaded civilians and enslaved and raped thousands of women from the Yazidi community, one of Iraqs oldest religious minorities.

The group was defeated in Iraq in July 2017, when Iraqi forces captured the northern city of Mosul. Three months later, it suffered a major blow when Kurdish forces captured the Syrian northern city of Raqqa, which was the groups de-facto capital. The war against IS officially ended in March 2019, when U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces captured the eastern Syrian town of Baghouz, which was the last sliver of land the extremists controlled.

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Rabah Nouri Attiyah, a lawyer who has worked on more than 70 cases of missing people in Nineveh, told the AP that information he obtained from the foundation and different Iraqi courts during his investigations points to Khasfa as the largest mass grave in modern Iraqi history."

Al-Asady, however, said investigators cannot confirm yet if it is the largest mass grave to be found in Iraq, but according to the size of the space, we estimate it to be one of the largest.

Attiyah said roughly 70% of the human remains at Khasfa are believed to belong to Iraqi army and police personnel, with other victims including Yazidis.

He said he has interviewed numerous eyewitnesses from the area who saw IS fighters bring people there by bus and kill them. Many of them were decapitated, he said.

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Attiyahs own uncle and cousin were police officers killed by IS, and he is among those hoping to identify and recover the remains of loved ones.

Testimonies and witness statements, as well as findings from other mass graves in Nineveh, indicate that most of the military, police and other security forces personnel killed by IS are expected to be found at Khasfa, along with Yazidis from Sinjar and Shiite victims from Tal Afar, he said.
The Brief

An ISP trooper was hurt when a suspected drunk driver hit their squad car early Sunday morning on I-88.

The trooper had stopped to help a semi-truck that had broken down on the highway.

The 24-year-old driver of the suspect car was charged with drunk driving and a move-over violation.

ELMHURST, Ill. - An Illinois State Police trooper was injured when a suspected drunk driver hit their squad car early Sunday morning on Interstate 88 in DuPage County.

What we know

A little after 4 a.m., the trooper was parked on the right shoulder of I-88 at milepost 139 in DuPage County to help a tractor-trailer that had broken down, according to the ISP.

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Thats when a Tesla failed to move over and hit the rear passenger side of the troopers squad car, pushing into the rear of the truck.

The trooper was inside their squad car at the time and was injured.

An Illinois State Police trooper was injured when a suspected drunk driver hit their squad car early Sunday morning on Interstate 88 in DuPage County. (Illinois State Police)

The driver of the Tesla, Sebastian G. Rodriguez, a 24-year-old Romeoville resident, was also taken to an area hospital with injuries.

Rodriguez was also charged with driving under the influence and aggravated Scotts Law/move over violations.

So far this year, ISP has handled nine Scotts Law-related crashes. Last year, the ISP had 27 crashes, and 12 troopers were injured, and one was killed in those incidents.

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A driver who fails to move over and slow down when an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle, is parked on the shoulder with emergency or hazard lights activated.

A violation may result in a fine of at least $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the drivers license can be suspended from six months to two years.
The military announced that it would be handing out tents and other housing equipment starting on Sunday.

Hamas said on Sunday that Israel's plan to relocate residents from Gaza City constitutes a "new wave of genocide and displacement" for hundreds of thousands of residents in the area.

The group said the planned deployment of tents and other shelter equipment by Israel into southern Gaza was a "blatant deception".

An aerial view from a Jordanian military aircraft shows the Gaza Strip, before humanitarian aid is airdropped over it, in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ALAA AL SUKHNI)

IDF expands war in Gaza

The IDF said it is preparing to provide tents and other equipment starting from Sunday ahead of its plan to relocate residents from combat zones to the south of the enclave "to ensure their safety".

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Hamas said in a statement that the deployment of tents under the guise of humanitarian purposes is a blatant deception intended to "cover up a brutal crime that the occupation forces prepare to execute".

Israel said earlier this month that it intended to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the enclave's largest urban centre. The plan has raised international alarm over the fate of the demolished strip, which is home to about 2.2 million people.

The IDF increased operations on the outskirts of Gaza City over the past week. Residents in the neighborhoods of Zeitorun and Shejaia have reported heavy Israeli aerial and tank fire which has destroyed many houses.
Sundays strikes, roadblocks, and protests - though they disrupt life in Israel - are unlikely to move Hamas toward releasing anyone; if anything, they encourage Hamas to dig in further.

Imagine what Hamas leaders sitting in an air-conditioned hotel room in Doha, or a tunnel in Gaza, watching images of Israeli police using water cannons to disperse protesters calling for the release of hostages are thinking.

Are they thinking: Wow, these Israelis show tremendous solidarity. Look at how much they care about each and every hostage. We should release them soon.

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Or are they thinking: Look at those Israelis fighting  literally fighting  among themselves, this time over the hostages. If we hold on to them longer, the fighting will become more intense.

Those Hamas leaders are watching these scenes closely. They are far more likely to interpret the protests not as solidarity but as division  proof that the hostages are sowing discord inside Israel.

And the more they believe the hostage issue is tearing Israeli society apart, the stronger will be their incentive to keep holding them. Sundays strikes, roadblocks, and protests  though they disrupt life in Israel  are unlikely to move Hamas toward releasing anyone; if anything, they encourage Hamas to dig in further.

Drummers march as people protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, after families of hostages have called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ITAY COHEN)

This day of rage, though not described as such, rested on a familiar Israeli impulse: the belief that everything is in our hands; that if we just make the right move, then the other side will respond in kind.

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Its a dynamic that has repeated itself over decades of peace talks. We fight among ourselves about the settlements or the fate of Jerusalem, thinking that once we decide, the Palestinians will accept our decision. Except things havent exactly worked out that way.

Sundays actions were also based on another assumption: that the government is not genuinely interested in the hostages, and that if it were, they would be home by now. That assumption is wrong.

The obstacle is not Israels reluctance but Hamass refusal. As one US official after another in both the Biden and Trump administrations have said  from Tony Blinken, to Brett McGurk, to Steve Witkoff  it is Hamas, not Israel, holding up a deal.

So why the protests in Israel?

Because who else can Israelis protest against? Hamas? Thats not an option. There are no demonstrations to hold in Gaza City; no way to march on a Hamas office in Doha.

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The frustration inevitably gets redirected inward against a government that at least feels within reach. The protests are less about changing Hamass calculus than about giving Israelis a way to act, i.e., a way to feel that they are not entirely powerless.

Whats the goal? Organizers voiced two, with the third being hidden.

The first goal, to free the hostages, is a sentiment universally shared. Who doesnt want to see the suffering of the hostages and their families end today, right now?

The second goal: to stop the war. Here, too, a vast majority of Israelis want the killing to stop, the soldiers to come home, and the hundreds of thousands of reservists to return to their families after months away. Everyone wants that. The question is: At what price?

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At what price should Israel end the war to free the hostages? At the cost of a complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor and the perimeter, as Hamas demands? At the price of letting Hamas keep its weapons and retain control of the enclave  if not directly, then through proxies it manipulates?

At the cost of enabling Hamas to regroup, rearm, and carry out another October 7 massacre  if not in five years, then in 15 or 25?

When asked in those terms, the question is no longer a simple yes or no, but one with a huge it depends  specifically, on the terms.

Police tackle protesters in Tel Aviv, Israel after families of hostages have called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/ITAY COHEN)

Layered onto the desire to free the hostages and end the war was another message in Sundays protests  the one that was not stated publicly: toppling the government. There is nothing wrong with wanting to bring down the government and protesting to make it so. Just dont do it on the back of the hostage issue.

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Empathy with the pain and anguish of the hostages and their families is one of the issues that has bound the country together for many of the months since the October 7 massacre. Turning that into another arena for political combat risks eroding the fragile common ground that still exists.

After 681 days of captivity, the hostages remain at the center of the national consciousness. They are not in danger of being forgotten, as Ron Arad tragically was in the mid-1980s when his family was advised to keep quiet, since public pressure would only serve the interests of his captors.

His disappearance from the public eye scarred Israel, and that trauma partly explains todays resolve: No one wants to repeat the silence that sealed Arads fate. Today, the opposite is true: The issue will not recede.

Do the protests in Israel make things worse?

But the question must be asked: What is accomplished by events such as Sundays, which divide the country further and project an image of a nation at war with itself?

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People feel helpless. They want to act. The instinct is to press the government, the closest target at hand. But this repeats the mistake of the original campaign slogan: Bring them home. That phrase places the onus on Israel, implying that if the hostages are not home, it is because Israel has not done enough.

The pressure should be on Hamas  and on those with leverage over it, such as Qatar and, to a lesser extent, Turkey  to Let them go. Demonstrate outside Qatari and Turkish embassies.

Use the millions of shekels spent on protests inside Israel to fund international campaigns blackening Qatar and Turkey in world opinion. Advocate in the US for the linking of Washingtons ties with Qatar to Dohas willingness to squeeze Hamas.

President Isaac Herzog, speaking Sunday at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, called on the world to stop its hypocrisy and pressure Hamas.

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When you want to exert pressure  you know how to exert pressure, he exhorted. Exert it on Hamas; they should have released them immediately!

Stop surrendering to Hamas, to its whims, and to its emotional manipulations, Herzog said. Release them first and foremost. Tell the entire world, and tell Hamas: You want to bring in supplies? You want to change the situation? Release them. First of all, release them! I call on the whole world: Stop the hypocrisy and release them.

The anger channeled on Sunday was understandable. The sentiment was correct, but the target is misplaced.

It is Hamas that refuses to release the hostages, not the Israeli government, which is willing to do almost everything to get them back. Almost everything, that is, except one thing: allowing Hamas to survive, regroup, and prepare the ground for more October 7ths.

That line cannot be crossed. Because if it is, todays protests for the release of hostages may only guarantee tomorrows protests for the release of the next ones.
The Israeli military intercepted a missile fired at Israel from Yemen on Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces reported on its Telegram channel.

Rocket alarms were triggered in several regions, including Tel Aviv, marking the first alerts in nearly three weeks in the coastal city, where a muffled explosion was heard in the city centre.

The interception followed an earlier attack by the Israeli navy on targets in Yemen.

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The missile launch occurred during a day of widespread protests in Israel, where demonstrators called for an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, members of the Houthi militia in Yemen have regularly attacked Israel with missiles and drones as an expression of solidarity with Hamas in Gaza Strip.

In response, the Israeli Air Force has frequently carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Both the Houthis and Hamas are allies of Iran.
Israeli protesters on Sunday demanded the government secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, in one of the countrys largest demonstrations since the start of the war in Gaza.

Protesters also announced a nationwide strike, reflecting growing domestic discontent over Israels plans to expand the war: The military is preparing to occupy Gaza City and move Palestinians out of combat zones.

Israel is as divided now as at any time in its history, the BBCs international editor wrote. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is presiding over fault lines in Israel that have opened into chasms.

Hamas has reportedly signaled it is open to some concessions in ceasefire talks, but Israel said it is no longer interested in a partial truce.
Germanys decision to partially block weapons exports to Israel has opened a rift in Friedrich Merzs fledgling coalition.

For decades, Germany has been perhaps Europes most ardent supporter of Israel, a policy rooted in its guilt over the Holocaust.

Elsewhere in Europe, leaders are under pressure at home to adopt a tougher stance on Israel after Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip.

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The opposite is the case in Germany. The chancellors arms embargo has sparked a rebellion within his coalition, with some warning that the move will play into the hands of Hamas.

Friedrich Merz has been a divisive figure since the start of his chancellorship, and his arms embargo decision risks deepening the divisions - Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Hastily announced last week, Mr Merzs embargo will block German exports of weapons that would be used inside Gaza, in a sign of Berlins disapproval of the new Israeli plan to occupy the devastated enclave.

The even tougher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip... makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved, Mr Merz said, in a highly unusual public rebuke of Israel that blindsided many of his MPs, according to sources.

In practice, the ban means that Germany can continue to provide Israel with around 30 per cent of its weapons  the other 70 per cent coming from the United States mainly  but they can only be used inside Israeli territory or in the occupied West Bank.

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Experts told The Telegraph this is an attempt to strike a delicate balance between support for Israeli security, a key pillar of the post-war German states raison detre, and growing public concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

An Israeli air strike on Khan Younis in Gaza. The partial arms embargo means German-made weaponry cannot be used inside the enclave - Mariam Dagga/AP Photo

The announcement, however, has caused an outcry in Mr Merzs Right-wing Christian Democrats [CDU] party. And its not because they feel the move does not go far enough, as might be the case in Sir Keir Starmers Labour party.

On the contrary, CDU members have been left stunned, angry and horrified by the embargo, which they consider a betrayal of German support for Israel and, some say, a gift to Hamas.

Mr Merz was this week forced to convene a crisis meeting with top CDU allies, which lasted long into the night, to justify the embargo to them, the German tabloid Bild reported.

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There was much to discuss.

Roderich Kiesewetter, one of the most hawkish MPs in the CDU, described the embargo as a serious political and strategic error which risked unravelling Germanys alliance with the Jewish state.

Boris Rhein, the CDU president of the west German state of Hesse, also publicly opposed the ban. Hamas can only be defeated in battle, not at the negotiating table. We must continue to equip Israel to fight this battle, to defeat Hamas and to end terrorism, he said.

Support for Israel linked to reason of state

Even the CDUs youth wing has joined the fray, with Johannes Winkel, one of its leading figures, fuming that Mr Merz had broken with the basic values of CDU politics.

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The Christian Social Union in Bavaria [CSU], the sister party of the CDU in Mr Merzs coalition, also distanced itself from the embargo, describing it as questionable.

As the CDU feverishly debates Mr Merzs decision, one concept keeps cropping up: the concept of Staatsrason. Germanys unwavering support of Israel, both militarily and diplomatically, is considered to be an integral part of the states reason for existence.

That policy is largely driven by Germanys guilt over the Holocaust, which is quite literally etched into the countrys foundations: the streets of Berlin are dotted with stumble stones, the small brass memorial blocks in memory of murdered Jewish families

At the same time, some in Germany are beginning to question if their ethos of nie wieder [never again]  the notion that the crimes of the Holocaust must never be repeated  requires them to oppose the death and destruction in the Gaza Strip.

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This is based on the argument that nie wieder should be applied not only to the Nazi genocide, but to any genocide worldwide.

Some Germans are now debating if the Holocaust concept of nie wieder can be applied to events in Gaza, where an estimated 60,000 Palestinians have died and there is widespread famine - Hassan Jedi/Anadolu via Getty Images

It is a challenging area for Germans to navigate, and not just ethically; comparing the Holocaust to other historical events in a way that plays down the formers magnitude can be a criminal offence.

Mr Netanyahus new goal of fully occupying the Gaza Strip, which human rights groups fear will lead to yet more civilian deaths, therefore presented Germanys chancellor with a dilemma.

Domestic pressure has been mounting on Merz for some time due to the deteriorating situation in Gaza, Dr Trevelyan Wing, a fellow at Cambridge Universitys Centre for Geopolitics, told The Telegraph.

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At the same time, Germany considers the defence of Israel to be its Staatsrason. So its a balancing act for Merz, he added.

Dr Wing noted that one recent survey found 66 per cent of Germans wanted the Chancellor to put more pressure on Israel to wrap up the war, which has so far killed an estimated 60,000 Palestinians. The war itself was launched in retaliation for the Oct 7 Hamas massacre which killed more than a thousand Israelis.

A recent study by the Lancet medical journal estimated that around 60 per cent of the victims in the first nine months of the Gaza war were children, women and over-65s.

Experts sceptical over impact

Even so, Dr Wing added, Mr Merzs arms embargo has taken many conservatives by surprise in Germany. You now have some saying its a break with that reason of state, he said.

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There are also practical matters to consider: Germany is said to rely heavily on the Israeli intelligence services for domestic security, to compensate for decades of underinvestment in the German equivalents of MI5 and MI6. And Germany recently signed a 4bn (3.4bn) deal to buy Israels highly advanced Arrow 3 missile defence system.

Experts are generally sceptical about the embargo having a major impact on Israels arms procurement, due to the United States already providing the vast majority of its weapons.

A production line at German defence contractor Rheinmetalls factory in Unterleuss, Germany - Fabian Bimmer/Getty Images



But the more tangible consequences may be felt in Berlin, where Mr Merz seems to have many enemies in his own party, with some of them perhaps looking for excuses to cause political chaos.

Back in May, when Mr Merzs candidacy for chancellor was put before the German parliament  in what was supposed to be a mere formality  he shockingly lost the vote.

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It was the first time in Germanys postwar history that a chancellor lost a confirmation vote, and was widely viewed as a warning shot by CDU MPs who disliked their new leader.

While he is a veteran of the CDU, Mr Merz is a somewhat divisive figure. His Right-wing populist streak on migration has alienated the liberal wing of the party, which much preferred the understated, subtle leadership style of his predecessor Angela Merkel.

Significant elements of the CDU also remain deeply sceptical of Mr Merzs security policy, which envisages Germany becoming a major new military power to rival Britain and France by taking on huge amounts of public debt to rebuild the army.

Israel is a very sensitive area for Merz to navigate as he tries to staunch the criticism, said Dr Wing. And there are a lot of people in his party who dont really like him.

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The Israeli navy has carried out attacks on a power plant near the Yemeni capital Sanaa, according to Israeli media reports.

Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV reported on Saturday that the aggression damaged generators at the Hezyaz power plant, sparking a fire that was later contained. The countrys deputy prime minister confirmed emergency crews managed to prevent further damage. Residents in Sanaa also reported hearing at least two loud explosions.

The Israeli military claimed that the site was being used by Houthi fighters. But it did not present evidence to justify hitting a civilian power station, raising concerns that the strike may constitute a war crime.

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In a statement carried by Israeli outlets on Sunday, the military said the assault was a direct response to repeated Houthi attacks, including missiles and drones launched towards Israel.

The Houthis have repeatedly fired rockets and drones at Israel since 2023 in response to Israels genocide in Gaza. Israel has retaliated by bombing Yemens infrastructure, including Hodeidah port, a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid deliveries.

Israel has also attacked Yemens international airport, claiming it was being used by Houthis.

Most Houthi projectiles aimed at Israel have been intercepted, but the exchanges have widened the regional fallout of Israels war on Gaza.

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The United States and the United Kingdom have also carried out bombings in Yemen as the Houthis attacked ships linked to Israel passing through the Red Sea. Houthis said the move, which disrupted global trade passing through the waterway, was in response to Israels war and blockade of Gaza.

In May, Washington announced a surprise truce with the group, halting its bombing campaign in exchange for an end to Houthi attacks on US-linked vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis insisted the deal did not apply to their operations against Israel.

US forces had carried out hundreds of air raids in Yemen, killing more than 250 people, before the ceasefire was declared. US President Donald Trump said the truce would stop the bombing.

The deal appeared to blindside Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressing his country would defend ourselves alone if necessary.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the 'Mountain Man,' on his death anniversary. Gandhi highlighted that Manjhi's determination and passion to accomplish his goals will continue to inspire everyone. In his message on X, Gandhi stated, "I offer humble tributes to Mountain Man Dashrath Manjhi Ji on his death anniversary. His struggle reminds us that if intentions are strong, no obstacle is too big .His determination and passion to accomplish what he set out to do will always continue to inspire us all." Earlier on June 6, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met the family of 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi in Bihar's Gaya district. After meeting the Congress MP, Manjhi's granddaughter Anshu Kumari told ANI that Rahul Gandhi talked about Dashrath Manjhi's struggle after his wife died while crossing a mountain. "Rahul Gandhi came here today. He said many people come here, so I felt like coming too. He came here to see how Baba's (Dashrath Manjhi) house is and how he dug up the mountain. He also talks about it... Then we tell him about our condition. We told him how my grandmother fell while crossing the mountain and died," Anshu Kumari said. The Mountain Man lived in Gehlaur village, near Gaya. As per the Bihar Government, Manjhi carved a path 110 m long (360 ft), 9.1 m (30 ft) wide and 7.7 m (25 ft) deep through a ridge of hills using only a hammer and chisel. After 22 years of work, Dashrath shortened the travel between the Atri and Wazirganj blocks of Gaya town from 55 km to 15 km. He breathed his last on August 17, 2007, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The Government of Bihar gave him a state funeral, proposed his name for the Padma Shri award in 2006 in the social service sector and released a stamp by the India Post in the 'Personalities of Bihar' series on December 26, 2016. (ANI)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli police arrest 25 as strikes and protests, demanding a ceasefire and a hostage release deal, sweep the country.
Israelis staged strikes and large protests on Sunday to demand the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, nearly two years after their abduction.

Demonstrators blocked roads across Israel, including a major highway in Tel Aviv, waving blue-and-white Israeli flags and yellow flags symbolizing solidarity with the captives.

Protesters called on the government to immediately end the Gaza war, broker a deal to release the hostages, and reverse its recent decision to expand its military operations in Gaza City.

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The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those still in captivity, had called for a nationwide strike to coincide with the start of Israel's work week on Sunday.

"We will bring the country to a standstill," Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among 20 surviving hostages being held by Hamas, said at a rally on Saturday evening.

The powerful Histadrut trade union federation, however, declined to join the strike.

At a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, the sister of a Nepalese agricultural student abducted to Gaza during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, spoke publicly for the first time.

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Fighting back tears, she said the family has received no sign of life from him for almost two years.

During the Hamas-led massacres, militants seized some 250 hostages. Of the roughly 50 hostages who remain in Gaza, about 20 are believed to be alive.
Israelis staged strikes and large protests on Sunday to demand the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip, nearly two years after their abduction.

Demonstrators blocked roads across Israel, including a major highway in Tel Aviv, waving blue-and-white Israeli flags and yellow flags symbolizing solidarity with the captives.

Several former hostages who had been released during a ceasefire earlier this year held a banner reading, "Bring them home now!"

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Protesters called on the government to immediately end the Gaza war, broker a deal to release the hostages, and reverse its recent decision to take over Gaza City.

More than 30 people were arrested during the protests, and water cannon were deployed against demonstrators in Jerusalem.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those still in captivity, had called for a nationwide strike to coincide with the start of Israel's work week on Sunday.

"We will bring the country to a standstill," Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is among 20 surviving hostages being held by Hamas, said at a rally on Saturday evening.

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The powerful Histadrut trade union federation declined to join the strike, though it expressed understanding for the protesters.

But many companies and municipalities did join the strike in solidarity, with two major theatres in Tel Aviv also halting performances.

The far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the protests on X, calling them a "bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas hands."

Hostage families speak out

At a demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, the sister of a Nepalese agricultural student abducted to Gaza during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, spoke publicly for the first time.

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Fighting back tears, she said the family has received no sign of life from him for almost two years.

The aunt of Israeli-German hostage Alon Ohel pleaded for his rescue, describing his dire condition: "He is bound in chains, severely wounded, and likely to lose his sight. He is suffering from severe head injuries and shrapnel throughout his body, and he is alone. He is hungry, hot and gasping for breath. His life is in imminent danger  save him!"

During the Hamas-led massacres, militants seized some 250 hostages. Of the roughly 50 hostages who remain in Gaza, about 20 are believed to be alive.

Plans to expand Gaza offensive

The Israeli government is preparing to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the war has already killed around 62,000 Palestinians.

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Israel's stated goal with the new offensive is to capture Gaza City and other areas of the coastal territory, in order to crush Hamas' remaining strongholds.

Authorities have begun planning the relocation of civilians. The Israeli military body COGAT announced on X that deliveries of tents and other shelter equipment would resume on Sunday as part of preparations for evacuations from combat zones.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over ending the war and releasing the hostages have so far failed.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters in Israel have taken to the streets demanding an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to free captives held in the besieged enclave, as the military intensifies attacks on Gaza City to force tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee again.

Israeli police made dozens of arrests and used water cannons on protesters who gathered Sunday for the nationwide demonstration with organisers reporting nearly half a million people turning out to protest in Tel Aviv by nightfall  one of the largest and fiercest since the war begin nearly two years ago.

Israeli schools, businesses and public transport have been shut down, with demonstrations held in major cities as part of a national day of action by two groups representing a number of the families of captives and bereaved families.

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Restaurants and cafes also closed, while Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that dozens of Israeli artists, celebrities, and athletes voiced support and joined the strike.

Major unions, including lawyers, doctors, and the business forum, as well as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, also confirmed their participation in the strike.

Protesters, who fear further fighting could endanger the 50 captives believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of whom are thought to be alive, chanted: We dont win a war over the bodies of hostages.

Military pressure doesnt bring hostages back  it only kills them, former captive Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Avivs so-called Hostage Square. The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.

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Sundays rallies came just days after Israels security cabinet approved plans to advance on Gaza City, nearly two years into a genocidal war that has devastated the Gaza Strip, left much of its population on the brink of famine, and led to Israel being increasingly internationally isolated.

At the demonstration in Tel Aviv, activists unfurled a huge Israeli flag covered with the faces of captives still held in Gaza. Protesters also blocked major roads, including the highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where tyres were set alight and traffic came to a standstill, according to local reports.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of those held, declared a nationwide strike.

We will shut down the country today with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war, the group said, pledging to escalate their campaign with a protest tent near the Gaza border.

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If we dont bring them back now, we will lose them forever, the group warned.

Demonstrator Ofir Penso, 50, echoed this sentiment in his remarks to the AFP news agency: This is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages.

Israelis are not all alike. There is a substantial part  that opposes the official policy, he added amid the crowd of protesters, some of them carrying flags emblazoned with 681, the number of days hostages have been held in Gaza.

Israeli police use water cannons to disperse demonstrators blocking traffic in a tunnel [Menahem Kahana/AFP]

Numerous businesses and municipalities went on strike as a show of solidarity. The two major theatres in Tel Aviv also halted their performances. In Jerusalem, businesses closed as demonstrators joined marches. Its time to end the war. Its time to release all of the hostages. And its time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East, said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide speaking to AFP.

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The aunt of Israeli-German hostage Alon Ohel pleaded for his rescue in the demonstration in Tel Aviv, describing his dire condition: He is bound in chains, severely wounded, and likely to lose his sight. He is suffering from severe head injuries and shrapnel throughout his body, and he is alone. He is hungry, hot and gasping for breath. His life is in imminent danger  save him!

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also participated in the strike.

We are shutting down the country today. Because our hostages are not pawns that the government is allowed to sacrifice for the sake of the war effort, they are citizens that the government must return to their families, Lapid told protesters in a video posted on X.

They wont stop us, they wont tire us, they wont exhaust us. Well continue to fight until the hostages return home, theres a deal, the war ends, he added.

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Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also joined the strike.

We have a supreme duty to bring everyone home, Gallant said in statements carried by the Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

There is only one way to accomplish this mission: first to return the hostages and then continue to eliminate Hamas down to the last one of them.

Several former Hamas captives, released during a ceasefire in the spring, held a banner reading: Bring them home now!

Israeli Hollywood actress Gal Gadot, 40, also visited Hostage Square to meet with relatives of the captives. A video shared by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum showed Gadot comforting the wife of one captive.

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During a rally at the square, the sister of an agricultural student from Nepal who was taken captive by Hamas spoke publicly for the first time. Fighting back tears, she said the family has received no sign of life from him for almost two years.

Presidents of Israeli universities also attended the protests to demand that the Netanyahu government reach a ceasefire and a captive swap deal in the Gaza Strip.

Last March, all heads of universities and colleges in Israel signed a letter addressed to Netanyahu. We stated clearly that the government must complete the agreement and bring everyone back, Daniel Chamovitz, president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, said in his speech.

This was not a political claim; it was a moral and conscientious demand, he said.

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Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat and consul general in New York was scathing about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus response to the unrest. Most prime ministers would have resigned after October 7th  He is not just another prime minister. He cares only about his survival. He is driven by some Messianic delusions of redrawing the Middle East, he told Al Jazeera from Tel Aviv

Pinkas added that Netanyahu was deflecting public anger by blaming the elites and a deep-state cabal rather than taking responsibility.





Israeli government condemns protests

President Isaac Herzog voiced support for the captives return, urging international pressure on Hamas rather than heeding calls to halt the war.

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But senior government figures lashed out at the protests.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denounced them as a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas, while Culture Minister Miki Zohar said blocking roads is a serious mistake and a reward to the enemy.

Benny Gantz, an opposition leader, condemned the government for attacking the families of the hostages while bearing responsibility for the captivity of their children by Hamas for nearly two years.

Police reinforced their presence across the country, warning that no public order disturbances would be tolerated. Demonstrations were also held near the Gaza border, including in Beeri, a kibbutz badly hit during the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
By Lili Bayer

TEL AVIV/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Thousands of Israelis took part in a nationwide strike on Sunday in support of families of hostages held in Gaza, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and release the remaining captives.

Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and carried photos of hostages as whistles, horns, and drums echoed at rallies across the country, while some protesters blocked streets and highways, including the main route between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

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Today, everything stops to remember the highest value: the sanctity of life, Anat Angrest, the mother of hostage Matan Angrest, told reporters at a public square in Tel Aviv.

Among those who met with families of hostages in Tel Aviv was Israeli Hollywood actress Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman and starring in the Fast & the Furious franchise.

Ahead of Sunday, some businesses and institutions said they would allow staff to join the nationwide strike, which was called by the hostages' families. While some businesses closed, many also remained open across the country on what is a working day in Israel. Schools are on summer recess and were not affected.

A major rally is scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv in the evening.

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Israeli police said that 38 demonstrators had been detained by 2 p.m. (11 a.m. GMT) Some protesters blocking roads scuffled with police, and were carried away by officers.

Demonstrations across the country were briefly halted around 4 p.m. local time when air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and elsewhere, warning of an incoming missile fired from Yemen. The missile was intercepted without incident.

MILITARY CAMPAIGN

On Sunday, Netanyahu told the cabinet: "Those who call today for an end to the war without defeating Hamas are not only hardening Hamas' position and delaying the release of our hostages. They are also ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves over and over again."

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The prime minister, who leads the country's most right-wing government in history, said his government was determined to implement a decision for the military to seize Gaza City, one of the last major areas of the enclave it does not already control.

That decision is widely unpopular among Israelis and many of the hostages' families, who fear an expanded military campaign in Gaza could risk the lives of their loved ones still held captive. There are 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza, of which Israeli officials believe around 20 are still alive.

"There is no time  not for the lives wasting away in hell, nor for the fallen who may vanish in the ruins of Gaza," said the Hostages Families Forum, which represents many families of captives held in Gaza, on Sunday.

After nearly two years of war in Gaza, ignited by the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, most of the hostages who have been freed so far emerged as a result of diplomatic talks.

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Negotiations towards a ceasefire that could have seen more hostages released collapsed in July. The Palestinian militant group Hamas has said it would only free the remaining hostages if Israel agrees to end the war, while Netanyahu has vowed that Hamas cannot stay in power.

The Israeli government has faced sharp criticism at home and abroad, including from some of its closest European allies, over the announcement that the military would soon seize Gaza City.

On Sunday, Hamas called the plan criminal, saying it would force the displacement of hundreds of thousands from Gaza City.

More than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza, according to local health officials there. They said on Sunday at least 29 had been killed in the past day.

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Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken into Gaza during Hamas' attack on Israel. Over 400 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since then.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who attended a rally in Tel Aviv, expressed support for the protesters.

"The only thing that strengthens the country is the wonderful spirit of the people who are going out from home today for Israeli solidarity," he wrote on X.

(Reporting by Rami Amichay in Tel Aviv and Lili Bayer in Jerusalem, additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo; Editing by Alison Williams and Clelia Oziel)
Israel is moving closer to intensifying its war against Hamas in Gaza City, military chief Eyal Zamir said during a visit to troops in the Gaza Strip.

The plan for an expanded offensive, which was approved Israel's Security Cabinet earlier this month, foresees the capture of Gaza City and central refugee camps in order to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds in the war-shattered Palestinian territory.

The aim is to possibly take control of the entire Gaza Strip, and could require relocating roughly 1 million Palestinians currently in Gaza City to other parts of the territory.

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"Soon we will move on to the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots, in which we will continue to enhance the strikes against Hamas in Gaza City until its decisive defeat," the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said, using Israel's codename for a ground offensive launched in early May.

"The IDF will deploy all its capabilities, on land, in the air, and at sea, in order to strike Hamas decisively," Zamir said in an IDF post on Telegram.

Zamir, who the IDF said made the comments during a field tour on Sunday in Gaza, said the military had already achieved many of its objectives in earlier operations: "Hamas no longer possesses the same capabilities it had before the operation; we dealt a severe blow."

He added that the military now "bears the moral duty to bring the hostages home, both alive and fallen."

During the Islamist Hamas-led massacres on October 7, 2023, militants seized some 250 hostages. Of the roughly 50 hostages still in Gaza, about 20 are believed to be alive.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WETM)  The Ithaca Police Department is warning residents about an uptick in thefts from parked vehicles that have been circulating throughout the city recently.

Police said the thefts from parked vehicles have occurred in local parks and parking garages. Suspects have broken windows on some vehicles to gain access to them if they are locked, police noted.

Steuben County Sheriff warns of new phone scam

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To keep residents and their belongings protected, the Ithaca Police Department has shared some reminders:

Lock your vehicle at all times

Do not leave valuables in plain sight

Take your belongings with you or store them out of view if possible

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Ithaca Police Department through any of the methods listed below:

Dispatch: 607-272-3245

Administration: 607-272-9973

Tipline: 607-330-0000

Anonymous email tip address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
I still remember the blood. The vultures. Most of all, I remember the stench.

We had been riding on a bumpy dirt road for hours, my stomach in knots before the Jeep even left Nairobi, twisting more and more as we twisted deeper into the bush.

We were looking for elephants. Kills, to be more precise. As we drove past wildebeest and impala, I thought I knew how I would react  how it would feel  but how can anyone know what will happen when they come face-to-face with death?

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We came upon a dry patch of savannah  dry except for the red pooling and painted across the tall grass, everywhere. And everywhere, spent shell casings fired from AK-47s. Standing over a family of elephants, or what was once a family, I felt helpless, angry, powerless.

It was 2010, the height of the ivory war, when poachers would open fire on anything with tusks. I had seen reports on CNN, read about it in The New York Times, and I knew the global market for ivory carvings and statues was causing destruction here. But knowing that intellectually, and seeing a baby elephant hacked to pieces in real life is something else.

At the time, there were rumors that poached ivory was being sold to al Shabaab, the Somali extremists who pledged allegiance to al Qaeda. Word was that Shabaab smuggled and sold this white gold to overseas buyers, using the profits to fund attacks like the Westgate shopping mall assault that killed 71 in downtown Nairobi in 2013. And here we were, in Tsavo National Park, deep in Shabaabs territory at a crime scene.

The killers were so sure they wouldnt be caught, they left their evidence strewn across the bush. And they were right  no one would hunt them. Thats because most people, including most authorities, dont see environmental crime  which includes illegal logging, illegal fishing, gold and mining and many other linked crimes in addition to this kind of illegal wildlife trade  as real crime. Whats worse, they dont realize organized criminal groups often fund a laundry list of other crimes, from narcotics to human trafficking, through their environmental crimes.

Related: "There Were Almost No Signs At All": People Are Sharing Small Medical Symptoms That Turned Out To Be Indicators Of Major Problems

Photo Courtesy Of Andrea Crosta

At nearly $300 billion, environmental crime is the fourth-largest criminal enterprise on earth.

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The same groups that traffic people and drugs also deal in natural resources, and they do it because its big business, while also being lower risk than many other crimes. Thats why large and powerful organized crime groups are operating in some of the most fragile and diverse ecosystems from the Amazon to the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia, according to the United Nations 2024 World Wildlife Crime Report.

I didnt know all that on that hot Tsavo day, but it was obvious even then that this was bigger than poaching. The men with me were rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service, trained and tough, but without the resources to investigate transnational crime and terror, we were losing a war that couldnt be fought by scientists or rangers alone.

When I realized this, I told myself I would no longer be a bystander. I would hunt the hunters. The question was, where to begin?

Photo Courtesy Of Andrea Crosta

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Without knowing where that commitment would take me, I started doing just that. After that dark day, I used my background as a security consultant to help uncover the financial link between al Shabaabs involvement in the ivory trade and terrorism (a link many refused to believe until officials admitted it was real).

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No one  no law enforcement group or conservation group  was hunting the individuals at the top of these networks. When I realized that, I founded my nonprofit, with the goal of using surveillance and undercover monitoring to investigate and dismantle environmental crime networks.

We operate like an intelligence agency for the planet, using informants, assets and surveillance to build cases and share evidence with authorities who then take it the last mile and make arrests. In this way, we have investigated crimes around the world, from rhino trafficking to illegal gold mining, leading to dozens of arrests. In 2023, evidence gathered by my team helped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Homeland Security arrest key players in an international trafficking network.

Photo Courtesy Of Andrea Crosta

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Fifteen years later, we still follow the same model. Posing as buyers, we take our time to collect inside information  evidence of sales and syndicates  collaborating with federal agencies to tie environmental crimes to transnational crime groups.

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It takes a unique set of skills to track multiple criminal enterprises and earn the trust of people most wouldnt dare speak to, let alone meet. Some of our targets are connected to the embassies and consulates of unfriendly nations, some are militants, some are gangsters. The constant is our undercover work to see and study the threat.

Spying is like building a giant puzzle without knowing what the puzzle looks like. It takes years to build  which means resisting the temptation to make an easy early arrest. You must wait and weave a web to take out whole networks. You dont close the net until you know everything about the supply chain.

Patience means cutting off 20 heads, not just front-line soldiers. Thats the difference between long-term intelligence and short-term investigation.

The same people illegally trafficking gold in Latin America or diamond mining in West Africa [are] financing fentanyl sales with wildlife parts in Mexico, explains David Luna, who spent 20 years at the State Department fighting whats called environmental crime convergence.

Photo Courtesy Of Andrea Crosta

Environmental crime still isnt taken seriously enough, warns Charles Barber, the natural resources governance director at the World Resource Institute, which in April published a report on the convergence of environmental crime with corruption, money laundering and human rights abuse.

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Lionel Hachemin, the director of wildlife crime at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, says communicating this threat means re-education. It starts with the donors who are largely funding this fight, and who want to see results for their money. That often means arresting poachers, who are the most visible target for law enforcement. Like in all other crime organizations, those at the top are harder to see  they exist in shadow, hiding behind legitimate businesses, financial institutions and officials.

But poachers are often simply trying to feed their families; they cant afford to say no to the meager earnings the work provides, and arresting them does little to impact the overall network or create lasting change. What Ive learned fighting deforestation in the Amazon, wildlife traffickers in China and illegal fishing in Mexico is that we must target the heads of these networks.

My team learned this lesson fighting drug traffickers. Every time you seize a ton of cocaine, for instance, traffickers will send another ton. Its just the cost of business.

Related: I Asked People To Share Political Opinions They Hold That Are Controversial In Their Own Party, And The Responses Reallllyyy Threw Me For A Loop

Photo Courtesy Of Andrea Crosta

Resource crime is different because resources are finite and the species often endangered. If you make an arrest too quickly and dont destroy the networks, the impact on nature is huge. A bust looks good on TV, but it means that criminals will have to kill even more animals to fill their quotas.

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A few years ago, we were undercover in Vietnam posing as buyers, and a major trafficker showed us dozens of rhino horns. What happens if we pay and customs seizes the horns? we asked. Ill never forget how he smiled.

Dont worry, he said. Well just send it again, free of charge.

The public needs to know that fentanyl was traded by Chinese gangs for environmental resources supplied by Mexican cartels, Luna tells me. Maybe they soon will. With eight cartels now designated as terror groups, that could bring attention and funding, says Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior Brookings Institute fellow studying crime and terror.

This is the shadow side of conservation that scientists arent trained for  and most nongovernmental organizations prefer to ignore. But until authorities see that eco-crimes are part of a network of crimes that are perpetrated by sophisticated organized crime groups, the exploitation and violence will continue.

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Andrea Crosta is the founder of Earth League International, a nonprofit that uses intelligence methods like surveillance and undercover monitoring to investigate and dismantle environmental crime networks.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost in July 2025.

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Rabbi Berel Wein's impact on the Jewish world blossomed not only from his films, books, and audio lectures, but also the founding and leadership of institutions.

Jewish scholar, historian, and leader Rabbi Berel Wein died at age 91, according to Hanassi Yisrael Hatzair Rechavia synagogue, and a burial service was held on Sunday.

Wein's impact on the Jewish world blossomed not only from his films, books, and audio lectures, but also the founding of institutions such as Congregation Bais Torah and the Monsey Yeshiva Shaarei Torah and leadership as a rabbi at the Jerusalem Beit Knesset Hanassi and Yeshivat Ohr Somayach.

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At Rabbi Wein's funeral service, his son Rabbi Chaim Wein said that he influenced thousands of students, teaching them how to look at life as devout Jews.

"If you could summarize in a few words what my fathers mission was, it was 'I strengthened Israel.' He went and he inspired people," said Wein's son.

Everywhere the rabbi's son went, people mentioned how much they had learned from his videos and audio cassettes on Jewish history, which are available through the Destiny Foundation.

Yahrzeit candle (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

"How many thousands and thousands of people have been influenced from his tapes, from his series on history, that he opened the eyes of people?" Wein's son at Sunday's service.

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Wein's son recalled his father as a great orator, who would use his ability to speak to Jews all over the world.

The Orthodox Union praised Wein on Sunday for his work strengthening Jewish orthodoxy, becoming the organization's vice president at 38. He afterwards helmed the OU Kosher certifiers for five years.

Rabbi Berel Wein's storied career

Wein pursued a career in the rabbinate after a career as a lawyer, though OU recalled that Wein would note that at the time "Orthodoxy was in such a state of decline that a professional career in the Orthodox rabbinate was considered a pipe dream."

Despite these challenges, Wein "embarked on a multi-faceted career as a rabbi and educator in America and Israel that spanned six decades and contributed significantly to Orthodoxys rebirth," the OU said in a eulogy. "We mourn the passing of this unique Rav, educator, and communal leader and will remain forever indebted to him both for his enduring impact on Klal Yisrael and for his lifelong support and involvement in the work of the Orthodox Union."

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Wein served as the rabbi of Congregation Bais Torah for 24 years, and served as the Rosh Yeshiva of the Suffern Yeshiva Shaarei Torah for twenty years.

Coming from a long line of Lithuanian rabbis, Wein served as a bridge between the pre-World War II religious scholarship. His son related that his father, who grew up in 1940s Chicago, learned from Torah scholars who came to the city after the war. It was part of his father's mission to transmit this knowledge onto the next generation.

A long-time columnist for The Jerusalem Post, he told the newspaper that he developed his passion for history when he was a teenage student at the Hebrew Theological College in Chicago.

While the other students played sports, Wein gravitated to the library, and the librarian asked him what he wanted to know. That day they had studied the commentary of Rabbi Asher ben Yehiel, and Wein wished to know more about the man. She brought the young Wein a book about him, and he was hooked.

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"I would go in every day and read, and she would give me books," Wein said in 2019.

From there his love of the lessons of the past grew, until he began to share his knowledge with over a dozen books, over 1,000 lectures, and films.

Many of these works were produced after he made aliyah in 1996, including his 2011 book Patterns in Jewish History and his 2000 Rashi: A Light After The Dark Ages. He continued to write with his Wein Press monthly newsletter, which covered a wide review of Jewish topics of interest.

According to the OU, "Until the end, he continued to be a prolific writer and teacher of Torah whose books and columns were read by thousands and whose insight and wisdom were sought out and treasured."

Alan Rosenbaum contributed to this report.
The educational campus is expected to be a global hub for Zionist education and contemporary discourse, as well as a place to foster intergenerational and community connections.

The World Zionist Village will be built in the heart of Beersheba by 2028 in what is set to be the largest educational project of its kind in recent decades, the Jewish National Fund-USA announced.

The village, which is being backed by an NIS 1.2 billion investment, will be managed by the Waxman Group of engineers. The master plan for its construction is being developed by HQ Architects.

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It is expected that the World Zionist Village campus will cover a sprawling six and a half hectares.

What is a World Zionist Village?

The educational campus is expected to be a global hub for Zionist education and contemporary discourse, as well as a place to foster intergenerational and community connections. It will host a number of diverse educational programs for a broad range of demographics, such as young people, older students, community leaders, and more all from across the world.

The campus will also be home to an interactive learning center on the history of Zionism and an environmental innovation center. It will also host the Institute for Contemporary Zionist Thought, which will have in-depth discussions on the key issues impacting Zionism today, with the goal of creating a better understanding of Zionism for the year 2100.

An artistic mockup of the World Zionist Village in Beersheba. (credit: HQ Architects)

But at the center of the village will be another Israeli campus of the Alexander Muss International High School, which offers overseas students a Zionist education program in Israel.

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This is the largest and most significant Zionist initiative being pushed today, and it is being launched precisely in Beersheba, the cradle of Zionism, JNF-USA CEO Russell Robinson said.

Robinson touted the citys ancient historical connection to the Jewish people, which goes back over 3,000 years.

Beersheba has always been at the heart of our vision, he continued, saying that constructing the World Zionist Village there serves to reaffirm their deep commitment to develop the Negev and strengthen the connections between Israel and the Diaspora.

After the attack we suffered in Beersheba and the painful loss of human life, this is our answer: we will not surrender, we will not stop, Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich said, referring to the World Zionist Village as a living bridge. He also noted that more architects are invited to take part in the planning and construction.

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This is educational, ethical, and architectural news - and we invite the best architects to take part in the realization of one of the most important Zionist projects.

In an era when public discourse around Zionism is sometimes biased, confused, or hostile, and connections to a Jewish-Zionist identity are weakening, the need arises to create a positive, unifying, and inspiring space to learn, talk, connect, and build bridges, said World Zionist Village CEO Ira Green.

Many young Jews in the Diaspora feel alienated from Israel, and Jews around the world are suffering from rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism. The gaps between Jewish communities are widening. Our village will be a major bridge, both educational and social, to bring together and unite the Jewish people today and in the future.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district on Sunday. Terming the tragedy "mind-numbing," LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations. https://x.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1956941016550003110?t=D6yd0hdUXImbY0f8TghUvA&s=08 In an X post, he wrote, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration." A cloudburst in Kathua district has left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said. Speaking about the situation in Jodh village, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said rescue teams are on the spot and operations are underway. Meanwhile, in Kishtwar district, security forces have intensified rescue and relief operations after a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 left around 55 people dead. General Officer Commanding (GOC) Counter Insurgency Force, Delta, Major General APS Bal, said all the security forces are trying their best to save as many lives as possible. "...All the security forces are trying their best to rescue as many people as possible from the area affected by the cloudburst. We are also providing relief to the local people who have suffered due to this disaster... The Indian Army was the first to respond to this disaster, and they reached the spot within 45 minutes..." Major General Bal told the media on Saturday. The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration. (ANI)
President Donald Trumps former national security adviser thought he looked tired at his Alaska summit, which did him no favors standing opposite Russian President Vladimir Putin.

John Bolton said on CNN that Putin clearly won the high-profile encounter on Friday given that he escaped without agreeing to a ceasefire with Ukraine and without additional sanctions on Russia.

Trump didnt come away with anything except more meetings, Bolton said. Putin has, I think, gone a long way to reestablishing the relationship, which Ive always believed was his key goal. He has escaped sanctions. Hes not facing a ceasefire. The next meeting is not set.

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Bolton claimed that Trump avoided outright embarrassing himself, as critics said he did the last time the world leaders met in 2018. Bolton remarked that Trump did not lose on Friday, but said he also did not pull off an Art of the Deal miracle.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to be the happier of the two leaders after their meeting in Alaska concluded. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Its far from over, but Id say Putin achieved most of what he wanted, Bolton said, in agreement with other top foreign affairs experts. Trump achieved very little.

Perhaps the most concerning takeaway from Fridays summit was Trumps physical state, Bolton suggested.

I thought Trump looked very tired up there, he said. I mean very tirednot disappointed, tired.

President Donald Trump was described as appearing defeated after his meeting on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. John Bolton remarked that he looked tired. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

Bolton was not the only one to remark that Trump, 79, appeared sluggish. Some said his demeanor expressed defeat after his meeting with Putin, 72, did not establish a clear path to peace, as he promised his supporters would be done on day one of his presidency.

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It is no small hike from the White House to Anchorage, Alaska, where Fridays meeting was held. After taking Marine One to Joint Base Andrews, the jet had to fly 3,500 miles one-way to the nations northernmost state. Trump kept busy on the way, too, recording an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Many noted that Trump showed his age immediately upon arrival at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. After stepping off Air Force One to greet Putin, the president struggled to walk in a straight line down a red carpet.

By the days end, photos appeared to show that Trumps eyes were heavy. Despite billing a post-meeting event as a press conference, Trump, unlike his usual self, declined to answer questions from the bustling press pool, and some noted his cankles were showing. Trump immediately headed back for Washington, with a second interview with Hannityand an hour and a half long phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyalso made along the way.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) investigation into Media Matters for America on Friday, arguing the agency is likely in violation of the progressive media watchdogs free speech rights.

U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan, an appointee of former President Biden, ordered a preliminary injunction against the investigation, which was opened in May.

It should alarm all Americans when the Government retaliates against individuals or organizations for engaging in constitutionally protected public debate. And that alarm should ring even louder when the Government retaliates against those engaged in newsgathering and reporting, Sooknanan said in the 48-page ruling. This case presents a straightforward First Amendment violation.

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The FTC opened the probe into Media Matters in late May over whether the progressive media group improperly coordinated with advertisers. The anti-trust agency demanded correspondence between Media Matters and advertisers, along with its communications with watchdog groups.

In response, Media Matters sued the FTC in June to block the agencys probe, contending the investigation is an example of unlawful retaliation.

Media Matters president Angelo Carusone said in a statement Friday that the courts ruling shows the importance of fighting over folding, which far too many are doing when confronted with intimidation from the Trump administration.

Carusone said the case is not just about the campaign to punish and silence Media Matters, however. It is a critical test for whether the courts will allow any administration  from any political party  to bully media and non-profit organizations through illegal abuses of power. We will continue to stand up and fight for the First Amendment rights that protect every American.

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Media Matters was sued by tech billionaire Elon Musk and social media platform X in 2023, arguing that the progressive media watchdog colluded with advertisers as part of an effort to pull advertising dollars from X.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A judge on Saturday expanded Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons (R) restraining order against former Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas) and his political organization, Powered by People, over its fundraising for state Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas amid the redistricting battle.

A Tarrant County judge ruled that ORourke and his political group are barred from sending money out of the Lone Star State, coming after Paxton sought to revoke the charter of ORourkes organization, which he accused of committing bribery.

The Court finds that harm is imminent to the State, and if the Court does not issue this order, the State will be irreparably injured. Specifically, Defendants fundraising conduct constitutes false, misleading, or deceptive acts under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, because Defendants are raising and utilizing political contributions from Texas consumers to pay for the personal expenses of Texas legislators, in violation of Texas law, 348th District Court Judge Megan Fahey said in a four-page Saturday order.

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Fahey said that financial institutions and political fundraising platforms, like ActBlue, are barred from transferring ORourkes or Powered by Peoples donations outside of Texas in support of the unlawful scheme.

ORourke has been in Paxtons crosshairs as his PAC has been raising money for Texas state legislators who left the Lone Star State for nearly two weeks to prevent the new, GOP-friendly congressional maps from passing. On Friday afternoon, Texas Republicans gaveled in a second special session. Democrats are expected to return to Texas soon.

Last week, a Texas judge granted a temporary restraining order against ORourke, a former presidential candidate, and his political organization after the Texas attorney general claimed that the PAC was misleading donors.

ORourke said Saturday morning that Powered by People gave more than $1 million to Texas Democrats during a special session, including to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Texas House Democratic Caucus and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

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Paxton celebrated the judges decision, saying that in Texas, lawless actions have consequences, and Betos finding that out the hard way.

His fraudulent attempt to pad the pockets of the rogue cowards abandoning Texas has been stopped, and now the court has rightly frozen his ability to continue to send money outside of Texas, Paxton said in a statement. The cabal of Democrats who have colluded together to scam Texans and derail our Legislature will face the full force of the law, starting with Robert Francis ORourke.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Center Square)  A judge has expanded a temporary restraining order against former U.S. Rep. Robert (Beto) ORourke and his organization, Powered by People, as well as ActBlue and any bank or financial institution with whom they do business.

The order was issued on Saturday after Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion with the court on Friday requesting it to expand an initial order issued last week.

Eight days ago, a Texas district court granted a request for a temporary restraining order against ORourke and Powered by People, after both claimed to raise money to fund dozens of House Democrats leaving Texas, The Center Square reported. More than 50 left in protest to prevent the Texas House from conducting official business, including voting for a Congressional redistricting bill they oppose.

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Paxtons office also launched an investigation into Powered by the People and Texas Majority PAC, The Center Square reported.

The courts initial order blocked ORourke and Powered by People from continuing to raise or distribute money for absconding Democrats. After the ruling, ORourke said the order wasnt stopping him from raising money. The next day, he held a rally in Fort Worth, saying, Still here, still raising and rallying to stop the steal of 5 congressional seats in Texas, referencing the the new proposed maps that could flip up to five Democrat-held seats to Republican in the 2026 midterms.

ORourke also posted videos on social media of him speaking at rallies to raise money for the House Democratic cause in Kansas City and in Fort Worth. He also posted links to raise money, saying, the gloves are off. Donate now.

Powered by People and the Democratic PAC ActBlue continued to raise money to fight Texas redistricting efforts, prompting Paxton to file a motion of contempt against ORourke, The Center Square reported.

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Late Friday, Paxton filed an amended petition requesting the court to revoke Powered by Peoples charter, arguing it is responsible for deceptively fundraising and handing out Beto Bribes to Democrat legislators in exchange for breaking quorum.

Paxton argues ORourke and the organization have deceived donors, bought off Texas politicians, and unlawfully assisted runaway Democrats in avoiding arrest. He asked the court to enforce its previous TRO, throw Beto behind bars, and revoke Powered by Peoples charter for its unlawful conduct. There must be consequences.

The amended complaint claims ORourke and Powered by People are directing consumers to political fundraising platforms, such as ActBlue, for the express political purpose of fight[ing] Republicans and protecting Democratic seats from corrupt republicans, meanwhile the funds are actually being used for lavish personal expenditures (i.e. travel on private jets, luxury hotel accommodations, and fine dining that is disconnected from, and has no legitimate purpose relating to, their legislative positions).

It also claims the defendants engaged in unlawful and deceptive fundraising practices in Tarrant County and engaged in deceptive trade practices in the solicitation and receipt of donations. It also asks the court to approve a Notice of Lien to immediately halt Defendants unlawful conduct.

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On Saturday, Judge Megan Fahey issued an expanded TRO through Sept. 5 and scheduled a hearing for a temporary injunction on Sept. 2.

The Court finds that harm is imminent to the State, and if the Court does not issue this order, the State will be irreparably injured, Fahey said in her ruling. Specifically, Defendants fundraising conduct constitutes false, misleading, or deceptive acts under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Texas business codes. Because Defendants are raising and utilizing political contributions from Texas consumers to pay for the personal expenses of Texas legislators, in violation of Texas law. Because this conduct is unlawful and harms Texas consumers, restraining this conduct is in the public interest.

After the ruling, Paxton said, His fraudulent attempt to pad the pockets of the rogue cowards abandoning Texas has been stopped, and now the court has rightly frozen his ability to continue to send money outside of Texas. The cabal of Democrats who have colluded together to scam Texans and derail our Legislature will face the full force of the law, starting with Robert Francis ORourke.

On Saturday, ORourke was involved in another rally in Austin and thanked everyone who has joined us in this fight for Texas. As a result of their fundraising efforts, they donated more than $1 million to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Texas House Democratic Caucus, and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus during the special session, he announced.
ALLENHURST, Ga. (WSAV)  An early morning crash in Allenhurst left a local business in shambles.

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) was dispatched to a vehicle striking the Allenhurst post office located on the corner of West Oglethorpe Highway and Dunlevie Road.

A 2025 Hyundai Elantra traveling westbound on West Oglethorpe Highway struck a power pole and hit the building, according to GSP trooper Christopher Ashdown. A driver and passenger were transported to Memorial Health in Savannah where their current condition is unknown.

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The building struck was a family-owned local business.

I picked out every single detail in this place. I have a lot of pride in my work, said Kami Anders, co-owner of Diamond Life. It really hurts to see it like this Its just gone now.

The GSP Specialized Reconstruction Team was called to investigate the incident. The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 27-year-old Ludowici resident.

Photos courtesy of Liberty Towing Photos courtesy of Liberty Towing Photos courtesy of Liberty Towing Photos courtesy of Liberty Towing

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Aug. 16Kameilia Anastacia Chavez Kameilia Anastacia Chavez passed away on August 5, 2025 in Chinle, Arizona. She was born on February 12, 1987 in Austin, Texas to Glenn Ferguson and Stella Chavez. She spent her first four years of life living in Germany where her parents were stationed in the army. Her family moved to Grants, New Mexico where she spent her childhood. After she graduated from Grants High School, she moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from New Mexico State University. She started her nursing career in 2010, working for a short time in El Paso before moving to Albuquerque, NM. Kameilia welcomed her first child, Zackary in 2011. Shortly after moving to Albuquerque, Kami was introduced to her husband Israel by a mutual friend. What started as a first date in a coffee shop turned into a beautiful life together. Israel and Kami married in 2016, and welcomed their second son, Jacob in 2018. Kami worked as a nurse in various emergency departments for 15 years. Her most current employment being at Rust Medical Center ER in Rio Rancho, NM for the last eight years. Kami was an amazing nurse and took pride in her career. She was able to make her dream of becoming a flight nurse come true when she began her journey with CSI Aviation in September of 2024. Kami was also a devoted wife and mother who adored her family more than anything, and loved spending all her time with them. Kami and Israel were known for working hard to play hard and have countless memories of trips to the ocean, big cities, snowboarding in the mountains, camping, fishing, hiking, and so many other adventures with their boys. She also homeschooled her children and had a deep love for God. All who knew her knew how much she loved God and talking about how good he is. Kami never knew a stranger and made everyone she was around feel seen and important. Kami is survived by her husband of nine years, Israel Chavez; son, Zackary Chavez; son, Jacob Chavez; father, Glenn Ferguson; mother, Stella Chavez; brother-in-law, Elias Chavez; sister-in-law, Shelly Chavez; sister-in-law, Krista Chavez; sister-in-law, Joscelyn Lister; brother-in-law, Lance Lister, multiple nieces and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins; and her beloved weenie dog, Copper. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 23rd, 2025 at 10:00 am at Legacy Church Main Campus located at 7201 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121. Kami's family would like to thank everyone who has prayed for them, showed support, and reached out during this difficult time.
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  Many of those who have lived through decades of Harlem Week say this years extravaganza is bigger and better than ever.

They were dancing on the sidewalks and in the streets on this Saturday night of Harlem Week, and everyone was having so much fun.

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Carter Cannon, 6, was feeling the beat as Bobby Sanabria and his 22-piece band, Multiverse, performed a tribute to three musical icons: Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Eddie Palmieri, who passed away 10 days ago.

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I guess God needed a piano player to call upon him to meet with the rest of the ancestors, Sanabria told PIX11 News.

With a stage at Saint Nicholas and 135th Street, the area was also filled with three packed blocks, featuring stalls selling jewelry, clothing, and an abundance of Soul and Caribbean food.

When this PIX11 reporter asked one attendee how much he loved Harlem Week, Thomas Patterson answered, With all my heart and all my soul. Born and raised here, 65 years old, he added.

This marks the 51st annual Harlem Week, and everyone was remembering co-founder Lloyd Williams, who passed away earlier this month.

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Dad was all about Harlem, Ade Williams, Lloyds son, told PIX11 News. He wanted Harlem to celebrate itself. He felt Harlem was symbolic of a community, not just a region, he added.

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Lloyd Williams gave us a mandate, I believe, when he passed the baton to keep the pulse of Harlem alive, Yusef Salaam, a Harlem city council member, told PIX11 News.

Earlier, a fashion show showcased Harlem models and designers, featuring creative and colorful clothing.

I love clothes, Donna Jiles, a fashion designer, told PIX11 News.  I think of these beautiful models, and it helps with self-esteem, she added.

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And one of her young models agreed. It was Nacinf, it was a great day, Julian Tramantano told PIX11 News.

And the last day of Harlem Week, Sunday, will include three stages and even more blocks filled with people and activities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Over the past few months, there has been a lot of discussion taking place regarding public comments at meetings.

State law requires school boards to provide an opportunity for public comment.

Under the terms of the Indiana Open Door law, a person is not required to provide both their name and address.

But the requirements to allow public comment and the parameters for such is left up to each governmental body.

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Each government body in Madison County has adopted its own policies when it comes to public comments. In most instances, the comments are limited to three minutes and must pertain to issues being considered.

The Madison County Council allows public comment on all new funding requests from the general fund and provides time at the end of the meeting for comment. The person addressing the council is asked to provide their name and address.

The Anderson City Council also allows the public to ask questions on issues being considered and generally provides time at the end of the meeting agenda. People are asked to provide their name and at least a ZIP code.

The Anderson council does allow local residents to be included on the agenda to discuss any issue pertaining to the city.

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Most other county boards and commissions require a speaker to provide a name and address, and comments should pertain only to the topic being discussed.

This past week, the Anderson Redevelopment Commission adopted rules for its meetings that require a person to provide a name and address.

The commissions members are considering amending the rules to allow a person to provide a ZIP code instead of an specific address.

As was noted at the Redevelopment Commission meeting, a person who resides, owns property or does business in the city of Anderson would have their comments given more weight than a non-resident.

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It makes sense that elected or appointed officials would want to give more consideration to a resident of the respective county, city or town over a person speaking that lives in another county.

There are times at some meetings where people are addressing a governmental body with the clear intent of increasing traffic on their social media accounts.

The goal of officials and the public should always be for the most transparency when decisions are being made with the community afforded the opportunity to comment.
When Judge Jefferson Griffin unsuccessfully attempted to overturn his loss in the 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court election, the number that stuck out was 65,000  the number of ballots he sought to disqualify, potentially flipping his 734-vote loss to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs.

However, another less-reported number is key to understanding the chaotic and unprecedented six-month legal battle: $2 million.

Thats the amount of money Griffin and Riggs brought in from donors across the country to support their efforts in court. These donations came from California megadonors, local attorneys, concerned citizens and, in one case, a sitting Republican judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals who could have ruled on the case.

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But under a new law enacted last month by the Republican-controlled legislature, all of that money could become secret  leaving voters in the dark about where the money comes from to litigate high-profile contested elections or fend off ethical and criminal allegations.

Senate Bill 416, the Personal Privacy Protection Act, prohibits state agencies from disclosing donors to nonprofit organizations.

Critics say this includes legal expense funds, like the ones Griffin and Riggs set up to fund their courtroom battle, and warn it could open the door to dark money in our politics, according to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who vetoed the bill last month.

Republicans, joined by three Democrats in the House, overrode Steins veto, with Sen. Warren Daniel, the bills sponsor, saying it was necessary to protect donor privacy.

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Ultimately, the bill impacts both sides of the aisle equally, said Daniel, a Morganton Republican, noting that Alabama, Colorado and Alaska have each passed similar bills. It prevents the elected officials in red states from targeting left-wing groups and, vice versa, blue states targeting conservative organizations.

The bill does not mention legal expense funds by name, but Aaron McKean, a lawyer with the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, said its broad application to nonprofits creates a loophole that could shield disclosure.

Theres a chance that some enterprising person might create a 501(c)4 as their legal expense fund vehicle, and then be able to claim that they dont have to disclose any of their donors under this law, he said.

He also noted that when Republicans unsuccessfully tried to pass a similar bill in 2021, they specifically included an exemption for legal expense funds that ensured they would remain fully transparent. That exemption does not appear in SB 416.

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Asked whether the bill applies to legal expense funds, a spokesperson for the State Board of Elections said that agency staff are still evaluating SB 416 including whether it affects reporting and disclosure provisions for legal expense funds.

Sen. Daniel and the two other sponsors of SB 416 did not respond to questions from The News & Observer about the intended scope of their bill.

Judge Jefferson Griffin listens to testimony in Wake County Superior Court on Feb. 7 in Raleigh. Griffin was attempting to have more than 65,000 ballots cast in the election thrown out.

McKean said the possibility of further reducing donor transparency is particularly egregious given all of the chaos surrounding the 2024 Supreme Court election.

People in North Carolina, people across the U.S., want more information about who is spending money to influence their government or their elected officials, he said. And bills like this go the wrong direction.

Where do these disclosure rules come from?

Disclosure rules for legal expense funds emerged in the mid-2000s following a string of scandals, including former Democratic House Speaker Jim Black pleading guilty to a federal corruption charge.

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Black fought his charges using an unregulated legal fund that did not disclose its donors.

Republican Senate leader Phil Berger, who at the time served in the minority in the state legislature, said the funds should be transparent.

The public is entitled to know who is paying the bill for public officials when they get in trouble, he wrote in a 2006 news release.

Last month, Berger voted in favor of SB 416.

Republicans have pursued consequential changes to other financing rules in recent years.

Earlier this week, The Assembly reported that Duke Energy donated $100,000 to the NC GOPs building fund, which was the account used to pay Griffins legal fees.

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Previously, these building funds were largely restricted to spending on expenses related to a partys headquarters. But a law enacted last year by the Republican supermajority allows those accounts  which draw donations from corporations, business entities and labor unions  to be used for legal actions.

A party spokesperson told The Assembly that Dukes contribution was was not connected to the North Carolina Supreme Court election, nor any specific candidate.

What do Griffin and Riggs finance reports show?

While SB 416 could affect future litigation, the finance reports for Griffin and Riggs are still available and shed valuable insight into the contested election that upended North Carolina politics.

The largest donor to each candidate, by far, was their respective political parties. The North Carolina Republican Party gave Griffin over $340,000 worth of legal services, and Democrats gave Riggs $325,000.

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But, past those contributions there was a striking disparity in donations between the two candidates. Riggs reported raising over $1.6 million, whereas Griffin reported raising about $362,000.

And where Riggs reported receiving over 12,000 individual donations to her legal fund, Griffin reported only 13  three of which were from the NC GOP.

Judge Tom Murry made a $5,000 contribution to Griffins legal fund  a donation critics called a textbook conflict of interest given that, as a sitting judge on the Court of Appeals, Murry could have been asked to rule on Griffins challenge to the election results.

It is law school lesson number 101, and let it sink in: one judge donated to help another judge change the outcome of an election in cases that he could conceivably sit on in judgment, Rep. Deb Butler, a New Hanover County Democrat, said during the veto override vote.  If Senate Bill 416, had been the law, then we would never have known that.

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Murry did not formally recuse himself from the case, but nevertheless he did not end up sitting on the panel that heard it.

As for Riggs, her finance reports show a wide variety of donations from donors large and small.

Unlike regular campaign finance committees, legal expense funds dont have the same limits on individual contributions. That led to some eye-popping contributions from across the country, including $250,000 from Elizabeth Simons, a California-based megadonor, and $20,000 from the chair of Capitol Broadcasting, which owns WRAL, the Raleigh-based TV station.

However, nearly 95% of Riggs individual donations came from small-dollar donors who gave $100 or less. When totaled up, those small donations accounted for about 22% of her total haul.

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Large donations over $5,000 accounted for about 53% of Riggs overall contributions.

One final data point in the two candidates disclosures presents further questions.

Riggs reported spending over $1 million of her donations on legal fees to Womble Bond Dickinson, the law firm that represented her throughout the case.

However, Griffins records only show the $340,000 for in-kind legal fees from the NC GOP and another $14,000 to Dowling PLLC, a law firm that represented him.

The North Carolina Republican Party, which joined Griffin as a co-plaintiff at some points in the case, also reported a roughly $48,500 expenditure to Dowling in February, but did not specify if it was for his challenge.

Asked how Griffin and the party could have spent roughly a third of what Riggs did on lawyers for a complicated case that ping-ponged between state and federal courts, a spokesperson for the Republican Party did not respond, nor did the treasurer of Griffins legal expense fund.
(NewsNation)  Greenwashing has become a hot-button topic lately for environmentalists and world officials.

A growing market has been established for products that minimize damage to the environment, and in a 2024 survey, 46% of consumers said they are purchasing more sustainable products to help the environment.

However, greenwashing litigation is evolving worldwide, with distinct drivers and enforcement priorities across regions and countries.

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Eating French fries can raise the risk of diabetes: Study

So, what exactly is greenwashing? What are the risks that come with greenwashing? Which companies are likely to use greenwashing?

What is Greenwashing?

The United Nations defines greenwashing as misleading the public to believe that a company or other entity is doing more to protect the environment than it is, all while promoting false, distracting solutions to the climate crisis.

Examples of how a company can greenwash include making unsubstantiated net-zero claims; spotlighting minor improvements when a product meets its minimum regulatory requirements; and highlighting single attributes while disregarding a products broader environmental impact.

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Greenwashing occurs mostly when companies overcommunicate or under-communicate on sustainability performance, said Andreas Rasche, a professor at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. Misleading branding, vague claims, and unregulated labels on products make it difficult for consumers who are aiming to reduce their environmental footprint to make informed decisions.

What are the risks of greenwashing?

The risks of greenwashing can be damaging not only to consumers, but the companies as a whole.

Companies can experience increased legal risks and complexity resulting from an insufficient global alignment on sustainability regulations. This problem alone makes compliance more challenging.

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We see an increase in NGOs being very active because there is a pushback on sustainability as a whole, and the different governments around the world push now even harder in relation to greenwashing or even climate change litigation, said Daja Apetz-Dreier, Partner & Co-Leader of the ESG & Sustainability Advisory Group at Morgan Lewis.

Which companies use greenwashing?

Manufacturing enterprises are among the companies where greenwashing has become prolific, especially those specialized in oil and gas, consumer products, and transportation sectors.

From a comprehensive perspective, both governmental and public entities have been identified as crucial actors in the governance of greenwashing behaviors, a study says.

Companies have been advised to provide legal guidance and comprehensive training to help mitigate the risk of costly greenwashing claims.

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Amid allegations of "voter fraud" on the Election Commission, Congress MP Manish Tewari outlined that the poll body is facing a challenge of "trust deficit" as it carries "very little conviction" and almost "zero credibility." Objecting to the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, Manish Tewari stated that no matter how many press conferences the EC holds, it will not matter even one bit. "The challenge for the EC is, as the Supreme Court had obitered, TRUST DEFICIT. The EC carries very little conviction or, for that matter, almost zero credibility with large swathes of the political firmament and by extension the people of India," Tewari said in a post on X. "As long as the executive 'veto 'remains with regard to the appointment of the Commissioners of the EC no matter how many Press Conferences the EC does it will not matter even one bit whatsoever," he added. The President appoints the CEC and ECs based on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Tewari advised EC to "correct" its perception that it is an extension counter of the Union Government." "The EC has to correct the widely held perception that it is an extension counter of the Union Government. It, unfortunately, is now a sobriquet like the 'Godi Media'. This is not good for Indian Democracy," Manish Tewari said on X. https://x.com/ManishTewari/status/1956909381234364571 Manish Tewari's remarks came after EC flagged that the time to raise issues about errors in the electoral rolls, even those in the past, was during the "Claims and Objections" period. According to the EC, the precise objective behind sharing the electoral roll with all political parties and candidates was so that any issue regarding the same can be raised on time. The constitutional body raised the issue of political parties and their Booth Level Agents not examining the electoral rolls at the appropriate time. It said that the digital and physical copies are shared with recognised political parties after the publication of the final electoral roll on the EC's website. "Recently, some Political Parties and individuals are raising issues about errors in the Electoral Rolls, including those prepared in the past. The appropriate time to raise any issue with the Electoral Rolls would have been during the Claims and Objections period of that phase, which is precisely the objective behind sharing the Electoral Rolls with all Political Parties and the Candidates," EC said in an official release. "Had these issues been raised at the right time through the right channels, it would have enabled the concerned SDM EROs to correct the mistakes, if genuine, before those elections," the release read. (ANI)
Kuwait (Reuters) -Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 people accused of producing and distributing locally made alcoholic drinks that have killed 23 people in recent days, the Interior Ministry said.

Kuwait bans the import or domestic production of alcoholic beverages, but some are manufactured illegally in secret locations that lack oversight or safety standards, exposing consumers to the risk of poisoning.

The ministry said in a statement on X late on Saturday that it had seized six factories and another four that were not yet operational in residential and industrial areas.

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The health ministry said on Thursday that cases of methanol poisoning linked to the tainted drinks had risen to 160, with 23 deaths, mostly among Asian nationals, up from 13 fatalities reported earlier.

The head of the "criminal network", a Bangladeshi national, was arrested, while one of the suspects, a Nepali, explained how methanol was prepared and sold, the Interior Ministry said.

(Reporting By Ahmed Hagagy; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 people accused of producing and distributing locally made alcoholic drinks that killed 23 people in recent days, including a Bangladeshi national said to head the criminal network, the Interior Ministry has said.

In a statement on X late on Saturday, the ministry said it seized six factories and another four that were not yet operational in residential and industrial areas.

A Nepali member of the criminal group told authorities how the methanol was prepared and sold.

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Kuwait, a Muslim nation, bans the import or domestic production of alcoholic beverages, but some are manufactured illegally in secret locations that lack oversight or safety standards, exposing consumers to the risk of poisoning.

The arrests come after the Ministry of Health said on Thursday that cases of methanol poisoning linked to the tainted drinks had reached 160, with 23 deaths, mostly among Asian nationals.

At least 51 people required urgent kidney dialysis while 31 needed mechanical ventilation, the ministry said.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait, which has the largest expatriate community in the country, said around 40 Indian nationals in Kuwait were hospitalised in the last few days, without specifying the cause.

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There have been some fatalities, some are in a critical condition while others are recovering, it said in a statement on X.

Methanol, a toxic colourless alcohol used in industrial and household products, is hard to detect. Symptoms of poisoning are typically delayed and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperventilation and breathing problems.

It is reported that thousands of people suffer from methanol poisoning every year, especially in Asia. If not treated, fatality rates are often reported to be 20 percent to 40 percent, according to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Britain is facing an epidemic of shoplifting. Retailers are collectively facing just under three thefts per minute, almost double what it was 10 years ago.

Over half a million such offences were reported last year. The rise of this larceny has partly been blamed on the downgrading in 2014 of the seriousness of low value theft of items worth less than 200.

The Government has announced that this policy is being reversed, but it looks set to make an equally serious mistake which will likely see London becoming Europes capital of high-value thefts.

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It is not as if this problem is not already with us. While Range Rovers are no longer the most stolen car (Toyota Hilux pickup trucks now top that uncoveted league), they have been so prone to being pilfered that insurance rates soared. In London, annual quotes of over 20,000 became the norm as a result.

The same phenomenon is true for insuring watches and jewellery. When I took a look myself, I found fine art premiums in general are 0.3pc of value or less  those for valuables that are worn will often be 10 times higher, at 3pc or more.

The reforms to the sentencing of foreign prisoners announced last week by Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, will likely make matters much worse. In June, there were 10,772 foreign national prisoners in England and Wales, out of 87,334 in total.

Throughout this decade, the largest cohort have been Albanians  their number hitting over 1,500 in 2021. Poles and Romanians fill the next two slots, although they have never reached 1,000 prisoners at any one time.

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Mahmood has announced that most foreign prisoners will face immediate deportation on sentencing. They will not serve their sentence in Britain  or indeed, in most cases, anywhere. The real punishment they will receive is expulsion from the UK.

That foreign prisoners serve a shorter time for doing the exact same crime as a British citizen is not a novelty. For most offences, British prisoners serve half the sentence handed down by the judge. (For some violence and sex offences, the convict will serve two-thirds of their total sentence).

Under arrangements put in place under the Tories, if a foreign prisoner agrees to be deported and banned from returning, he  the vast majority of prisoners are men, only around 4pc in England and Wales are women  has his sentence reduced by a further 18 months, provided he has served at least half of the custodial part of his sentence (a quarter of the total sentence).

This means that a British citizen who receives a six-year sentence will likely be incarcerated for three years  a foreigner will serve 18 months. This does seem rather unfair, but perhaps it can be justified as it speeds up the removal of criminals from our island.

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The Independent Sentencing Review, commissioned by Labour, recommended that foreign prisoners should not have to serve half of what someone from Britain would have to, but only 30pc. Now, Mahmood has announced the plan that they will serve none of their sentence post-conviction.

The policy has been presented as one of cracking down on foreign national offenders. The taxpayer will no longer have to stump up the (roughly) 50,000 it costs to hold each prisoner, and prison places will be freed up to hold our own recalcitrants.

Whether it really will have much of an impact on overcrowding is debatable. Many foreign prisoners are held in HMP Huntercombe (where Boris Becker endured his sojourn), Maidstone and Morton Hall. These facilities are exclusively for foreign national men. They do not house any native offenders.

The real issue with the policy is that it is designed to tackle one kind of foreign offender, namely someone who resides permanently in the UK and wants to be here. For them, being thrown out is indeed a punishment.

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But what of those who have no intention of living here permanently, and only visit England to commit crime? This is admittedly a much smaller category at present, largely represented by drug mules arrested at our airports before they have managed to pass on their stash.

For them, expulsion is no punishment, as they do not intend to be here anyway. They may not be able to return to the UK, but that is not the gravest penalty compared to a prison stretch.

With Mahmoods plan, these reprobates will be able to come to London, steal Rolexes and Range Rovers to their hearts content, and only be incarcerated until sentencing. Jewellery, watches and high-value car theft is already an international crime  these stolen items usually find themselves swiftly leaving our shores. The same is indeed true of mobile phones.

If the thieves are foreign, choose to plead guilty and not go to a full trial, the process will be over swiftly. These criminals will soon be flying home at the taxpayers expense. The news will soon be out that London is the place where you can go on your thieving adventures without serious consequence.

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And thus, the numbers will inevitably rise. Keep a tight hold on your valuables.

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In a police department with a long tradition of colorful nicknames  from "Jigsaw John" to "Captain Hollywood"  LAPD Sgt. Joseph Lloyd stands out.

"The Grim Reaper."

At least thats what some on the force have taken to calling the veteran Internal Affairs detective, usually out of earshot.

According to officers who have found themselves under investigation by Lloyd, he seems to relish the moniker and takes pleasure in ending careers, even if it means twisting facts and ignoring evidence.

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But Lloyds backers maintain his dogged pursuit of the truth is why he has been entrusted with some of the departments most politically sensitive and potentially embarrassing cases.

Lloyd, 52, declined to comment. But The Times spoke to more than half a dozen current or former police officials who either worked alongside him or fell under his scrutiny.

During the near decade that hes been in Internal Affairs, Lloyd has investigated cops of all ranks.

When a since-retired LAPD officer was suspected of running guns across the Mexican border, the department turned to Lloyd to bust him.

In 2020, when it came out that members of the elite Metropolitan Division were falsely labeling civilians as gang members in a police database, Lloyd was tapped to help unravel the mess.

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And when a San Fernando Valley anti-gang squad was accused in 2023 of covering up shakedowns of motorists, in swooped the Reaper again.

Recently he was assigned to a department task force looking into allegations of excessive force by police against activists who oppose the government's immigration crackdown.

Read more: How the LAPDs protest response once again triggered outrage, injuries and lawsuits

At the LAPD, as in most big-city police departments across the country, Internal Affairs investigators tend to be viewed with suspicion and contempt by their colleagues. They usually try to operate in relative anonymity.

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Not Lloyd.

The 24-year LAPD veteran has inadvertently become the face of a pitched debate over the LAPD's long-maligned disciplinary system. The union that represents most officers has long complained that well-connected senior leaders get favorable treatment. Others counter that rank-and-file cops who commit misconduct are routinely let off the hook.

A recent study commissioned by Chief Jim McDonnell found that perceived unfairness in internal investigations is a serious point of contention among officers that has contributed to low morale. McDonnell has said he wants to speed up investigations and better screen complaints, but efforts by past chiefs and the City Council to overhaul the system have repeatedly stalled.

Sarah Dunster, 40, was a sergeant working in the LAPD's Hollywood division in 2021 when she learned she was under investigation for allegedly mishandling a complaint against one of her officers, who was accused of groping a woman he arrested.

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Dunster said she remembers being interviewed by Lloyd, whose questions seemed designed to trip her up and catch her in a lie, rather than aimed at hearing her account of what happened, she said. Some of her responses never made it into Lloyd's report, she said.

He wanted to fire me, she said.

Dunster was terminated over the incident, but she appealed and last week a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge granted a reprieve that allows her to potentially get her job back.

Others who have worked with Lloyd say he is regarded as a savvy investigator who is unfairly being vilified for discipline decisions that are ultimately made by the chief of police. A supervisor who oversaw Lloyd at Internal Affairs  and requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media  described him as smart, meticulous and "a bulldog."

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Joe just goes where the facts lead him and he doesn't have an issue asking the hard questions," the supervisor said.

On more than one occasion, the supervisor added, Internal Affairs received complaints from senior department officials who thought that Lloyd didnt show them enough deference during interrogations. Other supporters point to his willingness to take on controversial cases to hold officers accountable, even while facing character attacks from his colleagues, their attorneys and the powerful Los Angeles Police Protective League.

Read more: Officers are winning massive payouts in LAPD lottery lawsuits

Officers have sniped about his burly build, tendency to smile during interviews and other eccentricities. He wears two watches  one on each wrist, a habit he has been heard saying he picked up moonlighting as a high school lacrosse referee.

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But he has also been criticized as rigid and uncompromising, seeming to fixate only on details that point to an officers guilt. People he has grilled say that when he doesnt get the answer hes looking for, he has a Columbo-esque tendency to ask the same question in different ways in an attempt to elicit something incriminating.

And instead of asking officers to clarify any discrepancies in their statements, Lloyd automatically assumes they are lying, some critics said.

Mario Munoz, a former LAPD Internal Affairs lieutenant who opened a boutique firm that assists officers fighting employment and disciplinary cases, recently released a scathing 60-page report questioning what he called a series of troubling lapses in the LAPDs 2023 investigation of the Mission gang unit. The report name-drops Lloyd several times.

The department accused several Mission officers of stealing brass knuckles and other items from motorists in the San Fernando Valley, and attempting to hide their actions from their supervisors by switching off their body-worn cameras.

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Munoz said he received calls from officers who said Lloyd had violated their due process rights, which potentially opens the city up to liability. Several have since lodged complaints against Lloyd with the department. He alleged Lloyd ultimately singled out several "scapegoats to shield higher-level leadership from scrutiny."

Until he retired from the LAPD in 2014, Munoz worked as both an investigator and an auditor who reviewed landmark internal investigations into the beating of Black motorist Rodney King and the Rampart gang scandal in which officers were accused of robbing people and planting evidence, among other crimes.

Munoz now echoes a complaint from current officers that Internal Affairs in general, and Lloyd in particular, operate to protect the departments image at all costs.

He's the guy that they choose because he doesnt question management, Munoz said of Lloyd.

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In the Mission case, Munoz pointed to inconsistent outcomes for two captains who oversaw the police division accused of wrongdoing: One was transferred and later promoted, while another is fighting for his job amid accusations that he failed to rein in his officers.

Two other supervisors  Lt. Mark Garza and Sgt. Jorge George Gonzalez  were accused by the department of creating a "working environment that resulted in the creation of a police gang," according to an internal LAPD report. Both Garza and Gonzalez have sued the city, alleging that even though they reported the wrongdoing as soon as they became aware of it, they were instead punished by the LAPD after the scandal became public.

Read more: Secret recordings reveal LAPD cops spewing racist and sexist comments, complaint alleges

According to Munoz's report and interviews with department sources, Lloyd was almost single-handedly responsible for breaking the Mission case open.

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It began with a complaint in late December 2022 made by a motorist who said he was pulled over and searched without reason in a neighboring patrol area. Lloyd learned that the officers involved had a pattern of not documenting traffic stops  exploiting loopholes in the department's auditing system for dashboard and body cameras. The more Lloyd dug, the more instances he uncovered of these so-called "ghost stops."

A few months later, undercover Internal Affairs detectives began tailing the two involved officers  something that Garza and Gonzalez both claimed they were kept in the dark about.

As of last month, four officers involved had been fired and another four had pending disciplinary hearings where their jobs hung in the balance. Three others resigned before the department could take action. The alleged ringleader, Officer Alan Carrillo, faces charges of theft and "altering, planting or concealing evidence." Court records show he was recently offered pretrial diversion by L.A. County prosecutors, which could spare him jail but require him to stop working in law enforcement. Carrillo has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In an interview with The Times, Gonzalez  the sergeant who is facing termination  recalled a moment during a recorded interrogation that he found so troubling he contacted the police union director Jamie McBride, to express concern. McBride, he said, went to Lloyd's boss, then-deputy chief Michael Rimkunas, seeking Lloyd's removal from Internal Affairs.

The move failed. Lloyd kept his job.

Rimkunas confirmed the exchange with the police union leader in an interview with The Times.

He said that while he couldn't discuss Lloyd specifically due to state personnel privacy laws, in general the department assigns higher-profile Internal Affairs cases to detectives with a proven track record.

Gonzalez, though, can't shake the feeling that Lloyd crossed the line in trying to crack him during an interrogation.

He said that at one point while Lloyd was asking questions, the detective casually flipped over his phone, which had been sitting on the table. On the back of the protective case, Gonzalez said, was a grim reaper sticker.

And then as he turned it he looked at me as if to get a reaction from me, Gonzalez said. It was definitely a way of trying to intimidate me for sure."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Thousands of Israelis expressed their solidarity on Sunday with the hostages held by Hamas and others militants in the Gaza Strip with strikes and protests across the country that were criticized by Israel's prime minister and others

Demonstrators blocked numerous roads across Israel, including a major highway in the coastal city of Tel Aviv. They waved blue-and-white Israeli national flags as well as yellow flags symbolizing solidarity with the hostages. Demonstrators called for an end to the Gaza war and the immediate release of the Hamas hostages.

The protests were criticized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

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"Those who are calling for an end to the war today without defeating Hamas, are not only hardening Hamass stance and pushing off the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of the October 7 will recur again and again, and that our sons and daughters will need to fight again and again in an endless war," he told a Cabinet meeting.

Smotrich described the protests in a post on X as a "bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas's hands."

The protesters urged the Israeli government to reverse its decision to capture Gaza City and other areas of the Gaza Strip, as the hostage supporters believe this will endanger the some 20 hostages believed to still be alive. On Sunday, the Israeli military outlined its expansion plans.

More than 30 people were arrested, according to police.

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv and called on international decision makers to pressure Hamas to release the hostages. "I want to tell the world: Stop the hypocrisy!"

In Jerusalem, water cannons were used against protesters. The organization representing the families of the hostages had called for a nationwide strike on Sunday, the start of Israel's working week.

Hostage families speak out

"We will bring the country to a standstill," said Einav Zangauker during a rally on Saturday evening. Her son, Matan, is one of 20 hostages still alive in the Gaza Strip.

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Although the powerful Histadrut trade union federation did not join the strike, it expressed understanding for the action.

Numerous businesses and municipalities went on strike as a show of solidarity. The two major theatres in Tel Aviv also halted their performances.

The aunt of Israeli-German hostage Alon Ohel pleaded for his rescue, describing his dire condition: "He is bound in chains, severely wounded, and likely to lose his sight. He is suffering from severe head injuries and shrapnel throughout his body, and he is alone. He is hungry, hot and gasping for breath. His life is in imminent danger  save him!"

Several former Hamas hostages, released during a ceasefire in the spring, held a banner reading: "Bring them home now!"

Actress Gal Gadot meets with hostage relatives

Israeli Hollywood actress Gal Gadot, 40, also visited the square in Tel Aviv to meet with relatives of the hostages. A video shared by the Hostage Families Forum showed Gadot comforting the wife of a hostage, holding her hands with a smile and then embracing her tightly.

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During a rally at the square, the sister of an agricultural student from Nepal abducted to Gaza during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023, spoke publicly for the first time. Fighting back tears, she said the family has received no sign of life from him for almost two years.

According to Israeli information, of the 50 abducted individuals, only 20 are still alive.

Plans to expand Gaza offensive

The Israeli government is preparing to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the war has already killed around 62,000 Palestinians.

Israel's stated goal with the new offensive is to capture Gaza City and other areas of the coastal territory, in order to crush Hamas' remaining strongholds.

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Authorities have begun planning the relocation of civilians. The Israeli military body COGAT announced on X that deliveries of tents and other shelter equipment would resume on Sunday as part of preparations for evacuations from combat zones.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over ending the war and releasing the hostages have so far failed.

Israelis take part in a protest calling to end the war on Gaza and to free the hostages. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Thousands of Israelis expressed their solidarity on Sunday with the hostages held by Hamas and others militants in the Gaza Strip with strikes and protests across the country that were criticized by Israel's prime minister and others.

Demonstrators blocked numerous roads across Israel, including a major highway in the coastal city of Tel Aviv. They waved blue-and-white Israeli national flags as well as yellow flags symbolizing solidarity with the hostages.

More than 200,000 demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv alone on Sunday evening, according to police estimates published by the organizers.

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Demonstrators loudly called for an end to the Gaza war and the immediate release of the Hamas hostages, journalists at the scene reported.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv and called on international decision makers to pressure Hamas to release the hostages. "I want to tell the world: Stop the hypocrisy!"

Netanyahu, Smotrich criticize protesters

The protests were criticized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

"Those who are calling for an end to the war today without defeating Hamas, are not only hardening Hamass stance and pushing off the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of the October 7 will recur again and again, and that our sons and daughters will need to fight again and again in an endless war," he told a Cabinet meeting.

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Smotrich described the protests in a post on X as a "bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas's hands."

The protesters urged the Israeli government to reverse its decision to capture Gaza City and other areas of the Gaza Strip, as the hostage supporters believe this will endanger the some 20 hostages believed to still be alive.

On Sunday, the Israeli military outlined its expansion plans.

Hostage families speak out

"The Israeli government never made a serious attempt to release the hostages through a comprehensive agreement," said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is one of 20 living hostages in the Gaza Strip, in her speech. "It turned the most justified war into a false one."

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"We will bring the country to a standstill," she said.

The aunt of Israeli-German hostage Alon Ohel pleaded for his rescue, describing his dire condition: "He is bound in chains, severely wounded, and likely to lose his sight. He is suffering from severe head injuries and shrapnel throughout his body, and he is alone. He is hungry, hot and gasping for breath. His life is in imminent danger  save him!"

During a rally at Hostage Square, the sister of an agricultural student from Nepal abducted to Gaza during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023, spoke publicly for the first time. Fighting back tears, she said the family has received no sign of life from him for almost two years.

Several former Hamas hostages, released during a ceasefire in the spring, held a banner reading: "Bring them home now!"

Big trade union sympathetic but not on strike

Although the powerful Histadrut trade union federation did not join the strike, it expressed understanding for the action.

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Numerous businesses and municipalities went on strike as a show of solidarity. The two major theatres in Tel Aviv also halted their performances.

More than 30 arrests were reported across Israel on Sunday.

In Jerusalem, water cannons were used against protesters. The organization representing the families of the hostages had called for a nationwide strike on Sunday, the start of Israel's working week.

Actress Gal Gadot meets with hostage relatives

Israeli Hollywood actress Gal Gadot, 40, also visited the square in Tel Aviv to meet with relatives of the hostages. A video shared by the Hostage Families Forum showed Gadot comforting the wife of a hostage, holding her hands with a smile and then embracing her tightly.

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According to Israeli information, of the 50 abducted individuals, only 20 are still alive.

Plans to expand Gaza offensive

The Israeli government is preparing to expand its offensive in the Gaza Strip in the coming weeks. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the war has already killed around 62,000 Palestinians.

Israel's stated goal with the new offensive is to capture Gaza City and other areas of the coastal territory, in order to crush Hamas' remaining strongholds.

Authorities have begun planning the relocation of civilians. The Israeli military body COGAT announced on X that deliveries of tents and other shelter equipment would resume on Sunday as part of preparations for evacuations from combat zones.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over ending the war and releasing the hostages have so far failed.
Trump ultra-loyalist and far-right activist Laura Loomer is claiming credit for a snap State Department decision to freeze visitor visas for Gazans.

On Friday, Loomer reposted a video from HEAL Palestine showing injured Gazan children being brought to the United States for medical care.

I have obtained video footage of Palestinians who claim to be refugees from Gaza coming into the United States via San Francisco and Houston, Texas this month, Loomer posted on X, calling it a national security threat.

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Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US under the Trump admin? Loomer wrote. Who signed off on these visas? They should be fired.

The State Department announced it was halting all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza on X Saturday, saying it is conducting a full and thorough review of the process for granting them.

EXCLUSIVE:



Despite the US saying we are not accepting Palestinian refugees into the United States under the Trump administration, I have obtained video footage of Palestinians who claim to be refugees from Gaza coming into the United States via San Francisco and Houston, Texas pic.twitter.com/tV96TOZRi2  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) August 15, 2025

Loomer claimed credit for the State Departments decision.

Today, I saved so many American citizens from being killed by pro-HAMAS jihadis, Loomer wrote. God only knows how many lives I personally saved today by blowing the whistle on rogue actors at State Department giving visas to Gazan families.

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Its amazing how fast we can get results from the Trump administration, she added.

New York Times journalist Hamed Aleaziz reported that Loomer claims she spoke directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about what she described as the threat of Islamic invasion via the humanitarian visa program.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days.  Department of State (@StateDept) August 16, 2025

British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan wrote on X in response to the report that, if both Trump and Rubio are taking advice from Loomer, We are f---ed as a country.

Speaking on Sundays Face the Nation, Rubio claimed numerous congressional offices had shown evidence that groups bragging about acquiring the visas to the U.S. have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas.

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We are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas, Rubio said. There was just a small number of them issued to children, but they come with adults accompanying them obviously. And we are going to pause this program and re-evaluate how those visas are being vetted and and what relationship, if any, has there been by these organizations to the to the process of acquiring those visas. Were not going to be in partnership with groups that have links or sympathies towards Hamas.

While she is not a government employee, Loomers lobbying has influenced a number of the Trump administrations key policy and personnel decisions. She has been credited with the ouster of at least 16 staffers, including six aides on Trumps National Security Council, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong.

President Donald Trump has previously described her as a fantastic woman, a true patriot.

HEAL Palestinewhich claims to have brought 62 children from Gaza to the United States for medical caredescribes itself as a non-political, non-profit organization founded in January 2024 in response to the unimaginable devastation in Gaza.

Laura Loomer took credit for the State Department's decision to suspend medical-humanitarian visas for Gazans. God only knows how many lives I personally saved today,

According to Loomer, their work is not charitable but serves as a covert means to facilitate chain migration.

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There are people who want to invade our country and bring HAMAS supporters to our country under the guise of humanitarianism, Loomer wrote.

More than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since the violence in the territory broke out in October 2023.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer is taking a victory lap for a new State Department policy decision: halting all visitor visas from Gaza.

The State Department announced Saturday it was stopping the visas for people from Gaza, one day after Loomer posted a series of videos capturing alleged flights bringing people from the territory to the United States. She questioned why they were allowed into the country, and demanded that whoever approved their visas be fired.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the State Department said in a statement Saturday.

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In a social media post, the conservative firebrand celebrated the departments decision as fantastic news, noting that it was made following the release of my reports yesterday exposing flights of GAZANS arriving at airports all across the US.

She added: Hopefully all GAZANS will be added to President Trumps travel ban. There are doctors in other countries. The US is not the worlds hospital!

Laura Loomer is taking credit for the State Department's decision to halt visitor visas for people from Gaza, which was made one day after she went on a posting spree, highlighting children seeking medical treatment in the U.S. (Getty Images)

The Independent has asked the State Department whether Loomer had any influence on the decision.

Throughout the day Friday, Loomer posted videos allegedly showing people from Gaza arriving at airports across the U.S., including Seattle, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Houston, in the past few weeks. The videos were originally posted by HEAL Palestine, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering urgent and long-term support to Palestinian children and families.

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The videos, posted by HEAL Palestines Instagram account, show children coming to the U.S. for medical treatment. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war in Gaza since Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, according to Gazas Health Ministry last month.

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the U.S. temporarily. The B-1 visa covers business, and the B-2 visa is for tourism which includes medical treatment, according to the State Department.

In one heart-wrenching example, a 14-year-old girl, who arrived in San Francisco this month, was injured when a school that her displaced family was using as shelter was bombed. She sustained second-and third-degree burns across her body and face, shrapnel wounds to her head and leg, and is still living with embedded fragments, the nonprofit wrote in an August 6 post. The child also suffers from malnutrition, weighing just 20 kilograms, or 44 pounds.

The Independent has asked the nonprofit for comment on Loomers posts.

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Who from the State Department is assisting Heal Palestine? Loomer wrote in a Friday social media post. Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the U.S. under the Trump admin?

She continued: This is a national security threat. We didnt vote for more Islamic immigration into the United States. Who signed off on these visas? They should be fired.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer has demanded the Trump administration fire certain staffers  and occasionally those people have been terminated (Getty Images)

Loomers posts picked up some traction, including from GOP members of Congress.

Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy remarked Friday: Deeply concerned about the incoming flights - including to Texas - allegedly filled with folks from Gaza as reported by @LauraLoomer. Inquiring.

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Florida Republican Congressman Randy Fine similarly said he was troubled by Loomers report. If true, this is absolutely unacceptable. My office will be working with the relevant authorities to confirm the truth, understand how it happened, and seek immediate expulsion, he wrote on X Friday.

After the State Departments announcement Saturday, Fine gave Loomer a pat on the back. Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura, he wrote on X.

The far-right activist seems to have some sway within the Trump administration as a pattern seems to have emerged. Not long after Loomer makes an online complaint, a change seems to happen within the administration.

Last month, Loomer boasted after Maurene Comey, who prosecuted Jeffrey Epsteins former girlfriend and sex offender, Ghislaine Maxwell, and music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, was fired from the Justice Department.

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After she was terminated, Loomer took a victory lap, writing on X: This comes 2 months after my pressure campaign on Pam Blondi [sic] to fire Comeys daughter and Comeys son-in-law from the DOJ.

In May, Loomer urged President Donald Trump to pick a new nominee for surgeon general after she called his pick, Janette Nesheiwat, not ideologically aligned with Donald Trump or his admins health initiatives. The president later withdrew Nesheiwats nomination.

In April, Loomer met with Trump, urging him to fire members of the National Security Council who had been disloyal to him. Not long after, the president terminated several NSC staff.

Its not clear how much Loomers demands played a role in the decisions. Asked how many staffing decisions shes had a hand in, Loomer told the New York Times last month: I dont even knowI really enjoy and take great pleasure in humiliating people who suck at their job.
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Two men were arrested on Thursday for allegedly hitting each other with objects inside a home and biting each other, according to an arrest report from the Laurel County Sheriffs Office (LCSO).

Deputies posted on Facebook that Joseph Curry, 51, and Autin Miller, 20, were arrested on Curry Road, nine miles east of London.

Deputies had reportedly been dispatched in response to reports of a domestic assault in the area. When they were called to come outside, Curry and Miller complied and allegedly confessed to hitting each other with objects from inside the home, and said they had bitten one another.

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Curry was arrested and taken to Saint Joseph Hospital in London out of precaution due to a head injury. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center on Aug. 15. Miller was arrested and lodged in jail on Friday. The pair was charged with fourth-degree assaultdomestic violence with minor injury.

Curry and Miller were released on Friday, per jail records. They are due in court at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
After having custodial jobs vacant for up to 18 months, Lee County Schools will begin using a third party service for such.

Thats the word from Superintendent Chris Dossenbach, who addressed the topic at the Aug. 12 school board meeting.

He said LCS will use Environmental Service Systems of Charlotte for positions that have been open for six, 12 or 18 months.

Dossenbach said hes not a fan of outsourcing, but noted there is a place for it in certain circumstances.

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ESS agreed to not pay their employees more than LCS employees make in those positions and will require that their employees become licensed to drive a bus, he said, adding that the outsourcing was one recommendation from a 2023 audit.

The district pays $15 an hour starting out for custodial/bus driver positions, LCS spokesman James Alverson said in an email.

Dossenbach noted that Wednesday, Aug. 13, was the first day of school for most students.

Board member Eric Davidson asked about how the district would receive funds from Lee County Commissioner Taylor Vorbeck, who on June 16 said she would forego her $12,739 commissioners salary for fiscal 2025-26, minus some for health insurance, and redirect it to help some of the losses in our school system.

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LCS Chief Finance Officer Kelly Jones said the donation would come before the school board for approval.

Keep me updated, said Davidson, who also on June 16 told the county commissioners that they could keep his 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.

The COLAs have not been implemented yet because the school district is waiting for final passage of the 2025-26 state budget, Jones said.

Also in regard to state matters, board attorney Stephen Rawson noted that if the state House overrides Gov. Josh Steins veto of Senate Bill 227, it would impact some of the districts policies.

The bill would eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in public education.

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A veto override needs 60% to pass in both the Senate and House. It already was overridden in the Senate by a vote of 30-19, with no Democrats in favor and one absent.

At least one Democrat in the House would need to vote in favor of the override for it to pass if all Republicans vote yes. The vote during the regular session was 67-48 with four Republicans and one Democrat absent. No Democrats voted in favor.

As part of new business, the board voted unanimously to approve a $918,625 contract with CRA Associates of Chapel Hill for design, development and construction administration for a new school bus garage.

The garage is planned for completion in two years with a budget of $13.5 million.
The State Emergency Operations Centre, Dehradun, on Sunday advised the District Magistrates of Dehradun, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Uttarkashi districts to take precautions, anticipating the risk of waterlogging and floods due to heavy rainfall. The State Emergency Operations Centre, in an official letter, advised the authorities to keep the traffic controlled while maintaining preparedness and security at every level. In case of any motor road getting obstructed, NH PWD, PMGSY, ADB, BRO, WB, CPWD, etc. will ensure its immediate opening. In case of any disaster/accident, immediate action should be taken on the spot, and information should be exchanged immediately. All the officers and departmental nodal officers nominated for disaster management IRS system will remain on high alert, the letter said. All the Revenue Sub Inspectors, Village Development Officers, and Village Panchayat Officers will remain in their deployment areas. According to the letter, all outposts and police stations were instructed to remain on high alert, equipped with disaster-related supplies and wireless sets. Issuing an advisory to officers involved in disaster management, the letter stated that during the said period, the mobile/phone of any officer/employee will not remain switched off. Officers will take appropriate action to keep rain coats, umbrellas, torches, helmets and some other essential equipment and materials in their vehicles. Arrangements for food and medical aid should be made in case people are stranded during the said period. Caution should be taken in schools for the safety of students. During warnings of abnormal weather and heavy rainfall, tourists should not be allowed to travel in the high Himalayan regions, the letter said. District Information Officers of the concerned districts will ensure to disseminate the above warnings/information to the general public through visual and print media, and the general public should be informed not to come out of the house unnecessarily during this period. Ensure proper arrangement of equipment in advance on the routes sensitive to landslides, the State Emergency Operations Centre advised. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for a persistent flash flood threat in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi districts, while there is a flash flood risk in Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Tehri Garwal. (ANI)
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Mexico City West Mission president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was injured in a shooting at their home early Saturday morning.

Church spokesman Sam Penrod says mission president R. Tyler Wallis was shot once by an intruder during an attempted robbery at their residence at approximately 2 a.m. Saturday morning. His wife, Sister Elizabeth Wallis, was not injured.

President R. Tyler Wallis and Sister Elizabeth Wallis, leaders of the Mexico City West Mission (Courtesy: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

President Wallis is currently in the hospital in Mexico City and is in stable condition. Penrod says President Wallis is responding well to treatment and that Sister Wallis is being supported by the Mexico Area Presidency, who is also helping to oversee the missionaries, all of whom are safe. The Church is cooperating with local authorities during the investigation.

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Our prayers are with President and Sister Wallis, their family members, and the missionaries during this challenging time, Penrod says. The Church is grateful for the thousands of missionaries and their leaders serving as volunteers throughout the world to extend the love and peace that the Savior Jesus Christ offers to each of us.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The families had each been so optimistic about the small private school housed in an Oak Park mansion with a castle-like design reminiscent of Hogwarts.

The Language and Music School advertised a year round homeschool in school style of education where children could learn at their own pace, using a curriculum tailored to their needs and interests  a Spanish-immersive alternative to the perceived rigidness of the public school system.

Finding it, said one mother, felt like magic.

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Soon, though, five of these families started to ask themselves whether theyd made a mistake.

Some parents said their kids had described being left unsupervised or in the care of older students who exposed them to video games the parents felt were too mature.

Some began to doubt whether their children were getting the high-quality education they expected after paying thousands of dollars a year.

One couple told the Tribune they felt devastated by how the school handled their 4-year-old daughters allegation that an instructor behaved inappropriately with her.

And some said they felt excluded from the school, discouraged from visiting or meeting with the instructors, whose photos on the schools website were listed by first names only.

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It was like a black hole, said Bao Dang, who along with his wife, Elizabeth Diaz, sent their two young children to the school until November 2023. Id leave the kids at the door and then I wouldnt know what our kids would do in there.

These five disillusioned families pulled their children out of the school in 2022 and 2023, motivated, they said, by fears for their kids safety and concerns with the schools practices and what they felt was its lack of transparency.

They have since come to question whether the state is doing enough to keep watch over how this kind of school is run. Illinois does not require private schools serving children and teens to be licensed or register with the state  a fact some parents said came as a surprise.

How is it possible that a school like this  can function with no regulation? Diaz asked.

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Illinois law allows nonprofit private schools to register voluntarily with the state or seek state recognition, giving the Illinois State Board of Education the power to review some of a schools practices. But state law bars for-profit operations such as The Language and Music School from doing either.

These omissions create such a blind spot for regulators that state officials say they dont know how many students attend Illinois schools run on a for-profit basis. By contrast, for-profit private universities that largely serve adults are tracked and regulated by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

How many parents are unaware of what theyre giving up in that regulatory oversight? asked Betsy Goulet, a Child Welfare League of America senior fellow and retired University of Illinois Springfield professor who has worked in child protection fields for nearly four decades. Are they taking for granted that they have that kind of recourse if something happens or that theres an expectation there is some accountability when something happens?

Former state Sen. Ed Maloney, who co-sponsored the 2004 law creating the registration system for nonprofit private K-12 schools, said prohibiting for-profit private schools from registering wasnt the intention and called the omission a loophole. If the curriculum is not at all regulated, they can teach anything, Maloney said.

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Some state lawmakers backed legislation this spring that would have changed rules around homeschooling in Illinois and required private schools to register with the state. But the session expired without action on the bill, which faced stiff opposition over concerns about government overreach. And that bill, like other existing state laws, applied only to nonprofit private schools.

In written responses to Tribune questions, conveyed through its attorney, The Language and Music School said it does not shun government oversight and it complies with all relevant ordinances, including local fire, safety and building regulations. It said it would immediately seek recognition from the state if the law were changed to allow it to do so.

The school said it offers rigorous academic and artistic instruction within a highly personalized, small group setting, combining academics with immersive language, music, and enrichment. Any allegations regarding inadequate supervision or limited access are false, it said. The school said it meets with students and parents whenever concerns are raised and takes a collaborative and transparent approach to finding solutions when needed.

LMS educators remain consistently present, creating an environment of safety, attentiveness, and trust, while empowering students to grow in independence and emotional maturity, the school said, adding that the school has a camera system that helps ensure transparency, safety, and accountability.

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It also said it cooperated fully with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigation into the 4-year-old girls allegation about the instructor, which concluded the allegation was unfounded.

The school has taken aggressive legal action since parents began voicing their concerns to the Tribune, sending cease-and-desist letters in May that demanded several families retract their statements to reporters.

In July, as the Tribune moved ahead with plans to publish this story, the school sued three of the families. The suits say the parents owe thousands of dollars in unpaid tuition accrued after they took their children out of school.

The Tribune also spoke to several parents who praised The Language and Music School enthusiastically, saying their children have thrived under founder Maria Emilia Fermis tutelage and care. They specifically extolled the schools nontraditional approach to education, Fermis nurturing of their childrens interests and her regular communications.

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But for others, their sense of disappointment and betrayal lingers.

A vision-driven school

What is now The Language and Music School began in the early 1990s in Fermis apartment, where students met for after-school lessons in Spanish and music.

Fermi studied piano and music instruction in her native Argentina before coming to the United States. An online biography says her family is connected to Chicago through her grandfathers cousin, famed physicist Enrico Fermi.

The school moved in 1994 to a storefront on North Oak Park Avenue, offering after-school music lessons and language tutoring. Parents could take classes with their kids. Over the years, the offerings grew: More languages. More instruments. A summer camp. A preschool. An elementary school.

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In a 2019 interview for an education podcast, Fermi and her son Brando Crawford, the schools co-director and administrator, said their decision to expand to kindergarten through eighth grade was due, in part, to one student. He excelled in Spanish and music while in their pre-kindergarten program, they said, but seemed to regress in those areas once he started kindergarten at a public school.

Fermi said she saw in that child her own childhood experience of losing her creative spark to the rigor of school. I couldnt let it happen, she told the interviewer.

Students in her school would be grouped by interest, not age, and would be taught how to master a subject without concern for grades. Fermi would be the lead teacher with instruction augmented by tutors, some of whom would provide after-school lessons.

If were gonna teach math, its gonna be taught by an architect, Crawford said on the podcast. And were gonna build things and were going to measure and theyre going to be able to be proud of some achievement, not some abstract letter grade.

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Fermi and Crawford have done numerous media interviews in the last six years touting the school and its nontraditional approach to learning. Their philosophy is not unlike that of the homeschool proponents in Illinois who have long argued to state lawmakers that some children simply dont thrive under orthodox teaching methods and regulations.

We are trying to revolutionize education, Crawford said in a 2019 interview with the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest. Not everyone succeeds in traditional schools with a student-teacher ratio of 30 to 1. We wanted to create something for those others and make it affordable.

A year later, he sat down for a YouTube interview with the India-based site The Enigmatic Creation and continued promoting his educational approach, which Crawford said was influenced by Sal Khan, founder of the online education site Khan Academy, and author and lecturer Sir Ken Robinson, whose 2006 TED Talk, Do schools kill creativity? has been played more than 78 million times and served as a rallying cry for some homeschooling proponents.

I do consider myself a pioneer in alternate education, Crawford said. That wouldnt be the case if it wasnt for my mother.

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To further their vision, Fermi and Crawford moved the school to the 9,249-square-foot Hales Mansion. County records show they purchased the mansion in May 2019 for close to $1.6 million. They renamed it the International Mansion.

Some families told the Tribune they were impressed by the schools stately setting, its emphasis on Spanish, its small size  the school said it typically caps enrollment at 20 students  and its flexible schedule that fit their busy lives. They liked Fermi, her credentials and her educational philosophy, that she texted updates on what their kids were learning.

The school advertises a monthly tuition that exceeds $2,600, though it says that rate is regularly reduced through scholarships.

Several parents who spoke with the Tribune said they were happy with the education their children were receiving and trusted instructors with their care.

Franklin Park resident Keri-Ann Wenckowski said her daughter, now 13, has attended since the girl was about 5 months old. She said she wanted a place where her daughter would be free to develop her interests, and thats what shes found at the school under Fermis leadership.

When, for example, her daughter started listening to Korean pop music, or K-pop, Fermi brought in someone to teach Korean.

She really takes these kids as individuals and nurtures them, said Wenckowski, who owns a tattoo shop with her husband. Theyre still following English and history and math, but theres room in their life and schedule to have what a lot of other schools consider extracurricular.

Chicago resident Robin Queen said her 8-year-old daughter is leaving the school after six years but only because the family is moving to another country.

I think its a wonderful place to be a kid, said Queen, a retired Illinois State Police detective. I wish I was a kid in that school. We feel really fortunate to have found it.

Queen said she and her spouse have been able to meet with Fermi and Crawford whenever theyve wanted and they are satisfied with the school-day updates Fermi sends to parents.

But I do understand its different, its more like a homeschool-type thing, she said of other parents concerns. I think thats the crux of it. Some parents are just not comfortable with it being so untraditional.

For Diaz and Dang, the schools nontraditional approach to education had been a selling point.

The couple said Fermi and Crawford had described how students would be immersed in Spanish and music and treated to impromptu piano concerts from instructors. They said they were told their son would get to bake cookies in the mansions kitchen and play in its sprawling, gated yard. Flexible drop-off and pick-up times were offered, which appealed to Diaz, a licensed clinical social worker, and Dang, an emergency room physician.

Now that I think in hindsight, theyre just throwing all these things at us, Diaz said. I feel so silly. They say its too good to be true. Maybe it is?

Some parents uneasy

A young relative of Diazs had previously been enrolled at The Language and Music School, and according to his mother the experience was not always positive.

She said she and her husband were concerned because it seemed to them that their son, at age 6, would spend chunks of the day watching videos or playing video games with an eighth grader they said he idolized.

Wed say constantly, we dont want him exposed to these things. We dont want him to have access to this, said the father, who asked for anonymity to protect the childs identity. He said their concerns were initially dismissed. The couple said the school eventually restricted their sons access to those games after the parents persisted.

Still, Diaz and her husband felt there was a lot to like about the school, and they enrolled their toddler son in May 2021. He went one hour a week for an enrichment program. Eventually his younger brother joined him at the school.

When their older son approached age 3, the couple said they were told he could attend full time. They were uncertain, but they said Fermi reassured them he was gifted and ready.

As time passed, concerns grew on the part of both couples.

Diazs relative told the Tribune her child started coming home with bruises he said were inflicted by other students  one classmate punched him in the face, he told his mom. He also said another child hit him during a fight scene in an acting class led by a boy twice his age, with no adult present.

When his parents questioned Fermi, they said she dismissed their sons injuries  boys like to roughhouse  and assured them she always had eyes on the kids.

Diaz and her husband said they had to ask repeatedly before they were able to meet some of their kids instructors. When they eventually were invited to sit down with three of their older sons tutors, each conversation was limited to 15 minutes, they said.

Another couple whose children once attended the school told the Tribune their kids described younger students being left in their strollers for large chunks of time and older children spending most of their school days on tablets, unsupervised. The couple asked for anonymity because they said they feared retaliation from the school.

I didnt think the kids were developing or evolving as much as they should have, one of the parents said. I cant tell you how defeating or frustrating it is to pay this tuition, to pick up your (child) and the highlights are playing on an iPad or watching someone else play on an iPad. Thats what Im sending you to school for?

The couple also said they were not allowed into the mansion when picking up their children and were never able to interact with staff. They decided to leave the school in 2023.

A different parent, who also asked for anonymity to protect her childrens identities, told the Tribune her kids described situations that she felt reflected lax adult supervision. One example involved an older boy who, they said, was able to drive a riding lawnmower around the mansion grounds while other kids clung to the mower, without an adult present. That plus other concerns led her and her husband to take their kids out of the school in 2022, the woman said.

In the schools written responses, delivered by attorney Zaria Udeh, the school acknowledged it had permitted supervised child-led play involving non-operational riding equipment for brief activities but said an adult was present.

This event, while not typical, was part of LMSs creative engagement philosophy, not a lapse in supervision, the school wrote.

The school called all of the other allegations false, saying that it accommodated parents requests for communication and meetings with instructors and that it does not use strollers or allow unsupervised screen time. Students are encouraged to collaborate with one another in a healthy, age-appropriate way, but they are never supervised by other students, it said.

Diaz and Dang said they withdrew their children from the school around November 2023 but continued to pay tuition until they sent an exit letter to Fermi and Crawford on Dec. 10, 2023.

In it they detailed their concerns, writing that they had asked themselves if the school could be a safe environment for their children.

The answer is no, they wrote. We believe that many of these issues are a product of how the school is structured.

Putting eyes on kids

Several parents who took their kids out of the school told the Tribune they assumed it had some form of state licensing or accreditation.

It never occurred to me or us to look into it, said one of the parents who spoke anonymously to the Tribune and who no longer send their children to the school. I dont know if it was being oblivious, or not wanting to send my kids elsewhere. We thought they were doing well, so we never questioned that.

Registration gives the state board access to basic data about the school, such as enrollment and staff numbers, and requires schools to provide assurances that they are observing laws dealing with immunizations, building safety and other issues. Recognition is a more involved process that requires a visit to the school to review its policies, student and staff files and safety records.

To be registered, a private nonprofit school also must provide assurances to the state superintendent that the school has at least 176 days of pupil attendance and 800 per-pupil hours of instruction. The school must provide assurances of instruction in language arts, math, biological, physical and social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health. Schools also must comply with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination while providing evidence that students are complying with immunization requirements and other health laws.

Nonprofit schools can also seek recognition, which sets higher standards. In addition to the requirements for registration, the school must also document to the state superintendent that it is complying with the requirements of the state Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, among other rules. The school must also have written descriptions of its governance structure and policymaking procedures. State law also sets standards for teachers to have certain educational credentials or training.

State officials visit the school, review its documentation and evaluate its application. The school can be placed on probation if there are health hazards or other dangers, if it hires people who lack the required qualifications or if it fails to comply with state rules in other ways. The school can request a hearing if it is recommended for nonrecognition.

Private schools are not required to register or seek recognition to operate in Illinois. And The Language and Music School pointed out to the Tribune that, under current state law, it cannot register or seek recognition because it is not set up as a nonprofit.

This spring, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard was the lead sponsor of a bill that would have required nonprofit private schools to register with the state. Proponents called it a first step toward greater transparency and accountability  eyes on kids, as she put it.

Costa Howard said she plans to bring the legislation back for reconsideration.

Nobody wants to prohibit unique opportunities, said Costa Howard, a Democrat from the west suburbs. But we want to know they exist and we want to make sure kids are getting a good education.

Asked if her bill would also address for-profit schools, Costa Howard said the situation at The Language and Music School is rare but she would consider whether it makes sense to include such schools in the bill or craft different legislation.

Some private schools also choose to seek accreditation from independent organizations that set standards around school policies, leadership, staffing, curriculum and other areas.

In a 2019 Facebook post about the schools move to the mansion, Crawford mentioned accreditation provided through an organization called AdvancEd. A resource guide from the Oak Park-based nonprofit Collaboration for Early Childhood also listed the school as having AdvancEd accreditation.

A spokesperson for the accrediting organization, now called Cognia, told the Tribune the Oak Park school applied twice for accreditation but never completed the requirements. The school, she added, has never been accredited by Cognia.

The school told the Tribune it made initial steps to receive the accreditation but chose not to continue after AdvancEd became Cognia, citing concerns about post-pandemic quality control and cost. The Facebook post, it said, was never intended to mislead, but rather to show that LMS was formally engaged in the accreditation process with that specific organization.

The school also said Collaboration for Early Childhood published the accreditation information prematurely. The collaborations executive director said the information came from the school and she could find no record that the school had asked to change it.

The school noted it legally does not have to be accredited but after repeated questions said it has had an accreditation relationship since 2019 with an Oak Park consultant whose LinkedIn page says her firm offers professional management services to corporations and nonprofit organizations in education and other areas.

In a statement released through the school, the consultant said her work with the school includes weekly student engagement, observation of instructional practices, and the submission of regular written evaluations. The consultant said she has accredited the school as meeting appropriate academic and developmental standards for private K-12 education based on that work.

My reviews follow evidence-based standards consistent with national evaluation frameworks and educational research, she wrote in response to Tribune questions.

She did not address whether she has accredited other schools.

The National Council for Private School Accreditation told the Tribune the relationship appears to function more as a consulting arrangement than a formal accreditation process.

Accreditation is a voluntary peer review process conducted by a team of qualified educators who are independent of the schools daily operations, the group said. These teams evaluate the schools alignment with established standards and provide objective recommendations and commendations.

A report to DCFS

A Northwest Side family told the Tribune they had looked at maybe a half-dozen schools for gifted students before deciding to send their 4-year-old daughter to The Language and Music School in September 2023.

Oh wow, the girls mother remembered thinking. Finally we found it.

As the weeks went by, though, they said they grew uneasy. Their daughter was unusually temperamental, they told the Tribune, and she didnt seem to be making progress on basics such as reading. When her parents asked what she did in school, the normally talkative little girl gave the same one-word answer: nothing.

Worry turned to panic on Dec. 14, 2023, when they say their daughter told them an instructor had kissed her on the mouth and asked her to pull down her pants.

Wounded and confused by her account, the girls parents reported the allegation to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Oak Park Police Department that same day.

The Tribune is not identifying the instructor because that person has not been charged with a crime. According to DCFS records obtained by the parents and shared with the Tribune, the instructor denied wrongdoing when questioned by an agency investigator. The instructor did not respond to interview requests from the Tribune.

The state agency facilitated an interview at a childrens advocacy center between the girl and a trained specialist before closing its case as unfounded in May 2024, citing a lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the girls account. Oak Park police cited the DCFS interview and lack of other evidence as the reasons for closing their own case that February.

The school said it complied with the DCFS investigation and hired an investigator who also deemed the girls allegation to be unfounded. It said Fermis communication with the family was professional and calm under pressure, attempting to express concern for all parties, especially given that the individual in question had no prior incidents and the school had immediate access to security footage that could address the claim.

The girls parents  who did not allow their daughter to return to the school after the allegation  have a far more critical version of events.

Hours after they contacted DCFS and police, the parents met with Fermi at the International Mansion. They said they hoped to hear the school director say she would launch an investigation into their daughters allegation and, in doing so, ensure all students were safe.

I was expecting at least someone impartial, said the girls mother, whom the Tribune is not naming to protect her daughters identity.

Instead, the parents told the Tribune, they heard Fermi attempt to discredit their daughter, telling them the little girl was so smart that she could create those types of stories. They said Fermi assured them she was always with their daughter, to the envy of other students, and that the instructor, whom Fermi had known for years, could not have done such a thing.

If their daughter had made up the allegation, they remembered saying to Fermi, then they would get her professional help. If she hadnt, theyd seek justice. Either way, they first needed to know the truth.

According to the DCFS records the parents later obtained, Fermi spoke with a DCFS investigator on Dec. 15, the day after the girls abuse allegation was reported.

In that interview, the records state, Fermi said the girls mother had told her that the girls previous school did not want her. The DCFS investigator also wrote that Fermi said the girl hit and threw things, was unable to stay in class for more than 10 minutes, screamed and acted aggressively, lied and did not want to go home.

The girls parents told the Tribune that Fermi never discussed any such behavioral issues with them. And the director of the girls previous school, Montessori Dual Language Academy in Forest Park, told the Tribune neither she nor other staff members experienced any issues with the girl or her parents in the six months she was there.

Viola Vaughan-Eden, a professor with more than three decades of experience in the fields of social work and child abuse prevention, said Fermis comments, as described, were troubling.

I would be very concerned at how the school is managed if thats your approach to children and families, said Vaughan-Eden, director of the Ph.D. social work program at Norfolk State University in Virginia.

In its written responses to the Tribune, the school said Fermi has never discouraged anyone from making a report in good faith. Any comments to the DCFS investigator reflected truthful, relevant information obtained from multiple sources and were given to provide essential behavioral context, not to blame the child.

It also said it had offered the family the opportunity to review security footage that could address the claim, but the family never did so. The parents told the Tribune they werent sure they could trust the footage and they eventually stopped communicating with the school on the advice of legal counsel.

Trying to move forward

The girls abuse allegation rocked everyones world, said Queen, one of the parents who expressed support for the school. She said she was ultimately reassured that the school handled it properly.

We were very cautious and we really relied at that point on the DCFS investigators and how they handled it and how the school handled it, Queen said. From what we understood, none of it was substantiated at all, the allegations that were made. We talked to our daughter. Other parents talked to their kids. There were some older kids, they never saw anything. My daughter is extremely comfortable there.

Three of the families who spoke to the Tribune about withdrawing their children from the school, including Diaz and Dang, left before the allegation came to light. The family related to Diaz had already been looking to change schools and told the school two weeks afterward that their son would no longer be a student there.

Diaz and her husband have since found a more traditional preschool for their children.

It is exactly how a good preschool should run, she said. Ive never been more thankful to receive packets and packets of DCFS regulations and all of these procedures and processes.

Diaz said she chose to speak out about the Oak Park school to bring awareness to what she sees as the states lax regulation of nonpublic schools.

The school accused Diaz of having a different motive, alleging in its written responses to the Tribune that it had declined to enter into a business relationship with Diaz as a licensed clinical social worker. The school said Diaz had proposed implementing her published curriculum and that the school ultimately decided not to proceed with pursuing the curriculum through contracting with her.

In a Tribune interview, Diaz said she never sought paid work with the school nor did she seek compensation for the presentation she gave to Fermi and Crawford on child sexual abuse prevention  something shes done for other educators in her role as a social worker.

In May, Udehs law firm sent cease-and-desist letters on behalf of The Language and Music School to several of the families who shared their stories with the Tribune. The letters demanded that the families retract any statements made to reporters. They also accused the families of trying to interfere with the schools business and, in the case of the family of the young girl and Diaz and Dang, of making a bad faith report to DCFS.

The school also has contended to the Tribune that the Diaz family, her relatives and the girls parents left the school before their annual contracts were up and therefore owe thousands of dollars in unpaid tuition.

In July the school sent letters through Udehs law firm to Diaz and Dang, her relatives and the girls family that demanded payment within seven days or, if they were experiencing financial difficulties, offered to discuss alternative arrangements on the schools behalf. The families shared those letters with the Tribune.

Nearly three weeks later, the school filed lawsuits in Cook County Circuit Court seeking to collect nearly $13,000 from Diazs relatives and roughly $16,000 each from the girls family and from Diaz and Dang.

The three families are being represented by attorney Andrew Horvat, who declined to comment when reached by the Tribune.

After questions from the Tribune about the scope of its investigation, the Oak Park Police Department said it attempted to contact a school official and the accused instructor in April of this year but both declined to be interviewed.

In its response to the Tribune, the school said police arrived unexpectedly and unannounced during dismissal, while students and parents were present. It also said authorities did not provide the reason for their interview request and the school declined to engage with law enforcement.

Last month, the school vowed to pursue all remedies available to it under the law if the Tribune published this story.

Despite the schools legal threats, the families who received the letters told the Tribune they stand by their statements and view the schools actions as an attempt to silence critics.

As for the girls parents, they said theyre still recovering from the trauma of that day in December 2023.

Their daughter is now 6 and doing better, they said. She attends a Chicago public school.
NEED TO KNOW

On Sunday, Aug. 17, multiple people were struck in a shooting incident at Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, New York

According to the New York Police Department, three of the victims died from their injuries, while eight others were taken to the hospital

Police suspect that there were multiple shooters. No arrests have been made at this time

At least three people have died and eight others are injured following a shooting at a restaurant in New York City.

At around 3:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, Aug.17, police received multiple 911 calls about a shooting incident at Taste of the City Lounge on 903 Franklin Avenue in Brooklyn, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced in a press conference.

Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Shooting outside Taste the City Bar and Lounge in Brooklyn, N.Y.C. on Aug. 17 Shooting outside Taste the City Bar and Lounge in Brooklyn, N.Y.C. on Aug. 17

The gunshot victims identified by officers at the location included eight men and three women aged between 27 and 61, said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tish in the conference.

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Of the 11 victims, a 27-year-old man, a 35-year-old man and a third man of an unknown age died from their injuries. The eight remaining victims were sent to local hospitals. Their conditions remain unknown at this time.

Google Maps Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, N.Y.C. Taste of the City Lounge in Brooklyn, N.Y.C.

Police suspect that multiple shooters were involved in the incident. Detectives are examining CCTV footage from the location to determine those who were involved in the incident.

Footage obtained by The U.S. Sun shows several police cars at the location where the shooting took place and crime tape sectioning off surrounding areas.

At least 36 shell casings were discovered in the restaurant amid the police investigation, Tish said in the NYPD press conference. Detectives also recovered a firearm in the vicinity of Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway and are investigating if it was used in the incident.

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No one has been taken into custody at this time.

Getty An NYPD police car (stock image) An NYPD police car (stock image)

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We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year weve seen on record in the city of New York, Tisch said in the news conference. Something like this is, of course, thank God, an anomaly and its a terrible thing thats happened this morning.

The NYPD and Taste of the City Lounge did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Read the original article on People
Legionnaires disease, a rare but potentially deadly form of pneumonia, is making headlines again as New York City battles an outbreak in Central Harlem.

The outbreak has sickened more than 100 people and killed four others. In recent weeks, cases have also been identified in Michigan, including two deaths.

The disease was named after a mysterious illness that first drew national attention in 1976, when 182 people became ill and 29 died after attending an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. Caused by waterborne bacteria, Legionnaires disease continues to reappear in communities across the U.S. According to Delaware health officials, reported cases of legionellosis have been increasing in both Delaware and nationwide since 2000.

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Experts say awareness is key, especially in states like Delaware that have experienced spikes in the past. Here are five key facts Delawareans should know about the disease:

People stroll around the Josephine Fountain on the opening day of the Brandywine Park Farmers Market, May 3, 2025.

Where is Legionella bacteria found

Legionella is found naturally in freshwater. However, outbreaks usually originate in artificial water systems such as those in hotels, vacation rentals, long-term care facilities and hospitals. The most common culprits are cooling towers, showers, faucets, hot tubs and decorative fountains. Cruise ships have also been linked to outbreaks. Notably, the recent New York City outbreak is not tied to any specific plumbing system, according to city health officials.

How rare is Legionnaires disease?

Each year, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 cases of Legionnaires disease are reported in the U.S., though the actual number may be higher, as some infections go unreported due to mild or no symptoms. Of the reported cases, 5% to 15% are fatal.

STAY INFORMED: What you need to know about Delawares latest laws for renters and the environment

Who is most at risk for Legionnaires disease

Anyone can develop Legionnaires disease, but middle-aged and older adults are most often affected. Other vulnerable groups include smokers, those with chronic lung conditions, people with weakened immune systems, kidney dialysis patients, diabetics and individuals with AIDS. Symptoms commonly include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headache and loss of appetite. Diagnosis requires special laboratory tests and a chest X-ray to confirm pneumonia.

Legionnaires disease symptoms to watch for

The illness typically starts with fever, chills and a cough that may be dry or produce mucus. Other symptoms can include headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite. Because Legionnaires disease causes a type of pneumonia, chest X-rays often reveal lung inflammation. Diagnosis requires special laboratory testing and a chest X-ray to confirm pneumonia.

Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease.

How is Legionnaires disease treated?

Legionnaires disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Doctors often prescribe erythromycin or rifampin. Other medications are available for patients who cannot tolerate these drugs. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.

How to stay informed about Legionnaires disease

While Delaware has avoided recent outbreaks, past spikes show the state is not immune. The Delaware Division of Public Health recorded unusually high case counts in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Residents can learn more about prevention and current case updates through the Delaware Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Facts about Legionnaires disease as cases rise nationally
To the editor: Writing something doesnt make it so ( A climate report without denial and without excessive alarm bells, Aug. 14). There is , in fact, convincing evidence that U.S. hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or droughts have become more frequent or intense in recent decades (note that contributing writer Veronique de Rugy omits mention of fires, where I gather there is even more undeniable evidence). The cost of doing nothing will far exceed the cost of aggressive energy transition and carbon reduction. The fact that the U.S. cannot alone meet this challenge is hardly a reason not to demonstrate global leadership in this context.

Thomas Bliss, Los Angeles

..

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To the editor: Kudos to the Los Angeles Times for printing this column about a fair and balanced assessment of climate change, its effects and what we can do about it. This type of discussion is critical for we the people and our elected representatives to navigate an informed path through the minefield of politicized misinformation about climate change.

Climate change is happening, but it is not the end of the world. Its just another challenge among many in a future faced with water shortages, potential depopulation, war-caused malnutrition, etc.

Misallocation of our time, money and intellectual capital by means of politicized decision-making in facing these various challenges could be disastrous.

Dennis Gimian, Irvine

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..

To the editor: De Rugy mentions the Climate Working Group that wrote the report that Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright commissioned to assess the current state of climate science. Somehow, she fails to name the members of the group. Well, here they are: John Christy, Judith Curry, Steven Koonin, Ross McKitrick and Roy Spencer. Look them up and you will see they live in the world of climate change denial. Given the people chosen for the report, the results should surprise no one. The real harm this report does is to sow further doubt in the mind of the public, thereby delaying actions that would spare us from the worst effects of climate change.

Charles Petithomme, Burbank

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As Liberia's fifth president, Edward Roye, traveled to England with his interior secretary a few months after being sworn in. Many receptions were held to honor Roye during their time in England, according to the English newspapers of the day.

Leaving England in August, the Liberians arrived Aug. 13, 1870, in New York Harbor. However, his return to America as president could hardly be called hospitable.

Licking County history: Edward J. Roye twice ran for president of Liberia in 1867 and 1869

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Several hotels turned down the Liberians when they tried to find a room, according to a story that appeared Aug. 27 in the Vermont Chronicle:

After vain efforts for a long time to find a place for his head, he applied to an official friend who succeeded in procuring quarters for him at the Everett House. Why was he subjected to such annoyance? After a few paragraphs, the writer answered the question himself. Why is this modest Christian man excluded from the public hotel, while the brainless swell of this or any other land, this side of Africa, is obsequiously welcomed? The answer is manifest. President Roye is a black man.

Roye's stay in America did not seem to be affected by this incident. For the next two months, he was asked to speak at numerous events, including a gathering of the African American Masons in Lynchburg, Virginia, and a banquet in New York in honor of the first African American ambassador, Ebenezer D. Bassett, who had been appointed to Haiti.

Local attorney and armchair historian Brandt Smythe in his book "Early Recollections of Newark" added to his misleading history by writing that Roye visited Newark and attended a banquet held in his honor. Supposedly, it was hosted by William Stanberry and attended by numerous Newark officials, including former Mayor Israel Dille and Smythes father.

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While this account contains one piece of truth, it is mostly fiction. After the Civil War, Israel Dille moved from Newark to Washington to work for the Internal Revenue Service. The Sept. 3, 1870, Washington newspaper The Evening Star reported that Dille hosted a reception for President Roye at his home on O Street. Unfortunately, it is a very small story and doesnt provide many details about the event.

Licking County history: Edward J. Roye returned from Liberia with wealth and stories

One thing Roye spoke about to English and American politicians was his desire to construct a railroad through Liberia. He explained that there were no large navigable rivers or canals into the interior of the country, where indigenous and spontaneous wealth cover the ground. The erection of a railroad would do more to break down the barrier of superstition and heathenism than any other means that could be used, and would be the surest way to evangelize and Christianize Africa. Though legislatures in America talked about funding the railroad, it didnt happen.

At the end of September, Roye and his secretary returned to England, where Roye arranged for a loan from England to build his railroad. On Oct. 25, 1870, they sailed home for Liberia. The loan, however, would prove to be a political nightmare for Roye.

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Doug Stout is the local history coordinator for the Licking County Library. You may contact him at 740-349-5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org. His book "Never Forgotten: The Stories of Licking County Veterans" is available for purchase at the library or online at bookbaby.com.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County history: Roye spoke at several events during U.S. visit
NEED TO KNOW

On Sunday, Aug. 17, Hurricane Erin was downgraded to a Category 3 storm after previously reaching a catastrophic Category 5 status

According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane is still expected to produce "life-threatening" conditions in several areas

Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Puerto Rico before possibly reaching in the Southeast Bahamas tonight

Hurricane Erin remains a threat to life despite no longer being a Category 5 storm.

Early morning on Sunday, Aug. 17, the National Hurricane Center downgraded Hurricane Erin as wind speeds eased, according to Reuters and NPR. The tropical storm is still expected to bring poor weather conditions to several locations.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in an updated report that heavy rainfall will continue throughout Puerto Rico, while diminishing over the Virgin Islands today. This will pose a risk of flash flooding and landslides, or mudslides.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are also likely to be hit before the tropical storm moves through the Bahamas from Sunday evening through Tuesday, Aug. 19.

"Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of the Bahamas, much of the East Coast of the U.S., Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days," according to the report.

NOAA via Getty Hurricane Erin crossing the Atlantic Ocean Hurricane Erin crossing the Atlantic Ocean

The storm's rapid intensification makes it "one of the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record, and potentially the fastest intensification rate for any storm earlier than September 1," CNN reported.

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The level of intensification typically happens in September and October, according to the outlet. Rapid intensification is when a hurricane gains at least 35 mph of sustained winds in 24 hours, per NOAA.

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Erin began as a tropical storm that swept through the Cape Verde Islands on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The heavy rainfall and flooding "overwhelmed emergency services and cut key roads in the island located off of West Africa, resulting in nine deaths and 1500 displaced, Reuters reported.

The National Hurricane Center warned that the storm was expected to strengthen as it passed over warm Caribbean waters, according to NPR.

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By Friday, Aug. 15, the storm had strengthened into a hurricane.



This storm comes nearly eight years after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico as a category 4 storm, killing more than 3,000 people and causing an estimated $90 billion in damages.

Courtesy of Kenny Chesney The wreckage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria

Maria struck on Sept. 20, 2017, and quickly became the first hurricane of its strength to hit the island since 1932. Torrential downpour and violent winds ravaged the electrical grid and sent thousands fleeing to the mainland.

Months later, businesses struggled to recover, and residents had difficulty obtaining basic necessities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was heavily criticized after failures resulted in only half of the island able to access clean drinking water, among other essentials.

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Ramon A. Paez Marte, of Canovanas, told NBC News in 2018 that at least seven people he knew died in the hurricanes aftermath, including a man in his 30s, who had been rescuing stranded elderly residents.

He didnt even last one month, Paez Marte said of the young man. He had a wound and when he dove into the flood waters trying to help people, I guess it caught a really bad infection and they couldnt cure it.

According to findings from The New York Times, more than one million people requested help from the agency  and 58 percent were denied.

We all have some sort of [post-traumatic stress disorder]. Its a trauma, San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto told ABC News in 2018. Its not a shock, its a trauma.

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In February of 2018, the Senate reached a two-year budget deal that awarded Puerto Rico almost $16 billion in aid. However, the number falls short of the $94.4 billion figure that officials said they needed to rebuild the island and prevent future devastation, per The New York Times.

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Years later, in 2022, Hurricane Fiona also made landfall in Puerto Rico, bringing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding as the slow-moving Category 1 storm dumped trillions of gallons of water on the island.



Read the original article on People
(FOX40.COM)  The Lincoln Police Department announced a driving under the influence and drivers license checkpoint on Saturday evening at an undisclosed location within the city.

 Video above: States with the most strict DUI laws

Police said the checkpoints will start at 7 p.m. and end early Sunday morning.

According to LPD, the goal is to help drivers learn about the dangers of driving while impaired, remove impaired drivers from the road, and verify drivers proper licenses.

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DUI doesnt just mean alcohol, VPD said. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and cannabis can all impair your ability to drive.

Vacaville police identify man killed near gas station shooting

Officers are asking the community if you are planning to drive or use impaired substances to do the following:

Use a designated driver

Call a rideshare ort taxi

Stay the night

Police stated that this checkpoint is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fresh off President Donald Trump's Friday summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Sen. Lindsey Graham thinks the next phase of American diplomacy over the war in Ukraine needs to target Moscow's pocketbook.

"My advice to President Trump and [Secretary of State Marco Rubio] is, you've got to convince Putin that if this war doesn't end justly and honorably with Ukraine making concessions also, we're going to destroy the Russian economy," the South Carolina Republican told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo on "Sunday Morning Futures." "We have the ability to do it."

Tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy are a key part of the equation, Graham said. A Senate bill he is sponsoring would allow Trump to impose levies of 500 percent on those countries.

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Trump in early August hiked tariffs on India to 50 percent due to the country's purchasing of Russian oil. Graham claimed that it was those sanctions that drove Putin to acquiesce to the Alaska visit. And going after China  another major consumer of Russian oil  could prove even more pivotal, he said.

"If we take it to the next level and tell China you're next, then I think we can have an end to this war," Graham said. "The second most important person on the planet to end this war is President Xi in China. If he went to Putin and said it's time to end this war, I can't help you anymore because you're putting my country at threat, this war would end."

But Trump was far from threatening in his meeting with Putin last week. He rolled out the red carpet for the Russian leader and the two rode together in the presidential limousine. The meeting ended without a ceasefire or even concrete plans for a trilateral talk involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But Graham was quick to attack those who suggested that meant the confab was a failure.

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"To all these media analysts who say this was a bust, that's ridiculous," he said. "We have progress we didn't have before. We have momentum for peace. We'll see where it goes. So I'll leave it up to Trump."

On Sunday, special envoy Steve Witkoff claimed the meeting was a victory, saying that Russia had consented to "Article 5-like protections" for Ukraine at the conclusion of the war.

Zelenskyy  and a selection of European leaders  will journey to Washington on Monday to touch base with Trump on what comes next.

Graham insisted that Europe, too, must be willing to further sanction Russia in a bid to stop the fighting.

"To our European allies, up your game. Quit complaining about what we're not doing in America and do more yourself," he said. "Put tariffs on every country that buys Russian oil and gas cheaply to benefit Putin's war machine. Do what Trump's doing."
It might look like a pickle or simply a brownish lump, but don't let the unassuming appearance of a sea cucumber fool you.

For the coastal ecosystems of the Philippines, the cucumbers are critical for marine life, local economies, and food supplies. But overfishing in the 1970s and '80s depleted their populations, throwing entire ecosystems out of whack well into the 2000s.

To address the problem, an unlikely fleet of heroes has arisen with the development of sea cucumber ranches, the BBC reported. These ranches serve as nurseries and breeding grounds for the marine species from larval through mature ages.

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For perspective, the daily catch per person in the small town of Bolinao was up to 220 pounds a day in the 1980s. By 2002, that had plummeted to fewer than 6 pounds.

"When I was a child, I used to see loads of them, but now that I'm older, they've become so little," said Aweng Caasi, a 61-year-old widow and one of the key ranchers and guardians of the sea cucumbers in Bolinao. "We want to restore them so they can multiply."

The cucumbers are eaten for food and used in medicine, but they provide even more value in their natural environment.

They're often nicknamed the janitors of the sea, cleaning up the seafloor by munching on bacteria and decaying organic matter. This recycles beneficial nutrients into the environment, making waters more hospitable to a variety of fish species.

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They were even found to be linked to lower disease rates among corals, according to a study published in the journal Nature Communications.

Humans benefit tremendously from a healthier marine environment, too. In Bolinao, the reef provides protection from storms, fish to sell and eat, and a major draw for tourists.

"This is a big help for us fisherfolk," Gemma Candelario told BBC. Gemma and Marivic Carolino raise mangroves near Bolinao, and they began monitoring and guarding sea cucumbers in their area in 2022.

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.

"The sea cucumbers would eat waste [cleaning the ecosystem] so that's why more fish would appear. Some fish would lay eggs in our mangroves and other animals would appear such as crabs and shrimp."

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The program is mostly managed by women and children, who raise the cucumbers in hatchery tanks at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) before transferring them to the ranches.

There, they guard their protected areas against poachers. Aweng Caasi, for example, regularly spends hours at a time sitting in a wooden hut over Bolinao's waters.

The program has been tremendously successful; in its first 19 months, the local sea cucumber population grew more than 13 times its original size, from 400 individuals in 2007 to over 5,500 in 2009.

"It makes me happy to see the ones I've cared for grow bigger, and to see more of them," Candelario said. "We've raised thousands and we see them clearly during the monitoring period. I can't help but be glad to see how many they've grown to become."

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Following its remarkable success, the provincial government approved an ordinance in January to officially declare several of the dedicated areas as protected sea cucumber reserves.

The law also prohibited harvesting or trading sea cucumbers below a certain weight to maintain mature reproductive populations.

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.
Animal lovers and rights activists staged a protest in Chennai on Sunday against the Supreme Court's order directing that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be moved to shelters within eight weeks. The protests in Chennai came days after similar demonstrations in the national capital. On Friday, Delhi Police registered four FIRs in connection with protests held by dog lovers without prior permission on August 11 and 12 in the New Delhi district. Police said the demonstrations in Delhi were organised despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, which is currently in force as part of security measures ahead of Independence Day. According to officials, the protests turned unruly when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes at some sites. "Those who refused to leave the protest sites despite repeated requests were detained. Legal action will be taken against all those found violating the law," the Delhi Police said. One viral clip from the protests shows the Station House Officer of Tughlaq Road police station being manhandled by protesters, while another video shows a confrontation between a woman sub-inspector and a female demonstrator inside a bus. The protests followed the Supreme Court's August 11 order directing authorities to ensure that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad are free of stray dogs. The court had ruled that captured animals should not be released back onto the streets. On Thursday, a three-judge bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria reserved its order on petitions seeking a stay on the directive. The bench said it would pass an interim order after hearing arguments from all sides. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi government, said there was a "loud vocal minority" opposing the order, while a "silent suffering majority" supported action. "In a democracy, there is a vocal majority and one who silently suffers. We had seen videos of people eating chicken, eggs, etc., and then claiming to be animal lovers. It was an issue to be resolved. Children were dying... Sterilisation did not stop rabies; even if you immunised them, that did not stop mutilation of children," Mehta submitted. Citing World Health Organisation data, the Solicitor General said 37 lakh dog bites were reported in 2024, with 305 rabies deaths, most among children under 15 years of age. "Dogs do not have to be killed... they have to be separated. Parents cannot send children out to play. Nobody is an animal hater," he added. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing an NGO, questioned whether municipal authorities had created enough shelter homes for the dogs. "Now dogs are picked up. But the order says once they are sterilised, do not leave them out in the community," he argued, seeking a stay on the August 11 order. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also opposed the directive. He said, "Dog bites exist, but there have been zero rabies deaths in Delhi this year. Of course, bites are bad, but you cannot create a horror situation like this." The bench observed that the core problem was the failure of local bodies to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules. Justice Nath remarked, "Rules and laws are framed by the Parliament, but they are not followed. Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. On the one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other hand, animal lovers are here." In its detailed order, the court stressed that the August 11 decision was not taken on a "momentary impulse" but after two decades of authorities failing to address a matter directly affecting public safety. A separate bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Madadev noted that the issue concerns both human welfare and animal welfare. "This is not personal," the bench said. (ANI)
While Saturday's storms thankfully missed areas already hammered by flooding, more rain is coming Monday that could create pockets of flash flooding.

The National Weather Service doesn't yet have a map of rainfall totals from Aug. 16, but initial reports show that areas in southeastern Wisconsin that were hard hit by flooding last weekend got less than a quarter of an inch of new rain.

Those small amounts were "very helpful" in preventing flood conditions from getting worse, NWS meteorologist Marcia Cronce said.

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But another round or two of thunderstorms will develop Sunday. It should stay mostly dry overnight Aug. 17, but most of the rain will fall during the day Monday.

"They will be slow moving and super heavy rainers. That could linger all the way into Monday night," Cronce said.

Milwaukee has a 71% chance of getting at least half an inch of rain now through Tuesday morning, and a 20% chance of one inch or more.

Areas closer to central Wisconsin, like Waupun and Fond du Lac, are more likely to see higher amounts.

Hard to predict where flash flooding could occur

While widespread flash flooding is not expected Aug. 18, the slow-moving storms could create localized flash flooding.

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But it's impossible to know where exactly that will occur. It's sort of like a winter storm warning, Cronce said, where one area is expected to get lots of snowfall.

"Someone's going to get a lot of rain, just not sure exactly where it's going to be," she said. "The processes that feed into that are just so small, that no one can predict it."

It's possible another widespread flood watch could be issued. NWS is currently operating under an "excessive rainfall outlook," meaning there's a slight risk.

"Everyone is saturated (with rain), so any more rain is going to exacerbate our flooding issues," Cronce said. "Rivers can easily go back up ... if repeated rounds of rain hit them."

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In a statement Aug. 15, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley urged caution ahead of weekend storms, including Sunday into Monday.

"I am urging the public to stay vigilant, be informed, and take proactive steps now to protect your family, your property, and your community. Lets stick together, watch out for one another, and stay safe this weekend," Crowley said.

Rest of week will have a break from rain

There is good news on the horizon: After Tuesday night, there is no more widespread rain in the forecast through at least Saturday afternoon.

And high temperatures will be fairly pleasant, in the high 70s to low 80s range.

"Overall, a drier pattern," Cronce said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pockets of flash flooding, more heavy rain possible with Monday storms
As if the L.A. wildfires weren't bad enough after destroying properties and lives, some companies in the area tried to shamelessly profit while exploiting victims of this natural disaster.

A Reddit user shared a photo with the r/altadena community of their friend's destroyed property, which featured a sign for a home design company.

Photo Credit: Reddit

The user wrote, "These guys posted this sign on my friend's destroyed property without their permission. What do you think? I think it's pretty insensitive and rude."

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Other Redditors quickly chimed in to let the original poster know that their friend wasn't the only one experiencing this.

"Yeah, I drove through Altadena today after visiting our destroyed home and these are everywhere," one Reddit user shared. "Multiple companies."

Another person added, "It is so disheartening when you see people attempting to capitalize on the misery and misfortune of others!"

Unfortunately, this type of behavior was common during the L.A. wildfires and in the aftermath. From price gouging to putting up inappropriate signs in people's destroyed yards, companies have increasingly shown they prefer profits to people.

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A further issue of advertising is that it can often encourage excessive consumption. The production and transportation of goods result in pollution that overheats the planet.

What's more, plenty of those items will eventually fill up landfills, which are notorious producers of methane gas. Methane has more planet-warming potential than carbon dioxide, and higher temperatures can exacerbate extreme weather conditions like wildfires.

Shopping secondhand or utilizing local "Buy Nothing" groups can reduce the temptation of buying new products pushed by irresponsible advertising.

As for the increased placement of signs in areas destroyed by the L.A. wildfires, one Redditor made their feelings clear.

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"It's part of the ambulance chasing, opportunistic, money grab, grifter mentality that seems to have gripped the entire 'help' community," they said.

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.
Thomas Chatterton Williams will never forget where he was when he first saw the video of George Floyds murder. Its seared into his memory, much in the same way that people describe 9/11 or the Kennedy assassination.

Williams is a staff writer at The Atlantic and was among those who could work from home during the pandemic.

After sending his kids out to play after lunch, Williams, whose mother is white and father is Black, came across the video while scrolling through social media. There had been similar killings in the past, but he said that what he saw that day, was something that I just knew in my bones was utterly wrong.

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In the intervening months, the direction and scale of national rhetoric took a turn that Williams also found to be wrong and, very much at odds with core, liberal principles. Identity-based politics, a closed-minded approach to opposing views and reactionary cancel culture suddenly became the norm. Not to mention the proliferation of violence that was acceptable if done in the name of ending racism.

The author of "Summer Of Our Discontent," Thomas Chatterton Williams is pictured in this undated handout photo. | Thomas Brunot

When James Bennet, the opinion editor of The New York Times was forced to resign for running an op-ed from Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, Williams and some of his colleagues decided to address it.

On July 7, 2020, Harpers Magazine published A Letter on Justice and Open Debate. Williams spearheaded the effort and it was signed by 153 writers and intellectuals, including J.K. Rowling, Noam Chomsky and Salman Rushdie.

While the letter agreed with the fundamental principles of the social justice movement, it condemned the direction public discourse on the left was heading  towards an ideological conformity.

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It found there to be an intolerance of opposing views, a vogue for public shaming and ostracism, and the tendency to dissolve complex policy issues in a blinding moral certainty.

In the years since, the issues the Harpers letter addressed  which were poorly received by many on the left at the time  have become some of the defining political issues of the last five years.

To address the proliferation and adoption of such counterproductive stances, Williams looked from where they came  the era defining year of 2020  and wrote a book thats an argument for why we must resist the mutually assured destruction of identitarianism  and really believe in the process of liberalism again."

His book, Summer of our Discontent came out this month. The Deseret News chatted with Williams about holding a mirror up to liberals anti-democratic ideology from the inside, the Obama to Trump transition, and what it will take for America to become a pluralistic, multi-ethnic nation. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

A protester throws a water bottle at police in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Protesters joined others across the nation to decry the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being taken into custody by police in Minneapolis. | Jeffrey D. Allred

Deseret News: How would you explain what the book is about?

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Thomas Chatterton Williams: The summer of 2020 was really one of these pivotal hinge years  like 1968 or 2001  where theres a delineated before and after. The moment was inflected by three things.

The pandemic is an enormous part of the book. Life was upended and we were not living as we had prior to that and, in some ways, things have not ever been the same. The racial reckoning was able to break through, in large part, because of that suspension of normalcy. Then you have the fact of Donald Trump running for reelection and the politics of the nation being so hyper partisan and everything seeming so urgent  there is this understanding that democracy itself was on the line, and maybe it was.

Those three things came together to make this very, very urgent time. Ideas that were not new, that were rather niche, suddenly broke through and gained purchase. Im talking about intersectionality and anti-racism ideas about social justice that had been percolating. They defined that moment.

The book is oriented around this hinge year. Its trying to trace the ideas and events that finally broke through in 2020, to make sense of the world that weve inherited and trying to understand the backlash that it inspired. Because I dont think you can understand the redemption and reemergence of Donald Trump in a vacuum, its fully in conversation with the excesses of the progressive social justice movement that preceded it.

With two bandages on his hand, President Donald Trump removes his face mask to speak from the Blue Room Balcony of the White House to a crowd of supporters, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

Im really wedded to the idea that, first and foremost, the sanctity of the individual is what matters, and that people always have a capacity to surprise you, and to be more complicated than any reductive category can allow. Thomas Chatterton Williams

DN: When did you start to feel discomfort or revulsion towards politics and social structures that were outwardly supportive of free speech, but did not, in action or kind, give space for opposing viewpoints?

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TCW: I want to stress that on May 25, 2020, I saw the video of George Floyd. It was a horrific killing. It was something that I just knew in my bones was utterly wrong, so I was fully on board with this idea that this must be condemned in the strongest sense possible. The country cant have these appalling instances of racialized injustice and the killing of poor, unarmed Black men.

By the time that the real protests had started in the streets a few weeks later  some of which I really thought were justified  The New York Times published this op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton. Which  agree or disagree  it makes sense for the Times to have published. The reaction that it inspired and the lockstep uniformity of this copy-pasted condemnation that all these journalists at The New York Times used to scapegoat, swarm, stigmatize and publicly destroy the editor of the op-ed page, James Bennet, struck me as so beyond the pale.

Stephanie Grant holds a Stop the Tyranny sign during a protest of Gov. Gary Herberts mask mandate and new COVID-19 restrictions outside of the Governors Mansion in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

It seemed to me like such a gross response to an injustice  that you could somehow address injustice with more injustice, by canceling people for trying to have a discussion about how the nation should respond to the moment its been thrust into.

The cancellation of James Bennet is when the Harpers letter became the only response that we felt was appropriate. We didnt want to be on the side of a movement that was so intoxicated by its own self-righteousness that it would create new victims. That idea that this omelet of social justice is going to be so delicious that it doesnt matter how many eggs you have to break to get it made.

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That in no way made up for the tragedy that we had just seen in Minneapolis. Youre not actually addressing the root cause. Youre also justifying great disorder and violence. This was also a moment in which it wasnt just lets get the editor of The New York Times fired, it was also you might have to burn a building or thats not the worst thing that can happen. Everything was justified in this battle against racism.

We didnt want to be on the side of a movement that was so intoxicated by its own self-righteousness that it would create new victims. Thomas Chatterton Williams

DN: You refer to the Obama years as a honeymoon phase, but theres a large swath of the country that doesnt see it that way. How do you explain the loss of what he represented to those who dont understand that time in the same way?

TCW: I try to paint the picture of what he represented to many of us in terms of possibility: for the first time, it seemed plausible that we could, not forget the oppressions and conflicts of the past, but actually move beyond them.

A lot of white people of good faith were genuinely invested in the idea that through the ascent of a Black president and this type of really transformative figure, that white people could finally be, like, let off the hook.

Mohamed Baayd and others with Black Lives Matter Utah protest at the City-County Building in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Then, if not forgive them, Black people could move on in a way that the country needs. And there were many Black people who were excited by the idea that white people could extend full recognition and respect as was evidenced through the recognition and respect that this transformative, extraordinarily talented and attractive man and his family were receiving.

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That was a country that, not all, but a huge plurality of the country  for a moment  was really excited by this idea that we could achieve the multi-ethnic society that had been out of our reach in previous eras. That maybe this was possible and then we could have this America that was multi-hued but was really one people.

I dont blame Obama for this personally, but what happened because of his presidency not living up to that enormous amount of hope was that the disillusionment and the comedown was so extreme that it makes sense that business as usual couldnt just happen with a Clinton presidency. The reaction was such that it made Trump possible or even inevitable.

DN: Do you think the lefts emphasis on social justice rhetoric helped create  or justified, even  conditions that opened the door for a second Trump presidency?

I do not think it justified it, and I dont even think it caused it. That gives up too much agency for people who chose to support Trump and chose to support him again and again. This is the third election hes been a part of. But I dont think its fair to say that it wasnt an aspect of making his return possible and attractive to large segments of the country.

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It presented such a disturbing vision of what the country looks like under self-righteous and illiberal progressives. The Democratic Party really did allow itself to be captured by very illiberal activists. More than race, on gender issues this became deeply unattractive to normies in much of the country, of all ethnic persuasions.

DN: You wrote that the predominant implicating factor in George Floyds murder was not his race, but was his social class.

In recent decades, whos the last Ivy League educated young Black man that you remember being killed by police the way that George Floyd died?

We dont have videotapes of unarmed upper-middle class Black lawyers being killed. We do have videotapes of poor people of all classes being killed, even though we dont talk about the common experience of poor peoples engagements with law enforcement.

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It seems quite obvious that the response to the death of George Floyd also wasnt a movement that really changed the on the ground lives of the Black core. What it did do, was it became a way in which Black dramatists on Broadway could say, I need funding for my play.

It presented such a disturbing vision of what the country looks like under self-righteous and illiberal progressives. Thomas Chatterton Williams

If class doesnt scream at you in this situation, I dont know what else would. And of course, class is raced and race is classed. We have a history of the Black poor being poor in many ways, because  like my own family  they were shut out of the opportunities over the last century to buy homes. Nobody is saying that theres not an interplay between race and class but, in 2025, to say that the class aspect isnt the most salient aspect, is really disingenuous.

The cover of "Summer Of Our Discontent" by Thomas Chatterton Williams is pictured in this undated handout photo. | Courtesy of Thomas Chatterton Williams

DN: You wrote that the book is an argument for why we must resist the mutually assured destruction of identitarianism. How would you define identitarianism?

Theres right-wing identitarianism and left-wing identitarianism, and the defining feature that unites both is that its the category that matters above all, that individuals are subsumed within larger groups and group identity is what cannot be transcended.

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You can use that to be anti-racist or racist, but the thing that they agree on is that its the identity category that takes precedence. I think this is always a negative. Im really wedded to the idea that, first and foremost, the sanctity of the individual is what matters, and that people always have a capacity to surprise you, and to be more complicated than any reductive category can allow.

DN: Does that not leave space for the way that other people perceive those identity categories?

No. My life has been informed by the fact that Im a descendant of African slaves, but I dont think that that could ever give you a complete picture. Even if you use it for so-called anti-racist ends, it can only ever take you so far.

One of the points I tried to make in the book is like what does it mean to say that theres a Black point of view or there are Black interests? One really important example from this era was that it was in the interest of Black people to defund, abolish or diminish the police presence in their communities. That was something that would be done on behalf of Black people, except for the uncomfortable fact that actual Black people tended to be  not the elites who set the discursive agenda in the media or in academia, but actual Black people  in these communities where violence is not just a theoretical construct but is actually a component of their lived reality were most loudly saying Do not defund or abolish the police. We need police. So whats the Black point of view?

White people are the only category in the country who Donald Trump lost support with in 2024. So, whats the white interest?

These categories dont tell you enough. It doesnt mean that you cant be proud of where your ancestors came from or have certain cultural traditions, but that can never be the most salient aspect of who you are or how we interact with each other if we want to actually come together in a multi-ethnic society where we have to be American citizens together.

I really do believe that. Thats not just like a polemical point that I try to score against opponents. That is key to how the country can ever live up to its full potential.
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)  A Louisiana couple, Crystal Burke, FNP-C, and Dr. Steven Youngblood, MD, recently released a book about the journey of perimenopause called The Hot Mess Handbook: Navigating Perimenopause.

Perimenopause happens right before the stages of menopause, starting around the age of 35.

Clinic on wheels gives Northeast Texas women access to healthcare

These are things that happen. And theyre common, and something to talk about. Know that if its happening to you, its not just you. There is something you can do about it. You can avoid those symptoms and the effect of quality of life it has, Burke says.

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Burke and Youngblood say couples should be more informed about what can occur during the transitional years.

The couple also wants readers to know that perimenopause is natural and symptoms like anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping can be totally manageable.

Ochsner LSU Health launches new dermatology clinic in Shreveport

When I couldnt sleep but two hours a night, it affected him. When I had my moods, it affected him. This is something real. There are things to help, and its not just you, Burke says.

Perimenopause is real, and their book can be the saving grace for a relationship. It is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
NEED TO KNOW

A 37-year-old Louisiana man has been arrested after police said he hijacked a construction crane on a highway

Matthew Vincent faces multiple charges, including five counts of hit-and-run driving, after authorities said he operated a crane and caused multiple crashes on Interstate-10 on Aug. 16

The car crashes caused two reported injuries, "major damage" to the crane itself, "significant" property damage and a "prolonged closure of the interstate," per police

A Louisiana man was arrested after police said he hijacked a construction crane, obstructed highway traffic and caused a total of four car crashes  ultimately leading to two reported injuries.

Matthew Vincent, a 37-year-old resident of the town of Vinton, was taken into custody by Louisiana State Police (LSP) on Saturday, Aug. 16. He now faces one count of simple burglary, aggravated obstruction of a highway, criminal mischief and pedestrian on the interstate, as well as two counts of negligent injuring and five counts of hit-and-run driving, according to a news release.

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The LSP initially responded to reports of "vehicles striking a construction crane in a work zone" on Interstate 10 around 5:30 a.m. local time. A preliminary investigation found that a construction crane was positioned in the median, with cables "hanging over the westbound lanes" that struck a passing vehicle, before three additional crashes took place, according to the police statement.

Despite the circumstances of the crashes, authorities determined that construction work was "not in progress" at the time and the crane was not being operated by a construction worker.

Louisiana State Police/Facebook Louisiana State Police vehicle Louisiana State Police vehicle

Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations eventually discovered a key fob for a Dodge Ram pickup truck inside the crane, and troopers then found the corresponding truck in a field south of the highway.

Vincent was later identified as the owner of the truck, which police allege he drove off the highway and through a field when it became stuck. He then allegedly abandoned the vehicle, crossed the highway and "unlawfully" entered the crane inside of a work zone  where he "manipulated the crane boom over the westbound lanes of I-10, obstructing traffic and causing the crashes," the LSP said.

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The crashes caused two reported injuries, "major damage" to the crane itself, "significant" property damage and a "prolonged closure of the interstate," per authorities.

Vincent is being held at Calcasieu Correctional Center. It is not immediately clear if he has obtained legal representation to comment on his behalf.

"LSP detectives are still investigating this incident and looking into the possibility of an accomplice," the state police said. "Anyone who may have been in the area prior to this incident and observed suspicious activity is urged to contact Louisiana State Police detectives."

According to Calcasieu Correctional Center records, Vincent's total bond has been set to $3,500. He was booked shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 16.

I-10 has since been reopened, according to NOLA.com.

Read the original article on People
Video note: Despite this articles time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Louisville gun store has closed its doors after a partial roof collapse caused by a storm.

Patrick Hayden, owner of KYGUNCO, posted a video on social media Friday afternoon stating that in the past week, the Louisville shop would be closed for up to two months while staff and other groups work to repair the facility.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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While this is a painful process for us, we are thankful this did not happen during business hours, Hayden said. None of our employees were injured; none of our customers were injured.

Security camera footage shared on Facebook by KYGUNCO shows water ripping through the top and side of the buildings roof, scattering inventory and displays across the floor. (KYGUNCO)

Repairs to the Louisville store will not affect orders on the KYGUNCO website or at the Bardstown location, where purchased orders and layaways for affected customers have reportedly been moved.

The Bardstown location will also now be hosting KYGUNCOs National Knife Day event on Aug. 23, management said.

We are coming back and we will reopen, Hayden said.

The Bardstown KYGUNCO location is on Glenwood Drive. For more information, visit the gun retailers website.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
King Charles Street, in central London, is a road Colonel Chris Romberg knows well. It was his postal address during his final posting in the military, a link to home while he was overseas.

Last week, the address became significant in Col Rombergs life once again after he was arrested for the first time in his life and taken to a processing station  set up by the Metropolitan Police  on that same street.

Hundreds of protesters, many of whom  like 75-year-old Col Romberg  were retired, had silently held up placards in Parliament Square, Westminster to protest genocide and express support for the group Palestine Action.

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Due to the home secretarys proscription of Palestine Action under terror laws, expressing support for them on a T-shirt or on a sign is now a criminal offence. As a result, 522 arrests were made by the Met Police  some 112 of whom were over-70-year-olds.

A former defence attache at the UK embassies in Jordan and Egypt, Col Romberg waited around five hours before he was arrested, and then a further three to be processed by officers and released on street bail.

He had been involved in campaigning for the Palestinian cause for some years, feeling motivated by the oppression he saw during his time in the Middle East. His father, aunts and grandparents, who were Christians of Jewish descent, fled Nazi-controlled Austria in 1938, he explained.

Organisers of the protest will try to bring together 1,000 people together next month for another demonstration (Tom Dale)

This history, he said, has also driven him to oppose what is happening in Gaza, and what he described as western governments complicity in the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

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Speaking about his decision to take part in last weekends protest, he said: I did think about it and I did discuss it with family because its not an easy decision to make. Although it wasnt certain we would be arrested, there was a high likelihood we would be.

It was my first time being arrested. But all our freedoms and all the best movements that there have been in democratic and non-democratic history have been achieved by people taking risks, and people taking action. My motivation is to defend freedom of speech and expression, and also to prevent a genocide  which we have a moral and legal duty to do.

Col Romberg being escorted away from Parliament Square by police (Tom Dale)

He added: For a lot of people there, I believe it was the first time they have been arrested, and the first time they have taken action in that form. The implications are serious because we are being arrested under a very serious piece of legislation  the terrorism act. For many people, especially younger people, that can have serious implications for their lives. For those that are older like me, then those long-term consequences may not be quite the same, but nevertheless they are serious.

His familys history has connected him to descendants of Holocaust survivors who are part of the pro-Palestine protest movement. He explained: In my case, my father and his parents and sisters survived because they fled. They fled Austria in 1938 after the German takeover.

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Because of our family connections, we are horrified that a genocide should again be taking place. And for many, this brings back horrible memories from what they heard from their own parents and grandparents, and therefore we are determined to oppose it.

Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti has warned of an I am Spartacus moment after hundreds were arrested for holding signs (Tom Dale)

Labour peer and former shadow attorney general Shami Chakrabarti has warned that the ban is at risk of becoming an I am Spartacus moment, urging the government to think again.

Former Labour minister Peter Hain has described the mass arrests as madness, saying Palestine Action was not equivalent to real terrorist groups like al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

Co-founder of Palestine Action Huda Ammori has been granted permission by the High Court to challenge the groups ban in the courts  the first case where such a legal battle has been allowed to go ahead.

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Defend Our Juries, who co-ordinated last Saturdays protest, have pledged that they will demonstrate again in September if 1,000 people agree to take part.

With the demonstrators taking to the streets in protest at the genocide and to stand up for civil liberties, home secretary Yvette Cooper has sought to emphasise the dangers of Palestine Action.

In a statement released after the weekends arrests, she said: Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage... Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear  this is not a non-violent organisation.

Ms Ammori said that the proscription of the group was solely based on property damage, and any insinuation that it is based on other things is categorically untrue or unavailable to the rest of us to be able to rebut.
The "peace" that Russia is offering Ukraine would mean capitulation, French President Emmanuel Macron said following a Coalition of the Willing meeting on Sunday.

Source: Le Figaro citing Macron at a press conference, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "We want peace: a strong, lasting peace that is preceded by the return of prisoners of war and innocent people, and that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries...

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There is only one state offering a peace that would mean capitulation  Russia."

Details: Macron stressed that if the allies show weakness in front of Russia, they will be setting the stage for future conflicts.

"I do not think that President Putin wants peace. I think he wants Ukraines capitulation," the French leader repeated. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president  ed.]

Macron said he is confident that US President Donald Trump "wants peace" and called on him not to uphold a "might makes right" mentality, so as not to create a new international order that will no longer be based on law.

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In this context, Macron said, European leaders must be present at "subsequent summits on Ukraine".

Macron also stressed that "no country can agree to the loss of territories unless it has security guarantees for the rest of its territory".

He emphasised that the purpose of the joint visit to Washington by European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to present a united front on the part of Ukraine and its European allies.

Background:

Zelenskyy said that at Sundays meeting, members of the Coalition of the Willing had coordinated their positions ahead of his visit to Washington for a meeting with Trump.

Macron will be among the European leaders accompanying Zelenskyy during his visit to the White House on Monday.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Former U.S. NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines accused President Donald Trumps opponents who are awaiting his downfall of being domestic terrorists.

Gaines, a vocal MAGA supporter, previously made national headlines for slamming transgender athletes for competing in womens sports.

If you wish for President Trump to fail, you wish for America to fail. And if you wish for America to fail, youre a domestic terrorist, the conservative commentator wrote Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, in a post thats since garnered more than 1 million views.

Related: Trump Signs Order To Ban Trans Athletes From Womens Sports

The White House didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment about Gaines statement.

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Gaines, now a Fox News commentator, is no stranger to posting about her support for Trump on social media.

Give President Trump the Nobel Peace Prize, she wrote in an X post Friday.

Her call for Trump to be given the coveted award joins efforts from Trumps aides who have been publicly campaigning for him to receive the honor.

Gaines, who has nearly two million followers on X, is known for regularly lambasting and mocking transgender athletes on the social media platform.

In February, Trump signed an executive order aiming to prohibit transgender women and girls from competing in female sports.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Jane* was the breadwinner of the family, but her husband obsessively monitored their finances. Every week, he made her present a ledger of their income and expenses. If something was not to his liking, he would subject Jane to a furious tantrum or days of the silent treatment.

For years, Jane tried to make sense of his behavior.

Because he didn't ever hit me with his fists, I tried to rationalize that he wasn't abusing me.

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Now, under a recent change to Maine law, Jane might now be more clearly considered a victim of coercive control. The term refers to a range of nonphysical tactics that abusers use to alter their victims behavior, including stalking, intimidation, and financial abuse. In June, Gov. Mills signed a bill adding the term to Maines protection-from-abuse statute.

Rep. Holly Eaton, of Deer Isle, proposed the bill after hearing from a constituent whose close family member had faced years of emotional and psychological abuse.

Like many survivors, they struggled to navigate a legal system that did not recognize the full extent of the abuse they suffered, Eaton said in testimony.

Within the past decade, nearly a dozen states have enacted legislation concerning coercive control. In most cases, including in Maine, these laws add the term to the definition of domestic abuse in civil statutes (Hawaii is the only state to criminalize the practice). Outside of the United States, some countries, such as the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, explicitly classify coercive control as a criminal offense.

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Some stakeholders, however, warned that change in statute could harm the very people it aims to protect.

In separate testimonies, representatives from the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition and the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers argued that the legislation was vague and lacked clear criteria for enforcement. Representatives from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence and Legal Services for Maine Elders expressed concern that the new language could be used against victims as well as abusers.

There is some risk that abusers may turn the law against the victim, arguing that legitimate efforts by the victim to secure their own safety may somehow be twisted to look like attempts to exercise coercive control over the abuser, said John Brautingam, testifying on behalf of Legal Services for Maine Elders.

Others saw the addition of explicit language regarding coercion as necessary.

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Fifteen women testified in support of the bill on behalf of Finding Our Voices, a nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic abuse. Patrisha McLean, the founder and CEO of Finding Our Voices, described coercive control as insidious and evil and pervasive, in her testimony and urged the legislature to follow the lead of other states by codifying protections against the practice.

The original text of the legislation defined coercive control as a pattern of behavior designed to dominate, isolate, manipulate or exploit a person who is a dating partner or a family or household member. It also listed several examples of the practice: limiting a persons access to financial resources, monitoring their movements and communications, isolation, threats, and intimidation, and exploiting vulnerabilities like immigration status or disability.

Members of the Judiciary Committee eventually struck the original text of the bill, resolving instead to add a single word coercion to the statute.

Andrea Mancuso, public policy director at the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, pointed out that the aspects of coercive control included in the legislation were already addressed in other parts of Maines protection-from-abuse statute.

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From a practical perspective, the current statute has fairly broad eligibility, and it works very well, said Mancuso in testimony. It is very rare that, when a survivor describes in detail the behaviors that they have experienced and that they feel the need to get a protection order in response to, that those behaviors don't, in some way, already fit within the existing statute.

However, Mancuso also noted that most plaintiffs navigate the protection order process without an attorney. Because the characteristics of coercion are addressed in several different parts of the statute, plaintiffs without legal representation may believe coercion is absent from the statute entirely.

When survivors look at our current statute, many see the lack of the term coercive control as leading to the conclusion that behaviors associated with a pattern of coercive control do not qualify a victim for a protection from abuse order, she said in her testimony.

Jane came to the same conclusion when she first looked into getting a protection from abuse order against her husband.

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When I looked into getting the , it didn't have anything about coercion and control, and I just thought that there's no point in pursuing this, because I know I'm going to get denied, she said.

McLean, of Finding Our Voices, is grateful that the bill was signed into law. She sees it as a sign of the state making progress on the issue of domestic violence.

It is good to have the word coercion, she said. Its validating.

Peter Lehman, who testified neither for nor against the bill on behalf of the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition was skeptical of the actual impact it would have on protection-from-abuse proceedings.

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It was a feel-good bill, he said.

Eric Thistle, who testified against the bill on behalf of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, was largely satisfied with the amendment.

I think that we can always be working to tinker with laws to make them better and more accessible for folks needing to use them, he said. And to the extent that a lot of these are filed by people without lawyers, getting access to this type of protection is very important.

*The Monitor is using a pseudonym to protect her identity.
For 73-year-old C Sarasu, a National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) worker from Pullamparaa in Kerala's capital district Thiruvananthapuram, the digital world is no longer an alien space. From running her own YouTube channel, 'Sarasu's World', to watching reels, she now navigates the digital highway with ease. Not too far away, 103-year-old Karunakara Panicker sits with his 74-year-old son Rajan. The duo, once hesitant to touch a touchscreen, now watch the news on their mobile phones and stay updated through WhatsApp groups. For 64-year-old Padmini, social media is the new adda. "Earlier, I used to scold my daughter for always being on the phone. Now she teases me for doing the same," she says with a laugh. MA Abdullah Maulavi Bafaqi, nearing 105, goes digital, sharing his joy of becoming digitally literate right from his phone at his home in Odakkali, Perumbavoor. Until recently, Abdullah's phone knowledge never went beyond making calls on his little Nokia handset. That changed when the government's DigiKerala volunteers reached out to him. Within months, his digital dream became a reality today, and YouTube is his favourite pastime. Until recently, they were all digital illiterates. Today, they are among the 21.87 lakh Keralites trained under the LSG Department's 'Digi Kerala' programme, which has made Kerala the first state to bridge its digital divide, an ambitious feat that will be formally declared on August 21. The story began in 2022 in Pullampara, a serene gram panchayat near Thiruvananthapuram. During the COVID lockdown, elderly women under the MGNREG scheme were risking their health and spending money just to check their bank accounts. That's when the District Women Welfare Officer Sajina Sathar, now Assistant Director in Rural Development, suggested a simple but radical idea: "During the lockdown, women risked their health and spent money just to check bank credits. I thought if they can check a bank balance on a smartphone, life will be easier. We prepared a basic digital literacy report for the panchayat, and that's how Digi-Pullampara was born." What started as a small pilot to make every household in Pullampara digitally literate, From basic skills like making calls, WhatsApp messaging, and online banking, to using e-governance portals, the project snowballed into a statewide mission, 'Digi Kerala' spearheaded by the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD). After Pullampara was declared India's first fully digitally literate panchayat, the State government decided to take the model statewide. In just 18 months, Kerala trained over 21.88 lakh digitally illiterate citizens. A mammoth survey covering 83.45 lakh households identified the learners, of whom 99.98 per cent successfully completed training and passed evaluation tests. Speaking to ANI, LSG Minister M.B. Rajesh said, "If Pullampara can do it, why not the whole of Kerala? Initially, we targeted citizens below 65 years, but eventually, over 15,000 newly literate participants were above 90. Within 18 months, Kerala achieved digital literacy for all. This achievement lays the foundation for Kerala to transform into a knowledge-based economy." The force behind this success was a 2.57 lakh-strong volunteer army, comprising Kudumbashree members, NSS and NCC students, Literacy Mission preraks, library activists, and youth organisations, who fanned out across the state, teaching digital basics in homes, libraries, MGNREGS worksites, and neighbourhood groups. Training modules included smartphone use, WhatsApp communication, Internet banking, accessing e-governance services, and safe digital practices. Offline sessions were provided in areas with poor connectivity, while third-party evaluations by the Statistics Department ensured accuracy and credibility. Remarkably, more than 15,000 learners were above the age of 90, proving that Kerala's digital revolution left no one behind. Training took place in homes, libraries, MGNREGS worksites, Kudumbashree groups and even neighbourhood corners. Evaluation showed 99.98 per cent success, with third-party verification by the Statistics Department. Geromic George IAS, Principal Director, LSGD, says the State is already planning Digi Kerala Phase II, "Our next step is digitising every citizen's identity documents like Aadhaar and driving licences and strengthening awareness against cyber fraud, especially safe use of UPI and payment gateways. The aim is not just digital literacy but safe digital citizenship." What makes this achievement historic is its inclusiveness. Kerala didn't just create digital natives among the youth; it empowered its elderly, women, and workers, those often left out of the tech conversation. From being digital illiterates to digital citizens, the journey of Sarasu, Karunakara Panicker, Padmini, and millions of others tells the story of a society closing its digital divide. What began as a simple idea in a village now stands as a model for India, a society where even centenarians are digitally connected. On August 21, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially declare Kerala as India's first digitally literate state. (ANI)
(WHTM)  Pennsylvanias state budget is more than 40 days overdue, though frequent conversations are being had between top state officials.

The problem is, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) said Friday, we also need dialogue with House Democrat Majority. Sometimes Im not sure I always get the same messages from the Governors Office and House Democratic leadership whenever were having this back and forth on what is doable.

Earlier in the week, House Democratic Leader Matt Bradford said the other body has not been part of the discussions.

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They have been on vacation; they have not shown up, Bradford said on Monday. That is not acceptable; that is refraining from the task.

The Republican-controlled Senate came in on Tuesday and passed a $47.6 billion, no-increase budget on party lines, as well as a transportation bill that would move money from the mass transit trust fund. Democrats called the Senate bills unserious.

The Republican majority is trying to pass off this shell game as a responsible response, and it is not, said State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks).

House Democrats have had serious disdain for both Senate bills and, on Wednesday, rejected them on party lines in the Rules and Appropriations Committees.

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Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani made an appeal to non-Democrats during brief remarks in Brooklyn on Sunday, kicking off his general election campaign.

Mamdani, who defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo by 13 percentage points in the June primary, recently concluded his five-day, anti-Donald Trump tour of each of New York City's boroughs last week.

Without referencing Trump this time around, Mamdani addressed supporters in Brooklyn on Sunday with a message on affordability and local government being able to take care of voters' "material needs."

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"Are there more New Yorkers who want to join this movement for a city that they can actually afford?" Mamdani, who's campaigned on socialist and communist ideas, such as government-run grocery stores and rent freezes, said.

Mamdani Defends City-run Grocery Plan, Says Store Owners Can Be 'Partners'

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani speaks during his anti-Trump tour on Staten Island on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in New York.

Mamdani recalled a conversation he said he had on primary election day with a volunteer of an organization who endorsed his campaign. He said the volunteer had "gotten a phone call from a coworker about aunties and uncles who were breaking down at the poll sites after they'd been informed they weren't registered as Democrats and able to vote at that time." Only registered Democrats were eligible to vote in the June primary.

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Mamdani also told the story of an 18-year-old man pulling up next to him on a motorbike on primary election night to ask for a selfie. Mamdani said he asked the young man if he had voted and that they used his license to check his registration. According to Mamdani, the man was a registered Republican, who was ineligible to vote in the primary but who could support the Democratic socialist candidate in the November general election.

"I tell you the story of that 18-year-old young man, of those aunties and uncles who had to be pulled away from those poll sites to remind us of how many more New Yorkers there are for us to speak," Mamdani said. "And I thank you for being here, because so often, any victories in politics are described as if they are that of just the candidate. But you know the truth. This is your victory. It is your work that took us from 1% in the polls to beating a former governor by 13 points."

Mamdani credited his campaign canvassers, who went door to door in six-floor walk-ups, rain or shine, for taking "a campaign that was considered, at best, an interesting idea to one that has won the most votes of any in New York City primary history."

Mamdani received more than 573,00 votes in the June primary, though voter turnout was less than 30% of registered Democrats.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., speaks in support of Zohran Mamdani on Aug. 11, 2025, as the mayoral hopeful announced a "Five Boroughs Against Trump" tour.

New Report Reveals Mamdani Lapping Rivals In Battle For Campaign Donations From This Key Industry

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"I thank you for being here today, because what you show is that this movement is just getting started. Yeah, we are just getting started because we know there are so many more neighborhoods for us to reach, so many New Yorkers for us to speak to and so many more people who we can finally show that there is the possibility that local government could actually meet their material needs," Mamdani added on Sunday. "And I thank you for doing this, because you are the ones who are changing history in this city and in this country, and it's an honor to be one part of this movement with each and every one of you."

Mamdani  who has recently walked back his long-vocal stance on defunding police  concluded his remarks without taking questions from the press, but earlier Sunday took to social media to address a mass shooting in Brooklyn.

He said the Crown Heights incident had "stolen the lives of three New Yorkers and injured eight more," adding that he was "grateful for the first responders who rushed towards the danger and worked to save lives."

Zohran Mamdani responded to reporter's questions about the protesters outside his anti-Trump event on Staten Island.

"We cannot accept gun violence in our city," Mamdani wrote.

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Cuomo, who is running as an independent in the November election, has recently increased attacks on Mamdani for living in a rent-stabilized apartment despite his wealthy upbringing.

Mamdani, the son of an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and a Columbia University professor, recently returned from an extravagant wedding celebration in Uganda. He has also recently walked back his prior support for the phrase "globalize the intifada" after widespread criticism and concern from the New York Jewish community.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is also running as an independent in November. The Republican mayoral hopeful is Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.





Original article source: Mamdani appeals to non-Democrats with general election push, vows government can meet voters' 'material needs'
Moderate Democrats have been wary of progressive upstart-turned-party-nominee Zohran Mamdani since before he secured the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor in June.

But Mamdani, the self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, has made efforts to widen his tent in recent weeks.

On Monday, he met with business leaders and gave a speech at an African Methodist Church, seeking to appeal to demographics that have been lukewarm, and even outright resistant, toward him.

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Last month, he agreed to condemn the phrase globalize the intifada, something that angered moderate parts of the New York electorate. And, a day earlier, he said he was open to keeping Jessica Tisch as police commissioner, a move that could upset his far-left base.

Political observers say theres evidence Mamdanis efforts to consolidate support with a move toward the center are succeeding.

Hes getting more endorsements slowly. Hes getting more meetings. And people and industries are looking to gear up for a Mamdani administration, said New-York based Republican strategist Susan Del Percio, who worked for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an opponent of Mamdanis, as a special adviser in 2014. Its just a recognition of, This is who Im probably going to be working with in six months.

Theyre giving it to Mamdani or theyre not supporting anyone else, which is by default, giving it to Mamdani, Del Percio added.

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A Siena College poll out Tuesday showed Mamdani leading the field of candidates for New York Citys mayorship with 44 percent of the vote. Cuomo, who is running as an independent, trailed with 25 percent of the vote, followed by Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa with 12 percent. Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent, had 7 percent.

Despite Mamdanis hefty lead, Cuomo is still putting up a fight.

Last week, Cuomo went after Mamdani in a viral statement on the social platform X, lambasting his rival for living in a rent-controlled apartment.

Somewhere last night in New York City, a single mother and her children slept at a homeless shelter because you, assemblyman @ZohranKMamdani, are occupying her rent controlled apartment, the statement read. You grew up rich and married an even wealthier woman. Youve had weddings on 3 continents. You own property in LGTBQIA+ murderous Uganda. You make $142,000 a year plus stipends, and your wife works too, meaning you together likely make well over $200,000.

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We are in the middle of a historic affordability crisis. Millions of low income New Yorkers need this apartment and an apartment like it. Yet your apartment remains rented to rich people who dont need it, Cuomos statement continued. Today, I am calling on you to move out immediately and give your affordable housing back to an unhoused family who need it. Leaders must show moral clarity. Time to move out.

Cuomos attacks come as Democratic party leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (N.Y.) and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have notably withheld endorsements from Mamdani  their partys nominee.

Political observers say that up until his victory in Junes Democratic primary, Mamdanis brand diverged from establishment figures  like Schumer, Jefferies and Hochul  and was centered on resisting big money interests.

With the general election in November inching closer, they say he has to open himself up.

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Because its New York City, hell have to talk to corporate America, and hell have to talk to real estate because that is part of the economic foundation of our city, said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, who served as executive director of the New York State Democratic Party.

Hes going to have to find some common ground that gives them the opportunity to say that hes a fair broker, and he would be able to say that hes delivering for the voters with and staying true to his main base.

Strategists say Mamdani is making these efforts both to steer endorsements away from his competitors and to lay the groundwork for operational success as mayor.

At the same time, some strategists say he will also have to make political inroads with his weakest demographics to secure a victory in November.

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Just by definition, you have to  do addition to win elections, and Id be surprised if he wasnt doing that, Democratic strategist Joel Payne said. The one part of the electorate that he could do a market improvement with would be working class, particularly African American, voters, who are a more traditional Democratic constituency.

The pitch might sound a little different, but the notes are going to be the same, Payne added. Those folks care about bottom line economic issues, just like the people that boosted him and his primary campaign.

Some political observers say Mamdani can get away with his current base because enough voters want new blood  and the rest of the electorate remains divided over the three other candidates in this race.

Hes being helped by a somewhat crowded field with other legitimate candidates, said Grant Reeher, the director of Syracuse Universitys Campbell Public Affairs Institute. In addition, theres no question that most voters are dissatisfied with the status quo, and he is definitely a change candidate.

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Reeher added that any new traction Mamdani manages to gain probably boils down to how unpalatable Andrew Cuomo seems to the more mainstream Democrats.

And while Mamdani has begun talking to the more moderate Democratic establishment and is trying to expand his base  regardless of whether he needs to  strategists say a long and bumpy road awaits the mayoral hopeful.

Hes not ready for prime time. Hes got to be doing everything he can to get ready for it, and its going to be really hard, Del Percio said. He will  be a topic for national scrutiny.

Youve never seen a president go after a city, and then add that its Donald Trump and New York City with an inexperienced unknown, Del Percio added. That gives me the chills.

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A 40-year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed.

Police have arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm on Aberfan Road, Aberfan, on Saturday afternoon.

The injured man was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil with "serious" stab wounds but police said his condition was not believed to be life threatening.

South Wales Police said the suspect, who is known to the injured man, was arrested shortly after the incident.

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NEED TO KNOW

A 55-year-old man died in a freak accident involving a ride-on lawn mower on Friday, Aug. 15

The victim has since been identified as real estate agent Ty Babbidge

"He cared a lot about others. He was a lot of people's great friend, but he was very passionate and proud about his family," one tribute to the man read

A man has died following a freak accident with a ride-on lawn mower.

At around 7:45 p.m. local time on Friday, Aug. 15, police were contacted about a serious incident involving a lawn mower at a property in Brisbane, Australia, the Queensland Police said in a statement to PEOPLE.

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The victim, who has since been identified as 55-year-old real estate agent Ty Babbidge, died at the scene, according to authorities.

The Courier Mail reported that Babbidge became "trapped underneath" the lawn mower, leading to his death.

Police said, "There is no further information at this time.

Ty Babbidge/Facebook Ty Babbidge Ty Babbidge

Babbidge was an agent with Brisbane Real Estate. He had worked at the company for 10 years before his death, the Courier Mail reported.

The companys director, Kel Goesch, said in a statement to the outlet, Ty was one of the most generous, happy and genuine people on this planet."

"He cared a lot about others. He was a lot of people's great friend, but he was very passionate and proud about his family," Goesch added of Babbidge.

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.

Babbidges family said they are heartbroken over the loss of their loved one in a statement shared on Facebook.

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Our beloved Ty has passed away, they wrote. Ty was greatly loved by his family, friends, and the community."

"His warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others touched countless lives, and he will be dearly missed," the family continued. "We are grateful for your love and support.

Brisbane Real Estate did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Sunday, Aug. 17.



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What began as a disturbance call in Bloomington on Thursday morning quickly escalated into a violent crash involving an estranged couple, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

Deputies from the Fontana Station were dispatched around 8:57 a.m. on Aug. 14 to the 17000 block of Santa Ana Avenue after a woman reported that her estranged husband, identified as 33-year-old Jose Rios, had forced his way into her home by kicking down the door. By the time deputies arrived, Rios had already fled the residence in a silver 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, authorities said.

3 suspects arrested for firearm and gang-related graffiti crimes

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As investigators continued speaking with the victim, Rios allegedly returned to the neighborhood. Deputies said he accelerated into oncoming traffic and struck his wifes vehicle head-on as she drove eastbound on Santa Ana Avenue, directly in front of the residence where the incident began.

The impact hit the passenger-side front fender of the womans car before Rios lost control, colliding with a cinder block wall and three parked vehicles, officials said.

Rios was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. Afterward, deputies booked him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism.

The Sheriffs Department said the victim, described only as an adult woman, was not reported to have suffered serious injuries.

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Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Fontana Sheriffs Station at (909) 356-6767. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A man is facing charges related to a fire that injured two firefighters in Ohio, according to our CBS affiliate, WTOL-11 TV.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Cornelius Gardner, 27, of Toledo, was arrested on Monday and charged with three counts of aggravated arson.

Gardner is accused of intentionally setting items on fire inside a commercial building on Lucas Street around 4 a.m. in July, according to WTOL-11.

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When Toledo Fire and Rescue Department (TFRD) crews arrived on scene, they saw heavy black smoke coming from the building.

An attack crew began interior operations while additional units arrived to support the response, the department said in a press release obtained by WTOL-11.

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Two firefighters were hurt by falling debris while battling the flames, a spokesperson with TFRD said.

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At least one of the firefighters sustained abrasions and contusions to their arm from the falling debris.

Court documents obtained by WTOL-11 indicate that the firefighters were also nearly crushed after the buildings roof failed.

The collapse caused at least one of the firefighters air supply to fail, exposing the victim to the smoke filled environment, court documents said.

The two firefighters were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, WTOL-11 reported.

A Toledo Municipal Court judge set Gardners bond at $250,000 during his initial appearance. He is scheduled to be back in court on Aug. 20.

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ELKHART  The Elkhart County Prosecutors Office has charged a man with five felonies after the Elkhart Police Department arrested him for striking a woman multiple times with a vehicle and then fleeing the scene.

On August 8, 2025, at approximately 10:19 p.m., Elkhart Police Department officers arrived at the parking lot of El Paraiso Supermarket, 111 E. Lusher Ave. for a report of a hit-and-run with injuries.

The victim, a 42-year-old woman, indicated that a man she knows ran her over multiple times with his vehicle, the report said. That vehicle had left the scene before officers arrived.

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Medics transported the victim to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.

While investigating, officers located the suspect vehicle, a Ford Explorer, in the 400 block of East Simonton Street.

Christian Hernandez Gonzalez, 31, of Elkhart, was arrested and transported him to the Elkhart County Jail. The investigation revealed that he had previously been in a relationship with the victim. The Elkhart County Prosecutors Office subsequently filed formal criminal charges against Gonzalez:

Count I: Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 Felony

Count II: Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 Felony

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Count III: Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 Felony

Count IV: Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Level 5 Felony

Count V: Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Moderate or Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony

An Elkhart County judge set his bond at $1 million during his initial hearing on Thursday.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) A man was arrested in connection to a July shooting in New Haven that left another man in critical condition, according to police

RELATED: New Haven shooting leaves man in critical condition

Records show that Mark Reckord, 22, was charged with the following on Aug. 5:

First-degree assault

First-degree attempt to commit assault

Carrying a pistol without a permit

First-degree reckless endangerment

Illegal discharge of a firearm

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On July 26 at approximately 2:30 a.m., a 23-year-old male victim from Stratford was shot in the area of Crown and Temple Streets.

Mark Reckord, 22

He was hospitalized in critical condition but has since stabilized, according to police.

Initial investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from a large fight in front of the parking garage on Crown Street.

Reckord allegedly drew a firearm and shot at an individual involved in the fight, according to police.

The bullet missed the intended target and struck a man not involved in the fight.

The man who was struck was hospitalized.

Reckford was released on $500,000 bond. He will appear in court on Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
ROY, Utah (ABC4)  A man was arrested for attacking his ex-girlfriend with a knife in Roy early Saturday morning, leaving her with a severe laceration, according to Roy Police.

Curvin Vincent Nez, 30, was arrested in Weber County on charges of aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury (second-degree felony), possession of a dangerous weapon with criminal intent (class-A misdemeanor), prohibited dangerous weapon conduct (class-A misdemeanor), and domestic violence in presence of a child (third-degree felony).

At around 3 a.m. on Aug. 16, Nez became involved in a verbal altercation with his ex-girlfriend in Roy, according to police. During the argument, Nez, who was reportedly intoxicated, retrieved a knife and attacked her, inflicting a severe laceration beginning at her ear, extending down her neck, and terminating near her chest, a probable cause affidavit reads.

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Before the attack, Nez allegedly made multiple threats toward his ex-girlfriend, including threatening to burning her home to the ground and stab her two teenage sons.

Both teens were present and witnessed the assault, police said.

Nez is a registered sex offender and restricted person. He was booked into Weber County Jail on the aforementioned charges. No further information is available at this time.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Ahead of Congress's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, on Sunday said that Rahul Gandhi is trying to stop the 'looting' by the Election Commission. He added that Rahul Gandhi is fighting to protect the Constitution, support farmers, and create jobs for the youth. Addressing reporters, Pappu Yadav said, "...Rahul Gandhi has walked 10,000 km to become the voice of the people of India, he speaks for the youth. Rahul Gandhi has set out to protect the Constitution, not for political gains or losses. Rahul Gandhi has set out to eliminate hatred, stop the looting by the Election Commission, for the welfare of farmers, and for the employment of the youth..." Congress's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', launched against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged "vote theft," will begin from Sasaram. Senior RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, are also set to participate. RJD leader and Bihar assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav told ANI that they will protest against the alleged theft of voting rights of people." The people of the BJP are misusing Constitutional agencies, trying to destroy democracy and the Constitution. Bihar's land is the land of democracy. We will not let this happen, that BJP destroys, we will fight wherever we want and we will not let our rights be erased," the Bihar LoP said. Meanwhile, former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that they will continue to make sacrifices to protect democracy and not let the rights of people be erased. "We have made many sacrifices to save democracy. We will continue to do so in the future. We will not let our voting rights we erased. We will not let it perish," Lalu Yadav said. The RJD chief added, "We were discussing how the Constitution is being destroyed by the BJP." (ANI)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man was charged with criminal homicide overnight after a person was found dead in a South Nashville apartment.

According to court documents, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to Casa Linda Efficiency Apartments after receiving a 911 call from Timothy Scarbrough, 61, claiming that a person had been shot.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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At Scarbroughs apartment, officers found a deceased man  later identified as 61-year-old Christopher Mitchell of Nashville  who was stabbed several times and suffered severe facial trauma.

Reports said during an interview with detectives, Scarbrough claimed to have taken drugs with Mitchell throughout the day and said he believed Mitchell was stealing his drugs and reselling them back to him.

Scarbrough reportedly said he left the apartment around 6 p.m. to talk with a neighbor and when he returned around 30 minutes later, he found Mitchell dead.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Court documents said the suspected weapon used in the homicide was recovered, and Scarbroughs retelling of events did not match the evidence found on scene.

Timothy Scarbrough (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Scarbrough was arrested and jailed on a $200,000 bond.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A 43-year-old man was stabbed to death less than a block away from his home on a residential street in Queens Saturday afternoon, police said.

Cops responding to a 911 call around 4 p.m. found the victim with a single stab wound to his chest on 119th Ave. near Sutphin Blvd. in South Jamaica, according to police.

The victim, identified by police as Ramnarine Bahadur, lived only a few houses away on the opposite side of the street from where he was stabbed. A police source said Bahadur was outside when someone approached, stabbed him and fled on a bicycle.

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EMS transported Bahadur to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition but he could not be saved.

So far there have been no arrests, cops said. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
NEED TO KNOW

In 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams, more than fivefold the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

As phone spam proliferates, some journalists have started confronting the scammers directly, but the networks are difficult to untangle

Slate's Alex Sammon, who wrote about his experience responding to a task scam, tells PEOPLE, "I think this bizarre intersection of grindset attitudes, new digital technologies, general lawlessness, and socially useless labor does say something very true about our contemporary moment,"

Tens of thousands of people across the country reported scam job offer texts last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, and for many, they've become a near-daily game of read-and-delete.

The routine typically follows a familiar pattern: a message arrives from an oddly long email address or an unknown foreign number offering a flexible work-from-home setup, then wary recipients hit the "report junk" option or immediately swipe to erase the grammatically incorrect proposition without much consideration about what  or who  is on the other side of the screen.

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But journalist Alex Sammon decided to do the opposite, for a strange and illuminating new investigation for Slate.

Sammon, 32, chronicled a series of increasingly odd interactions that ensued after he purposely took the bait from a fake recruiter who sent a group text message ostensibly offering a remote product testing gig.

Eventually, Sammon followed the virtual thread across the globe to what appeared to be a Philippines-based click farm operation.

Alexander Sammon / Slate Alex Sammon, a Slate writer, accepted a job from a scam text, leading him to what appeared to be a foreign click farm. Alex Sammon, a Slate writer, accepted a job from a scam text, leading him to what appeared to be a foreign click farm.

His feature, published on Monday, Aug. 4, is called, "I Responded to One of the Spam Texts From a RecruiterThen Took the Job. It Got Weirder Than I Could Have Imagined."

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The only requirement for the job was being 25 years or older.

After confirming and accepting the initial offer, Sammon was connected to someone who introduced herself as Cathy and said she worked for a company called "Interleave."

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

She said he would be working on music promotion by increasing play counts through repetitive clicks.

Artificial intelligence cannot do this, only real people can participate, Cathy told him. All we need to do is create a personal account on the Interleave platform, use our real information, and create real playback records.

Alexander Sammon/Slate A screenshot of messages from "Cathy." A screenshot of messages from "Cathy."

Using a loaner laptop from Slate for security, Sammon underwent "onboarding," during which he was sent a URL and required to log in and send a screenshot for Cathy to mark up and return after each repetitive onscreen click.

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Its easy, isnt it, she messaged him after his purported training session concluded.

Alexander Sammon/Slate A photo from Slate writer Alex Sammon's click farm site experience. A photo from Slate writer Alex Sammon's click farm site experience.

She quickly led Sammon down a task scam rabbit hole that involved extended WhatsApp communication, ferrying messages to and from "customer service," and Bitcoin purchases to meet a minimum account balance before he could continue with more clicking tasks.

Through it all, he was never able to cash out his listed earnings  but lost less than $100 in the name of journalistic research.

"I would like to thank Cathy and the Customer Service for all the time and effort they put into making me the best potentially fake click farm employee I could be," Sammon says in a tongue-in-cheek statement to PEOPLE. "Its true what they say; the relationships are really the best part of the international digital scam economy. I only wish I had a better work ethic, and Cathy continues to text me expressing dismay at my attendance and performance."



Alexander Sammon/Slate A screenshot from Slate writer Alex Sammon's brush with a task scam. A screenshot from Slate writer Alex Sammon's brush with a task scam.

"In seriousness," he adds, "I think this bizarre intersection of grindset attitudes, new digital technologies, general lawlessness, and socially useless labor does say something very true about our contemporary moment."

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Though Sammon says "I still dont know the scope of the operation, how many people were involved, or even if it was a real click farm, I think theres something meaningful about the fact that beneath much of this supposedly automated technology are still real people, cleaning up AI datasets or, you know, bilking you for bitcoin on the margins."

The scourge of scammers

The digital landscape continues to evolve, yet the scammers persist, sometimes with devastating consequences for their victims.

In gamified job scams like the one Sammon seems to have experienced, the FTC says crooks are able to trick people into sending money while making victims believe they're earning it.

"At some point, theyll say you have to make a deposit to complete your next set of tasks and get your supposed earnings out of the app. You charge up your account to avoid losing what the app shows youve earned, believing youll get all the money you deposited back, along with your commission, once you complete the set," the agency said online. "But no matter what the system says youve earned, you didnt. That money isnt real. And if you deposit money, you wont get it back."



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In 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams, more than fivefold the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Reported losses from gamified job scams alone, which often include repetitive tasks, rose by more three times between 2020 to 2023 and surpassing $220 million in the first half of 2024.

From January through June 2024, about 20,000 people reported this particular scam, "compared to about 5,000 in all of 2023," the agency said online. "Since the vast majority of frauds are not reported, this likely reflects only a fraction of the actual harm."



While instances of task scams have ballooned in recent years, online romance scams, sometimes called "pig butchering" have plagued people for years, reaching reported losses of $1.14 billion in 2023, according to the FTC.



In 2022, then-NBC News reporter Jacob Ward spoke with a former Nigerian romance scammer who spent five years targeting American women and eventually conned one out of $20,000 before confessing out of guilt. The man, who identified himself as Chris, pointed to desperation and a lack of jobs nationwide.

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"I have three adult siblings and none of them has a job," Chris said.

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Four years ago, then-Washington, D.C. based news anchor Jeannette Reyes opted for a lighthearted approach when a scam caller, in a bid to obtain her credit card information, told her there was a warrant for her arrest due to a mysterious $2,500 debt.

"We can clear up this matter if you're able to make a payment right now," an unidentified man told her in a phone call shared by FOX affiliate WTTG in June 2021.

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In response, Reyes told him her credit card number was "3, 2, 1" before slipping into a more formal anchor voice and adding, "Good evening, we are live on television right now with an investigation into scam callers. We have the FBI on the line, they are tracking this phone number as we speak. Sir, what is your full name again?"

Within seconds, the caller promptly hung up.

Read the original article on People
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) is investigating a Sunday shooting that left a man dead.

According to police, officers responded at 12:25 p.m. to reports of a shooting in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue.

5 police cruisers struck during pursuit of wanted car in Capitol Heights, police say

There, a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital, where he later died. His identity has not been released.

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Detectives are working to find the person/people responsible, as well as a motive for the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact PG Crime Solvers at (866) 411-TIPS.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
A 41-year-old man was fatally shot while trying to protect his car during an attempted theft in South Los Angeles, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said.

Deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim Saturday about 9:20 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Hooper Avenue in unincorporated L.A. County. They found two wounded men in a nearby alley. One had been struck by gunfire in the upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene by the L.A. County Fire Department. The other man was taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds to his leg.

Investigators learned that the men heard their car alarm go off in the alley where it was parked and spotted three people trying to steal the vehicle.

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When the men confronted the thieves, a fourth individual, who was standing near the alley's entrance, opened fire on them. One of the men returned fired in apparent self-defense, the Sheriff's Department said in a release.

The thieves fled west on East 81st Street in a newer-model red or burgundy four-door coupe, officials said.

No suspects had been arrested as of Sunday afternoon.

Anyone who has information that could help in the investigation is asked to contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, download the "P3 Tips" mobile app on Google Play or the Apple store or visit the Crime Stoppers website.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HERRIMAN, Utah (ABC4)  The body of a 22-year-old man has been found after he drowned at Blackridge Reservoir in Herriman on Saturday, according to Herriman Police.

The deceased is identified as Deng Ador, 22.

At around 5:40 p.m. on Aug. 16, police responded to a 911 call reporting two people in distress at Blackridge Reservoir. According to police, an incident occurred where two individuals  Ador and Sa Mafutaga, 21  were struggling in the water.

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Mafutaga was reportedly able to make it to shore but saw that Ador was still struggling in the water. Mafutaga reentered the water in an attempt to help Ador, police said, but was unable to do so.

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Bystanders then entered the water to help Mafutaga, who was later taken to the hospital by Unified Fire Authority. He is expected to recover, police said.

Ador reportedly went underwater around 35 yards from the shore. Unified Fire Authority and South Jordan Fire Dept. water rescue teams conducted search efforts, later joined by the Utah Highway Patrol dive team.

After several hours of searching, UHPs submersible robot located Ador at 10:40 p.m., a press release from Herriman Police states. Divers recovered him at 11:00 p.m., and he was pronounced deceased.

Adors family was present during the search and has been notified, police said.

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Ador was a mens college basketball player for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, following two seasons playing at the Univeristy of North Dakota. Also known as Deng Mayar, he was born in Magna and went to school at Judge Memorial Catholic High School.

University of Nebraska, Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li and Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell released the following the statement:

We are devastated to learn of Dengs passing. On behalf of our university community, our love and sincere condolences are with his family during this difficult time. We also wish his friends and teammates in Omaha, North Dakota, and Salt Lake City family peace as they process this tragic loss.

Omaha mens basketball head coach Chris Crutchfield also released the following statement:

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Our entire program is devastated to learn of Dengs passing. After competing against him for two years, we were elated to add him to our team and he made tremendous progress this summer. Deng was a joy to be around and made our culture better. We will miss him greatly. Jodi and I, along with our entire program, send our hearts and prayers to Dengs family, friends and teammates.

University of North Dakota mens basketball coach Paul Sather released the following statement:

Our hearts are broken to hear the tragic news of Dengs passing. He was a wonderful person with a heart the size of a gym. Our thoughts are with his parents and family, along with all his teammates from UND and UNO. As competitive as he was on the court, he had a gentle nature and kind soul off the court. Deng will be greatly missed by all of those that knew and loved him.

The Herriman City Police Department investigations unit is requesting any patrons who witnessed the events and have not spoken with detectives to contact the Herriman Police Department at 801-858-0035, referencing case HR25-16361, the release states.

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Blackridge Reservoir will remain closed until further notice by Herriman City. This closure includes the adjacent trailhead and all grass and beach areas.

No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A Norfolk man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday for various charges connected with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute federal drugs and possession of a gun to further a crime, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Lloyd Levi Hardy, 41, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, psilocyn, and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Virginia Beach police obtained arrest warrants for Hardy on various gun charges after shooting in an apartment where a woman and children were located. He was then arrested on Oct. 10, 2023.

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Lloyd Hardy has earned a sentence as substantial as his criminal record, said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. As an armed drug dealer, with outstanding arrest warrants for violent crimes at the time of his arrest, Hardy is exactly the type of threat to our citizens that we work every day to identify and remove from our communities.

Following his arrest, officers search and seized his vehicle and found $1600, 13.03 grams of cocaine, 14.44 grams of heroin, 11.71 grams of psilocyn, and four firearms, one of which was stolen.

One of the firearms recovered linked back to the September 2023 shooting.

The VBPD continues to aggressively focus on career offenders, and we are grateful for our federal partners assisting us in holding them accountable for the danger they present to our community, said Paul Neudigate, Chief of Virginia Beach Police.

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VBPD also recovered a cellphone which contained messages showing Hardy conducted the sale of heroin, cocaine, and psilocyn dating as far back as December 2020.

Hardy had prior convictions, including for grand larceny, destruction of property, obstructing, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, eluding police (endangerment), and burglary.

He pleaded guilty to the aforementioned charges on Nov. 19, 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The Brief

Police are investigating after a man was found in North Houston with multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers responded to the 5500 block of Antoine Drive around 2:15 a.m. Saturday.

Police are investigating the shooting as a possible drive-by shooting.

HOUSTON - A man was critically injured after being shot multiple times in northwest Houston in what police are investigating as a possible drive-by shooting.

What we know

Houston police responded around 2:15 a.m. to the 5500 block of Antoine Drive for a possible drive-by shooting.

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Lt. Ali said arriving officers found a man with multiple gunshot wounds.

The man was treated at the scene by officers until he could be transported to an area hospital in critical condition, Ali said.

What we don't know

Police said they were unsure what led up to the shooting nor did they have any information on possible suspects.

What you can do

Houston police are asking anyone with information to contact their major assaults division or crime stoppers.

The Source

Information in this article comes from the Houston Police Department.
NEED TO KNOW

Someone repeatedly stole a California mans plane  and also replaced the battery

Jason Hong, 75, went to visit his plane at the Corona Municipal Airport on July 28 to find it mysteriously gone

The plane has since disappeared and then reappeared at several local airports, mystifying Hong and authorities alike

A California mans small plane has been stolen multiple times  and the thief seemingly repaired it.

Yorba Linda resident Jason Hong was celebrating his 75th birthday on July 28 when he decided to pay a visit to his plane, a 1958 Cessna Skyhawk, which he keeps at the Corona Municipal Airport, per the Los Angeles Times.

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However, he was met with an unpleasant surprise upon arriving at the airport: the plane was gone.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Hong reported the plane missing to the Corona Police Department, thinking that he may very well never see it again.

However, Hong told the outlet that he then received a call from the La Verne Police on July 29 informing him that they had found his plane parked at the Brackett Field Airport, which is about 23 miles northeast of Corona.

Bewildered, Hong decided to take the plane's battery out with the intention of coming back the following weekend to properly inspect the vehicle. He told the L.A. Times that he figured no battery meant no one could steal it.

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However, when he returned on Sunday, Aug. 3, the plane was again gone.

He soon got a call from El Monte Police, who told him his plane was sitting at San Gabriel Valley Airport  which is about 18 miles west of where he had left it. Stranger still, whoever had stolen the plane had replaced the battery, which would have cost them hundreds of dollars.

aviation-images.com/Universal Images Group/Getty A Cessna 172M Skyhawk A Cessna 172M Skyhawk

Hong looked up his plane on the tracking website Flight Aware and was able to confirm that it had been in the air several times in July.

Hong  who has since chained his plane at San Gabriel Valley Airport as he waits to inspect it  told the L.A. Times that he is still trying to make sense of what happened.

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.

Someone breaks into your house, theyre looking for jewelry or cash, right? he said. But in this case, whats the purpose? Its like someone breaks my window, and then they put a new one up.

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Hong also said that he reasons whoever has been stealing his plane must have flight training  because landing is not easy  as well as knowledge of plane mechanics, because they knew what type of battery the plane needed and were also able to install it.

So far, the only potential clue comes from a regular at the San Gabriel Valley Airport who told Hong that he saw a petite, middle-aged woman sitting in the cockpit on several occasions. The man said that the incident stood out because he wondered why the woman would opt to sit in the plane on a hot day instead of in the air-conditioned airport.

Authorities also remain mystified.

This plane just keeps disappearing out of the blue, Sgt. Robert Montanez of the Corona Police Department told the L.A. Times. Its just weird.

He added, Theres no camera video, theres no real leads as to who stole the plane.



Read the original article on People
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.)  The Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD) is asking for the publics help in identifying two people of interest in connection with an assault of a Cog Railway staff member on Saturday, Aug. 16.

According to MSPD, around noon on Saturday, a staff member of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway was assaulted in the parking lot, located at 515 Ruxton Avenue. The employees current condition is unknown; however, the Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) crew responded to the incident to provide medical assessment and care.

MSPD is investigating the incident and is asking that anyone who was a witness or may have information or video footage contact the El Paso County Dispatch at (719) 390-5555.

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MSPD is seeking information on two people in the images below.

Courtesy: Manitou Springs Police Department

The man is described as white and middle-aged with facial hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, navy shorts, a backpack, and a white hat with navy blue or black accents. The woman is described as having dark brown or black hair, and she was last seen wearing a gray or white top, blue shorts, a backpack, and a white and gray hat.

The two are being sought as persons of interest, and their involvement, if any, remains under investigation, according to MSPD.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 39-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping his 65-year-old mother in the Hauz Qazi area in the national capital, Delhi police said on Sunday. Police said the complainant, 65, filed a complaint at the Hauz Qazi police station stating that the incident took place after she returned from a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with her husband and daughter on August 1. According to the alleged survivor, her son first assaulted her soon after her return and then again attempted to attack her the next day, forcing her to go to her elder daughter-in-law's house. "On 01.08.2025, when they returned to Delhi, her son assaulted her and the next day also tried to assault her, due to which she went to her elder daughter's in-laws' house," the police statement read. Further, Delhi Police said that on August 11, when the woman returned home around 9:30 pm, the accused allegedly locked her in a room, threatened her with a knife and scissors, forced her to undress, and raped her. The woman further stated that she did not disclose the incident due to fear and shame and began sleeping with her daughter. However, on the night of August 14 at around 3:30 am, her son allegedly raped her again. "Her son locked her in the room, showed her a knife and scissors, forcibly made her remove her clothes, and raped her. After all this happened, she was terrified and, out of shame, did not tell anyone. She started sleeping with her daughter. Then, on the night of 14.08.2025, around 3:30 AM, he repeated this act," the police statement read. A case under Section 64(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Hauz Qazi police station. The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway. The woman lives with her 72-year-old husband, a retired government employee, their 25-year-old daughter, and the accused, who is an unemployed graduate. (ANI)
Donald Trumps meeting with Russian president Vladmir Putin was either a disaster or a success, depending on whom you ask  and on Sunday NBCs Kristen Welker asked both Sen. Chris Murphy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

That meeting was a disaster. It was an embarrassment for the United States. It was a failure, Murphy insisted. Putin got everything he wanted. I mean, first of all, he wanted that photo op, right? He wanted to be absolved of his war crimes in front of the world. He was invited to the United States. War criminals are not normally invited to the United States of America.

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Putin also didnt have to give up anything, Murphy added, including a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine  or even have a conversation about the possibility.

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President Trump said he wanted a ceasefire. It appears the ceasefire wasnt even seriously discussed. And then, third, theres no consequences. Trump said, If I dont get a ceasefire, Putin is going to pay a price,' Murphy said. And then he walked out of that meeting saying, I didnt get a ceasefire. I didnt get a peace deal, and Im not even considering sanctions.'

Rubio offered an opposite take. Putin and Trump agreed  that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal, he insisted. Theres no doubt about that. I mean, who would be against the fact if tomorrow we came to you and said, We have a full peace deal and its done, I think thats the best way to end the war.

He continued, Now, whether there needs to be a ceasefire on the way there, well, weve advocated for that.

After Welker played a clip of Trump noting, I want to see a ceasefire rapidly. I dont know if its going to be today. But Im not going to be happy if its not today, Rubio attempted to reroute the conversation.

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Well, first of all the Russians are already facing very severe consequences. Theres not a single sanction thats been lifted, not one. I mean, theyre facing all the same sanctions that have been in place today, he said. All the American support continues to Ukraine. And ultimately look, if were not going to be able to reach an agreement here at any point, then there are going to be consequences, not only the consequences of the war continuing, but the consequences of all those sanctions continuing and potentially new sanctions on top of it as well.

Watch the interviews with Sen. Murphy and Marco Rubio in the videos above.

The post Marco Rubio, Sen. Chris Murphy Push Polar Opposite Trump-Putin Summit Takes on Meet the Press | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  The Arnold Marlins volleyball team welcomed in five local teams to compete in a preseason round robin battle.

The local competitors:

Bay High School

Freeport High School

Holmes County High School

Liberty County High School

Sneads High School

Of the local teams, Bay High School and Freeport both left the tournament with two wins.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Four masked robbers executed a brazen midday robbery at a jewelry store in West Seattle on Thursday, leaving with diamonds, gold and luxury watches in less than two minutes that was caught on surveillance video.

The thieves threatened the stores staff at Menashe & Sons Jewelers with bear spray and a stun gun after smashing the locked glass front door with a hammer and stealing everything from six display cases in the store.

"Were pretty shook up as a staff," Josh Menashe, vice president of the family-owned store, said on Friday. "Were gonna be closed for a while."

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The displays held an emerald necklace worth $125,000 and around $750,000 worth in Rolex watches, police said.

Armed Robbers Target Bar Hoppers In Ritzy Blue City Neighborhood: Held The Gun To My Head

Four masked robbers executed a brazen midday robbery at a jewelry store in West Seattle on Thursday, leaving with diamonds, gold and luxury watches in less than two minutes that was caught on surveillance video.

Menashe said the employees were beginning to do a full inventory of the losses after cleaning up the glass.

Read On The Fox News App

The manager of nearby Industrious Gym said the employees escaped out the back and went to his gym for help.

"They came in telling us to call 911," Matthew Strommen told Fox 13. "I was about to start a class. We were like gearing up, ready to go, and then people come in yelling."

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California Police Nab 7 Foreign Nationals In Jewelry Store Heist, 1 Suspect Still Loose

The thieves threatened the stores staff at Menashe & Sons Jewelers with bear spray and a stun gun after smashing the locked glass front door with a hammer and stealing everything from six display cases in the store.

"I think there was a lot of shock and surprise. I think they heard the smashing glass and thought the worst and took off out the back," said Strommen. "We locked up our doors and had everyone in there until the police showed up."

He added, "It was like 11:50 am., I dont think anyone was expecting something like that to happen in the middle of their workday."

The suspects escaped in a getaway car before police arrived at noon and no arrests have been made yet.

No one was hurt during the robbery.

Seattle police are asking anyone with information to call 206-233-5000.





Original article source: Masked robbers pull off brazen midday heist at Seattle jewelry store in under two minutes
BOSTON (WWLP)  A man was arrested and charged in Boston on Friday in connection with possessing numerous privately made firearms, or ghost guns.

Charging documents allege that since 2022, 38-year-old Robert Butland of Somerville has been purchasing firearm parts and accessories, as well as 3D printers.

Butland is prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior state convictions, in which he was charged in Lawrence District Court for assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and wanton destruction of property. He also has prior state charges for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B controlled substance, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

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Law enforcement searched Butlands residence on Friday, during which time they forcibly opened a locked closet that held suspected ghost guns. Inside the closet, police also reportedly found multiple solvent traps commonly used as illegal firearm suppressors.

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The charging documents further state that police found additional ghost guns in nightstands, backpacks, and coffee table drawers in Butlands bedroom. They also reportedly recovered firearm parts and accessories, 3D printers, and a workbench and tools believed to be associated with the assembly and manufacture of firearms.

Varying calibers of ammunition were also allegedly seized from Butlands home, including 9mm luger ammunition, Frontier 5.56 Hornady ammunition, and 7.26x39mm ammunition.

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Butland was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court in Boston on Friday for an initial appearance and remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 20. For this charge, he faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
With the American Cancer Society listing colorectal cancer as the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the country, Mass General Brigham is blitzing Greater Boston with information to keep underserved communities healthy.

Using mobile care vans, phone calls, billboards, MBTA bus advertisements, and radio spots, MGBs new multimedia, multilingual campaign hopes to get more people screened for colorectal cancer before the disease becomes untreatable.

We launched this program to encourage all of our community members to think about colorectal cancer screening, to talk with their providers about what they are eligible for and what are the best modalities, said Dr. Alison Bryant, associate chief health equity officer of MGB.

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The program, which began in February, has shown early signs of success, with a 95% enrollment rate among eligible patients in MGBs primary care system and community care vans, according to a press release sent to MassLive. More than 70% of these enrolled patients have either completed their screenings or scheduled appointments.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGB launched its mobile community care van program to provide COVID testing and vaccines. The vans are stationed in communities which MGB has recognized as having lower rates of testing.

Since then, the initiative has expanded to include screenings and interventions for hypertension, diabetes, substance use disorders and now information about colorectal cancer screenings.

Although patients are not able to get screened on the vans themselves, they are met with a navigator who will guide them through the process of getting screened and even setting up transportation for an appointment.

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The initiative offers patients flexibility in screening options, including stool-based tests and colonoscopy referrals when necessary. Early results have been encouraging, with medical teams detecting dozens of polyps, potentially preventing future cancer cases, according to Bryant.

An important component of the program is its multilingual support system. Community health workers provide assistance in six languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, traditional Chinese and Russian.

We recognized that if we were only producing that information in English, we were doing a disservice to many of our patients and frankly, to much of our workforce who might prefer other languages, Bryant said.

Offering services in multiple languages allows the hospital to help patients overcome common barriers such as transportation challenges, understanding preparation instructions and scheduling appointments.

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The initiative specifically targets MGB communities where screening rates have been lower than average and where early detection could increase positive health outcomes. Through this approach, MGB aims to reduce colorectal cancer mortality rates among its patients and their families.

The reason why were doing this pilot is because were trying to close the gap in the Hispanic and black communities, because we see that they are not getting screened and the mortality rate is a little higher, said Aida Vizcaino, the community health worker team lead at MGB.

Vizcaino works with a team of 10 community health workers as part of the initiative to increase awareness about colorectal cancer. Their job is to call patients in MGBs primary care system, from a list of those who have never gotten screened for colorectal cancer, to inform them of the risks of the disease and guide them through the steps to get tested.

I think its been successful, Vizcaino said. I would say Ive been able to reach out to like 150 patients, and most of them agreed to complete a colonoscopy.

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Vizcaino said she believes the language component is one of the most important aspects to increase the likelihood of patients actually beginning the process to get screened.

They hear a similarity when you speak Spanish, for example, and they can find a connection with you, Vizcaino said. They are actually more receptive to complete this service afterwards.

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COURTESY MPD Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot while on duty in Paia Friday night, is seen in this screenshot of an Maui Police Department recruitment video .

1 /2 COURTESY MPD Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot while on duty in Paia Friday night, is seen in this screenshot of an Maui Police Department.

COURTESY MPD Maui police officer Suzanne O was fatally shot Friday night in Paia.

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2 /2 COURTESY MPD Maui police officer Suzanne O was fatally shot Friday night in Paia.

COURTESY MPD Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot while on duty in Paia Friday night, is seen in this screenshot of an Maui Police Department recruitment video .

COURTESY MPD Maui police officer Suzanne O was fatally shot Friday night in Paia.

The Maui Police Department has identified the officer shot Friday night while responding to a terroristic threatening call in Paia as Suzanne O.

The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer O,  MPD said today and Instagram pages. To those who wish to show their support to her family and loved ones, funeral and memorial service arrangements will be shared once finalized.

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Officer O served our community with courage, honor, and dedication. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten, and our MPD ohana is grieving alongside her family and loved ones. We ask the community to hold them in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Together, we will uphold the values Officer O exemplified, uniting to continue her legacy of service and dedication to our community.

At about 8 :26 p.m., officers went to the Paia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue after a caller had reported that a person had trespassed onto the property and fired a weapon at them, Maui Police Department officials said.

Upon arrival, officers encountered the armed suspect, who discharged a firearm, striking one of the responding officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the lower body,  according to an MPD news release.

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier told Hawaii News Now that a sister officer  was shot in the chest and that the suspect was shot in the hip.

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The suspect was taken into custody and is receiving medical treatment while the investigation is ongoing, MPD said.

Our department is heartbroken,  Pelletier said in the news release earlier today. We have lost one of our finestan officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. She was a hero, and we will ensure she is honored with the reverence she deserves. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this time of profound loss.

Officer O joined MPD in 2020, working first in the Kihei Patrol District before moving to the Wailiku Patrol District in December 2021.

She was a proud member of the Honor Guard, MPD said, and often volunteered during high-demand periods, even on her days off or outside regular shifts, to help manage the districts workload. She also supported the dispatch team during her off time.

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Community members often praised Officer O for her professionalism, courtesy, and tact,  said MPD in the post. She was awarded the Certificate of Merit for her brave work upcountry during the August 8th wildfires. Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, genuine, honest, and deeply dedicated to serving Maui County. In her free time, she enjoyed being with her niece and nephews, as family was always her top priority.

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers said in a statement Friday night, a Maui police officer put on their police uniform today to start their shift, protecting the lives of the public. That officer did not finish their shift ; their life was stolen, cut way too short.

Tonight, a family is overcome with grief, a grief that will never totally leave them. The hearts of Maui police officers break as a fellow officer, their friend, a friend who does the very same job they do every day, did not go home. The 2, 700 sworn men and women of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers stand strong beside our brother and sister officers of the Maui Police Department. Too many of us have been here before. Our hearts and our prayers are with our officers family ; they will forever be part of our SHOPO family, a family that will not let the memory of their loved one fade or their ultimate sacrifice be made in vain.

MPD asked for the communitys support, understanding, and respect as we grieve this immeasurable loss.

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Maui is mourning the loss of police officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot Friday night while responding to a terroristic threatening incident in Paia.

The Maui Police Department on Saturday identified O, a five-year veteran of the force, as the slain officer and praised her professionalism, courtesy and tact.

Officer O served our community with courage, honor, and dedication,  said MPD in a news release. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten, and our MPD ohana is grieving alongside her family and loved ones. We ask the community to hold them in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Together, we will uphold the values Officer O exemplified, uniting to continue her legacy of service and dedication to our community.

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According to MPD, at about 8 :26 p.m. Friday, officers went to the Paia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue after a call reporting that an unknown person had trespassed onto the property and fired a weapon at them.

Upon arrival, officers encountered the armed suspect, who discharged a firearm, striking one of the responding officers,  the news release said. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the lower body.

O was shot in the chest and despite lifesaving efforts succumbed to her injuries.

The suspect, whose name was not released, received medical treatment and remains in custody, said MPD, sharing no further details Saturday except to say that the investigation is ongoing.

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O is the first Maui police officer killed in the line of duty in more than 25 years. The last MPD officer who died on the job was Cerilo Agarano in November 1999, according to the. Before that, four other Maui police officers since 1941 were killed while serving.

The states last duty-related death of a police officer occurred when Honolulu Police Department solo motorcycle officer Bill Sapolu died Aug. 8, 2023, from injuries suffered in a crash nearly a month earlier while en route to assist a fellow officer on a weapons call.

O also is the second female police officer in Hawaii killed in the line of duty. The first was Honolulu police officer, who was fatally shot while responding to a Jan. 19, 2020, call on Hibiscus Drive in the Diamond Head area. Fellow HPD officer Kaulike Kalama was gunned down in the same tragedy by a handyman who murdered his landlady and started a fire that destroyed five homes before killing himself.

MAUI POLICE Chief John Pelletier said in a statement, Our department is heartbroken. We have lost one of our finestan officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. She was a hero, and we will ensure she is honored with the reverence she deserves. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this time of profound loss.

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O joined the department in 2020, working first in the Kihei Patrol District before moving to the Wailuku Patrol District in December 2021, according to MPD. She was a proud member of the departments Honor Guard and often volunteered for duty during high-demand periods, even on her days off or outside regular shifts, to help manage the districts workload. She also supported the dispatch team during her off time, MPD said.

In a police recruitment video two years ago, O shared that she grew up in American Samoa and that part of the reason she wanted to become a police officer was to show her nieces back home that they had options in life.

It provides for your family and it gives you some sort of gratification that you go home and you know that you helped someone,  she said.

Her advice to other recruits was always be courteousits never wrong or its never a bad thing to be courteous to peopleand show compassion always.

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MPD said O was awarded a Certificate of Merit for her brave work  during the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires in the Upcountry area.

Her colleagues described her as compassionate, genuine, honest and deeply dedicated to serving Maui County. In her free time, she enjoyed being with her niece and nephews, as family was always her top priority.

Meanwhile, THE town of Paia on Mauis north shore is reeling from the shock of violence in their quiet community. The former plantation-town-turned-popular-tourist-stop hosts residential neighborhoods, vacation rentals, a hostel, cafes and an eclectic collection of boutiques, eateries, yoga studios and surf shops.

Police closed Baldwin Avenue, the main road leading out of town up toward Makawao and beyond, overnight starting at about 9 :30 p.m. Friday to conduct their investigation.

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Its very unusual,  said Jefferson Santo, manager of the Paia Fish Market restaurant, which closed at 9 p.m. Friday. Its usually quiet, especially up the hill. Everyones shocked today.

The restaurant is more than a mile away from the sugar mill, but Santo said he and employees saw police cars rushing past to get to the scene.

There are some concerns about homeless individuals in the area but they do no harm, he said, and generally there are no major concerns about crime in the area.

A weekly dance group was reportedly at Heritage Hall, located across the street from the sugar mill, when gunshots rang out Friday night. Group members were told by police to shelter in place.

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The nonprofit Heritage Hall is home to both the Portuguese and Puerto Rican cultural centers, which hold regular gatherings and events in the mostly peaceful neighborhood.

On Saturday morning, Island Fresh Cafe, also across the street from the sugar mill, opened as usual, offering breakfast fruit platters, loco moco dishes and banana bread French toast, and the Maui Yoga Shala studio next door held its Maui Aloha Flow  class as scheduled.

Nicol Nichols, stand-in manager of Island Fresh Cafe, said she was in sheer shock  to hear about the shooting.

I think we all feel like Paia is a really safe community,  she said, adding shes been there 20 years. Even though we have a lot of homeless, everyone kind of does their thing and no one hurts each other.

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The Paia Sugar Mill, formerly operated by the Hawaiian Commercial &Sugar Co.a division of Alexander &Baldwinwas built in 1880. Considered the heart of Paia,  it produced sugar for generations before in 2000, marking the end of the plantation era.

The vacant property is currently undergoing revitalization efforts by the Paia Village Co., which formed in August 2020 with the goal of transforming it into a state-of-the art advanced manufacturing village.

OTHER COUNTY police departments in Hawaii and the police officers union honored the Maui officer slain in Fridays fatal shooting.

SHOPO said in a statement Friday night that a Maui police officer put on their police uniform today to start their shift, protecting the lives of the public. That officer did not finish their shift ; their life was stolen, cut way too short.

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Tonight, a family is overcome with grief, a grief that will never totally leave them. The hearts of Maui police officers break as a fellow officer, their friend, a friend who does the very same job they do every day, did not go home. The 2, 700 sworn men and women of the SHOPO stand strong beside our brother and sister officers of the Maui Police Department. Too many of us have been here before. Our hearts and our prayers are with our officers family ; they will forever be part of our SHOPO family, a family that will not let the memory of their loved one fade or their ultimate sacrifice be made in vain.

Interim HPD Police Chief Rade Vanic issued a statement expressing condolences to Os loved ones and Mauis law enforcement community.

The loss is felt not only on Maui, but here in Honolulu as well,  Vanic said. As members of Hawaiis law enforcement ohana, we stand together in grief and solidarity. The fallen officer served with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their community. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Reed Mahuna, acting chief of the Hawaii Police Department, said it deeply mourns alongside our brothers and sisters in blue following the heartbreaking loss of a Maui Police Department officer killed in the line of duty.

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In law enforcement, the bonds we share go beyond uniforms and badgesthey are ties of service, sacrifice and ohana. When one of our ohana grieves, we all grieve,  he said. Our hearts are heavy yet steadfast in their support of the fallen officers family, colleagues and the Maui community. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Maui Police Department in these darkest of hours, honoring the brave sacrifice made and holding close the memory of your fallen officer.

MPD said funeral and memorial service arrangements for O will be shared once finalized.
Founder and co-owner of J. Rene Coffee Roasters, Jose Rene Martinez, has added a new night twist on his West Hartford coffee shop he calls Analog & Aroma.

Over the last three weeks, the new business has had a soft opening in the evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and has added a food menu. This has been a concept years in the making for Martinez, and the co-owner said Analog & Aroma has been well received.

Ive been roasting coffee for the past 20 years and I call my coffee shop an artisanal place. So we took a morning component where we had live engagement. We had great coffee but I wanted to create an evening component that would have the same kind of experience, Martinez said.

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Martinez opened J. Rene Coffee Roasters in 2012 but has been roasting coffee in West Hartford since 2006. Marie Engel, the co-owner, has run the day-to-day operations at J. Rene since Day 1. The coffee shop always had hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Martinez said the idea to have evening hours were inspired from a trip to Melbourne, Australia.

Their coffee scene was at a whole different level, and they really captured the coffee experience and artisan gastronomic experience, Martinez said. They had world class baristas, but they also had world class chefs. So we decided it was an inspiration for me to have something like that, but I needed to find the right partner who spoke to food just like I spoke to coffee.

Chef Rui Correia, who has been in the Connecticut food scene for decades, came aboard last month to provide the culinary side of the business. Correia was previously the chef at Piri Piri-Q and also was the chef and owner at Douro in Greenwich.

Correias specialty is Mediterranean food. The menu includes salads, hummus, bufala mozzarella and Coppa, meatballs, flatbread and chicken empanadas, among other offerings. There are also three desserts on the menu including pane dolce with vanilla ice cream, expresso anise seeds chocolate biscotti and coffee icebox cake.

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Correia moved to West Hartford two years ago and he and his wife were regulars at J. Rene Coffee Roasters.

It was always the kind of place that I would like to own myself, Correia said. I backed out of another concept I was working on and I had nothing to do. A friend of mine introduced me to Marie and Rene. We organically hit it off, and this new concept happened overnight.

I was very blessed and I was very happy that they would consider me to join their establish well-run business, Correia added. It was everything that I would want to do in West Hartford. Its me alone in the kitchen, and Ive never run a kitchen so small but its taking me back to my principles of rechecking myself before I made mistakes as a young entrepreneur, chef coming up, and Im really enjoying cooking.

Correia was born in Portugal. He said he loves preparing food from Portugal, Italy, Greece and other European countries.

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I cross the countries and use different seasonings and different dishes from each countries. I love Mediterranean cuisine, Correia said. I get inspired on my trips (abroad) and by other chefs. I explore different options, and the food we have made in West Hartford has been very well received. Its simplicity on a plate. I dont like to make food too busy or too fancy.

Correia said this has been a positive development after receiving a Parkinsons diagnosis several years ago. He said the J. Rene Coffee Roasters owners have been supportive, and this opportunity came at the right time.

Its not easy, Correia said about coming to terms with the diagnosis. Especially doing the job that I do in the kitchen and these two folks welcomed me in and said what can we do to make you comfortable. It was about who I was and not about what I had. That meant a lot. There was a point where I didnt know if I could still cook professionally and hold up a kitchen, especially in a West Hartford market where people are used to good food.

For me, its made me so happy. When I go home, my wife said, I havent seen you look this happy in so long,' he said. Im doing what I love to do with two people who love what they do and its almost out of a fairy tale. I thought Parkinsons would have been the end of my career and it almost was.  I came in that one day and met these two people and its been heaven sent.

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Martinez said he is happy to have Correia aboard.

Hes incredibly talented and he understands the ethos of creating this amazing gastronomic experiences with friends, with family, with the person that you just met in an environment thats conducive for social engagement, Martinez said. So were not a bar scene. Were at a restaurant. Were kind of lodged in between. And we like it because its in an area thats great for developing a beautiful, you know, a beautiful neighborhood in West Hertford and people whove really been very receptive to it.

Martinez said hes one of the most credentialed coffee roasters in the state. Hes judged and participated in roasting competitions.

Theres a lot of people doing great work in the state what we have is unique because restaurants offer great food, they offer great wines, but in the years that Ive been doing this, their understanding of coffee is very small, Martinez said. Coffee is deceptively complex. A lot of people dont even know that coffee is a fruit, to begin with, and its one of the few fruits that we consume the seeds. So it really takes it takes really, its taken all these years for me to really understand the impact of that coffee has. But its the same experience as it relates to food, as it relates to other beverages, as it relates to spirits.

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The full expresso menu is available at Analog & Aroma. Martinez said his selection of beverages is unique and prices right and not to break the bank.

We have some really beautiful select wines, some artisan craft beers, bourbon and some small plates with a really cool, loungy vibe as far as music is concerned, Martinez said.

Martinez said there could be a pianist, violinist or jazz performers depending on the night.

The evening component has been so well received. People have loved the plates. Amazing pasta plates, amazing salad, other dishes, Martinez said.

J. Rene Coffee Roasters is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Analog & Aroma is open from Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Both are located at 320 Park Road in West Hartford.
Aug. 17 (UPI) -- First lady Melania Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Put to protect the innocence of children in a letter made public by U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday.

The letter dated Friday was presented to Putin during his trip to Alaska to meet with President Trump on a potential cease-fire with Ukraine. Though the two presidents ended the summit without a deal, President Trump called it "an extremely productive meeting."

"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not just a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump wrote Saturday morning in a Truth Social post.

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President Trump also personally handed Putin the letter from the first lady, who had not traveled to Alaska for the summit.

Melania Trump's letter didn't explicitly mention the Ukraine war by name, but asks Putin to protect the innocence of children and foster peace. In doing so, "you will do more than serve Russia alone -- you serve humanity itself," she wrote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and President Donald Trump shake hands after a joint news conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday. Photo by Bob Strong/UPI

"As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all -- so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded," the letter says.

A report released by the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine in July revealed there was a sharp increase -- 200% -- in the number of children killed or injured in Ukraine between March 1 and May 31. Between those dates, 222 children were killed or injured, compared to 73 between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28.

US President Donald Trump (R) greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The two didn't come to an agreement on a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. File Photo courtesy of the Kremlin

"There is no respite from the war for children across Ukraine," said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF regional director for Europe and Central Asia. "The situation for children is at a critical juncture, as intense attacks continue to not only destroy lives but disrupt every aspect of childhood."

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Data from the United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights shows 14,609 civilians in Ukraine were killed between the start of the war Feb. 24, 2022, and July 31, 2025, including 726 children. More than 37,000 civilians have sustained injuries, including 2,234 children.

Monday's visit to Washington, D.C., will be Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's (L) first visit to the White House since a heated exchange with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in February. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/UPI

The Russian government said 621 civilians have been killed through May 2025, with nearly 800 missing. The death toll includes 38 children.

After Friday's Alaska summit failed to produce a cease-fire, President Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would be traveling to Washington, D.C., for the two leaders to meet.

"If it all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved."
First Lady Melania Trump penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in which she raised concerns about the plight of children throughout Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger, Melania Trump wrote in a letter, dated Aug. 15, to the Russian leader.

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few, the first lady said in the one-page letter. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all  so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

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President Trump delivered the letter to Putin ahead of their high-stakes summit in Alaska, a White House official told The Hills sister network NewsNation on Saturday. Melania Trump was not at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, where the nearly three-hour-long huddle between U.S. and Russian officials took place.

Since the start of the war in late February 2022, Russia has abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, forcibly transferring them to Russia, attempting to assign them Russian citizenship and have them attend schools in Russia.

The United Nations hammered Russia in March for the suffering the children in Ukraine have endured because of the war, which has been ongoing for about three-and-a-half years. Russia has previously argued that it has been shielding kids from the conflict areas.

A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology, the first lady wrote in the letter.

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Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them  a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future, Melania Trump said. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

More than 19,000 children were deported from Ukraine to Russia, adding that the actual number could be far higher, according to a Ukrainian government tracker.

The first lady said that in protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone-you serve humanity itself. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today.

It is time, she added.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday, ahead of the Trump-Putin summit, that Moscow has been stonewalling talks on the return of Ukrainian children.

Ukraines leader said that while occasional transfers have taken place, with the assistance of other nations, Kyiv has not been able to strike a wide-ranging agreement with Russia on the matter.

That is why we wanted to get certain matters settled in this trilateral track: ceasefire, an all-for-all exchange, and the return of children, Zelensky said. This is something everyone benefits from: President Trump benefits, the Russians lose nothing, the Ukrainians lose nothing. Its a fair compromise.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
According to a press release by Gujarat CMO, CM Patel on Saturday performed aarti to Lord Krishna and felt blessed after having the divine darshan at the temple.

He performed the Panchamrit Abhishek on the sacred metallic idol of Lord Shri Krishna's child form, Laddu Gopal.

Chief Minister, along with other devotees, sat in the temple hall and joined in devotional chanting, and received divine darshan of Shriji.

Every year, the ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with deep devotion and reverence.

This year, too, the Chief Minister participated in the joyful celebrations of Krishna Janmotsav, the release said.

CM offered prayers to Radha-Krishna, seeking divine blessings for the welfare of all and the continued progress of the state and the nation.

On this occasion, MLA Amit Thaker, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, City BJP President Prerak Shah, along with other dignitaries and a large number of devotees, were present.

On Saturday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended heartfelt greetings to all citizens of the state on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.

Extending his best wishes, the Chief Minister stated that this festival is celebrated with utmost devotion and reverence, and will further strengthen the spirit of harmony, brotherhood, and mutual love in society.

Lord Krishna's birthday falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad. Although the celebration takes place in different parts of the country, Mathura and Vrindavan hold a special significance. One being his birthplace, and one where he spent his childhood and did his baal leela.

Devotees flock to the Lord Krishna temples. The temples were decorated with flowers and crystal chandeliers, and the idols of Lord Krishna were decorated with colourful clothes and jewellery. (ANI)
Melania Trump Writes 'Peace Letter' to Vladimir Putin originally appeared on Parade.

First Lady Melania Trump delivered an appeal this week, penning what she called a peace letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin that urged him to act on behalf of future generations.

Dear President Putin, the letter begins. Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger.

The message, first obtained by Fox News Digital, was reportedly hand-delivered by former President Donald Trump ahead of his summit with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday.

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Witnesses said Putin read the letter immediately as the American and Russian delegations looked on.

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope, she wrote. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few.

The first lady called for leaders to safeguard a dignity-filled world for allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

She pressed Putin directly, writing, Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

Her letter closed with a plea: In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia aloneyou serve humanity itself. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time.

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The summit in Alaska marked the first U.S.-Russia meeting since June 2021.

Following the talks, President Trump described the session as extremely productive while cautioning, There were many, many points that we agreed on, most of them, I would say. A couple of big ones that we haven't quite gotten there, but we've made some headway. So, there's no deal until there's a deal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected in Washington on Monday for his own round of discussions with Trump.

Melania Trump Writes 'Peace Letter' to Vladimir Putin first appeared on Parade on Aug 16, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
The contents of first lady Melania Trumps letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin have now been revealed, including a plea for the Russian leader to restore [the] melodic laughter of children affected by his war in Ukraine.

The first lady, who did not travel to Alaska with her husband for his meeting with Putin on Friday, sent a letter instead, which Fox News has since published, referring to it as her peace letter.

While the White House did not respond to a request from the Daily Beast to confirm the letters authenticity, the first lady tweeted a link to Fox News article, seemingly confirming its accuracy herself.

First Lady Melania Trumps peace letter to Putin: It is timehttps://t.co/oHbL49cnrA  First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 16, 2025

Before the letters contents were revealed, two unnamed White House officials told Reuters that the missive mentioned the mass abductions of Ukrainian children by Russia as part of its ongoing invasion. However, Trumps message avoids specificsthe word Ukraine is not used onceinstead opting for flowery language that dances around the subject.

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Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger, it begins.

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

Melania Trump did not accompany her husband to Anchorage for his meeting with Putin. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Trump continues, A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purityan innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology.

Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around thema silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

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The letter finishes with a final appeal to Putins ego, reading, In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia aloneyou serve humanity itself. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for confirmation on the contents of Melanias letter.

Melania Trump/X

The letter is not the first time the first lady has sought to intervene on Ukraines behalf. She has previously convinced her husband to resume supplying weapons to Ukraine, and warned the president that Putin was not negotiating in good faith.

It is widely believed that up to 35,000 Ukrainian children have gone missing since February 2022, held far from home in Russia or Russian-occupied territories after being moved to detention camps or placed with Russian families.

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Russia argues that it has taken Ukrainian children in order to protect them from the ongoing conflict. The International Criminal Court has outstanding arrest warrants for Putin and Russias commissioner for childrens rights for violating the Geneva Conventions by engaging in the unlawful deportation of children.

Russia has rejected previous calls for children to be returned, with one Kremlin official accusing Ukraine of staging a show on the topic of lost children aimed at kind-hearted Europeans, adding that Kyiv is trying to squeeze out a tear by raising this issue.
LIVERPOOL, Pa. (WHTM)  A solemn ceremony Saturday in honor of lives lost nearly two centuries ago.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Dauphin and Cumberland County divisions held a commemoration event at the old Irish cemetery in Liverpool.

READ MORE > From Ireland to America: building the canals

It was to honor over a dozen Irish canal workers who died working on the Pennsylvania canal in 1828.

During the early 1800s, a group of Irishmen and even Chinese came over to help work to build the canal along the Susquehanna River, Father Richard McAlister told abc27 News. Unfortunately, 13 of them lost their lives in the work. So we are here to commemorate their lives and what they did for not only the local community of Liverpool, but really our state and country by offering us a canal.

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The divisions say these workers left their own country 200 years ago to escape British brutality.

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McAlister led a memorial Mass and, afterward, attendees enjoyed a light lunch.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Civil liberty and anti-racism groups have called on the Metropolitan Police to drop plans to use live facial recognition (LFR) technology at this year's Notting Hill Carnival.

In a letter to Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, 11 organisations described LFR as "a mass surveillance tool that treats all Carnival-goers as potential suspects and has no place at one of London's biggest cultural celebrations".

They said the decision to reintroduce the technology at Carnival was "deeply disappointing" and argued it could be "less accurate for women and people of colour".

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The Met Police says LFR is accurate and balanced across ethnicity and gender, and insists it will help keep people safe.

The groups - which include Liberty, Big Brother Watch and the Runnymede Trust - highlighted an ongoing judicial review brought by Shaun Thompson, a black Londoner who says he was wrongly identified by the system and detained.

The letter states: "There is no clear legal basis for your force's use of LFR. No law mentions facial recognition technology and Parliament has never considered or scrutinised its use.

"Notting Hill Carnival is an event that specifically celebrates the British African Caribbean community, yet the [Metropolitan Police] is choosing to use a technology with a well-documented history of inaccurate outcomes and racial bias."

The Met says it will deploy 7,000 officers a day to police Carnival [Getty Images]

The letter also raised concerns over a 2023 National Physical Laboratory study, which found the NeoFace system used by the Met was less accurate for women and people of colour depending on the algorithm that has been set.

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The study's authors found the system could show bias at lower thresholds, though at the higher settings the Met says it uses, performance was found to be equitable across ethnicity and gender.

These thresholds are confidence levels the system uses to decide a match - lower ones flag more people but risk more mistakes and bias, while higher ones are stricter and more balanced.

Campaigners said there was no legal obligation for the force to avoid the lower thresholds, and argued policing resources would be better spent on safety measures at the carnival.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, who is leading this year's policing operation at the carnival, said LFR had led to more than 1,000 arrests since the start of 2024 and that independent testing showed the system was "accurate and balanced with regard to ethnicity and gender" at the thresholds used by the Met.

Notting Hill Carnival can attract up to two million over the weekend [Getty Images]

Notting Hill Carnival takes place next weekend and has previously attracted up to two million people.

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It has come under increased scrutiny after two people were murdered at last year's event.

Mr Ward said the force had received the letter and would respond in due course.

"Carnival's growing popularity and size creates unique challenges. Around 7,000 officers and staff will be deployed each day," he said.

"Their priority is to keep people safe, including preventing serious violence, such as knife crime and violence against women and girls.

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"It is right that we make the best use of available technology to support officers to do their job more effectively."

Mr Ward said the LFR cameras will be used on the approach to and from Carnival and not within the event boundaries.

He said they will "help officers identify and intercept those who pose a public safety risk before they get to the crowded streets".

BBC News has contacted the carnival's organisers for comment.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The states child support services division is celebrating half a century in the making. Saturday at Tiguex Park, staff accepted applications and helped families with the outreach programs they offer.

Lawsuit alleges CYFD incompetence led to childs death in Silver City

The director of CSSD says New Mexicans might have heard of their program, but maybe arent sure what they do exactly, and with their 50th year in the making, they wanted to clear up the confusion. What we do is we help two parents who have a child together, but are no longer together, and they need to financially support this child; they do not have to do that on their own. The child support program helps them do that, says CSSD Director Betina Gonzales McCracken.

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Saturdays event also provided dozens of bags of free school supplies to children in 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
In New Mexicos most populous city, National Guard troops are listening to the police dispatch calls, monitoring traffic cameras and helping to secure crime scene perimeters, tasks not usually part of the job.

The New Mexico National Guard is in Albuquerque to help counter what officials have called a surge in crime, but unlike the recent deployment of troops in military fatigues by the federal government in the nations capital and earlier in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration enforcement, the states polo-shirted Guard troops were ordered in by the Democratic governor.

And last week, New Mexicos governor declared a state of emergency in other parts of the state, which gives her the discretion to mobilize more troops.

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Heres how a National Guard deployment is playing out in New Mexico and why it matters.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer - Alyssa Pointer/Reuters

How the troop deployment in New Mexico is playing out

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams state of emergency order issued for Rio Arriba County, the city of Espanola and area pueblos, was made at the request of the local governments, she said.

The Albuquerque deployment of 60 to 70 troops came after an emergency request from the citys police department citing the fentanyl epidemic and rising violent juvenile crime as critical issues requiring immediate intervention.

The new declaration is aimed at helping local police respond to a significant surge in violent crime, drug trafficking and public safety threats that have overwhelmed local resources. Rio Arriba County has the highest overdose death rate in the state, the governors news release said.

Brig. Gen. Romero, right and Command Sgt. Maj. Poccia, left, talk with members of the Albuquerque Police Department and the National Guard. - New Mexico National Guard

The troops are helping police with non-law enforcement duties and are not armed, will not make arrests, detain anyone, use force or engage in any immigration-related activities, the city said.

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We understand there are concerns based on what is taking place in other parts of the country, and we want to assure the public that here in Albuquerque, the Guards role is clearly defined, and focused on support without enforcement, Police Chief Harold Medina said in a June news release.

CNN has contacted the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico National Guard about whether the deployment has been effective but did not receive a response.

There is no question why the NM National Guard is helping out, New Mexico National Guard spokesman Hank Minitrez said in a June Facebook post.

The post described troops working behind the scenes in police offices, and conducting traffic management and manning perimeters around crime scenes when necessary.

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Albuquerque officials said last month they saw success with targeted resources in the citys downtown. Shootings are down 20% this year compared with 2024, the city said in a news release, a figure that tracks with data provided to CNN by the governors office.

Different approach focuses on support, not enforcement

Grisham, a Democrat, criticized President Donald Trumps deployment of 800 troops in Washington, DC, as executive overreach and said the contrast couldnt be clearer between her states usage of the National Guard and that of Trumps.

The DC National Guard reports only to the president, while a governor acts as the commander in chief of their states troops and police agencies.

Trump has suggested he could do the same in other major Democratic-led cities despite their leaders not asking for help.

Members of the National Guard walk on the National Mall on August 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. - Mehmet Eser/AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile on the West Coast, questions are still lingering in a court case over the presidents deployment of troops to Los Angeles in June as dramatic protests unfolded over immigration enforcement in parts of the city.

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The visual contrast between the troops in New Mexico and those sent to LA and the capital shows a difference in approach and intent.

Grishams office said the key difference between her deployment of troops and Trumps is her order was in response to direct requests from local communities. While President Trump uses the National Guard to trample local leadership, New Mexico brings together local and state governments to make our communities genuinely safer, she said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the federal intervention in his state purposely inflammatory. Washington, DC, Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the presidents actions unnecessary and pointed out violent crime in the district reached 30-year lows last year.

Trump said he was going to look at taking action in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles because of their crime rates when he announced his plans to take control of DCs police department this week. It is not clear what specifically Trump wants to do in other cities.

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New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have all seen a sustained decline in crime so far this year, according to a mid-year report from the independent nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice.

A vague, short law governs troop deployment by the federal government

Its a dangerous precedent for the federal government to start deploying troops to deal with local and state policing matters, as they are historically used for crowd control, protecting federal property and federal workers, or responding to a natural disaster, according to Jeffrey Swartz, a former National Guard member and professor emeritus at Cooley Law School.

The courts in California have yet to address a claim at the center of the case brought by Newsom to block Trumps deployment of troops in the city: whether the troops violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th century law prohibiting the use of the US military for domestic law enforcement.

The three-day trial concluded last week, but the judge did not say when he will rule.

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When the president nationalizes a unit or a state National Guard, they now fall under the Posse Comitatus Act saying they are not allowed to be used for civil policing, said Swartz. He cannot authorize federal troops to make arrests. That is solely within the power of the governor.

The National Guard can, however, take someone into custody under circumstances where theres a danger to federal property or federal officers, he added.

The act reserves law enforcement functions to the states, but its language is short, which lends itself to vagueness and argumentation, said David Shapiro, lecturer at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

National Guard troops stand outside the Edward Roybal Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2025. - Jim Vondruska/Getty Images/File

Swartz said National Guardsmen dont like the idea of being on the streets and being put in a position where they might have to use force against fellow citizens.

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These people are citizen soldiers, not full-time. They have jobs. They have families, he said. They signed up to protect the country against external threats, not internal ones.

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A Michelin Guide-listed restaurant has launched Britains first bottled water menu.

Joseph Rawlins, 32, has introduced the menu with bottles costing as much as 20 at his French fine dining restaurant, La Popote, in Marton, near Macclesfield, Cheshire.

The co-owner and head chef, from Wilmslow, worked alongside Doran Binder, one of only five British water sommeliers, to put the menu together.

Mr Binder, 52, from Wildboarclough in Macclesfield, has spent the past seven months selecting the seven bottles to include.

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The bottles come from across Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Iceland and the UK, with prices starting at 5 for Mr Binders own Crag spring water and reaching 19 for The Palace of Vidago, a Portuguese sparkling water.

Some of the waters on sale and, below, the menu - William Lailey/SWNS

The water menu

Mr Rawlins, whose wine prices range from 28 to 400, says fewer diners want to drink alcohol so he decided to offer something different to keep up with the market.

He added: The restaurant scene has changed a lot over the years. We have been getting fewer big tables, more groups of twos and fours. That means at least one person there will mostly likely be driving and not be drinking as such.

Everything has been positive, it is a bit of fun, and we are looking forward to seeing where it goes.

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Mr Rawlins took over the restaurant with his partner Gaelle Radigon, 37, in 2019, and the pair were listed in the Michelin Guide for the first time in December 2022.

An exciting new market

Mr Binders award-winning water, Crag, has been sold at the restaurant since 2018.

The sommelier first pitched the idea of a bottled water menu to Mr Rawlins in June 2023 when he invited the couple for a water tasting.

Mr Rawlins added: He had pitched the idea to us and we had a laugh about it as we were unsure what he meant by it at first.

He then invited us down for a water tasting and thats when we realised that water isnt just water, and he explained that he thinks there is an exciting new market.

According to Mr Binder, water has a taste established through the number of total dissolved solids (TDS) found in the liquid.

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The solids include minerals which have been absorbed naturally from the earth into the water before it is taken from the source.

TDS levels range from low, which is between 0 to 50, to high, at 1,200 plus, although Mr Binder believes the perfect level is between 100 and 200.

He said: We have noticed in the last 18 months a lot of people dont drink as much and are looking for an alternative to alcohol.

For still water Mr Binder chose the sharp, dry, and metallic tasting low TDS Icelandic Glacier Water (12).

He then chose still Crag (5) which has no taste but a smooth creamy silky mouth feel for mid-range TDS.

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He then selected Brand 22 from La Rioja, Spain, (11) for the high TDS range for its smooth mouth feel and delicate mineral taste.

For sparkling he picked the delicate and sweet Vichy Celastin (9) and the delicate and salty The Palace of Vidago (19) for high TDS.

He chose sparkling Crag for mid-range TDS. For low TDS, he chose Lauretana (12) which has a sharp and dry mouth feel with a metallic taste.

People thought it was a joke

Mr Binder said: I had been working on a water menu for the last three or four years trying to get a restaurant to pick it up but it has been really difficult.

People thought it was a joke and a gimmick but it was exciting when La Popote took me on.

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What I have done is put together a quality range of interesting water. It will elevate the dining experience for non-drinkers like myself and millions of others who arent interested in a wine menu.

Being able to chose a water with a story, something special and unique that you couldnt just get from a shop is elevating that experience. The water will be served in a wine glass, water will be put on a stage and shown respect.

La Popotes water menu will be fully launched on Friday, Aug 22.

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An Oakland County Republican state legislator told local leaders Thursday, Aug. 14, she wants to change Michigan law to bar county elected officials from holding outside jobs  citing a powerful elected Democrat who also works for a gas station empire.

State Rep. Donni Steele, R-Orion Township, told the Oakland County Board of Commissioners she wants to change the law, referencing Oakland County Commission Chairman Dave Woodward's side gig working as a consultant for Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain looking to expand in southeast Michigan.

"I would like to bring up the fact that we do have a conflict of interest with Sheetz gas station. It's written in the paper. Legislatively, we are trying to write a law to stop that process, because it's not fair to our communities to have these conflicts of interest," Steele told commissioners during the meeting's public comment period.

Folks wait in line to check out Sheetz during the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the first Sheetz store in Michigan happened in Romulus on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.

Steele told the Free Press the legislation is in draft form, and that she intends to have it filed as soon as possible. It aims to prevent county elected officials from having outside jobs that pose a conflict with their public duties.

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She acknowledged she is still working out the specifics of the legislation, including to which county elected officials it would apply, but she argued the concept is important to ensure the effective running of local government.

"You cannot have these conflicts of interest as you serve on the board," she said.

Several recent media reports have noted Woodward's job with Sheetz. A Free Press investigation highlighted the contract, along with multiple other potential conflicts among other currently serving commissioners.

Commissioner Angela Powell worked for the city of Pontiac at the same time she voted on measures directly related to the city. Commissioner William Miller voted on a contract with the county and a union  the same union where he earns six figures as a political director. Commissioner Brendan Johnson works for a state representative while also voting on county measures related to the Legislature. All three are Democrats.

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In previous comments, Woodward and a Sheetz spokesman told the Free Press his role as an "ambassador" for the company does not conflict with his public service. Both also noted at the time there was no Sheetz business in front of the county commission. Woodward said if any did arise, he would recuse himself and not speak about the issue with colleagues.

He also confirmed having other clients in the past but declined to name them.

In a statement Friday, Aug. 15, Woodward bashed Steele and defended the board's moves to formalize the replacement of two commissioners on committees.

"State Rep. Steele gave an unserious rant bashing Democrats in general to cover up for her failure to not get a state budget passed and road funding done. I expect unserious action," Woodward said.

Dave Woodward, chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, speaks to media members during a press conference inside the screening room at the George Kuhn Retention Treatment Basin in Madison Heights on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Steele's comments came Thursday, Aug. 14, after Woodward and the majority of other Democrats on the commission booted two outspoken Democratic commissioners from serving on local committees. The move is in response to Commissioners Charlie Cavell and Kristen Nelson leaving the Democratic caucus, a decision they said they made in part due to the refusal of Woodward and other Democratic commissioners to approve stronger ethical guidelines.

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The Oakland County board has ethics guidelines from the early 1990s; while they do ban some activities, the rules do not spell out any ramifications for violations.

However, Michigan state law does ban someone from holding two public offices that are "incompatible" which each other. There are several exemptions.

Steele said she understands local elected roles are not full-time jobs  she served as a trustee in Orion Township before leaving for the Legislature. But that does not mean elected officials should get other jobs because of their work in the public sphere.

"He doesnt have to take that job, right?" she said, referencing Woodward and Sheetz.

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Early in the county commission meeting, Cavell tried to introduce a resolution related to Sheetz. The measure noted a 2024 lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that accused Sheetz of not hiring people due to their race. At the time, a Sheetz spokesman said the company does not tolerate racial discrimination and it tried to work with the government to resolve the issue. Then in June, under the Trump administration, the EEOC dropped the lawsuit.

Cavell's resolution condemned the decision to drop the case. He told the Free Press it's relevant for the Oakland County commission because the company wants to open more stores in the community.

Initially, when Cavell tried to get the item on Thursday's agenda, Woodward refused; generally such measures have to go through a committee before coming to the full commission. Later, Woodward agreed to send the measure to a committee.

More: Sheetz to replace Fraser bank, Roseville church in southeast Michigan expansion

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More: Sheetz, other side gigs, pose ethics issues for Oakland County lawmakers

Historically, Michigan has some of the weakest public ethics laws in the country. After years of the Legislature failing to pass meaningful reforms, voters enacted a constitutional amendment requiring lawmakers to disclose additional financial information. Transparency advocates say the Legislature still needs to go further, pointing to the fact the governor is still not subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.

Nelson and Cavell also joined with Republican commissioners to try and keep their seats on commission committees, but the Democratic majority agreed to formalize Woodward's decision last month to pull the two commissioners from their committee assignments.

Woodward told the Free Press they were formalizing a process already in place. Nelson and Cavell questioned why rule changes were necessary if Woodward already removed them from the committee positions.

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When a Republican commissioner tried to speak at the end of the session to express frustration with Woodward's actions, the longtime Royal Oak commission leader abruptly adjourned the meeting.

Reach Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com and on X @Dave_Boucher1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan lawmaker cites Sheetz hiring, wants to ban practice
The winding down of summer marks the start of the annual migration of millions of monarch butterflies across North America.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the migration typically runs from mid-August through mid-November, when butterflies leave their summer breeding grounds and begin a trek that spans thousands of miles.

Monarchs generally west of the Rocky Mountains head to California and Mexicos Baja California, while those east of the Rockies travel to forests in the heart of Mexico.

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Biologists say that unlike most insects, which attempt to escape the cold by hibernating and finding refuge, monarch butterflies cannot survive prolonged cold conditions.

Monarchs are able to survive the 3,000-mile trek by nectaring on late-blooming plants along the way, such as goldenrods, asters and blazing stars.

Its important to note that, due to their short lifespan, none of the migrating monarchs have been to the migratory areas before.

Experts attribute their ability to navigate to these usual areas because of the position of the Sun and other non-climatological factors.

Nearly 300 Queen Conchs Found After Illegal Harvest In Florida Keys

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The monarchs will spend time in their winter habitats until March, when they will begin their great northward migration, laying eggs on milkweed plants as they travel.

Sometimes the swarms of traveling butterflies are large enough to be seen on weather radar, with thousands able to take refuge in the same tree.

The number of sightings has significantly declined over recent decades, which scientists have tied to habitat loss, climate change, and the increased use of pesticides.

According to Monarch Watch, a nonprofit educational program based at the University of Kansas, the eastern population of butterflies has seen an 88% drop since 1996, while the countrys western population has declined by a stunning 99%.

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Despite the steep decline in population, the monarch is not federally protected, but the USFWS said it is working on a proposal to add the butterfly to the Endangered Species Act.

An ESA listing would enhance protections as well as mandate recovery plans to restore the population to more sustainable levels.

Monarch fall migration map

Jellyfish Swarm Forces Shutdown Of French Nuclear Power Plant

There are several steps conservationists suggest people can do to aid the monarch population.

Experts say planting flowers that bloom into late fall, removing non-native milkweeds and reducing pesticide use could all potentially help stem further declines.

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Several advocacy groups have emerged, including saveourmonarchs.org, which sends free seeds for plants that provide food and shelter for butterflies.

A monarch butterfly lifts off after drinking water January 29, 2001, at the butterfly sanctuary in Michoacan, Mexico. Some 100 million or more of the orange and black butterflies migrate annually from Canada to the forest in Michoacan.





Original article source: Millions of butterflies begin their annual migration ahead of winter
The Brief

Brentwood and Hampton Churches of Christ distributed disaster relief supplies to more than 200 people impacted by Milwaukees flooding.

Cleaning supplies were the top priority, as leaders warned of mold risks for children, seniors and vulnerable residents.

Church leaders say their mission is to serve the community and bring hope to families in need.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee churches are stepping up to help families still cleaning up from last weeks historic flooding.

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It has been a week since record rainfall left parts of Milwaukee underwater, but for many families, recovery is far from over.

Local perspective

On Saturday morning, cars lined up along 60th Street as Brentwood and Hampton Churches of Christ offered disaster relief assistance.

"I take care of my autistic brother, and we lost everything," said flood victim Alyssa Lichty.

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From boxes of food to fresh linens and clothing, the church says the most important items being distributed are cleaning supplies  vital for preventing mold in flood-damaged homes.

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"We are a part of the community and when the community hurts, we hurt," said Hazel Miller, outreach coordinator at Brentwood Church of Christ. "The cleaning supplies is so we dont want our babies, elderly people, disabled, sick. This water damage can bring about mold."

For many, the help is a lifeline.

What they're saying

"Everything in my basement was totally destroyed. Mildew the mold smell started coming in immediately, I had to try to get a fan and get the water out so my kids and myself wouldnt get sick," said flood victim Nickela Brown.

Despite their own losses, church leaders say their priority is the community.

"Serving the Lord that is what were here to do. My house got damage, I was able to get the water out. Ill continue to clean up after I meet the needs of our people," Miller said.

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More than 200 people received supplies on Saturday morning.

"It gives me hope which is something I need to wake up every morning and walk out the door," Lichty added.

What you can do

Brentwood Church of Christ will host its fifth annual Community Day next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Source

The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
At least seven people were killed and several others sustained injuries in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said on Sunday. Five people lost their lives due to flooding caused by a cloudburst in Jodh Ghati, while two persons were killed in a landslide in Janglote. Following the cloudburst incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district the Rail operations in certain sections have been affected, causing temporary disruptions due to heavy rainfall. Authorities are taking necessary measures to ensure safety and restore normalcy as soon as possible, with updates on specific train schedules to follow. Uchit Singhal, Sr DCM Jammu Division, Northern Railway, has clarified that heavy rains have caused water to flow above the danger level at Bridge-43 between Kathua and Budhi. As a result, train movement on the up line has been temporarily suspended, and up trains are being operated via a temporary single line on the down line track. "Multiple calls are being recieved with respect to track damage. It is to clarify that due to heavy rains, water is flowing above the danger level through Br-43 between Kathua and Budhi. In the wake of this, temporarily till the water level subsides, up-line movement has been suspended and in the meantime, up trains are being moved via a temporary single line through the DN line track. A few trains have been short-terminated and short-originated, including the cancellation of local passenger trains. Details will be shared shortly," he said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the Central government is closely monitoring the situation. Shah assured full support from the government and said rescue operations are underway with help from the local administration and NDRE teams. In a post on social media platform X, Shah wrote, "Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site." "Assured every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K," the post read. On flash floods and landslide in Kathua, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, "There was heavy rain in Kathua since last night... Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing... Some people are being rescued by helicopters because the connectivity there has been cut off... Those who died due to the landslide, their bodies have been retrieved." Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives due to rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua district. Terming the tragedy "mind-numbing," LG Sinha stated that he briefed Union Minsiter Shah on the ongoing rescue and relief operations. In an X post, he wrote, "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing. Briefed Hon'ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police & administration." The cloudburst in Kathua district on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday left four people dead, damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station, while flash floods and a landslide in Jodh village have trapped six people and washed away several connecting roads, officials said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has grief over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthanad left many injured. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance. Chief Minister has directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and support of affected families according to the Chief Minister's Office. The Chief Minister also expressed deep concern for the lives and property affected by the recent cloudburst in Kathua, has announced ex-gratia assistance from the CM's Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support: Rs 2 lakh for each deceased; Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured; Rs 50,000 for minor injuries 1 lakh for fully damaged houses; 50,000 for severely damaged houses; Rs25,000 for partially damaged houses This assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives, the Office of Chief Minister, J&K said in a statement. (ANI)
The Brief

Vanessa King, a 20-year-old Milwaukee mother killed in November, is being honored through the Vanessas Mommy Foundation.

Her family hosted a back-to-school giveaway with backpacks, laptops, food, haircuts and supplies for families.

The foundation plans to continue holding events in her memory.

MILWAUKEE - The family of a Milwaukee mother killed just nine months ago is honoring her memory by continuing the work she started.

Local perspective

Kaneka Hogan remembers her daughter, Vanessa King. The 20-year-old mother was shot and killed while on her way to work near 7th and Galena in late November.

"She was my little fireball, but she was so loving, so sweet," Hogan said. "She would give you the clothes off her back. That was just her nature. To be her mom at home, watching her work so hard on this project for months, for it to be taken away from her, we wanted to continue her dream."

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That vision came to life on Saturday, Aug. 16, with a back-to-school giveaway at Havenwoods State Forest Park in Milwaukee. Families received backpacks, school supplies, laptops, food and even haircuts  all courtesy of the Vanessas Mommy Foundation, named in her honor.

"We had 200 book bags and every last one are gone," Hogan said.

What they're saying

It was the first event held by the foundation. For people like Tiffany Cox, it made a difference.

"It was very valuable, especially when you are going through times like this," Cox said.

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Hogan said her daughters mission was simple: to help others, even when she didnt have much herself.

"We said we wanted to make sure and we created a loving and welcoming environment for any and everybody. We wanted to create that," Hogan said.

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Now, families are walking away with smiles. But for Hogan, the loss remains heavy.

"My daughter didn't have a whole lot. There was things she was trying to accomplish, but that's the heart that she had was to help others, even in the little bit," she added. "My biggest takeaway is not having her here. She was here in spirit," she said.

Hogan said this wont be a one-off. The family is planning more events in the future to honor Vanessa again.

The Source

The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
The Brief

The Milwaukee Health Department is advising of available shelter options ahead of severe weather on Saturday.

Milwaukee Marshall High School is open as an emergency shelter.

With the ground already saturated, there is an increased risk of downed trees and power outages.

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Health Department is advising of available shelter options ahead of forecasted severe weather on Saturday, Aug. 16.

What we know

The National Weather Service forecasts severe thunderstorms with high winds for Milwaukee. With the ground already saturated, there is an increased risk of downed trees and power outages.

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Shelter available

Milwaukee Marshall High School, 4141 N. 64th St., Milwaukee, is open as an emergency shelter. The American Red Cross has transitioned residents displaced by recent flooding to this central site, which provides food, power and care.

Preparedness & safety

Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and a fully charged phone ready.

Secure outdoor items like grills or furniture that could become projectiles.

Avoid driving through flooded streets.

Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with medical needs.

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Resources

Emergency shelter: Milwaukee Marshall High School, 4141 N. 64th St.

Report property damage: Call 2-1-1 (414-773-0211) or submit online at 211wisconsin.com

Weather alerts & forecasts: weather.gov

City updates and services: city.milwaukee.gov

Emergencies: Call 911

The Source

The Milwaukee Health Department provided information.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Siouxland Miracle Riders concluded their 10th annual ride for miracles with a celebratory return on Saturday.

This years journey took the riders on a 5,200 round trip to Nova Scotia over the course of 13 days. The ride hoped to raise $75,000 to fund a T1 ventilator and cardiac monitor for UnityPoint-St. Lukes, as well as an ambulance service, enhancing pediatric patient transport from rural communities across Siouxland.

Weve ridden all over the country, put all these miles on. This is the tenth time were doing it, and we dont see any sign of stopping, said Matt Thompson with the Siouxland Miracle Riders. So its a great feeling, we love being back. It is just spectacular to be here.

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Thompson also expressed his favorite moment from his long journey.

31-year-old dies at Nebraska ethanol facility

We were getting into a hotel one night, and we have teddy bears that we were handing out this year, Thompson said. So we had teddy bears and poppers, toys that we can hand out to the kids, and this little kid, maybe two or three years old, came up with his mom, and we were like, do you want this bear? And this kid, he didnt just reach up with his hands and grab the bear, he goes full arm hug into this thing. Hes got it just locked in hugging it.

The Siouxland Miracle Riders are close to raising their goal of $75,000, and theyre still raising money toward that goal.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Empowering woman, encouraging growth, and creating a family are part of the Miss Banks of the Scholarship Program.

Young woman from all over the state had a chance to compete in Miss Banks of the Wabash, Miss Crossroads of America, and teen competitions.

Saturdays competition took place at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. WTWOs very own Jen Thompson served as the pageants emcee.

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This being a local pageant, the winners punch their ticket to compete for Miss Indiana and Miss Indianas Teen in 2026.

Winners tonight also received scholarship, crown, pin, sash, and crown pin.

Elayna Hasty is handing down her title of Miss Banks of the Wabash and says the opportunity is more than the crown.

Whether you walk away with a crown, or you win, or you walk away with growth, you never really lose in this opportunity. youre constantly learning. You are gaining networking and sponsorships and scholarships. you know, people skills, interview skills. theres so much that this organization offers for us, said Hasty.

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Miss Banks of America 2026 is Isabella Lange and Miss Banks of the Wabash Teen 2026 is Avery Candler.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After calling an Auburn park home for over 40 years, a Polaris missile is being moved to Worcesters EcoTarium science museum, according to the Auburn Fire Department.

The missile was removed from Robert H. Goddard Park on Southbridge Street on Friday, the fire department said in a Facebook post.

"Goddard Park is undergoing a major renovation, and the missile was in dire need of repair. There is a large split in the metal that runs down the side and it has a significant amount of rot on the inside. It has become home to Bee Colonies from all over Central MA," the fire department wrote.

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In July, the Auburn Select Board voted to donate the missile to the EcoTarium, which plans to restore it before making it part of its space exhibit, the fire department said.

"This was a great opportunity for this piece of history to have new life, to educate people for generations to come," the fire department wrote.

The missile is part of the parks tribute to its namesake  Worcester-born rocket scientist Robert Hutchings Goddard. Described by NASA as the father of modern rocket propulsion," Goddard constructed the first liquid-fueled rocket and launched a successful test flight in Auburn on March 16, 1926.

The Auburn Rotary Club opened Goddard Park in 1970 to honor the Clark University-educated physicist, but was unable to afford a NASA rocket as a centerpiece, according to Roadside America. They instead settled for a Polaris missile  a type of submarine-launched missile used by the U.S. Navy in the latter half of the 20th century.

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"Although visually satisfying, the missile is, awkwardly, a solid-fueled rocket," Roadside America wrote.

More News

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NEED TO KNOW

Karin Ottenberg, 49, was last seen alive and well by her family on Dec. 22, 2024

Days later, she was found dead inside a rain barrel on her property

"The death of Mrs. Ottenberg was a tragic accident," a spokesperson for the Wilmington, N.C. police department said in a statement

The death of a North Carolina woman whose body was found in a rain barrel on her own property last year was a "tragic accident," according to officials.

Karin Ottenberg, 49, was last known to be alive and well on Dec. 22, 2024. However, when her child, who split time between his parents, was dropped off at her house later that same day, he couldn't find her.

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"Other family looked and then the child went back with his father," stated the medical examiner's report, which was obtained by PEOPLE and compiled from medical records and conversations with law enforcement.

The next day, when Ottenberg still hadn't turned up, a missing person's report was filed with the Wilmington Police Department. Shortly after receiving it, law enforcement and her family members searched Ottenberg's residence and other possible locations but did not find her.



https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Four days later, on Dec. 27, law enforcement returned to Ottenberg's home, where they found her fully-clothed with her "head down and curled up in a rain barrel next to the back deck," according to the report. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The barrel was described as being about 40 inches tall with an opening of approximately 18 inches. According to the medical examiner's report, her head was submerged in about 18 inches of water.

The report stated that the yard and deck were littered with empty beer bottles  and she was last seen on video purchasing beer at a local store.

There were no obvious signs of foul play or suicide and officials believe she was reaching over the deck rail and down into the barrel for something when she accidentally fell into it.

It remains unclear if the barrel was filled with rain before or after she fell in.

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"The death of Mrs. Ottenberg was a tragic accident. Investigators were in regular contact with her family during the time she was missing, all the way through her discovery," a police department spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "There was no evidence providing any criminal nexus to her death. This is all we will say out of respect for Mrs. Ottenberg's family."

On the medical examiner's report, her probable cause of death was listed as accidental drowning.

When reached for additional comment by PEOPLE, police said their investigation was closed.

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In the obituary, loved ones remembered Ottenberg as a "devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her."

After working as a waitress, art teacher and banker, Ottenberg "found her true calling in horticulture, where she dedicated the majority of her career to the nurturing and propagation of plants, flowers, bushes, and trees," according to the tribute. "Her love for nature and the beauty she cultivated mirrored the care she showed in all aspects of her life."

Ottenberg is survived by her mother, Anita Mills Roberts, her brother, Kevin Rochelle, as well as her children, Isabella (Izzy) and Bodey Ottenberg.



Read the original article on People
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will participate in the nationwide observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day, taking place on September 27, 2025. Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation recognizing this day at Mississippis official observance of the annual celebration.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 to celebrate and recognize hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation.

MDOT reminds residents of hurricane contraflow plan

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September marks the start of hunting seasons for many in Mississippi, with opportunities ranging from dove hunting, velvet season for deer, and cooler weather for fishing.

MDWFP encourages residents to celebrate this year by taking a friend or family member and enjoying some time in Mississippis great outdoors.

National Hunting and Fishing Day honors sportsmen and women whose passion and support have helped conserve Mississippis natural resources for generations. We are thankful to be part of this celebration, said MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey.

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BEIRUT (AP)  A lot has happened in just a year on both sides of the Lebanon-Syria border. A lightning offensive by Islamist insurgents in Syria toppled longtime autocrat Bashar Assad and brought a new government in place in Damascus.

In Lebanon, a bruising war with Israel dealt a serious blow to Hezbollah  the Iran-backed and Assad-allied Shiite Lebanese militant group that had until recently been a powerful force in the Middle East  and a U.S.-negotiated deal has brought a fragile ceasefire.

Still, even after the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule, relations between Beirut and Damascus remain tense  as they have been for decades past, with Syria long failing to treat its smaller neighbor as a sovereign nation.

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Recent skirmishes along the border have killed and wounded several people, both fighters and civilians, including a four-year-old Lebanese girl. Beirut and Damascus have somewhat coordinated on border security, but attempts to reset political relations have been slow. Despite visits to Syria by two heads of Lebanon's government, no Syrian official has visited Lebanon.

Here is what's behind the complicated relations.

A coldness that goes way back

Many Syrians have resented Hezbollah for wading into Syria's civil war in defense of Assad's government. Assad's fall sent them home, but many Lebanese now fear cross-border attacks by Syria's Islamic militants.

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There are new restrictions on Lebanese entering Syria, and Lebanon has maintained tough restrictions on Syrians entering Lebanon.

The Lebanese also fear that Damascus could try to bring Lebanon under a new Syrian tutelage.

Syrians have long seen Lebanon as a staging ground for anti-Syria activities, including hosting opposition figures before Hafez Assad  Bashar Assad's father  ascended to power in a bloodless 1970 coup.

In 1976, Assad senior sent his troops to Lebanon, allegedly to bring peace as Lebanon was hurtling into a civil war that lasted until 1990. Once that ended, Syrian forces  much like a colonial power  remained in Lebanon for another 15 years.

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A signature of the Assad family rule, Syria's dreaded security agents disappeared and tortured dissidents to keep the country under their control. They did the same in Lebanon.

Syrians feel that Lebanon is the main gateway for conspiracies against them, says Lebanese political analyst Ali Hamadeh.

Turbulent times

It took until 2008 for the two countries to agree to open diplomatic missions, marking Syria's first official recognition of Lebanon as an independent state since it gained independence from France in 1943.

The move came after the 2005 truck-bombing assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri that many blamed on Damascus. Two months later, Syria pulled its troops out of Lebanon under international pressure, ending 29 years of near-complete domination of its neighbor.

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When Syrias own civil war erupted in 2011, hundreds of thousands of Syrians fled across the border, making crisis-hit Lebanon the host of the highest per capita population of refugees in the world. Once in Lebanon, the refugees complained about discrimination, including curfews for Syrian citizens in some areas.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, rushed thousands of its fighters into Syria in 2013 to shore up Assad, worried that its supply lines from Iran could dry up.

And as much as the Lebanese are divided over their countrys internal politics, Syria's war divided them further into those supporting Assad's government and those opposing it.

Distrust and deadlock

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A key obstacle to warming relations has been the fate of about 2,000 Syrians in Lebanese prisons, including some 800 held over attacks and shootings, many without trial. Damascus is asking Beirut to hand them over to continue their prison terms in Syria, but Lebanese judicial officials say Beirut won't release any attackers and that each must be studied and resolved separately.

In July, family members of the detainees rallied along a border crossing, demanding their relatives be freed. The protest came amid reports that Syrian troops could deploy foreign fighters in Lebanon, which Damascus officials denied.

Another obstacle is Lebanons demand that Syrian refugees go back home now that Assad is gone. About 716,000 Syrian refugees are registered with the U.N. refugee agency, while hundreds of thousands more are unregistered in Lebanon, which has a population of about 5 million.

Syria is also demanding the return of billions of dollars worth of deposits of Syrians trapped in Lebanese banks since Lebanon's historic financial meltdown in 2019.

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The worst post-Assad border skirmishes came in mid-March, when Syrian authorities said Hezbollah members crossed the border and kidnapped and killed three Syrian soldiers. The Lebanese government and army said the clash was between smugglers and that Hezbollah wasn't involved.

Days later, Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers flew to Saudi Arabia and signed an agreement on border demarcation and boosting their coordination.

In July, rumors spread in Lebanon, claiming the northern city of Tripoli would be given to Syria in return for Syria giving up the Golan Heights to Israel. And though officials dismissed the rumors, they illustrate the level of distrust between the neighbors.

Beirut was also angered by Syria's appointment this year of a Lebanese army officer  Abdullah Shehadeh, who defected in 2014 from Lebanon to join Syrian insurgents  as the head of security in Syrias central province of Homs that borders northeastern Lebanon.

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In Syria, few were aware of Shehadehs real name  he was simply known by his nom de guerre, Abu Youssef the Lebanese. Syrian security officials confirmed the appointment.

What's ahead

Analysts say an important step would be for the two neighbors to work jointly to boost security against cross-border smuggling. A U.S.-backed plan that was recently adopted by the Lebanese government calls for moving toward full demarcation of the border.

Radwan Ziadeh, a senior fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, says the best way forward would be for Syria and Lebanon to address each problem between them individually  not as a package deal.

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That way, tensions would be reduced gradually, he said and downplayed recent comments by prominent Syrian anti-Assad figures who claimed Lebanon is part of Syria and should return to it.

These are individual voices that do not represent the Syrian state, Zaideh said.

___

Associated Press writer Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report.
NEED TO KNOW

A Florida mom allegedly sent her young child to school on Aug. 13 with a gun in their backpack, so they could "return the firearm to their father," authorities said

The child, "unaware" of the gun, told teachers, who informed the local sheriff's office

Mother Sierra Bronner was arrested and charged with child neglect and giving a firearm to a minor

A Florida mom has been charged with two felonies after allegedly sending her young child to school with a firearm.

During the first week of classes at Coppergate Elementary School, also known as Coppergate School of the Arts, officials found a gun in a students backpack, according to a news release from the Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO).

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Upon arriving at the Middleburg-based school on Wednesday, Aug. 13, the student discovered the weapon in their bag, the CCSO said. They then told their teacher, who alerted school officials and the sheriffs office, which was quick to alert the community to the situation.

"All children are safe, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook wrote in a Facebook post shared early that morning.

The notification came as the school was placed in what the CCSO called secure status, meaning educators could continue instructing while preventing anyone to leave or enter school grounds, the sheriffs office said. The gun, meanwhile, was confiscated by CCSO deputies.

Google maps Coppergate Elementary School in Middleburg, Fla. Coppergate Elementary School in Middleburg, Fla.

With the school secure and the gun in CCSO possession, the sheriffs office began an investigation  which quickly led them to the students mother, Sierra Bronner.

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"Through investigative techniques and interviews, we discovered the childs parents dont live together; the mother placed the gun in the backpack and told the young child to return the firearm to their father before they left for school, the CCSO wrote in the news release.

The child was taken to Coppergate Elementary by their father, who was unaware the gun was in the backpack. Therefore, the firearm ended up on school grounds, the release stated.

Upon learning that Bronner, 39, had allegedly sent the child to school with the firearm, she was arrested and charged with child neglect and giving a firearm to a minor, the CCSO said. Both are felony charges, according to arrest records viewed by PEOPLE.

PEOPLE reached out to Bronner and a Coppergate School of the Arts spokesperson for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.

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The Florida Department of Children and Families was also alerted to the situation and responded, according to the CCSO.

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In a statement, Sheriff Cook attributed the incident to a poor decision, and said the situation very well could have ended in tragedy.

"Its crucial that parents know what their children are bringing to school before they leave home. Look in their backpacks, ask questions and have conversations on whats appropriate to bring to school, the sheriff said. In this specific case, this was a poor decision and couldve ended in tragedy.

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"Im grateful for our partnership with Clay County District Schools and applaud our school resource deputies and detectives for their work to keep our students safe, Cook added.

Read the original article on People
More than 200 people remain missing in one district of north-west Pakistan as a result of devastating monsoon flooding and landslides, an official has said.

Flash floods have killed more than 300 people in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in recent days, with most of the deaths recorded in the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A local official in the worst-affected Buner district told the BBC that at least 209 people were still missing there, but it is feared that number could rise.

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Rescue teams have buried eight unidentified bodies as there were no family members found alive to claim them, said Jehangir Khan, spokesman for the deputy commissioner office of Buner.

Some relatives are also unable to claim their relatives bodies' as roads are severely damaged, he added.

A provincial rescue spokesman told news agency AFP that "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried.

Asfandyar Khattak, head of the provincial disaster management authority, said "dozens" of people were missing in Shangla district.

Monsoon rains between June and September deliver about three-quarters of South Asia's annual rainfall.

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While landslides and flash floods are common as a result, scientists say that climate change is making these weather events more intense and more frequent.

Torrential rain has also hit Indian-administered Kashmir, days after at least 60 people were killed there by flash floods.

Nine were killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir this week, while another five died in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, authorities said.

Government forecasters say heavy rainfall is expected until 21 August in the north-west, where several areas have been declared disaster zones.

Pakistan has been reckoning with the devastation of this year's monsoon season since June. At least 650 people have been killed so far this year.

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In July, Punjab, home to nearly half of Pakistan's 255 million people, recorded 73% more rainfall than the prior year and more deaths than in the entire previous monsoon season.

Northern Pakistan is also one of the most glaciated areas in the region, but these are rapidly thinning and retreating because of climate change - meaning rocks, soil, and other debris can be dislodged.

Monsoon rains can further destabilise mountain faces, exacerbating landslides that sometimes block rivers.

While the exact cause of the recent floods and landslides are yet to be determined, glaciologists say that ice melt is a contributing factor.
Ahead of Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' on Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak slammed Rahul Gandhi and said that he has no trust in constitutional institutions. Dy CM Pathak claimed that Congress is on the "verge of extinction". "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party are completely misguided. They have missed the mark. They have no trust in constitutional institutions... There will be no one left even to take the name of the Congress party. The Congress party is on the verge of extinction due to its misdeeds," Brajesh Pathak told ANI. Earlier today, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a scathing attack on Congress, saying they are "walking the path of Kans" and their defeat is certain, just like Lord Krishna defeated Kans. Speaking to ANI, Giriraj Singh said, "These people are walking the path of Kans. On the occasion of Janmashtami, I would say that Krishna destroyed Kans. There are some Kans here too, and on the occasion of Janmashtami, their destruction is certain." Meanwhile, Independent MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, said that Rahul Gandhi is trying to stop the 'looting' by the Election Commission. He added that Rahul Gandhi is fighting to protect the Constitution, support farmers, and create jobs for the youth. Addressing reporters, Pappu Yadav said, "...Rahul Gandhi has walked 10,000 km to become the voice of the people of India; he speaks for the youth. Rahul Gandhi has set out to protect the Constitution, not for political gains or losses. Rahul Gandhi has set out to eliminate hatred, stop the looting by the Election Commission, for the welfare of farmers, and for the employment of the youth." Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', launched against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged "vote theft", will begin from Sasaram. Senior RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, are also set to participate. (ANI)
Aug. 16MORGANTOWN  Would it surprise you to learn that the city of Charleston  a city of 48, 864 people per the 2020 Census  will receive around 46 times more directly allocated opioid settlement funds than the city of Morgantown and its 30, 347 residents ?

Or that Beckley, with a population of 17, 286, will receive about 28 times as much ?

Or that Morgantown doesn't even get the largest direct allocation among Monongalia County's municipalities ?

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All true.

In fact, when it comes to the direct allocation of opioid settlement dollars going to local governments, the city of Morgantown is a glaring outlier among the state's major cities.

Of the approximately $980 million in opioid settlement dollars coming to West Virginia, 24 %  some $235 million  will be distributed directly to local governments over the next several years based on default percentage allocations set forth in the West Virginia First Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed into law in 2023.

The percentage agreed to by Morgantown  the state's third most populous city  is the 40th highest municipal distribution percentage in the state.

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Exactly how those percentages were arrived at isn't abundantly clear.

What is clear is that those tiny numbers will add up to big money.

On July 15, the West Virginia First Foundation issued its 2025 Qualified Settlement Fund Expenditure Report.

A requirement of the MOU, the annual report details how much money was distributed directly to towns, cities and counties between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, and how those dollars were spent.

The report represents the first, and likely largest, direct allocation provided directly to local governments.

Charleston received $4.2 million. Huntington is listed at $2.7 million. Beckley brought in $2.5 million.

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In fact, no city of at least 17, 000 residents received less than Fairmont's $624, 579.

Except one.

Morgantown received way less  $90, 856.10 according to the report.

Granville, with 1, 355 residents, received $112, 306.69.

The city of Morgantown responded to several questions. Why is its direct share so low ? Did it opt out of any settlements ? Did it try to negotiate ?

"The City of Morgantown did not opt out of opioid settlements presented by the WVAG's office, nor did we engage in negotiations, " Communications Director Brad Riffee said, explaining the city is grateful for the funds it received.

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Neither the West Virginia First Foundation nor the attorney general's office could provide clarification as to how the local distribution percentages were formulated.

"The Attorney General's Office was not involved in calculations for cities and counties. That was handled by the lead attorneys for local governments, " Kallie Cart, deputy chief of staff and director of communications for the attorney general's office noted, providing Paul Farrell Jr., Tony Majestro or Bob Fitzsimmons as suggestions.

Farrell, who served as co-lead counsel on the national opioid litigation and lead counsel on West Virginia's case, responded.

He indicated that each county was allocated an overall set number as a geographic area and it was up to the county commissions and their respective municipalities to sort out amongst themselves how much each governmental body would receiveotherwise, the default percentages listed in the MOU were assigned.

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Adding up the initial allocations received by Monongalia County Commission, Granville, Morgantown, Westover and Star City, the total provided to Monongalia County in the 2024 fiscal year was $1, 279.054.80.

That's about what the city of Martinsburg received on its own, at $1, 224, 848.41. The Berkeley County Commission received $3, 688, 693.32.

DIRECT ALLOCATIONS A list of West Virginia's largest cities based on the 2020 census, including population data, as well as what each received as its initial direct allocation of opioid settlement funds according to the 2025 Qualified Settlement Fund Expenditure Report, which includes all direct allocations to local governments from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Charleston (pop. 48, 864)  $4, 204, 398.49 Huntington (46, 842)  $2, 726, 135.42 Morgantown (30, 347)  $90, 856.10 Parkersburg (29, 738)  $1, 076, 824.65 Wheeling (27, 052)  $746, 316.55 Weirton (19, 163)  $941, 142.23 Martinsburg (18, 777)  $1, 224, 848.41 Fairmont (18, 416)  $624, 579.26 Beckley (17, 286)  $2, 535, 348.48 Direct government allocations to Monongalia County and its municipalities according to the 2025 Qualified Settlement Fund Expenditure Report.

Monongalia County (105, 822)  $1, 039, 159.83 Granville (1, 355)  $112, 306.69 Morgantown (30, 347)  $90, 856 Star City (1, 779)  $28, 151.69 Westover (3, 955)  $8, 580.49
NEED TO KNOW

Brentwood High School student Madison Evans was injured in an altercation on Tuesday, Aug. 12

According to the Suffolk County police, the 14-year-old was struck "multiple times" with a water bottle amid an altercation with a 15-year-old student

Toni Monroe, who is the mother of the 15-year-old, was arraigned in court on Aug. 13, having been charged in connection with the assault

A mother has been charged with assault after she allegedly hit and injured a teenager with a Stanley Cup at a school in New York.

Toni Monroe, 35, allegedly struck a 14-year-old girl multiple times with a water bottle during an altercation between the student and her 15-year-old daughter on Aug. 12 at Brentwood High School in Long Island, the Suffolk County police said in a news release.

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Police stated that the 14-year-old student was exiting the school when she and a 15-year-old girl exchanged words at around 11 a.m. local time. Monroe, who is the mother of the 15-year-old, then allegedly struck the 14-year-old several times with a metal water bottle before a security guard broke up the altercation.

A short time later, the mother was arrested in the parking lot, according to the police news release. The injured 14-year-old was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Google Maps Brentwood High School, Long Island Brentwood High School, Long Island

The injured teenager has been identified as Brentwood High School student Madison Evans, per ABC 7 New York.

In footage obtained by the outlet, two teenage girls are seen in a heated exchange at the school, before an individual believed to be Monroe is heard telling one of the girls, who appears to be her daughter, Give me your Stanley. She then seems to strike the other girl repeatedly with the Stanley Cup, as she is heard screaming.

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Evans received a bloody gash on her forehead in the alleged attack, which required 17 stitches, per ABC 7 New York

She threw a punch, I threw a punch back and we started fighting and her mom just came in and started beating me with the cup, Evans said, per NBC New York. Next thing you know, I get pushed into the school and I saw blood dripping  I saw blood all over my hands.

Monroe was charged with assault in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child following the incident.

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At her arraignment in court on Aug. 13, Monroes lawyer claimed that she was at the school at the time to attend a meeting about her daughter being bullied, per ABC 7 New York. The lawyer also denied that Monroe punched the girl, alleging that Evans attacked her daughter first.

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Monroe was released after the arraignment with supervision and signed an order of protection to stay away from Evans, according to the outlet.

"We are aware of the incident that occurred yesterday during dismissal involving two students and a parent," Brentwood High School said in a statement on Aug. 13, per News 12 Long Island. "The safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority, and this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools."

PEOPLE has reached out to Brentwood High School for comment.



Read the original article on People
A La Verne man got quite the surprise on Saturday when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye, and soon realized it was a mountain lion wandering around inside his mothers house.

It was 1 p.m. exactly, Jeff Tenney said, when home security footage captured the moment the big cat trotted straight through the open front door of the home.

Jeff said he was standing in the kitchen when he noticed something in the dining room.

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Right away, I knew it was a mountain lion, Jeff told KTLA. He said his immediate concern went to the safety of his dog, which was napping in the front yard at the time.

As I headed toward the front door, the cat spotted me, panicked and bolted out the back screen and splashed right into the pool, Jeff said. Thankfully, no one was injured, but sadly, the pool floaty didnt make it. He then shared a photo of a deflated pool floaty, presumably punctured by the spooked mountain lion during its frantic escape.

Just another Saturday in La Verne! Jeff joked.

A mountain lion is seen entering a La Verne home. August 2025. (Cindi Tenney) A mountain lion is seen entering a La Verne home. August 2025. (Cindi Tenney) A mountain lion is seen entering a La Verne home. August 2025. (Cindi Tenney) A deflated pool floaty is seen after it was punctured by a mountain lion running out of a La Verne home. August 2025. (Jeff Tenney)

Jeffs mother, Cindi Tenney, shared her home footage of what she described to be a friendly cat with KTLA in hopes of letting the community know to stay alert. She said La Verne Police referred her to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but when she called, they were closed.

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Cindis main concern is that she lives in a neighborhood heavily populated with children. Just last weekend, an 11-year-old in Malibu was bitten on the arm by a mountain lion. Please notify the community, Cindi told KTLA.

Topanga welcomes rare new neighbors: Mama black bear and 3 cubs

The National Park Service website states that if you see a mountain lion, stay calm, do not approach it, run from it, or crouch down  instead, do all you can to appear intimidating. For more information, click here. Once it is safe to do so, NPS says to immediately report all sightings to local authorities and wildlife experts.

Sofia Pop Perez contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a suspect who allegedly threatened a store clerk with a handgun in Orange Mound.

The incident occurred on August 11 at 1:27 a.m. in the 1500 Block of David Street. The suspect was seen attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise, according to Memphis Police.

When confronted by the clerk, the suspect allegedly lifted his shirt to reveal a black handgun in his waistband, causing the clerk to fear for his life.

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The suspects actions prompted the victim to back away in fear, and the suspect subsequently left the scene.

Memphis police are actively investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers 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.
MSNBC host Antonia Hylton has suggested that President Donald Trumps aides, particularly Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, may have been frightened by what they had witnessed during the presidents meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Saturday nights episode of MSNBCs The Weekend: Primetime, Hylton spoke to former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaulan Obama appointeeabout Trumps summit with Putin in Anchorage on Friday.

A lot of the press corps that was there, they reported in the minutes and hours after the presser that they saw members of the administration, like Karoline Leavitt, look ashen, almost frightened after what they had seen behind closed doors. What did that indicate to you? Hylton asked McFaul.

The Alaska summit was widely viewed as a failure. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

McFaul responded, We should all be glad that we did not go to Alaska, because I was in Helsinki with you. And I was in Geneva when President Biden met. They traveled a long way for nothing in return, those journalists.

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He continued, But that suggests to me that this was a bigger disaster than theyre letting on. To your point, theyre trying to spin it, although theyre not even trying to spin it. Thats a really interesting thing.

When I worked at the White House and we would have meetings like this, I was the SAOthe senior administration officialthat would call up journalists, that would call The New York Times to say, This is what was discussed, to push it this way. Theyre not even attempting to do that because they know they dont have anything to work with.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin as the first U.S. president in years to welcome the Russian leader onto American soil. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

The summit in Alaska was largely considered a failure as the highly anticipated peace deal between Russia and Ukraine failed to materialize.

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After a significant amount of pomp and circumstance that included a literal red carpet and three hours of talks, Trump told reporters, We didnt get therebut we have a very good chance of getting there.

Theres no deal until theres a deal, Trump said. I will call up NATO in a little while. I will call up the various people that I think are appropriate, and Ill, of course, call up President Zelensky and tell them about todays meeting. Its ultimately up to them.

Prior to the summit, Leavitt was on the defensive, taking aim at naysayers who dared to criticize Trump.

Appearing on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Leavitt said of the presidents critics, I think its pathetic that some of the chatter that we see from these so-called experts who have zero accomplishments on their own resumes to point to.

President Trump knows what hes doing.
MEARS, Mich. (WOOD)  An armed man who allegedly shot one person in Mears was shot and killed by police after a manhunt that lasted several hours on Sunday afternoon, Michigan State Police says.

Troopers spent most of the afternoon searching for Don Stapel Jr., a 59-year-old man. Around 6:40 p.m., he was found in an outbuilding by MSPs Emergency Support Team. Troopers opened fire, fatally wounding him.

This is not the outcome we were hoping for, MSP Lt. Michelle Robinson said. We were hoping Mr. Stapel could turn himself in to the detectives, but tragically this is the outcome that came from this investigation.

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Robinson said MSPs Fifth District is investigating the shooting.

A shelter in place for residents was lifted shortly before 7 p.m. after lasting for most of the afternoon.

The 7500 block of Fox Road will remained closed while authorities continue to investigate, police say.

Robinson said authorities were dispatched around 10:30 a.m. on reports of shots being fired. Officials subsequently located a male that had been shot in the leg and he was taken to the hospital, where he is in stable condition.

Authorities believed Stapel ran into the woods, leading them to secure the perimeter and block off certain intersections for hours.

Authorities are blocking off intersections in Mears as they continue to search for an armed man believed to be in the woods. Michigan State Police is asking nearby residents to remain inside. (August 17, 2025)

It is not yet known what led up to the shooting, but the victim and the suspect knew each other, according to Robinson.

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Correction: A previous story listed the incorrect day the shooting occurred. We regret the error, which has been fixed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 school bus carrying dozens of children and one adult flipped on its side Wednesday, just as students were returning home from the first day of school.

The accident took place in Austin, Texas and 12 people were injured in total. The bus was transporting students from the Leander Independent School District in northwestern part of the city, which is located in Travis County.

Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after 3 PM local time, and they arrived to find the bus rolled over into an embankment, surrounded by trees. The vehicle appears to have taken significant damage, with several scrapes, scratches and dents.

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The side of the bus facing up has a large hole in it, and may have been the occupants' method of escape after the bus came to a stop.

12 people were transported to a local hospital after the accident. Of those hospitalized, one has a life-threatening injury and two could possibly have life-threatening injuries, according to Austin-Travis County emergency services.

The rest of the students were taken to a reunification center for evaluation and to eventually be back with their families.

A spokesperson for first responders told reporters that ten total transport units responded to the scene of the accident. Eight ambulances arrived, as well as two helicopters to airlift injured people away from the scene.

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Texas' Department of Public Safety is conducting an investigation into the crash, and has reported a few preliminary details. The bus was traveling from nearby Bagdad Elementary School and had been traveling on a road known for a slight curve.

For an "unknown reason," the bus left the right side of the road and rolled over. The bus is a 2024 Bluebird model and has seatbelts, ensuring that some of the children and the adult driver were able to secure themselves in place before the accident happened.

Unfortunately, this isn't the only bus accident to take place involving children on Wednesday in the state of Texas.

Over 50 children were hurt when a bus flipped in Cleveland, Texas - the second such accident to take place in that city's school district this week.

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In that crash, which happened on the same road of FM 1010 in Cleveland, 36 students and a driver were taken to the hospital. No life-threatening injuries have been reported in either of the Cleveland, Texas crashes.

Multiple Children Injured in Bus Accident on First Day of School first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A fire broke out at a Bellevue apartment complex Saturday morning, destroying at least a dozen units.

The fire at Slate Apartment Homes in the 7400 block of Highway 70 South was reported shortly before 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16.

District Chief Aaron Sparkman with the Nashville Fire Department said the blaze started in a first-floor unit and quickly spread, turning it into a multiple-alarm fire.

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PREVIOUS: Crews respond to large fire at Bellevue apartment complex

I think we had a total of like 15 engine companies, six truck companies, two rescues, three or four ambulances, and four or five fire chiefs, and some support units on scene, Sparkman said.

Community members described watching flames shoot feet into the air as firefighters battled the blaze.

Ive never been through something like this. This is my first time. Just seeing it, its terrible, Maria Troche, who lives across from the damaged building, told News 2.

DeKalb County home ruled total loss following fire

Her neighbor, Amanda Myers, added that many people in the complex tried to support first responders.

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A lot of neighbors came together and gave water and stuff to the fire people. Tragedies like this, its nice to see how people come together, Troche said.

(Courtesy: Fred Katz) (Courtesy: Fred Katz) (Courtesy: Nashville Fire Department) (Courtesy: Isaac Eliot Edwards) (Courtesy: Isaac Eliot Edwards) (Courtesy: Isaac Eliot Edwards) (Courtesy: Isaac Eliot Edwards) (Courtesy: Fred Katz) (Courtesy: Fred Katz) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

One firefighter was brought to the hospital with minor burns and others battled heat exhaustion amid the blaze, Sparkman said. No injuries were reported among residents.

According to Sparkman, sometimes the heat can be more dangerous than the flames: Dehydration in this heat is going to be the number one thing that weve got to combat as supervisors.

One resident, Karen Williams, said the scale of the response alarmed her: They kept lining up in front of the complex. I thought, Theres something way worse going on than a car accident.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Sparkman also urged homeowners to practice fire prevention: At home, if youre constantly cleaning out your lint pipes, not just the lint right inside the dryer door, but the lint pipe going outside your houseIm not saying thats where this fire started, but when a fire starts in that pipe, think of how hidden it is in the walls.

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Metro Councilwoman Sheri Weiner said she is working to organize a fundraiser to help families displaced by the fire. More information on how to support those affected by the blaze can be found on this Facebook page.

This news comes after another fire broke out at Slate Apartment Homes in 2018, multiple residents confirmed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MUSTANG, Okla. (KFOR)  The Mustang Lions Club accepted donations Saturday, as well as, supplies to help victims of the 4th of July flooding in Texas.

LOCAL: Metro vet hospital launches community microchip scanning station

This generous civic organization does a lot of good, not only in Oklahoma, but also to aid our neighbors south of Oklahoma.

Mustang Lions hosts fundraiser for Texas flood victims, Image KFOR Mustang Lions hosts fundraiser for Texas flood victims, Image KFOR Mustang Lions hosts fundraiser for Texas flood victims, Image KFOR Mustang Lions hosts fundraiser for Texas flood victims, Image KFOR

Well, today were taking up donations of nonperishable foods. Totes, tarps, work gloves, diapers, hygiene products for the Texas for the Kerrville, Texas flood victims. I mean, were reaching across state lines to help all Americans, Says Rob Estes, who is the President of the Mustang Lions Club.

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One generous Oklahoman donated a tote full of goods and supplies that will help at least ten people.





Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A call to police about an abandoned wheeled-trolley bag sparked a multi-team mountain rescue search.

The bag, filled with outdoor walking equipment, was discovered by a walker on the Pennine Way near the Cheviot Hills on Friday, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) said.

Soaring temperatures in the days prior sparked concerns it could have belonged to a walker in distress, perhaps dehydrated and in search of water.

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Teams from England and Scotland were deployed but then a social media search led to information that the walker, who was safe and well, had abandoned the trolley because it was broken.

Emergency crews were alerted just after 09:00 BST and, as writing on the bag initially seemed to provide a name and address, this was passed to Police Scotland.

NNPMRT said no relevant missing person reports were found and a "limited response" was initiated involving volunteers from the Border Search and Rescue Unit, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and NNPMRT.

The MRT said the incident had been 'wholly' avoidable' [NNPMRT]

"Then, the power of social media kicked in and within a few hours, the leads started to roll in," NNPMRT said.

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A number of sightings of a man earlier in the week pulling and carrying a trolley were confirmed in Wooler, Hethpool and then on the Pennine Way over Auchope Cairn, the team said.

It was also suggested the trolley had broken and that the scrawled message was "cart broken" and not a person's name.

NNPMRT said the "real breakthrough" came in the evening when a local builder confirmed he had given a walker a lift from near Kidlandlee to Alnwick and a shop in the town confirmed a man had been in to buy a holdall.

In both cases, the walker mentioned he had ditched his trolley in the Cheviots.

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Shortly before 19:00, officers confirmed the man had been traced and was eager to have his trolley and its contents back.

"Whilst the incident was wholly avoidable, we are very glad the walker is safe," NNPMRT said.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inaugurated Regency Hospital at Medical College Road in Gulharia, Gorakhpur. Addressing the event, CM Yogi Adityanath said that the hospital has "the biggest ICU to date," mentioning its 80-bed ICU capacity and noted that the hospital will benefit over five crore people. "The 80-bed ICU is the biggest ICU to date. You will see in the entire hospital how all precautions have been taken, which often leads to the spread of infection. If attention is not paid to any hospital, then it can become a medium of infection. This superspeciality hospital will become an excellent centre of health care for the five crore population of this region. There is no doubt about that. CM Yogi further highlighted that the hospital will give an ease of access to high-quality facilities in Gorakhpur, for which the common man has to go to cities like Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Chennai. "Regency Hospital started its journey from Kanpur. Now they have started a chain. The facilities for which the common man has to go to places like Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Chennai will now be available to him in his own district, in his own area. This Regency Hospital is presenting the example of that," CM Yogi said. On Saturday, UP CM Yogi Adityanath visited Mathura, where he inaugurated 118 projects worth Rs 646 crore and unveiled a Rs 30,000 crore master plan for the holistic development of the Braj region on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. These projects include beautification of Parikrama paths, entrance gates, restoration of kunds facilities for devotees, connectivity, water conservation, and environmental protection. He described the bhajans, kirtans, and Shri Krishna lilas organised in the Panchjanya Auditorium as part of the devotional atmosphere. According to a press release, while addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said that Mathura reflects 5,000 years of ancient history and devotion. The Chief Minister announced a new master plan of Rs 30,000 crore for the holistic development of the Braj region. He said this plan will connect pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Gokul with the memories of the Dwapar Yuga. He said, "Our government is committed to respecting the sentiments of revered saints and enriching the Braj region. We are making possible the works which were once considered impossible." He also mentioned the ropeway facility in Barsana, calling it a great relief for the elderly. He said, "This is the benefit of development, that we are continuously working for the convenience and safety of devotees". The Chief Minister noted that India has completed 78 years of independence and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of new resolutions for the centenary in 2047. Referring to the recent 24-hour discussion in the UP Assembly, he said society and government must work together to make Uttar Pradesh prosperous and developed by 2047. (ANI)
Smitty's At Night - 1950s; Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

New Building Ready to Go - February 1947; Historic photos of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

First Staff - Smitty's - D Johnson, M White, Smitty and Lenny Coleman, Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

Smitty Working on an Oldsmobile Rocket 88; Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

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Smitty's Professional Service Bringing In Limousine from New York; Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark (right) talks shop with mechanic Marcos Caceres as he fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

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Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, contemplates his fight to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, contemplates his fight to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Late 1940s Smitty's Staff - L to R - Smitty, Hurston Kent, Red, Unknown Person, Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

Mechanic Marcos Caceres works on a car at Smitty's Service Station in Newark, among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, as owner Anthony "Smitty" Smith fights to keep the business open. 08/06/2025

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Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark (right) talks shop with mechanic Marcos Caceres as he fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

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Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

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The shelves at Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Smitty's Service Station in Newark is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

Historic photos at Smitty's Service Station in Newark show founder Arthur Smith Sr and his son (right) . 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

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Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, contemplates his fight to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, fights to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, points out his grandfather, Arthur Smith, Jr., in a photo of a Mason's convention in Newark. 08/06/2025

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Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, one of the oldest Black-owned service stations in the country, contemplates his fight to keep his business open. 08/06/2025

An original tire inflation machine still operates at Smitty's Service Station in Newark, which is among the oldest Black-owned service stations in the US, and now faces a battle to stay in business. 08/06/2025

A portrait of Arthur Smith Jr. as a dashing young soldier in the Korean War hangs among the keepsakes, civic awards, and Esso and Exxon memorabilia lovingly cluttering the cramped office of Smittys Service Center in Newark  one of the nations first to be operated by an African American.

Other symbols of bygone days litter the tight space like an exhibit from the motoring past: A weathered built-in phone booth, training certificates, a Happy Motoring! sign.

Dozens of historic photos on the wall capture the original 1920s station and its pumps, a smiling Arthur Smith Sr.  the original Smitty  and his all-Black staff of mechanics.

Anthony Smith, a Fairleigh Dickinson University graduate and grandson of the founder, once harbored ambitions to be an obstetrician. He couldnt resist being part of a business driven by his familys groundbreaking spirit and perseverance.

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Im doing this in commemoration of my grandfather, Smith, 69, said of his four decades at the station. I would like to continue my family legacy and our good standing in the future of Newark.

The third Smitty may be the last to occupy the well-worn art deco service station on 13th Avenue. The city seized it 13 years ago and is facing a hard eviction date this month.

Smith knew the end of the road was near.

I was behind on my taxes, explained Smith, putting the total amount he owed at about $500,000, including penalties and interest. And I just conceded with the city. I just said, You know, I cant come up with that. Its family owned. Im not a company operation. Im a small entity.

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With a big history.

Occupying Newarks once-busy corner at 13th and Wickliffe Street, Smittys had been a jewel in the crown of Standard Oil of New Jerseys empire of Esso stations  an eye-catching showplace of vehicle maintenance and fueling. Its African American operator helped the company project a progressive image nearly a century ago.

Smitty's Professional Service Bringing In Limousine from New York; Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

Nearly 100 years of history

It was 1929 when the first Smitty, through a chance encounter, began working there. After leasing the station from Standard Oil in 1932, Grandpa Smitty bought it 15 years later. The purchase was part of a transition of the site that included construction of the architecturally distinctive three-bay garage in 1947.

Listed in the 1936 essential travelogue "The Negro Motorist Green Book," and recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, its been a safe haven for Black motorists for decades.

A third-generation family business and gathering place  like a barber shop with wiper blades and a grease gun  its considered an institution of Newarks University Heights neighborhood.

It means a lot to the community, said Samuel Arnold, president of Perrys Funeral Home, who has his hearses tuned up at Smittys. We need that institution there.

But history and community dont pay the bills.

After surviving the Great Depression and Newarks fiery unrest of 1967, Smittys financial situation began to hit the skids with what Smith said was a costly overhaul of its underground gasoline tanks in the 1970s.

Construction of the adjacent Society Hill townhouse complex in the 1980s and 90s is widely viewed as a success for the citys overall prosperity. The project, however, blocked off Wickliffe Street at the stations corner. That all but ceased traffic on the former north-south artery, hurting his sales at the pump, Smitty said.

Smittys stopped pumping gas in 2004, after new environmental rules would have required a costly overhaul of his fuel tanks. Now, the two faded pumps in front of the station are cordoned off by oil-stained orange traffic cones.

Smith said the station subsides on auto repairs by a team of four mechanics, plus parking fees for a dozen spaces rented by regulars at the nearby Essex County government complex.

Last month, 93 years after his grandfather leased the station from Standard Oil  which later grew into Exxon  Smith was ordered by Superior Court Judge Louise Grace Spencer to vacate the premises by Aug. 23.

The city has owned the Smittys property since foreclosing in 2012, while allowing Smith to continue operating on the site.

In 2021, the lot was transferred to the citys economic development corporation, Invest Newark, which overseas redevelopment of forfeited properties, typically as affordable housing.

A temporary agreement with Invest Newark that year let Smith stay on the site for $500 a month, said the agencys president and CEO, Marcus Randolph.

When the agency told him in 2023 it was time to move on, Randolph said Smith stopped making the payments even though he stayed on the property.

We want to continue to respect Mr. Smith, and proceed in that manner, said Randolph. We want to work with him so we can do what the land bank is supposed to do, which is bring foreclosed properties back to life for the city.

He put the brakes on payments, he said, after he lost his contact at the agency, interim CEO Roy Sullivan, whom Randolph replaced in 2022.

Now, hes hoping the judge will extend his eviction deadline until he finds a space to house the tools, auto parts, memorabilia and other assets accumulated over nearly a century.

Im supposed to be out of there by the 23rd, but Ive got 90 years of equipment and personal belongings that I want to transfer to some place. I dont know where to go, he said. I knew this was coming, but Im trying to go out with grace and dignity.

Randolph said it hadnt been determined just what the property will be used for, and that his agency would solicit the publics preferences in the coming months.

Smith was approached by potential investors, including another oil company, though nothing materialized, he said.

Randolph did not rule out a new or redeveloped service station on the site, including one with a convenience mart. Smith is barred from reacquiring the property after having lost it to foreclosure, he said.

We recognize that things change, Randolph said of Smittys surroundings. But, you know, there are requirements. And one of them is the payment of property taxes.

A spokesperson for Mayor Ras J. Baraka declined to comment.

First Staff - Smitty's - D Johnson, M White, Smitty and Lenny Coleman, Historic photo of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, established in 1932. 08/06/2025

Smittys pioneering spirit

Smith is a husband and father of three who lives two towns over in Montclair. His father, Arthur Jr., died of a heart attack in 1970 at age 41, while working with Arthur Sr. The third-generation Smith joined the business in 1981 at age 24, and took the steering wheel 10 years later when his grandfather died at 81.

The Smittys story began in 1929, when 20-year-old Arthur Smith, a haberdasher living in Union Township, was driving his Model A Ford to work in New York City. As his grandson tells the story, he made one of his regular stops at an Esso Service station three blocks west of whats now called the Historic Essex County Courthouse to put air in his tires.

Representatives of Standard Oil happened to be there berating the local operators of the company-owned station, and Smith was drawn into the conversation.

They were all white, my grandfather was a Black guy, and a statement was made: Id as soon let a colored guy operate this place as opposed to you guys, because youre stealing and youre not running this operation as Standard Oil representatives, his grandson said.

And my grandfather walked over to address that. What are you talking about?  my grandfather was a stand-up guy  You were pointing at me, what do you mean?

The company was looking to shake off its image as a bullying monopoly that lingered two decades after the original Standard Oil 1911 breakup, Smith said. As the story goes, the company men believed hiring this impressive young African American would help foster the modern, progressive image the company was trying to cultivate. They asked his grandfather if he was interested in a job.

He said, You know, Ill take that question on, Smith said, adding that his grandfather had one condition: Id have to bring in my own crew in here. He wanted to bring a crew that he was comfortable with, that he could trust.

In other words, a crew that looked like him.

After three years of successfully running the station as a Standard Oil employee, Smiths grandfather was given the option to lease the station as an independent operator, his grandson said. He did, and later bought the station when the new garage was built.

They wanted to feature a Black person, a man of color, because as Jim Crowe was taking place in the North here, they had to break that barrier, Smith said. This was an opportunity my grandfather walked into.

The Newark Smittys was among the service stations listed in The Green Book," the seminal 1936 travel guide to locations friendly to Black travelers driving through segregated America. The book, updated until 1966, was written by Victor Hugo Green, a Harlem native who grew up in Hackensack.

While not as busy today, the station is still the community hub its always been, attracting return customers and passersby.

Chris Zhivanaj, who lives in Society Hill, dropped in the other day with his two sons, Mason, 7, and Miles, 5. The boys were fascinated by a scale model service station and cars on display in the office, and ended up getting candy from Smith.

They like stopping in here every day, checking out the stuff, said Zhivanaj, whose wife recently had work done on her Fiat.

Marcos Caceras, 43, is one of four mechanics who work at Smittys, or in the club, as they say.

For Caceras, knowing the stations history adds a whole other level of satisfaction to the job.

It brings me joy that its been here so many years, and were the last ones standing, he said.

Caceras knew the stations days might be numbered. He also knows theres a mechanic shortage, meaning he would be welcome at other stations. Hes not concerned hell be out of a job if Smittys closes.

But this is home, he said.

Anthony "Smitty" Smith, owner of Smitty's Service Station in Newark, points out his grandfather, Arthur Smith, Jr., in a photo of a Mason's convention in Newark. 08/06/2025

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By Joseph M. Macbeth

On April 14, Congressman Jeff Van Drew signed a letter declaring he could not and would not support any legislation that cuts Medicaid for vulnerable Americans.

Medicaid isnt some distant policy concept but the lifeline that holds together thousands of families who care for people with disabilities.

And yet, Van Drew and his fellow New Jersey Republicans, Reps. Chris Smith and Tom Kean Jr., voted in favor of the 2025 Reconciliation Act  a law that his fellow GOP colleagues claim doesnt cut Medicaid. In their minds, its just a tidy trim to help the program run more efficiently.

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The laws most dangerous provision requires every Medicaid enrollee to go through eligibility redetermination every six months  instead of once a year.

For a person with autism, cerebral palsy, or chronic mental illness, thats dangerous. These are lifelong conditions. No one is waking up cured six months after qualifying for Medicaid.

These individuals and their families already face daily struggles coordinating support systems, transportation, behavioral challenges, and more. They shouldnt have to re-prove their disabilities twice a year to keep the coverage they need to live in their communities.

But this new law will force them to do exactly that, and in a state where the Medicaid system, like many across the country, is understaffed, outdated, and error-prone.

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During the recent COVID-era Medicaid unwinding, The Kaiser Family Foundation found that three in four Americans who lost Medicaid coverage were still eligible. They were kicked off anyway  due to paperwork errors, system glitches, or overburdened state workers. And when that happens, the harm is immediate and severe.

Medicaid isnt just a card in a wallet. Its what pays for home health care, therapies, assistive equipment, and residential services. Lose it, and you risk being discharged from a nursing home, losing access to critical medication, or losing caregivers who can no longer be paid.

In New Jersey, more than 900,000 residents depend on Medicaid, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. It should be noted that the six-month rule applies to Medicaid enrollees who gained Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion. That includes tens of thousands of people with lifelong disabilities.

The department itself warned federal officials that shortening redetermination to every six months would overwhelm caseworkers and result in eligible people being dropped through no fault of their own.

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The situation is even more urgent when you realize how strained the direct support workforce already is. State and national data show New Jerseys DSP workforce has a vacancy rate of 14% and a turnover rate that tops 30%.

We cant afford to lose more ground. But this law, which our three Republican Congressmen voted for, will push many families and workers over the edge.

Their vote wasnt just a mistake. It was a betrayal, especially to the families who believed Van Drews April 14th promise.

But its not too late to make it right.

He could sponsor or support legislation that restores annual eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. He could call on CMS to issue guidance exempting this population from six-month checks. He could even urge the president to act by executive order. These arent extreme ideas. Theyre simple, humane corrections to a dangerous policy.

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People with disabilities deserve stability. They deserve respect. They deserve to be left alonenot forced to jump through impossible hoops every six months just to keep the care they need to survive.

Rep. Van Drew  and Smith and Kean  your vote helped build a bureaucratic cliff. You still have time to stop your constituents from falling off it.

Calling your elected representative in the U.S. House Of Representatives or U.S. Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your representative and senator to voice your position, go to the House website and the Senate website.

Joseph M. Macbeth is President and CEO of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), representing the national workforce supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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A model ship carved from whalebone by a French prisoner during the Napoleonic Wars and a replica of a "cursed" vessel have gone on display at a Leeds museum.

The maritime miniatures were uncovered while staff at Leeds Industrial Museum were assessing and cleaning their collection of historic model ships.

They are now on display as part of Engineery, an exhibition about the history of engineering and inventors.

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Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of industrial history John McGoldrick said the art of model ship making was as "old as shipbuilding itself".

He said: "Each of the model ships in our collection has been made at a unique and very different moment in history, but what unites them is the ingenuity and attention to detail, which has gone into capturing each minute feature.

"That level of dedication and commitment speaks volumes about how impressive these ships were and how much they inspired and motivated each model maker to reach such incredible feats of creativity."

A model of the RMS Queen Elizabeth, once the biggest passenger ship ever built, is also on display [Leeds Industrial Museum]

The model whalebone ship carved more than 200 years ago is a replica of a 19th Century whaling ship.

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It is believed to be an example of the type carved by French captives in British prisons and aboard ships during the Napoleonic Wars.

Using leftover bone, the prisoners were also known to employ hair, clothing and jewellery in a model, which normally took a prisoner years to complete.

Other ships in the museum collection include wool clipper Cromdale, built in Glasgow in 1891.

After narrowly escaping disaster on her maiden voyage when she was hit by 300ft high icebergs, she later ran aground in thick fog, ploughing into cliffs off the coast of Cornwall, where the wreck is visible today.

Several members of the crew died, including one who was reportedly eaten by a shark in Montevideo Bay.

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Also part of the collection is a scale replica of the RMS Queen Elizabeth.

More than a 1.5m long, the model is a tribute to the much larger original cruise liner, which was once the biggest passenger ship ever built.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Related stories
Burlington Stores Inc. will be opening a Merced location with a reimagined store layout in Merced in the coming months.

Burlington said its new location will features the companys new store logo of Deals. Brands. WOW! when it opens in Merced in October, as part of The Shoppes @ Merced, connected to the Marketplace at Merced. The company did not provide the Sun-Star with an exact opening date.

According to the company, it operates 1,115 stores in 46 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico under the name Burlington Stores, with Merceds location bringing the total number of stores in California to 115. The national discount retailer and Fortune 500 company said it recorded $10.6 billion in net sales in Fiscal 2024.

Construction continues on retail locations near the Marketplace at Merced, in Merced, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Burlington, the national discount retailer, is set to open a new location at The Shoppes @ Merced, connected to the Marketplace at Merced in October.

The retailer offers discount, brand name merchandise including clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty and home goods. The company said approximately half of the brands existing locations have been converted to a refreshed format, with the remaining stores expected to make the transition by the end of next year.

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The new Merced location is slated to create roughly 65-75 jobs, according to Morgan Williams, a spokesperson for the company. Williams said the company plans to host a ribbon cutting ceremony just minutes before the store is scheduled to open. The company also plans to donate money to local school teachers to support both the community and local education.

Williams said that during the first two days of business, the first 100 customers 18 and older, will receive a $10 Bonus Card that can be used toward their purchase.

Anyone interested in applying for a position at the new location can do so by visiting BurlingtonStores.jobs, for more information.

Construction continues on retail locations near the Marketplace at Merced, in Merced, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Burlington, the national discount retailer, is set to open a new location at The Shoppes @ Merced, connected to the Marketplace at Merced in October.
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey is a representative survey of 10,000 women and men conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), generating what is widely regarded as the highest-quality data on sexual violence in the country. In both its 2012 and 2016/2017 data releases, statistical comparisons of respondents show that the state of Utah had some of the lowest sexual violence rates in the nation.

That doesnt mean Utah does not have a problem with sexual violence, which is a heartbreaking epidemic throughout the U.S. and world. It just means the best data in the nation has shown repeatedly that the Rocky Mountain state appears to be doing measurably better than other states in the country.

Despite this data coming out 8 years ago, this still isnt something widely known. One year ago, when the Deseret News compiled available data documenting areas where Utah was leading the nation in a positive way, nothing was included about abuse and sexual violence.

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Thats because for years, weve heard that Utah stands out in a particularly troubling way when it comes to different kinds of violence against women.

It wasnt until this spring that we began to look more closely into these numbers ourselves. We came to realize that certain data sources were often being overlooked in public discourse, while problematic FBI data continues to be widely cited as a reliable measure to compare states.

But the biggest discovery came when we reviewed the state-by-state comparisons available in The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey  an ongoing, nationally representative survey that assesses experiences of sexual violence, stalking and intimate partner violence among adult women and men aged 18 years old or older in the United States.

How Utah measures against other states

This CDC survey provides critical state-level violence victimization prevalence data that are not available elsewhere, says Kathleen Basile, associate director for science in the Division of Violence Prevention at the CDC, who was involved in administering the survey. Compared with other surveys that may only have a question or two on sexual violence, Basile calls this survey the most comprehensive look at this problem.

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The Utah-specific findings were especially striking. According to this comprehensive data set, Utah women had the lowest lifetime prevalence of sexual violence victimization (36.9%). That was six points lower than the next lowest state of Texas (42.7%), 17 points lower than the national average (54.3%), and as many as 28-30 points lower than Wyoming (63%), Alaska (65.4%) and Washington D.C. (67.1%).

In more specific examinations across the United States, the lifetime prevalence among Utah women were:

Eighth lowest for contact sexual violence by an intimate partner  rape, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact (15.5%). This was 4 points lower than the U.S. average (19.6%) and over half as much as the highest state, Nevada (32%).

Third lowest for attempted or completed rape of any kind (15.8%) after North Dakota and South Dakota (14% and 14.6%). This was 11 points lower than the national average (26.8%) and 26 points lower than the highest state, Wyoming (42.1%).

Fourth lowest for completed alcohol/drug-facilitated rape (8.1%) among the 40 states that monitor this variable, tied with Kansas (with Idaho being the lowest at 5.4%). Utahs percentage is 4 points lower than the U.S. average (12.2%), and over half as much as the highest state, Arkansas (17.7%).

DN-Sexualviolence1

Broader analyses of sexual aggression found the lifetime prevalence among Utah women was:

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Second lowest for unwanted sexual contact (32.4%), after North Dakota (31%). This was 15 points below the national average (47.6%) and nearly half the rate of the highest state, Alaska (62.5%).

Sixth lowest for sexual coercion (17.6%). This was 6 points lower than the U.S. average (23.6%), and over half as much as the highest state, Nevada (36.8%) and the District of Columbia (39.5%).

The statistics for Utah women across different types of physical violence were also striking, including the fact that Utah women had a lifetime prevalence that was:

Lowest in the nation for any physical violence by an intimate partner (26.4%). This was 16 points below the national average (42%) and 30 points below the rate of the highest state, Nevada (56.8%).

Lowest of any state for being slapped, pushed or shoved (23.3%). This was nearly 15 points below the U.S. average (38.9%) and more than half as much as the highest state, Nevada (54.3%).

Fifth lowest for stalking by an intimate partner (8.7%) and third lowest for stalking victimization generally (21.9%). This was 5 to 10 points lower than the respective U.S. averages (13.5%/31.2%) and 13 to 26 points lower than the highest states of Georgia and Arkansas.

Lowest of any state for severe physical violence by an intimate partner (17.7%). This was 15 points below the national average (32.5%) and 32 points below the highest state, Nevada (49.2%).

DN-Sexualviolence2

In terms of emotional and verbal abuse, the lifetime prevalence among Utah women was:

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Lowest in the nation (34.9%) for any psychological aggression by an intimate partner. This was 15 points lower than the U.S. average (49.4%) and 29 points lower than the highest state, Arkansas (63.6%).

Lowest in the nation for the subtype of expressive aggression  more spontaneous, impulsive violence driven by emotions, such as anger, rage, or frustration. Utah womens rate of victimization (19.5%) was 10 points below the national average (29.4%) and more than half the rate of the highest state, Alaska (42.4%).

Lowest in the nation for the subtype of coercive control and entrapment (32%). This was 14 points below the national average (46.2%) and 29 points less than the highest state, Arkansas (60.7%).

When the data for all these different violence types are combined, here are the findings:

Utah women experienced the lowest rates in the nation for physical violence, stalking victimization by an intimate partner, and/or contact sexual violence (rape, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact). The rate at which Utah women surveyed said they experienced any of these types of violence (31.7%) was 15 points lower than the national average (47.3%) and 30 points lower than the highest state, Nevada (61.8%).

Utah women were also lowest in the nation for the combined related impact of these different types of intimate partner violence (including being fearful, concerned for safety, any posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, etc. This rate of 27.1% was tied with Hawaii (27.2%), while being 14 points lower than the U.S. average (41%) and 29 points lower than the highest states of Arkansas (55.9%) and Nevada (56.1%).

DN-Sexualviolence3

In addition to asking women about their experiences as adults, researchers asked women to reflect on experiences when they were younger. In terms of the prevalence of earlier sexual violence, Utah women were:

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Seventh lowest for first contact sexual violence before age 18 (25%), which includes rape, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact. This rate was 6.5 points lower than the national average (31.5%) and 19 points lower than the highest states of Alaska (43.7%) and Arkansas (43.8%).

Ninth lowest for first rape attempt or completed rape victimization before age 18 (9.2%). This was 4 points lower than the U.S. average (13.1%) and nearly a third of Arkansas (28%).

Eighth lowest for first victimization of either physical violence, stalking by an intimate partner, or contact sexual violence before Age 18. The Utah womens rate (10%) was 3 points lower than the national average (12.8%) and half of the highest states, Nevada (19.8%) and Alaska (20.1%).

In sum, every state-wide abuse prevalence chart in the survey showed Utah among the lowest 10 states  with only one exception. The measure of Lifetime Prevalence of Verbal Sexual Harassment in a Public Place confirmed Utah women were the 12th lowest at 26.3%, 6 points lower than the national average (30.4%).

When considered all together, no other state performs so well across these various sub-scales. The next closest states with relatively lower sexual violence rates are Kansas, Hawaii, Iowa, South Dakota and Texas.

None of this is to minimize the staggering scope of the sexual violence problem facing every state in the country, including Utah. In this rapidly growing Rocky Mountain state with a population of over 3.5 million, even conservative estimates suggest that many thousands of teenage girls and adult women currently living in Utah have experienced some form of sexual violence.

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Either way, emphasized Susan Madsen, the founding director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, whether were above or below the national average, if theres anybody that is experiencing violence, we need to be concerned.

Madsen is right. These numbers do not give Utah a pass, even if they do clarify the scope of the problem. You cant change violence rates until you shine a light on the problem, she added.

Why so different from FBI data?

Deseret News interviewed two of the main researchers at the CDC behind this national survey to understand why its findings are so different compared to the FBI data on sexual violence.

Sharon G. Smith, a behavioral scientist with the CDCs Division of Violence Prevention, explained that a criminal justice question like Were you ever raped? can be harder to answer than people may realize.

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Thats why the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey uses behaviorally-specific questions, she said, which dont rely on participant interpretation, and which can facilitate disclosure and improve the accuracy of the estimates.

Kathleen Basile, also part of the CDCs Center for Injury Prevention and Control explained, So if you ask one question, they may say, I dont know if that happened, but if you ask three or four or five, they start remembering, oh yeah, something happened back when I was younger.

Compared with asking about only recent victimization, Basile also emphasized the value of asking about someones lifetime experience because sometimes people are more comfortable talking about something that happened in their past rather than something that happened just recently in the last year or so.

Its hard for someone to admit that yes, I was a rape victim, agreed Julie Valentine, a University of Utah professor and longtime forensic nurse who has worked with rape survivors for decades and led the creation of one of the worlds best sexual assault archival databases.

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Valentine, who is called to the hospital to speak with victims, said often victims wont even use the word rape. Instead, theyll say something really bad happened to me on my date last night. And then theyll describe what happened, but its very rare that a victim would say those words.

So, there are different reasons, Basile said, why this survey would have more disclosure.

Anonymity is huge

Leslie Miles, a professor in the BYU nursing department who has studied sexual violence for years, also emphasized that the FBI is only looking at police reports. And theres a lot of shame, a lot of blame, and (victims) dont disclose.

Given how fearful many are of public shaming, Miles added, its going to skew your FBI data. By comparison, she said, people are more likely to disclose on a survey where its anonymous.

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Thats the difference in what you have in numbers, Miles said, referring to the contrast in FBI and CDC numbers.

According to experts weve interviewed for this report, its this anonymity above all  without any required identification, public disclosure, legal complexity and involvement in the criminal justice system  that makes these national datasets especially reliable compared with arrest rates.

People will acknowledge that they have been victims of a crime to an anonymous survey, even if they did not report the crimes to police, noted an early report of the The National Criminal Justice Commission, citing Samuel Walker and other criminologists. (Earlier anonymous surveys of sexual violence in Utah in 2005 and 2007 were likewise celebrated for having provided confirmation of the limitations of relying upon officially reported statistics).

You always have to look at the methodology, agreed Madsen when asked about the same discrepancy. Its just the way people are measuring things. Depending on whether something is reported or anonymously gathered, she tells Deseret News, you tend to see some different things.

2012 survey findings on Utah

These are not anomalies from a single CDC survey in 2016-2017. From the same national survey in 2012, here are some of Utahs findings:

4th lowest lifetime prevalence of specifically sexual violence victimization with someone a person knows (31.1%). This was five points lower than the U.S. average (36.3%) and 16 points lower than the highest state of Oregon (47.5%).

Lowest of all the states for any type of completed or attempted rape (12.2%). This was 7 points below the national average (19.1) and more than half of Oregons rate (26.3%).

Lowest out of 46 states who recorded completed drug/alcohol-facilitated rape (4.6%). This was half the national average (9%) and one third the rate in the highest state of Oregon (15.4%).

7th lowest for sexual coercion (10.3%). This was 3 points lower than the U.S. average (13.2) and half as much as Oregon (20%).

It is too early to know if 2025 data from the same national survey will show similar patterns.

BYU professor Justin Dyer said the results are not a surprise.

It fits with other things we know about Utah  the benefits of faith and family generally  including other research about violence and religiosity. So, none of this is particularly surprising.

Madsen has also spoken about Utah becoming a national leader in how to implement positive change for girls and women. In the recent interview with Deseret News, she shared her aspiration that the state will pursue even more opportunities to be different than any other state, even a place where more girls and women can thrive in any setting.

These findings above also align with the broader international research on vulnerabilities for sexual violence against women and children.

A Deseret News review of 500 studies found that sincere, healthy religious faith  and the habits spirituality often promotes, such as lower alcohol and drug use, fewer risky sexual behaviors, and greater emphasis on marriage, education, and financial responsibility  can have a protective effect. Many of these patterns are more common in Utah.

Understanding conflicting data

Not all data aligns with this understanding of Utah. That begins with the FBI numbers on sexual violence, which shows Utah consistently in a tier of states with comparatively higher rates of rape.

Its these official crime numbers  usually without any mention of The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey  which have been the central focus of public discourse on sexual violence in Utah over the last decade, showing up regularly in public and media conversation, academic reviews and reports, and even on official state websites and documents.

Utah isnt the only state whose FBI statistics paint a different picture than the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Kansas, North Dakota, Kentucky, South Carolina, and New Mexico are all in the 20 lowest states in terms of sexual violence on this survey, but in the FBI data, they join Utah as some of the worst.

The FBI "strongly discourages" comparisons of locations based on these numbers. The discrepancies could reflect that certain states are more successful than others in encouraging disclosure, accountability and reporting.

Yet there are two other high-quality studies showing contrary results with child sexual abuse. That includes data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System showing Utah 3 points higher than the national average in sexual-related adverse childhood experiences. And the nationally representative 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data also shows Utah 3.5 points higher than the national average in teenage girls who reported having experienced sexual violence by anyone in the past year.

This latter gap, that showed up during pandemic data collection, mostly went away in 2023. Drilling down to sexual dating violence and forced sexual intercourse in 2021, instead of relying on the broad umbrella figure, also shows Utah lower than the national average in 2021.

In the earlier 2020 survey, Utah also had a uniquely high level of ACEs responses submitted  with 9,155 respondents willing to share about past abuse representing the 3rd highest of any state. Utahs response rate of 55.5 was also higher than most, with only six states better.

Similar to the FBI rape data, this suggests Utah could perhaps be having more success in measuring whats actually happening. Utah has a dedicated in-house survey center at the Department of Health and Human Services that averages 10,500 completed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys in each of the last 5 years, according to department data experts. Their experience in survey design and interviewing, they told Deseret News, plays a significant role in our ability to get high numbers of completed surveys compared to other states.

The importance of this proactive data apparatus in Utah may be heightened at a time when its become increasingly difficult to collect data in U.S. national surveys including the YRBS, according to Columbia University researcher John J. Santelli and colleagues, who highlight steady declines in school and student response rates to federal surveys over a 12-year study period.

During this same period, Utah made notable strides in raising awareness of sexual violence (especially this last decade), which may lead to increased willingness to disclose in surveys, particularly among youth.

Having said all this, we cannot rule out the possibility that Utah is protecting adult women better than younger girls. That would be a puzzling contrast with both the risk factor and NSVIS numbers already reviewed, but ought to be held with humility and openness.

As a final qualifier, its important to note that Utah respondents in each survey above may also be describing abuse elsewhere earlier in their life. Adverse Childhood Experience analyses, for instance, reflect the experiences of adults living in that jurisdiction, but do not necessarily represent the jurisdiction in which the ACE occurred.

This is true of the national CDC survey as well, but may be especially influential in surveys asking people to reflect back on their childhood. Utah is a popular destination for new residents, with high rates of domestic migration compared to many other states, particularly in recent years.

Sexual violence is a problem everywhere

In the end, how Utah compares to other states matters far less than the fact that sexual violence remains a very serious and ongoing problem for individuals, families and communities virtually everywhere, including in Utah.

We all need to work together on this, said Madsen, underscoring the urgency of moving heaven and earth to protect women and children.

Thats where our focus should be  gathering people of all backgrounds, liberal and conservative, religious and nonreligious, to work together unitedly for the eradication of violence against women and children.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, confidential support is available 24/7:
WASHINGTON  In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

FCC to Host Informational Webinar on Monday, Aug. 18

The Office of Native Affairs and Policy at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is hosting its inaugural informational webinar, scheduled for Monday, August 18. The agenda will include updates on the FCCs examination of its environmental and historic preservation rules, the availability of the Tribal Library E-Rate Advocacy Program (T-LEAP), FCCs 911 requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems (MLTS), and an update on implementing the Missing Endangered Persons (MEP) event code.

Event: FCCs Office of Native Affairs and Policy Quarterly Informational Webinar

Date: Monday, August 18, 2025

Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Register Here

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The briefing will be conducted virtually. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar.

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.

Time has been scheduled to include Q&A as part of the webinar. We will aim to answer all questions submitted during the webinar session.

Questions? Please send an email message to Native@fcc.gov.

USDA Reminds Families to Pack Food Safety with Back-to-School Lunches

Back-to-school shopping usually means backpacks, notebooks and lunchboxes. But dont forget to add food safety to the list.

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Young children, especially those under age five, are more likely to get seriously sick from foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding parents, caregivers, and anyone packing school lunches to follow a few simple food safety steps.

Here are USDAs top food safety tips for the school year.

Keep cold foods cold

Use at least two cold sources, such as gel packs, frozen water bottles, or frozen juice boxes. Place them on top and bottom of perishable items like meat, poultry, and eggs. This helps keep food out of the Danger Zone, which is between 40 and 140 degrees F. In this range, bacteria can grow quickly and cause illness.

Choose the right lunchbox

Use an insulated lunchbox. Paper bags are not a safe choice because they tear and leak as cold items thaw, which allows cold air to escape.

Keep hot foods hot

For hot foods like soup or chili, use an insulated container. Fill it with boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes before adding food. Dump out the water, add the hot food, and keep the lid closed until lunchtime. Hot foods should stay at 140 degrees F or higher.

Follow the four steps to food safety

Clean: Wash hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after handling food. Clean and sanitize lunchboxes regularly. Separate: Keep raw meat and poultry separate from fruits, vegetables, and other ready-to-eat foods. Discard any containers or bags that held raw items. Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature. Chill: Use two cold sources to keep perishable foods below 40 degrees F. Discard leftovers if they enter the Danger Zone (between 40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours.

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For more information about food safety, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.

NCAI to Host USDA Tribal Advisory Committee Recommendation Updates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) was established by the 2018 Farm Bill to provide recommendations to USDA and Congress. In 2024, it issued its first set of recommendations. Upon the TACs charter being renewed, the TAC is seeking input on additional recommendations.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) will host a webinar next week on Tuesday, August 19, to provide a brief overview of the 2024 recommendations and highlight new recommendations that Tribal leaders and their representatives can present to the TAC during its virtual meeting on September 18, 2025.

Register HERE.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to travel to Washington to participate in talks between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a number of European leaders, the Alliance confirmed on Sunday 17 August.

Source: NATO press service, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The talks will follow the 15 August US-Russia summit on ending the war in Ukraine.

Quote: "On 18 August 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will visit Washington, D.C. The Secretary General will take part in a meeting hosted by the President of the United States, Mr Donald J. Trump, with the President of Ukraine, Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders."

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Details: Earlier, media reports indicated that Rutte may join the Washington talks.

Latest reports indicate that several European leaders will accompany Zelenskyy to the White House meeting with Trump on Monday.

Among them are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

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The attic of the family inn near Braunau am Inn in Upper Austria had always been off limits to Katharina Mayrhofer. It was forbidden, explains the 38-year-old artist. My mother wasnt allowed to go in there either, even as an adult. But in the late 2000s, while looking to renovate her student accommodation, Mayrhofer asked her grandfather, Josef Kaltenhauser, who owned the inn, if she could check the furniture she had heard was stashed upstairs.

To her surprise, Kaltenhauser agreed. He liked the idea that I restored old things, says Mayrhofer, then a student of classical sculpture. What she discovered in that attic would lead to a restoration  but also to uncovering dark family secrets as well as forming new life-long friendships. Her discovery has also now become the focus of a new exhibition in London  although one thats unlikely to have found favour with her grandfather. The exhibition, at Londons Wiener Holocaust Library, is on looted goods.

Mayrhofer remembers that as soon as she entered the attic with her mother, Sabine, I felt something was really wrong I saw this table and immediately knew it couldnt have belonged to our family. She had studied furniture design as part of her course and recognised that the black lacquered writing table, with elegantly tapered turned legs supported by an ornate stretcher, did not originate from this region of western Austria, which borders Germany.

Katharina Mayrhofer with the writing table she found in her grandfathers attic, now on display at the Wiener Holocaust Library in London - Julian Simmonds

Were farmers, innkeepers, rural people. I immediately looked at my mother and said, Whats this doing here? I could tell it was from a time before art nouveau. It had to have belonged to a wealthy family, but not our family. Her mothers reaction compounded her shock. Sabine Mayrhofer, a history and German teacher, said she thought it had to do with the familys Nazi past and had an inkling that the table might have come from Schloss Ranshofen, the grand former monastery on the edge of Braunau.

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I knew nothing about my family history until then, says Mayrhofer. Nobody ever spoke about it. But that day, she explains, she knew she wanted to find the truth, no matter how dark and shameful. I wanted to dig as deep as I could. Mayrhofers immediate research through questioning her family revealed that her great-grandfather, teacher Josef Kaltenhauser Snr, had been a secret member of the Austrian National Socialist party, the NSDAP, which was outlawed between 1934 and the Anschluss in 1938. On March 12, just hours after Nazi troops stormed the border, Adolf Hitler marched into Braunau am Inn, where he was born almost half a century earlier.

Hitler leads a victory parade in Vienna following the German annexation of Austria in March 1938 - Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

At that time, as Nazis like Kaltenhauser Snr assumed positions of authority in German-annexed Austria, the situation for Austrias Jews rapidly deteriorated. Kaltenhauser Snr became the head of the village school, which neighboured the country estate of Schloss Ranshofen, and moved into an apartment on site with his wife, whose mother, Katharina Huber, owned the nearby inn and was also a card-carrying Nazi. Neither faced any recriminations after the war, though Kaltenhauser Snr lost his job  and with it the school accommodation. The family moved into the inn, but within a few years both Kaltenhauser and his wife were dead, leaving Katharina Huber to bring up their children.

The Mayrhofer inn near Braunau am Inn, pictured in 1927 - Mayrhofer family collection

The table Mayrhofer discovered remained in the family attic, but it was always in my thoughts, she says. After she graduated, Mayrhofer started working as an artist in the northern city of Linz, where she lives today. I always wondered about looking for the descendants [of its rightful owner]. The historical cruelty in my family bothered me so much, I just couldnt live with it. But I was overwhelmed because I didnt know where to start and didnt even have a name.

Schloss Ranshofen was all she had to go on. Initial research linked it to the Ranshofen-Wertheimers, a Jewish family. Desperate to learn more, Mayrhofer found a listing for Ranshofen-Wertheimer on the genealogy platform MyHeritage. The administrator for the Wertheimer tree was a woman called Diana Jellinek, whom Mayrhofer emailed in December 2019.

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It was a needle in a haystack, but it was my only chance, she says. I wasnt sure how to explain it without sounding crazy. I said: I found this table which I think might belong to you. Are you part of the Wertheimer family? Jellinek responded almost immediately, not only confirming that her family had owned the property and the surrounding agricultural land, but asking to meet in Vienna the following week. She was planning to visit her daughter, Helen Emily Davy, who was doing a masters in art in the city. Excited but nervous, Mayrhofer instantly accepted.

Anyone who witnessed the unlikely reunion at a Vienna cafe in January 2020 might have wondered what was happening at the emotional gathering. There were a lot of tears, says Mayrhofer. I bought them some beautiful coffee cups as a symbol, as I hoped at some point we could sit at the table in their place and drink coffee. The Wertheimer descendants had been unaware of the table specifically, but knew the agricultural estate had been looted.

Schloss Ranshofen had been in the family since 1851 and in the 1930s belonged to sisters Anna, Emilie and Gabriella Wertheimer.

They were each married and living elsewhere but spent summers there until 1935, when Anna felt it no longer safe to travel from her home in Germany. In August 1938, the Wertheimers were forced to sell the estate for a fraction of its value, though they never actually received the proceeds because of Nazi taxes. Their property was ransacked and looted while Hitler built an aluminium plant to supply the war effort on the land.

A postcard view of the Schloss Ranshofen estate in the early 20th century - Jellinek family collection

In 1938, Gabriella and her husband fled to Britain, where their son had travelled on the kindertransport. Emilies older son, Kurt, was studying at Oxford university, from where he successfully campaigned to bring over his parents and younger brother, Ernst (who later anglicised his name to Ernest). They arrived in Britain days before war erupted. Annas children left for Britain, South America and China, but she was stuck in Germany and in July 1942 was transported to Auschwitz, where she perished.

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Life in Britain was tough, as the family relied on charity and faced internment as enemy aliens. In 1944, Kurt died of TB in a military hospital while fighting for Britain. His brother Ernst lost an eye fighting the Germans in Hanover only months later. These traumas had a profound effect on Emilie, who suffered a mental breakdown in late 1945, followed by several strokes which led to her death in January 1946.

Sisters Anna, Gabriella and Emilie Wertheimer, who went on to own Schloss Ranshofen which had been in their family since 1851 - Schiff family collection

Jellinek and Davy, Ernsts daughter and granddaughter, told Mayrhofer that he had died just weeks earlier, aged 97. Papa was a really monumental figure in our family, who was very loved and is very missed, says Davy. When he passed away, it was a big moment within our family, and it was only weeks after I moved to Austria. So in what I think is quite a classic grief thing, my mum got really into doing the family tree.

About five years earlier, Ernst had taken Davy, her mother and brother to see Schloss Ranshofen. In 1946, the family applied for restitution but were rejected, as the government argued that the aluminium plant, which is still operational, was crucial to the national economy. They received negligible reparations. Their family archive contains testimony from Emilie and her husband, Stefan, in 1940 in which they described being shut out of all business management. They wrote: So it happened in the summer of 1938 that the house, in which private property was located, was occupied by foreign elements, that even boxes were broken into and linen and furnishings were dragged away.

Covid broke out soon after the Vienna cafe meeting, so mother and daughter first saw the table over Zoom. Later they travelled to Mayrhofers home to see it, explore their interconnected histories and build trust.

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We sat round Kathis dining table and started to piece the jigsaw together and compare what we had with what shed found, says Davy. Around that time, Mayrhofer discovered a label on the tables underside which showed it was transported by rail from Vienna. Her family had no links to Vienna, while the Wertheimers had long owned property there.

A torn shipping label on the underside of the table reads Vienna to Braunau - Julian Simmonds

There are some blanks in the research that will probably never be filled; nevertheless the women have enough evidence to confidently conclude that the table was looted from the estate and taken to the school apartment. After Kaltenhauser lost his job, it moved with him to the inn.

Mayrhofer and Davy then decided to restore the table together and in spring 2022, the artists took up residence in Schloss Ranshofen, which today acts as a wedding venue and also houses a music school. We wanted to give the table its spirit back, said Mayrhofer. Inspired by the Japanese method of kintsugi, they used gold paste to highlight the cracks and scars in order to tell the tables complicated history. During the restoration, they wore skirts crafted from two moth-eaten tablecloths that Mayrhofer found in the attic and which she suspects were probably also looted.

Davy and Mayrhofer restored the table together, dressed in skirts made from tablecloths also found in the attic - Mayrhofer Wertheimer-Tisch

The way I reconstruct it in my head is almost cinematic, like a double exposure, says Davy. We would be working out if we could fit the table through a doorway, then suddenly Id see it through my grandfathers eyes. It was emotionally overwhelming for both of us. They kept the restoration quiet, as they were unsure how it would be received by locals. Mayrhofer explains: Unfortunately, as Braunau is Hitlers birthplace, its a place that attracts pilgrimage, so we were quite careful about telling people  because we didnt want any sabotage.

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Descendants of all three sisters attended the exhibitions opening last month, where they explored photographs, documents and artefacts, as well as the table. Perhaps most startling is a wooden box found among Kaltenhauser Jrs possessions after his death in the pandemic, which turned out to be a Nazi time capsule. It features an inlaid image of a Nazi soldier and a swastika-shaped key, while inside are ancestral passports of his parents which served as proof of their Aryan descent. There are also old payslips for Kaltenhauser Snr from 1938 to 1944, and many photographs, including pictures taken directly in front of the sisters house, Schloss Ranshofen.

Maybe he kept it because it connected him with his father, who died very young, said Mayrhofer. But maybe because to him and his family a Nazi was not a bad person. This is something her mother will always struggle with, she says. My grandfather always spoke about his father being a Nazi in a proud way, so when my mother was growing up she thought it was something good. Featured in the exhibition is a photo album Sabine put together as a child, with a picture of her grandfather captioned: This is my grandfather. He was a Nazi!

Mayrhofers great-grandfather, Josef Kaltenhauser Snr, right, with his wife, Berta, and their daughter, Berta Jr, in 1930 - Mayrhofer family collection

So would the Wertheimer descendants consider a renewed appeal for restitution? Davy says: There are rumbles every now and then in the family of, Should we try again?. But its a lot of work  and a lot of emotional work. Some family members are more keen to reopen that door for the legal and money side. For me, this exhibition is about the emotional and holistic side. Mayrhofer suspects other items looted from them are hidden away in nearby properties and should be returned to their former owners. The objects are like a materialisation of the history of the people who owned them, she says, adding that Austria has a long way to go when it comes to this kind of public reckoning.

The library estimates that property worth 135bn in todays money was looted from European Jews between 1938 and 1945. Austria passed the Art Restitution Act in 1998, which required state museums to search their collections for looted goods; however, there remains no legal framework for restitution of privately owned objects. Dr Barbara Warnock, the curator and head of education at the library, says looting was key to the Nazis modus operandi.

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It was such an intrinsic part of what happened  to steal peoples possessions  that you could see it as being a more important motivation than perhaps was considered in the past, she says. A table is maybe an unusual object when people think about looting and restitution. A lot of attention has been on artworks, as theyre often more valuable and kind of sexier. This wider focus, not thinking about just artwork but about everyday objects that are meaningful to families, and things like books, is just as important.

The black lacquered writing table will be returning to its rightful owners after the exhibition closes - Julian Simmonds

Incredibly, the artists today consider themselves more than friends. It sounds corny, but were more like family, says Davy. Ive babysat Katharinas kids [she has two] and shes stayed with my mum. It is to Davys mother, Diana Jellinek, that the table will go after the exhibition closes.

Choked up, Mayrhofer says that her children know everything about their family history. Im really glad theyre growing up with this heritage, she says. They know you have to take responsibility, because if nobody else did it before you, its your job.

Looted: Two Families, Nazi Theft and the Search for Restitution runs at Londons Wiener Holocaust Library until October 10 2025

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North Carolina Republicans are looking to break apart some state agencies at the same time as theyre cutting some state jobs.

Good Sunday morning to you and welcome to our Under the Dome politics newsletter focusing on the governor and executive branch. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers Capitol bureau chief.

Earlier this month, State Auditor Dave Boliek released a 435-page audit of the Division of Motor Vehicles after six months of work. Boliek, a Republican, campaigned on fixing the DMV, and the issue only became more prominent as the months went by and reports continued about long lines, lack of appointments and delay after delay for North Carolina drivers trying to access basic services.

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As state auditor, Boliek is part of the executive branch and serves on the Council of State along with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and eight other statewide elected officials. Both Boliek and Stein have been in agreement, along with lawmakers of both parties, that the DMV problems must be fixed, and soon.

As our transportation reporter Richard Stradling reported the day the audit was released, Boliek is calling for the DMV to be broken out from the N.C. Department of Transportation into a separate agency. If it happens, this wouldnt be the first time this year a new state agency was created from an old one.

State Auditor Dave Boliek recommends dozens of changes during a press conference highlighting a 435-page audit report Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the Albemarle Building in Raleigh. Boliek, a Republican, made an audit of the DMV part of his platform when he was elected last fall.

Just this year, the State Highway Patrol became its own agency, separate from its previous umbrella of the Department of Public Safety. Steins office sued over the move and other patrol changes, but was not successful and the highway patrol became its own Cabinet agency within Steins administration on July 1. The change was the result of Republicans overriding former Gov. Roy Coopers veto in December 2024.

It also would happen at a time that Republicans have called for cutting state jobs and shrinking state government.

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But growing some of it. Beyond making the Highway Patrol its own agency and potentially the DMV, too, the auditors office itself is gaining positions, even as both the House and Senate budget bills cut other job positions. And any time a new agency is created, there will be some related costs.

Boliek notes on the opening page of his report that while taking the DMV out of DOT is opposed by both DOT Secretary Joey Hopkins and DMV Commissioner Paul Tine, this audit shows the current governance structure is the main issue facing the DMV.

Boliek also shared an idea that some DMV customers could pay extra money for a fast pass to ensure faster service than other customers will receive, even though the agency is funded by all taxpayers.

What about the budget?

Theres still no state budget deal for the fiscal year that began six weeks ago. Cuts and additions to state jobs and agencies are still subject to budget negotiations between House and Senate Republican leaders. Policy often is included in the final budget, so if legislative budget writers are supportive of Bolieks pitch to make the DMV separate, it could end up in the budget.

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Lawmakers return to Raleigh again for session on Aug. 26 and perhaps more days after that, depending on how negotiations go. A top House budget writer said that the August session could include another mini budget bill, even if the big budget never makes it to Steins desk.

Questions or suggestions about this newsletter? Contact me at dvaughan@newsobserver.com. Also be sure to listen to our Under the Dome podcast, posting every Tuesday morning, to keep up to date on the latest in North Carolina politics.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 17 that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should begin at the current front line, amid questions surrounding proposals of land swaps to end the war.

"We need real negotiations, and that means they can begin where the front line currently stands. The line of contact is the best line for negotiations," Zelensky wrote on social media following a meeting with members of the so-called "coalition of the willing."

Zelensky said that European leaders agreed with Kyiv's assessment for the basis of negotiations, adding that "Ukraines Constitution makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land."

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Zelensky will travel to Washington on Aug. 18 for meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump for peace talks following Trump's meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president will be joined by a number of European leaders, who have opposed negotiations on swapping territories between the U.S. and Russia without Kyiv's involvement.

Following his summit with Putin, Trump said that the two leaders had "largely agreed" on territorial swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine.

"I think those are points that we negotiated, and those are points that we largely have agreed on," Trump said in an interview with Fox News after the meeting. "I think we're pretty close to a deal," he added. "Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they'll say no."

A source in the Ukrainian Presidential Office earlier told the Kyiv Independent that Moscow's proposal would require Kyiv to withdraw from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in exchange for a Russian pullback from parts of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.

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Zelensky has firmly rejected the possibility of handing additional Ukrainian territory over to Russian occupation as part of a peace deal, insisting on establishing a ceasefire as the first step in any negotiations.

Publicly, Putin has demanded a ban on Ukraine's NATO membership and a full Ukrainian withdrawal from partially occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, among other conditions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rebuffed Russia's expectations for a negotiated territory swap on Aug. 17 in an interview with NBC News.

"Ultimately, if the Ukrainians are not willing to give that up and no one is pushing Ukraine to give that up," Rubio said, referring to all the territories currently controlled by Moscow. "If there's going to be a peace deal, it's not going to look like that."

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The Trump administration's Russia envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed similar points in media interviews ahead of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.

"(President Trump) understands it is for the Ukrainians to decide how they might land swap, how they might make a deal with the Russians on different territories there," Witkoff told Fox News. "That's why Zelensky and the Europeans are coming to the White House to make a decision for themselves."

Zelensky once again called for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to reach a peace deal following his talks with coalition of the willing members, reiterating that any deal must include a face-to-face meeting with Moscow.

"We continue to coordinate our joint positions," Zelensky said of his meeting with the coalition of the willing. "There is clear support for Ukraines independence and sovereignty. Everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force," Zelensky concluded

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Read also: Top European leaders to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump talks









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Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year on Saturday, flocking to temples to offer prayers and celebrating the beginning of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. Chingam, known as Kollam Varsham, is also being observed as Farmers Day, honouring the community's deep-rooted bond with soil and agriculture. This year, the Chingam festival is celebrated just 6 days before the commencement of Onam, which will be held from August 26 to September 5. Chingam 1, the dawn of the Malayalam New Year. For every Malayali, it is a day of new beginnings and fresh hopes for the people. Traditionally known as Ponnin Chingam (Golden Chingam), this season has faced two years of heavy Onam rains, yet people now look forward with optimism, believing this Onam will truly be a golden one. After enduring the hardships of Karkidakam, Malayalis eagerly await this day, stepping into the auspicious month. It is a time of harvest, when farmers reap the fruits of their care during the testing rainy season. Visuals from Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangaadi Ganapathy Temple showed devotees flocking to the temples to offer their prayers, coming with family and relatives for their morning rituals. Anjala, a local who visits the temple every year with family to mark the festival, told ANI, "We come every year on this day. We start the day by visiting temple. I wish everyone a happy new year and a good life head" Shika, a kid who visited the temple, mentioned how the crowd swells every year at the temple during the festival month, with Onam fast approaching too. "Chingam is auspicious day for every Malayali, as our festival season in nearing like Onam, I am blessed with Lord Ganesha. We wear traditional dress. We get so many visitors from outside country also," Shika told ANI. Malayalis welcome Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam New Year, with hope and devotion. As the state prepares for Onam celebrations, temples witnessed a heavy rush of devotees. (ANI)
After a week of of demonstrations outside a military prison housing haredi detainees, former Sephardi chief rabbi slammed Netanyahu and Shas leader Arye Deri of stalling the haredi draft bill.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an atheist, and he and Shas leader Arye Deri are stalling the ultra-Orthodox draft bill, former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef said on Saturday night.

He also said that the IDF is targeting Sephardim for arrests.

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Speaking after a week of demonstrations outside a military prison that houses haredi detainees, Yosef said the coalition should have passed the draft law before approving its first budget, in line with the coalition agreement.

It should have been before forming the government, as written in the coalition agreement, to pass the draft law before the first budget, he said.

Yosef sharply criticized haredi lawmakers and Netanyahu, invoking the late Rabbi Shalom Cohen, who served as president of Shass Council of Torah Sages.

Highway 4 near the Coca-Cola Junction was blocked Thursday afternoon as hundreds of Haredi protesters took to the streets. (credit: Yosi Zeliger/TPS)

Do not listen to Bibi [Netanyahu] after the budget. Why did they listen to him? If [Cohen] were alive, he would shout at the emissaries of the rabbis. Why are you dragging your feet? Why are you listening to Bibi? Do you believe him? He is an atheist, Yosef said.

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You rely on someone like that? What are you relying on him... to pass the draft law? So more delays, and we got into trouble.

He also took aim at the militarys recent round of arrests.

They arrest mainly Sephardim. They know that there, the father is weak, the mother is weak, he said, adding, What is this, Russia? When they knock on the door, look through the peephole to see who it is. If it is them, do not open the door. Get through this difficult period.

Previous Controversies

Yosef has a long record of provocative statements that often incite public debate. In January 2020, he drew widespread condemnation for referring to some immigrants from the former Soviet Union as communist, religion-hating gentiles. Netanyahu called those remarks outrageous and praised the immigrants as a huge blessing to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

In mid-2021, Yosef dismissed secular academic subjects, labeling science and mathematics nonsense, and urged that students focus solely on Torah study.
More than 300 demonstrations are expected throughout the day as hostages families try to bring the nation to a standstill.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the nationwide strikes in support of the hostages in Hamas captivity on Sunday were delaying their release and preventing the war from coming to an end.

Netanyahus statements came at the government security cabinet meeting that took place amid the strikes. They also echoed the various criticisms from coalition MKs, who slammed the protest, with many claiming that the demonstrations were aiding the Hamas terror group by dividing the country.

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Netanyahu claimed that the protests were hardening Hamass position and delaying the release of our hostages.

He added that the strikes were also ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves and that we will have to fight a war without end.

The October Council, a forum of hostages families and bereaved families, announced the nationwide strike a week earlier in protest of the security cabinets decision to occupy Gaza City, which they said would endanger the lives of the hostages and soldiers.

Israelis demonstrate for an immediate hostage deal, August 16, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

The council slammed Netanyahus statement in return, stating that the way to prevent another disaster like October 7 is by establishing a state commission of inquiry that will investigate the failures and shortcomings and enable correction and the drawing of conclusions.

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It is time for the prime minister to listen to the cry of the people and the cry of the families. It is time to bring back all the hostages and establish a state commission of inquiry in order to prevent the next disaster, the statement added.

The Hostage Family Forum also strongly criticized the prime minister, saying, Netanyahu, for 22 months now the hostages have been languishing in Gaza  on your watch. Instead of deceiving the public, spreading spins, and slandering the hostages families, bring our loved ones back in a deal and end the war.

Today, the people of Israel came out in their hundreds of thousands into the streets. Thousands of businesses, large and small, closed their gates and enabled workers to join one clear call  solidarity, mutual responsibility, and the return of our loved ones, the statement added.

Responses to Netanyahu

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded positively to Netanyahu, in a significant shift after threatening to leave the government last week due to disagreeing with the prime ministers Gaza occupation plan.

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Smotrich noted that perhaps Netanyahu took the media seriously, feeling as though the people were not with him.

Today you saw, along with all of Israel, that the people are with you, he continued.

Mr. Prime Minister, together, with Gods help, let us bring absolute victory to the people of Israel even before winter, Smotrich concluded.

Opposition MKS condemned Netanyahus statements at the security cabinet meeting.

The Democrats chairman, Yair Golan, stated that the prime minister lies like he breathes: he is the man who repeatedly refused to eliminate Hamas leaders before October 7, who funneled hundreds of millions of dollars from Qatar to finance tunnels and weapons that threaten our hostages.

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The same Netanyahu who strengthened Hamas then is the one strengthening Hamas today, he added.

Former National Unity MK and former IDF chief Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu, calling on him to step aside.

After 681 opportunities to end the war by defeating Hamas, instead of listening to the cries of the survivors from Hamass tunnels, the prime minister of October 7 is running a fear campaign against a brave and perceptive public, threatening them with the next October 7, Eisenkot wrote on his personal Facebook page.

Whoever does not know how to protect the State of Israel from the return of such horrors should step aside, he added.
The Prime Ministers Office clarifies that Israel will agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go," the statement read.

Amid renewed reports of Hamas flexibility on a phased ceasefire-hostage agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office declared that Israel will only accept a comprehensive deal that secures the release of all captives at once on Saturday night.

The Prime Ministers Office clarifies that Israel will agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go, and in accordance with our conditions for ending the war, which include the disarming of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the installation of non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governance that will live in peace with Israel, the statement read.

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The clarification came as Hamas was reported to be reconsidering the so-called Witkoff proposal by US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. He proposed a 60-day ceasefire plan under which roughly half of the remaining hostages would be freed, followed by negotiations on a permanent truce. Netanyahu dismissed that approach on Saturday night, reiterating that he will not agree to a partial deal.

Preperation for continued of fighting in Gaza

Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a new stage of its Gaza campaign. Beginning Sunday, the IDF will start transferring tents and shelter equipment into southern Gaza to house hundreds of thousands of civilians expected to be displaced ahead of an offensive to seize Gaza City.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) tweeted that the aid movement is designed to facilitate civilian evacuation.

In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and as part of the IDF preparations to move the population from combat zones to southern Gaza for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume tomorrow, COGAT said. The aid will be transferred through the Kerem Shalom crossing by the UN and international organizations, following a thorough security inspection.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, August 13, 2025. (credit: Stringer/Reuters)

Meanwhile, Israelis prepared for a nationwide general strike and demonstrations calling for an immediate agreement to bring the hostages home and end the war. Demonstrations began Saturday night in Tel Avivs Hostage Square and in other cities.

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The general strike is being organized by the October Council  representing relatives of hostages and fallen soldiers. Hundreds of municipalities, businesses, universities, tech companies, and civic organizations have already pledged participation. Events will begin at 7 a.m. and include marches, speeches, and rallies throughout the day. Protest convoys are expected to converge in Tel Aviv by evening, culminating in a march with families of the hostages to Hostage Square, where a central rally is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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.
The poll measured public satisfaction with three key figures at the center of decision-making: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has a higher public approval rating than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to a poll conducted for Maariv by Lazar Research and led by Dr. Menachem Lazar in cooperation with Panel4All.

The survey found that 50% of the public were satisfied with Zamirs performance, 34% were dissatisfied, and 16% had no opinion.

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Among respondents who voted for opposition parties, 63% said they were satisfied with Zamir, while 42% who voted for coalition parties also expressed satisfaction.

IDF chief Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz seen during a military briefing, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 30, 2025 (credit: MAAYAN TOAF/GPO)

Netanyahu and Katz under heavy pressure

Thirty-six percent of the public said they were satisfied with Netanyahus performance, 59% said they were dissatisfied, and 5% were undecided.

Among coalition voters, 86% said they were satisfied with Netanyahu. Among opposition voters, 11% expressed satisfaction, and 70% said they were undecided.

Thirty-two percent of the public said they were satisfied with Katzs performance, 57% said they were dissatisfied, and 11% were undecided.

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Among coalition voters, 72% said they were satisfied with Katz, while 19% of opposition voters expressed satisfaction.

Netanyahu and Zamir have been at odds over what operations to carry out in the Israel-Hamas War. They seemed to be on the same page until Zamir crossed Netanyahu over his Gaza war policy last week.

Many defense officials believe the governments new policy could lead to the deaths of the remaining hostages, many more soldiers, and Palestinian civilians, as well as harm Israels legitimacy without really weakening Hamas. According to some of them, Netanyahu has begun to blame Zamir for the current situation.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
NEED TO KNOW

In December 2022, a newborn died after her mom gave birth in a birthing pool without medical assistance

According to findings filed with the Coroners Court of Victoria earlier this month, the mother got the birthing pool from Emily Lal, a social media influencer

In an Instagram Story post viewed by PEOPLE, Lal said that she did not convince the mother to have a "freebirth" and was not involved in the birth of the child

In December 2022, a newborn died after her mom had a "planned freebirth" in a birthing pool she got from a social media influencer. Nearly three years later, authorities in Australia say that her death was preventable.

According to the findings, which were filed with the Coroners Court of Victoria earlier this month and obtained by PEOPLE, the mother  identified only as Ms. E.  was 41 when she became pregnant with Baby E in March 2022.

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The woman, who described her pregnancy as "smooth and uneventful," visited a doctor for the first and only time on Nov. 23, when she was 36 weeks pregnant. According to the report, the purpose of the visit was to check if the baby had one heartbeat or two.

The doctor told Ms. E that the babys size and position were normal and that the baby's heartbeat was regular. He offered to do a blood screen and ultrasound, but she declined.

During the visit, the woman "reported that she had a 'team organizing her birth for her, but she was undecided about her birth team,' " according to the report. She did not share any additional details with the doctor about her plan to have an unassisted birth.

By the end of November, she had already rented and received a birthing pool from social media influencer Emily Lal, whom she reached out to after coming across a post from Lal, who runs "The Authentic Birthkeeper" Instagram page.



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Ms. E said she remained in contact with Lal socially," but didn't seek other services or advice from the influencer.

Early in the morning of Dec. 27, Ms. E began experiencing contractions and asked her partner to fill up the birthing pool. She spent the entire day and night in it, but her baby didn't arrive. The next day, she was back in the pool after her partner refilled it with clean water.

As her contractions intensified that night, the woman felt like it was time and after 30 minutes of pushing, her baby girl was born around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 28.

According to the coroner, the umbilical cord was not cut and an attempt to deliver the placenta at an unknown time the next morning was unsuccessful.

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https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

The night their child was born, the couple slept in their bed with Baby E in her mom's arms, according to the report. The next morning, the woman stated that she checked on her baby multiple times to "ensure she was still breathing"

"She thought she felt the heartbeat, but upon reflection, she believes she was feeling her own heartbeat through her fingers," the report stated.

The couple noticed something was wrong between 6:30 and 7:50 a.m.

According to Ms. E, she sent Lal a message and reportedly FaceTimed her and was told to contact an ambulance. However, in a response to the court, Lal said she only spoke with the woman to arrange the pool delivery and when she went to their home after emergency services arrived following the newborn's birth.

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Additional information about their contact was revealed in a record of a conversation between Lal and a staff member at Mercy Women's Hospital, where the mother was transported for further treatment.

According to the conversation, Lal said she received a message from the woman just before 8 a.m. on Dec. 29, saying the parents couldn't wake up their child and weren't sure if she was breathing. A picture was also sent at 8:10 a.m. "in which the baby's face was blue."

"Ms. Lal didnt see the messages for 25 minutes. She then made a FaceTime call and saw the baby, which she believed to be deceased, and she told the parents to call an ambulance," the report stated, noting that Lal did later speak with police and her version of events mostly correlated with the record of her conversation with the hospital employee.

After paramedics arrived at the scene around 8:34 a.m. they immediately administered CPR. However, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Lal did not respond to PEOPLE's multiple requests for comment.

Google maps Coroners Court of Victoria Coroners Court of Victoria

According to forensic pathologist, Dr. Yeliena Baber, an autopsy found that the baby's primary cause of death was neonatal pneumonia, meconium aspiration and chorioamnionitis, with a secondary cause of "prolonged labour in a home birthing pool."

Meconium, according to the Cleveland Clinic, refers to the "first poop of a newborn baby," which "can be passed after a baby is born or while still in the uterus." Although swallowing a small amount of meconium is safe, breathing it in can cause serious respiratory issues.

The autopsy noted that an examination of the baby's lungs "showed that there had been deep inhalation of meconium." The pathologist said that "given the extent of its presence in Baby E's lungs" the baby was likely "exposed to meconium for many hours."

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Meanwhile chorioamnionitis refers to an infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid, according to Stanford Children's Hospital.

Baber wrote that one reason for prenatal testing is to determine if there is any sign of infection that can be transferred to the baby. If a woman tests positive for chorioamnionitis, the infection can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, "the baby may inhale the bacterium and develop neonatal pneumonia or an eye infection."

The pathologist was unable to determine if the infection was a result of how long the mother was in the birthing pool or if if predated her labor. However, the pathologist "noted that the finding of necrotising chorioamnionitis indicated it had been present for some time."

Additionally, Baber addressed the "unusual" presence of Rhizobium radiobacter in the baby's right lung, attributing the source of the bacteria to the "plastic birthing pool."

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Ultimately, both the pathologist and the county coroner determined that the baby's death could have been prevented.

Dr. Baber concluded that if Baby E was born in hospital and Ms E had received appropriate antenatal care it is highly unlikely that Baby E would have died, as she was a healthy baby and her death was caused by the prolonged delivery in a home birthing pool, coroner Catherine Fitzgerald wrote.

Similarly, if a trained midwife had been present at the home birth for Ms Es prolonged labour, it would be expected that that they would escalate care to a hospital if it was clear that the baby was in Distress, she added.

The coroner went on to recommend that the Department of Health update its websites with guidelines on water for labour and birth. Although the report noted that those guidelines "have no direct application to freebirths, this at least has the potential to increase access to relevant information for medical practitioners involved in managing birth and pregnancy, as well as for prospective parents who are considering birthing choices."

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In a Friday, Aug. 8, Instagram Story, which was viewed by PEOPLE, Lal reacted to the media reports about the coroners findings.

I had nothing to do with the birth, the influencer wrote. I wasnt at the birth. I wasnt involved in the birth. I didnt convince her to have a freebirth."

The next day, she also addressed the matter in an Instagram post where she criticized the coroner's investigation, arguing it "has been used as a stick to punish the mother."

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 coroners document stated that the purpose of the investigation is establish facts, not to cast blame or determine criminal or civil liability.

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A 2022 article published in the journal Acta Biomedica stated that water births have risen in popularity over the decades with many women regarding the method as a positive and more natural experience to deliver their baby. However, the Acta Biomedica article noted that the risks linked to water births include infection, respiratory distress, tub water aspiration, hyponatremia, seizures, cord avulsion and mortality.

The Mayo Clinic said that most people who choose to have planned home births are able to deliver without problems, but that home births do come with a higher risk of infant death, seizures and nervous system disorders than planned hospital births. The hospital noted that having a certified nurse/midwife present will help mitigate any risks and encouraged people to speak with a healthcare professional before deciding to have a planned home birth.



Read the original article on People
Downwinders held an annual memorial on the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test, honoring those who have suffered and died as a result of NM's nuclear legacy. (Leah Romero for Source NM)

New Mexicos congressional delegation, along with other members representing states eligible for compensation under the Radiation and Exposure Compensation Act, have asked U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi for a meeting to discuss implementation of the program.

The Aug. 14 letter acknowledges that the U.S. Department of Justice released new applications for RECA compensation following its inclusion and expansion in the July tax-and-spend bill signed by President Donald Trump, but asks U.S. DOJ to also release updated regulations.

For years we introduced legislation to expand RECA to cover all the communities harmed by our governments nuclear testing program, the letter reads. We are glad that eight decades after the United States detonated the first atomic bomb in New Mexico and began to process uranium that poisoned many in St. Louis and elsewhere, the many diverse communities harmed by the nuclear testing program can finally apply for the compensation they deserve.

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The letter urges the agency to expedite updated RECA regulations, noting that many survivors are already very ill, and with each passing week, more may die or be diagnosed. The lawmakers also write that the agency should make payments available during the release of the interim rule, rather than wait for the final rule. The letter also specifies several actions the Department of Justice should take, including: hiring navigators to work directly with claimants; making information easily available to all claimants; holding informational sessions; remaining flexible about claimants documentation; and warning claimants about potential scams. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and RECA activists at the end of July issued a warning about such scams targeting claimants.

The new letter follows one sent by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) sent in July to Bondi and Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer also urging them to issue guidance quickly for RECA given the short two-year timeline for compensation.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Demon rabbits, franken-bunnies, and zombie rabbits are just some of the names these funky little critters have been coined across social media. It doesnt look real at all, said Alena Cordova of Albuquerque.

Peculiar-looking cotton-tailed rabbits have been popping up in northern Colorado. And although these rabbits may look intimidating, experts say theres no reason to be spooked. It looked like a zombie and kind of disturbing, said Julius Angeli of Albuquerque.

His mother, Eva Angeli, told KRQE News 13 that these rabbits look unreal. It looks like something out of science fiction, she said.

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These rabbits are infected with a papilloma virus that produces benign protrusions on a rabbits or hares face or head. Fortunately, these growths tend to be benign, so, but still, its definitely out of the ordinary, explained Darren Vaughan, spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to sell nearly 500 leftover deer licenses

He says the growths can impede a rabbits ability to eat, drink, or move around, but the virus is not contagious. Its transmitted to rabbits from fleas, ticks, or even mosquitoes. It is not transmissible to people or other animals. However, that doesnt mean that you shouldnt still take caution, continued Vaughan.

Vaughan says that although there have been no reports of these infected rabbits in New Mexico so far, its not something they are ruling out just yet. As far as we know, it hasnt made its way into New Mexico yet. But then again, like I said, it could just be that people havent seen it yet, that it is in fact here, said Vaughan.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Several districts in Livingston County are awaiting word from the Michigan Legislature regarding free breakfast and lunch for students.

Lawmakers haven't yet passed a School Aid Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, which begins Oct. 1.

The Michigan School Meals Program has provided funding for free breakfast and lunch to public school students since 2023. But with no approved budget, the program's future is uncertain.

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Pinckney Community Schools will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to students regardless of the states budget, according to Superintendent Rick Todd. He said the district qualified last year to provide the service through the Community Eligibility Provision, which is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

Several districts in Livingston County are awaiting word from the Michigan Legislature regarding free breakfast and lunch for students.

But other public school districts, including Fowlerville, Howell, Hartland and Brighton, are still awaiting a decision. Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Matthew Outlaw said the district needs more information to determine a pathway after Oct. 1.

Outlaw noted all three draft versions of the state budget have funds that can be used for school meals, but only the version from the Michigan House of Representatives offers local decision-making regarding those dollars. Outlaw told The Daily he's optimistic that funding for school meals will approved.

I do expect that, once a final budget is settled, school meals will continue for 2025-26, Outlaw said.

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Hartland Consolidated Schools Superintendent Chuck Hughes addressed the issue during the districts board meeting Aug. 11. Hughes said he doesn't know where lawmakers will land, but HCS will continue serving free breakfast and lunch until at least Sept. 30.

More: Howell Schools asks all families, regardless of income, to file application for free meals

If the Michigan School Meals Program doesnt continue, the district said, families will have to pay for meals starting Oct. 1.

Families can fill out a Child Nutrition and Education Benefit Application for their students to receive free or reduced priced meals for the entire school year, the district noted. Applications can be completed at sisweb.resa.net/mistar/hartland.

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Fowlerville Community Schools will also provide free meals to all students through Sept. 30, according to Superintendent Matt Stuard. If funding ends, students who qualify can receive support through the free and reduced lunch program. FCS encourages all families to apply at fowlervilleschools.org/services/food-and-nutrition.

We continue to monitor the situation and consider our options, but at this time, no final decisions have been made locally regarding free meals for all students beyond Sept. 30, Stuard said.

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Howell Public Schools, too, will provide free breakfast and lunch to students through Sept. 30, according to HPS Director of Communications Tom Gould.

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If the Michigan Schools Meals Program doesnt continue, families must begin paying for meals Oct. 1, Gould said. At that time, only students with an approved benefits application will be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Howell Schools is also encouraging families to complete the application online at howellschools.com/food.

 Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Pinckney Schools will continue free breakfast, lunch beyond state funds
UPDATE (5:50 p.m.)  A 911 official has confirmed to 12 News that the fire at The Villages at West Run in Morgantown was declared under control at 5:23 p.m. Saturday afternoon and that no one was injured or transported.

The fire is under investigation by the Star City Volunteer Fire Department.

ORIGINAL: MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Multiple units are currently on the scene of a working fire at The Villages at West Run in Morgantown.

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2 hospitalized following knife fight at Elkins Japanese restaurant

Information is limited at this time, but according to the Monongalia 911 Communications Center, multiple departments are on the scene. No other information has been made available as of publication.

Fire at Villages at West Run (WBOY Image) Fire at Villages at West Run (WBOY Image)

A 12 News reporter is currently at the scene.

This is a breaking story. Stick with 12 News for the latest 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 WBOY.com.
Live in a home governed by a condominium, co-op or homeowner's association? Have questions about what they can and cannot do? Ryan Poliakoff, an attorney and author based in Boca Raton, has answers.

Question: I live in a 73-home community governed by a homeowners association. It is a mix of retired people (many of whom have served on the board of directors in the past) and younger people who work outside the home and/or have children and do not feel they have the time to commit to a board position.

The HOA owns a private road that runs through the community and two retention ponds. Since there is community property, can we dissolve the articles of incorporation, bylaws and declaration of covenants if no one will assume the responsibility of being on the HOA board? Signed, M.A.

Who will take care of the ponds and roads if an HOA dissolves?

Dear M.A.,

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Loosely speaking, yes, community associations can be terminated. In the case of an HOA, the procedure for doing so would usually be discussed in the declaration of covenants or bylaws. If not, the Not For Profit Corporation Act discusses the procedure for dissolving a corporation.

This is almost certainly going to require extensive homeowner approval, particularly with respect to the covenants themselves. So, if the vast majority of the community is not in favor of a dissolution, its probably not going to happen.

But even if the community overwhelmingly supports dissolution, as a practical matter, there are significant barriers.

First, who is going to own the private road? Who is going to maintain it, and how are you going to collect maintenance money from homeowners? Thats the entire point of a mandatory membership association like an HOA, and when you get rid of the HOA and the covenants, no one in the community will have any obligation to pay to maintain the road youre instead going to rely on voluntary contributions, and that inherently means there will be some freeloaders who never contribute.

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And as for ownership, its unlikely that the local municipality will agree to take it over, and so perhaps you could divide it up and have every home own the portion of the road in front of their home  but that even further complicates the maintenance responsibility, and you will no longer have covenants to guide those obligations. If every owner is responsible to maintain their own section of road, what do you do when one owner chooses not to fix their holes, or if you want to resurface the entire road at once? Its just not a practical solution (which is why HOAs exist in the first place).

With respect to the retention ponds, its even more problematic. Almost certainly, your local water management district requires the HOA to maintain these ponds, and its very likely that you have language in your declaration of covenants memorializing this obligation, and it may even be written into the plat that created the community. Theyre not going to let you simply dissolve the HOA and abandon that obligation. Someone needs to maintain these ponds, and again, this is a primary purpose of an HOA.

While I encourage you to evaluate your options in detail with the associations lawyer, the truth is that dissolving the HOA is probably not the best solution to your problem.

The problem you are facing, a lack of owners who are willing to serve on the board, is extremely common. But the truth is that, in an HOA with nothing more to manage than a road and two retention ponds, serving on the board should be an extremely minor commitment.

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If its taking a significant amount of peoples time, something is wrong.

I think your community needs to look at what role the community wants the HOA and the board to play, and then amend your declaration of covenants to pare everything back down to the very basics. If the only role for the HOA is to maintain the road and retention pond, then leave that in the covenants, leave all the language relating to collecting assessments, and get rid of nearly everything else  architectural controls, pets, parking, rulemaking authority, etc. Literally leave the HOA for the sole and only purpose of maintaining those essential items. Then, serving on the board should become trivial. In my opinion this would be a far more reasonable and practical solution, and afterwards there should be little reason that most owners would not be willing to serve on the board.

Ryan Poliakoff, a partner at Poliakoff Backer, LLP, is a Board Certified specialist in condominium and planned development law. This column is dedicated to the memory of Gary Poliakoff. Ryan Poliakoff and Gary Poliakoff are co-authors of "New Neighborhoods  The Consumers Guide to Condominium, Co-Op and HOA Living." Email your questions to condocolumn@gmail.com. Please be sure to include your location.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What to do when no one wants to run for homeowners association board
During the visit, the Chief Minister received blessings from Acharya Shri, according to a release.

Earlier, CM Bhupendra Patel participated in the Krishna Janmotsav celebrations at the ISKCON Temple in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

According to a press release by Gujarat CMO, CM Patel on Saturday performed aarti to Lord Krishna and felt blessed after having the divine darshan at the temple.

He performed the Panchamrit Abhishek on the sacred metallic idol of Lord Shri Krishna's child form, Laddu Gopal.

Chief Minister, along with other devotees, sat in the temple hall and joined in devotional chanting, and received divine darshan of Shriji.

Every year, the ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with deep devotion and reverence.

This year, too, the Chief Minister participated in the joyful celebrations of Krishna Janmotsav, the release said.

CM offered prayers to Radha-Krishna, seeking divine blessings for the welfare of all and the continued progress of the state and the nation.

On this occasion, MLA Amit Thaker, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, City BJP President Prerak Shah, along with other dignitaries and a large number of devotees, were present.

On Saturday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended heartfelt greetings to all citizens of the state on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.

Extending his best wishes, the Chief Minister stated that this festival is celebrated with utmost devotion and reverence, and will further strengthen the spirit of harmony, brotherhood, and mutual love in society.

Lord Krishna's birthday falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad. Although the celebration takes place in different parts of the country, Mathura and Vrindavan hold a special significance. One being his birthplace, and one where he spent his childhood and did his baal leela.

Devotees flock to the Lord Krishna temples. The temples were decorated with flowers and crystal chandeliers, and the idols of Lord Krishna were decorated with colourful clothes and jewellery. (ANI)
The Brief

The crash was reported Saturday night in the Princeton Place area off Kuykendahl Road.

A vehicle allegedly crashed into a home and fled the scene.

No major injuries were reported. Authorities are looking to identify the driver.

PRINCETON PLACE, Texas - Authorities with Harris County Precinct 4 are looking to identify the driver who crashed into a home in the Princeton Place area Saturday night.

Harris County: Driver wanted for crashing into house

What we know

According to the Constable's Office, the crash happened on Sandusky Drive and Londay Way, near Kuykendahl and West Rayford Roads.

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Officials say a vehicle crashed into a home in the area and fled the scene.

No major injuries were reported.

What we don't know

There is no information about any potential suspects or the vehicle that was involved.

What you can do

Anyone who has information can call the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office.

The Source

Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4.
North Korean hackers have been accused of a 17m Bitcoin heist that brought down a UK-based cryptocurrency company.

Lazarus, the hermit kingdoms notorious cyber gang, has been identified as the potential culprit behind the theft of cryptocurrency from Lykke, a trading platform incorporated in Britain.

If confirmed, it would be North Koreas biggest-known cryptocurrency heist to target Britain. The pariah state has made billions in recent years stealing cryptocurrency to fund its military and nuclear programmes.

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Lykke was founded in 2015 and operated from Switzerland but was registered in the UK. The company said last year that it had lost $22.8m (16.8m) in Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, forcing it to halt operations.

In March a judge ordered the company to be liquidated after a legal campaign from more than 70 affected users.

North Korea was named as the potential hacker in a recent report by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), a branch of the Treasury.

The attack has been attributed to malicious Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea cyberactors, who stole funds on both the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks, it said.

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The Treasury said the OFSI did not reveal the sources of its information but that it worked closely with law enforcement.

Lazarus had been separately blamed for the attack on Lykke by Whitestream, an Israeli cryptocurrency research company.

It said the attackers had laundered the stolen funds through two other cryptocurrency companies notorious for allowing users to hide their tracks, and thus avoid money-laundering controls.

Other researchers have disagreed with the conclusions, saying it is not currently possible to determine who hacked the exchange.

Lykke was founded by Richard Olsen, a great-grandson of the Swiss banking patriarch Julius Baer, and offered cryptocurrency trading without transaction fees.

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The company was run out of Zug in Switzerlands so-called crypto valley but its corporate entity was registered in Britain.

In 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority issued a warning about the company, saying it was not registered or authorised to offer financial services for consumers in Britain.

Despite saying it would be able to return customers funds, it froze trading after the hack and officially shut down last December.

The company was liquidated in March following a winding up petition in the UK courts brought by a group of customers, who say they have lost 5.7m as a result of the company shutting down.

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Interpath Advisory has been appointed to distribute the remaining funds to those who lost money. Its Swiss parent was placed into liquidation last year.

Mr Olsen was declared bankrupt in January and is the subject of criminal investigations in Switzerland, according to British legal filings. He did not respond to requests 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.
The Brief

Cooler weather is making for a better experience at this year's North Texas Fair and Rodeo.

Organizers have maintained heat safety precautions like extra EMTs and cooling tents.

The favorable forecast has allowed for rides to open, and a full house is expected for the nightly rodeo.

DENTON, Texas - While Saturdays weather was still hot, it was cooler than it was last year, making a difference to the overall North Texas Fair and Rodeo experience.

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Despite the more favorable forecast, fair organizers made sure to keep heat safety a top priority.

North Texas Fair and Rodeo weather

North Texas Fair and Rodeo

Saturday's weather at the Denton event saw temperatures in the mid-90s, but fairgoers weren't complaining.

That was a change from the opening weekend of the fair in the past, when the triple-digit temperatures delayed the start of carnival rides in 2024 and 2023.

The fair's executive director, Glenn Carlton, says just because the temperatures are more average this year doesn't mean heat safety precautions are gone.

What they're saying

"Whenever temperatures are at 100 degrees or exceed 100 degrees, we take a good look at the ride temperature and if theyre hot to the touch, we dont open. This year, theyre fine, so were running," said Carlton.

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"In 23 and 24, we doubled up on our EMTs, and we didnt see any reason to back off of that even with the 10 degree cooler temperatures this year, so we still have the full heat wave EMTs out here," Carlton went on.

North Texas Fair and Rodeo

There are also cooling tents, air-conditioned exhibit buildings, free fans, and fair volunteers are stocked with water to hand out.

"Theyre handing out fans for us, were wearing a lot more dry fit material so that way we can stay cool. Drinking a lot more water, staying hydrated throughout the day, thats the biggest thing weve been doing," said fairgoer Chase Luoma.

Luoma has been coming to the fair since he was a kid, and he's seen it all in terms of weather, but has to say this year is one of the best.

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"I just hope it keeps staying this way for the next 10 days. Hopefully it keeps staying cool, and it doesnt go up in triple digits."

The fair organizers agree.

"Its our 97th annual, and I think its gonna be one to be proud of," said Carlton.

What's next

The fair also has emergency management crews on the ground monitoring the forecast all day during the fair.

The rodeo started at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a concert set to begin at 9:30 p.m. The executive director said with the better forecast, they are expecting a full house.

The Source

Information in this article came from FOX 4 coverage at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo.
The Plano Police Departments Special Victims Unit is investigating reports of unwanted sexual contact during massages at the Sunshine Wellness Spa, at 151 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 501B.

Gang Li, a 49-year-old resident of Plano, was arrested during the investigation and he faces a charge of attempted sexual assault., police said in a news release on Friday.

Li is an employee at Sunshine Wellness Spa, police said, and during the investigation, they found evidence that his license was new. He had only been a licensed massage therapist since May 19, according to the release.

Police the validity of Lis license is currently under investigation by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

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Authorities are asking anyone who visited the Sunshine Wellness Spa and received a massage from Li prior to May 19, or who experienced unwanted or unsolicited sexual contact, to call the departments Special Victims Unit tip line at (972) 941-2044.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 See how your childs school rates in new Texas A-F grades

 Jury hears of womans grave under house at Fort Worth death penalty trial

 North Texas Powerball player just misses $531 million jackpot

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Author Sally Rooney says she will continue to support Palestine Action, despite the group being proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

The award-winning Irish novelist said she intends to use the earnings of her work and her public platform to "go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide".

Writing in the Irish Times, she said "if this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it".

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Her remarks come as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper again defended the proscription of Palestine Action, saying it is more than "a regular protest group known for occasional stunts".

Palestine Action is a British pro-Palestinian direct action group that was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the government in July.

Their activities have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza.

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Rooney, who wrote bestsellers including Normal People and Intermezzo, has previously been a vocal backer of the protest group, writing in the Guardian in June that proscribing them would be an "alarming attack on free speech".

She was speaking after some of its members broke into RAF Brize Norton and sprayed two planes with red paint, causing damages worth an estimated 7m.

Separately in 2021, she refused to allow Beautiful World, Where Are You to be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli publisher, which she said was in support of calls to boycott Israel over its policies towards Palestinians.

At the time, she said it would "be an honour" to have the book translated into Hebrew by a company which shared her political position.

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In her latest Irish Times opinion piece, she said she will continue to use the proceeds of her work - including residuals from a BBC co-production of Normal People and Conversations with Friends - to keep supporting the group.

Rooney is not currently working with the BBC on any upcoming projects and has never been a member of staff.

Supporters of Palestine Action have remained vocal despite the groups recent proscription [EPA]

More than 700 people have been arrested since the group was banned by the government on 5 July - including more than 500 at a demonstration in central London last week.

Writing in the Observer on Sunday, Home Secretary Cooper said while many were aware of the Brize Norton incident, fewer would be aware of other incidents for which the group had claimed responsibility.

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For example, in August 2024 alleged Palestine Action supporters broke into Elbit Systems UK in Bristol, an Israeli defence firm that has long been a key target.

Those allegations are due to come to trial in November. Eighteen people deny charges including criminal damage, assault causing actual bodily harm, violent disorder and aggravated burglary.

Cooper has also referenced a so-called "Underground Manual" from the group, which she said "provides practical guidance on how to identify targets to attack and how to evade law enforcement".

"These are not the actions of a legitimate protest group," Cooper said.

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She also said she had received "disturbing information" which "covered ideas and planning for future attacks".

Rooney - who lives in the west of Ireland - wrote: "The present UK government has willingly stripped its own citizens of basic rights and freedoms, including the right to express and read dissenting opinions, in order to protect its relationship with Israel."

She said "the ramifications for cultural and intellectual life in the UK... are and will be profound".

Rooney's representatives have been contacted for comment.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Matters relating to proscribed organisations are for the relevant authorities."

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Israel has long rejected accusations of genocide, but leading Israeli and global human rights organisations have argued that the country's conduct in the war in Gaza constitutes genocide against the Palestinian population.

The war was triggered by Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.

Israel's offensive has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.

[BBC]

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QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  PIX11 News has learned that ICE is detaining a 7-year-old girl and her immediate family, sources confirmed Saturday morning.

The 7-year-old, a student at a New York City Public School, and her mother were sent to an ICE detention center in Texas. Her 19-year-old brother remains in ICE custody in New Jersey, officials said.

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It is disgusting that a child would be taken into ICE detention this way, Queens City Councilman Shekat Krishanan said in an interview with PIX11 News. She should be with her mom, getting ready for school in a couple of weeks. She should be buying school supplies.

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This is the first known ICE arrest of a New York City child under 18, Krishnan said in a social media post.

The students name, which is not being released due to her age, was a student at Public School 89 in Queens.

The detention, first reported by the nonprofit news outlet The City, isnt the first time ICE has detained a New York City public school student after they had been in the vicinity of the federal building.

Mamadou Diallo, another New York City student, was detained by ICE during a routine hearing, City Council Member Lincoln Restler said.

Other cases of New York City students being detained have also been reported, prompting New York City Public Schools to issue the following statement:

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New York City Public Schools stands with all of our students, and we are committed to supporting every child and family in our system. When we hear about a family that is being detained, we have  with their permission  connected them with community and agency partners who can offer legal support and other resources. We want to reassure all families: our schools are safe, welcoming places, and we encourage you to continue sending your children to school, where they are cared for and valued.

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.
On Friday around 3:28, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on the 2200 block of NE 8th Street p.m.

A grease-related incident ignited the fire, generating heavy smoke and prompting residents to evacuate. Firefighters promptly contained the blaze within two minutes using Engine 5s preconnected hose line.

When they arrived, firefighters were told by a police officer that several cats might be inside the home. Sadly, three cats did not survive.

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No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported during the response.

Along with Ocala Fire Rescue, the scene was attended by the Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utility, the Building Inspector, and Marion County Fire Rescue.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A fight broke out between several off-duty officers and security guards at a Midtown Nashville bar Saturday night, leaving one officer with a serious head injury.

The Metro Nashville Police Department said the incident happened at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16.

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According to law enforcement, a group of four off-duty MNPD officers left a bar and tried to enter Losers Bar and Grill in the 1900 block of Division Street, but they were turned away by security. The group moved across the street, but one of the off-duty officers and a guard reportedly exchanged words, so the guard crossed the street and the argument turned physical in front of Velvet Taco.

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During the fight between the off-duty officers and the security personnel, authorities said one of the officers was hit in the head and fell to the concrete unconscious.

(Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)



Shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, MNPD told News 2 the off-duty officer was critically injured and transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was in stable condition. Just after 4 p.m. the following day, officials announced the officer had been released from the hospital.

A portion of Division Street was closed overnight during the investigation.

As of Sunday, Aug. 17, no charges have been filed as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fight.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, MNPD told News 2 the officers involved have been placed on administrative duty and maintain full police powers. The Office of Professional Accountability was also made aware of the situation.

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Officials said homicide unit detectives were initially called to the scene due to the severity of the officers injuries, and they continue to lead the investigation.

No additional details have been released about this incident.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Law enforcement officers from across the country gathered Saturday to honor Baton Rouge Police Department Sergeant Caleb Eisworth.

Many traveled for hours, and some even came from out of state to pay their respects. This support means more than honoring one man. It shows that law enforcement brotherhood goes beyond city limits.

Mark Hodges from the Jackson Police Department said, This officer and I have been friends for years. We met when I started riding a motorcycle.

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Officers stood together in solidarity. They honored Eisworth as a protector of Baton Rouge and as a devoted husband and father.

When we hear one of our fellow brothers going down, we come to honor his sacrifice and support his family members, Hodges said.

Funeral services for Baton Rouge police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth held Saturday

Officers came from as far as Virginia, showing that the thin blue line is more than a phrase; its a family.

You know, my reaction to it is its an honor to see the brotherhood come and support another fellow officer and support his family and support his agency and his team where he comes from, Hodges said.

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Eisworths turnout showed the kind of person he was. He was respected far beyond Baton Rouge.

Caleb was a very nice young man. He was energetic. He was the life of the party, you know what I mean? And an excellent motorcycle rider. You know, he was a leader in his department, Hodges said.

The day was also a sobering reminder of the risks officers take each time they put on their uniform.

Unlike a regular civilian, we have to leave home every day with the possibility that we might not make it back. So, we do everything that we can to try to get back home to our family, Hodges said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
NORTH OGDEN, Utah (ABC4)  Utah Interagency Fire has released a final update on the Willard Peak Fire, which began Aug. 13 and caused evacuations in North Ogden.

Thanks to the hard work of the firefighters, management of the fire transitioned to a Local Type 4 team this morning, Sundays incident update states. Crews will continue to patrol the area and address any hotspots. They will also implement recommendations for rehabilitation.

Fire behavior has significantly reduced in the area, officials said, allowing some crews working the fire to be released. Residents can expect to see crews continue working locally until fire managers are confident that there is no longer a threat to the community.

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Courtesy of Utah Fire Info

The area and trails remain closed. Officials said this is mainly due to continued danger of hotspots and rollout of loose rocks due to loss of vegetation and suppression efforts.

Residents should be aware that 100% containment will likely not be reached for some time due to the steep rugged, and rocky terrain along the ridge, officials said. Many of the existing heat sources are in the cliffs, and unreachable by ground crews and aircraft.

Locals can still expect to see visible smoke within the fire perimeter. Please do not report to authorities, officials said.

We appreciate the hard work of firefighters, initial attack resources, local firefighting agencies, emergency management services, and the Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team, the update states.

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The fire is mapped at 577 acres with 56% containment. This will be the last update for the Willard Peak Fire unless significant changes occur, officials said.

No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Ahead of the legislative assembly elections, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Sunday stated that the NDA will hold 'Vidhansabha Matdata Sammelan' across all 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar, starting from August 23. The campaign will be completed in seven phases over 18 days. Senior NDA leaders will join the drive to highlight the government's development work, including women's empowerment, youth employment, and 35 per cent reservation for women. Speaking at the press conference, Dilip Jaiswal said, "Starting from August 23, the NDA will organise 'Vidhansabha Matdata Sammelan' across the entire state of Bihar. This initiative will be carried out in seven phases, covering all 243 Vidhan Sabha constituencies within just 18 days. Each phase will cover 42 Vidhan Sabhas, with 14 Sammelans conducted daily across different divisions. Senior NDA leaders will participate in different teams to engage with voters directly. In each Sammelan, approximately 5,000 to 10,000 people will be informed about the Bihar government's development programs, NDA's efforts toward women's empowerment, youth employment, and the 35 per cent reservation for women in various sectors." Jaiswal praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a 'Social Engineer' who has brought major changes across different sectors, benefiting millions of people. He also hit out at the opposition, accusing them of ignoring Bihar's progress and instead creating distractions with divisive politics. "Nitish Kumar, known as the Social Engineer, has successfully driven transformative work across 27 sectors, positively impacting millions. This is the true fruit of social engineering. The NDA challenges the opposition, who constantly raise divisive issues, yet fail to address the real progress and development happening in Bihar," he added. Meanwhile, today, Congress launched 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged "vote theft," will begin from Sasaram. Senior RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, are also set to participate. (ANI)
If you live in an area that's at least somewhat urbanized, you can likely look in any direction and find a vape/smoke shop. The CDC estimated that 8.1% of middle and high school students in the U.S. used tobacco products as of 2024.

In response to the plethora of issues associated with smoking, Hanover County in Virginia is proposing new rules for vape shops, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

The proposed rules, voted on by the commission in July, dictate where smoking-oriented businesses can sell their products. Restrictions would mandate that businesses be at least a mile from schools and half a mile from parks.

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Furthermore, based on research in Hanover County that showed 22 vape shops already up and running there, the addition of new tobacco/vape stores would be prohibited within 2,000 feet of an existing one.

The effects on lung, heart, and overall physical health associated with vaping and smoking are not breaking news. With electronic smoking devices gaining more appeal, a whole new issue is being brought to light. These devices, which contain plastics, metals, and an assortment of chemicals, have become the newest environmental burden and can be seen littered everywhere  creating e-waste.

Hanover County's ban is primarily focused on the impact of vaping on children. As vape brands have been repeatedly accused of marketing to younger folks  with candy-like flavors and bright colors  Hanover County planning director Jo Ann Hunter is dedicated to protecting the kids.

On the sale of tobacco products to minors, Hunter said, "It's not just occurring in Hanover, it's occurring throughout the region," per the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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The Hanover County ban is set to be voted on in August. Hopefully, assuming it is passed, it will help mitigate underage tobacco consumption and, in turn, protect human health, as well as the environment.

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The Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Da Nang, Vietnam, has an adorable new herd member. According to Vietnam Plus, a baby Asian elephant of about one year old has been spotted by cameras in the area. It was seen walking alongside its protective mother.

Asian elephants are considered endangered, so the sighting is welcome news for the species, bringing the herd in the conservation area to nine. Another baby was spotted in 2020.

"Today, only about 400,000 African elephants remain in the wild, down from an estimated 12 million in the early 1900s," Tata Power reported. "Asian elephants are even fewer, roughly 40,000."

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According to the World Wildlife Fund, one of the main threats to Asian elephants is habitat loss and fragmentation, which pushes them into smaller and smaller areas.

This leads to more human-elephant conflict, another threat. When elephants destroy crops or injure or kill people, they often meet deadly consequences. Additionally, because elephants live in isolated groups, they are threatened with being eradicated by disease, inbreeding, and disaster.

And while the ivory trade affects African elephants more than Asian elephants, the latter is still poached for the ivory from male elephants as well as skin and meat.

The birth of baby elephants in conservation areas is cause for celebration because it shows the resiliency of the creatures and serves as a sign of hope for the people who work endlessly to guard them. It also shows the benefit of trail cameras, which can be used to gauge the health of this majestic species as well as others.

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Vietnam Plus said the baby is "an encouraging sign of natural reproduction."

World Elephant Day is Aug. 12. This year's theme is Matriarchs and Memories to honor mother elephants, matriarchs of herds, and the women who fight to protect and preserve elephants.

"They mourn their dead. They recognize themselves in mirrors. They remember waterholes from decades past. And they never forget a friend or a threat," Daryl Hannah says in the campaign video introducing this year's theme.

Tata Power explained that the theme encourages people to "guard both the wise female leaders guiding every herd and the stories etched in their minds."

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(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information and to change or add a photo or video.)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered 150 National Guard members to support the District of Columbia National Guard, as states across the country send troops to the nation's capital.

"We have been asked by the Secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to support the District of Columbia National Guard," DeWine said in an Aug. 16 statement.

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"These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security," he said. "None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio."

The deployment comes as other Republican-led states, including West Virginia and South Carolina, also send National Guard members to the nation's capital, The Washington Post reported Aug. 16.

On Aug. 11 President Donald Trump said he would deploy National Guard troops to Washington to take over the Metropolitan Police Department, which is authorized during an emergency, as part of an aggressive federal effort to crack down on crime in the nations capital.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes told the Justice Department on Aug. 15 to rewrite Attorney General Pam Bondis order so that federal officials would order the mayor to make changes in policing, which the law says the mayor shall do, rather than directly control police officers.

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Reyes said she couldnt decide on other issues in DCs lawsuit against the Trump administration until after collecting evidence at a hearing next week.

Latest on Intel in Ohio: Trump holds high-stakes meeting with Intel CEO after calling for his resignation

Letter to the editor: Trump deploys National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Where were they on Jan. 6?

This is a breaking story and will be updated.

USA TODAY staff, including White House correspondent Bart Jansen, contributed to this report.

Nathaniel Shuda is the suburban and Saturday editor for The Columbus Dispatch and news editor for the Newark Advocate. You may reach him at nshuda@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Gov. DeWine orders 150 National Guard members to Washington, DC
Ohio National Guard being deployed in the coming days

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Ohio National Guard is heading to Washington, D.C.

According to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, approximately 150 military police with the guard are expected to arrive in the nations capital in the coming days.

The governor said the request came from Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.

These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security, said DeWine. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio.

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President Donald Trump announced Monday he was taking federal control of the Washington, D.C., police department and deploying the National Guard in the nations capital in an effort to crack down on crime.

Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, and were not going to let it happen anymore. Were not going to take it, Trump said.

Analysis by The Associated Press, however, suggested Trump exaggerated or misstated many of the facts surrounding public safety in Washington, where the crime rate has fallen in recent years, while leaving out much of the context.

Statistics published by Washingtons Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped in Washington since a post-pandemic peak in 2023.

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According to the data, homicides, robberies and burglaries are down this year when compared with this time in 2024. Overall, violent crime is down 26% compared with this time a year ago.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Some Ohio National Guard members will be deployed across our nations capital.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Governor Mike DeWine announced Saturday that 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard will be sent to Washington, D.C. to support the DC National Guard, according to the governors spokesperson.

These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security, said DeWine. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Associated Press reported that Hundreds of West Virginia National Guard will be deployed across Washington, D.C.

This is part of the Trump administrations effort to overhaul policing in Washington through a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness.

Several protesters came out in opposition to the federal law enforcement and National Guard troops fanning out in our nations capital, the AP said.

Ohio National Guard members are expected to arrive in Washington, DC, in the next few days, DeWines spokesperson said.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Tipp City man pleaded guilty to committing a hate crime against Jewish students at The Ohio State University on Friday.

The 20-year-old, Timur Mamatov, admitted to violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act by

physically assaulting and injuring 2 students for their religion.

The Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, Harmeet K. Dhillon, called his actions unacceptable.

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Violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable, said Dhillon. This Department of Justice will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith.

Ohio governor condemns reports of neo-Nazis marching in Columbus

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Dominick S. Gerace II, said his office aggressively pursues hate crimes.

Mamatov admitted in court today that he assaulted victims because they were Jewish, said Gerace. No American should fear being violently attacked based on their religious beliefs. This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue violence motivated by hate.

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The Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division, Jose A. Perez, said the FBI works tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable for hate crimes.

No one should have to live in fear because of their religion, said Perez. These college students were targeted by Mr. Mamatov simply because they were Jewish. Hate crimes not only impact the victims but have a devastating impact on our entire community. The FBI works tirelessly with our federal, state and local partners to thoroughly investigate many types of hate crimes, hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions and bring justice to the victims.

Springfield sues Blood Tribe members after summer of harassment, threats

According to court documents, Mamatov and his friend fought with five students outside of a bar on North High Street in Columbus on Monday, Nov. 10, 2023.

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Per the documents, one of these students was wearing a Chai pendant necklace, a symbol associated with Judaism. Mamatov reportedly asked the group if they were Jewish. When they said yes, he punched one student and fractured his jaw. Then, a second student was injured, their nose was fractured. The fight then reportedly spilled over into the street.

Mamatov was charged by officials with a bill of information on Thursday, July 3.

His sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge. The FBI Cincinnati Field Office is investigating the case.

Both the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Noah R. Litton, and Trial Attorney of the Civil Rights Divisions Criminal Section, Cameron Bell, are prosecuting the case.

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2 NEWS is following this case closely.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
The result was two decades in the making. Republicans in charge of the Statehouse ended the progressive, or graduated, income tax in Ohio. They did so in the most recent state budget bill, commencing in July.

That outcome may please many Ohioans, especially those who have applauded the Republican project, begun in 2005. The aim has been to reduce state income tax rates, shrinking both the percentage collected from individuals and the number of brackets. Not surprisingly, taxpayers, especially big campaign donors, like paying less.

Today, the state income tax features a single bracket, all those affected paying 2.75%. That is a long way from the nine brackets and top rate of 7.5% on income above $200,000 early in this century, or just before Republicans went to work.

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The argument has been that such a reduction would prove an economic boon to the state. As it is, the data indicate nothing of the kind. The state still lags the country as a whole, its median income 41st among the states. Such trends inspire some Republicans to insist they havent done enough. Many, including Vivek Ramaswamy, the partys leading candidate for governor, talk about eliminating the income tax.

Wouldnt that be swell?

Retired Editorial Page Editor Michael Douglas.

Worth recalling is why Ohio adopted an income tax. The state found itself increasingly without the resources to invest adequately in public goods, from education to roads and health care. So, in 1971, the state legislature, pushed by Gov. John Gilligan, the Democratic governor, enacted the tax. When opponents challenged the measure, Ohio voters decisively rejected their view.

No doubt, Republicans often grumbled about the tax. At the same time, a bipartisan consensus formed. When recessions struck, or events otherwise triggered budget shortfalls, both parties looked to the income tax for help. Notably, the likes of George Voinovich and Bob Taft recognized the value in increased tax rates for those at the highest income rungs.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine speaks to the media about House Bill 96 during a press conference on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. House Bill 96 is the fiscal years 2026-2027 biennial operating budget.

Why? Mike DeWine recently provided an answer. The governor took office six years ago expressing skepticism about the need for further income tax cuts. (His fellow Republicans went ahead, anyway.) He cited the states unfinished business. Most recently, as he vetoed ill-conceived moves by lawmakers to address the local property tax burden, he reminded: We need to fund our schools, we need to fund our mental health in the state.

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The income tax is a practical tool for addressing such priorities. It opens the way to progressivity, reflecting the ability to pay. Thus, it adds a worthy element of equity, in contrast to the regressive sales tax and property tax.

This is what Republicans have abandoned with their flat tax.

More: Trump's reversal on climate change is among his most reckless actions | Opinion

Headed into this budget cycle, Republicans had whittled the number of tax brackets down to two, 2.75% on income between $26,050 and $100,000 and 3.5% on income above $100,000. By wiping out the higher rate, they have delivered a $1 billion tax cut to those Ohioans with higher incomes.

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Two think tanks, Policy Matters Ohio and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, have calculated further that the top 1% of earners, with an average annual income of $1.7 million, will receive 40% of the tax cut.

The bulk of the remainder flows to the next 15%.

Since Republicans began whacking the graduated income tax, the top 1% have enjoyed an average annual tax cut of $52,459. By contrast, those in the bottom 20% pay $80 more in all taxes.

The bottom 20% pay 12.7% of their income in state and local taxes while the top 1% pay just 6.3%. That inequity will deepen with the flat income tax.

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Something else merits attention: The Republican income tax cutting means that for every tax dollar Ohio collected in 2004, it takes in 85 cents today.

That helps explain a conspicuous hole in the new state budget. It falls $2.86 billion short of the resources required under the Fair School Funding Plan. Nearly three-quarters of school districts receive less than what the funding plan says they need to provide an adequate education.

Recall the applause that greeted the unveiling of the plan, a bipartisan effort to tackle, finally, a problem that dates to 1997, when the Ohio Supreme Court declared the school funding formula unconstitutional. The plan even represents a path to addressing rising anger about local property taxes.

The state must step up to ensure the funding necessary to support public goods and services. Primary and secondary education are hardly alone in facing neglect. Higher rates for the wealthiest could be achieved while preserving part of their tax cut. The governor and lawmakers might tap the more than $11 billion in tax credits, exemptions, deductions and other breaks. What wont get the job done is abandoning the progressive income tax for a flat rate.

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Douglas is a retired Beacon Journal editorial page editor. He can be reached at mddouglasmm@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio flat tax puts schools, roads, other public goods at risk| Opinion
Teachers from California and New York who want to work in Oklahoma public schools will be required to pass a certification test to prove they share the state's conservative political values.

Regardless of the subject or grade they teach, they'll have to show they know "the biological differences between females and males" and that they agree with the state's American history standards, which includes elements of a conspiracy theory that the Democratic Party stole the 2020 presidential election from President Donald Trump, which fact checkers have said are false.

The state Department of Education will implement the new certification test for teachers from the two largest Democrat-led states "who are teaching things that are antithetical to our standards" to ensure newcomers "are not coming into our classrooms and indoctrinating kids," Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, said in an interview with USA TODAY.

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Walters has dubbed the new requirement an "America First" certification, in reference to one of Trump's political slogans.

Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Walters, a Republican, to the helm of the state's Department of Education in September 2020 and voters then elected him for a second term in November 2022.

Oklahoma to require schools To teach Trump's 2020 election conspiracy theories

Oklahoma is offering teaching bonuses that go up to $50,000 to attract teachers from across the nation and has seen "a dramatic increase in teachers wanting to come to Oklahoma," Walters said. The new test is meant to ensure they weed out teachers with opposing views from the state's standards. The state, like many others, has a persisting teacher shortage.

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He said the test will only apply to teachers from California and New York, for now, because those states specifically teach lessons that are antithetical to those taught in Oklahoma.

"A lot of the credit goes to Gavin Newsom," Walters said. He alleged California under the governor has implemented lessons on "gender theory," and that won't be allowed in Oklahoma schools. (The California Healthy Youth Act, passed in 2016, requires that public school lessons across the state "must be inclusive of LGBTQ students" and same-sex relationships and teach students about "gender, gender expression, gender identity, and explore the harm of negative gender stereotypes" and "about all sexual orientations and what being LGBTQ means.")

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during a GOP watch party on election night in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Oklahoma's 'America First' test

Nonprofit conservative media company Prager U is helping Oklahoma's state department of education develop the test.

The company previously helped develop the state's new high school history curriculum standards, which includes lessons on how to dissect the results of the 2020 election, including learning about alleged mail-in voter fraud, "an unforeseen record number of voters" and "security risks of mail-in balloting."

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The new curriculum also teaches the contested theory that COVID-19 emerged from a lab leak and removed a prior proposal for lessons about George Floyd's murder and Black Lives Matter.

"These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination," Walters wrote in a post on X on April 29. "Were proud to defend these standards, and we will continue to stand up for honest, pro-America education in every classroom."

The state superintendent said some of the history questions will about American government, how the nation came to be and its founding documents.

Walters' office shared five sample questions with USA TODAY:

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What are the first three words of the Constitution?A. In God We TrustB. Life, Liberty, HappinessC. The United StatesD. We the People Why is freedom of religion important to Americas identity?A. It makes Christianity the national religionB. It bans all forms of public worshipC. It limits religious teaching in public lifeD. It protects religious choice from government control What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?A. House of Lords and CommonsB. Courts and SenateC. Executive and LegislativeD. Senate and House of Representatives How many U.S. Senators are there?A. 435B. 110C. 50D. 100 Why do some states have more Representatives than others?A. They cover a larger geographic area.B. They have held statehood for a longer period.C. The number is determined by military presence.D. Representation is determined by population size.

Walters said that the test would be finished by Aug. 15 and that it will be available to prospective teachers the week of Aug. 18.

"We're very close," he said.

Oklahoma schools have become more conservative after Walters took the helm of the state's Education Department in September 2020, and voters elected him for a second term in November 2022. Along with the changes to the state's history curriculum standards, Walters has ordered public schools to teach the Bible in June 2024. Bible lessons will not be on the new teacher certification exam, he said.

Teachers' union leaders: Test will be 'a huge turn off' to teachers amid 'serious teacher shortage crisis'

Teachers' union leaders decried the new certification test in interviews with USA TODAY.

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Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said Walters' new test is going to be a "huge turn off" to teachers and that it's not "going to solve a problem."

"Teachers in this country are patriotic, and suggesting they're not is insulting," she said. Weingarten went on to criticize Walters for several of his conservative pushes for education in Oklahoma, including Bible lessons, and support for a religious charter school, which was blocked by a split Supreme Court vote this May.

She called those moves and the implementation of the new test "a major distraction."

"Ryan Walters appears to be trying out for MAGA in chief, not educator in chief, because everything that he's doing is about the culture wars, not about the reading, writing and arithmetic," she said. "If he wants to be MAGA in chief then go be MAGA in chief. But let someone else be educator in chief and focus on other things people deserve, which is reading, literacy and wraparound services  and actual teachers who want to be in Oklahoma."

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Oklahoma and California teachers union leaders agreed.

"This is a political stunt to grab attention," said Cari Elledge, president of the Oklahoma Education Association. "All of the mandates coming out of the Department of Education are baseless and are distractions from real issues in Oklahoma."

One of those pressing issues is "the serious teacher shortage crisis," she said. "When political ideology plays into whether or not you can teach in any place, that might be a deterrent to quality educators attempting to get a job. ... We think it's intentional to make educators fearful and confused."

The political climate in Oklahoma has contributed to the teacher shortage, she said, noting there are about 30,000 teachers in Oklahoma who hold state teaching certifications but are not working in classrooms.

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"We believe the political morale is making it scarier to teach," she said. "We know our jobs are so much more important and at the end of the day it's about the future of our students."

The state teachers union told its members in a July 11 letter, which Elledge provided to USA TODAY, that Walters "has no legal authority to vet certified teachers based on political ideology."

They say that's because "licensing and certification are governed by state statute, not personal opinion or partisan preferences" and state law "requires us to recognize out-of-state teaching credentials."

The letter references part of the state education code that says it "must issue certificates to qualified teachers from other U.S. states and territories if they meet basic requirements, including a criminal background check."

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The union is also concerned about the state Education Department's partnership with PragerU "because it's not an educational authority and it's partisan," Elledge said.

"OEA is actively monitoring this and other overreaches," the Oklahoma Education Association letter reads. "We remain vigilant in protecting the rights of Oklahomas educators and students."

Teachers in Oklahoma don't teach newly implemented conservative ideologies in classrooms, which are expected to be on the "America First" certification test, Elledge said.

"They're not here to give opinions in class; theyre here to teach facts," she said.

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There are not many teachers in Oklahoma who come from California or New York, anyway, because of political differences.

"People in Oklahoma have more conservative values," she said. "It's not a destination state for people from California and New York, which is sad because it's a really good place and students here deserve the best they could possibly have."

David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers' Association, said he also hasn't heard of an influx of teachers who want to move from California to teach in Oklahoma.

But at a time when states are trying to solve teacher shortages, the Oklahoma test is trying to "scare them away," he said.

"This almost seems like satire and so far removed from my research around what Oklahoma educators need and deserve," he said. "I can't see how this isn't some kind of hyper-political grandstanding that doesn't serve any of those needs."

Goldberg rejects that what teachers need in California  "respect" and a livable wage  is different than what Oklahoma teachers need to thrive. Teachers have a responsibility to take care of kids in both places despite their different education systems, he said.

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma to require blue state teachers to take 'America First' test
With sloping red-tiled roofs, trimmed lawns and a shop selling home-baked ginger biscuits, Villa Baviera looks like a quaint German-style village, nestled in the rolling hills of central Chile.

But it has a dark past.

Once known as Colonia Dignidad, it was home to a secretive religious sect founded by a manipulative and abusive leader who collaborated with the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Paul Schafer, who established the colony in 1961, imposed a regime of harsh punishments and humiliation on the Germans living there.

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They were separated from their parents and forced to work from a young age.

Schafer also sexually abused many of the children.

Villa Baviera, formerly known as Colonia Dignidad, has a troubled and violent history [Grace Livingstone]

After Gen Pinochet led a coup in 1973, opponents of his military regime were taken to Colonia Dignidad to be tortured in dark basements.

Many of these political prisoners were never seen again.

Schafer died in prison in 2010, but some of the German residents remained and have turned the former colony into a tourist destination, with a restaurant, hotel, cabins to rent and even a boating pond.

Now, the Chilean government is going to expropriate some of its land to commemorate Pinochet's victims there. But the plans have divided opinions.

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Across Chile, more than 3,000 people were killed and more than 40,000 tortured during the Pinochet regime, which was in power until 1990.

Luis Evangelista Aguayo was one of those who was forcibly "disappeared".

His sister, Ana Aguayo, sits by the fire in her house in Parral, the nearest town to Colonia Dignidad.

"Luis was quiet, he loved swimming. He wanted to create a fairer world," she said.

Mr Aguayo worked as a school inspector, was a member of the teachers' trade union and was active in the Socialist Party.

On 12 September 1973, one day after Pinochet overthrew Chile's elected Socialist President, Salvador Allende, police came to Mr Aguayo's house and arrested him.

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Two days later, he was sent to the local prison, but on 26 September 1973, police arrived and dragged him into a van. His family never saw him again.

Ana Aguayo says a local farmer came to her house to say that he had seen her brother at the German colony.

Ana Aguayo's mother is now 96 years old and thinks she can hear her son calling out to her [Grace Livingstone]

"My mother and father went to Colonia Dignidad but weren't allowed in," she said.

"They went everywhere looking for him, at police stations, at the courts, but could get no information. My father died of sorrow because he wasn't able to help him. My 96-year-old mother thinks she can hear him calling 'Mama, come and get me'."

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Mr Aguayo was one of 27 people from Parral believed to have been killed in Colonia Dignidad, according to an ongoing judicial investigation ordered by the Chilean government.

The total number of people murdered here is not known, but there is evidence that this was the final destination of many opponents of the Pinochet regime, including Chilean congressman Carlos Lorca and several other Socialist Party leaders.

The Chilean justice ministry says investigations suggest hundreds of political detainees were brought here.

Ana Aguayo supports the government's plan to create a site of memory there.

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"It was a place of horror and appalling crimes. It shouldn't be a place for tourists to shop or dine at a restaurant. It ought to be a place for remembrance, reflection and for educating future generations, so that it never happens again."

But the government's expropriation plans have divided opinion in Villa Baviera, where fewer than 100 adults live.

Dorothee Munch was born in 1977 in Colonia Dignidad.

Dorothee Munch says the expropriation will turn them into victims twice over [Grace Livingstone]

"We lived in single-sex dormitories like barracks," she recalls.

"From a young age, we had to work, cleaning the dishes for the whole community and collecting firewood."

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The government plans to expropriate 117 hectares of the 4,829-hectare site, including buildings where torture took place, and sites where victims' bodies were exhumed, then burnt and their ashes deposited.

Ms Munch disagrees with the expropriation plans because they include the centre of the village, encompassing the residents' homes and shared businesses including a restaurant, hotel, bakery, butchers and a dairy.

"We lived under a system of fear, we are victims too. We are rebuilding our lives and this will make us victims once more. Perhaps people my age could re-locate, but for the older residents it would be devastating."

Some of the houses in Villa Baviera are available for tourists to rent [Grace Livingstone]

Erika Tymm arrived in Colonia Dignidad from Germany in 1962, aged two.

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Separated from her parents, she remembers crying at night for her mother.

Like several other people from the colony, she says she was given electric shocks as a child.

She also opposes the expropriation plans and wants to stay living in the same place. "I want to be with people who understand what I went through."

Chilean Minister for Justice and Human Rights Jaime Gajardo Falcon told the BBC that the government took the decision to expropriate the area in which the main buildings of the ex-colony are concentrated.

"These were sites of political detention, of torture, surveillance and training of state agents to commit crimes against humanity."

Erika Tymm, like many of the children in Colonia Dignidad, was separated from her parents [Grace Livingstone]

The expropriation decree was published in July. Over the next few months, the state will determine the value of the expropriated assets, he said.

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Seventy-three residents and former residents of Villa Baviera have written to the Chilean president expressing their concern about the expropriation plans and asking to be involved in discussions about it.

They have hired a public relations firm to handle their relations with the media and a representative of this firm accompanied the BBC on its visit to the site.

Separately the BBC spoke to several other inhabitants and former inhabitants of Colonia Dignidad who support the plan to create a memorial site.

Georg Klaube lived in the Colonia Dignidad from 1962  when he arrived from Germany with his parents aged two  until 2010.

Georg Klaube is in favour of the memorial because 'so much cruelty happened here' [Grace Livingstone]

Like many boys in Colonia Dignidad, he says he was given electric shocks, forced to take psychotropic drugs and was sexually abused by Schafer.

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"Every night I was taken to a building, I was stripped naked, they would put a black towel on my face and electric shocks were applied, here, here, here," he says, pointing to his genitals, his throat, his feet and under his arms.

"I think we should have a memorial because so much cruelty happened here to both Germans and Chileans. I cannot believe there is now a restaurant in the place where so many children's tears, urine and blood flowed."

The building which once housed the children's dormitory, where they were kept separate from their parents, is now a residence [Grace Livingstone]

Mr Klaube is part of a legal action  supported by an association of former and current Colonia Dignidad inhabitants  which claims that the leaders of Villa Baviera are not sharing out the income of the former colony fairly.

They want the government to ensure that when the expropriation takes place, the indemnification payment is distributed amongst all residents and former residents.

Among the other victims that support the expropriation plans are former political prisoners who were tortured in Colonia Dignidad, small farmers who were evicted from their land when the German colony was established and Chileans who lived locally and were sexually abused as children by Schafer.

Schafer was arrested in 2005 and in 2006 convicted of sexually abusing 25 children, including five counts of child rape. Several of his accomplices were also convicted.

The building which was once Paul Schafer's home still stands in Villa Baviera [Grace Livingstone]

Justice Minister Gajardo says it is important to ensure the horrors that happened here are not forgotten.

"Atrocious crimes were committed here. Until now it has been private property. Once it is taken over by the state, Chileans will be able to enter freely and it will become a space for memory and reflection to ensure that such crimes are never committed again."
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person was critically injured after being shot early Sunday morning in a southwest Columbus neighborhood.

Two injured in east Columbus crash

A police dispatcher said that officer were called to the intersection of West Broad Street and South Highland Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood at 2:16 a.m. One person was found suffering from a gunshot and taken to a hospital in critical condition.

A suspect has not been identified as police continues its investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary leader, highlighting his policies for inclusive governance, equal partnership among states, and prioritising the nation's interest above politics. "As the Chief Minister of Delhi, based on the administrative experience of the past five months under your leadership, I can say that you are the visionary leader of the country whose thinking includes every citizen of India. Whose policies ensure every state of India is an equal partner. Whose resolve makes every citizen of India feel secure. You are the strength that has risen above politics and placed the nation's interest above all," Gupta said. The Chief Minister addressing a public event after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), worth approximately Rs 11,000 crore. Earlier, PM Modi received a grand welcome before inaugurating two major National Highway projects. Hundreds of people gathered as his convoy reached the stage. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari felicitated the Prime Minister at the ceremony. The projects are part of the Government's plan to decongest the capital, improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and cut traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas, reflecting Modi's vision of world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and mobility. The 10.1 km Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway, developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore, provides multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and the Dwarka cluster bus depot. It comprises Package I: 5.9 km from Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21; and Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana border, linking directly to UER-II. The 19 km Haryana section of the expressway was inaugurated in March 2024. The Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of UER-II, along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, was developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,580 crore. The project is expected to ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads, reduce congestion at busy points such as Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09, and improve industrial connectivity and goods movement across the NCR. (ANI)
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A man is currently being held without bond in connection with a fatal shooting in Buncombe County.

According to the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, at around 10:06 p.m. Saturday, deputies were called to a scene on Old N.C. 20 Highway in Alexander for a report of a gunshot wound.

At the scene deputies found Jason Gary Cole, 43, of Weaverville, dead with a gunshot wound.

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As part of an investigation to Coles death, deputies arrested Patrick Tucker Wood, 35, of Weaverville. Wood was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center and is charged with second degree murder.

The sheriffs office said the shooting is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  One person was hurt after a car crashed into a D.C. apartment building Saturday, according to the DC Fire and EMS Department.

In a post to X around 8:30 p.m., crews responded to reports of a crash on 1st and Danbury Street SE, where a car could be seen crashed into the side of the building.

Crews say one person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and all residents were safely evacuated from the building.

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Over 30 people rescued after being trapped on Six Flags America ride

The Department of Buildings has been requested to determine if there is any structural damage.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A shooting in South Memphis sent one man to a hospital Sunday morning.

Officers responded at 9:45 to a shooting at Latham and Cambridge. One man was taken to a hospital by private vehicle.

Police did not have a condition for the victim. There was no suspect 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 WREG.com.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  One person was killed on Friday in a wreck in Spartanburg County.

According to Spartanburg County Coroners Office, at around 7:30 a.m. August 15, coroners and the South Carolina Highway Patrol were called to a wreck near 5301 Highway 9 in Inman.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, three vehicles were involved and five people were injured.

Previous story: One dead, five injured in Spartanburg County crash

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The coroners office said Francisco Jose Poncho Ocampo, 41, of Spartanburg died at the scene.

The wreck remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Note: This story has been updated to correct the date of the crash.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
ChatGPT's popularity exploded instantly upon its November 2022 debut  acquiring a staggering 100 million active users in two months  but concerns about the technology's drain on resources have risen in tandem.

Quantifying the environmental impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has been an elusive endeavor, and as The Guardian observed, OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman have been frustratingly opaque about the energy demands of its newest offering, GPT-5.

What's happening?

Per The Guardian, as of mid-2023, a simple query using ChatGPT used "about as much electricity as an incandescent bulb consumes in 2 minutes."

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Research published as a preprint in March 2023 looked at ChatGPT's water usage, asserting that training the GPT-3 model could "directly evaporate 700,000 liters of clean freshwater, but such information has been kept a secret."

On August 7, ChatGPT's parent company OpenAI introduced GPT-5, its latest and most feature-heavy offering.

GPT-5 represented "a significant leap in intelligence over all our previous models, featuring state-of-the-art performance across coding, math, writing, health, visual perception, and more," OpenAI claimed as the model was unveiled.

The Guardian's coverage pointed out that ChatGPT's usage of resources would likely increase in conjunction with its capabilities, adding that OpenAI had been markedly silent on the subject over the past five years.

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While OpenAI hasn't been forthcoming, experts weighed in on what they suspect is necessarily a thirstier, energy-gobbling ChatGPT model.

"A more complex model like GPT-5 consumes more power both during training and during inference  I can safely say that it's going to consume a lot more power than GPT-4," said University of Illinois professor Rakesh Kumar, who researches AI and energy usage.

Why is GPT-5's energy usage concerning?

ChatGPT's leap from a million to 100 million users wasn't a blip  back in March, TechCrunch analyzed more recent usage trends following its introduction in November 2022.

"By November 2023, ChatGPT had reached another milestone of 100 million weekly active users, which grew to 300 million by December 2024, then 400 million in February 2025," the outlet explained.

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Citing initial calculations from the University of Rhode Island's AI lab on Friday, August 8, The Guardian surmised that GPT-5's capabilities could require an amount of energy that "would correspond to burning that incandescent bulb for 18 minutes."

Put another way, GPT-5 could use as much daily energy as 1.5 million households in the United States.

University of California, Riverside, AI researcher Shaolei Ren said GPT-5's energy requirements "should be orders of magnitude higher than that for GPT-3" based on its size alone.

What can be done about AI's environmental impact?

Although AI researchers can make credible estimates, experts called for responsible corporate disclosures.

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"It's more critical than ever to address AI's true environmental cost. We call on OpenAI and other developers to use this moment to commit to full transparency by publicly disclosing GPT-5's environmental impact," said University of Rhode Island professor Marwan Abdelatti.

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.
Jakub Pachocki has been OpenAI's chief research scientist since May 2024.

When he was 15, Pachocki said he was unsure what he wanted to do for his career.

He said a Polish-translated version of Paul Graham's "Hackers and Painters" was "pretty inspiring."

OpenAI chief research scientist, Jakub Pachocki, didn't always know he'd be on the front lines of artificial intelligence development.

In OpenAI's latest podcast episode, published Friday, Pachocki said he didn't know what he wanted to do with his career as a teenager in high school. He recalled one book that inspired him during those searchful, formative years: "Hackers and Painters" by Y Combinator cofounder Paul Graham.

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"My dad gave me this book when I was, I think I was like 15, I was pretty unsure of what I wanted to do," Pachocki said. "It was a Polish version of a book by some author I didn't know called 'Hackers and Painters.'"

"I found that pretty inspiring," he added. Pachocki joined OpenAI in 2017. He has overseen the development of GPT-4 and replaced OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever as chief scientist in May 2024.

"Hackers and Painters" contains a collection of essays from Graham, including one based on a guest lecture he gave at Harvard University about the similarities between hacking and painting.

"What hackers and painters have in common is that they're both makers," Graham wrote. "Along with composers, architects, and writers, what hackers and painters are trying to do is make good things. They're not doing research per se, though if in the course of trying to make good things they discover some new technique, so much the better."

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Having one of the key figures at Sam Altman's company inspired by Graham is a bit of a full-circle moment.

Graham published "Hackers and Painters" in 2004, about a year before the investor co-founded Y Combinator and met 19-year-old Stanford dropout Altman. Altman's startup at the time, Loopt, would be one of the first batch of companies backed by the startup accelerator.

In 2009, Graham added Altman to his list of five of the "most interesting startup founders of the last 30 years." Five years later, he chose Altman to take his position as Y Combinator's president.

"It's actually very hilarious thinking about it now," Pachocki said. "I didn't really connect the dots."

Pachocki and Graham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A stretch of the M20 in Kent is to close overnight for the Operation Brock contraflow system to be removed.

The traffic-holding measure for lorries queueing to cross the English Channel was set to be deactivated between 20:00 on Sunday and 06:00 BST on Monday.

The road will be closed between junctions eight and nine, heading towards London, and junctions seven and nine heading towards the coast.

A Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) spokesperson said the removal of Operation Brock, which was deployed on 16 July, was due to a decrease in expected tourist traffic.

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Once the system, between Maidstone and Ashford, has been dismantled, the motorway will reopen with three carriages on each side of the road and the national speed limit back in place.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "These times have been chosen to minimise disruption to road users and ensure the roads are suitable for the traffic."

Drivers are being advised to follow diversion signs over their SatNav instructions.

Traffic management plans will remain in place in Dover to deal with any unexpected disruption, the KMRF added.

Longer-term solutions

The contraflow system is used to hold freight traffic heading towards LeShuttle in Folkestone and the Port of Dover.

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It is is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), with decisions on its use made by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF).

A BBC Freedom of Information (FoI) request to National Highways revealed Operation Brock cost more than 2.7m to roll out across 10 occasions between 2019-2024.

Toby Howe, highways and transport strategic resilience manager at the KMRF, previously said tourist traffic was "causing huge chaos" in Dover.

The DfT said it was looking at longer-term solutions, which could include off-road sites.

A KMRF spokesperson said it was "committed" to removing the system "as soon as the data showed that would be possible and we are pleased to deliver on that promise".

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It said its work with central government to identify a better traffic management solution would continue.

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When I was a teenager caught up in the juvenile justice system, I learned something President Trump refuses to acknowledge: the system fails most kids it touches, and treating children like enemies of the state makes communities less safe.

This week, Trump announced plans to deploy 800 National Guard troops to Washington D.C., threatening that cities like Oakland and Baltimore could be next. Simultaneously, hes demanding that D.C. prosecute kids as young as 14 as adults. Its the same failed playbook  respond to complex social problems with more police, more cages for children, and now, soldiers on American streets.

What makes this particularly absurd is that crime is actually falling in the cities hes threatening. Baltimore is experiencing one of its lowest homicide rates in decades, down 23 percent from last year alone. My hometown of Oakland has seen similar progress through community investment, not militarization.

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Trumps rhetoric diverges sharply from what actually transforms young lives. For instance, my co-worker J. Vasquez was sentenced to 31 years-to-life in adult prison when he was 16  exactly the kind of punishment the president is championing. The system wrote Vasquez off completely. Despite every obstacle the adult prison system threw at him, Vasquez earned six associate degrees with honors and co-founded mentoring programs for other incarcerated young people.

Today, Vasquez is the policy and legal services manager at Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice in Oakland, where I work. He graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco State University. But Vasquezs transformation happened in spite of being tried as an adult, not because of it.

Vasquezs story reflects what we see across our programs. We work with more than 100 young people each year  kids the system has given up on. Yet 94 percent of our participants report increased belonging and emotional wellness, while 100 percent develop new skills. Compare that to Californias juvenile halls, which cost taxpayers an average of more than $300,000 per youth per year to incarcerate, yet sees very high recidivism rates. Were literally spending more than a quarter-million dollars per child to make them more likely to commit future crimes.

The data is overwhelming. In Oakland  one of the cities Trump has threatened with National Guard deployment  Community Works West found that youth in their restorative justice program had just a 13 percent recidivism rate over two years, at one-fifth the cost of traditional prosecution. Research consistently shows that youth processed in adult systems have higher recidivism rates than those in age-appropriate programs.

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Baltimore, another city in Trumps sights, offers an even starker example. Under Mayor Brandon Scotts leadership, the city is experiencing its lowest homicide rate on record through 42 summer youth camps, extended recreation center hours, and violence interruption programs that employ former offenders to mediate conflicts. Not through National Guard troops or adult prosecutions of children, but through investment in young people. Treating kids like kids.

The choice isnt complicated. We can follow Trumps path toward militarization and mass incarceration of children  creating more victims while wasting taxpayer dollars. Or we can follow the lead of cities like Baltimore and Oakland, investing in programs that actually work.

Crime rates are dropping across the country, including in D.C. where crime fell 35 percent in 2024. The last thing we need is a return to failed tough on crime policies that destroyed generations of young lives while making communities less safe.

I know what its like to be written off by a system that sees only your worst moment. Kids need care, not cages. They need mentors who understand their struggles, communities that see their potential, and leaders who believe in second chances. Trump has a documented history of rushing to judgment on young people of color  he once called for the execution of five Black and Latino teenagers in the Central Park Five case, who were later exonerated by DNA evidence. We cannot let him repeat those mistakes on a national scale.

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Vamsey Palagummi is managing director of Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice whose commitment to supporting underserved populations comes from his own experience as a youth, spending time in juvenile hall and being placed on probation.

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In 2020, around 3,500 incoming New York City kindergartners were deemed eligible for a public school gifted-and-talented program. In 2021, that number spiked up to over 10,000.

What happened to nearly triple the number of identified gifted students in NYC in a single year?

The difference was the screening method. In 2020, as in the dozen years beforehand, 4-year-olds were tested using the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test and the The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. Those who scored above the 97th percentile were eligible to apply to citywide accelerated programs. Those who scored above the 90th were eligible for districtwide enriched classes.

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But in 2021, the process was changed. Now, instead of a test, students in public school pre-K programs qualify based on evaluations by their teachers, and there is no differentiation between those eligible for accelerated or enriched programs.

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In 2022, the last year for which figures are available, 9,227 students were deemed qualified to enter the gifted-and-talented placement lottery. But for the last decade there have only been about 2,500 spots citywide. Over 6,700 gifted students werent offered a seat.

Related

NYCs New Gifted & Talented Admissions Brings Chaos  and Disregards Research

Thats a shame, because, based on their overwhelming responses to the citys G&T recommendation questionnaires, NYC teachers believe the vast majority of their young students  a statistically impressive 85%  would thrive doing work beyond what is offered in a regular classroom.

When evaluating students for a G&T recommendation, teachers are asked, among other things, whether the child:

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Is curious about new experiences, information, activities, and/or people;



Asks questions and communicates about the environment, people, events and/or everyday experiences in and out of the classroom;



Explores books alone and/or with other children;



Plays with objects and manipulatives via hands-on exploration in and outside of the classroom setting;



Engages in pretend/imaginary play;



Engages in artistic expression, e.g. music, dance, drawing, painting, cutting, and/or creating



Enjoys playing alone (enjoys own company) as well as with other children.

This video illustrates how such gifted characteristics can be applied to  anybody.

The Pygmalion Effect has demonstrated that when teachers are told their students are gifted, they treat them differently  and by the end of the year, those children are performing at a gifted level.

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Are There Really Fast & Slow Learners? Study Could Help All Students Succeed

Extrapolating that 85% of incoming kindergartners to the 70,000 or so kids enrolled at every grade level in NYC, that would mean there are 59,500 gifted students in each academic year, for a whopping total of 773,500 gifted K-12 students in the New York City public school system.

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And extending those calculations to the whole of the United States, then 85% of 74 million  i.e. 62,900,000  5- through 18-year-olds are capable of doing work above grade level. With that in mind, academic expectations could be raised across the board, and teachers would implement the new, higher standards filled with confidence that the majority of their students would rise to the occasion. NYC teachers have already said as much on their evaluations.

What would happen if NYC were to provide a G&T seat to every student whom its own teachers deemed qualified? If it were subsequently confirmed that over 773,500 students in a 930,000-plus student school system are capable of doing advanced work, can parents, activists and everyone invested in making education the best it can possibly be for all expect to see such higher-level curriculum extended to all students  in NYC and, eventually, across America?

Related

NYC Could Find Out if Gifted & Talented Is Good for All Kids. But Will It?

As for the minority who werent recommended for advanced instruction, the combination of Pygmalion Effect and the benefits of mixed-ability classrooms should raise their proficiency, as well.

Isnt it worth a try?
Aug. 17ABQ specialist not available under insurance plan

Unfortunately, I have breast cancer and was informed by my oncologist and my breast surgeon the only plastic surgeon in Albuquerque for reconstructive surgery did not take my insurance. To be clear on this subject, the other plastic surgeons locally are for cosmetic surgery. Because I wanted reconstructive surgery after my mastectomy, I was referred to Santa Fe for a new breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. I am happy to report the Santa Fe doctors I use have been excellent in every way. As you can imagine this has been an added expense for me to drive back and forth to doctor appointments and difficult to pay for because I am on Social Security.

Before the last legislative session I contacted Think New Mexico and signed its petitions for common sense solutions which the think tank then sent to our elected officials. I also told my story on Nextdoor and encouraged people to contact Think New Mexico, but I do not think very many people paid attention because they have not been directly affected by this dire situation.

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Thank you for trying to do something to help with and inform people of the need for change.

Katrinka Smith Sullivan

Albuquerque

ABQ needs real solutions, not political theater

As an immigrant-focused nonprofit that spearheaded Albuquerque's immigrant-friendly policies in the early 2000s, Enlace Comunitario remains committed to supporting localized efforts to strengthen immigrant rights.

Enlace supports people-centered solutions, not retaliatory political theater by elected leaders who are amplifying calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be situated in the city's Prisoner Transport Center. Having ICE at this center would create due process and community safety issues. Due process is framed in the U.S. Constitution as a right to which every citizen and noncitizen is entitled. But in the recent joint statement by select city councilors, it seems that anyone who is arrested and transported to the Prisoner Transport Center is deemed a "criminal."

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This dangerous, predetermined judgment would undermine every New Mexican's right to due process and would establish a two-tier justice system: One that denies due process for our immigrant neighbors, especially immigrant survivors of violence who are falsely accused of crimes. As a domestic violence service provider, Enlace frequently hears from immigrant DV victims that perpetrators weaponize the justice system against them, especially if a victim does not have legal status or does not speak English. This has resulted in victims being detained by law enforcement and sent to the Prisoner Transport Center where these councilors want ICE to be present.

In terms of community safety, increased ICE activity fosters a chilling effect for survivors of violence, making it exceedingly less likely that any form of violence is reported to law enforcement. Not reporting violence makes everyone less safe. ICE is not a safety solution. Especially now, they are arbiters of harm  ripping families apart, undermining local economies and adding another layer of surveillance to an overpoliced population. Albuquerque needs less surveillance and more community-centered solutions  solutions that can begin with supporting some of the hardest-working New Mexicans: immigrants.

Matt Mirarchi

Albuquerque

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The money trail behind malpractice reform

Nearly $1.3 million. That's the amount New Mexico Safety Over Profit (NMSOP) has raised in recent years, according to donor and spending records released under a settlement with the State Ethics Commission. The agreement ended a lawsuit over registration and disclosure rules, included a $5,000 fine, and  most importantly  opened the books on the group's advertising campaign against malpractice reform.

One number in that list is hard to miss: $425,000 from Iowa trial lawyer Nicholas Rowley. Another: $245,000 from the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association. Together, nearly three-quarters of a million dollars from just two sources. More than 50 contributors in total, almost all trial lawyers or their firms. This was not a casual neighborhood coalition. It was a coordinated lobbying effort.

Why bring this up here, in Albuquerque? Because Sam Bregman, who is running for governor, has a direct connection: NMSOP's executive director also manages his campaign. That doesn't mean wrongdoing. It does mean voters deserve to hear, in his own words, how he sees malpractice reform and how he'll handle potential conflicts.

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A constructive way forward:

Make public any boundaries between your campaign and NMSOP.Say clearly whether you support a reasonable cap on contingency fees and directing most punitive-damage dollars to a patient-safety fund  so more of each award reaches injured New Mexicans while keeping costs in check. If not, share your alternative.Support interstate licensure compacts to bring more doctors and nurses here.

SB176 never made it to the floor; the first Senate committee  Democratic-led  voted 5  4 to set it aside. While the politics churn, premiums rise and clinics struggle.

Transparency isn't a partisan issue. It's how patients get care.

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Patrick Hudson

Cedar Grove

School calendar should adjust for temperatures

Every year there are complaints about the heat when Albuquerque Public Schools open. The school calendar regularly provides for opening around Aug. 1 and closing for the summer around the end of May. The average high temperatures for the first two weeks of June are several degrees cooler than those temperatures for the first two weeks of August. The school board or school administration should explain why this calendar is sensible.

Richard Minzner

Albuquerque

Replace confusing lights with safe, signalized crossings

The Aug. 3 Journal article about the death of cyclist Kayla VanLandingham on July 22 was heartbreaking  and infuriating  because it was preventable.

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In 2020, I contacted the city of Albuquerque multiple times about the dangerous flashing yellow light trail crossings. I said that "drivers have no idea what to do when they see a biker or pedestrian" because "there are no laws" or signage telling them to slow down, stop or yield. The city's response? "We're looking into the situation ... and should have a resolution within the next six weeks."

Five years later, nothing has changed.

Carlisle isn't the only hazard. Similar unmarked crossings exist at Wyoming (north of Constitution), Eubank (north of Indian School), and Juan Tabo (north of Menaul)  all high speed six-lane roads. The signs show a bicycle and a pedestrian, but no words or other information. There are no painted crosswalks. Drivers are left guessing, and cyclists and pedestrians are left in danger.

At a Bike ABQ meeting on Aug. 5, I heard Kayla's mother speak. Her daughter loved biking and volunteering to teach bike safety. That love cost her life at a crossing that I  and others  had already flagged as deadly.

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The city must remove these confusing yellow lights and replace them with fully signalized crossings now. We don't need another grieving parent to prove the point.

Marilyn Gruen-Majewski

Albuquerque

Pedestrian crossings should be easy to understand

It was a tragic accident when the bicyclist was killed on Carlisle.

It would be simple to improve the signaling at locations like this. People seem to be confused by the current system. Everyone understands a conventional signal system at any major intersection. There is no reason we can't do the same at these pedestrian crossings. The light for traffic on Carlisle would be green until a pedestrian pushes the "walk" button. They would wait for the "walk" light to turn on, just as they would at a major signaled intersection. Cars would recognize the cyclist through the yellow and red lights.

No flashing lights. No pedestrians or bikes in the crosswalk while the light is yellow.

Sound familiar?

Ed Dunn

Albuquerque
Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the Election Commission of India on Sunday, saying that it is for the first time he has heard the poll panel admits to having errors in Bihar's voter list, but told that the political parties should have "caught them on time." "They are basically saying that they admit they have stolen votes, so why didn't we catch them on time. Have you ever heard of something like this before? I have heard this for the first time, now a lot of things will happen for the first time," Pawan Khera said in Sasaram. the Congress leader is participating in the party's 'vote adhikar' rally. Multiple political leaders, including Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav also joined in the rally. They also shared hugs with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. "This is bigger than the election. When someone steals the right to vote itself then where will elections be? The issue is that we need to save the people of the country. The country's downtrodden, Adivasi, Dalit, everyone will be affected by this," Khera told ANI. Earlier today, RJD leader and Bihar assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav told ANI that they will protest against the alleged theft of voting rights of people. "The people of the BJP are misusing Constitutional agencies, trying to destroy democracy and the Constitution. Bihar's land is the land of democracy. We will not let this happen, that BJP destroys, we will fight wherever we want and we will not let our rights be erased," the Bihar LoP said. Rahul Gandhi's vote adhikar yatra is being carried out in Sasaram to protest against alleged electoral malpractice and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. The Opposition parties have alleged that the Centre, along with the Election Commission, are working to ensure that people's votes are being stolen by filling the electoral rolls with fake votes, and helping the party stay in power. Meanwhile, former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that they will continue to make sacrifices to protect democracy, and not let rights of people be erased "We have made many sacrifices to save democracy. We will continue to do so in the future. We will not let our voting rights we erased. We will not let it perish," Lalu Yadav said. Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi arrived in Bihar earlier today to launch the party's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Sasaram, organised against the Election Commission. (ANI)
With passage of a federal budget that cuts subsidies for renewables like wind and solar and an executive order promising to end taxpayer support for unaffordable and unreliable green energy sources, climate activists are considering new approaches to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. One such champion stepping forward is former Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee.

Inslee made fighting climate change the rhetorical centerpiece of his time as governor and his short-lived presidential campaign. Inslee claims he made Washington state a leader in the fight against climate change, and Time magazine gave him a 2025 Earth Award, saying the former governor believes in the power of local action.

Having worked on environmental policy for 25 years in Washington state, I can attest that following Inslees lead would be a catastrophic mistake.

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In a recent editorial, he argued that Democrats should use climate change to win over young Trump voters. His central, and repeated, error  the one he now encourages national climate activists to follow  is to treat climate change as a political tool, rather than focusing on effective solutions.

In fact, Washington states carbon dioxide emissions increased every year of Inslees first decade in office, except 2020. The governors policies were so ineffective that, in 2019, Floridas per capita CO2 emissions were actually lower than Washington states, having been 10 percent higher just six years earlier. Florida, with no meaningful climate policy, outperformed Washington with Jay Inslee at the helm.

Given a choice between candidly assessing the results of his policies and political expediency, the governor routinely chose politics.

When he took office, Inslee promised to track the results of his policies, creating a web page that showed progress toward climate goals. He said the goal was to use that data to fix problems and improve outcomes. But in 2019, just prior to announcing his presidential campaign, Inslees administration shut down the page. His administration was missing virtually all its targets, an embarrassing reality for the climate candidate.

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Washington is now so far behind its 2030 emissions targets the state will have to cut CO2 emissions by the equivalent of three COVID-level pandemic shutdown reductions cumulatively.

Washingtons electric vehicle policy is another example of how the state has performed so poorly. Last year, Inslee announced a $45 million program of subsidies to help provide low-income Washingtonians access to electric vehicles. The results were mixed at best, failing to ensure the rebates reached overburdened and vulnerable communities.

Governor Inslee deflects from those failures, instead focusing on the CO2 cap-and-trade system that took effect in 2023, promising that it will deliver results in the future. However, early results show projects funded by that system are failing to deliver emissions reductions. His own administration released a report showing that approximately two-thirds of the states climate projects create no quantifiable emissions reductions.

The pattern has been to make bold statements and send out press releases claiming victory while repeatedly failing to deliver. With each failure, Inslee relied on partisanship to paper over policy failures. That approach earned Jay Inslee national attention and accolades. It did not, however, help the planet.

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This strategy is irresponsible and creates cynicism that undermines the ability to promote effective climate policy. Those who are sincere about climate and environmental policy are at a crossroads. They can take the route suggested by Inslee and put politics first, or they can honestly assess the record of the past two decades of climate policy and look for a better approach.

Those who believe climate change is  as Jay Inslee has often said  an existential crisis must live up to that rhetoric and ostracize self-serving politicians whose use of climate change as a political weapon has become a major barrier to addressing the problem. Politicians should look to companies like Microsoft and Amazon that invest in projects that are certified to reduce CO2 emissions  and if they dont, the funding is returned. Prioritizing efforts based on effectiveness and innovation, rather than political grandstanding, is the only way to responsibly reduce the risk from climate change.

During the next three-and-a-half years of the Trump administration, those who care about reducing the risk from climate change can take the partisan (and failed) path that Inslee recommends. Or they can begin to find alternatives that arent contingent on politics and, instead, focus on results.

Todd Myers has worked on energy and environmental policy in Washington state for 25 years and is vice president for research at the Washington Policy Center in Seattle.

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The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Tuesday that Sherrod Brown, a three-term U.S. senator who lost to Cleveland auto dealer Bernie Moreno in last years election, has decided to run for the Senate seat JD Vance had before he was elected vice president. The Plain Dealer quoted Ohio labor leaders who said Brown told them of his plan to run for the seat now occupied by former Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Brown, who would give Democrats a chance at reclaiming the Senate, is expected to formally announce his intentions within the next two weeks.

The news doesnt come as a big surprise. When Brown lost to Moreno, few people in Ohio politics expected the populist Democrat to walk off into the sunset. And the signs of his potential return have been hard to miss. He and his wife relocated to Columbus from the Cleveland area this year, which added to speculation that he was biding his time for a political comeback. When he and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were seen huddling in a Columbus restaurant in late July, it seemed clear to political insiders Schumer was part of a recruitment campaign to convince Brown to run in 2026.

The news that the 72-year-old Brown is running has been enthusiastically heralded by Ohio Democrats who see it as a recruitment coup for the party in its uphill battle to unseat Husted, who was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Many Ohioans couldnt tell you who Husted is, but almost everybody knows Brown. After some 50 years in public office, his wide name recognition in the state is undisputed. Hes a Democrat in a red state with a track record of winning against Republicans. Yes, Moreno, a Republican political newcomer, ended Browns winning streak last year when he won by about 3.5 percentage points. But President Donald Trump won the state by 11 points, which suggests that Brown appealed to a segment of voters who chose Trump. Clearly, Moreno benefited from Trumps coattails.

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Husted cast his lot with the top 10% over the welfare of working Ohioans when he voted for Trumps debt-ballooning $4 trillion tax cut to the ultra-rich on the backs of the poor. So in 2026, without Trump leading the ticket, Husted could be vulnerable to a well-experienced challenger with a chip on his shoulder who can effectively energize an already highly motivated base to turn out in droves for the midterms. By the time voters go to the polls next year, who knows how much fallout there will have been from the anything but beautiful bill Husted supported? But a sufficient number of Ohioans is likely to be fighting mad about sky-high prices, shuttered factories, dropped health insurance, shredded safety nets, gutted public services and a reduction in vital veterans support. There's also likely to be anger at armed military in the streets and sprawling detention centers for immigrants that simulate concentration camps.

Brown will work to make Husted own the pain caused to Ohio families who will lose their SNAP benefits, to Ohio veterans who will be denied care to due to mass staffing cuts and eliminated services, and to the strategically delayed (until after the midterms) Medicaid cuts and work requirements that could leave 440,000 Ohioans uninsured.

Expect Brown to lead the charge for human dignity over despair, justice over lawlessness, better outcomes for everyday Americans over what the Trumpian plutocracy offers in scraps to everyone but the favored wealthy. Expect him to launch a sustained offensive against Husteds rubber-stamp endorsement of historic cuts to Medicaid and food assistance that will be paid for by hundreds of thousands of uninsured and hungry constituents.

But Brown cannot wage the same old-school, play-it-safe campaign he ran in 2024, when even challenger Moreno mocked him publicly for his timidity to make waves. He cannot pull punches. He cannot misread the moment or the mindset of rank-and-file Democrats, independents and Never-Trumpers who are screaming for bold, authentic, tell-it-like-it-is fighters to save the country. They have had it with play-by-the-book, norms-abiding, feckless politicians who talk like infuriating politicians. If Brown can make it personal with Ohio voters who feel betrayed by Husted and his party, who are drowning in the cost of living, struggling to afford tariff-inflated groceries, utilities, out-of-pocket medical care and ever rising rent on incomes stretched to the max, he can win.

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If he can make it personal with Ohio farmers reeling from Trump's funding cuts to promised subsidies and market-destroying tariffs slapped on key trading partners, he can broaden his appeal in rural communities. If he can make it personal about growing numbers of children and seniors denied food aid in the bill Husted endorsed, he can make empathy a call for action. If he can make it personal on immigrants Ohioans know and respect being treated like dogs as masked thugs raid farms and Home Depot parking lots to stuff them into unmarked vans to be disappeared, he can be a welcomed voice for humanity, decency and the rule of law to forcefully counter a lawless Trump regime Husted supports.

Ohio Demcorats havent cultivated a farm team of young, communications-savvy Democrats who can win a statewide election. Thus, Brown is the only real chance Democrats have against Husted. In addition to having to defend the big, awful bill to constituents on the losing end of unpaid-for giveaways to the wealthiest Americans, Husted, a former state lawmaker, will also have to defend himself from the stench of being associated with a bribery scandal that involved the utility company FirstEnergy spending $61 million for a $1 billion bailout and resulted in a former Republican Ohio House Speaker being sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

Text messages between a FirstEnergy CEO and a vice president who have since been charged in an alleged federal racketeering conspiracy related to the bribery scandal include descriptions of phone conversations they say they had with Husted about the legislation some he apparently initiated  and reveal that they considered him the lawmaker handling the details of the bailout legislation. Husted, who was never charged with a crime, has said he didnt know about any bribes regarding the bailout legislation that he helped get passed.

If Brown taps into the growing movement demanding a course correction, raises enough money to compete with the ton of cash coming Husteds way and reminds voters why they sent him to the U.S. Senate three times before, he could well return to the upper chamber on Capitol Hill in a blue-wave election. But if is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Husted has to be considered the favorite. A Brown win would be an upset.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
This summer, President Donald Trump is rolling out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin and approving of weapon sales to Israel as it commits genocide. Hes also squeezing in time to lobby aggressively for the Nobel Peace Prize.

NBC News reports that Trump and his aides are intensifying a public campaign to snag the award, citing a string of peace deals while making a case that snubbing him again would be an injustice. According to NBC News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said, unprompted, at three out of her four press briefings in July that Trump deserves the prize. In fact, shes arguing its overdue: Its well past time that President Trump was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, she said at one presser. Trump has also posted about the prize a total of seven times on his social media site since his second term began, six of them in June and July, NBC News reports.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a five-member body appointed by Norways parliament. Trump has reportedly tried to influence the group through talks with the countrys government. A Norwegian news outlet reported Thursday that Trump said that he wanted the Nobel Peace Prize during a July call with Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg to discuss tariffs. (According to NBC News, a White House official said that the president and Stoltenberg did speak, but could not say that the conversation was focused on the prize. Stoltenberg confirmed in a statement that he spoke to Trump about tariffs but would not go into further details of the call.)

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Trumps Nobel Prize campaign  and his conviction that he is entitled to one  is of course absurd. Alfred Nobel called in his will for the prize to be awarded to individuals who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses. How would Trump fit the bill?

There is some truth to the Trump administrations claim that it has played a diplomatic role in mediating the end of conflict between some nations, including between India and Pakistan and between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However in the case of India and Pakistan, India objects to Trumps claim that he was responsible for the May ceasefire between India and Pakistan; the Indian government describes the resolution as something that was brokered bilaterally between only India and Pakistan, and has downplayed Trumps role. And in the case of Rwanda and the DRC, Qatar also played a critical role that the Trump administration has conveniently left out of its narrative.

Even granting that the Trump administration has played a role in conflict resolution between some countries, the general spirit of Trumps foreign policy has often undermined global fraternity, not fostered it. Under the banner of America First, Trump has shattered the bonds of economic cooperation by launching global trade wars, has reneged on pivotal agreements with our neighbors, and turned long-standing allies in Europe into rivals.

On a particularly surreal note, one of the mediation agreements that the Trump administration lists in its case for Trump as a president of peace is the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Somehow Trump fails to mention that that ceasefire came after the U.S. and Israel bombed Iran. Moreover, those attacks were carried out during negotiations to secure a diplomatic agreement that wouldve brought more safety to the Middle East and served the end of nuclear nonproliferation. A nuclear deal with Iran now remains further from reach than ever.

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And on two of the biggest U.S. foreign policy issues of the day, Trump should not be asking for a pat on the back. He should be asking for forgiveness. He has supported Israel as it has killed civilians en masse in Gaza and effectively encouraged its ethnic cleansing project by talking about turning Gaza into an international beach resort. And while Trumps efforts to help end Russias war on Ukraine is, in the abstract, a good thing, his extraordinary deference toward Russia during negotiations reflects a pursuit of an imperialistic, autocrat-friendly peace in the global order.

Trumps desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize has become something of a joke in foreign capitals, a former British diplomat told NBC News. His claims to Canada, Panama, Greenland, etc., as well as tariff wars and the assaults on Americas democratic institutions, incline governments in the opposite direction.

Trumps demand for a Nobel Peace Prize while causing global chaos and backing imperialism is yet another stroke of Orwellian audacity from our president. I hope the committee does not repeat its past mistake of pre-emptively awarding one to a U.S. president in an ill-conceived attempt at encouraging good behavior. At a time of rampant corruption and authoritarianism, its important for global institutions to protect their credibility and do what they can to stand for the idea of a truly peaceful and just world order.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
When referencing the genocide in Gaza, it would be nice for someone to say, It is time for this to stop, and for such words to have weight. From the information available, those words have no weight whatsoever. The Palestinian people of Gaza are being starved and/or gunned down. There are reports that food relief efforts on occasions become killing fields.

Why has the United States been a steadfast ally to Israel since its conception? It does not really matter which party is in power, this nation will veto any United Nations resolution intended to hold Israel accountable for its actions. Is money and political power influencing our leaders?

As a result of the 1967 six-day war, Israel took several territories from Arab countries. Israel took the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt but later returned it to Egypt in 1982. Israel also took Gaza from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan.

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In the 1980s, Menachem Begin, prime minister of Israel at the time, referenced the West Bank as Judea although Israel had referred to the West Bank as Judea since the 1967 war. Begins intent was to justify the Jewish settlements on the West Bank. These settlements have led to the escalation of the conflictual relationship between those governing Israel and those governing Palestine.

While the Jewish people have claimed biblical authority over this land, that claim is somewhat shallow. This land has been in the hands of many people not associated with a Jewish state.

The reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, between 1030 BCE and 931 BCE represents the high point of the Jewish nation when the control of all 12 Hebrew tribes were under one ruler. Shortly after the rule of Solomon, Assyria invaded the area and took the northern kingdom, home of 10 of the 12 tribes. These 10 tribes are often referred to as The lost tribes of Israel.

While the southern kingdom, Judea, had multiple leaders after the Assyrian capture, a kingdom including all 12 tribes would never again exist. Babylon captured Judea and destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin were exiled to Babylon. The Jewish people did not regain any resemblance of control until Resolution 181 was adopted by the United Nations in 1947. The Jewish people controlled this area for less than 500 years in the BCE era. Historically, this land has been under the control of people other than Jewish origin for thousands of years, both BCE and CE.

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After the 1967 war, radical aspects of the Palestinian people began to gain greater power. Radicalization is not an uncommon aspect of occupation. Just ask the Jewish people about the Zealots during the Roman occupation. Hamas and Hezbollah, Palestinian radical groups, have not been helpful. While these groups are a serious threat to the people of Israel and a serious threat to regional stability, their behavior also provides cover for the behavior of the Israeli government.

Setting aside this history, the people of Gaza face extremely unfortunate circumstances. After all, these are people with hopes and desires no different from anyone else's. They yearn for food and shelter the same way any people would if their food and shelter were placed in jeopardy. Their desire for safety is no different from our own desire for safety. They are people like us. They view themselves as Gods people in the same way that we view ourselves as Gods people.

The treatment of Palestinian people should be no different from how we expect to be treated. Grandparents, parents, and children are losing their stability, their dignity, and their lives. e should not wish such treatment for anyone.

We might feel distain for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and for those who support his apparent genocidal efforts. However, distain does nothing but drag those who feel that distain to the same level as those who perpetrate violence. Instead, we can express hope.

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Hope is quite powerful when expressed in unison and when hope clearly expresses the behavior we desire from our leaders. Voting for a different leadership is not a statement of revenge but a statement of hoping for something better.

Opinion: Empathy and compassion are lacking in current administration

Opinion: Today's wars and political conflicts are about egos, prestige of men in power

Lee Sease lives in Burnsville. He is a former Superintendent of Schools in Middlebury, Vermont.

William Lee Sease says this nation must be truthful about its exceptionalities as well as its warts.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Netanyahu's genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza must stop
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF)  The Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office says its aware of growing concerns from churches in the eastern part of the county.

While theres been no criminal activity reported, deputies will step up patrols during worship services.

Neighbors are also urged to stay alert and report anything suspicious by calling the countys communication center at 803-534-3550.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

An Orlando church leader was shot in an attempted robbery at his Mexico City home.

President R. Tyler Wallis is stable and recovering in a hospital.

His wife was unharmed, and the case is under investigation.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A local church leader is recovering after being shot during an attempted robbery at his home in Mexico City, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What we know

Church officials said President R. Tyler Wallis, who previously lived in the Orlando area with his wife, was shot once around 2 a.m. Saturday during a break-in at their residence. Wallis was taken to a Mexico City hospital, where he remains in stable condition in an intermediate care unit and is responding well to treatment. His wife was not injured.

President R. Tyler Wallis, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"The Church is cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the incident. All missionaries are safe," church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement. "Our prayers are with President and Sister Wallis, their family members, and the missionaries during this challenging time."

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Wallis is serving as a mission president for the Mexico City West Mission. The church says the Mexico Area Presidency is supporting the Wallis family and overseeing the missionaries during his recovery.

What we don't know

The attempted robbery remains under investigation by local authorities.

The Source

The information in this article comes from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Over 100 bicycles, dirt bikes, and scooters entered and exited highways in Boston this afternoon, prompting State Police to issue an air wing response.

The group was first reported around 2 p.m. as they made their way into the ONeil Tunnel on I-93 south via the Zakim Bridge. They initially exited the highway at Government Center but returned shortly thereafter.

State Police encountered the group in the area of D Street and Summer Street, where a dirt bike collided with a cruiser. The operator fled on foot, and the bike was identified as stolen.

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Troopers then arrested a different individual, a 22-year-old, on a different dirt bike at the scene of the crash. He is expected to face charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The State Police Air Wing has been deployed to monitor the group, which remains active in and around Boston.

Authorities advise the public not to engage with the group if encountered on public roadways.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BROCKPORT, N.Y. (WROC)  Cat lovers are gathered Sunday at the Sweden Clarkson Community Center for the Brockport Cat Show, featuring more than 100 cats competing for Best in Show.

The event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4927 Lake Road South, featuring six judging rings that show off breeds such as Maine Coons, Persians, Bengals, Siamese, and more.

Attendees had the opportunity to shop at the Meow Mall for toys, beds, grooming products, and other cat-related items, or just stop by to pet some felines.

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By Matt Tracy

(Reuters) -Pro-democracy activists and labor groups held hundreds of rallies and other events across the United States on Saturday protesting the Trump administration's push for Texas to redraw its congressional map in favor of Republicans.

Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke was among those who spoke on Saturday in Texas, from which dozens of Democratic state lawmakers fled to deny Republicans the quorum needed to vote on a redistricting plan that President Donald Trump had demanded.

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"They do this because they are afraid," O'Rourke told an audience on Saturday, speaking of those attempting redistricting. "They fear this power they see here today."

Drucilla Tigner, executive director of pro-democracy coalition Texas For All, told Reuters pro-democracy and labor groups held over 300 events attended by tens of thousands of people in 44 states and Washington, D.C.

Many of the more than 50 Texas Democrats who fled the state have been staying in Illinois, also the site of protests on Saturday. The Texas lawmakers in Illinois are out of reach of civil arrest warrants that could be acted on within Texas.

The Texas Democrats kept the map from coming to a vote during a special session Governor Greg Abbott called that ended Friday. Abbott immediately called a second special session.

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Abbott said that redistricting plans, legislation to increase flash flood safety in the wake of deadly July flooding, and other legislative work remains undone because Democrats are absent.

California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled a redistricting plan in his state that he says would give Democrats there five more Congressional seats, possibly offsetting any Republican gains in Texas.

The Texas House Democrats said in a written statement on Thursday that they will only return to Texas if their state's special legislation is ended and once California's redistricting maps were introduced.

(Reporting by Matt Tracy; Editing by Donna Bryson and Kim Coghill)
A long line of severe thunderstorms that swept across Chicago and the suburbs Saturday night and early Sunday left more than 60,000 Commonwealth Edison customers without power as flood warnings continued throughout the area, authorities said.

As of 9 a.m. on Sunday, 61,000 ComEd customers were without power, the utility giant said. ComEd said it expects most outages to be restored by 9 p.m. Sunday, with some taking until 2 p.m. Monday to fully resolve.

While Sundays weather was expected to be tamer, flood warnings and advisories remained in the morning, mostly for the suburbs southeast of Chicago until noon as storm impacts lingered, the National Weather Service said. The service said the weather on Sunday should be relatively calm with a high of 81 degrees.

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The storms caused significant delays and cancellations at OHare International Airport, where, as of 8:30 a.m. Sunday, the Chicago Department of Aviation reported there had been 264 flights canceled in the previous 24 hours.

In addition, a beach hazard statement from Saturday continued into Sunday morning, and the entire southern Lake Michigan coast was expected to have dangerous swimming conditions until Monday morning.

The city of Aurora posted on X that power had been lost to water pumps and two fire stations.

At 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, the Mount Prospect Fire Department responded to an incident at a four-story apartment complex whose roof was torn off by the storm. The building was evacuated immediately, and there were no injuries reported.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday termed the inauguration of six road projects worth Rs 11,000 crore as a "historic and memorable day" for Haryana and North India, describing it as a "golden chapter" in the state's development "Today is a historic and memorable day for Haryana as well as the entire North India. This day will be recorded as a golden chapter in the history of Haryana's and especially NCR's development. Today, six road projects worth Rs 11,000 crore are being inaugurated in Delhi and Haryana at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I thank him for these projects," he said. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), in Delhi. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari felicitated PM Modi at the inauguration ceremony. The projects--the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)--have been developed under the Government's comprehensive plan to decongest the capital, with the objective of greatly improving connectivity, cutting travel time, and reducing traffic in Delhi and its surrounding areas. These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Modi's vision of creating world-class infrastructure that enhances ease of living and ensures seamless mobility. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore. The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the DMRC Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station and the Dwarka Cluster Bus Depot. This section comprises: Package I: 5.9 km from the Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21. Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II. The 19 km long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024. PM Modi also inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crores. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the NCR. (ANI)
(The Center Square)  Establishing a tax credit program of up to $1,700 in 2027 for North Carolina school children has a historical pathway to overcoming gubernatorial veto, according to pattern analysis by The Center Square.

No permits for concealed carry, however, is quite a bit more challenging.

Outside of the fatigued question on the Legislature putting forth a full two-year spending plan, those two vetoes and three others tied to diversity policies are creating the main storylines for the Legislatures return next week. The pre-Labor Day session has no guarantees of movement on any; rather, all will depend on chamber leaders having members present and their votes known as to what opportunities will be taken.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, in the House of Representatives have pledged to get the timing right, whether next week or later.

Eight vetoes were overridden into law by both chambers on July 29. They included measures on immigration, what was known as the REINS Act, environmental goals, powers of the state auditor, clarifying men and women, donor privacy, and firearms.

Senators completed the override on four more  two related to diversity policy, one on permitless concealed carry and another on immigration. If the House can get the override for a third diversity bill that originated in its chamber, the Senate is expected to follow suit.

The other two vetoes involve a squatters bill that went an alternative route to first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Steins signature, and the federal school choice initiative championed by second-term Republican President Donald Trump.

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Plenty of attention was rightly thrust upon the four Democrats in the House of Representatives helping move the Grand Old Party agenda this summer. Reps. Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County six times and Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County five times were most instrumental. Twice each, Reps. Cecil Brockman of Guilford County and Nasif Majeed of Mecklenburg County were on board to get the chambers overrides to 72 votes or higher.

For each of the eight vetoes that got an override, at least one Democrat in the House had voted for the measure at passage. Only once  Brockman on donors  did a yes vote switch to no. And once  Rep. Ben Moss, R-Richmond, on the power bill  a Republican changed a no vote to yes at override.

That would bode well for the push  Educational Choice for Children Act (House Bill 87)  to make North Carolina the first in the nation codifying the signature education initiative of the president. Cunningham and Willingham were each on board, though Republicans had three excused and another  Rep. Neal Jackson, R-Moore  choosing not to vote.

It doesnt bode well for becoming the 30th state to be without permit for concealed carry.

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Freedom to Carry NC, known also as Senate Bill 50, not only had no Democrats in the House at passage, but it also has Republican Reps. William Brisson of Bladen County and Ted Davis Jr. of New Hanover County with no votes at passage. Ten other Republicans took excused absences, including notably Rules Chairman John Bell of Wayne County, Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County and Rep. Allen Chesser of Nash County.

The North Carolina Border Protection Act, known also as Senate Bill 153, was straight party line. The 11 excused absences among Republicans included notables Cotham and Rep. Erin Pare, R-Wake.

For the package of bills on diversity, equity and inclusion, the proposals would respectively take them out of state agencies, K-12 education, and higher education. None drew a Democrats vote in either chamber.

On the Republican side, Reps. Jackson, John Blust of Guilford County, Brenden Jones of Columbus County and John Sauls of Lee County had excused absences for all three votes; Hall and Rep. Edwin Goodwin of Chowan County chose not to vote on the higher ed bill; and Rep. Mike Clampitt of Swain County chose not to vote on the state agencies bill.

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Six other Republicans also had excused absences mixed among the three votes.

Three-fifths majorities are needed in each chamber to get an override, both chambers must accomplish it, and theres only one override vote per bill. Republicans have majorities of 30-20 in the Senate and 71-49 in the House.

And votes at passage are not guaranteed through veto override. Never was that clearer than the 2023-24 session when a bill related to evictions sailed through the chambers 44-0 and 113-1, only to be vetoed by former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. It became law on the strength of override votes of 27-17 and 72-44.

Already on the eight overrides this session, six senators and 12 House members have changed votes at least once from yes at passage to no at override. Respective chamber leaders at three each are Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, and Rep. Charles Smith, D-Cumberland. One senator and four House members have already made such changes twice each.

In the 2023-24 session, all 29 vetoes by Cooper were overridden amid 19 senators and 34 House members changing votes at least once between passage and override.
A volunteer group has been "overwhelmed" by donations to help save its flower bench after it was damaged by a falling tree branch.

The "well-used" bench next to a bus stop in Washington Village, near Sunderland, was "obliterated" last week when a heavy section of a storm-damaged tree crashed on to it.

It had been built five years ago and is maintained by the Washington Village in Bloom group.

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Volunteer Anne James, 58, set up a fundraiser which more than doubled its 300 repair target in three days. She said: "It's very gratifying that we have got that many people willing to support us, and appreciate what we do because we're out in all weathers and all year round."

Mrs James, who said she is not particularly tech-savvy, said: "I was a little bit overwhelmed because I've never done anything fundraising before."

She created the appeal because, after she posted a picture of the damage, people on social media were asking how they could help.

The fundraiser "snowballed" and reached 650 before she closed it.

The bench (pictured before it was damaged) was built five years ago [Supplied]

The bench, which also featured a bug house hotel, was constructed by Alan Kerry from the group.

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It is thought the tree that fell on it had been weakened by previous storms.

"It pretty much obliterated the seat," Mrs James said.

"The council came out the next morning and cleared the tree but obviously what was left of the seat was sticks really."

Mr Kerry had since been able to repair the seat, re-using the damaged wood.

It cost about 100 in paint, bolts and filler, so the rest of the money will be used on more flowers for the village plus tools and uniforms, Mrs James said.

The flower bench has since been restored [Supplied]

The group won the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom best village gold award in October.

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Mrs James said people had been "so generous" to donate.

"It's a very leafy village so there's always leaves to pick up and bulbs to plant.

"It's nice to know that people do actually appreciate what we're doing."

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The visit came amid growing public pressure on the government to prioritize a deal that would secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Gal Gadot stopped by to support the hostage families at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday, which has been designated as a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations. In a video posted to the Instagram account bringhomenow, the Israeli actress turned Hollywood superstar spoke with Lishay Miran-Lavi, the wife of Omri Miran, one of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza.

In Sundays Instagram video, Gadot spoke to Miran-Lavi, clasped her hand, and hugged her. Omri Miran was kidnapped by Hamas from Kibbutz Nahal Oz on October 7, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters.

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Miran-Lavi has been fighting tirelessly for his release all this time. Her husband, now 48, has marked two birthdays in Hamas captivity. The last video and photo of him was released by his kidnappers just before Holocaust Remembrance Day in late April.

His family called his continuing captivity a disgrace and said, On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, on which its customary to say never again, there is an Israeli citizen crying out for help in a Hamas tunnel. This is a disgrace for the State of Israel, in a statement released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

The Instagram bringhomenow account also posted still photos of the Wonder Woman star consoling other hostage families, including Einav Zangauker, the mother of Matan Zangauker, who was kidnapped from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky. Gritzewsky was released in November 2023, as part of a hostage deal.

Zangauker is one of the most outspoken of the hostage-family activists, and has said that this strike is only the beginning.

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Gadot has consistently spoken out in support of the hostages and their families, frequently wearing the yellow-hostage pin.

Recently, she appeared on the Keshet 12 series, The A Talks, in which she spoke candidly to interviewers on the autism spectrum and expressed her hopes for the swift release of the hostages, echoing her statement at the opening of the Jerusalem Film Festival, where she was a guest of honor, in July.

In late July, Gadot met with released hostages Gritzewsky, Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Moran Stella Yanai.

Thousands demand hostage deal, halt to Gaza campaign

Sundays protests were part of a coordinated nationwide day of action involving demonstrations in over 300 locations, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Participants called on the government to end the fighting in Gaza and finalize a deal to bring the remaining hostages home.

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Dozens of protestors were arrested by police, including in Jerusalem, where officers deployed water cannons near the entrance to Highway 16. Organizers said the strike was the largest since the war began.

The demonstrations were led by hostage families and supported by labor unions, university faculty, and tech companies, many of which temporarily closed in solidarity.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
Pakistan has issued no warnings or restrictions on mountaineering expeditions, an official said Sunday, despite a spate of climbers' deaths.

Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern region home to some of the world's highest mountains, said all climbers were well-aware of the harsh weather and other risks and challenges before their expeditions.

"Despite that, they willingly accept these challenges and come here to attempt these summits," he said.

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Faraq's remarks come after Chinese climber Guan Jing, 37, died last Tuesday after being hit by falling rocks on K2, the world's second-highest peak known for its treacherous slopes and extreme weather conditions. Her body was recovered by rescue teams on Saturday.

A picture of Chinese climber Guan Jing, who was killed on K2, the world's second-highest peak. / Credit: M.H. Balti / AP

Jing's death occurred several weeks after German mountaineer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeir died while attempting to summit Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range. Efforts to retrieve her body were abandoned when Dahlmeier's family informed authorities that she had stated that no one should risk their life to recover her body if she died in any accident.

Bodies of foreign climbers who die attempting to summit mountains in Pakistan are typically recovered at the request of their families. But if the family declines a rescue, the remains are left at the spot where the climber died.

Faraq said authorities were trying to provide climbers with better infrastructure, rescue facilities, security and a friendly environment. Mountaineering expeditions are the backbone of the local economy, bringing in millions of dollars in direct revenue.

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A large number of people work on these expeditions from May to September, feeding their families for the whole year with these earnings, he added.

Hundreds of climbers try to scale mountains in northern Pakistan every year. Accidents are common because of avalanches and sudden weather changes.

Nature: Providence Canyon in Georgia

So long, Joe Frandino!

A desk with the greatest view
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistan has issued no warnings or restrictions for mountaineering expeditions in the north, an official said Sunday, despite the recent deaths of climbers.

Climbers were well aware of the harsh weather and all the other risks and challenges, said Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern region home to some of the worlds highest mountains. Despite that, they willingly accept these challenges and come here to attempt these summits.

Chinese climber Guan Jing, 37, was the latest person to perish on one of Pakistans mountains. She died last Tuesday after being hit by falling rocks on K2, the worlds second-highest peak known for its treacherous slopes and extreme weather conditions. Rescue teams recovered her body on Saturday.

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Her body was still in the mortuary of the Combined Military Hospital in Skardu on Sunday. Contact has been made with Chinese authorities in Islamabad, and now it is up to them to make further decisions in this regard, said Faraq.

Jings death occurred several weeks after German mountaineer and Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeier died while attempting Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range.

Bodies of foreign climbers who die attempting to summit mountains in Pakistan are typically recovered at the request of their families. But if the family declines a rescue, the remains are left at the spot where the climber died.

Faraq said authorities were trying to provide climbers with better infrastructure, rescue facilities, security and a friendly environment. Mountaineering expeditions are the backbone of the local economy, bringing in millions of dollars in direct revenue.

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A large number of people work on these expeditions from May to September, feeding their families for the whole year with these earnings, he added.

Hundreds of climbers try to scale mountains in northern Pakistan every year.

Accidents are common because of avalanches and sudden weather changes. Last August, two Russians spent six days stranded on a remote peak before they were rescued.

Gilgit-Baltistan, in Kashmir, has been battered by higher-than-normal monsoon rains this year, triggering flash floods and landslides.
Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq al-Awsat's report is based on sources from the terrorist groups.

Palestinian terrorist groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, are considering a plan to transfer hostages to Gaza City in order to deter the IDF's planned offensive and occupation of the area, according to a Sunday report by Saudi-owned, London-based outlet Asharq al-Awsat.

The outlet's report is based on sources from the terrorist groups, who were cited anonymously.

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The sources emphasized to the outlet that the plan is still being considered and no decision has been made, but it is being explored in order to pressure Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent invading and occupying the area by tying the decision with the fate of the 20 living hostages still held in terror captivity.

The proposal has already been discussed by terror faction leaders "at senior levels both inside and outside" the enclave, according to the sources.

The sources claimed that the terror groups' policy has been to keep hostages alive as much as possible in order to exchange them for Palestinian prisoners and reach a ceasefire agreement.

Palestinians, displaced by the Israeli offensive, shelter in a tent camp as the Israeli military prepares to relocate residents to southern Gaza, in Gaza City August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS)

They also claimed that the hostage captors often deprived themselves of food in order to keep the hostages alive. Israel, however, disputes this.

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"There are no longer any options in the face of Israeli arrogance and the crimes committed against defenseless citizens and the systematic destruction of their homes, except to take extraordinary decisions to emphasize that Palestinian blood will not remain the only blood shed," one source was cited by the outlet as saying.

Israeli hostages' lives are not more valuable than the 'blood of our people,' terror source tells outlet

"Its price must be high, not only the lives of the soldiers who will enter the city, but also the lives of the Israeli hostages, who we believe are not more valuable than the blood of our people," they added.

"We cannot stand idly by in the face of these continuing Israeli crimes against our people, and the attempt to force them once again from their homes in order to seize control of Gaza City and its north, and impose a new reality on their future," they continued.

"We are convinced that Netanyahu and his ministers do not care about the lives of their captives, but at the same time, we cannot accept sacrificing the lives of our citizens or making them pay the price alone," another source commented.
Thousands of residents have fled Gaza City's southern Zeitoun neighbourhood, where days of continuous Israeli bombardment have created a "catastrophic" situation, the city's Hamas-run municipality has told the BBC.

At least 40 people were killed by Israeli attacks across the territory on Saturday, Gaza's civil defence agency said.

The Israeli military said it would begin allowing tents to be brought into Gaza by aid agencies again. Israel plans to forcibly displace a million people from Gaza City to camps in the south.

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In Israel, a one-day general strike is under way in protest of the government's plan to seize Gaza City.

The stoppage was demanded by the families of hostages and others who say the expansion of the war puts the lives of Israelis being held by Hamas at greater risk.

It comes a week after Israel's war cabinet voted to occupy Gaza City, the territory's largest city, and displace its population, in a move condemned by the UN Security Council.

"As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume," the Israeli military body Cogat said.

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A spokesperson for the Gaza City municipality said mass displacement was already taking place in Zeitoun after six days of relentless Israeli air strikes, shelling and demolition operations.

The Zeitoun neighbourhood is home to about 50,000 people, most of whom have little to no access to food and water, according to the civil defence agency.

Ghassan Kashko, 40, who is sheltering with his family at a school building in the neighbourhood, told news agency AFP that air strikes and tank shelling were causing "explosions... that don't stop".

"We don't know the taste of sleep," he said.

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Hamas said in a statement that Israeli forces had been carrying out a "sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitoun".

The Israeli government has not provided an exact timetable of when its forces would enter Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to want the entire city under Israeli occupation from 7 October.

Major roads are blocked and train services have been disrupted during protests in Israel [EPA]

The municipality spokesperson said that 80% of Gaza City's infrastructure had been damaged over nearly two years of Israeli attacks, while the four remaining hospitals there were operating at less than 20% of their capacity due to severe shortages of medicines and supplies.

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At least 1.9 million people in Gaza  or about 90% of the population  have been displaced, according to the UN.

The international body has indicated there is widespread malnutrition in Gaza, with experts backed by the organisation warning last month in a report that the "worst-case scenario" of famine is playing out in Gaza.

On Saturday, Gaza's hospitals reported 11 more deaths from malnutrition, including a child, bringing the total number of deaths from malnutrition to 251, including 108 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Meanwhile, a Gazan woman who was evacuated to Italy for treatment while severely emaciated has died in hospital. The 20-year-old, who was identified as Marah Abu Zuhri, flew to Pisa with her mother on an overnight flight on Wednesday under a scheme established by the Italian government.

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The University Hospital of Pisa said that she suffered a cardiac arrest and died on Friday, less than 48 hours after arriving. The hospital said she had suffered severe loss of weight and muscle, while Italian news agencies reported she was suffering from severe malnutrition.

Earlier this week, the UK, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan issued a statement saying "famine is unfolding in front of our eyes" and urged action to "reverse starvation".

Last week, more than 100 organisations signed a letter that said they had been unable to to deliver a single truck of humanitarian supplies to Gaza since 2 March.

Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of aid it allows into Gaza and continues to insist there is no starvation there. It accuses UN agencies of not picking up aid at the borders and delivering it.

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The civil defence agency said at least 13 of the Palestinians killed on Saturday were shot by Israeli troops as they waited for food near distribution sites in the territory. The latest figures from the UN, released on Friday, indicate that at least 1,760 Palestinians have been killed seeking food since late May, mostly by Israeli forces.

In Israel, thousands have taken to the streets in a nationwide protest demanding a deal to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. Major roads are blocked and train services have been disrupted.

In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, many businesses were shut.

"I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East," Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, told news agency AFP at a rally in Jerusalem.

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The war was triggered by Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.

Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Saturdays are the busiest day of the week for most merchants in downtown Panama City.

Many store owners credit the farmers market in McKenzie Park.

Every Saturday, Im super busy. Associated with the farmers market, people will come out early, go to the market, and then they walk around downtown. So the farmers market has been really helpful to the downtown businesses, Main Street Antiques Owner Liane Harding said.

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The city began construction on the O-12 project on August 11th, which closed Park Avenue from Belle Booth Place to Oak Avenue.

Construction limits access to McKenzie Park, so the city issued a permit to allow a temporary relocation to the 300 block of Harrison Avenue.

Each Saturday, sections of Harrison Avenue will be closed from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm until construction is complete.

We had meetings. All of the merchants voiced their opinions about being unhappy about the road being closed on Saturday, and the powers that be decided that was the place to move it to. And so its done, Harding said.

Although the road is closed, local businesses are seeing the benefits of having the farmers market right outside their doors.

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I think the farmers market move has been really good for the businesses. Weve gotten a lot more foot traffic than normal, especially earlier in the day. So just like having the people be right next to you rather than a couple of blocks over is really good, The Portal Downtown Operations Manager, Caitlin Casady, said.

The farmers market has grown to about 120 vendors. The move hasnt changed their operations; the only difference is where they set up.

Last week, we were a little apprehensive, but after talking to a lot of the vendors this morning, when we first got here and got set up, everybody seems to be really excited about the move. And I know we are, and were looking forward to just what the future holds that will hold with the move, farmer Brad Reeder said.

The city estimates that construction along Park Avenue will take about two months. The entire O-12 project will take about a year to complete.

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Downtown businesses will be hosting live musicians at their locations for Play Music on the Porch Day. It will take place on Saturday, August 30th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
NEED TO KNOW

John and Cassie Dibble's son Jacob was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, when he was born in 2018

Now, the family is raising two children with the same genetic disorder after adopting son Christian, now 14, in 2023

Because he had arrived in the U.S. in such difficult shape, his doctor initially thought Christian might never be able to walk  but in June, he took his first steps with the help of a walker and leg braces

When John and Cassie Dibble's son Jacob, their fourth child, was born in 2018, he was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease, which causes bones to break easily and sometimes for no reason.

Now, the Virginia parents of six raising two children with the same disorder after adopting son Christian, now 14, from Colombia in 2023.

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Although adoption wasn't always part of their plan, the parents talked about having six kids from the very start of their relationship. "On our first date, Cassie was like, 'How many kids do you want?' And I said, six,' " says John.



Courtesy of Cassie Dibble Cassie and John Dibble (center) with their kids: Christian, Jack, Gracelyn, Joshua, Jacob and Emma Cassie and John Dibble (center) with their kids: Christian, Jack, Gracelyn, Joshua, Jacob and Emma

Jacob's first year of life was hard, his parents tell PEOPLE. Their now-6-year-old son was born with two broken femurs and a dislocated hip and had 25 fractures before his first birthday  and Cassie says she swaddled him in a blanket instead of dressing him so she wouldn't risk breaking his delicate bones.

Three years later, when Jacob's treatment regimen and surgeries had "just settled down," the couple had their first conversation about adoption in late 2021.

At the time, John had just read an article about another family who had opted to adopt a child with the same genetic disease as their biological child, and he thought that might be right for their family too. When he brought it to Cassie, she initially found the idea overwhelming  but she kept thinking about it and soon found she couldn't get the idea out of her head

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Handling Jacob's wheelchair, crutches and other mobility equipment made her realize that she was capable of caring for another child with the same needs. She says it felt like she had gotten a message of confirmation from God: "You're equipped for this."



https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

On an anniversary date with John about six months after their first adoption conversation, Cassie told him that she'd come around to the idea. Over their meal, she opened her phone and began scrolling on an adoption website that allowed users to filter results by children's special needs and disabilities. One profile captured her attention: a boy named Christian who had OI, like Jacob, and whose dark glasses and features reminded her of her husband. Excited, she passed John her phone to show him the boy.

"I look across, and John's a little teary-eyed, and he's like, 'I've already found him,' " Cassie recalls.

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Unbeknownst to her, John had bookmarked Christian's profile a few months earlier.



Unlike Jacob, Christian  who spent most of his life at a children's home in a remote Colombian village  hadn't gotten specialized care from birth and had spent much of his life in bed. The Dibbles say that Christian's biological mother surrendered him soon after he was born in the hopes of giving him a better life as she realized she didn't have the resources to meet his needs.

His arms and legs, which had been fractured and never properly reset, were not straight, but made jagged Z-shapes  and though he was 12 when he joined the Dibbles family, he was closer in size to Jacob, then 5.



Courtesy of Cassie Dibble Brothers Jacob and Christian Brothers Jacob and Christian

In welcoming him into their family, the Dibbles knew Christian would get access to the care he needed through the Army, where John is a Reserve officer.

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Still, their adoption expenses were nearly $55,000, and the parents sought grants from organizations and got help from their church, which organized a silent auction fundraiser.

Again, they felt they saw God's help in the process, as when a bill for about $10,000 arrived that they didn't have the means to pay.

"Then a check comes in the mail and it was for [almost] that exact amount," Cassie says.

After a nearly two-year wait, which included mountains of paperwork and multiple Zoom conversations with Christian, the Dibbles traveled to Colombia in October 2023 to take their son home.



Courtesy of Cassie Dibble Christian Dibble Christian Dibble

As soon as they met in person for the first time, Christian couldn't contain his joy, his parents say.

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The little boy was shaking with joy in his wheelchair and grinning with his whole face as the Dibbles embraced him, which was a moment Cassie says they'll all "never forget."

My Extraordinary Family is PEOPLE's series that explores fascinating families in all their forms. If you have a sweet story the world needs to know, send the details to love@people.com.

Overjoyed to be together, the parents were quickly reminded of the tough road ahead: Christian, not used to activity and movement, fell and broke his leg even before they'd left Colombia.

Once they got back to the United States, they consulted with the world-class specialist who'd taken care of Jacob about the treatments Christian would need.

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Dr. Laura Tosi, director of the Bone Health Program at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., says she recognized the severity right away. His bones, she says, had malformed into sharp "saber" shapes  and one of his shin bones was actually poking through the skin.



Courtesy of Cassie Dibble Christian Dibble Christian Dibble

The first of Christian's surgeries, to break and realign his left femur and insert a rod to support it, lasted about 14 hours, the Dibbles said. In the space of a few months, he had similar operations on both femurs and shin bones. Because he had arrived in the U.S. in such difficult shape, Tosi didn't think Christian would ever walk, but she hoped he'd be able to become largely independent in his wheelchair.

But with hard work and lots of encouragement from his parents, Christian took his first steps in June with the help of a walker and leg braces.

Seeing him walk into her clinic was "magnificent," Tosi says  and "so exciting."



Courtesy of Cassie Dibble Christian and Jacob Christian and Jacob

With procedures still to be done on Christian's arms, he's defying expectations in other ways. His progress in learning English is "incredible," Cassie said, and he's learning to read and do basic math. He and Jacob also bonded quickly, as did Jack, the Dibbles' 13-year-old son, with whom Christian shares a room.

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Cassie Dibble marvels at the transformation in this boy who once spent most of his time alone in a bed.

"Now he's swimming around in our pool," she says, "And he's like, 'Mom,'  because we watched the Paralympics last summer  he's like, 'I'm gonna swim for America.' "



Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

Arkansas teen Hannah Osborn disappeared in Bradford on Aug. 9 shortly before her 18th birthday

Her parents have since shared several pleas for information on Facebook and with local news outlets

Its an unbearable pain that I would not wish for anyone, said Hannah's mom, Crystal

Just before her 18th birthday, an Arkansas teen went missing. Her parents just want to know if shes alive.

Hannah Osborn was last seen in Bradford on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 9, according to NBC affiliate KARK and ABC affiliate KATV. Her parents, Crystal and Wesley Osborn, have not heard from her since, and have shared several pleas for information.

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Hannah is 59 with blonde hair, and she was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, jeans and carrying a black and orange backpack, per KATV.

"We want to be able to see her, Crystal told KARK. I mean, shes just a few days from 18. We understand that, but we just want to see her and know that shes safe.

Its an unbearable pain that I would not wish for anyone, the worried mom added. Its been a terrible deal.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Crystal also told KARK that despite her daughter almost being an adult, vanishing without a word is very unlike her. This is way out of her character, she said of the 17-year-old. This is not Hannah.

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Describing Hannah to KATV, Wesley said his daughter is a beautiful and caring person. Shes got a big heart, just beautiful on the inside and out, he added.

She's a great person, he told the outlet. We just want our daughter back. We would like to have her back home. But more importantly, I just need to know she's alive and okay.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/Facebook Missing Arkansas teen Hannah Osborn Missing Arkansas teen Hannah Osborn

Echoed Crystal: I'm not going to try to force her to come home. I just need to know she's okay. I just need to know she's alive. She's not being held against her will, and that we love her.

Wesley has also shared several pleas for Hannahs safe return on Facebook since her Aug. 9 disappearance, requesting any information be directed to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. He has also shared photos of the vehicles he told KATV were spotted on my road about the time that she left.

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On Aug. 10, he wrote: Hannah I love you, and i miss you, and i really need you to just come back home.

The following day, Wesley shared a longer update on Facebook, this time stating that he had been out another night, fighting to find your beautiful light, and sharing the following plea: I dont care what youre doing, or where you have been, i just need some assurance that this isnt the end.

He also shared a cryptic message about how he is not perfect and stating that Hannah is upset and probably mad. In an Aug. 14 post, he echoed: If you are out there and upset with us or whatever the case may be just know that youre not in trouble.

Its been the hardest 5 days of our lives not knowing where you are or what may have happened to you, Wesley wrote in part. We have turned this country upside down searching for you, following every single lead without hesitation hoping we would see your beautiful face at the end of each one!

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 concerned dads most recent post was shared Aug. 16. Its been a whole week since ive seen your beautiful face! he wrote alongside a father-daughter selfie. Im coming and im bringing Hell with me! I know, they know, and everyone will know soon enough! Bring my baby girl home or give her a phone so she can call me!



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According to the Gujarat CMO's statement, on this occasion, Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma, Mayor of Ahmedabad Pratibha Jain, MLAs, leaders of the co-operative sector, and other distinguished dignitaries joined the Chief Minister.

Following the inauguration of the Sola branch of The Kukarwada Nagarik Sahakari Bank, CM visited the various facilities and service counters of the bank and received insights about it.

CM Patel lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the growth of the cooperative banking sector in the state.

Sharing an X post, he wrote, "The fourth branch of 'The Kukarwada Nagrik Sahakari Bank' was inaugurated in the Sola area of Ahmedabad. Under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Bhai Modi and Honourable Union Home-Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Bhai Shah, the cooperative sector is witnessing unprecedented development in Gujarat as well as across the entire country."

He added that cooperative banks contribute to the nation's economy with "renewed energy".

"As cooperative banking activities contribute to the nation's economy with renewed energy, I extend my best wishes that The Kukarwada Nagrik Sahakari Bank, with excellent financial management and a spirit of public welfare, scales the heights of success," the X post read.

Earlier today, the Chief Minister participated in the Adhyatmik Varshayog 2025 in Ahmedabad, an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

The Chief Minister graced the felicitation ceremony of Adhyatmik Varshayog and the Prakrit language held at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad and received blessings of Acharya Sunil Sagar and Digambar Munis observing Chaturmas.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister released a scripture in Prakrit and honoured Acharya Sunil Sagar, a scholar of Prakrit, by conferring upon him the distinguished title of Prakrit Prabhakar. (ANI)
The Brief

Pass-a-Grille is facing redevelopment proposals nearly a year after Hurricane Helene.

The apartments, known locally as the Barracks by the Sea, have a few buildingsstill boarded up from the storm.

Just steps from another local icon, the Seahorse Restaurant, a fixture since 1930, now being rebuilt, an open lot could soon host a very different kind of development.

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. - Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene tore through the Gulf Coast, some of Pass-a-Grilles prime real estate is seeing major redevelopment and more proposals are in the works.

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The apartments, known locally as the Barracks by the Sea, have a few buildingsstill boarded up from the storm.

The property holds a unique place in the beach towns history. Originally used as Army barracks during World War II, the units were part of St. Petersburgs role in hosting soldiers stationed in the area.

Now, the owners are seeking city approval to replace the storm-damaged structures with a modern, eight-unit apartment complex.

Community push to preserve beach charm

All around Pass-a-Grille, signs of rebuilding are visible. But for residents and business owners, the question is whether new developments will honor the towns old-Florida charm.

"Pass-a-Grille is a unique area. Its just a beautiful area. Its paradise," said Rick Falkenstein, owner of Hurricane Seafood Restaurant has told FOX13 during the post-storm recovery. Still, he acknowledges change is on the horizon. "Its going to changeits really going to changeand its sad."

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Several residents FOX13 spoke to said they support some of the proposed changes like Barracks by the Sea, and said its better than the property being turned into 'McMansions.'

New hotel proposal

Just steps from another local icon, the Seahorse Restaurant, a fixture since 1930, now being rebuilt, an open lot could soon host a very different kind of development.

Plans have been submitted for a four-story, 17-room boutique hotel with a rooftop pool. The hotel called the Helios, has a sleek, modern design, but with just 17 rooms, it has a smaller footprint.

Because the project sits within the citys Eighth Avenue District, it does not require a design review, meaning the architecture does not have to reflect the character of the surrounding area.

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READ: St. Pete task force readies path to future aviation through electric air taxis

The City of St. Pete Beach's senior planner told FOX13 that while design requirements for the district are in the works, they have not yet been adopted.

Timeline

Both projects are currently under review. The city says site plan approvals generally take 60 to 90 days. The Barracks by the Sea redevelopment also seeks exceptions to certain building requirements and will require board approval.

Importantly, neither the apartment project nor the proposed hotel will require approval from the St. Pete Beach City Commission.

CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube

The Source

Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis.
You know you shouldnt pee in the pool, but you probably do it anyway. But at what cost? Do you even know?

There are no hard-and-fast numbers on how often people pee in the pool, but at least one survey got 40% of American adults to admit to peeing in the pool. It doesnt seem like theyre exaggerating: Older research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters analyzed water samples from 31 pools and hot tubs and discovered that a 220,000-gallon pool contained about 20 gallons of pee.

Related: These Popular Toys Are Sparking Satanic Panic  And The Reason Might Surprise You

With that, the odds of you swimming in pee this summer are high. While peeing in the pool is gross, is it really all that bad? What can happen if you or someone around you does this just once? In the name of science, we tapped a toxicologist, infectious disease physician and microbiologist to break it all down.

Related: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Aug. 9-15)

What happens when you pee in a pool?

A few things. The big issue is the interaction of urine with the chemicals in the pool. When human urine combines with chemicals that are present in chlorinated swimming pools, potentially harmful compounds called disinfection byproducts, or DBPs, can form, said Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health.

The more organic matter in the pool, the more chloramines are produced (that includes pee, along with sweat and poop particles). Stefan Cristian Cioata via Getty Images

Urine naturally contains nitrogen-containing compounds like urea, ammonia and creatinine, Johnson-Arbor explained. These nitrogen-rich compounds can react with chlorine or other disinfectants found in swimming pools to form DBPs that can cause harmful health effects.

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Chlorine specifically forms something called chloramines when it binds to human waste products (like pee) in the pool, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These chloramines can build up in the water and off-gas into the air.

This isnt just a urine thing. Chlorine interacts with many kinds of organic matter, said Thomas Melendy, associate professor of microbiology and immunology, and biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in New York. The reason its put in pools is to act as an antibacterial and antiviral. It helps to keep the pool clean and noninfectious.

How big of a deal is it?

It depends on how you look at it. From an infectious disease point of view, peeing in a well-chlorinated pool doesnt really present a problem. Thats not to be confused with pooping in the pool, which does, said Dr. Thomas Russo, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo. While urine isnt sterile, most people dont carry major pathogens in their pee that chlorine cant handle, Russo said.

But chloramines can be an issue, according to Melendy. Any time chlorine interacts with organic matter, it makes chloramines, he said. The more chloramines that are produced, the higher the risk of skin, eye and lung irritation. (This can be a bigger problem in people with underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, he said.)

Related: 'Will You Fit?' The Reality Of Being A Plus-Size Disney Influencer On A Dickish Internet.

If ventilation in an area isnt great, chloramines that off-gas from the water will settle on the waters surface, where they can cause symptoms, according to the CDC. One of those chloramines is trichloramine, a volatile chemical that evaporates easily into the air and causes that signature chlorine smell in swimming pools, Johnson-Arbor said.

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The more organic matter in the pool, the more chloramines are produced, Melendy said. (That includes pee, along with sweat and poop particles.) This also inactivates the chlorine, he points out. The more organic matter you introduce to the pool, the less effective chlorine is at being an antibacterial because it gets used up, Melendy said.

What if you pee in a saltwater pool?

The impact is likely the same, Johnson-Arbor said. Saltwater pools use electrochemically generated chlorine instead of liquid chlorine for disinfection, Johnson-Arbor said. (Electrochemically generated chlorine happens after an electric current is passed through a concentrated salt solution.)

Since this process still generates chlorine, any nitrogen-containing matter that is present in a saltwater pool can still combine with the chlorine to generate DBPs, Johnson-Arbor said.

What if only one person pees in the pool?

If you really have to go and theres no bathroom nearby, its fair to wonder how much of an issue it will be if just one person pees in the pool. Its a matter of concentration, Melendy said. Theres so much chlorine and water in the pool. If just one person pees in a very large pool, its unlikely to create a significant irritant. (However, he points out that sensitivity varies from person to person.)

Related: Trump's 'De Minimis' Move Will Make Buying These Everyday Household Items More Expensive

If its one person in a really small pool, it might have a significant impact, Melendy said. Conversely, if its a big pool and a lot of people are doing it, its going to produce lots of chloramine gases. This is a nuanced thing.

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Johnson-Arbor also pointed out that this isnt just a urine issue. Sweat and poop particles inevitably slip off your skin and into the water, too. In addition, if individuals do not shower before entering pools, their loose hairs and skin cells can transfer from their bodies into the pool, further contributing to development of DBPs, Johnson-Arbor said.

Ultimately, doctors recommend taking a pass on peeing in the pool. Public health perspective aside, its just bad behavior, Russo said.

Related...

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Former Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday he fully supports President Trumps approach to combating crime in Washington, D.C., through his recent crackdown on the nations capital.

I welcome his decision to deploy the National Guard and essentially federalize the D.C. Police Department. I know that its all now working in a very cooperative way, Pence said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union.

I think its important what the president is doing. I fully support it. And I think the American people welcome the president taking decisive action to ensure the streets of our nations capital are safe and also continues to provide resources across the country to make all of our cities and towns and communities safe, Pence added.

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The National Guard started ramping up its presence in Washington on Thursday, deploying troops to the National Mall and metro stations after the president announced the move earlier in the week in what he portrayed as a crackdown on crime in the nations capital.

The White House said more than 1,600 personnel were involved in operations across the city on Wednesday, making 45 arrests, mostly targeting immigrants who lacked permanent legal status.

While the guard had a relatively small footprint in the city earlier this week, by Thursday, all of the roughly 800 Army and Air National Guard troops Trump ordered to the streets had mobilized for duty, the Pentagon confirmed.

On Saturday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to Washington, just hours after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) announced between 300 and 400 National Guard troops would be traveling to the nations capital.

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Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday that President Donald Trump needs to bring the "hammer" down on Russian President Vladimir Putin with additional secondary sanctions.

After meeting with Putin at a high-stakes summit in Alaska, Trump shifted from advocating for an immediate ceasefire deal to a broader "peace agreement" between Ukraine and Russia.

In an appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, Pence described Trumps style in dealing with dictators as the "velvet glove" approach but said he thinks "the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Trump in the Oval Office on Monday, joined by United Kingdom and European leaders. Pence said Trump, at the same time, needs to "pick up the phone and ask" Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., "to immediately pass the secondary sanctions bill that is supported virtually by everybody in the United States Senate."

Putin Appears To Be Visibly Annoyed As Reporters Barrage Him And Trump With Questions

Former Vice President Mike Pence attends the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

"The combination of engagement, but also making it clear to Putin that we are prepared to take actions that would literally break his economy even while we redouble our commitment to the security of Ukraine," Pence said.

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"The last thing we want to see is for Putin to use this latest delay as a reason to continue this war all the way until the winter hits and the fighting season essentially passes in that part of the world," he added later on. "We cant allow Vladimir to run out the clock on the war in this year and this season. We literally have to do both things, and that is: the sanctions ought to be on the presidents desk, available for his signature while negotiations begin. Thats the most important way that we will ensure that theres real progress toward the peace agreement."

Pence, who served as Trump's vice president during his first term, reiterated how Putin attacked Georgia under President George W. Bush, attacked Crimea under President Barack Obama, and invaded Ukraine after "that disastrous withdrawal" from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden.

"Putin's made it no secret to the fact that he wants to reassert the old Soviet sphere of influence, what we used to call the evil empire in Eastern Europe," Pence told CNN's Jake Tapper. "I think Putin only understands strength, so while the president and his diplomatic team engage in this re-approach with Putin, and there seems to be interest, in my judgment, Putin is not going to stop until he's stopped."

Pence said Trump "should be commended for pursuing peace in Ukraine," noting that the president has already secured peace agreements in Africa, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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"I think he deserves credit as leader of the free world for not giving up on Ukraine," Pence said, claiming "there are many voices in and around the administration that would have cut Ukraine loose months ago."

President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin arrive for a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

Democrats Doubt Trump Will Secure Ukraine Cease-fire In Alaska Summit With Putin

Pence said he wanted to commend the president for "trying to make progress," but said he would have liked to have seen a ceasefire deal. Still, he said that "no deal is better than a bad deal."

Based on U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoffs description of the talks, Pence said it appeared there "was at least an ascent in Putin and Trumps meeting to the United States providing security guarantees, and clearly, the president didnt forfeit anything having to do with Americas national security or with the security of our allies in Eastern Europe in the midst of this war."

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Witkoff told CNN that the Trump administration is "intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently  very, very quickly, quicker than a ceasefire." He also said that Trump could not agree to "any sort of land swap" on behalf of the Ukrainians. At the summit, Putin pushed for the Ukrainians to withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for Russian forces freezing the fronts in other areas.

"At the end of the day, its important to remember the bad guy here is Putin. Putin launched an unprovoked brutal invasion more than three years ago," Pence said. "Now more than ever, America and our allies need to stand strongly with Ukraine and create the conditions for a just and lasting peace."

President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Minutes before Pence spoke to CNN on Sunday morning, Trump posted to TRUTH Social, teasing: "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!"

Trump also criticized the media's reporting about his meeting with Putin.

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"Its incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me," Trump wrote on social media earlier Sunday. "There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Bidens stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!"

"If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal," Trump added. "Thats why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA."





Original article source: Pence says Trump needs to bring the 'hammer' down on Putin with immediate new sanctions
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Penguin City Brewing put on its first Pickle Fest on Saturday since putting a spin on the yearly event.

People packed into the brewery like pickles in a jar for the annual salty celebration.

We did about 45 gallons of pickles and 10 different flavors, and we did whole, we did chips. I have a bread and butter watermelon chunks, and I have dilly beans, said Rhonda Baldwin-Amorganos, co-owner of local vendor Delirium Pickling.

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Formerly known as Pickle Palooza, the brewery has spearheaded the event for the past few years.

With live music being the focus in years past, this years fest focused more on making sure visitors got to enjoy as many pickle-flavored possibilities as possible with vendors treats.

It just kind of just transitioned right into this. I just love pickles, I love Youngstown, I love Penguin City beer. So it just all kind of came together, said Patti Sandlin, Youngstown Pickle Fest coordinator.

Sandlin said that planning has gone on for months, and the schedule for Saturday consisted of Battle for the Pickle Pizza, Pickle Bobbing Contest and more fun for pickle lovers in attendance.

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Everybody seems really excited. Theres a lot of pickle lovers out there, and our vendors that are here participating, a lot of them dont have a pickle item, but they were excited to try something different and put a pickle spin on, you know, what they make, Sandlin said.

Delirium Pickling relished in its success, with people lined up across the bar to try their new pickles.

We started pickling on Friday. So, we are just like a week away. We found out about it, and we were like, Ive been wanting to debut the pickles from my pickling company for like over a year. So, this was a perfect opportunity to get your first real event, Baldwin-Amorganos said.

Having to prep for the event in crunch time wasnt a dill-breaker.

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I am absolutely shocked, but Im just like, this is crazy. So, this tells me that we have to keep doing the pickles for sure, Baldwin-Amorganos said.

Local restaurants Risi and Pizza Joes competed in the Battle for the Pickle Pizza. Items available at the various vendors ranged from pickle snacks, pickle candy and traditional pickles. There was also pickle-themed merchandise for those who like to wear their pickle-loving proudly.

There were even pickle-flavored drinks available at the bar.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CROYDON, Pa. (WHTM)  A longtime Pennsylvania firefighter died Friday, a week after he was injured at a fire scene.

The Third District Volunteer Fire Company in Bristol Township, Bucks County, said longtime firefighter and past chief Ed Margavich died Friday.

He was injured battling a house fire in Croydon on August 8.

Ed joined our organization in 1960, his company said in a Facebook post. He was known for his kindness, wisdom, and the infectious laughter that brightened our meetings. His spirit will be missed by all.

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The Newportville Fire Co. echoed similar sentiments.

Chief Margavich dedicated his life to the fire service, joining in 1960 and serving with unwavering commitment, kindness, wisdom, and the infectious laughter that brightened every room he entered, the company said. His legacy of service and brotherhood will never be forgotten.

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The fire remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, which is one of the largest immigrant detention facilities in the western U.S. (Photo by Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

This article is republished with permission from Capital & Main.

After Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a Cuban man to a detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, from Miami, he gave up fighting his case.

The Cuban man and others still in immigration custody asked not to be identified because of retaliation concerns.

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The man said he had a lawyer in Miami, but a judge hearing his case at Northwest ICE Processing Center told him that the lawyer would have to come to Tacoma. The man and his partner didnt have the money to pay for the attorneys travel, so he asked to be deported.

Months later, he is still in ICE custody with no end in sight.

I cant stand this anymore, the Cuban man said in Spanish. Its a lot of suffering.

He is among many who are in custody and have waited months to be deported after agreeing, often under pressure from ICE, to deportation. Capital & Main spoke with people from many countries, including India, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mexico, in addition to Cuba, who said they had waited months in detention centers for deportation.

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ICE did not respond to a request for comment from Capital & Main.

The man and other Cubans at Northwest ICE Processing Center, a facility owned and operated by private prison company GEO Group, told Capital & Main that ICE said they would be detained indefinitely because they cant be deported. They said both Cuba and Mexico have refused to take them.

I dont know what they will do with us, the Cuban man said. If they cant send me to any country, and my country wont accept me, they have to set me free.

According to immigration attorney Ginger Jacobs, deportations often take months.

When ICE deports people by plane, the agency either charters a flight to send a group of deportees to a specific country or region, or it sends the person with guards on a commercial flight.

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ICE chartered 207 planes to deport people in July, according to a report from Witness at the Border, which monitors both domestic and international ICE flights. About 60% of those flights went to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Cuba received one flight.

Deportation requires cooperation and negotiation between the U.S. and the receiving country. The receiving country has to confirm the citizenship of the person in question and provide travel documents. Some countries refuse to take back deportees.

In a 2001 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that detaining someone indefinitely in immigration custody is unconstitutional. As a result, people who are waiting for deportation can request to be released from custody six months after judges ordered them deported.

Some detainees at Northwest ICE Processing Center said theyre worried that, based on conversations they had with ICE officers, the agency is transferring people between facilities and restarting the six-month countdown. But since none of those detainees have yet reached the six-month mark, they were unable to verify what ICE officers had told them.

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Jacobs, the immigration attorney, said it doesnt matter which detention center someone is in. The six-month countdown begins when someone in custody receives a deportation order if there is no pending appeal.

But to the detainees interviewed by Capital & Main, the wait feels indefinite.

When you know that you did something wrong and youre in jail, thats something different, but doing time without a release date, thats like a torture, and thats what were doing here, said a man from India who has been in custody for over two years.

He said his case was on appeal at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but he gave up so that he could leave to get treatment for a tumor behind his ear and because he felt he had already spent too much time away from his young children. His family plans to join him in India after his deportation.

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The man said he asked a supervisor about the delay and learned that the officer who was supposed to be working on his deportation documents had been on vacation for weeks. He told Capital & Main that he was still waiting to have his picture taken and start the process for his travel documents. He said ICE told him it would take another six or seven months to deport him.

Theres a lot of people who want to leave, but I think they want to set an example like this is how were going to torture you guys, he said.

A man from Ecuador detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego asked a judge to deport him about a month ago. Hes still in custody.

They just say have patience, have patience, he said in Spanish.

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He said the treatment at the facility makes him feel depressed and made him decide to leave. He said the facility is overcrowded and that guards yell often at the people in custody.

Ryan Gustin, spokesperson for CoreCivic, the private prison company that owns and operates Otay Mesa Detention Center, said that detainees have access to a grievance process to express concerns about guards behavior. Gustin said ICE monitors the facility to ensure compliance with the agencys detention standards.

When asked about overcrowding concerns, Gustin said everyone detained there is offered a bed.

Some of the men waiting to be deported believed that ICE had bungled their deportations.

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One said hed been waiting about two and a half months for ICE to deport him to his home country of Mexico. Usually, deportations to Mexico happen quickly.

They dont come often, and they dont give answers, just whatever excuse, the man from Mexico said in Spanish about ICE officers. Last time they told me I was lost in the system.

Kulimba Nyembo, who gave Capital & Main permission to use his full name, said hed already been waiting at the Tacoma facility for about six months for deportation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo when he spoke to Capital & Main in June.

He said he had a deportation order from mid-December, and he had provided his travel documents to the deportation officer.

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Every single document that needs to be brought in has already been brought in, he said. Either its a money game situation where theyre farming me for more money on my head every month, or they know I have all my documents in order and I become less of a priority because its like well get to you when we get to you. Now Im spending every day here for absolutely nothing.

Nyembo said hed grown up in the U.S., and an assault charge landed him in prison. When he finished serving his sentence in early 2024, he rebuilt his life, he said, and didnt get into any more trouble. But ICE arrested him in December, and Nyembo decided not to fight the case.

He said officers tried to deport him in May, but the guards who were supposed to escort him didnt have the right visas.

Everything that has prolonged my stay here has nothing to do with me, Nyembo said. It has to do with someone not being efficient enough or proficient enough in their work.

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At the time of publication, Nyembo no longer showed up in an ICE database that tracks people in the agencys custody.

Meanwhile, the Cuban mans partner, who is a U.S. citizen, said she hasnt seen him since last year, when ICE arrested him while he was waiting for her to do laundry.

She said she is struggling to pay rent, send money for him to call her and take care of their son by herself. She sold many of their belongings to try to pay for his attorney. She said she takes as much overtime work as she can get to try to make ends meet.

The partner and mother said she is exhausted.

Sometimes I only have $1 in my account, she said in Spanish. I sit in my bed and cry.

She said both she and her partner are afraid to go to Cuba because of the political and economic situation there, but that if he gets deported, she will go wherever the U.S. sends him. The most important thing, she said, is for them to be able to be together as a family.

Why dont they let him out already? she said.

Copyright 2025 Capital & Main.
Add this to the list of embarrassingly bad national security errors the Trump administration has made  secret documents with details of Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin were reportedly found in a public hotel printer.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

If you haven't heard, Trump and Putin met last Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump described the meeting as "extremely productive," but no ceasefire was confirmed.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Related: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining

According to NPR, eight US State Department pages with "previously undisclosed and potentially sensitive details" appeared to be "accidentally" left behind in the business center of a hotel located 20 minutes from where the official Trump-Putin meeting took place.

Andrew Caballero-reynolds / Getty Images

The documents, found by hotel guests, reportedly included information about "precise locations," "meeting times of the summit," and "phone numbers of US employees."

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

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When questioned about the incident, White House Press Deputy Secretary Anna Kelly told reporters that the documents found were a "multi-page lunch menu." "It's hilarious that NPR is publishing a multi-page lunch menu and calling it a 'security breach,'" Kelly said in a quote to News Nation.

WTAJ News / Via youtu.be

Related: A Video Of Obama Exposing MAGAs Double Standards Is Going Viral, And Its A Startling Reminder Of Just How Much Things Have Changed

While some of the pages reportedly described details of a luncheon, others included a seating chart for the summit, room names where meetings would take place, and details about an "American Bald Eagle Statue" that Trump was set to gift Putin.

Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

This, of course, isn't the Trump administration's first national security incident, as we all remember "signal-gate." People have a lot of opinions, so let's take a look at what they're saying:

Related: People Are Roasting "MAGA Makeup" On TikTok, And It Might Be The Shadiest Thing I've Seen All Year

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Related: "The Daily Show" Destroyed Trump's Latest Biden Attack By Showing Literally Just 1 Clip That Proved He Was So, So Wrong

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

Also in In the News: 14 Happy News Stories From This Week That Won't Cure Your Depression, But Might Lighten The Mental Load

Also in In the News: Gavin Newsom Is Going Viral For Shutting Down JD Vance With One Single Map

Also in In the News: Donald Trump Just Shared A Very Ominous Post, And People Are Calling It "One Of The Worst Statements Ever Made By A Sitting US President"

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
A person was hospitalized after he was rescued from Ludlow Falls in Miami County Saturday evening.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Just after 6:30 p.m., several crews from the Ludlow Falls Fire Department and several other Miami County fire departments were dispatched to a water rescue at Ludlow Falls.

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Once on scene, crews were able to locate a person who had jumped into the falls, according to a post from the department.

News Center 7 previously reported that the person had jumped into the water but had to be pulled out because they could not walk, according to Miami County deputies.

Crews worked together to get to the person and get them ready to be hoisted out of the water by a ladder truck and onto solid ground.

The person was then taken to an area hospital by responding medics.

The fire department is now warning people of the dangers of swimming in the falls.

We want to remind everyone swimming at the falls can look fun and be a nice way to cool off but there are dangers that lie within that water, the post read.

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According to the post, Ludlow Fire crews have responded multiple times to the falls to either rescue or make an unfortunate recovery.

Please be responsible and safe when swimming, and we highly suggest to stay out of the falls here in Ludlow due to the dangers of the falls, the post read.

It is also illegal to swim at Ludlow Falls, and signs are posted that say no swimming.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A person was killed in a hit-and-run crash late Saturday night after a driver ran through a red light and hit them as they were crossing the street, Kansas City police said.

According to KCPD, just after 10 p.m., officers were called to the area of Independence Avenue and Monroe Avenue on reports of a hit-and-run crash.

Initial investigations reveal that a silver Toyota Camry had been speeding westbound on Independence Avenue at the same time a person was crossing the street from Monroe Avenue.

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16-year-old boy killed, girl injured in overnight shooting in Kansas City

The person was crossing the street on a marked crosswalk, while drivers had a red light. However, the Toyota failed to stop and hit the pedestrian, throwing them to the ground.

The driver then ran over the person and fled the scene without stopping.

KCPD said the victim was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced dead by hospital staff.

Investigations are ongoing, and according to KCPD, this is the 47th fatality 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday accused the Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to scam the people of Bihar by carrying out a "conspiracy" to cut the names of people from the voter list. "Narendra Modi is dead set on destroying the lives of the youth of Bihar. Modi makes the illiterate clap for him and does politics. But our politics is about providing jobs to everyone. Today that is why we are here. Election Commission, Modi, Bihario ko choona lagana chahate hai (want to scam the people of Bihar). Do not think of Biharis as weak," Yadav said. Addressing the 'Vote Adhikar rally' in Sasaram here, organised by Congress' Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav said that there is a big conspiracy which the opposition parties are fighting against. He alleged that after names of voters are deleted from electoral rolls, people will find that names from pension lists and ration lists will also be cut. "Now if names are cut in voter list, then they will cut names from pension, ration lists, this is a big conspiracy, and we need fight it together and protect the right to vote/ I am here to tell you, that your fight will be fought by Rahul Gandhi, people of Mahagathbandhan, and Tejashwi. Now you tell whether you will support us or not, raise your hands and give us your blessings," Yadav added. "The people of BJP, are getting the Election Commission to do the work that they are unable to do themselves, which means they are snatching your rights from you," the Bihar LoP said. The RJD leader further recalled the words of socialist leader and freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia, who advocated for ensuring voting rights maintain power with the downtrodden. "Lalu and Lohia have always been saying that 'Rule of votes means the rule of small'. Our Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar has given us all this right, gave us a power of vote. Whether it is someone poor, or rich, powerful, everyone has the right to give one vote, which is given by the Constitution," he said. Congress is organizing a massive Vote Adhikar rally, starting from Bihar's Sasaram, against the Election Commission for carrying out the Special Intensive Revision in the poll bound state. The opposition, also called the mahagathbandahan in Bihar, has alleged that the SIR is an attempt to cut the legitimate votes of the people. (ANI)
NEED TO KNOW

A pet cat in Florida helped researchers discover a new virus strain

Pepper, a 7-year-old black shorthair, brought a rodent carcass home to his owner, virologist John Lednicky

Lednicky ultimately tested the rodent at his lab, where his team found it harbored a new strain of orthoreovirus, a virus common in mammals and birds

A cat in Florida helped scientists discover a new virus strain  and its not the first time hes done it!

Pepper the cat belongs to University of Florida (UF) College of Public Health and Health Professions virologist Dr. John Lednicky.

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Speaking to the New York Post, Lednicky said that Pepper, a 7-year-old black shorthair, often brings home rodents that he catches out in the wild, and Lednicky brings the rodents into the lab for research.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

On one recent occasion, Pepper brought home the carcass of an Everglades short-tailed shrew. Upon testing at his lab, Lednicky and his team discovered that the rodent was carrying a new strain of orthoreovirus, which is known to jump between species and is common in mammals and birds.

This is the second time in recent years that Pepper has helped contribute to a scientific discovery.

Courtesy John Lednicky Pepper the cat Pepper the cat

In 2024, a rodent Pepper brought home was found to harbor a brand new type of jeilongvirus, a type of virus that had previously never been found in North America, per Newsweek. Jeilongvirus belongs to the same family of viruses that cause measles and mumps, and the newly discovered strain could have the capacity to jump to humans.

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As per Peppers most recent find, Lednicky said that researchers and health officials need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses, and know how to rapidly detect them, per UF Health.

Courtesy John Lednicky Pepper the cat Pepper the cat

While the specific new strain of orthoreovirus found is not cause for any immediate concern among humans, UF Ph.D. candidate Emily DeRuyter noted that some forms have been implicated in respiratory, central nervous system and gastrointestinal diseases, per the university.

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How is Pepper faring amid the discoveries?

He seems to be doing just fine. The university stated that he has shown no signs of illness from his outdoor adventures and will likely continue to contribute to scientific discovery through specimen collection.

This was an opportunistic study, Lednicky added, per UF. If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Lednicky tests rodents from Pepper as part of his ongoing work to understand the transmission of the mule deerpox virus, a highly contagious virus that typically affects deer.



Read the original article on People
A nature photographer has recounted a surprising discovery he made while checking one of his trail cameras.

While the brown bear is listed as "least concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the species was once considered to be extinct in Lithuania.

However, the large animal has made a handful of appearances in the last several years, hinting at its return to the local ecosystem. A highly publicized sighting occurred in the Salcininkai district in Lithuania in April. Marek Kislovskij, a wildlife enthusiast and photographer, captured a brown bear strolling through a nearby forest using a perfectly located trail camera, according to LRT.lt.

Kislovskij told the publication, "When I came to check the camera, I couldn't believe what I saw at first."

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According to Kislovskij, he was not aware of any brown bear encounters in the Salcininkai district.

"I was really surprised to have captured such a shot and, of course, I was thrilled," he continued. "At the same time, it was a bit unsettling to realize that a bear had recently been walking around in that same area."

Trail cameras can serve as a perfect tool to monitor the well-being of nearby wildlife while remaining hands-off. As with the case of the brown bear sighting, trail cameras can also be extremely useful in the documentation of rarely seen species.

Although Lithuania has been described as a "non-bear country," bears once enjoyed strong populations throughout several European nations, but habitat loss and overhunting contributed to their decline. The sighting of a brown bear can be a sign of a thriving ecosystem.

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Brown bears can play a crucial role in regulating prey populations, dispersing seeds, and aerating the soil. Although they can be viewed as intimidating predators, they are very wary of humans and commonly avoid interactions.

This sighting came just days after a bear cub was spotted in northwest Lithuania. Laimonas Dauksa, director of the Lithuanian Hunters and Fishermen's Association, noted the importance of the sighting to Made in Vilnius.

"A special day for Lithuanian nature, because from now on, bears living in Lithuania, which were previously considered extinct, despite their regular visits to our nature, should also appear in the Red Book," Dauksa said, referring to the country's list of protected animals, plants, and mushrooms.

"As far as I know, according to the current procedure, only leading species can be included in it, so we have the first bear cub that has opened a new page in this book," he added.

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WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Sheep, wool and lambs have a long history within Wilson County.

In 1908, the Lebanon Woolen Mills were founded and eventually grew to be the largest employer in Lebanon. Several generations of many Wilson County families relied on the mill for their livelihoods. While the Lebanon Woolen Mills remained in operation producing blankets until 1998, it was eventually closed. Today, you can visit several shops and cafes in the Mill at Lebanon, which occupies the original site.

How downtown Lebanons Capitol Theatre preserves decades of history

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Below is an aerial photograph of the mill taken on September 1, 1947:

(Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives)

The Tennessee Blue Book for 1939 and 1940 said that on January 1, 1935, there were about 411,000 sheep and lambs in Tennessee. They also noted that sheep and lambs were in a place of ever-increasing importance on menus and at markets, with the states Central Basin and northwestern portions called the most important lamb producing areas in Tennessee.

Within the Tennessee Department of Conservations collection of photographs from 1937 through 1976, a series of photographs from April 21, 1941 were taken in Wilson County. The images below feature women and girls with lambs, sheep and wool.

The legacy of Castle Heights Military Academy

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According to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservations parks historian, the Department of Conservation was one of the few state departments with a full-time photographer. That photographer took pictures across the Volunteer State.

Though many of the names of the women and girls in the photos below, along with the location, have been lost to time, the historian suspected that it was possibly part of agricultural education or the departments educational outreach division. That particular division provided classes on conservation as it related to agriculture.

Even with the specifics of the photographs unknown, they tell a story about the importance of sheep and lambs to the community.

(Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives)

According to the Wilson County Agricultural Hall of Fame, William Carlos and Eddie Smith Clay were instrumental in helping to organize the inaugural event, with William Carlos serving as both Grand Marshall for the parade and program chair. In addition to helping organize the festival, Eddie Smith Clay wrote a book called Memories of Yesteryear, which chronicled the event as well as other parts of Wilson County history.

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At one time, Wilson County was known as the sheep capital of Tennessee, Eddie Smith Clay wrote. They had more sheep than any other county.

Wilson County farm introduces agritourism events to preserve and reimagine farm life

The Clays raised sheep on their farm. Their contributions were recognized when they were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

The book, which you can read if you take a trip to the Wilson County Archive, said that the festivals first chairperson was Richard Hawkins. The first-ever Lamb Festival Parade, chaired by Richard Hawkins, took place in Lebanon on June 6, 1941. According to Memories of Yesteryear, when the city sirens sounded at 10:30 A.M., it was the signal for the parade to start on West Main Street.

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Tennessees 39th governor, Prentice Cooper, attended the festival and proclaimed the week of June 1 through June 7 as Tennessee Spring Lamb Week.

(Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives) (Courtesy: Memories of Yesteryear by Eddie Clay Smith via Wilson County Archives)

Lebanon entrepreneurs and civic organizations came together to help sponsor the event. Home Demonstration Agent Claire Gilbert prepared an elaborate list of recipes for lamb, which was served at area hotels and restaurants that day. There were also souvenirs for attendees, including a button advertising the lamb sale and wool show that read Wilson County has more lambs than any county in Tennessee.

News 2 On Tour | Explore the communities that shape Middle Tennessee

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Seven bands marched in the mile long parade with mules, jacks, jennies, jersey cattle, dairy cattle, horses, fat cattle, hogs, lots of floats (commercial as well as church), Boy and Girl Scouts, and home demonstration clubs, Eddie Smith Clay wrote.

The parade route went through downtown Lebanons iconic roundabout, which looks different 80 years later. Toggle the slider below to see the difference:

Among the festivities was a royal court for the festival, and according to Memories of Yesteryear, Wylene Philpot was the Lamb Festival Queen. Cooper crowned Philpot in front of the courthouse on the public square. She was attended by Betty Hatfield and Lou Douglas Fisher, both from Mt. Juliet, as well as Watertowns Dorothy Oakley and Evelyn Young of Lebanon.

A special parade for younger children followed the larger parade; Helen Johnson was declared Queen of the parade for younger children. Younger girls were dressed as Bo Peeps, and wore dresses and hats with shepherd crooks.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The Bo Peeps of Lebanon High School were listed as Gwendolyn Ligon, Jean Dyer, Mary Elizabeth Scheuerman, Joe Dorris Evins, Bernadine Johnston, Jean Baxter, Ella Mae McDonald and Martha Robins. Clara Burton, Birginia Wills, Rebecca Foster and Mary Mae Jones were Bo Peeps from Mt. Juliet. Louise Blenakenship, Lynn Dinges, Betty Joe Richardson and Martha Evins represented Watertown.

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Beyond pageantry, show chair Earl Hancock handled a pet lamb show, a lamb show and a wool show in the public square. There were between 50 and 75 fleeces in all in the wool show competing for a $25 cash prize. Jim Johnson was charged with what Clay described as a mammoth lamb sale at the Wilson Fair Grounds.

The state archive included a photograph of lambs at a stockyard taken in Lebanon on June 6, 1941. Its unclear if this is the same stockyard as the primary sale:

(Courtesy: Tennessee State Library & Archives)

To conclude the festivities, there was a dance in the public square on Friday night and everyone was invited, Clay wrote. Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Band played the event.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Friendship Fire Company No. 1 of Englewood, which is marking its 100th anniversary, hosted the weeklong Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention.

Fire Chief Edward Beneshunas said 150 fire trucks were participating in the nearly 2-mile parade.

READ MORE: Parade concludes Firefighters Convention

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The North Schuylkill marching band performs during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Families watch the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The North Schuylkill marching band performs during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Firetrucks roll by during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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County Commissioner Larry Padora hands out candy during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade rolls through Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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A dog participates in the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Ryan Twp. Fire Co.s 1859 Studebaker Water Wagon pulled by two horses passes by during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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An 1895 Wirt & Knox hand cart from the Citizens Fire Co. Gordon is displayed during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade rolls through Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The Hawk Mountain Highlanders perform during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The North Schuylkill marching band performs during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The North Schuylkill marching band performs during the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Convention parade in Frackville, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Missing Pittsburgh teen found safe

UPDATE 8/20: Pittsburgh police said the teen has been found safe.

__________________

Pittsburgh police are asking for help in locating a missing local teen.

Detectives are looking for Tinyah Jones, 13, who was reported missing Friday afternoon after leaving her home in the 1800 block of Bentley Drive.

She was last seen around 9 p.m. Saturday at the Sto-Rox football field in McKees Rocks.

Tinyah is described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds and having brown eyes.

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Police say she was last seen wearing longer denim shorts and a black t-shirt with the words True Religion. Her hair was in two braids, with each braid separated into two smaller braids.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is told to call 412-323-7141 or 911.

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A planning application to demolish a flood-prone house in a village in Herefordshire, that met opposition from residents nearby, has been withdrawn.

Nick Jones had said in his planning application in March that Vinery Cottage in Mill Lane, Wellington, north of Hereford, was "uninsurable for flood risk whether for buildings or contents", meaning it could neither be lived in nor rented out.

Opposition came from Wellington Parish Council, which said the building was part of the village heritage, and several residents said it was a nesting site for swifts and a habitat for bats.

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Herefordshire Council confirmed the application had been withdrawn.

Applicants do not need to give a reason, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Mr Jones had said the cost of maintaining and repairing the former stables after successive floods in the village "exceeds any realistic rental value".

The parish council said the "prominent" building was "part of the village heritage", adding it would be "deeply concerned were the experience of flooding in itself to become justification for demolition of otherwise sound properties".

Floods hit more houses

Several residents raised concerns about wildlife and Clint Joseph said the building was an established swift-nesting site, adding: "Where swifts are nesting there will also be bats."

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The council's ecology officer had previously noted no ecology report had been submitted with the application.

Resident Kim Musson said smaller rental properties "are needed in Wellington village", while Lyn Langford said demolishing the cottage would "drastically change the street scene" in the conservation area.

She said: "Over 40 houses have flooded in recent flood events, and permission for this demolition could set a precedent."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Michigans state budget is supposed to be done by July 1 each year. This year, lawmakers have missed that deadline.

Above on the Aug. 16 and 17, 2025, episode of To The Point, state Reps. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, and Gina Johnsen, R-Lake Odessa, discuss what they believe is holding up the process.

The next fiscal year starts Oct. 1. There are 17 legislative days before then, though more could be scheduled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Police bosses have met with Hindu temple leaders with the aim of strengthening community relations and boosting recruitment.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Danielle Stone held the discussions alongside Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley.

It was part of a series of meetings with different communities and faiths that the PFCC and the police have held.

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Ms Stone said: "The roundtable was essential to building a new strong relationship with the community."

The office of the PFCC said the meeting last week focused on the issue of representation and diversity within policing.

Attendees had questions and suggestions on how Hindu people could be more attracted to the recruitment process and be encouraged to apply for positions in Northamptonshire Police.

'Attracting people from all backgrounds'

The Labour PFCC said: "Our workforce must be representative of our communities.

"I was pleased to hear directly from the community leaders how we can ensure we take the right approach in our recruitment.

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"Our emergency services must be inclusive and shaped by the voices of those they serve."

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet (centre) and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley (second left) attended the meeting [Office of the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner]

Northamptonshire Police said ethnic diversity representation in the force was just below 5%, which is the highest it has ever been, but added it wanted that to increase.

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet said: "We are committed to making Northamptonshire Police truly reflective of the communities we serve, and that means attracting, recruiting and retaining people from all backgrounds."

Raj Ladwa, a volunteer from BAPS Hindu Temple in Wellingborough, attended the roundtable and said: "It was a highly productive discussion with the commissioner and chief constable, focusing on stronger engagement between the police and the Hindu community and improving representation within the force."

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  New video obtained by WKBN 27 First News shows the moment a crowd of people ran from gunfire that injured three women in Youngstown over the weekend.

Police say shots were fired among a large crowd of people around 5:20 a.m. Sunday in the 2900 block of Market Street, near the intersection with Florida Avenue.

The ammunition was being fired for over 20 seconds, and people can be seen running away.

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Three women were shot. They were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.

Police requested help from outside agencies to control the crowd and keep officers safe. They left the scene around 7:45 a.m., and two cars were towed away.

Officers are still investigating. No one has been arrested at this time.

Detectives are trying to learn more about why so many people were in that area. Investigators say some witnesses have been cooperating.

If you have any information on this shooting, youre asked to call Crime Stoppers at 330-746-CLUE or 330-742-8YPD. Tips can be left anonymously. Tips leading to an arrest and/or prosecution are eligible for a monetary award.

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Andrew Peterson contributed to this report.

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The Political Beat: State Auditor gives update on CMPD Chief settlement investigation

North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek is investigating the $305,000 settlement between the City of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings.

Bolieks office is actively examining the circumstances surrounding the settlement and has assured residents of transparency throughout the process.

You have a North Carolina State Auditor whos on the job, and were paying attention, Boliek said. Were committed to holding government at all levels accountable in terms of how they spend your money and being transparent and informing you of exactly whats going on across state government.

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The investigation by the State Auditors office aims to shed light on the details of the settlement, which has raised questions among Charlotte residents.

Boliek has promised that a full report on the findings will be released in the coming weeks, providing clarity on the situation.

WATCH: Gov. McMaster has no timeline to implement limits on SNAP benefits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday alleged that "those who dance with the Constitution on their heads" had "trampled" the Constitution and "betraying" the sentiments of BR Ambedkar by retaining oppressive laws for decades before he came and started repealing them. Addressing a government event to inaugurate two national highway projects in Delhi, the Prime Minister said that previous governments had treated safai karamcharis like slaves. "I am telling you the truth of how those who dance with the Constitution on their heads trampled the Constitution and betrayed Babasaheb Ambedkar. You will be shocked," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister raised questions on the Opposition's claims of working for social justice and alleged that Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, had a provision of sending sanitation workers to jail for a month if they did not show up for work without prior information. "Today I am going to tell you that truth. In Delhi, there was a dangerous law in the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. There was a clause that if a safai mitra (sanitation worker) skipped work without informing beforehand, he or she could be jailed for a month. Think about it, what did they think of safai karmacharis? You will put them in jail for a small mistake? They now talk big about social justice. They made and kept such laws. It is Modi who is removing these laws and repealing them," the Prime Minister said. "It is Modi who is tirelessly finding and abolishing such unjust laws and this campaign continues relentlessly," he added. Lashing out at the previous Congress government in Haryana, PM Modi alleged that every job appointment was influenced from corruption in the state. "There was a time in Haryana, during the Congress governments, when it was difficult to get even a single appointment without spending money or using influence. But in Haryana, the BJP government has given lakhs of youth government jobs with complete transparency. Under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini ji, this process is continuing..." Additionally, PM Modi said that to make India stronger we must take inspiration from Lord Krishna and to make India self-reliant, we must follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi. The country celebrated the festival of Janmashtami yesterday. "To make India stronger, we must take inspiration from Chakradhari Mohan (Shri Krishna). To make India self-reliant, we must follow the path of Charkhadhari Mohan (Mahatma Gandhi). We need to make Vocal for Local mantra of our life, and it's not difficult for us to achieve this. We must make Vocal for Local our life's mantra. This task is not difficult for us; whenever we have made a resolution, we have always achieved it," PM Modi said. PM Modi inaugurated two major National Highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). The projects are worth a combined cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs. 5,360 crore. The section will also provide Multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, DMRC Blue line and Orange line, upcoming Bijwasan railway station and Dwarka cluster Bus Depot. Prime Minister inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crore. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the National Capital Region. (ANI)
"If we want politics to be representative of the population, we need a large part of the population, the youth, involved in it."

That is the view of Saffeen Yamulki, 20, who is of Kurdish heritage and grew up in Ipswich.

Now studying politics, philosophy and economics at the University of Essex, he is one of 17 young people taking part in a two-week summer school run by Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.

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He said: "I think this opportunity is brilliant [in getting] young people involved in the political realm, and not make it seem like it's a scary place with men in suits that control the world."

Alex Harrison and Saffeen Yamulki were interviewed at BBC Radio Suffolk and given an insight into how local media works [Jon Wright/BBC]

Alex Harrison, from Needham Market and another of the summer school cohort, is about to head off to Cambridge to study philosophy, although politics is already a part of life.

"I work with the I Will Movement, and Ipswich is one of their named towns of social action," said the 19-year-old.

"One of the things we talk about is the power of young people and the power of youth.

"So whilst so many of our ambassadors come into the area from a place of something quite negative, a lot of their social action is based on something they've been through and they're turning that into something positive and making change.

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"I think while we can see social media as a place of doom and gloom, and doom scrolling, we should focus on the amazing things that young people like us are doing to create change and make the world a better place."

The summer school team were taken by Jack Abbott (centre) to Westminster [Jack Abbott]

This is the summer school's first year. It is aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds interested in careers in politics, public service and campaigning.

Abbott said he was given his chance in politics through a summer school, and he wants to give the same chance to the next generation.

A recent report by the Electoral Commission found that while most young people felt politics did not affect their daily lives, about two-thirds thought it was important to learn more about it, and nearly three-quarters believed politics should be taught more in schools and colleges.

Joe Page and Hannah Laughlin say the summer school is a positive way to learn more about how politics works [Jon Wright/BBC]

Another summer school participant is 19 year-old Hannah Laughlin, from Ipswich.

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She is about to start her second year at Oxford, where she is studying politics, philosophy and economics.

"There's definitely more work we need to be doing to get young people involved," she said.

"A lot of the time young people really do care, and they really do have emotional reactions to what's going on  not just in the government but around them and seeing what's happening around the country and elsewhere.

"But they just don't know how to express how much they care."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated on Sunday that Kyiv will not surrender any territory to Moscow, pushing back against mounting international speculation about potential land-for-peace negotiations.

"The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land," Zelenskyy said during a press conference at the European Commission on Sunday.

European Leaders Will Join Trump-zelenskyy Meeting, Signaling Solidarity With Ukraine

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He added that Russia has repeatedly tried and failed to seize the entirety of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine for a period of 12 years. The Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, is an industrial hub, with coal mining and steel production central to Ukraines economy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands on June 24, 2025.

"Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral [talks with] Ukraine, United States, Russia," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader, who spoke alongside Eu Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said that so far the Kremlin has "given no sign that the trilateral will happen."

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Putin Demands Control Of Key Ukrainian Territory In Exchange For Peace: European Diplomat

"With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force. These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table," von der Leyen said.

Their remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, during which the Russian leader outlined conditions for ending the war, including demands for control over parts of eastern Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.

Following the meeting with the Russian leader, Trump signaled that Zelenskyy should take Putin's deal to end the war because "Russia is a very big power" and Ukraine is not. Still, SSecretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed claims that Trump would pressure Zelenskyy to give up large swaths of its sovereign land to Russia.

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"The president has said that in terms of territories, these are things that Zelenskyy is going to have to decide on," Rubio told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

"All the president is trying to do here is narrow down the open issues," Rubio said, adding that Trump is focused on ending the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.

"You can't have a peace deal between two warring factions unless both sides agree to give up something. And both sides agree that the other side gets something. Otherwise, if one side gets everything they want, that's not a peace deal. It's called surrender. And I don't think this is a war that's going to end anytime soon. On the basis of surrender," Rubio said.

Zelenskyy said he hopes the upcoming meeting with European allies and Trump "will be productive," contrasting it with the heated Oval Office exchange during his February visit.





Original article source: 'Our position is clear:' Zelenskyy and EU dismiss ceding Ukrainian land to Russia
When Dorothy Lehman was called home from a friends house on Dec. 7, 1941, the then-13-year-old Pottsville girl could not have imagined she was on the cusp of history.

My parents and grandparents were sitting around the radio and President Roosevelt was talking about a place called Pearl Harbor, she recalled during a talk on World War II on the Homefront at the Schuylkill County Historical Society.

Though she had no idea where Pearl Harbor was, what she heard would make an indelible imprint on her life  one that remains fresh 84 years later.

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Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the empire of Japan, FDR said in asking Congress to declare war.

The next day, Congress complied, the U.S. entered World War II and young Lehmans world changed.

Dorothy Dot Lehman Loy, now 96, was in eighth grade when the U.S. went to war, and a junior at Pottsville High when it ended with the Empire of Japans surrender on Aug. 14, 1945,

Her talk was given on its 80th anniversary.

Lisa Von Ahn, a contributor to the historical society newsletter, was moderator. The Saint Clair Community and Historical Society provided a slide show of World War II photos.

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Lisa Von Ahn speaks during a presentation on the local homefront during World War II at the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

Many of the 50 or so people in attendance were mesmerized by Dots detailed, matter-of-fact recollection, often presented with humor.

In 1941, for example, young women wore skirts, not slacks, and silk stockings were a requirement. But silk was needed for parachutes, so stockings were hard to come by.

Some girls found a way to use makeup to make it look like they were wearing stockings. The audience roared in laughter when Dot said the system worked until it rained and the makeup ended up on their shoes.

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She recalled seeing draftees marching up Centre Street, with throngs of people bidding them farewell.

Schuylkills coal mines and railroads were booming, supplying fuel to the war effort. Women, so-called Rosie-the-Riveters, went to work at a defense plant in Cressona.

Fred Lehman, Dots father, volunteered as an air raid warden, ensuring that the shades were drawn in homes during air raid warnings. If they werent, you got a knock on the door, she said.

Food, gasoline and kerosene were rationed. Even shoes were hard to get. Instead of new ones, you took the old ones to a shoemaker to be resoled.

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Dot cringed when recalling the Spam-on-lettuce sandwiches served in school. At home, butter was replaced by oleo margarine, a lard-like substance that came in a packet and had to be mixed with red dye.

Dot collected tin cans and newspapers and took them to school to be recycled for the war effort.

Nobody complained, she said. We were at war.

And, where did the money come from to pay for the war?

It came from the people, she said. You bought war bonds, and thats what kept our country going.

Dot Loy speaks during a presentation on the local homefront during World War II at the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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People saved their quarters until they got $18 to buy a bond, which could be redeemed for $25 several years later, she said.

Her schools a cappella choir opened an appearance of the Fred Waring & The Pennsylvanians orchestra at a war bond drive in the Capitol Theater in Pottsville.

News of the war came by radio, newspapers and newsreels shown before the main feature in movie theaters. The government censored letters, she recalled, blacking out portions that might give information to the enemy.

Dot had a pen pal, a girl of her own age in England. She knew London was being bombed, but it was never discussed in their missives.

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A man named Brobst, who managed the telegraph office, had the unpleasant task of notifying families that a loved one had been wounded, taken prisoner or killed in action.

It almost broke his heart, she said.

The reality of war struck home when students were called to assembly one day at Pottsville High.

Our principal, D.H.H. Lengel, was normally a happy man, she recalled. When we were all settled and quiet, he told us one of our boys was killed.

When the announcement came that the war ended, jubilant people poured into Pottsvilles streets. There were people, shoulder-to-shoulder, yelling, she said.

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World War II formally ended when Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo harbor on Sept. 2, 1945.

A former choir director and organist at Trinity UCC, Pottsville, Dot volunteered in the photo archive at the historical society. She retired in May.
Smoke billows on the horizon following an Israeli airstrike on Yemen

At least two explosions were heard in the Yemeni capital Sanaa near a power station, residents said early on Sunday.

The IDF struck an energy infrastructure site that was used by the Houthis in Yemen, the military confirmed on Sunday morning.

According to the IDF, the strikes were conducted in response to repeated attacks by Houthis against Israel and Israeli civilians, including launching surface-to-surface missiles and drones toward Israeli territory.

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Army Radio reported that the Israel Navy struck in Yemen and targeted the Haziz power station. The report compared the strike to an earlier one this year in the port of Hodeidah.

The Houthi-run Beirut-based Al Masirah TV reported earlier that a power plant south of the Yemeni capital Sanaa was hit by an "aggression," knocking some of its generators out of service. The Yemeni channel did not identify the source of the reported "aggression."

Senior Houthi leaders were at the power station at the time of the strike, according to a report by UK-based outlet The Telegraph.

Teams were working to put out a fire caused by the incident, Al Masirah added, citing a source in civil defense as saying.

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At least two explosions were heard earlier in Sanaa, residents said.

Videos of the explosion showed clouds of smoke and flames erupting from an unidentified structure.

Houthis have been striking Israel for months

Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in Yemen in response to the Houthis' attacks on Israel.

The Yemeni group has been firing missiles toward Israel, most of which have been intercepted, in what they describe as support to Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas War.

The US and the UK had also previously launched attacks against the Houthis in Yemen.

In May, the US announced a surprise deal with the Houthis where it agreed to stop a bombing campaign against them in return for an end to the group's shipping attacks, though the Houthis said the deal did not include sparing Israel.
At least 29 people were injured after a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesias central Sulawesi, sending residents scrambling from buildings in the early hours of Sunday.

The shallow quake, striking at a depth of 1 km (6.2 miles), shook Poso Regency and was felt across nearby areas, the country's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) said.

Two people were critically injured and were receiving treatment at a hospital.

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One church was reportedly damaged, and sections of another church that were under renovation gave way during the earthquake, trapping several people under the rubble.

A video from Poso shows worshippers gathered in a church singing hymns when the tremors struck. As the shaking intensified, the congregation abruptly stopped, with people screaming and rushing towards the exits in panic.

Another video captured by a surveillance camera showed intense shaking inside a grocery store.

Significant magnitude 6.1 #earthquake 14 km north of #Poso, #Indonesia



A shallow magnitude 6.1 earthquake was reported early morning near Poso, Kabupaten Poso, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, the quake hit pic.twitter.com/3gIMSlXBRH   World News  (@ferozwala) August 17, 2025

There were no immediate reports of deaths, BNBP added.

It comes a month after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's far eastern coast sent tsunami waves heading towards Japan, Hawaii and the US west coast. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded and triggered alerts in China, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand and even as far as Peru, Chile and Mexico.

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There were no tsunami warnings in the wake of Sundays earthquake.

Indonesia sits on the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire", a highly seismically active zone, where different plates on the Earth's crust meet and create large numbers of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

More than 600 people were killed in one of the most destructive earthquakes in Indonesia in 2022 after a shallow 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Cianjur town in West Java. More than 7,729 were injured and many remain missing to date, with more than 62,628 homes damaged across 16 districts in Cianjur Regency and the surrounding areas.
A lawmaker has introduced the Real-Time Ride Status Notification Act, which would require Ohio amusement parks to provide real-time updates on ride availability.

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State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) proposed the legislation, which would require major amusement parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point to post up-to-date ride statuses through digital signage and online via their official apps or websites.

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These updates would need to occur within five minutes of any ride becoming temporarily closed or returning to operation, our sister station, WPXI-11 reported.

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Families spend hundreds of dollars and travel across the state to visit these parks, Brennan said. They deserve accurate, real-time information so they can plan their day and avoid the frustration of walking across the park to find a ride shut down.

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The Ohio Department of Agriculture, which already oversees amusement ride safety inspections, would be responsible for enforcing the new requirements.

Parks that fail to comply could face civil fines.

Brennan noted that many parks already monitor ride status internally, and the bill aims to make this information publicly accessible quickly.

This is a commonsense consumer protection measure. Just like we expect real-time updates from public transportation or airports, parkgoers should be able to know which rides are operating before getting in lineor before leaving home, Brennan said.

The bill is expected to receive a committee assignment in the coming weeks.

If passed, it would take effect one year after enactment to allow parks time to implement the required systems.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A scaled-down proposal to raze a German Village office building to make way for an apartment complex again faced resistance from community members.

Plans by Columbus-based real estate developer Mershad Development call for the office building at 251 E. Livingston Ave. to be demolished for a new four-story housing complex named Cedar Square. A collaboration with architecture and design firm Berardi + Partners, Mershads proposal received another review by the German Village Commission on Aug. 6.

Back in 1960, Livingston Avenue was an active street, the developers said in the proposal. Our goal is learn from the history of the site and develop a project that supports the current site context.

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Lightning strike ignites roof at apartment complex near Polaris

When the plans were first shown to the commission in February, Cedar Square was to include 96 apartments to address the need for housing that will serve all local business, the proposal said. Since then, Mershad has continuously scaled back the development, calling for 81 units when presenting to the commission in July and now proposing 68 apartments at the August meeting.

Mershads plans call for the office building at 251 E. Livingston Ave. to be razed for a new housing complex named Cedar Square. (Courtesy Photo/German Village Commission) Mershads plans call for the office building at 251 E. Livingston Ave. to be razed for a new housing complex named Cedar Square. (Courtesy Photo/German Village Commission)

The commission voiced concern during the July meeting for the developments density, while some members said they wouldnt support the buildings proposed height and suggested that parts of the structure should be more architecturally significant.

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Minutes for the August meeting show that commissioners again voiced concern for the density and said they are not supportive of the commercial-style building proposed on the complexs corner. Community members also pushed back against Mershad, arguing the development would increase traffic in the area and dominate the property while overshadowing the existing historic structure.

Columbus suburb ranks among Realtor.coms top 10 hottest ZIP codes in America

Should Cedar Square gain approval, several existing buildings along East Livingston Avenue would remain, including the corner space home to Asian fusion restaurant Bendi Wok. However, the complex would snake behind those buildings and redevelop the parking lot dedicated to Bendi Wok customers, which is accessed from Livingston and extends along East Blenker Street.

While Mershad is decreasing the number of apartments, the development now includes increased parking from 37 to 40 stalls and eight to 10 on-street spaces.

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The developers will again return to the commission for additional review.

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Protesters in Israel participated in a nationwide strike on Sunday to demand a deal that would result in a ceasefire with Hamas and the release of hostages who remain in Gaza. The "day of stoppage," which blocked roads and closed businesses, marked an escalation in the population's growing frustration after 22 months of war.

Police responding to Sunday's demonstrations blasted crowds with water cannons and made dozens of arrests. In one instance, officers stopped several protesters from trying to break into the central Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv, leading to a confrontation between them during which a protester was forcibly arrested, CBS News learned. Police also confiscated the protesters' equipment.

The "day of stoppage" was organized by two groups representing some of the families of hostages and bereaved families, weeks after militant groups released videos of hostages and Israel announced plans for a new military offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas.

Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. / Credit: Ohad Zwigenberg / AP

Protesters, who fear further fighting could endanger the 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, only about 20 of whom are thought to be alive, chanted: "We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages."

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Protesters gathered at dozens of points throughout Israel, including outside politicians' homes, military headquarters and on major highways, where they were sprayed with water cannons as they blocked lanes and lit bonfires that cloaked roads in smoke. Some restaurants and theaters were closed in solidarity.

Police said they had arrested 32 as part of the nationwide demonstration  one of the fiercest since the uproar over six hostages found dead in Gaza last September.

"Military pressure doesn't bring hostages back  it only kills them," former hostage Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Aviv's hostage square. "The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games."

"Today, we stop everything to save and bring back the hostages and soldiers. Today, we stop everything to remember the supreme value of the sanctity of life," said Anat Angrest, mother of hostage Matan Angrest. "Today, we stop everything to join hands  right, left, center and everything in between."

Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. / Credit: Ohad Zwigenberg / AP

Protesters at highway intersections handed out yellow ribbons, the symbol that represents the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the stoppage, said.

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Even though Israel's largest labor union, Histadrut, ultimately did not join Sunday's action, strikes of this magnitude are relatively rare in Israel. Many businesses and municipalities decided independently to strike.

Still, an end to the conflict does not appear near. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the immediate release of the hostages but is balancing competing pressures, haunted by the potential for mutiny within his coalition.

Israeli leaders criticize demonstrations

Netanyahu addressed the protests on Sunday at a cabinet meeting, saying they were benefiting Hamas.

"Those who are calling today for an end to the war without Hamas' elimination are not only hardening Hamas' position and delaying the release of our hostages, they are also ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will repeat themselves and that we will have to fight an endless war," the prime minister said.

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Far-right members of his cabinet insist they won't support any deal that allows Hamas to retain power. The last time Israel agreed to a ceasefire that released hostages, they threatened to topple Netanyahu's government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday called the stoppage "a bad and harmful campaign that plays into Hamas' hands, buries the hostages in the tunnels and attempts to get Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardize its security and future."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in a statement, accused protesters of trying to "weaken Israel." Like Smotrich, he said the strike "strengthens Hamas and delays the return of the hostages."

People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. / Credit: Mahmoud Illean / AP

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported that 47 people were killed and at least 226 were wounded across the territory in the last 24 hours alone. Meanwhile, hospitals and eyewitnesses in Gaza reported at least 17 aid-seekers had been killed by Israeli forces on Sunday, including nine awaiting aid trucks close to the Morag corridor. The death toll among Palestinians waiting for food and other aid in Gaza has climbed this summer, sparking outcry around the world as starvation and malnutrition run rampant in the enclave.

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Hamza Asfour said he was just north of the corridor, awaiting a convoy, when Israeli snipers fired, first to disperse the crowds, then from tanks hundreds of meters away.

He saw two people with gunshot wounds  one in the chest and other in the shoulder.

"It's either to take this risk or wait and see my family die of starvation," he said. "There is no other option."

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the distribution points, said there was no gunfire Sunday "at or near" its sites, which sit at the end of aid truck routes.

Israel's military did not immediately respond to questions about strikes in the three areas.

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Israel's air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and displaced most of the population. The United Nations is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began.

The Hamas-led attack in 2023 killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed 61,897 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.

2 more children die from malnutrition-related causes

On Sunday, two children died of malnutrition-related causes in Gaza, bringing the death toll from such causes over the last 24 hours to seven, according to Gaza's health ministry. The total number of deaths related to starvation has risen to 251, including 110 children, said the health ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

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While demonstrators in Israel demanded a ceasefire, Israel began preparing for an invasion of Gaza City and other populated parts of the besieged strip, aimed at destroying Hamas.

The military body that coordinates its humanitarian aid to Gaza said Sunday that the supply of tents to the territory would resume. COGAT said it would allow the United Nations to resume importing tents and shelter equipment into Gaza ahead of plans to forcibly evacuate people from combat zones "for their protection."

The majority of assistance has been blocked from entering Gaza since Israel imposed a total blockade in March after a ceasefire collapsed when Israel restarted its offensive. Deliveries have since partially resumed, though aid organizations say the flow is far below what is needed. Some have accused Israel of "weaponizing aid" through blockades and rules they say turn humanitarian assistance into a tool of its political and military goals.

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's capital on Sunday, escalating strikes on Iran-backed Houthis, who, since the war began, have fired missiles at Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea.

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Both the IDF and a Houthi-run television station in Yemen announced the strikes. Al-Masirah Television said they targeted a power plant in the southern district of Sanhan, sparking a fire and knocking it out of service, the Yemeni station said. Israel's military said Sunday's strikes targeted energy infrastructure it claimed was being used by the Houthis, and were launched in response to missiles and drones aimed at Israel.

While some projectiles have breached its missile defenses  notably during its 12-day war with Iran in June  Israel has intercepted the vast majority of missiles launched from Yemen.

U.S. blocks visitor visas from Gaza

The U.S. Department of State on Saturday announced that it would stop issuing visitor visas for people from Gaza.

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"All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the department wrote in a social media post.

Some humanitarian groups have condemned the pause because those visas may be issued to people in need of medical treatment abroad, CBS News partner BBC News reported.

The nonprofit organization Palestine Children's Relief Fund said in a statement to BBC News that the decision "will have a devastating and irreversible impact on our ability to bring injured and critically ill children from Gaza to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment."

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more

Laufey on creating her own sound

A robotics activist's remarkable crusade
Ivan Hodes, a U.S. Army veteran, shows the bracelet he wears in memory of a West Point classmate who died in Ukraine. Hodes was standing on Aug. 15, 2025, at the Government Hill gate of Joint Base Elemdorf-Richardson, participating in a protest against the summit taking place later in the day between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

As the leaders of the United States and Russia met on Anchorages Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Friday, supporters of Ukraines defense against Russias invasion staged multiple demonstrations in Alaska to protest the meeting and what they predicted would be capitulation to Russian goals.

As the leaders of the United States and Russia met on Anchorages Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Friday, supporters of Ukraines defense against Russias invasion staged multiple demonstrations in Alaska to protest the meeting and what they predicted would be capitulation to Russian goals.

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Ivan Hodes, a U.S. Army veteran, was among a group protesting Friday morning at the Government Hill gate to JBER. It was important to be at the base gate, in front of the place where its happening, he said.

We object to the summit. We object to Putin being on American soil. We object to him being on a military base, specifically a military base that has been at the forefront of defense against Russian and Soviet aggression for 60, 70 years. We want to object to (Ukraine President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy not being invited. Without the victim of Russian aggression, its an exercise in carving up somebody elses territory.

For Hodes, there is also a personal aspect to his opposition. A West Point classmate, Andrew Webber, died in July 2023 in combat defending Ukraine, he said. Everything Im doing here is to honor his memory, Hodes said.

The biggest event was likely the afternoon rally on the Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. There, Ukraine supporters unfurled a 136-foot-long Ukrainian flag that had been flown to the city earlier in the day from New Jersey. Owned by a nonprofit organization, it is the second-largest Ukrainian flag in existence, rally organizers said.

Supporters of Ukraine hold the edges of a 136-foot flag at a protest held Aug. 15, 2025, on the Delaney Park Strip in downtown Anchorage. The gathering was one of several in Anchorage and elsewhere in Alaska protesting President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who held a summit that day at Anchorages Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska

Supporters gripped the edges of the flag and held it aloft above the parks grass, while photos were snapped by a drone buzzing above.

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Art Davidson, an Alaska author and co-founder of a U.S.-based organization that provides humanitarian aid to Ukraine, was a featured speaker at the downtown event.

He said the large gathering was gratifying to Dr. Olga Shpak, the executive director of the organization, Assist Ukraine, and others in Ukraine, Davidson said.

It means so much to them to see support from everybody, he told the crowd. A big, big, big hug from Olga, Dr. Olga Shpak . And a big hug from the people on the front lines.

Davidson and veteran war correspondent Anne Garrels founded Assist Ukraine in the early days of the war. The organization has been sending donations to Ukraine from around the world and has opened an orphanage in the country, Davidson said.

Supporters of President Donald Trump wave flags and signs at a Midtown Anchorage rally held Aug. 15. 2025. The rally was held on the day that Trump was meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Anchorages Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, a Republican who also served in the state Senate, was among those who attended the pro-Trump rally.

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He said he hoped the Trump-Putin summit would help end the war in Ukraine.

Whats happening there, its a tragedy, he said. Im hoping that the discussions will result in peace.

Asked who he believed was at fault for the war, Leman paused before answering.

Ukraine was invaded. That shouldnt have happened, he said. But there may be fault on both sides of the conflict, he said. Theres probably some fault in everybody. We all have faults.

This story first appeared in the Alaska Beacon, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.

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Demonstrators took to the streets across Israel Sunday calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to release hostages still held by militants, as the military prepares a new offensive.

The protests come more than a week after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to capture Gaza City, following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territory.

The war was triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, during which 251 were taken hostage.

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Forty-nine captives remain in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

A huge Israeli flag covered with portraits of the remaining captives was unfurled in Tel Aviv's so-called Hostage Square -- which has long been a focal point for protests throughout the war.

Demonstrators also blocked several roads in the city, including the highway connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where demonstrators set tires on fire and caused traffic jams, according to local media footage.

Protest organisers and the main campaign group representing the families of hostages also called for a general strike on Sunday.

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"I think it's time to end the war. It's time to release all of the hostages. And it's time to help Israel recover and move towards a more stable Middle East," said Doron Wilfand, a 54-year-old tour guide, at a rally in Jerusalem.

However, some government members who oppose any deal with Hamas slammed the demonstrations.

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich decried "a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas".

He argued that public pressure to secure a deal effectively "buries the hostages in tunnels and seeks to push the State of Israel to surrender to its enemies and jeopardise its security and future".

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APTFV footage showed protesters at a rally in Beeri, a kibbutz near the Gaza border that was one of the hardest-hit communities in the Hamas attack, and Israeli media reported protests in numerous locations across the country.

Israeli plans to expand the war into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps have sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition.

UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in.

According to Gaza's civil defence agency, Israeli troops shot dead at least 13 Palestinians on Saturday as they were waiting to collect food aid near distribution sites.

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Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Israel's offensive has killed more than 61,897 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza which the United Nations considers reliable.

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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday called for removing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power in Bihar, referring to the party as "thieves" who are harming democracy by stealing the people's votes. "Choro ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye, (Remove the thieves, make the BJP run away, help us win)," Lalu Yadav said during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram. He urged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to stand united with the RJD, along with his son Tejashwi Yadav, to "uproot the BJP and throw them away". "At any cost, do not let the BJP, which is a thief, come to power. Everyone, stand united, and together, Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, uproot them and throw them away. Save democracy," the RJD chief added. The Congress is currently holding a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', protesting against the alleged 'vote chori' that Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission and the BJP of perpetrating. The yatra began from Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday, with several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar and others participating. Earlier, while speaking at the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vowed to expose any theft of votes, whether it happens in Maharashtra, Bihar, or elsewhere in the future. "The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing. Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening, whether in Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Bengal, we will catch the thief and work to show the people," Rahul Gandhi said. He described Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as a "conspiracy" by the Election Commission, adding that the "vote theft has been exposed" and the Opposition will fight against the alleged manipulation of elections. Meanwhile, the Election Commission emphasised that any issues regarding errors in electoral rolls, including those from the past, must be raised during the "Claims and Objections" period. According to the Commission, sharing the electoral roll with all political parties and candidates ensures transparency, allowing concerns to be raised in a timely manner. The EC also noted that political parties and their booth-level agents often fail to examine the electoral rolls when required. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to deceive the people of Bihar regarding the voter list. "Narendra Modi is dead set on destroying the lives of the youth of Bihar. Modi makes the illiterate clap for him and does politics. But we engage in the politics of distributing work to everyone's hands. Today, that is why we are here. Election Commission, Modi Bihario ko choona lagana chahate hai (want to scam the people of Bihar). Do not think of Biharis as weak," Yadav said. He recalled the words of socialist leader and freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia, who advocated that voting rights should be maintained by the downtrodden. Yadav added, "Lalu and Lohia have always been saying that 'the rule of votes means the rule of small'. Our Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar, has given us all this right and given us the power to vote. Whether it is someone poor, rich, or powerful, everyone has the right to give one vote, which is given by the Constitution." (ANI)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a warning to visitors to a village near York after "numerous disruptions" to military exercises in the area.

Part of Strensall Common is owned by the MoD and used as a firing range and training area, although there is public access at certain times.

Timings of live firing exercises are posted on notice boards and information panels around the common.

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Lt Col Mark Jenkins said it was a "key time" to remind the public of "the potential risks when accessing the common at Strensall" following the Army's move to warfighting readiness in the recent Strategic Defence Review.

He added: "The military train 24/7 so they are ready to deploy on operations, and disrupting this critical training has a real impact on their preparations and their ability to do their jobs effectively."

Army personnel can close the permissive car parks and secure gates and access points to the common land, but the public can access the site from numerous points and paths.

Lt Col Jenkins added that people should "remain mindful of the fact that military training could be taking place".

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"If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe, and our armed forces will be able to carry out their important training exercises," he said.

As part of its Respect the Range campaign, the MoD is also raising awareness about the risk of wildfires, especially during the summer months.

A spokesperson from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working closely with the MoD to "ensure the safety and wellbeing of both serving personnel and members of the public".

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

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Donald Trump's special envoy said Russia had agreed to allow the US and Europe to give Ukraine "robust" security guarantees as part of a potential peace deal.

Steve Witkoff told CNN it was agreed at the Alaska summit that the US and Europe could "effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee", referring to Nato's principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Putin has long opposed Ukraine joining Nato, and Witkoff said the arrangement could be an alternative if the Ukrainians "can live with it".

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky described the US's security guarantee offer as "historic" ahead of talks with Trump and European leaders on Monday.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Washington DC, Zelensky said any guarantee "must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europe's participation".

Meanwhile, following a meeting on Sunday of the "coalition of the willing" - a group of nations including the UK, France and Germany that have pledged to protect peace in Ukraine once it is achieved - a No10 spokesman said leaders had commended Trump's "commitment" to providing security guarantees.

The leaders also "re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine's skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine's armed forces", the spokesman added.

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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte are set to join Zelensky in Washington on Monday.

Macron said the group would challenge Trump on how far he was willing to go in terms of security guarantees.

"If we're not strong today, we'll pay dearly tomorrow," he said, adding the group's plan was to "present a united front".

[EPA]

Witkoff also told CNN on Sunday that Russia had made "some concessions at the table" about territory, noting Donetsk would be part of an "important discussion" on Monday.

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It comes after Putin reportedly presented Trump with a peace offer in Alaska on Friday that would require Ukraine withdrawing from the Donetsk region of the Donbas, in return for Russia freezing the front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

The BBC's US partner CBS cited diplomatic sources as saying that European officials were concerned Trump may try to press Zelensky to agree to the terms.

Russia claims the Donbas as Russian territory, controlling most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk. It also illegally annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014, eight years before launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelensky on Tuesday said Ukraine would reject any Russian proposal to give up the Donbas region, warning it could be used as a springboard for future attacks.

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He has also pointed to the country's constitution, which requires a referendum before a change in its territory.

Monday's White House meeting will be Zelensky's first since an acrimonious public exchange in the Oval Office in February, when Trump told him to be more "thankful" for US support and accused him of "gambling with World War Three".

Zelensky was then told to leave the White House.

He appeared to reconcile with Trump in April, in what the White House described as a "very productive" 15-minute meeting before they attended Pope Francis's funeral.

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Ukraine has also signed a minerals deal that gave the US a financial stake in the country, and Kyiv made it clear they were willing to pay for US arms.

But there will have been concern in Kyiv and other European capitals following the Trump-Putin meeting on Friday.

The Russian president, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, stepped off his jet and onto a red carpet to be warmly received by Trump, who later said they had a "fantastic relationship".
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, at his meeting with US President Donald Trump on 15 August, did not oppose security guarantees for Ukraine and named China as one of the states that could provide such guarantees.

Source: Axios, citing sources; European Pravda

Details: A source indicates Putin indeed stated that he was ready to discuss the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine.

The publication noted that he named China as one of the possible guarantors, which likely means Putin will oppose the creation of security forces that would include NATO troops.

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Ukraine and its European allies are discussing the idea of creating a coalition of the willing to support Ukraine in order to prevent a future Russian invasion.

An unnamed Ukrainian official said Ukraine is filled with hope because Trump had supported the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine in a phone conversation after the summit with Putin.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
MOSCOW (Reuters) -President Vladimir Putin spoke to the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan on Sunday to update them on the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump which the Kremlin has cast as a potentially significant stepping stone towards peace in Ukraine.

After his meeting with Trump in Alaska, the first U.S.-Russian summit in more than four years, Putin updated his top officials in the Kremlin on Saturday.

Putin told Russia's top officials that the visit was timely and "very useful", adding that he and Trump had spoken about a possible end to the Ukraine war "on a fair basis", noting the need to deal with the "root causes" of the crisis.

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"We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time. I repeat once again: there was an opportunity to calmly and in detail once again set out our position," Putin told Russian officials.

"We, of course, respect the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military action. Well, we would also like this and would like to move on to resolving all issues by peaceful means."

The press service of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Putin had discussed the talks in Alaska.

"Putin informed his Belarusian counterpart in detail about the results of the last Russia-US summit," the Lukashenko's press service said.

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Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's press service said that Russia-U.S. talks "contributed to a better understanding of the American side of the Russian position on Ukraine."

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Trumps friendly stance towards Putin, on full display in the recent meeting of the two leaders, doesnt reflect popular opinion in the U.S., says Putin foe Bill Browder. He recalls that, when he and Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza lobbied for the Magnitsky Act in 2012, Marco Rubio was a close ally of theirs, but now, Rubio and elected Republicans are completely scared of crossing Donald Trump. "Putin's biggest victory was the meeting itself," adds Kara-Murza, arguing tha
Russian state media and Kremlin officials are gloating about the warm reception Vladimir Putin received after landing on U.S. soil for the first time in a decade to meet with President Donald Trump on Friday.

Trumps red-carpet rollout, excited clapping, friendly handshakes, and joint ride in The Beast limousine are being cited as proof by Putin allies that the Russian president is no longer the pariah the West has been painting him to be since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Western media are in a state of derangement verging on complete insanity: For three years they told about Russias isolation, and today they saw a red carpet rolled out for the Russian President in the U.S., Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram in response to Putins Alaska summit with Trump.

U.S. President Donald Trump claps at the approach of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, who is the subject of an international arrest warrant for alleged child abduction. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Putin who now serves as deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, suggested that the meeting was a tacit acceptance of one of Putins key demands: the continuation of Russian attacks on Ukraine while diplomatic talks occur.

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Trump has long maintained that a ceasefire is a precondition for diplomacy, yet he has reportedly backed away from that demand following Fridays summit.

Important: the meeting proved that negotiations are possible without preconditions and simultaneously with the continuation of the Special Military Operation, Medvedev wrote on Telegram.

According to Medvedev, both Putin and Trump now appear to agree that Ukraine and Europe, not Russia, bear responsibility for ending the waranother key Russian diktat.

The main point: Both sides directly placed responsibility for achieving future results in negotiations on ending hostilities on Kyiv and Europe, Medvedev wrote.

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In an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity following the meeting on Friday, Trump did shift responsibility for peace to Ukraine, saying that now its really up to President Zelensky to get it done.

I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit. But its up to President Zelensky, Trump continued.

President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska on Friday Aug. 15, 2025. / SERGEY BOBYLEV / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

While the meeting was originally expected to last approximately seven hours, it was cut to just under three, with no official explanation given by the White House. A planned three-course lunch was also nixed at the last minute.

Upon his return to Russia, Putin briefed his executive officials on the outcome of the talks, which he described as timely and quite useful.

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We discussed our interactions in virtually all their aspects with a focus, of course, on achieving a fair resolution of the Ukraine crisis, Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin. We certainly had an opportunity to discuss the origins and causes of this crisis, which we did. It is the removal of these root causes that must underlie the settlement.

We did not have direct talks at this level for a long time, Putin continued. Let me reiterate: We had a chance to convey our position in a calm and detailed manner. We definitely respect the U.S. administrations position, which wants the hostilities to stop as soon as possible. So do we, and we would like to move forward with settling all issues by peaceful means.

The Daily Beast reached out to the White House for comment on Putins statements about the summit.

Putins mention of root causes is typically viewed as shorthand for the Russian leaders hardline demands, which have repeatedly been rejected: that Ukraine be disarmed, hand over a large chunk of its land to Russia, and abandon the idea of joining NATO.

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In his Hannity interview, Trump appeared to back down on his previously made threat of severe economic consequences if no peace deal was agreed to on Friday.

Because of what happened today, I think I dont have to think about that, Trump said. Now, I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something. But we dont have to think about that today.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at the end of their joint press conference on Aug. 15, 2025. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Yuri Podolyaka, an extremely influential Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger, told his 3 million followers on Telegram that the meeting was a master class in how to wrest a total victory from a difficult starting position.

We will now watch the results that should follow. They will come, but not the ones expected in Kyiv, London, or Brussels. They certainly wont like the outcome, Podolyaka wrote.

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Podolyaka further celebrated the notion that sanctions appear to be completely off the table as Russian influence over the outcome of the war grows.

Ivor Bennett, Sky News Moscow correspondent, echoed Podolyakas sentiment by reporting that the reaction in Russia to Putins meeting with Trump is nothing short of triumphant.

CNN senior international correspondent Frederik Pleitgen further noted that the Russians are pretty happy with the way that the Trump-Putin summit went down.

In the U.S., Trump administration officials have largely echoed the presidents sentiment that the meeting was very productive and great progress. That said, it has been alleged that behind the scenes, the reaction from Trumps inner circle has not been as enthusiastic.

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin after a joint news conference following their meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., Aug. 15, 2025. / Gavriil Grigorov / via REUTERS

The presidents former National Security Adviser John Bolton told CNN that Putin clearly won after leaving the meeting with everything he hoped to achieve.

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Trump, for his part, released a groveling video praising the Russian leader in the wake of their talks, thanking him multiple times for his attendance.

There were many, many points that we agreed on, most of them, I would say, Trump noted in the video.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. If those talks go well, he hopes to schedule a three-way meeting with Zelensky and Putin by next Friday.
This post originally appeared in the BI Today newsletter.

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Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. Multi-thousand-dollar tabs. Endless emails. A three-figure chicken tender tower. Staff from The Surf Lodge, a popular Hamptons hot spot among young Wall Streeters, spoke to Business Insider about what it's like to work there  and what it's like to tell some powerful people "no."

On the agenda today:

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But first: White-collar workers are "quiet cracking."

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.

This week's dispatch

Forget quiet quitting

"Quiet cracking" is a growing threat to worker engagement in the current employer's job market. baona/Getty Images

There's a new buzzword taking over workplace culture.

Employees are "quiet cracking"  the silent struggle of feeling dissatisfied at work but unable to do much about it. It's not quite burnout, but it's the feeling that can lead to burnout.

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My colleagues Sarah Jackson and Henry Chandonnet have been following this trend closely in recent days. They've talked to workers who describe what it feels like and how they navigated it, including one person who said he actually experienced it 15 years ago.

We also asked you if you had experienced "quiet cracking." More than 200 people responded to our survey, with the vast majority saying they had.

You might think, if things are so bleak, why won't these workers just quit, move on, or get another job?

In this economy, it's not so simple. Some people are just grateful to be employed, particularly as job growth is slowing and finding a job is so tough right now.

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Unhappy workers might also stay because they need the paycheck, or they worry that another job will be more of the same. Change can be scary and risky, so maintaining the status quo is often the easiest thing to do.

The "Big Stay," those resisting the urge to quit, is also quite different from just a few years ago. Job switching was plentiful during the Great Resignation, when workers often had an upper hand with management. "Quiet quitting," or workers who were able to get by without taking their jobs too seriously, was a common refrain in 2022 and 2023.

But now, "quiet cracking" is emblematic of bigger trends sweeping across corporate America. Companies are getting leaner, more efficient, and more hardcore about their operations. Layoffs are increasingly common across industries. As Business Insider's Aki Ito put it, workplace loyalty is dead.

One survey respondent described his "quiet cracking" symptoms to us: "Huge lack of motivation, fatigue. Constant feeling of being unheard."

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Yet for all the "quiet cracking" out there, there's another side of the story that can't be ignored: at least these folks still have jobs.

What do you think of quiet cracking? Are you suffering from it or know a colleague who is? Let me know what you think: srussolillo@businessinsider.com.

Are you my scammer?

Getty Images; Alyssa Powell; Rebecca Zisser/BI

Over a dozen men around the world told BI they'd fallen victim to one specific scheme: They were sucked into online relationships with a woman who slowly convinced them to invest more and more into a fake asset, until they lost everything.

Then, an apparent mistake by the scammer led the men to each other. Together, they found a real person who looked like the scammer  a climate change advocate with a large Instagram following.

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She was a victim, too.

From AI to YOLO

Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

A growing number of Silicon Valley denizens believe AI is going to fundamentally transform society  and soon. It's pushed them to radically revamp their lives right now.

The changes they've implemented range from getting divorced to spending their retirement savings and building doomsday bunkers. For some, it's driven by a belief that AI will soon unlock a new wave of human flourishing. For others, it's driven by the fear that an AI-driven apocalypse is imminent, and the little time left should be spent doing what really matters.

The bucket list mentality.

Going San Francisco-sober

Getty images; Tyler Le/BI

Drinking is declining nationally, and young people seem to be leading the charge. Still, in San Francisco, the (non) drinking culture is built different.

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Business Insider spoke to nine young founders in Silicon Valley, most of whom had given up alcohol or dramatically cut back. Some said they might still drink in New York but abstained in San Francisco, thanks to the city's "lock in" and "grind mode" culture. In some cases, they abstain because they want to signal dedication to that startup grind.

"Your body's a temple."

JPMorgan Chase's new HQ

Construction workers prepare steel for a crane at the site of JPMorgan Chase's new 1,388-foot headquarters at 270 Park Avenue on May 18, 2023 Spencer Platt/Getty Images

One of America's biggest banks is gearing up to open their new headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Manhattan. While the exact move-in date is still unclear, the 60-story skyscraper is full of amenities and luxury perks.

JPMorgan employees told BI that the bank has been posting updates on its intranet. The new headquarters will include a state-of-the-art gym  which employees have to pay a membership fee to access  an Irish pub, food hall, AI tech, and more.

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Take a look.

Also read:

This week's quote:

"We're accidentally training an entire generation to be workplace hermits."

 Clinical health psychologist Laura Greve on workers developing unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots.

More of this week's top reads:

Read the original article on Business Insider
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  The Step Recovery Center hosted its motorcycle Ride for Recovery on Saturday, raising money to help people trying to put addiction in the rear view.

The fundraiser was necessary for the organization, as bikers revved their engines to keep the centers lights on.

Free digital footprint workshop in Danville for local businesses

We just got done with a three-year grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, so now we are in need of desperate funds to keep the doors open, founder and CEO Wendy Lambert said.

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Those funds are being raised with an entry fee to Saturdays 100-mile bike ride, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction  all with the goal of continuing to help people with addiction.

Addicts need more than just meetings, Lambert said. Theres a bad stigma that comes with addicts, but we need to let people know we dont stay that way  especially in Vermilion County.

Vermilion County is a place the Step Recovery Center said needs them now more than ever.

Drugs and alcohol and suicide are very rampant here in Danville, and we are doing everything we can to prevent that, Kimberli Garrison, secretary for the center, said.

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You can find out more about the Step Recovery Center here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Representatives from the local American Red Cross North Carolina Region will give an overview of services provided in the area at Mondays meeting of the Lee County Board of Commissioners.

The information will be presented by Colby Foster, community disaster program manager, and Phil Harris, executive director of the Sandhills Red Cross chapter.

The presentation will touch on disaster relief and recovery, volunteer blood donation and other efforts.

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A public hearing is planned for a request to rezone around 430 acres with frontage on Lower Moncure Road from residential agricultural use to light industrial.

Trustwell Property Group LLC is seeking the rezoning for development of a light industrial business park.

Another public hearing is scheduled as part of the Department of Transportation unified grant application to approve local matching funds.

The commissioners are set to adopt a proclamation recognizing the Lee County gymnastics competition achievements and declare Aug. 21 as the Lee County Gymnastics Team Day.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will be in the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center at 1801 Nash St.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  U.S. Congressman for Tyler Rep. Nathaniel Moran visited KETK on Friday to discuss several topics including the quorum break in the Texas State Legislature and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

East Texas party leaders react to Democrats breaking quorum in State House

President Donald Trump met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Moran applauded Trump for meeting with Putin in person.

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I appreciate the fact that President Trump is going to sit down with him face to face, Moran said. Because I think thats going to help to communicate how serious President Trump is about achieving peace in the region there in Europe and how, Putin needs to back off of what hes doing presently and to put a pause on all that he intends to do even in the future, because, frankly, I dont think he intended to stop with Ukraine.

Moran also commented on the Republican effort to redistrict Texas to have more Republican seats in the U.S. Congress and how Texas Democrats have broke quorum, halting work in the State Legislature. He suggested that Texas Democrats will have to come back to the state in order to continue the work of the Texas Legislature.

House Democrats announce they will conditionally return for second special session

Its a state negotiation. Its a state matter that theyre going to have to decide. Theyre going to have to incentivize those folks somehow probably to come back or frankly, just continue to stand firm ground until they realize they cant stay out of the state forever, Moran said. Theyve got to come back and deal with the legislative business of the people here in the state of Texas and thats their responsibility.

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East Texans can expect to hear more from KETKs interview with Moran in an upcoming episode of East Texas In Focus.

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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of "creating hostilities" between the people of Haryana and Delhi during their tenure. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of two national highway projects in Delhi, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people for electing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan and said that Delhi-NCR has been "freed from such negative politics" of the Opposition. "However, there are some political parties that are still unable to digest the people's blessings. They have become completely disconnected from the people's trust and ground realities. You may recall that a few months ago, efforts were made to create hostility between the people of Delhi and Haryana, pitting them against each other. It was even said that the people of Haryana were poisoning Delhi's water. Today, Delhi and the entire NCR have been freed from such negative politics," PM Modi said. Lashing out at the previous Congress government in Haryana, the Prime Minister alleged that every job appointment was influenced by corruption in the state. "There was a time in Haryana, during the Congress governments, when it was difficult to get even a single appointment without spending money or using influence. But in Haryana, the BJP government has given lakhs of youth government jobs with complete transparency. Under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini ji, this process is continuing..." he said. The Prime Minister inaugurated two major national highway projects, the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). The projects are worth a combined cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore. The 10.1 km long Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway has been developed at a cost of around Rs 5,360 crore. The section will also provide multi-modal connectivity to Yashobhoomi, the Delhi Metro Blue Line and Orange Line, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and the Dwarka cluster bus depot. This section comprises: Package I: 5.9 km from Shiv Murti intersection to the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Dwarka Sector-21. Package II: 4.2 km from Dwarka Sector-21 RUB to the Delhi-Haryana Border, providing direct connectivity to Urban Extension Road-II. The 19 km-long Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway was earlier inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2024. Prime Minister inaugurated the Alipur to Dichaon Kalan stretch of Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, built at a cost of around Rs 5,580 crore. It will ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and busy points like Mukarba Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, and NH-09. The new spurs will give direct access to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, improve industrial connectivity, cut city traffic, and speed up goods movement in the National Capital Region. (ANI)
A new study revealed a stunning transformation in urban rodents in Chicago, likely as a result of rapid urbanization.

What's happening?

The study, published in the journal Integrative & Comparative Biology, focused on the impact of urbanization on chipmunks and voles in the Chicago area. As Phys.org reported, the study results showed that chipmunks have increased in overall size, but their teeth have gotten smaller.

The article explained that researchers believe this is likely due to the food chipmunks are eating now. As a result of more interactions with humans, they have more access to the food we eat, but those are "soft foods" that require less bite force.

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According to the study, voles' size remained relatively consistent, but the bumps on their skulls, where their inner ears are, have shrunk. Researchers think this could be a way the voles adapted to the noisy city environment, per Phys.org.

Why is the impact of urbanization on wildlife important?

While adaptation is positive, this study indicates that similar animals are responding differently. According to one researcher, that means conservation efforts may need to vary, as there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach, per Phys.org.

The article explained that Chicago urbanized rapidly between 1910 and 1950, and up to 34% of the land area was developed by 1992. As a result, animals have had to quickly adapt to a dwindling food supply and habitat.

Phys.org reported that Stephanie Smith, one of the researchers, said that while this adaptation is good, "that doesn't mean that they're gonna be able to do that forever. So it's important to  try to understand what these guys are up to."

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There are plenty of other issues that can stem from wildlife's adaptation to urban environments. For instance, many animals lose their fear of humans, which can lead to more frequent interactions, per Critter Care Wildlife Society, that could result in harm to us or the animal.

Another concern the group emphasized is that poor urban conservation can affect biodiversity (which plays a role in our food supply) and reduce our connection with nature.

What's being done about wildlife conservation in cities?

Urban wildlife conservation is complex, but many people and organizations are stepping up to the challenge  like Arizona legislators' wildlife bridge or a local conservation group in Florida.

The Oregon Conservation Strategy recommends that local governments create green spaces that provide animal habitats and human recreation. The group also suggests supporting educational initiatives on urban wildlife and safe interaction.

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Critter Care Wildlife Society offers ideas for action that anyone can take, such as proper garbage disposal, leashing pets, and avoiding feeding wild animals.

You can also create a safe environment for birds, squirrels, and pollinators by planting native species that provide them with food and shelter, according to Defenders of 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.
The glacier-fed slopes of Mount Cilo in southeastern Turkey once held snow year-round. Now, in midsummer, the peaks are bare.

Local guide Kemal Ozdemir told Al Jazeera that visible glacier chunks floating downriver show just how fast the ice is melting. Locals say the melt season now stretches so long that it's hard to know when it even started.

What's happening?

Mount Cilo, near the Iraqi border, holds Turkey's second-largest glacier system. Nearly half of its ice cover has vanished in the last four decades, according to Van Yuzuncu Yl University professor Onur Satir.

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"The melting process is faster than we expected," he said, per Al Jazeera. Rising temperatures and shrinking ice are rapidly reshaping the terrain. In nearby Silopi, temperatures recently hit 122.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

New roads and more visitors are speeding up the thaw. Forty years of data from snowpack studies across the Northern Hemisphere show similar declines.

Why is glacier loss in Turkey concerning?

Cilo's glaciers supply rivers that irrigate crops and provide drinking water to communities below. Without glacial balance, rivers surge or dry up with little in between. That instability hits harvests first, then clean water access.

Residents near Hakkari are seeing spring dry-up and summer pastures fade, while rapid melt has turned some trails dangerous. A block of ice broke off and swept away two hikers in 2023  a grim sign that changes are happening at a speed that outpaces people's capacity to respond.

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NASA research confirmed that human-caused pollution is making extreme heat events more frequent, severe, and longer  conditions speeding up melting. The United Nations warned that the planet's overheating also throws nature's balance off and can spread diseases.

Glaciers in Alaska's Juneau Icefield are also pulling back with similar impacts on ecosystems and nearby towns. Retreating glaciers in those regions and beyond are disrupting food and water supplies as well as public safety  all linked to long-term warming trends. Scientists have also identified a "grounding zone" process that accelerates ice loss in critical glaciers.

What's being done about it?

Turkey, which is increasingly being formatted as "Turkiye" in recent years, established a national park around Mount Cilo in 2020, but national policies still lag behind the scale of the crisis. Other regions are focusing on water management, flood alerts, and clean energy solutions.

Exploring critical environmental issues can help individuals understand the bigger picture and support policies that protect water resources. Even small local actions, such as advocating for watershed restoration or backing sustainable agriculture, can help slow the trends fueling glacier loss.

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.
Days before meeting Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Donald Trump referred to what he called "land swaps" as a condition for peace.

For Ukrainians, it was a confusing turn of phrase. What land was to be swapped? Was Ukraine to be offered part of Russia, in exchange for the land Russia had taken by force?

As Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to travel to Washington on Monday to meet Trump, there is likely no "swap" element to the US president's thinking.

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Instead, he is reportedly planning to press Zelensky to surrender the entirety of the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in return for Russia freezing the rest of the front line  a proposal put forward by Putin in Alaska.

Luhansk is already almost entirely under Russian control. But Ukraine is estimated to have held onto about 30% of Donetsk, including several key cities and fortifications, at a cost of tens of thousands of Ukrainian lives.

Both regions  known together as Donbas  are rich in minerals and industry. To surrender them to Russia now would be a "tragedy", said the Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak.

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"This is Ukrainian territory," Mr Hrytsak said. "And the people of these regions  particularly the miners  played a huge role in the strengthening of the Ukrainian identity."

The region had also produced "famous politicians, poets and dissidents", he said. "And now refugees who will not be able to return home if it becomes Russian."

At least 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled the Donbas since Russian aggression began in 2014. More than three million are estimated to be living under Russian occupation. A further 300,000 are estimated to be in the parts where Ukraine still has control.

In areas closest to the front line, life is already a dangerous struggle. Andriy Borylo, a 55-year-old military chaplain in the badly hit city of Sloviansk, said in a phone interview that shells had landed next to his house over the weekend.

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"It is a very difficult situation here," he said. "There is a feeling of resignation and abandonment. I don't know how much we have the strength to endure. Someone has to protect us. But who?"

Mr Borylo had been following the news from Alaska, he said. "I put this on Trump, not Zelensky. But they are taking everything from me, and it is a betrayal."

Zelensky has consistently said Ukraine would not hand over the Donbas in exchange for peace. And confidence in Russia to abide by any such arrangement  rather than simply use the annexed land for future attacks  is low.

For that and other reasons, about 75% of Ukrainians object to any formal cessation of land to Russia, according to polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Ukraine is estimated to have held onto about 30% of the Donetsk region, including several key cities and fortifications [Getty Images]

But Ukraine is also deeply fatigued by war. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and wounded since the full-scale invasion began. People are craving an end to suffering, particularly in the Donbas.

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"You ask about the surrender of the Donetsk region, well, I measure this war not in kilometres but in human lives," said Yevhen Tkachov, 56, an emergency rescue worker in the Donetsk city of Kramatorsk.

"I'm not ready to give tens of thousands of lives for several thousand square kilometres," he said. "Life is more important than territory."

For some, this is what it comes down to in the end. Land versus life. It leaves President Zelensky "at a crossroads with no good route in front of him", said Volodmyr Ariev, a Ukrainian MP from the opposition European Solidarity party.

"We don't have enough forces to continue the war for an unlimited time," Ariev said. "But if Zelensky were to concede this land it would be not only a breakdown of our constitution, it could have the hallmarks of treason."

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And yet, it is not clear in Ukraine by what mechanism such an agreement could even be reached. Any formal handover of the nation's territory requires the approval of the parliament and a referendum of the people.

More likely would be a de-facto surrender of control, with no formal recognition of the territory as Russian. But even in that event, the process is not well understood, said Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun.

"There is no real understanding as to what the procedure should be," she said. "Does the president simply sign the agreement? Does it have to be the government? The parliament? There is no legal procedure set up because, you know, the constitution writers didn't think about this."

Things may become more clear after Zelensky speaks with Trump in Washington on Monday  the Ukrainian leader's first visit to the White House since a disastrous clash in the Oval Office in February. Amid the unhappiness left by the Alaska summit, there was one possible glimmer of good news for Ukraine.

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Trump appeared to reverse his position on security guarantees after the summit, suggesting he was ready to join Europe in offering Ukraine military protection from future Russian attacks.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump are due to hold talks in Washington on Monday (file image) [Reuters]

For Ukrainians, polling shows security guarantees are an absolutely vital part of any potential agreement on territory or anything else.

"People in Ukraine will accept various forms of security guarantees," said Anton Grushchetsky, the director of Kyiv's International Institute for Sociology, "but they require them."

For Yevhen Tkachov, the emergency worker in Kramatorsk, exchange of territory could only be considered with "real guarantees, not just written promises".

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"Only then, more or less, I am in favour of giving Donbas to Russia," he said. "If the British Royal Navy is stationed in the port of Odesa, then I agree."

As various paths to peace are floated and discussed, sometimes in the deal-making style preferred by President Trump, there is a risk of losing sight of the real people involved  people who have already lived through a decade of war and who may stand to lose even more now in exchange for peace.

Donbas was a place full of Ukrainians from all different walks of life, said Vitalii Dribnytsia, a Ukrainian historian. "We are not just talking about culture, about politics, about demographics, we are talking about people," he said.

Donetsk might not have the cultural reputation of somewhere like Odesa, Mr Drinytsia said. But it was Ukraine. "And any corner of Ukraine, regardless of whether it has some great cultural significance or not, is Ukraine," he said.

More on Ukraine war
Reuters has released an outline of the demands for ending the war that Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin put forward in Alaska during his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Source: Reuters, citing informed sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to the sources, Russia would "relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine" while Kyiv would "cede swathes of its eastern land which Moscow has been unable to capture", under the "peace proposals" discussed by Putin and Trump at the summit in Alaska.

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This information emerged the day after the Trump-Putin meeting at an air base in Alaska.

Two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said their information on Putins proposals was based mainly on discussions among leaders of Europe, the US and Ukraine, and noted that it was incomplete.

They said Putins proposal excluded a ceasefire until a "comprehensive deal" is reached.

Under the deal proposed by Russia, Kyiv would "fully withdraw from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts" in exchange for "a Russian pledge to freeze the front lines in the southern oblasts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia".

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The sources also said that Russia "would be prepared to return comparatively small tracts of Ukrainian land it has occupied in the northern Sumy and northeastern Kharkiv oblasts".

They say they know that Putin is also seeking "at the very least  formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea", which Moscow occupied in 2014.

It is not yet known whether this would mean recognition by the US government, or, for example, by all Western states and Ukraine.

Putin also expects the lifting of at least some sanctions against Russia. However, the sources could not clarify whether this applies to US sanctions, European sanctions, or both.

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Ukraine would also be barred from joining the NATO military alliance, although Putin "seemed to be open to Ukraine receiving some kind of security guarantees", the sources noted. They added that it is not yet clear what this would mean in practice.

Russia would also demand official status for the Russian language in certain oblasts of Ukraine or throughout the entire country, as well as the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely.

Background:

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doused rumors about his political future by announcing he wont be seeking the presidency in 2028.

Kennedy began a 2024 run as a Democrat, pivoted to an independent bid and then parlayed an endorsement of Trump into a gig as Health and Human Services secretary.

Let me be clear: I am not running for president in 2028, Kennedy wrote Friday on X. My loyalty is to President Trump and the mission weve started. ...Well keep moving forward, well keep delivering wins, and no smear campaign will stop us.

The swamp is in full panic mode. DC lobby shops are laboring fiercely to drive a wedge between President Trump and me, hoping to thwart our team from dismantling the status quo and advancing @POTUS Make America Healthy Again agenda. Theyre pushing the flat-out lie that Im  Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) August 15, 2025

Kennedy attributed the rumors to DC lobby shops looking to destroy his relationship with President Donald Trump and calling them a flat-out lie.

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Kennedy, the scion of a Democratic family dynasty, has been the subject of suspicion among MAGA figures over his loyalties, The Washington Post reported.

Last week far-right influencer Laura Loomer accused HHS principal deputy chief of staff Stefanie Spear, whos a former press secretary for Kennedy, of plotting a path to the White House for her boss.

I think that theres a clear intention by Stefanie Spear to utilize her position to try to lay the groundwork for a 2028 RFK presidential run, Loomer alleged to Politico.

Kennedys super PAC also held an organizing call recently, sparking speculation that the secretary was considering another run. But the leader of the PAC told the Washington Post there was no truth to it.

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During their teaming-up in the 2024 election, Kennedy appealed to then-candidate Trump with his MAGA-friendly science-disputing stance on vaccines, including COVID-19.

Earlier this month, Kennedy announced hes slashing nearly $500 million from the development of mRNA vaccines. MRNA technology generated safe and effective COVID vaccines in Trumps first term. Experts say the move will generate more skepticism around science.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ruled out a 2028 presidential bid -- at least for now. Tom Williams via Getty Images

Related...

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Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to reporters from a podium on July 28, 2025, at the Public Safety Administration Building in Sioux Falls. Also visible are, from left, Dan Satterlee, director of the state Division of Criminal Investigation, and Sam Olson, Minneapolis field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Election years call for politicians to do some tricky maneuvering. While an elected official will present a new initiative as a way to help constituents, opponents are likely to label it as a cynical attempt to curry favor with voters.

Thats where Gov. Larry Rhoden finds himself right now after the announcement of Operation Prairie Thunder. It commits the National Guard, Highway Patrol and Corrections Department to support federal immigration enforcement, and commits state troopers to saturation patrols in Sioux Falls.

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National Guard soldiers will help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with administrative tasks, Highway Patrol troopers will do immigration enforcement during the regular course of their work, and Corrections Department personnel will coordinate with ICE to deport inmates in state custody who entered the country illegally.

Critics of the program have complained that Rhoden is using state resources to further his own political ambitions, even though the governor has not revealed whether he will seek election to the office he gained when Kristi Noem joined President Donald Trumps Cabinet.

While I agree that we need to hold criminals accountable and be tough on crime, this goes too far, said Sen. Liz Larson, a Democrat from Sioux Falls.

If Democrats think Prairie Thunder is Rhodens first attempt to use his office for political gain, theyre late with their criticism.

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Since mid-March, the governor has been running a shadow reelection campaign through his Open for Opportunity Tour.

Rhoden introduced that initiative as a continuation of Noems Open for Business program. According to a news release from the governors office, The Open for Opportunity Tour will feature Governor Rhoden visiting communities across South Dakota to highlight their economic development efforts, learn their specific needs, and work together to chase down opportunities.

In effect, Rhoden stepped into office and onto the campaign trail. The Open for Opportunity Tour is introducing business leaders to their new governor. It is also introducing the new governor to an ever-growing group of potential political donors.

An unscientific search of state news releases found that since March 17 Rhoden has made 17 Open for Opportunity trips to 25 communities. From Sioux Falls to the Standing Rock Reservation, from Mud Butte to Mitchell, from Box Elder to Huron, Rhoden is getting to know the business leaders in each community as well as fattening his Rolodex.

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On one hand, its refreshing to have a governor who is more interested in traveling in the state than out-of-state. Of course all of these trips are state funded, your tax dollars at work as Rhoden scores some political points.

The irony here is that for all Rhodens work currying favor with business leaders, Prairie Thunder will likely alienate some of them. Pledging to round up illegal aliens will make it tougher to fill those jobs that only immigrants are willing to tackle.

While South Dakota is Open for Opportunity, one of those opportunities has been for Rhoden to run a political campaign using state funds. In essence, the governor is using an office he wasnt elected to as a means to jumpstart a campaign he hasnt announced yet. Now thats quite an opportunity.

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Bikers for a Cure held Ride for Life on Saturday in Clarksburg.

The event raises money for the American Cancer Society and was started 24 years ago after a local biker was inspired by Relay for Life. This year, bikers met in the morning at Texas Roadhouse, registered, and then set out on a 138 mile bike ride throughout West Virginia going as far as Rowlesburg.

Event organizers say the ride attracts hundreds of bikers and last year raised $34,000. For organizers Clinton Monroe and Chrissy Musta the event has a very personal meaning.

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Everybody gets affected by cancer in one way or the other, Musta said. When I started this 24 years ago, I didnt know anybody that had cancer. Since then, Ive lost family, friends. Im actually an eight year breast cancer survivor now too.

Fairmont Tomato Festival returns for 16th year

Monroe told 12 News he started getting involved with Ride for Life after his father passed away from cancer in 1999.

I had a motorcycle, and I work with Chrissy, and she had this thing going already, and I just thought itd be a good thing to kick in and contribute and try to make a little bit of a difference.

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The ride will end at the Best Western in Bridgeport with bikers starting to get in at around 4p.m. Theyll then celebrate their ride with dinner, live music and bike games.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In July, the volume of cargo delivered to the front line using ground robotic systems increased by more than 80% compared with June, Ukraine's General Staff has reported.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "The main workload of unmanned ground systems lies in performing logistics tasks  providing Ukrainian soldiers with everything necessary on the front. In July, the volume of cargo delivered to the front line using ground robotic systems increased by more than 80% compared with June.

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Given that the depth of strikes and the number of enemy drones are constantly increasing, the logistical role of ground drones is only growing."

Details: Ukrainian forces also plan to create ground robotic systems companies in every combat brigade.

They will carry out tasks in logistics, fire missions, mining, and the evacuation of the wounded, which will help save more lives.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  USA Today is holding its Readers Choice 10 Best Places to Visit for the Fall, and Rochester has made it into the top 20. As of Saturday evening, Rochester is ranked #2 of 20, but some locals believe Rochester has what it takes to win it all.

Rochester has long been revered as a tourism hotspot, thanks to its abundance of apple orchards, hiking trails, Halloween celebrations, and colorful foliage. All these aspects and more contribute to the crowds the city sees every Autumn, and those crowds are big. The Visit Roc 2023 annual report accounted for 1.97 million visitors that year alone, so its no surprise that the city is considered a top tourist destination.

You look at the 22 county parks that we have that are free, the fall foliage, the hiking, the outdoor activities, Don Jeffries, Visit Roc President and CEO, said. We are the festival capital of upstate New York. So theres so much to do here. And they recognize that, and they nominated us.

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Not only would the title of Best Place to Visit for the Fall amplify local morale and spirit, but also bolster Rochesters businesses and commerce.

Its an economic driver, Jeffries said. When we bring people in, they spend money, they stay in our hotels, they stay in our restaurants. And when youre here and you live here like we do, youll circulate money. This is all new money into our community.

Win or lose, this article puts Rochester on the map, which is why Wickham Farms, a popular autumn attraction for visitors and residents, is excited about the prospect of welcoming even more guests this season than usual.

Itd be super cool for, you know, the people who live here, Co-owner of Wickham Farms, Dale Wickham, said. I think we have a ton of pride in our area. I think we love to show it off. I mean, for the businesses to get more people that want to come out and see our area and community support local businesses, its awesome.

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To cast your vote for the Best Place to Visit for Fall, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-place-to-visit-for-fall/.

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A recreated Roman army has marched on a quiet Cotswolds village - as part of a new festival celebrating the history of the area.

Sunday morning saw the first ever Birdlip Roman Festival transform the village, with historical costumes and displays put on show by enthusiasts.

Gloucestershire's Roman heritage was also on display, with archaeological activities put on by a number of organisations including the Museum of Gloucester and Coronium Museum.

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Festivalgoer Martin Smith told the BBC he was "super excited" about the event, adding: "I like [learning about] their day-to-day life and learning how they would have lived in this landscape during the period."

Attendees Mike Garlick (left), Kate Peake and Andy Ross (right) pose in historical dress [BBC]

Fellow attendee Kate Peake, who visited with her daughter and her mother Angela - who made her costume - said it was "brilliant" to have a Roman festival in the area.

"We live just down the road, we love history and we thought we'd dress up to come and visit today," she added.

People marched through the village in costumes [BBC]

Re-enactment group the Ermine Street Guard took a starring role in Sunday's festival, marching through the village in authentically recreated military wear.

And they carried authentic looking shields [BBC]

The area boasts a rich Roman history, with the ancient civilisation making Gloucester a key site for its empire, and many important archaeological finds have been uncovered throughout the years.

Crowds of people attended the festival on Sunday [BBC]

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Hundreds of people attended the festival, with a number of stalls selling local products, antiques and food also forming part of the event.

Local museums put on displays [BBC]

As well as local museums putting on displays, Cotswold Archaeology and Chedworth Roman Villa were also on site with family-friendly activities.

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Refuting the opposition's claims of "vote theft" through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday said neither the ECI nor the voters are "afraid" of such "false" allegations. It was the first press conference conducted by the constitutional body following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders had raised allegations of "vote theft" during the SIR exercise in Bihar and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Gyanesh Kumar mentioned that many voters had complained of double voting in the past few days, but didn't give any proof when asked for it. "Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations," CEC Kumar told reporters. CEC affirmed that the Election Commission "stood like a rock" with every section of society without any discrimination. "When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that it fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination," CEC said. He stated that the ECI doesn't belong to any party and it will not step back from its "constitutional duty". CEC stated that there is no discrimination in the eyes of the ECI and every political party is equal. "For the Election Commission, there is neither any opposition nor any party. All are equal. No matter who belongs to any political party, the Election Commission will not step back from its constitutional duty," CEC Kumar told reporters on Sunday. Kumar said that every 18-year-old or older must vote. "As per the Constitution of India, every citizen of India who has attained the age of 18 years must become a voter and must also vote. You all know that, as per the law, every political party is born through registration with the Election Commission. Then how can the Election Commission discriminate among the same political parties?," Gyanesh Kumar said. Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi in a press conference on August 1 had levelled serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of direct involvement in large-scale voter fraud with the Congress having "open-and-shut proof" of the alleged theft. Talking to reporters on the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the Congress leader alleged that the motive behind the voter fraud was to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rahul Gandhi said, "Votes are being stolen. We have open-and-shut proof that the Election Commission is involved in this vote theft. And I'm not saying this lightly, I'm speaking with 100% proof. And when we release it (proof), the entire country will come to know that the Election Commission is enabling vote theft. And who are they doing it for? They're doing it for the BJP. The Lok Sabha LoP later on August 7 held a press conference in which he presented Congress' research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, Gandhi alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Election Commission and said that "collusion" happened between the poll body and the BJP, which resulted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing his third term. He also slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and alleged that the elections are "choreographed". In the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, the Bharatiya Janata Party fell shy of securing a majority on its own, winning 240 seats out of 543. However, the National Democratic Alliance, led by PM Narendra Modi, was able to form the government by winning a total of 293 seats and crossing the majority mark. (ANI)
Experts, swell-chasers, and wary coastal property owners continue to monitor the trajectory, and strength of Hurricane Erin, as it continues up the east coast.

And one of the latest developments, Hurricane Erin has been upgraded to a Category 5  the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

The storm is currently looming over the Caribbean, with a trajectory moving northward, with a path that curves away from the eastern seaboard, away from landfall, yet still sending stormy conditions (and potentially sizable swell) to the east coast.

As Erin moves over warmer waters, intensifying the storm, it has been upgraded to Category 5. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva, called the conditions near perfect, when it comes to the storm strengthening on its path.

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"Erin is forecast to slowly curve to the north as it continues to strengthen over the weekend. At this time, the storm is forecast to remain hundreds of miles off the East Coast," DaSilva said. When it comes to the waves, he continued:

"Beaches along the entire East Coast, from Florida to New England and Atlantic Canada, will likely experience rough surf and dangerous rip currents as Erin tracks north and eventually northeast.

Related: Potential 100 Foot Waves Headed for U.S. East Coast

No specific numbers on what the waves will actual look like  like the previous and absurd 100-foot estimate for the East Coast  as Hurricanes present a tricky and ever-changing forecast dilemma, but whatever develops, surfers are ready to rock.

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As mentioned, Erin has reached Category 5 status, the highest classification. According to NOAA that means: Winds 157 mph or higher (137 kt or higher or 252 km/hr or higher). Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. The Keys Hurricane of 1935 and Andrew of 1992 made landfall in South Florida as Category Five hurricanes.

The latest from Surfline, regarding the surf coming out of Erin, reads:

We have high confidence that Erin will take a recurving track, sending widespread swell throughout the Caribbean and along the East Coast. Looking longer term, Erin is forecast to track into the North Atlantic, becoming a powerful extratropical cyclone and sending a very solid shot of long-period swell toward the U.K. and parts of Europe. Well be keeping a close eye on that as well.

Stay tuned, and stay safe.

Related: This Is Going To Be A Buckwild Hurricane Season

This story was originally reported by Surfer on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aug. 17On Tuesday, the Lawrence County Commissioners had a special guest, Olivia Fosson, the Kitts Hill resident who is the reigning Miss Ohio.

"We couldn't be more proud of her," said Commissioner DeAnna Holliday. "She will be competing for Miss America in September. We are all excited to see her journey there and just so proud to have her represent Ohio."

The Miss America pageant will be livestreamed from Orlando on Sept. 7.

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The commissioners invited Fosson to attend the meeting to receive a proclamation that made Aug. 12, 2025 Olivia Fosson Day in Lawrence County in recognition of her achievement.

"It's pretty cool to have your own day," Holliday joked.

"It is!" Fosson said.

After the proclamation was read, Fosson spoke to the commissioners.

"I am so happy to be here today. I drove in from Columbus, I've been a little bit of here, there and everywhere lately. I am always so grateful to come back home to Lawrence County."

Fosson talked of how she was the fifth generation to grow up on the family farm.

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"I am truly, truly Lawrence County blood, through and through," she said. "This is the place that raised me and I am so proud to be from here. I am very proud to be Appalachian and throughout my year of service, it is most important to me to uplift young Appalachian girls, to show them that where they come from is not a negative thing."

She said that many people don't see the community that Appalachia has or the hard work and intelligence that is here.

She said as she prepares to go to Miss America in September, she is excited to take the spirit of ,not only Lawrence County, but all Appalachian Ohio with her.

"I am so grateful, I did not know I was getting my own day today, so that is pretty exciting," Fosson said. "I am so grateful of all your support."

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Rich Donahue, the chairman of America 250 Lawrence County committee, updated the commissioners about the ongoing activities in preparation for next year's celebration of America's 250th birthday.

Among the activities, the group is putting together a book called "Lovely Lawrence County," which is being coordinated by Bob Leith, a long-time Ohio University Southern professor; updating a book on the Lawrence County Courthouse and the officeholders; have found the graves of 13 Revolutionary soldiers that were previously unknown and putting in memory stones in the cemetery for the ones that haven't been found yet; and planning for fireworks on the Fourth of July in Ironton.

"That is about $20,000," Donohue said. "That's a big obstacle to overcome, but it is scheduled."

The plans continue for a two county picnics, one on the courthouse lawn and one at the Lawrence County fairgrounds.

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Donohue also gave the commissioners an aluminum coin that has the America 250 logo on one side and Lawrence County, Ohio and the courthouse on the other side.

He said they wanted to be have a souvenir to pass out to people attending the America 250 events.

"We had a sponsor that bought a thousand of these," Donohue said, adding they will also be making pin that bears the America 250 Lawrence County logo.

The commissioners passed a resolution that proclaiming August 2025 as Child Support Awareness Month.

Missy Evans, director of the Lawrence County Department of Jobs and Family Services, accepted the resolution accompanied by some of her staff

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"I also want to acknowledge this group of ladies for the years of service they have," she said. Between the nine women, they had 164 years of working for the agency. "We appreciate their years of service and they are the highest in collections than they have been in years."

The commissioners meeting for Tuesday has been canceled. The next meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A man accused of fatally stabbing a woman on Spencer Street was arraigned in the hospital over the weekend.

According to the Rochester Police Department, 21-year-old Javier Justice has been charged with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Abigail Perez. He is currently being held no bail.

Investigators at the scene learned that Perez and Justice, who were reportedly in a relationship and lived on Spencer Street, had been in an argument on August 14 when he allegedly stabbed her before a bystander shot Justice.

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Perez died from her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Police confirmed that the two also share a child.

At this time, Justice remains in the hospital and is expected to be released. He is expected to be arraigned at the hospital.

Before the stabbing, Justice had been released on his recognizance after being charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, larceny, and third-degree assault, for allegedly assaulting Perez and stealing her cell phone in July.

Police report that Justice is also under indictment for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with a shooting that occurred in 2023. Authorities say it appears that the charge is pending final adjudication.

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According to RPD, the person who shot Justice has since been identified and has not been charged with a crime.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio showed irritation Sunday with suggestions that Europe is worried President Trump will bully Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into an unfavorable peace deal, calling it a stupid media narrative.

Rubio fired back at CBS Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan when she said there was concern from Europeans that Zelensky is going to be bullied into signing something away.

Thats why you have these European leaders coming as backup tomorrow. Can you reassure them? she said.

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Thats not true, Rubio responded. Theyre not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied.

Rubio said the U.S. has held many more meetings with Zelensky and Ukraine than with Putin, and that Trump has been in regular contact with Zelenskys allies in Europe.

Theyre not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied, he said of the leaders coming to the White House for a meeting with Trump and Zelensky on Monday.

Theyre coming here tomorrow because weve been working with the Europeans. We talked to them last week. There were meetings in the U.K. over the following, the previous weekend.

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No, no, but you said that theyre coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied. Theyre not coming here tomorrow  this is such a stupid media narrative that theyre coming here tomorrow because  Trump is going to bully Zelensky into a bad deal, a seemingly frustrated Rubio said.

Weve been working with these people for weeks, for weeks on this stuff. Theyre coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come.

One reason some might be worried about Trump bullying Zelensky is the last meeting the Ukrainian president attended at the White House, when he, Trump and Vice President Vance got into a shouting match.

At that meeting, Trump and Vance doubled up on Zelensky, who ended up being essentially kicked out of the White House.

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Trump also after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said whether there was a deal would be up to Zelensky and Ukraine. That appeared to put the onus on Zelensky to make concessions to get a deal.

Rubio rejected suggestions that Trump had given too warm a welcome to Putin at their meeting in Alaska on Friday.

Brennan noted that Trump had suggested there would be severe consequences if a ceasefire wasnt reached at the summit, but then did not follow up with any tough words, let alone punishments, for Putin.

Rubio said that was the case because the administration felt enough progress was made to move forward and have another meeting.

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Look, our goal here is not to stage some production for the world to say, Oh, how dramatic, he walked out.

Our goal here is to have a peace agreement to end this war. OK? And obviously we felt, and I agreed, that there was enough progress, not a lot of progress, but enough progress made in those talks to allow us to move to the next phase.

Rubio said he did not think Russia and Ukraine were on the precipice of a peace deal, but that there had been enough progress to do Mondays follow-up meeting with Zelensky and European leaders.

Look, at the end of the day, if peace is not going to be possible here, and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands, the president has that option to then come in and impose new sanctions, he said.

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But if he did this now, the moment the president puts those additional sanctions, thats the end of the talks. Youve basically locked in at least another year to year and a half of war and death and destruction.

We may unfortunately wind up there, but we dont want to wind up there. We want to wind up with a peace deal that ends this war so Ukraine can go on with the rest of their lives and rebuild their country and be assured that this is never going to happen again.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio scrambled to justify the administrations lack of progress toward a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire during Donald Trumps recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

In a round of interviews on four Sunday news programs, Rubio, who used to be strongly anti-Putin, struggled to defend the administrations position, despite Trumps boasting that he made BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA in a Truth Social post that morning.

Thats a big change of tune to what Trump said before he met with Putin: I want to see a ceasefire rapidly. I dont know if its going to be today, but Im not going to be happy if its not today.

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This Week host Martha Raddatz pointed out this inconvenient fact, asking Rubio if Trump changed his mind.

The fighting hasnt stopped. The killing hasnt stopped. And there is no ceasefire. What changed President Trumps mind? Raddatz asked.

I dont think his mind has changed at all, Rubio said. I think, ultimately, if this whole effort doesnt work out then, yes, there is going to have to be additional consequences to Russia, but were trying to avoid that by reaching a peace agreement. And thats not going to be easy. Its going to take a lot of work.

Rubio continued to hedge: So, were still a long ways off. I mean, were not at the precipice of a peace agreement. Were not at the edge of one, but I do think progress was made.

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But Rubio refused to elaborate on what that progress was, nor would he name any concessions that Putin agreed to.

Raddatz pressed Rubio. The president went in to that meeting saying he wanted a ceasefire and there would be consequences if they didnt agree on a ceasefire in that meeting, and they didnt agree to a ceasefire. Where are the consequences? she asked.

Thats not the aim, Rubio responded.

The president said that was the aim, Raddatz said.

The public meeting between Putin and Trump went so poorly, even Fox News described it as a flop where Putin clearly dominated the conversation: The way that it felt in the room was not good. It did not seem like things went well. And it seemed like Putin came in and steamrolled, got right into what he wanted to say and got his photo next to the president and then left, the networks senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich said.

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On Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, Rubio said that while theres a lot of work that remains, the U.S.-Russia conversation zeroed in on issues of borders, long-term security for Kyv, and Ukraines military alliances.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to Russia, disclosed more details, saying on CNN that the U.S. allegedly won the concession that the United States could offer Article Five-like protection to Ukraine, referring to the kind of protection NATO countries provide one another. Putin has vehemently opposed Ukraine becoming a NATO member.

Rubios role in the administration has led him to compromise his views on Putins aggression toward Ukraine. On Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker rolled out a clip of Rubio from 2022 arguing that you cant cut deals with guys like Putin.

As a senator, Rubio called Putin several things  bloodthirsty, a butcher, and a monster. He also pressed the Biden administration to continue supporting Ukrainians as long as they are willing to fight.

Democrats have been staunchly critical of the administrations handling of Russias aggression toward Ukraine.

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That meeting was a disaster. It was an embarrassment for the United States, Sen. Chris Murphy said Sunday on Meet the Press. It was a failure. Putin got everything he wanted.

[Putin] didnt have to give up anything. Nothing, right? Murphy continued. President Trump said he wanted a ceasefire. It appears the ceasefire wasnt even seriously discussed. And, then theres no consequences. Trump said, If I dont get a ceasefire, Putins going to pay a price. And then he walked out of that meeting saying, I didnt get a ceasefire. I didnt get a peace deal. And Im not even considering sanctions. You heard Secretary Rubio downplay sanctions. And, so, Putin walks away with his photo op, with zero commitments made and zero consequences. What a great day for Russia.

Murphy also unleashed on congressional Republicans for doing Trumps bidding. In the Congress, the Republicans essentially work for President Trump, he said. And if President Trump tells them that his number one priority is to keep Vladimir Putin happy, not to actually levy the kind of sanctions that would create a realistic negotiating table, Republicans are gonna listen.

Rep. Jason Crow also pointed out what a failure the meeting was, calling it a historic embarrassment for the U.S.

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What [Putin] cares about is three things: economic pressure in the form of sanctions, being a pariah state, and military defeat This admin continues to be unwilling to do anything to assert pressure in any of those three areas, he said.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington on Monday where he will meet with Trump. The last time Zelensky visited D.C., both Trump and Vance publicly berated him in the Oval Office, with Vance bashing him for not saying thank you enough to the United States.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said the U.S. is still holding out hope for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, despite President Donald Trump failing to secure one during Friday's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a series of interviews on Sunday, Rubio said progress was made at the Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin, but a ceasefire has yet to be agreed upon.

We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remain some big areas of disagreement, Rubio said on ABCs This Week.

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Were not at the precipice of an agreement, were not at the edge of one, he added.

Still, Rubio appeared to say that all parties want to see an end to the war.

It was agreed to by all that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal. There's no doubt about that, Rubio told NBCs Kristen Welker on Meet the Press.

Rubios comments appear at odds with special envoy Steve Witkoffs, who said on Sunday that the U.S. secured critical wins from the summit.

Rubio refused to detail what was discussed at the high-stakes meeting between the two leaders, instead telling CBSs Margaret Brennan that the U.S. is not in a position to make any agreements or rejections on behalf of either of the warring nations.

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And despite Trumps threats of very severe consequences for Russia if a ceasefire is not reached, Rubio said additional sanctions will not help the situation.

The moment the president puts the additional sanctions, thats the end of the talks, he said on "Face the Nation." You've basically locked in at least another year to year and a half of war and death and destruction. We may unfortunately wind up there, but we don't want to wind up there.

Still, he said, there were some concepts and ideas discussed that the Ukrainians could be supportive of.

Ultimately, there are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, potentials for progress, he said.

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Those ideas, he added, will be discussed in Mondays meeting with European allies, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rubio laid responsibility on both Russia and Ukraine for refusing to make enough concessions for a ceasefire.

Both sides are going to have to give up something in order to get to the table, in order to make this happen. That's  that's just the way it is, Rubio said.

But Rubio sidestepped questions of the U.S. demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian land.

Territories will have to be discussed. It's just a fact, and there are things that maybe Russia is holding now that they're going to have to give up. Who knows? The point is, we need to create a scenario where that becomes possible, and that's why this has been so hard, because neither side, up to now, has been willing to give on some of these things, he said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must make concessions to achieve a peace deal.

"You can't have a peace agreement unless both sides give and get. You can't have a peace agreement unless both sides make concessions," Rubio told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "If not, it's just called surrender, and neither side is going to surrender, so both sides are going to have to make concessions."

On those concessions, Rubio said the United States did ask Putin to make them; however, when it comes to sanctions, the Trump administration believes that as soon as it levies additional sanctions to those already in place, the negotiations will halt.

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MORE: Russia ceasefire refusal 'complicates' talks, Zelenskyy says before White House visit

"Of course, concessions were asked, but what utility would there be of me going on a program and tell you, 'We've wagged our finger at Putin and told him, "You must do this," and "you must do that."' It's going to make -- it's only going to make it harder."

ABC News - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Aug. 17, 2025.

"The problem is this: The minute you levy additional sanctions, strong additional sanctions, the talking stops. Talking stops. And at that point, the war just continues," he said.

"Now, we may end up being at a point where we have to do that, where there is no other recourse, and that's the end. By the way, there already are sanctions on Russia. The President hasn't lifted any sanctions on Russia. They're already facing sanctions, severe sanctions, and they're facing ones from the Europeans as well. So we may very well reach a point where everyone concludes, 'no peace is going to happen here, we're going to have to do more sanctions.'" Rubio said. But if it comes to that, the secretary added, "You are basically walking away from any prospect of a negotiated settlement here, which is what everyone is asking us to do."

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While Russia has publicly taken issue with Ukraine's demand for security guarantees as part of a peace deal, Rubio suggested that the United States believes that Ukraine is justified in its request, calling it "very reasonable."

On the other hand, Rubio suggested that the United States believes that Ukraine is justified in their request for security guarantees, calling it a "very reasonable" request.

MORE: Inside Trump and Putin's historic summit: See the photos

"We do know that Ukraine has said repeatedly and publicly talked about is security guarantees. They need to be able to enter into security guarantees that ensure that this is never going to happen again, that they're not going to get re-invaded in two and a half or three years or four years or whenever it may be," Rubio said. "That's something we're working on. And that's something the Russian side has to understand, obviously, is that as a sovereign country, Ukraine has a right, like every sovereign country, to enter into security alliances and agreements with other countries."

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Rubio also indicated that Trump's position on the war in Ukraine hasn't changed after Friday's summit and that Ukraine's involvement is essential for a peace deal.

"I don't think his mind has changed at all. I think ultimately, if this whole effort doesn't work out, then there is going to have to be additional consequences to Russia. But we're trying to avoid that by reaching a peace agreement," Rubio said.

"We're not at the precipice of a peace agreement. We're not at the edge of one. But I do think progress was made," he continued.

Trump had said before the summit that he wanted a ceasefire and for the killing to stop and there would be consequences if it didn't.

ABC News - PHOTO: Former national security adviser Jake Sullivan appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Aug. 17, 2025.

In a subsequent interview on "This Week," President Joe Biden's former national security adviser Jake Sullivan pointed to the president's goal before the summit to argue that since it wasn't achieved, the summit was unsuccessful.

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"President Trumps stated goals were very simple, get an immediate ceasefire, and in the absence of a ceasefire, impose what he called severe consequences," Sullivan said. "Well, the summit has come and gone. There is no ceasefire. There are no consequences. Meanwhile, President Putin has a simple goal. Keep the war going without facing further economic pressure from the United States. And he has achieved both of those goals on an open-ended basis."

Sullivan also disagreed with Rubio's position on sanctions, saying increasing them now would actually give the U.S. leverage.

"One thing that I think Secretary Rubio has backwards is the idea that additional pressure would hurt diplomacy. From my perspective, part of the reason that Putin came to Alaska is because he's worried about the possibility of pressure. And if President Trump were prepared to escalate sanctions, squeeze Putin harder, I believe it would give him leverage to bring this war to an end more rapidly," he said, adding that he hopes Zelenskyy and other European leaders traveling to Washington Monday will press Trump on this issue.

But Rubio did stress that a peace agreement can't be achieved if only one side is involved in the talks -- something Ukraine has stressed as well -- and he said it's the U.S.'s objective to bring both nations together.

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"You're not going to reach a ceasefire or a peace agreement in a meeting in which only one side is represented. That's why it's important to bring both leaders together, and that's the goal here," Rubio said.

Rubio said that details of Trump's meeting with Putin will not be disclosed.

"These peace agreements and negotiations -- they don't work when they're conducted in the media, either through leaks or through lies," Rubio said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there wouldnt be a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia unless both sides make concessions.

During an appearance on ABCs This Week on Sunday, host Martha Raddatz asked whether Rubio could name any concessions Russian President Vladimir Putin made during his meeting with President Trump in Alaska on Friday, which Rubio was in attendance for.

I wouldnt name them on your program, Rubio responded.

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When Raddatz pushed back, asking where the pressure was, Rubio said there cant be a peace agreement unless both sides give and get.

You cant have a peace agreement unless both sides make concessions. Thats a fact, he said. Thats true in virtually any negotiation. If not, its just called surrender. And neither side is going to surrender. So both sides are going to have to make concessions.

He added that of course concessions were asked for, but he argued that providing the specific concessions on the program would make it harder and less likely that theyre going to agree to these things.

So, these negotiations, as much as everyone would love it to be a live pay-per-view event, these discussions only work best when they are conducted privately in  serious negotiations in which people who have to go back and respond to constituencies, he added.

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His comments come after Trump met with Putin on Friday at a summit in Alaska, alongside Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff and two Russian aides.

While no agreement emerged from the meeting, Trump touted it as productive.

I believe we had a very productive meeting. There were many, many points that we agreed on. Most of them, I would say a couple of big ones that we havent quite gotten there, but weve made some headway. So, theres no deal until theres a deal, Trump said after the meeting.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is "not off the table."

He spoke to NBC News two days after a meeting in Alaska between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Following the summit, Trump abandoned his earlier call for an immediate ceasefire, instead supporting Putins preferred approach of negotiating a full peace deal to end the war.

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Asked in the interview whether a ceasefire was off the table, Rubio replied, "No, it's not off the table."

"It was agreed to by all that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal," Rubio continued. "There's no doubt about that. I mean, who would be against the fact that tomorrow we came to you and said, 'We have a full peace deal, and it's done.' I think thats the best way to end the war."

Rubio questioned whether a ceasefire would be necessary along the way, noting that the United States has advocated for one, but Russia has not yet agreed.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington with a contingent of European leaders alongside him as he meets with Trump in the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday said the details of the negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war will need to be determined by the two countries, stressing that the U.S. is not in a position to accept the terms of a peace deal to end a war that it is not directly involved in.

The U.S. merely serves as a mediator to try and bring the parties closer together before they meet themselves, Rubio said in an interview on CBS Newss Face the Nation.

The United States is not in a position to accept anything or reject anything, because ultimately, its up to the Ukrainians. Theyre the ones that Russia has to make peace with, Ukraine with Russia, Rubio told host Margaret Brennan.

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Rubio touted President Trumps progress in his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday but stressed that concessions will need to be made by both parties if there is any hope of a diplomatic end to the war.

A potential deal will come down to what Ukraine can accept and what Russia can accept. They both have to accept it, otherwise there wont be a peace deal, Rubio said.

In order for there to be a peace deal  this is just a fact  we may not like it, it may not be pleasant, it may be distasteful, but in order for there to be an end of the war, there are things Russia wants that it cannot get, and there are things Ukraine wants that its not going to get, Rubio said in the interview.

Both sides are going to have to give up something in order to get to the table, in order to make this happen. Thats just the way it is, he continued. And I mean, the sooner we accept that, thats the reality.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders will meet with Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss the Friday meeting with Putin and next steps in the negotiations.

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Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh will leave for New Delhi on Sunday night to discuss key pending projects of the state with the Central government. During his visit to the national capital on Monday, the HRD Minister is scheduled to meet a series of Union Ministers to push for faster clearances for pending projects and to discuss some new initiatives for the state. Since the formation of the coalition government in the state, the Minister has already met Union Ministers on multiple occasions and has been actively pursuing the state's interests. His efforts have helped bring new projects to Andhra Pradesh and ensure quicker approvals from the Centre. Besides, the HRD Minister is said to be making a concerted push to bring Andhra Pradesh at par with the most developed states in the country. During the visit, Minister Lokesh is also expected to meet Union Railway, IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and thank him personally for sanctioning a semiconductor manufacturing unit to the state. He will also hold meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The state government is expected to present a set of proposals to each of these ministries during the discussions. On August 1, amid the Telangana government's objection to the Banakacherla project, Nara Lokesh claimed that the reservoir project would benefit the Telugu community and sought their support. He said that the TDP government in 2014-19 never objected to the construction of the upstream Kaleswaram project on Godavari, when the Telangana government started work without the Centre's approval. "The Telugu Desam Party stands for the rights of Telugu people everywhere. The TDP Government in 2014-19 never objected to the construction of the upstream Kaleswaram project on Godavari, when the Telangana Government started work without central approval," Lokesh said in a post on X. The Godavari-Banakacherla Link scheme is a major project proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government at an estimated cost of Rs 80,112 crore. (ANI)
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WHNT)  A girl who ran when being dropped off at Pathway of Madison County in Owens Cross Roads was spotted in Lawrence County, Tennessee on Friday night.

Owens Cross Roads Police Chief Jason Dobbins told News 19 she remains on the run.

Dobbins said the 15-year-old girl was in the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources and was being dropped off at Pathway of Madison County around 6:15 p.m. Thursday. However, he said, when the girl arrived at the facility, she ran away.

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Dobbins said the girl was not yet in the care of the Pathway facility when she ran away.

Pathway of Madison County contracts with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) to provide mental health services for girls. The facility recently had its business license renewed by the Owens Cross Roads City Council with several conditions after the facility faced controversy over what officials called a riot in September of 2024.

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Ukraines Air Force has reported that Russian forces launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 60 drones on the night of 16-17 August. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed or jammed 40 of them.

Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Details: The missile and 20 drones struck 12 locations in frontline districts of Kharkiv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

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LONDON -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's continued refusal to accept a ceasefire is "complicating" efforts to reach a peace deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday, as he prepared to travel to the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Friday's summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska -- to which Ukrainian representatives were not invited -- ended with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede the entirety of its contested and fortified eastern Donetsk region in exchange for an end to the fighting, two sources told ABC News.

Putin has repeatedly dodged Ukrainian-U.S. offers of an immediate ceasefire. Before the summit, Trump told reporters, "I want to see a ceasefire rapidly."

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Kyiv has previously rejected ceding any territory to Russia without binding security guarantees that include the U.S. Zelenskyy has also ruled out giving up Donetsk, saying the region could provide a launchpad for future Russian offensives deeper into Ukraine. Kyiv maintains that no peace negotiations can take part until a ceasefire is in effect.

Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian troops attend training for recruits in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Aug. 16, 2025.

On Saturday, Zelenskyy addressed the ongoing talks in a post to Telegram, saying, "We see that Russia rejects numerous demands for a ceasefire and still has not determined when it will stop the killings. This complicates the situation."

"If they have no will to implement a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort for Russia to develop the will to implement much more, namely peaceful life with neighbors for decades," Zelenskyy added. "But we all work together for peace and security. Stopping the killings is a key element of ending the war."

Zelenskyy will meet Trump at the White House on Monday, with the U.S. president also inviting European leaders to attend.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Sunday that they will be among the leaders accompanying Zelenskyy.

"The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues and continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression," Merz's office said in a statement. "This includes maintaining the pressure of sanctions."

The leaders of France, Germany and the U.K. were also expected to co-chair a virtual meeting of the pro-Ukraine "Coalition of the Willing" on Sunday, according to a press release from French President Emmanuel Macron's office.

MORE: Ukrainian soldiers focus on daily battles as Trump and Putin prepare to meet

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After the Alaska summit, Trump told Fox News he recommends that Kyiv "make the deal."

"Look, Russia is a very big power, and they're not," Trump said, saying Ukraine had "great soldiers." The president then praised Putin, calling him a "strong guy" and saying he is "tough as hell."

On Sunday morning, Trump posted to social media claiming "big progress" being made regarding the peace talks. "STAY TUNED!" Trump wrote.

The president also again criticized media coverage of the talks. "If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal," he wrote.

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Zelenskyy said Saturday he would continue "coordination with partners" ahead of Monday's meeting. "It is important that everyone agrees that a conversation at the leaders' level is necessary to clarify all the details and determine which steps are needed and will work," he said.

The Ukrainian president warned earlier on Saturday that Russian operations may expand as peace negotiations continue. "The Russian army may attempt to intensify pressure and strikes against Ukrainian positions in order to create more favorable political conditions for negotiations with global actors," Zelenskyy posted to Telegram.

Ukraine's air force said that Russia launched 60 drones and one missile into the country overnight into Sunday, of which 40 drones were shot down or suppressed. Twenty drones impacted across 12 locations, the air force said.

Wpa Pool/Getty Images - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pictured in the garden of 10 Downing Street on August 14, 2025 in London, U.K.

Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down at least 52 Ukrainian drones overnight.

ABC News' Hannah Demissie, Patrick Reevell, Nataliia Popova, Anna Sergeeva, Fidel Pavlenko, Somayeh Malekian, Morgan Winsor, Tom Soufi Burridge, Kelsey Walsh and Mike Trew contributed to this report.
What do the US, Ukraine, Russia and Europe want out of the talks and what are the key sticking points? Our security correspondent takes a look
Russia has lost 900 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day, bringing its total number of personnel losses in Ukraine to 1,069,950.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 17 August 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 1,069,950 (+900) military personnel;

11,116 (+4) tanks;

23,143 (+8) armoured combat vehicles;

31,589 (+49) artillery systems;

1,468 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems;

1,208 (+1) air defence systems;

422 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

340 (+0) helicopters;

51,528 (+186) operational-tactical UAVs;

3,558 (+0) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

58,821 (+88) vehicles and fuel tankers;

3,942 (+0) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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A group publishing pro-Russia propaganda online is impersonating legitimate news outlets in an attempt to disseminate disinformation, Politico reported, citing misinformation tracking organization NewsGuard.

The effort, known as Storm-1679, creates websites that mimic real news outlets and uses those sites to push fake news stories. They have published disinformation designed to look like stories from ABC News, the BBC, and Politico, among others. The group has also used artificial intelligence to proliferate fake videos, often hooked to major news events. To some degree, their efforts are working. People  including right-wing influencers  have fallen for them.

One such video, a fabricated E! News report, claimed this past February that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paid movie stars to visit Ukraine after Russias invasion in 2022. It was posted to social media with the caption: USAID was using our tax dollars to send celebrities to UKRAINE to increase Zelenskys popularity around the world and, in particular, the U.S. BURN USAID TO THE GROUND. We dont need it under any department.

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Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk fell for the scam. Both reposted the video on X.

The video is not authentic and did not originate from E! News, the outlet said in a statement to Reuters at the time.

It typically tends to surge and launch a wave of fakes around a particular news event, Ivana Stradner, a researcher on Russia at the D.C. think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Politico.

NewsGuard is tracking 556 domains that have promoted false claims about the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Some of those domains are official Russian state media sources, but others are not official Russian state propaganda. They are anonymous websites, foundations, and research websites with uncertain funding  at least some of which may have undisclosed links to the Russian government.

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Fake stories that these domains have perpetuated include that the U.S. has bioweapons labs in Eastern Europe, that Nazism is spreading in Ukraine politics and society, and that a civilian massacre in Bucha, Ukraine, was staged.

While the threat of disinformation and AI fakes increases, the Trump administration is phasing out efforts to combat it.

The State Department, under Sec. Marco Rubio, shut down the agencys office that battles against foreign disinformation. Rubio claimed  without evidence  that the office was spending millions of dollars to actively silence and censor the voices of Americans they were supposed to be serving. Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has also ousted federal workers who combatted disinformation related to U.S. elections.

Stradner told Politico these rollbacks are a dream come true for Putin.

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By Vitalii Hnidyi and Anna Voitenko

KHARKIV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Russian attacks on major Ukrainian cities killed at least 10 people on Monday, hours before President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was expected to press his case in Washington against a quick deal to end Moscow's war.

An entire family including a toddler and her 16-year-old brother were among the seven killed in an overnight drone strike on a residential neighbourhood in northeastern Kharkiv, authorities said. Twenty-three people were wounded, they said.

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Three people were also killed in a ballistic missile strike on the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said, adding that another 23 were wounded.

In Kharkiv, rescuers carried out bloodied survivors to safety across debris and shattered glass. They shouted to others who remained stuck in the hulking wreckage of an apartment building.

A Reuters reporter witnessed medics attempting to resuscitate the toddler, whose clothing was tattered and body coated in dust.

"An ordinary apartment block ... families with small children, a children's playground, a residential compound," said resident Olena Yakusheva while fighting back tears.

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"We were just living here and enjoying our little building."

Zelenskiy, who called the attacks "demonstrative and cynical", was preparing for talks with Donald Trump amid fears the U.S. president will pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace settlement favourable to Russia.

Kyiv, which is also fending off a grinding Russian offensive across much of the east, has warned that rewarding Moscow by giving away more Ukrainian territory would only embolden the Kremlin to continue its war, now in its fourth year.

"Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts," Zelenskiy wrote on X.

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Russia, which did not immediately comment on Monday's attacks, says it does not target civilians but thousands have been killed in its full-scale invasion since February 2022.

Ukraine's air force said Russian forces launched 140 drones and four missiles at Ukraine overnight, adding that 88 drones had been downed. Monday's drone attack was Russia's largest on Ukraine since August 4.

The air force said it had recorded strikes at 25 locations in six different regions.

In the southern Odesa region, a drone strike damaged an oil depot belonging to Azerbaijan's state-owned SOCAR for the second time in two weeks, Ukraine's foreign minister said.

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TALKS IN WASHINGTON

Trump, who hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday for talks aimed at ending the war, has urged Kyiv to make a deal with Moscow, stating, "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

Zelenskiy, who wants security guarantees from the U.S., has all but rejected the outline of Putin's proposals from the Alaska meeting, including for Ukraine to give up the rest of its eastern Donbas region.

Some Kyiv residents, speaking to Reuters on Monday, said they did not trust a deal that forces Ukraine to withdraw from more territory.

"If we give up Donbas, then tomorrow they (Russia) will ask for Zaporizhzhia and Kherson," said Dmytro Furlet, a 44-year-old engineer, referring to two other regions partly occupied by Moscow.

(Additional reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Writing by Dan Peleschuk in Kyiv; editing by Diane Craft, Tom Balmforth and Giles Elgood)
Five people were killed and 11 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on Aug. 17.

The Air Force said Russia launched one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 60 Shahed-type attack drones and drone decoys overnight on Aug. 17.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down or suppressed 40 drones over the country's north and east.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces carried out drone and artillery strikes on more than 30 settlements, damaging two houses and a civilian vehicle. As a result of the attacks, two people were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

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In Donetsk Oblast, Russian shelling killed five civilians  two in Raihorodok, two in Sviatohorivka, and one in Kostiantynivka. Another four people were injured across the region over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian strikes targeted several communities with missiles, guided bombs, and drones. Five people were injured in the shelling, and residential buildings were damaged in Vilshany, Nova Kozacha, and Prykolotne. Governor Oleh Syniehubov said civilian infrastructure, including houses, garages, and an apartment building, sustained damage.

Read also: Ukrainians fear Trump will shift responsibility for ending war onto Kyiv after failed talks with Putin

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Five civilians were killed and four injured in Russian strikes on Donetsk Oblast on 16 August.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Details: The Russians killed two people in each of the villages of Raiske and Sviatohorivka and one in the city of Kostiantynivka.

One person was injured in each of the settlements of Raiske, Bilozerske, Mykolaivka and Sloviansk.

The total official death toll in the oblast now stands at 3,417.

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A 465-foot megayacht worth an estimated $500 million has been approved for adventure in the Arctic Ocean  not as part of a scientific mission, but as a private expedition led by one of Russia's richest men, Luxurylaunches reported.

The vessel, named Nord, belongs to Alexey Mordashov, a steel magnate and billionaire who holds a majority stake in Russia's Severstal group. Nord was making its way toward the Chukchi Sea and the Wrangel and Herald Islands  a remote and ecologically sensitive region of the Arctic.

The area is hard to reach and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity. Wrangel Island is home to polar bears, walruses, and rare migratory birds, Luxurylaunches noted.

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The voyage means that Nord, a vessel built primarily for leisure and luxury, is heading directly into one of the most vulnerable natural habitats on the planet.

The trip was only made possible by a special permit issued in July by Russia's GlavSevmorput agency, The Moscow Times reported.

The permit allows the yacht to operate in Arctic waters through August and September. The Chukchi Sea remains ice-free for only part of the year.

Mordashov's net worth was recently placed at $28.6 billion by Forbes. He bought the approximately 142-meter yacht Nord in 2020, and it spent much of its time in the Caribbean before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the Times.

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Luxurylaunches reported that this will mark the first time the vessel has flown the Russian flag in Arctic waters, and it comes after years of being mostly out of public view. Mordashov was sanctioned by the United States and European Union in 2022 and has had some of his assets frozen.

The Arctic is warming at a rate nearly four times faster than the global average, according to peer-reviewed research. As sea ice retreats and temperatures rise, ecosystems face pressure from both natural and human-driven activities. Heat-trapping pollution from humans is the major cause of temperature increases, and giant yachts are reportedly responsible for thousands of times the carbon pollution output of most people on the planet.

The purpose of the trip has not been made public, but Luxurylaunches reported that Mordashov will turn 60 in September. Research vessels and Indigenous communities usually navigate these waters with caution and purpose, in striking contrast to a luxury yacht designed for private enjoyment.

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Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his speech on the 79th Independence Day, alleging that the organisation was opposed to India's freedom struggle. Kharge questioned the role of the RSS during the country's independence movement, asking how many of its members went to jail at the time. Addressing the 'Voter Adhikar Rally' in Sasaram, Kharge said, "All the people who fought for our freedom gave us the right to vote. Today, PM Modi is challenging that right from the Red Fort... The RSS was against the freedom of the country. They separated Mahatma Gandhi from his people... How many RSS people went to jail or were hanged?... If PM Modi is taking the names of such people from the Red Fort, then what would the souls of those who fought for our freedom be saying today?" He further warned that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, people's democratic rights, votes, and even the Constitution are at risk. "He is a very dangerous man. Unless you remove him from power, your votes, rights, freedom, and even the Constitution will not remain safe," Kharge said. In the same rally, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav also accused the Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to scam the people of Bihar by carrying out a "conspiracy" to cut the names of people from the voter list. "Narendra Modi is dead set on destroying the lives of the youth of Bihar. Modi makes the illiterate clap for him and does politics. But our politics is about providing jobs to everyone. Today, that is why we are here. Election Commission, Modi, Bihario ko choona lagana chahate hai (want to scam the people of Bihar). Do not think of Biharis as weak," Yadav said. The Congress has launched a massive 'Vote Adhikar Rally', starting from Sasaram in Bihar, targeting the Election Commission over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the poll-bound state. The Opposition, also known as the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, has alleged that the SIR is an attempt to delete the names of legitimate voters from the electoral rolls. (ANI)
Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones and Grad multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) on the night of 16-17 August. Fires and damage to civilian infrastructure have been recorded.

Source: Mykola Lukash, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council

Details: Lukash said that Russian forces had attacked the Nikopol district with drones and Grad systems from the evening until morning.

The aftermath of a Russian strike.

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Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

The city of Nikopol as well as the Pokrovske, Myrove and Marhanets hromadas came under fire. The attacks caused fires and damaged cars. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

The aftermath of a Russian strike.

Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

The aftermath of a Russian strike.

Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Russian forces carried out drone strikes on the Mezhova and Pokrovske hromadas in the Synelnykove district, damaging houses, a garage and infrastructure facilities and causing fires to break out.

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Russian forces used guided aerial bombs to attack the village of Lisne in the Mala Danylivka hromada in Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of 17 August. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: An explosion was heard in the city of Kharkiv.

Three people were injured in the attack: a 49-year-old man and two women aged 48 and 51.

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Russia's continued refusal to accept a ceasefire "complicates" efforts to achieve a sustainable peace agreement, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 16, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump met to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska concluded without a peace deal and saw Trump abruptly abandon his previous demands for a ceasefire and threats of "severe consequences" if Russia refused. Trump is now championing a rapid peace deal as the best way forward and will discuss the details with Zelensky and European officials at the White House on Aug. 18.

Russia's rejection of all ceasefire proposals "complicates the situation," Zelensky said on Telegram on Aug. 16.

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"If they do not have the will to implement a simple order to stop the attacks, it may take a great deal of effort to get Russia to implement something much more significant, namely peaceful coexistence with its neighbors for decades to come," he wrote.

Zelensky said that he and his team were continuing to hold talks with Ukraine's international partners throughout the day and weekend in preparation for the meeting with Trump on Aug. 18.

"I am grateful for the invitation," Zelensky said.

"It is important that everyone agrees that a conversation at the leadership level is needed to clarify all the details and determine what steps are necessary and will work."

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Trump has said that following the meeting with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House, the next step will be to host trilateral talks among himself, Zelensky, and Putin. Trump reportedly wants to hold the trilateral meeting as early as Aug. 22, according to Axios.

Putin has not publicly agreed to participate in a meeting with Zelensky.

Ukrainian and European officials have consistently called for a complete cessation of hositilities as a precondition for good-faith peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. The Kremlin has rejected these demands at every turn, insisting that Ukraine first make extreme concessions  such as the dissolution of its army and the refusal to accept foreign military aid.

The results of the Alaska Summit showed no indication that Putin had abandoned his maximalist objectives in Ukraine.

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(FOX40.COM)  The United States Department of Justice has announced that Raymond James Cornett, 53, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty on Monday to sexual exploitation of a child.

 Video above: What happens when you call 911?

According to the DOJ, Cornett requested from a woman in Canada videos and images of a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Lincoln police announces DUI and license checkpoint

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The DOJ said Cornett also admitted to requesting images and videos of sexually explicit conduct from two other minor victims.

Cornett is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Dec. 8. He will face a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Canadian woman was prosecuted by Canadian authorities, according to the DOJ.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
My usual rule is not to hold the morals of the artist against the art. But in Sally Rooneys case, I find myself breaking this rule, largely as its no great sacrifice to do so. Her self-regarding prose is as conformist and mean-spirited as her politics. But the politics are openly evil.

Rooney is one of those haters of Israel who is so dedicated to the cause that she has made it her most talked-about feature, a personal crusade on a level only matched by the equally pale and sour-faced Palestine fanatic Greta Thunberg.

In 2021, Rooney stonily refused to let the Hebrew publisher Modin buy and translate her book Beautiful World, Where Are You? out of commitment to the cultural boycott of Israel and Israelis, a campaign that in some jurisdictions is classified as anti-Semitic.

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Her commitment to Israels sworn enemies is now being tested by her brazen support of Palestine Action, designated a terror group in July after it broke into RAF base at Brize Norton and did millions of pounds of damage, committing sabotage and posing an aggressive threat to national security.

Rooneys insouciant entitlement is quite something. Like the rest of her deranged crew, only when it cracks down on violent criminality in the name of Palestine does she think Britain has a problem with free speech and political policing.

Like Thunberg, Rooney is posing as a law-defying martyr for the Palestinian people, standing up to the global conspiracy (as they see it) to gaslight those who truly see (like them) the (non-existent) genocidal Israeli appetite for the blood of innocents.

She wrote in the Irish Times this weekend of her decision to send all her earnings from the BBCs adaptations of her novels to Palestine Action. If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it, she wrote. My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets. In recent years, the UKs state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels, and therefore regularly pays me residual fees. I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can. If the British state considers this terrorism, then perhaps it should investigate the shady organisations that continue to promote my work and fund my activities, such as WH Smith and the BBC.

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What a smug cow.

Rooney resides in the Republic of Ireland, not the UK, and is an Irish national.

But if she were to land at Heathrow and then proceeded to publicly donate money to Palestine Action, Rooney ought to be fined for all the money she tries to give to the proscribed terrorist organisation, and a lot more beside. That money could then be used to fund the British armed forces, which could do with some of her millions, not least to help repair the damage done at Brize Norton.

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Sally Rooney has vowed to use money from the BBC to fund the proscribed terror organisation Palestine Action.

The novelist said the police should investigate the corporations and the high-street stores that stock and promote her work if they believe she is committing an act of terrorism.

Membership and support of Palestine Action, including funding, can carry sentences of up to 14 years in prison after the group was banned by the Government in July.

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The Normal People author made the comments in the Irish Times, noting that it would be illegal for her to publish them in a British newspaper.

She said she felt compelled to publicly express her support after more than 500 peaceful protesters were arrested for doing the same in a single day on Aug 9.

If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it, she wrote. My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets.

In recent years, the UKs state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels, and therefore regularly pays me residual fees.

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I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.

If the British state considers this terrorism, then perhaps it should investigate the shady organisations that continue to promote my work and fund my activities, such as WH Smith and the BBC.

WH Smith has been contacted for comment. A BBC spokesman said: Matters relating to proscribed organisations are for the relevant authorities.

Protestors surround RAF High Wycombe with a symbolic red line to demonstrate against the RAF assisting Israel with surveillance flights over Gaza - Guy Smallman/Getty Images

Ms Rooney said that to ensure that the British public is made aware of my position, I would happily publish this statement in a UK newspaper  but that would now be illegal.

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She has previously expressed her support for the group in a witness statement handed to Londons High Court, where the decision to proscribe the group is being challenged by one of its founders.

The Irish author has now accused Sir Keir Starmers government of stripping its citizens of basic rights and freedoms to protect its relationship with Israel.

The ramifications are profound and an increasing number of artists and writers can no longer safely travel to Britain to speak in public, she said.

Palestine Action was proscribed by the Home Secretary after activists allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and vandalised two military aircraft, causing 7m of damage.

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Ms Rooney, whose novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends have been adapted into BBC dramas, noted that the decision puts it on the same footing as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Sally Rooneys bestselling book Normal People was adapted into a 12-episode series on BBC in 2020 - Enda Bowe/BBC Pictures

This means that even a simple placard or T-shirt expressing support is now a serious terror offence under UK law, she wrote.

In the six weeks since the ban, the Metropolitan Police have arrested more than 700 people for supporting the group.

The force said a further 60 people will be prosecuted for support of Palestine Action, while Norfolk Police said on Saturday that 13 people were arrested at a protest in Norwich.

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Ms Rooney pointed out that those arrested include an Irish citizen and a woman in Belfast.

An 89-year-old protester was arrested in Parliament Square, London, after taking part in a demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action - Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP

She described the arrest by PSNI officers as political policing, noting that the force made no arrests after a mural for the proscribed Ulster Volunteer Force, responsible for the murders of hundreds of civilians, was repainted in north Belfast last year.

She said: Palestine Action, proscribed under the same law, is responsible for zero deaths and has never advocated the use of violence against any human being.

Why then are its supporters arrested for wearing T-shirts, while murals celebrating loyalist death squads are left untouched?

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Ms Rooney also questioned why the Irish Government, which has stated that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, has remained silent when its citizens have been arrested for protesting an acknowledged genocide.

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WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  Families in Waterbury took to the Salvation Army for a chance to take some books home as a part of an effort to encourage reading ahead of the school year.

Read-In on the Green supports summer literacy, community

This really gives them the opportunity to be able to take that book home and keep the book share it with their friends read with their parents their parents read to them, Maj. Amy Merchant of the Salvation Army said.

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Along with the books, families were able to pick up some snacks.

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(KRON)  The Santa Cruz Police Department is looking for a man who is suspected of sexually assaulting a woman.

The assault occurred around 1:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, near the 400 block of Frederick Street. According to Santa Cruz PD, the female victim was walking when she was violently attacked. Due to the assault, the victim sustained traumatic injuries.

This is a sketch of the suspect. This image was provided by the Santa Cruz Police Department.

The suspect is described as a white man who is in his mid-to-late 20s. He has a thin build and is around 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 9 inches tall. The victim collaborated with the police for a sketch of the suspect (pictured above).

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The department said they have increased patrols in the area and asks residents to remain alert, especially in low-visibility or secluded areas.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A driver was killed in a Saturday afternoon crash on US 17 Alternate in Berkeley County.

Sgt. Tyler Tidwell with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said the two-vehicle crash happened near Old Cherry Hill Lane around 3:00 p.m.

A Toyota Rav 4 was heading south on US 17-A when it collided with a northbound Nissan Frontier.

The driver of the Toyota was killed in the crash, and a passenger was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. There was no word on the occupants of the Nissan.

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The Berkeley County Coroners Office identified the driver as 44-year-old Jennifer Dangerfield of Bonneau.

Trooper Tidwell said the crash is under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
(WSPA) South Carolinas first responder community is mourning after a week marked by the loss of multiple heroes in the law enforcement and fire services.

In separate incidents, several current and retired members of fire departments and law enforcement agencies died.

Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks, South Carolina Highway Patrol

A trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol died nearly four days after being struck by a vehicle on I-26 during a traffic stop.

Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks (Courtesy: South Carolina Department of Public Safety)

Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks died Wednesday night, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

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A graduate of SCHP Class 123 in September 2023, Ricks has proudly served in Troop 7 (Orangeburg, Calhoun) since then, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. This is a devastating loss for his family, for those who worked alongside him in Troop Seven and the entire Highway Patrol and DPS family. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and family as they navigate this immense loss.

Ricks was conducting a traffic stop on I-26 at mile marker 166 when he was struck by a box truck around 2 a.m. Sunday, August 9.

Authorities said he suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. According to a social post from his wife, he suffered a severe brain injury, bleeding, swelling, kidney bleeding, and several broken bones.

His wife, Jade Riley Ricks, described him as the kindest, sweetest, most gentle soul.

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Of all people, my Dennis didnt deserve this To say he is a phenomenal man and husband is quite an understatement, she added.

Members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol escorted Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks out of Trident Medical Center, surrounded by healthcare workers and fellow law enforcement officers. (Courtesy: SCDPS)

Ricks funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, in Columbia, according to SCDPS. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia.

Captain Steve Henderson, Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office

Capt. Steve Henderson (Courtesy: Spartanburg Co. Sheriffs Office)

A captain with the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office was identified as the victim in a head-on collision Thursday night.

The Oconee County Coroners Office announced Friday morning that Captain Steven Henderson, of Spartanburg, died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash reported in Walhalla.

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The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office said Henderson served for over 19 years in various roles throughout the agency. Before beginning his career in law enforcement, Henderson served in the United States Air Force from 1994 to 1998.

Henderson also spent a significant time working with the Sheriffs Office K-9 unit and served as an operator on the SWAT team.

He received numerous awards and commendations, including the Medal of Valor, multiple Deputy of the Quarter awards, and K-9 Handler of the Year for five consecutive years.

Steven wasnt just a decorated law enforcement officerhe was a husband, a Pop, a best friend, and a hero to all who knew him, a friend of Henderson wrote on a fundraiser page.

Captain Phillip Brown, Mauldin Fire Department

Capt. Phillip Brown (Courtesy: Mauldin Fire Department)

The fire service community also experienced profound losses this week.

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On Tuesday, the Mauldin Fire Department announced the death of retired Captain Phillip Brown.

A Travelers Rest native, Captain Brown served Mauldin for 30 years, beginning in December of 1986 and retiring in 2016.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, especially his wife Barbara and his daughter Christina, as well as to his brothers and sisters in the fire service who mourn this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the department wrote in a social media post.

Browns funeral will be held on Sunday, August 17, at 1 p.m. at Shady Oak Baptist Church in Greenville. The procession will follow to Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville.

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Escorted by the Mauldin Police Department, the city said to expect a large fire department presence along the route, which will follow:

West Butler Rd to East Butler Rd

East Butler Rd to Bridges Rd

Bridges Rd to Bethel Rd

Bethel Rd to Route 14

Selfless and community-oriented, Captain Brown was not just a devoted public servant but an incredible individual whose joy, faith, and wisdom defined every interaction he had and positively impacted all who knew him, a spokesperson from the City of Mauldin said.

Chief Mark Holbrook, Gantt District Fire Department

The community is mourning the loss of a fire chief who spent more than four decades serving.

Chief Mark Holbrook spent 44 years with the Gantt District Fire Department.

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Chief Holbrooks leadership oversaw tremendous growth and progress within our department. His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens and firefighters has left a legacy that will be felt for generations, the department said in a post.

Chief Mark Holbrook (Courtesy: Gantt District Fire Department)

He was described as a man of great character, who held himself and others to the highest moral standards.

Chief Holbrooks impact on Gantt District and the fire service will never be forgotten, the department wrote.

Lieutenant James Andy Brown, Gantt District Fire Department

Lt. James Andy Brown (Courtesy: Gantt District Fire Department)

The department also shared the passing of retired Lieutenant James Andy Brown this week.

Brown served the community for nearly 17 years and previously volunteered in Oconee County.

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Lt. Brown will be remembered for his dedication, selflessness, and the countless lives he touched through his service, the department wrote. His contributions to the fire service and the communities he served will leave a lasting mark.

These men, through decades of dedication, compassion, and sacrifice, exemplified what it means to serve. Their legacies live on in the lives they protected, the colleagues they inspired, and the communities they forever changed.

Chief Mark Holbrook (Courtesy: Gantt District Fire Department) Lieutenant James Andy Brown (Courtesy: Gantt District Fire Department) Remembering Captain Phillip Brown (Courtesy: Mauldin Fire Department)

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Areas including Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodhi Road, and the Delhi-Haryana border witnessed intense showers.

The India Meteorological Department, in its latest update on Sunday, predicted that the national capital will continue to witness heavy rainfall on August 18.

Delhi has witnessed heavy rainfall recently over the past few weeks. Subsequently, several parts of the national capital witnessed waterlogging.

Earlier, a man named Sudhir Kumar, 50, was declared dead by the AIIMS Trauma Care Centre after he and his daughter Priya, 22, were rushed to the Centre, Delhi Police informed on Thursday. This happened after they were trapped beneath the fallen tree, owing to heavy rains, near Paras Chowk, Kalkaji, New Delhi.

Describing more on the incident, Delhi Police told ANI, "One of the injured, Sudhir Kumar, aged 50 years, passed away during treatment."

"At approximately 9:50 AM, an old roadside Neem tree fell in front of HDFC Bank near Paras Chowk, Kalkaji. As a result, two individuals riding a motorcycle, Sudhir Kumar (age 50) and his daughter, Priya (age 22), were trapped beneath the fallen tree.

The Local Police responded swiftly to the PCR call, and immediate rescue operations were initiated by the Station House Officer Kalkaji and staff, with support from ACP Kalkaji and the Traffic Inspector, who also arrived promptly at the location," informed the Delhi Police. (ANI)
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is set to remove Tuesday a 120-foot former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel that has been sitting abandoned in Bohicket Creek for years.

Authorities said the vessel, which has been grounded near a private dock, poses environmental and navigational hazards to the surrounding marsh.

Samuel Kodaimati was arrested in July under the states abandoned boat law and faces two charges that carry potential fines and fees totaling $43,400  $21,700 for each.

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The U.S. Coast Guard removed roughly 3,500 gallons of hazardous oil and oily water from the back in late 2024, after it was deemed an environmental hazard.

This photo of the 120-foot former U.S. Navy torpedo vessel is courtesy SCDNR

This removal is more than a cleanup  its a commitment to protecting our coastal resources and ensuring that sensitive habitats like our salt marshes remain healthy and resilient, said Dr. Tom Mullikin, Director of SCDNR. This action shows that SCDNR takes both enforcement and restoration seriously.

SCDNR says abandoned and derelict vessels like this one can leak fuel, oil, and other materials, which often smother marsh vegetation, harm wildlife, and degrade water quality.

They also present dangers to boaters due to poor visibility, structural instability, and navigational obstruction, SCNDR added.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  As Texas schools reopen, medical experts urge parents, students and teachers to follow health precautions to help keep both students and staff healthy and in the classroom.

Dr. Jill Nichols, pediatrician at Austin Diagnostic Clinic and St. Davids Childrens Hospital, said respiratory infections, infectious diseases and other common illnesses have been on the rise all summer.

As KXAN has recently reported, COVID-19 cases have also surged this summer. Texas had a 31.8% positivity rate as of Aug. 11.

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RELATED: Urgent care data shows spikes in COVID positivity rates, especially in Texas

Emergency visits over the last couple of weeks for COVID are up about 20 to 25% and were also seeing small increases in emergency room visits for things like flu and RSV, but a smaller percentage and increase in percentage from weeks prior, Nichols said.

Nichols said the Nimbus variant has circulated widely this summer, and when variants like this mutate, the virus becomes slightly more transmissible.

RELATED: What we know about razor blade throat COVID

But like all other COVID variants, it can be a multi-system illness, meaning you can have lots of different kinds of symptoms, Nichols said.

Common illnesses spreading in schools

Aside from COVID, many other viruses can be quickly spread throughout classrooms as school is back in session. Nichols said those illnesses can range from a common cold, stomach viruses or respiratory viruses, parainfluenza, flu, bronchitis, RSV, strep throat and even sinus infections.

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Again, the main thing that we are seeing the highest increase in rates of ER visits for is going to be COVID at the moment, but also were starting to see increases in rates of things like influenza and RSV, Nichols said.

Symptoms to look out for

Nichols said many common illnesses in schools share similar symptoms, making it difficult to know exactly what a child has caught. She said parents should watch for fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, fatigue, stomach issues, itchy or watery eyes, trouble breathing and persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

I think that it is hard to know exactly whats going on with somebody if theyve had symptoms for five minutes, but if theyre ever acting sick, no matter how long theyve had symptoms, we would want to see them, Nichols said.

Fighting germs in the classroom

Being prepared to fight these germs ahead of time can be most effective. Ensure you or your student is following healthy habits: practicing proper hand washing, not touching the face and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.

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Always be prepared by packing essential items in backpacks like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and even a mask. Follow a wellness routine such as ensuring you get proper sleep, eat balanced meals and snacks and keep up with recommended vaccinations.

Keeping students and staff safe

When students are back on campus for the new school year, it is common to hear staff discuss the importance of students not missing a day of school. Unfortunately, that is not the best idea when a student is experiencing any of the above symptoms.

Health experts like Nichols recommend keeping your child home if they report feeling ill, to keep all students and staff safe and healthy.

In the end, we are all in school more when things are circulating less. So if everyone just took a little more care with when to send their child back to school, using your doctors advice and using your common sense, then I think that we would all be a lot healthier, Nichols said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
ANDERSON  Destructive and deadly flooding in Texas last month, which resulted in an estimated 125 deaths  including 25 children at a Christian summer camp  shocked the nation.

Camp Mystic was located northwest of San Antonio near the Guadalupe River, which rose by 26 feet in less than an hour on July 4.

In the aftermath of the flooding, hard questions arose from the general public, including about whether residents were adequately informed by local alert systems.

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In Indiana, Gov. Mike Braun recently said the state should take a serious look at its emergency alert system.

I think it brings to light that discussion, Are there enough resources for something as tragic as that? Braun told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Youve got to set a lot of it aside, get through it, focus on whats most important, and then come back and see if there are any things you can do better.

Here in our own state, Im going to be cognizant of it, he continued. We have our own calamities, through tornadoes and flooding  thank goodness, nothing of that magnitude  but we all need to be prepared.

Brauns comments on the topic stemmed from a cogent question: Could similar floods happen here?

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At least two Indiana experts believe the answer is yes.

Indiana experiences the same types of storm systems that contributed to the Texas floods.

These patterns are comprised of systems that can contain high volumes of water and weather fronts that keep the systems moving slowly or completely stalled, according to Gabriel Filippelli, professor of earth science at Indiana University Indianapolis.

In the United States, he said, these systems tend to move from west to east. While the storms they spawn are not necessarily threatening, they can become a cause for concern should they slow or stop moving.

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Indiana is no stranger to these low-pressure zones.

This spring, Indiana experienced major flooding during the first week of April. In cities like Shelbyville, residents were forced to evacuate as the Blue River crested at nearly 18 feet.

Other cities like Nashville and Bloomington were left with eight to 10 inches of standing water.

There were four days of about two inches of rain each day, Filippelli said. Each one of those as an individual event wouldnt cause a flood, but when theyre three days in a row, it doesnt provide the water enough time to naturally absorb into the soil. So, you get the runoff and the flooding.

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Indiana University Bloomington Professor Broxton Bird noted that Indiana has experienced large floods in recent history  most notably the spring and summer floods of 2008.

The spring 2008 floods were especially bad because they were rain on snow events, he wrote in an e-mail. What this means is that there were very heavy rains that fell on the spring snowpack, melting it and releasing a considerable amount of winter precipitation in addition to the rainfall.

Many experts believe Indiana is not prepared for floods, given the relative absence of structures like dams and lochs that can control the excess water.

Cities become particularly vulnerable  especially those near rivers, Filippelli said. We have a lot of areas where the water cant percolate naturally because of streets, parking lots and buildings.

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Increasingly sticky low-pressure zones and other conditions favorable to flooding can be boiled down to a single factor: climate change.

As the Earth warms, the atmosphere will likely carry more water vapor in the atmosphere which could be released as heavy rain, according to Filippelli.

The analogy is, if you have a glass of water and you only fill it up half an inch and spill it on the floor, thats a minor cleanup. If it fills up to the top, it requires a major cleanup, Filippelli said.

Such spills come with a hefty price tag. In Texas, the floods resulted in an estimated $20 billion in damages and economic losses.

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Filippelli recommended residents be mindful of weather alerts, even if conditions dont seem dire at the time.

He recommended that state and local officials take the threat of flooding seriously.

Dont assume it can never happen here, he said. Do exercises. These war exercises they do for war, they have the same thing for emergency response.
Charges against a 75-year-old grandmother have been dropped after she was arrested for holding a sign offering conversation in an abortion buffer zone, according to a press release from Alliance Defending Freedom International.

In February, Rose Docherty was arrested outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for holding a sign that read, "Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want." She stood within 200 meters of the hospital campus which was designated a "safe access zone" under Scotlands abortion law.

Docherty was the first person to be arrested and charged under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which went into effect in September 2024, according to the BBC.

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The law criminalizes protests or vigils within 200 meters, or 656 feet, of 30 clinics offering abortion services in Scotland. A similar law exists in England and Wales that makes it illegal to "influence someones decision to access an abortion within 500 feet of any abortion facility."

Rose Docherty was arrested for holding a sign offering conversation in an abortion buffer zone in Scotland.

Retired British Woman On Trial For Holding Sign Offering To Talk To Woman Considering Abortion

Alliance Defending Freedom International, which supported Dochertys legal case, announced Thursday that Scotlands public prosecutor, the Procurator fiscal, had dropped her case and the formal warning against her.

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"This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation," Docherty said in a statement.

"I stood with love and compassion, ready to listen to anyone who wanted to talk. Criminalizing kindness has no place in a free society."

ADF International spokeswoman Lois McLatchie Miller hailed the "free speech win" in a post on X.

Adam Smith-Connor was convicted in 2024 for praying silently near an abortion clinic and ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to about $12,000. He appealed the conviction in July 2025.

Grandmother Arrested At Abortion Clinic Warns Of Expanding Free Speech Buffer Zones

"No one should fear arrest for offering a consensual conversation. Roses case is a stark example of how buffer zone laws can be weaponised to silence peaceful expression," Lorcan Price, legal counsel for ADF International, said in a press release.

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At the time of Dochertys arrest, the U.S. State Department weighed in, calling for freedom of expression to be protected.

"We call on governments, whether in Scotland or around the world, to respect freedom of expression for all," the departments Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor (DRL) posted to X. The bureau supports individual liberty and democratic freedoms across the world.

The Procurator Fiscal Service told Fox News Digital it could not provide information on Docherty's case.

Fox News Kendall Tietz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Scottish grandmother's case dropped after arrest for holding sign in abortion buffer zone
A Scottsdale CEO of a Maryland-based company has been accused of embezzling $2.4 million from an Employee Retirement Income Security Act benefit plan, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.

James Vincent Campbell, 47, is the CEO and founder of Axim Fringe Solutions Group, a company that processes employee benefits for employees of federal contractors. Axims clients sent money to pay for health insurance and retirement benefits, and Axim was supposed to forward those funds to insurance carriers and retirement accounts, according to an indictment.

Campbell was accused of pooling the funds into a master trust account before forwarding the money, the DOJ said. Between 2015 and 2024, he was suspected of making 135 unauthorized withdrawals, according to the DOJ.

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Campbell was suspected of taking the money and using it for personal expenses, including for big game hunting trips in Alaska, Africa, and other locations; taxidermy fees; jewelry; gambling; and direct payments to his girlfriend, the DOJ said.

Campbell was charged with one count of theft from an ERISA plan and 11 counts of money laundering, according to the DOJ. The Employee Benefits Security Administration of the Labor Department was investigating the case.

Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X @CorinaVanek.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: James Vincent Campbell of Axim Fringe Solutions accused of $2.4M theft
The Brief

James Campbell, a 47-year-old Scottsdale CEO, is accused of embezzling over $2.4 million dollars.

Campbell allegedly used the money to fund big game hunting trips in Alaska and Africa.

Campbell pleaded not guilty to charges.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A Scottsdale CEO who allegedly used retirement plans and health insurance premiums to fund exotic hunting trips to Africa and Alaska has been indicted.

What we know

James Vincent Campbell, 47, entered a not guilty plea inside a Maryland federal court on Aug. 15.

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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Campbell used his company, Axim Fringe Solutions, LLC, to siphon off more than $2.4 million in health insurance premiums and 401(k) contributions.

"Before forwarding the funds, Campbell allegedly pooled them in a master trust account. Between 2015 and 2024, he made 135 unauthorized withdrawals  totaling $2,486,905  beyond the legitimate fees owed to Axim," the DOJ said in a news release. "Campbell used a significant portion of the stolen funds for personal expenses including big game hunting trips in Alaska, Africa, and other locations; taxidermy fees; jewelry; casino gambling; and direct payments to his girlfriend."

Campbell is accused of theft from an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan and 11 counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each money laundering count and up to five years in prison for theft.

What's next

FOX 10 reached out to Campbell's attorney for comment, but we have not heard back.
Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese agriculture student, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and still remains in terror captivity in the Gaza Strip. His mother and sister visited Jerusalem on Sunday.

President Isaac Herzog met with the family of Gaza hostage Bipin Joshi at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Joshi, a Nepalese agriculture student, was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7 and still remains in terror captivity in the Gaza Strip.

His mother, Padma, and sister, Pushpa, were joined by the Nepalese ambassador, Dhan Prasad Pandit.

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Herzog offered his support for the Joshi family and spoke about his condition. "Bipin came from Nepal to study agriculture so that he could go back to Nepal and do good in his own country, and develop a life for himself and for his family. We are screaming for Bipin's return," he said.

"His whereabouts are unclear, but Israel and all those who care about our hostages are doing whatever we can to bring him home. We are screaming and calling to the international community, listen to the voice of Bipin," he added.

First Lady Michal Herzog embraces Padma and Pushpa Joshi, mother and sister of Gaza hostage Bipin Joshi, during a visit at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, August 17, 2025. (credit: Amos Ben Gershom / GPO)

Hostage's sister appeals to international community to 'do whatever you can'

Pushpa Joshi thanked Herzog for his comments and added, "It's too much heartbreak for me and my family. I want to thank Israel from the bottom of my heart for standing with us."

I thank God for giving us hope. And it's my appeal to the international community, please. We can't imagine how he's living there. I ask the international community, please, do whatever you can. Please whatever you can," she concluded.
Sean Charles Dunn was named as the former U.S. Department of Justice employee who is accused of being the man caught throwing a sandwich at a federal officer in a viral video.

Dunn, 37, of Washington D.C., "was an international affairs specialist in the Justice Departments criminal division," a source told the Associated Press. He worked as a trial attorney, according to TMZ.

The video shows the man speaking with a federal officer in Washington, D.C. before whipping what looked like a sub sandwich at him and then running away, where he was pursued by multiple uniformed officers.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X that the suspect was fired by the Department of Justice and charged with a felony after the sandwich incident.

Sean Charles Dunn Is Accused of Shouting Expletives at the Agent

The complaint says that, on Aug. 10, 2025, at around 11 p.m., a metro transit police detective and members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection were "patrolling the area of 2001 14th Street NW in Washington," when the detective observed Sean Charles Dunn allegedly "begin to shout" at a CBP agent who was performing official duties.

Sean Charles Dunn is accused of being this man. DOJ complaint

He is accused of standing within inches of the agent, pointing his finger in his face and yelling, "F*** you! You f****** fascists! Why are you here? I don't want you in my city!" according to the federal complaint.

Dunn is accused of having "continued his conduct for several minutes before crossing the street and continuing to yell obscenities" at the agent. At around 11:06 p.m., he's accused of throwing a sandwich at him, striking him in the chest, a scene captured on an Instagram video.

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The complaint says Dunn was seen in the video "winding his arm back and forcefully throwing a sub-style sandwich" at the agent.

Man charged with felony assault after hurling a Subway sandwich at a CBP officer Sunday night in NW D.C. Sean Charles Dunn, 37, allegedly shouted Fck you! You fcken fascists! before throwing the sub, striking the officer in the chest. Caught on video, he admitted, I did it. I pic.twitter.com/3Vnb4150Yo  GoodMorningRooster (@RoosterGM) August 14, 2025

The complaint says that, when captured, Dunn told an officer, "I did it. I threw a sandwich."

DC man charged with felony assault after hitting federal agent with Subway sandwich https://t.co/Au5Ye8IxAe pic.twitter.com/cm3tl9AzZq  New York Post (@nypost) August 13, 2025

"If you touch any law enforcement officer, we will come after you. I just learned that this defendant worked at the Department of Justice  NO LONGER. Not only is he FIRED, he has been charged with a felony," Bondi wrote on X.

He's accused of assaulting an officer.

Related: Patrick Joseph White of Kennesaw Named as the CDC Shooter

Sean Charles Dunn: DOJ Lawyer Accused of Being Viral Video Sandwich Thrower first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
ELKHART  A township trustee who survived a legal challenge over accounting errors still faces allegations involving her bond and oath of office.

Baugo Township Trustee Katherine Weaver was deemed by a judge to be capable of performing the duties of her office amid claims of fund discrepancies and overdrawn cash balances. Judge Michael Christofeno, Elkhart County Circuit Court, ruled that there was no reason to remove Weaver from office after hearing that the apparent deficit was due to a combination of mistakes made when transferring funds.

But a second bid to sanction Weaver in Christofenos court, involving claims that she failed to post a sufficient individual surety bond in a timely manner, is still undecided. Baugo resident Melissa Kauffman-Miller said Weaver filed a bond and oath of office at the end of 2024 but she insisted Weaver cant legally hold office without the full bond being posted in time.

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State law requires elected officials to post a bond each year they are in office, as a way to ensure the faithful performance of their duties. Those include the duty to properly account for all money and property that they oversee.

Kauffman-Miller said she believes she has a stronger case than the one that was brought forward by township advisory board member Peter Colan. She intends to learn from his case and how it was resolved, and hopes to get a different outcome.

Weaver believes the bond issue was already settled in Colans case and that Kauffman-Millers court action should be dismissed soon.

No further hearing dates are set.

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First petition

Colan petitioned for Weavers removal in October over the fund discrepancy as well as claims that financial reports and other required forms were not being filed with the state on time. He alleged in his original petition that she lacks the mental capacity to serve.

The judge heard about discrepancies between year-end balances and beginning-of-year totals in reports made to the state from 2019 to 2021, which all amounted to a net deficit of $381,470.43. A retired accountant with a background in forensic audits who volunteered to look at the townships books told the court that no money was actually missing.

Julie Phillips said the apparent deficit of around $381,000 never existed, and attributed the fund discrepancies to the difficulty of using the townships accounting software, mistakes in entering fund codes and the fact that the township used accounts at more than one bank. Phillips said whatever caused the problems in the financial records between 2019 and 2021 had been remedied.

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Attorneys for Colan questioned the legality of Phillipss informal audit, and wondered why other townships that use the same accounting software dont seem to have the same problems as Baugo. They also questioned why Weaver would sign her name to fund reports given to the state that she wasnt certain were error-free.

Christofeno concluded that Weaver fulfilled her duties as trustee in 2023, 2024 and 2025, but failed to file her bond and oath in a timely manner in 2024. He ruled that Colan failed to present enough evidence that Weaver is incapable of doing her job due to mental incapacity.

Colans petition stated that the attempt to remove Weaver from office was not personal but that the demands of her job had become overwhelming. Baugo Township Clerk Teresa Davis said she believes Colan had an agenda to remove Weaver and herself ever since the start of his term.

Davis also believes Colan reached out to the State Board of Accounts first. Colan testified that the discrepancies were brought to his attention by the SBA, according to Christofenos ruling.

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Weaver said she doesnt know why Colan sought to have her removed.

I received a great deal of negativity from the township board member who filed this suit. I dont know what prompted him to take this action, she said. Yes, we did have some report coding discrepancies initially, but these were corrected. The missing money never existed and as a result of Mr. Colons accusations to the Indiana State Board of Accounts, another audit was done by the state. The auditor found no missing funds.

Second petition

Kauffman-Millers case is still pending after the judge ruled that her claims are distinct from the allegations in Colans petition. However, Christofeno did grant Weavers motion to dismiss some of the allegations Kauffman-Miller raises, saying the Baugo resident failed to comply with the law in alleging criminal behavior.

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Petitioner Kauffman-Miller alleges that (Weaver) committed forgery which is a felony under Indiana law and that (Weaver) should be removed as the Baugo Township trustee because she has committed official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, the judges ruling states. In general, all prosecutions of crimes in Indiana shall be brought by the filing of an information or indictment by the prosecuting attorney in a court with jurisdiction over the crime charged. ... Kauffman-Miller is not the prosecuting attorney of Elkhart County, Indiana.

Christofeno let stand the allegations that were not criminal in nature, such as not filing a sufficient bond and not filing an oath in a timely matter. According to Kauffman-Miller, Weaver admitted to those allegations when testifying in Colans case.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts did a special investigation against her specifically regarding her bonds and oath of office. I will have to subpoena the report and her response because for some reason they will not make the report public, Kauffman-Miller said. I find that unacceptable, as a taxpayer I should have a right to that information.

While ruling in Colans case, the judge noted that Weaver mistakenly believed the bond she obtained in 2007, after she was first elected, covered her entire term. Weaver did not obtain the required bonds for 2008 through 2010.

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The judge also cited issues with Weavers bond or oath between 2021 and 2024. Those include failure to obtain a bond, obtaining a bond below the $90,000 that was required and not recording a bond in a timely manner.

She did obtain and record a sufficient bond for 2025 along with her oath of office, according to the judge.

Kauffman-Miller said her case is strong and the facts are indisputable, but she worries that courts have a poor record of enforcing the law when it comes to bonds and oaths.

Our judges have a history of failing to enforce the laws as they are written specifically pertaining to bonds and oaths of office. They have historically made excuses and allowances for elected officials that have violated these laws, she said. And again, I find this both disappointing and unacceptable. Even in Peters case, in the judges final order, he wrote excuses and explanations for the trustee that she herself had not provided. That is not proper.

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Kauffman-Miller pointed to testimony in Colans case which attributed the financial discrepancies to the townships accounting software and user errors. She believes there would have been a different outcome if the software programmer had testified herself.

That is bald-faced lies, she said. I do not intend to make the same mistake. I will not leave hearsay testimony stand without objection and without rebuttal. And I do not intend to leave room for (Weaver) to claim a lack of knowledge of her duties. An individual seeking to be elected to public office and after serving several years should have no excuse for not knowing the requirements of their job. Period.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has blasted the "stupid media narrative" that President Donald Trump is going to "bully" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into signing a bad deal with Russia.

Rubio pushed back during a Sunday appearance on CBS, where he was asked about the European leaders attending the negotiations with Zelensky and if this was to ensure he isn't "bullied into signing something away" by Trump.

Trump is set to meet Monday with Zelensky, several European leaders and NATOs secretary-general. Trump met with Putin for nearly three hours Friday at a U.S. military base in Anchorage. In their first meeting in six years the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump has pushed for peace in the region but no ceasefire deal came out of the talks.

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Thats why you have these European leaders coming as backup tomorrow. Can you reassure them? Margaret Brennan asked Rubio.

Thats not true, Rubio replied. Theyre not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied. Theyre coming here tomorrow because weve been working with the Europeans. We talked to them last week. There were meetings in the U.K. over the following, the previous weekend.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pictured next to Vice President JD Vance, pushed back on what he called the stupid media narrative that Trump was bullying Zelensky into accepting a bad deal (Getty Images)

He added that the suggestion of bullying was a stupid media narrative.

"Theyre coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come. We invited them to come. The president invited them to come," Rubio insisted.

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The secretary of state noted that the U.S. has met with Zelensky many more times than with Putin.

Brennan recalled Trump's meeting with Zelensky in Washington, D.C. during which Vice President JD Vance asked the Ukrainian leader how often he'd said "thank you" for America's help with the war.

You're right now, not in a very good position. You're not in a good position. You don't have the cards right now with us, Trump also said to Zelensky during the extraordinary meeting. His fiery response came after Zelensky told Trump the U.S. would feel it in the future if Trump ignored Russias actions in Europe.

President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter from first lady Melania Trump about missing children, according to White House officials (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Im not playing cards right now, Im very serious Mr President. I am a wartime president, Zelensky replied, further infuriating Trump.

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You're gambling with the lives of millions of people. You're gambling with World War Three, Trump shouted. You're gambling with World War Three, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, far more than a lot of people say they should.

After that, Vance asked Zelensky have you said thank you once?

A lot of times. Even today, Zelensky replied. Rubio was present in the Oval Office for that meeting.

Rubio also appeared Sunday on NBCs morning show where he was asked if he could name a single concession that Trump was going to ask Russia to make. Rubio refused to answer, insisting that doing so would potentially degrade the negotiations.

"Well I'm not going to name those things because if I do, you can imagine, our negotiations could fall apart," Rubio said. "I know everybody wants to know what's happening  and to a certain degree that's important  but what's more important is these negotiations work."
Lok Janshakti Party MP Arun Bharti on Sunday slammed 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' kick-started by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, aiming to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Arun Bharti said that two thieves, who are like cousins, have come together to organise a Voter Adhikar Yatra. He said, "The way Congress continuously, from 1962 to the 1990s, stole the votes of Dalits and backwards communities, prevented them from voting, and snatched the ballot through the power of the bullet...today, these two thieves (Congress and RJD), who are like cousins, have come together to organise a Voter Adhikar Yatra." He further said that those who snatched the rights are pretending to protect the rights. "This is actually a yatra to reinstate 'Note and loot adhikar' in Bihar. People know that the RJD and Congress wants to bring back the era of 90's in Bihar. People are aware of how RJD has saved democracy through the land-for-jobs scam. They want to bring back Jumgla Raaj in Bihar," he added. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday called for removing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power in Bihar, referring to the party as "thieves" who are harming democracy by stealing the people's votes. "Choro ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye, (Remove the thieves, banish BJP, help us win)," Lalu Yadav said during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram. He urged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to stand united with RJD, along with his son Tejashwi Yadav, to "uproot BJP and throw them away." "At any cost, do not let the BJP, which is a thief, come to power. Everyone, stand united, and together, Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, uproot them and throw them away. Save democracy," the RJD chief added. The Congress is currently holding a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', protesting against the alleged 'vote chori' that Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission and BJP of perpetrating. The yatra began from Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday, with several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar and others participating. Earlier, while speaking at the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vowed to expose any theft of votes, whether it happens in Maharashtra, Bihar, or elsewhere in the future. "The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing. Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening, whether in Bihar, Maharashtra, Assam, Bengal, we will catch the thief and work to show the people," Rahul Gandhi said. (ANI)
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., on Sunday underlined his stance that President Donald Trump deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., over concerns of high crime and the level of homelessness amounts to an "abuse of power."

"All of this is a total abuse of power. Its a manufactured emergency," Van Hollen said in an interview with "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "Obviously D.C. can do more to reduce violent crime, as we can across the country. But as you pointed out, crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low and a downward trajectory. So, this is all an opportunity for Donald Trump to play dictator in Washington, D.C."

"The way the law is written, it appears he has the legal authority. And Mayor [Muriel] Bowser conceded that. So, what is the abuse of power here?" Raddatz pressed.

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"The abuse of power is claiming that this is an emergency. And everybody who is watching what happens knows that this is not an emergency in Washington, D.C.," Van Hollen argued.

ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Aug. 17, 2025.

Violent crime levels have decreased compared to years prior, down 26% since 2024, a 30-year low, leaving outstanding questions over why Trump deployed roughly 800 troops around the city.

Over the weekend, several Republican-led states announced additional Guard troops would also deploy to Washington to support the president's mission.

As some outlets report the National Guard could be armed soon, Van Hollen said, "Well, that's very troubling, because, as you know, the National Guard, first of all, is not supposed to engage in any local law enforcement activity. We have the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits them from engaging in local law enforcement. And so I'm not sure what it is that they need to do where they need to be armed."

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Despite fierce criticism from Democrats like Van Hollen and protests from some Washington residents, the White House has defended its decision to surge federal law enforcement to the city and bring in the National Guard as necessary and legal.

Here are more highlights from Van Hollens interview

On D.C. police chief saying additional law enforcement 'positive'

Raddatz: The mayor suggested this week that the surge of -- of federal police could be useful in fighting crime. And there is a crime problem in D.C. We all live here. I want you to -- I want to play you something that D.C.s police chief, Pamela Smith, said this week.

Pamela Smith (video clip): Youre talking about 500 additional personnel in the District of Columbia. And as you know, weve talked about the fact that were down in numbers with our police officers. And so, this enhanced presence clearly is going to impact us in a positive way.

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Raddatz: So, do you see anything positive about this?

Van Hollen: Well, I understand the position the police chief is in. The best way to help the police chief in Washington, D.C., is for President Trump and Republicans in Congress to give them the $1 billion in money that belongs to them so that they can hire those police, rather than bringing in these federal agents.

I would also say, Martha, I would think that taxpayers all over the country, federal taxpayers, have to ask themselves how it is that we are using resources, national resources, the FBI, the DEA, folks who are supposed to be out and about protecting the country from violent criminals, and now theyre spending their time taking down tents of homeless people in the District of Columbia. I would think people all over the country would worry about that diversion of resources.

On what Congress does if Trump goes past the 30-day limit

Raddatz: The -- the president says hes going to maintain control of D.C. police past this 30-day limit, no matter what Congress does. So, then what do you do?

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Van Hollen: Well, that clearly is a violation of the statute. And so, well end up right back in court. Of course, the president also thought he had the ability to essentially take out the police chief and have his people come in and run the police department. A federal judge already said that that was not authorized. And in the same way, his ability to extend it beyond 30 days is not authorized. And so, theyre going to have to pass this statute in the -- this extension in the Congress. And I dont think that thats going to pass.

On his reaction to the Trump-Putin summit

Van Hollen: Well, Martha, theres no sugarcoating this. Donald Trump, once again, got played by Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin got the red carpet treatment on American soil. But we got no ceasefire, no imminent meeting between Putin and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. All the threats and sanctions that, you know, Donald Trump talked about, apparently, have been set aside. Donald Trump got flattered by Vladimir Putin. But when it comes to Ukraine under European allies, this was a setback. I do believe that Congress now, the Senate in particular, should move forward on bipartisan legislation that has over 60 senators as co-sponsors that would impose sanctions on Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Personal relations are important. And I have no objection to people talking. But you want to have a clear objective in mind. Clearly, Vladimir Putin had a clear objective in mind. And he came to Alaska and gave up nothing, whereas, you know, Donald Trump said he had hoped to do, you know, a ceasefire, he had hoped to fly in Zelenskyy maybe even while Vladimir Putin was there. None of that happened. And meanwhile, theyve taken the pressure off the sanctions. I mean, again, Donald Trump was supposed to impose sanctions on Russia weeks ago now, and nothing. So, this was a victory for Vladimir Putin.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called President Donald Trumps recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin a disaster, claiming that it resulted in the Russian leader getting everything he wanted.

That meeting was a disaster. It was an embarrassment for the United States. It was a failure, Murphy said Sunday on NBC News Meet the Press. Putin got everything he wanted. I mean, first of all, he wanted that photo op, right? He wanted to be absolved of his war crimes in front of the world. He was invited to the United States.

Related: Marco Rubio Offers An Unconvincing Defense Of Trumps Putin Summit

Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday for a summit on ending the war in Ukraine, but the high-stakes meeting wrapped up without the pair reaching the ceasefire Trump was seeking.

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Trump, who praised the meeting as a 10 out of 10, said following the meeting that now it is really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done. Zelenskyy wasnt invited to the summit.

We have a pretty good chance of getting it done, Trump added. Trump and Zelensky are expected to meet Monday in the Oval Office. Trump has also discussed plans to set up a joint meeting between him, Putin and Zelenskyy.

Meanwhile, Putin referred to the meeting as very useful, but neither Trump nor Putin mentioned an end to the fighting in Ukraine.

Murphy went on to tell host Kristen Welker that war criminals are not normally invited to the United States of America.

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[Putin] is intentionally murdering civilians, hes kidnapping children, and now he got to stand next to the president of the United States, legitimized in the view of the world, Murphy continued.

Related: Zelenskyy Gets Snarky After Marjorie Taylor Greene's Boyfriend Remarks On His Suit

Claiming that Putin didnt have to give up anything during his meeting with Trump, he added, Nothing. Right? President Trump said he wanted a ceasefire. It appears the ceasefire wasnt even seriously discussed. And then, third, theres no consequences.

Related: Trump Has A Stark Warning For Vladimir Putin Ahead Of Their Alaska Meeting

Murphy continued, Trump said, If I dont get a ceasefire, Putin is going to pay a price. And then he walked out of that meeting saying, I didnt get a ceasefire. I didnt get a peace deal, and Im not even considering sanctions.

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The politician then pointed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubios comments Sunday on ABCs This Week, in which he admitted were still a long ways off from a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia after the meeting flopped between Trump and Putin.

You heard Secretary Rubio downplay sanctions. And so Putin walks away with his photo op with zero commitments made and zero consequences, Murphy told Welker. What a great day for Russia.

Watch Murphys appearance on NBCs Meet the Press.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
As the rain came down in sheets one summer afternoon late last month, Thomas Baranowski was sitting on the back porch of his Garfield Ridge home when his wife, Rose, stepped outside.

Oh come on, youve got to see this, she told him.

He followed her down the steep stairwell to their basement, where water was spewing out of their flood drain just like a geyser, Baranowski, 79, recalled. Though he and Rose, 80, are lifelong Chicagoans and no strangers to urban flooding, they didnt see the deluge coming  or the thousands of dollars in water damage that followed. But what if they had been given a heads-up the rain would hit their block so hard?

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A new initiative recently launched in Chicago is striving to do just that.

Verizon, in conjunction with Chicagos Center for Neighborhood Technology and a Michigan-based startup, is equipping the city with technology that will give officials and residents alike the ability to track urban flooding in real time. The venture, project partners say, could eventually help Chicago better respond to and mitigate the impact of flash floods  especially in areas that have historically faced the brunt of torrential rain  as human-made climate change intensifies storms in the Midwest and places pressure on the citys outdated sewer system.

At the core of the initiative are wireless floodwater sensors that, using sonar technology, can calculate the depth of nearby water in seconds. The idea is to deploy a network of these sensors citywide, which together will be able to track when and where water levels are rising during a storm. To date, 10 sensors have been installed from South Deering on the Far South Side to Austin on the West Side, with 40 more due for installation over coming months.

This marks only the second time in the United States that technology of this kind has been deployed on a citywide scale.

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The sensors are the product of Hyfi, an Ann Arbor company launched five years ago by University of Michigan engineering professor Branko Kerkez and his former doctoral student, Brandon Wong, after the pair sought to devise a technological solution to changing climate conditions, according to Wong, now CEO of the startup.

From California, Wong grew up around weather extremes, from droughts and flooding to wildfires, he said, noting he still remembers days when hed wake up to ash raining from a bright orange sky. But it wasnt until he moved out to Michigan for graduate school 12 years ago and shortly after saw historic flooding kill two people and cause millions of dollars of damage in Detroit that Wong knew he wanted to find a way to temper the impact of climate disasters.

Hyfi sensors can detect how high floodwaters are rising within a 30-foot radius by generating a continuous, nearly inaudible sound wave pulse on the waters surface. To detect urban flooding, sensors are placed in low-lying areas, along viaducts and under manhole covers to see where water is pooling first or backing up, down to a citys pipes. Data the sensors collect is reported to a central server, which Hyfi then visualizes in a map of real-time flood conditions.

The technology is making its Chicago debut as part of a larger effort by Verizon, using Hyfis sensor platform, to improve flood response and stormwater management systems across the country. The initiative first rolled out in New Orleans last summer and is due to launch in Detroit over the next year, according to Donna Epps, chief responsible business officer at Verizon.

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For now, as sensors are piloted in Chicago, water level readings wont be widely available quite yet, Wong said, but the goal is to have data live on a public-facing platform that residents can access. Wong pointed to New Orleans, where, after an initial citywide installation of 27 Hyfi sensors, the city integrated the data into its own public alert system.

The sensors could give communities and first responders a warning that flooding is imminent up to an hour before it hits, Wong says. That advance notice, Wong said, could be indispensable to local residents fearful of flood damage in their homes and for avoiding streets prone to flooding.

Almost every time its rained this year, Emmanuel Garcia has noticed that water pools on the streets and sidewalks around Belmont Cragin, where the 17-year-old has lived his entire life, he said. His family has had to stay in their apartment during storms for fear of encountering dangerous roadway conditions or having their basement flood, Garcia said.

Jean Flisk, 58, who grew up in Canaryville but now lives on the Southwest Side, said she rain preps her basement, which frequently floods during storms.

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If they say theres a flood warning or the rain is going to be really bad, I have to go and move everything in the basement  just in case, she said. Its aggravating, its a pain. I dont know if theres something to do.

There is, Hyfi and Verizon hope. Beyond proactively reporting floods, the projects partners imagine that over time, data can help inform long-term resilience planning, they say, particularly in areas of the city that have habitually been vulnerable to significant flooding.

Hyfi and Verizon are also collaborating with the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a Chicago-based urban research group, to host community meetings where residents can give their input on where and how theyd like to see sensors used. So far, the group has hosted meetings in Chatham and Belmont Cragin, two neighborhoods troubled with chronic flooding, with several more planned for this year. The meetings were held in tandem with local organizations, including the Greater Chatham Initiative on the South Side and the Grassroots Empowerment Mission and North River Commission on the Northwest Side.

With these meetings and the venture overall, the broader goal is to chart a path forward where we systemically even stop the flooding from happening, Center for Neighborhood Technology CEO Nina Idemudia said. How do we work on improving the drainage system, improving where we make capital improvements in order to make sure the water is draining?

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Sensors wont reveal new insights into which parts of Chicago are hit hardest by flooding, Idemudia said, but it could draw awareness to a long-standing need. She pointed to a 2019 study by the center that found urban flooding in Chicago disproportionately affects communities of color.

Data is another way of accountability, right? Idemudia said. Its one way to say you cant deny our current circumstances or our lived experience anymore. Heres the hard data. Were going to hold you to making changes until the outlook and impact of this data changes.

Following recent rainfall, the lived impact of urban flooding has been in full view. Since Wednesday, representatives from Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications, alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, have been going door to door assessing homes for damage from storms and subsequent flooding that swept through the city last month.

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These assessments follow disaster proclamations both Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued on Aug. 6 to assist residents in recovering from the July storms. They will help determine if and how much government assistance residents will qualify for, according to OEMC Emergency Services Manager Kaila Lariviere.

Assessment teams have been directing their efforts based on a survey released a few weeks ago that gave residents the chance to self-report if they had been affected by the storms. Some 2,900 Cook County and Chicago residents reported damages, Lariviere said.

Last Thursday, assessment teams spent the morning walking through Garfield Ridge on the Southwest Side. One of the surveyed homes belonged to Larry Anguiano, a husband and father whose basement flooded entirely in last months storms, forcing his family to replace rugs, carpets and furniture in their home of the past five years, he told the Tribune.

It was extremely quick, he said, adding that since, hes been wary of it happening all over again. If theres that type of rain and you see it fill up in the streets, (you think), Oh no.

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The Baranowskis, who were also visited by damage assessment teams last week, echoed the sentiment. The past few weeks have been backbreaking work to replace the walls and flooring of their flooded basement, Hope Baranowski said. The couple plans to install a flood control system because we cant have this happen again, Thomas added.

When Chicago received from 1.5 to 4.5 inches of rainfall across the city last week, according to the National Weather Service, the Baranowskis waited anxiously for the storms to pass.

I was scared to death, Hope Baranowski recalled.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
The offices of Serbias ruling party have been set on fire during a fifth night of unrest between anti-government protesters and riot police.

More than 130 police officers have been injured and 18 people arrested as authorities struggle to regain control, with incidents in Belgrade, Valjevo and Novi Sad.

Police in the city of Valjevo, western Serbia, were accused of using stun grenades and tear gas after a small group of masked protesters attacked the empty offices of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

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Serbias interior ministry denied allegations of violence and police brutality in Belgrade, the countrys capital, and Novi Sad, which lies to the north east.

The unrest was caused by the collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad in November, which killed 16 people. Protesters claimed the stations renovators had been allowed to cut corners.

The investigation into the collapse is still ongoing, but a dozen officials, including a government minister, are facing charges.

The student-led anti-corruption demonstrations had been largely peaceful until Wednesday, when pro-government supporters launched counter-protests.

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On Saturday, riot police were deployed across a number of cities, including Belgrade.

The anti-government protests have been largely peaceful until counter-protests were launched - Zorana Jevtic/Reuters

Russia, a key Serbian ally, has expressed its support for Aleksandar Vucic, the countrys pro-Kremlin president who leads the SNS.

Mr Vucic on Sunday vowed a strong response to the anti-government protesters, who he compared to terrorists.

You will see the full determination of the Serbian state. We will use everything at our disposal to restore law, peace and order, he said.

As well as attacking the offices of the SNS, protesters smashed the windows of the Serbian Radical Party, a coalition partner.

An anti-government protester shattered the windows of the ruling partys offices with a vehicular access bar in Valjevo - Zorana Jevtic/Reuters

Footage showed fireworks being launched at the front of the offices, causing fires.

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Injuries have been reported at protests across the country, with online footage purporting to show one man being beaten by police in Valjevo.

Ivica Dacic, Serbias interior minister, said: There will be more detentions. All those who have broken the law will be arrested.

Mr Vucics government, despite courting EU membership and receiving billions of euros in aid from Brussels, has remained close with Moscow, backing its war in Ukraine.

The Serbian president is also on good terms with Donald Trump, whose son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is planning to build a hotel in Belgrade.

He said the protest movement had been infiltrated by foreign agents to destroy Serbia and vowed to crack down on demonstrations.

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Russias foreign ministry on Friday said it may offer further support to Mr Vucic, describing the protests as violent riots.

Russia cannot remain unresponsive to what is happening in brotherly Serbia, it said.

Alain Berset, the secretary general of the Council of Europe, has called for calm and respect for the right to peaceful assembly.

He said: Serbian authorities must uphold Council of Europe standards.

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Gunmen shot dead at least seven people at a pool hall in the Ecuadoran city of Santo Domingo, police said Sunday, in the country's latest gruesome massacre amid soaring gang violence.

"Seven people died from gunshot wounds" at a pool hall in the nightlife district of Santo Domingo, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the capital Quito, national police said in a WhatsApp group with reporters.

Police said they were investigating the incident and hunting for those responsible.

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Purported security camera footage of the massacre circulating online showed several attackers wearing black masks open fire on two men standing at the entrance to the pool hall, sending pedestrians scrambling.

The gunmen then entered the hall and continued shooting, fleeing before a police vehicle approached.

AFP has not yet independently verified the footage.

According to local media, preliminary investigations indicated that the killings may be related to organized crime in the region.

A similar pool hall massacre took place last month in the southwestern tourist city of General Villamil Playas, leaving at least nine dead. And in April, armed men killed 12 people at a cockfighting ring around 30 kilometers from Santo Domingo.

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Once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of expansion by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship drugs to the United States and Europe.

Drug trafficking organizations have been multiplying in Ecuador, where the homicide rate rose from six per 100,000 residents in 2018 to 38 per 100,000 in 2024.

Between January and May, there were more than 4,051 homicides, according to official figures. Analysts say it is the most violent start to a year in the country's recent history.

President Daniel Noboa's government has promised to crack down on crime, but despite widespread operations and constant states of emergency, there has been little reduction in the violence.

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Last weekend alone, 14 people were killed in massacres in the troubled province of Guayas, one of four provinces where Noboa recently declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence.

Gangs vying for control of drug trafficking routes in Ecuador have taken advantage of the country's strategic location, its US-dollar-based economy, and the corruption of some authorities.

According to official figures, 73 percent of the world's cocaine production passes through Ecuadorian ports.

In 2024, the country seized a record 294 tons of drugs, mainly cocaine, compared to 221 tons in 2023.

bur-des-aha/st
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy wont be alone when he visits the White House for his meeting with President Trump Monday. Several European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, will join Zelenskyy for Trumps next meeting to end the war in Ukraine. NBC News Daniele Hamamdjian reports more from London.
UPDATE: Flash flood warning issued for 3 counties as severe thunderstorms hit state

Scattered thunderstorms and a significant temperature drop are in the forecast for New Jersey on Sunday, with potential for severe weather and localized flash flooding this afternoon and evening.

Residents should prepare for intense afternoon thunderstorms developing between 2 and 9 p.m.

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Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible along with heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered thunderstorms, with some isolated severe storms, are in the forecast for New Jersey on Sunday. High temperatures are expected in the 90s today, but will be much cooler through the rest of the week.

Heat indexes will approach the upper 90s before the storm system moves through, with temperatures in the low 90s.

Monday will bring a sharp change, with temperatures dropping significantly.

Highs will struggle to reach the upper 70s under mostly cloudy skies, and a northeast wind will persist.

Isolated spotty showers may linger, but the primary story will be the cooler, more comfortable conditions compared to Sundays heat.

Hurricane Erin was a Category 3 storm as of Sunday morning and is expected to bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the East Coast this week as it tracks offshore.

The remainder of the week will see continued mild temperatures, with ongoing influences from Hurricane Erin offshore.

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While the storm is expected to remain well away from New Jersey, it will generate high surf and dangerous rip currents along the coast.

As the week goes on, were focusing on the impacts from Hurricane Erin via rip currents, beach erosion, high surf, and coastal flooding, the National Weather Service said.

Residents should exercise caution at beaches, with elevated surf and potential coastal erosion expected through the week.

By late week, high pressure is forecast to bring fair and dry weather with seasonable temperatures.

The extended outlook suggests a return to more typical late summer conditions, with uncertainty about precise storm track and potential rainfall.

Current weather radar

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
Only days before the July 4th holiday, as our lawmakers in Congress were debating the budget reconciliation bill, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) led a historic effort to kill a moratorium on artificial intelligence-related state laws within the package. The moratorium twould have prevented states from enforcing virtually any law to regulate this emerging technology.

It was a brave and consequential move by one of our nations foremost champions for childrens online safety. She was undeterred even in the face of relentless efforts by Big Tech to block oversight of its business practices and product designs  no matter how dangerous the results may be to children across this country.

Because we already know AI causes serious harm to kids.

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AI bots may isolate children or engage in inappropriate conversations with them; promote content glorifying violence or self-harm; give users false, biased or misleading information; compromise their privacy; or facilitate sextortion schemes by targeting children with AI generated deep-fakes.

In the face of this onslaught, Blackburn led the charge to make sure that, in the absence of Congress taking action to protect children from AI, states could continue to do so instead.

After personal tragedy, I'm working to make the internet safe for kids

I know all too well how important this is. In my home state of Mississippi, I have helped get two key bills passed to protect kids online: Walker's Law (Mississippi House Bill 1196) and the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (Mississippi House Bill 2531).

The first makes sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion crimes in my state. The second requires age verification and parental consent for minors to create accounts on social media platforms, limits how those digital services collect and use minors personal information, and more.

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Opinion: If Tennessee wants women to choose life, here's what has to happen

Both are named after and in honor of my son, Walker, who died by suicide at just 16 after he was mercilessly sextorted on Instagram. It took only two hours for a criminal stranger, in what we now know was Nigeria, to threaten and terrify my son to death.

Having convinced Walker to share an intimate photo of himself, this scammer  who Walker thought was a pretty girl with mutual friends  told him he would share the photos with all of his Instagram contacts if he didnt pay $1000. Walker begged and pleaded for the extortion to stop. But his tormentor was unrelenting, and by the time Walker thought the photo would be sent to his mom, it was more than he could bear.

The Kids Online Safety Act can prevent the suicides of other children

Our family will never recover from this devastating loss. We miss Walker constantly and we will grieve him forever.

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Which is why I have worked tirelessly since his death to raise awareness about the dangers of social media. For the last three years, I have also been advocating for Congress to pass Blackburns bipartisan bill, the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

Last July, we were nearly there. The Senate passed the bill in a 91-3 vote and I, along with other parent survivors, rejoiced. We thought we might actually see our federal government step in to regulate a virtually unregulated industry, an industry creating products that have proved deadly for children.

Opinion: MNPS's refusal to listen to critics made a $6.5M problem even bigger | Opinion

But the bill stalled in the House. Speaker Johnson said he would move KOSA forward in the new year and I am still holding him to the promise.

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Then, in May of this year, we had reason to hope once again. Blackburn and her co-sponsor, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), re-introduced KOSA. This transformational bill would require social media platforms to change their product designs and algorithms that purposefully addict children, make them vulnerable to criminal exploitation and abuse and send them down dangerous rabbit holes of toxic content they never searched for in the first place.

It would also mandate the platforms to exercise reasonable care in their design to mitigate and prevent harms like sextortion, suicide, cyberbullying, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and more.

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and subcommittee chairman Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) listen as Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen testifies during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing entitled 'Protecting Kids Online: Testimony from a Facebook Whistleblower' on Capitol Hill, in Washington, U.S., October 5, 2021. Drew Angerer/Pool via REUTERS

Big Tech doesn't care if kids are safe online, so Congress must

Now that KOSA has been reintroduced in the Senate, the House must follow suit. Then both chambers must work to pass this bill into law as quickly as possible. Every day that passes without this legislation puts more children at risk of serious harm  or worse. And no other family should ever suffer the way mine has. Not only is it unbearable, but it is entirely preventable, if our lawmakers will act.

Individual states like mine are making a valiant effort to keep kids safe. But Big Techs greed for our childrens attention is a formidable challenge because the more their eyes are glued to their screens, the more money these companies rake in. And unless our government forces them to do so, Big Tech has no incentive to change.

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Opinion: This new program will get TN students into college  without application or fees

Whats more, theres now the added risk of Big Tech pushing for additional amendments  like the AI state law moratorium  to any federal legislation proposed. We must not let them dilute bills like KOSA, which is the first law proposed in more than 25 years to reform social media in any way.

So I am urging our lawmakers to follow Blackburns lead in choosing children over Big Tech profits. This Congress has a remarkable opportunity to protect children and force social media platforms to use their incredible innovations to create a better, safer product.

Passing KOSA is the critical next step. Our Congressmen and women must get it done.

Brian Montgomery

Brian Montgomery, father of Walker Montgomery, forever 16, is a founding of member of Parents for Safe Online Spaces (ParentsSOS) and a strong advocate for social media reform.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why Congress needs to pass the Kids Online Safety Act now | Opinion
Aug. 17Listen to "Talk-Line: Li Arellano on redistricting, DCFS and more" on Spreaker.

The TALK-LINE interview for Aug. 15 featured Illinois 37th District State Senator Li Arellano of Dixon discussing his participation at the Illinois State Fair Governor's and Republican Day.

Also discussed: the recent redistricting situations in Texas and California, and what he calls the "double standard" of the Illinois Governor with this issue, along with new laws dealing with agriculture and health that will benefit the state. In addition to that, Arellano criticizes the problems within the Department of Children and Family Services and moving forward with ideas shared by constituents of the district that he will take to Springfield as work in the upcoming session.

Like what you hear? Be sure to visit WIXN, part of Shaw Local Radio.

We're also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Sara Abu Siam from Lod says fear of violence now defines daily life for Arab youth in Israel, as crime surges and police response lags behind.

Twenty-two-year-old Sara Abu Siam, from Lod, said this week that her home no longer feels like a safe space as criminal violence continues to plague Arab society in Israel. Her friend and neighbor, a grocery store owner and community volunteer, was murdered by masked gunmen while working in his store  a case that remains unsolved.

Abu Siam, an educator and former participant in AJEEC-NISPEDs Gap Year program, said the fear of becoming a target has become part of daily life.

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He was my neighbor and my scout leader, she said. We were united by our desire to give back to the community. He was murdered for no clear reason, and to this day, no one knows why. It was a complete shock.

Abu Siam described an atmosphere of deepening fear in Lod and other Arab communities, where killings are no longer limited to criminal figures.

The situation has changed. Its no longer about being hit by a stray bullet. Today, even if I accidentally walk into the wrong neighborhood, I could become a suspect  or worse, she said. Even being in your own home is frightening. Criminals can walk in or plant an explosive in your car. Our homes are no longer our protection.

View of an Israel Police vehicle. (credit: Via Maariv)

She warned that this level of violence is becoming normalized among youth, with potentially long-term consequences. My fear is that young people will get used to this reality and lose the ability to be shocked, she said. I feel a responsibility to speak out and to guide them toward a better path.

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Abu Siam also criticized law enforcement for failing to stop the wave of killings. When a Jewish person is murdered, the police find the killer within hours. When it happens in Arab communities, theres hardly any investigative effort. There is no deterrence. Murderers act without fear.

Kamal Ryan, founder and CEO of the Aman Center in Kafr Kassem, lost his son to gun violence and said he now sees more and more families grieving their children. My son, who was full of life and dreams, was murdered in cold blood, Ryan said. There was no justification for taking his life. Crime here didnt appear overnight its the result of years of neglect.

ACCORDING TO Ryan, systemic failures in education, employment, and opportunity have created a breeding ground for crime. Our youth are exposed to weapons and explosives because they dont have real alternatives. The state knows this but continues to do too little, he said. He called for a stronger police presence on the ground.

We need a police force that is proactive, not reactive. One that doesnt wait until after blood is spilled. Without a change in approach, well keep seeing headlines like these.

A deadly trend

According to the Abraham Initiatives, 156 Arab citizens have been killed in crime-related incidents since the beginning of 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Half of the victims were young people. In 2024, the homicide rate among Arab citizens was more than 14 times higher than among Jews, with 220 killings compared to 58. In 2023, a record 244 Arab citizens were killed, the highest annual figure ever recorded.

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Shootings are no longer the only threat. Explosives have become a frequent method in attacks, even in residential areas. Families report being caught in cycles of extortion, revenge, and fear. Despite repeated calls for action, many community leaders argue that the state response remains inadequate.

At AJEEC-NISPED, where Abu Siam trained and later served as a coordinator, co-CEOs Ilan Amit and Suleiman Alamor warned that without systemic investment, the situation will deteriorate further. When young people live under the shadow of fear and violence, it is our responsibility to provide another path, said Alamor. There are practical solutions that could be implemented immediately  whats lacking is the political will.

Amit added: You cant ask young people to dream when theyre fearing for their lives.

The Abraham Initiatives echoed that concern in a statement: The government must wake up. Arab lives are not worthless. The continued rise in murders is not a mistake; it is the outcome of a failed policy.

Yuval Barnea contributed to this report.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at the BJP headquarters in the national capital.

As per sources, discussions can likely include the NDA's candidate for the Vice-Presidential elections.

A senior party source said, "The BJP parliamentary board meeting was scheduled for 17 August 2025 at the BJP office in Delhi. All parliamentary board members attended. There could have been discussions on the NDA's candidate for the post of Vice-President of India."

Earlier on 6 August, leaders of the ruling NDA had unanimously passed a resolution authorising Prime Minister Modi and BJP chief and Union Minister JP Nadda to finalise the NDA's candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, scheduled for 9 September.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, had resigned from his post on 21 July 2025, citing health reasons. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu posted on the Vice-President's official X account, he wrote, "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution."

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the election of the Vice-President of India. If contested, the poll will be held on 9 September from 10 AM to 5 PM at the First Floor of the Parliament House. (ANI)
Sister Agnese Neumann, a founding faculty member at Mercy High School who later became a nurse to the medically underserved, died of heart failure Aug. 2 at Mercy Medical Center. She was 95.

Born Jean Neumann in Baltimore and raised in Edmondson Village, she was the daughter of Joseph Neumann, a pharmacist, and his wife, Marie.

She attended St. Bernardines School and decided to enter the Roman Catholic religious order, the Sisters of Mercy, after graduating from Mount St. Agnes High School in 1947. She received the religious name Agnese.

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She taught at the elementary and secondary schools staffed by the Sisters of Mercy before she was assigned to serve the newly founded Mercy High School in 1960.

She remained on the Mercy faculty from 1960 to 1967 and taught Latin, English, religion and science.

She left Mercy in 1967 for another assignment, returning in 1969 to serve as a biology teacher and science department chair.

We remember Sister Agnese was a joyful presence in Mercys early years as a teacher and much later as a 10-year volunteer in our alumnae office, said the schools president, Mary Beth Lennon. Her dual commitment to education and nursing inspired our healthcare exploration program that bears her name.

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She loved teaching and mentoring high school girls, and in turn was loved by them, Ms. Lennon added. She remained in contact with many Mercy graduates, who visited her and sent her cards and letters throughout her illness. Her frequent visits to Mercy High School energized our faculty and staff and inspired our students. Her smile was contagious, and she always had a twinkle in her eye.

In 1973, Sister Agnese left Mercy High School and changed careers. She became a nurse clinician at the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore and worked in the adolescent unit. She later became a nurse practitioner and worked in Leonardtown and rural Georgia.

She spent much of her life in the service of the poor and infirm, said the Rev. Michael Roach, who preached a eulogy at her funeral.

Medical colleagues said she often worked in areas where there was not much medical care available.

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They described her personality as vivacious, honest and forthright.

During her nursing career, Sister Agnese co-founded a clinic for women in need and frequently volunteered to care for those in hospice.

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Mercy High School established the Sister Agnese Neumann Scholars Program in partnership with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in 2018. Through this program, Mercy students received hands-on training in a specialized health care setting.

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In recent years, Sister Agnese mentored Mercy High School students through this program. She listened to their experiences through their internships and provided advice to the high schools juniors and seniors. She also volunteered in the alumnae office.

Mercy High School, in recognition of Sister Agneses extraordinary impact as a faculty member and her steadfast belief in the power of a Mercy education, established the Sister Agnese Neumann, RSM Scholarship Fund.

Her funeral was held Monday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Cockeysville.

Survivors include cousins.

Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at jkelly@baltsun.com and 410-332-6570.
ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  Six co-defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with an attempted murder of a Muskingum County man could serve as many as a combined 83 years in prison.

According to the Muskingum County prosecutor, sentences were handed out this week to five of six remaining co-defendants for the shooting of a 21-year-old man who was misidentified as a local drug dealer.

The prosecutions office said that on Dec. 9, 2024, seven people were responsible for the mans shooting at a suspected drug house on Swingle Street in east Zanesville. They believed the man had raped an acquaintance of Lovely Worden, who police said organized the group.

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Suspect in fatal shooting near north Columbus bar arrested after police standoff in Springfield

Worden  along with John Hoffer, Kayla Hargraves, Jamie Jarrett, Adam Johnson-Larimer, Christopher Johnson-Emmons and Jackson Clapper  devised a plan to kill the man. Worden reportedly obtained a shotgun from Jarrett and Clapper, used Jarrets vehicle and brought Hoffer, Hargraves, and Johnson-Larimer to the drug house.

Video surveillance showed the victim walking to a nearby gas station when Jarrets vehicle drove by. It stopped at the end of an alley before two gunshots were heard. The victim suffered several injuries and was taken to Genesis Medical Center before being transferred to a different trauma center for treatment.

The Muskingum County Sheriffs Office located and identified Hargraves as the driver and Johnson-Larimer as a passenger. A box of ammunition was found on the floor of the back seat, and the two were arrested.

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Zanesville police later uncovered video evidence of the group meeting together with Hoffer and Worden leaving Hargraves vehicle and catching a ride with Johnson-Emmons before leaving the scene.

Columbus Business Beat: Downtown housing, restaurant openings

On Monday, the following sentences were handed down by a Muskingum County judge:

Lovely Warden: 21-25 years, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit murder and felonious assault with a drive-by shooting specification, to be served consecutively with a separate sentencing on a drug case.

Kayla Hargraves: 15-19 years, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated burglary and felonious assault with a drive by shooting specification and discharging of a firearm on or near a prohibited premises.

Jamie Jarrett: 5 years, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder.

Adam Johnson: 3 years, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and felonious assault.

Christopher Johnson: 3 years community control, plus 50 hours of community service, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.

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Earlier this month, Hoffer received a 27-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to felonious assault, discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premises and having weapons under disability. Jackson Clapper will be sentenced 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Six men have been sentenced after attempting to rob a phone shop.

The men were stopped by police as they burst into the O2 shop in Borough Parade, Chippenham, ran through the store and set off the fire alarm on 16 March.

All six pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal at a court hearing in June, and were sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday.

Two men were sent to prison - Jason Hunte, 27, of Avondale Drive, Hayes, Hillingdon, for two years and two months, and Nusret Arslan, 24, of East Avenue, Hayes, Hillingdon, for two years. The four other men received suspended prison sentences.

Jaheim Thompson (left) and Billy Gladdish both received suspended sentences [Wiltshire Police]

The court heard from a sales assistant involved in the incident, who said they had found themselves "overwhelmed with shock, fear, and anxiety".

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They added they had noticed a significant change in how they interacted with customers, and felt "a sense of unease and tension whenever someone enters the store".

Jesse Madika, 24, of Amersham Avenue, Edmonton, Enfield, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, as well as 150 hours of unpaid work, while Jaheim Thompson, 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight months suspended for 18 months.

Billy Gladdish, 28, of no fixed abode, was handed 14 months in prison, suspended for two years as well as 200 hours of unpaid work, and Tyrike Rasgado, 23, of Deans Lane, Mill Hill, Edgware, was sentenced to eight months suspended for 18 months and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Tyrike Rasgado (left) and Jesse Madika were also handed suspended sentences [Wiltshire Police]

The court also heard from a customer who was in the store at the time and described the contrast between "quite happily sitting in the shop completing a new phone contract, to suddenly men bursting in and running through the shop, a fire alarm going off, and shop staff shouting to get out".

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"I was filled with sudden panic and an overwhelming need to run and get out and get as far away as possible," they added.

Speaking after the sentencing, Wiltshire Police Det Con Jared Yalden said detectives had been collaborating with the Metropolitan Police to prevent similar offending.

He said the men gave "no thought" to the impact their actions would have on victims due to their "determination" and "own personal greed".

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

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Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico praised the recent Putin-Trump summit in Alaska and repeated Kremlin propaganda about the "root causes" of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In an Aug. 16 Facebook video, Fico said "the war in Ukraine has historical roots, and we must speak equally about security guarantees for both Ukraine and Russia." Russian state media quickly picked up his comments.

Fico said the summit "accomplished several tasks," arguing it "rejected a black-and-white view of the military conflict in Ukraine" and helped "kick-start the standardization of relations between Russia and the United States."

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He also claimed the meeting "seemed to erase the single mandatory stance on the war so firmly promoted by the Biden administration, and still pushed by a group of powerful players in the European Union."

The summit, he said, "held up a mirror to those European leaders who wish for a new Iron Curtain between Europe and Russia," adding that sanctions on Russia would not resolve the war.

Fico's comments followed U.S. President Donald Trump's and Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting in Alaska, where the two leaders failed to agree to a ceasefire but reportedly discussed a plan to trade unoccupied Ukrainian lands for a peace deal.

After the summit, Putin again cited the war's "root causes"  a phrase Fico parroted in his video. Putin has long tried to justify the full-scale invasion with conspiracy theories about NATO expansion and claims about protecting Russian speakers in Ukraine, talking points frequently deployed in Kremlin propaganda.

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Fico is known for inflammatory statements on Ukraine that echo Moscow's narratives. He has repeatedly criticized military aid to Kyiv and called for restoring relations with Russia.

Read also: Editorial: That meeting was sickening. Putin loved it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SPRINGFIELD  Heath Renaud was homeless for three years until he finally secured an apartment in Springfield. He was delighted until he first opened the door to his new place.

When I first walked into it I thought, Whoa, that is small, Renaud said.

As the city of Springfield debates a rule that would set a minimum size for apartments, housing advocates and councilors differ on how small an apartment can be for it to be considered livable.

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Over time, Renaud said he has found a certain charm to his apartment at Chestnut Crossing. Even though its probably less than 300 square feet in size, it has its own bathroom, kitchenette and no one bothers him in the quiet complex.

You grow into the space you have. You find options that work for you, he said.

For him, that means sleeping on an inflatable mattress he puts away every morning and having an easily movable couch in the path of the kitchenette he pushes out of the way so he can cook.

You make a choice, a couch or a bed, Renaud said.

One of his fellow tenants, who declined to give his name, said he has one of the 275 Chestnut St. buildings larger units  maybe 350 square feet. He makes it work with a single bed, a recliner and a bureau that doubles as a television stand.

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I have a small table, it looks like a kids table, but it fits perfectly under the window, he said.

The two have found a home in the complex and have been there three and four years. Some tenants have lived in the building for 27 years, back when it was a single-room occupancy affair owned by the YMCA.

They said the building is well-managed. After smoking on the wide and shaded tree belt that abuts Chestnut Street, they picked up all the discarded butts, explaining it is their home and they want to keep it nice.

But not everyone wants to live in an apartment that small.

Will Perez, who has lived on the sixth floor for two years, said he is looking for a bigger apartment. He declined to talk more about his plans.

Humane housing push

The idea of setting a minimum apartment size was first suggested by City Councilor Sean Curran.

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We need housing, but we need quality and humane housing in the city, Curran said last month.

Curran said his proposal to regulate apartment sizes is not designed to ban places such as Chestnut Crossing and similar supportive living apartments that Clinical Support Options Inc. operates.

Seeing a place for well-built micro apartments, Currans proposal includes a waiver process so smaller units would be allowed with the approval of the City Council.

Curran said his concern is mainly about out-of-town landlords from places like New York City and Boston who might come to the city and seek to build subpar apartments, taking advantage of private renters who are desperate to find housing in a tight market.

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The City Council discussed the proposal in subcommittee and voted 8-4 to approve the first reading in July. A final vote to adopt the ordinance is scheduled for September.

The measure is designed so the City Council knows when approving a development project that one-bedroom places will measure at least 500 square feet and two-bedrooms will be at least 600 square feet. In the past, officials have approved projects only to find out later the living spaces are tiny, Curran said.

Given New Englands cold winters, people can be stuck in a tiny space. It can be just as bad in the summer heat waves, especially if a small apartment doesnt have air conditioning. Home City Development and Clinical Support Options both offer that.

Using a Boston model

Springfield wouldnt be the first to set a minimum apartment size. Curran said he developed the proposal based on one in Boston that calls for apartments to be at least 450 square feet. Curran added the extra 50 square feet because developing housing is less expensive in Springfield.

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Some councilors argued against imposing more restrictions on developers during a housing shortage, especially one of affordable housing. Others said they appreciate the need for decent housing.

This is a complicated subject and difficult needle to thread, City Council President Michael Fenton said. The waiver gives me a level of comfort that makes me interested in supporting it.

City housing director Geraldine McCafferty has spoken against the ordinance, saying tiny apartments are needed for young people just starting careers, as well as for those now on the streets. Mayor Domenic Sarno said he sees pros and cons to setting minimum sizes for housing.

It is a Catch-22. We need more housing, but I see Councilor Sean Currans point, you have to have livable space, he said.

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Katie Talbot, organizing director for Springfield No One Leaves, said of all the housing issues the city is facing, she is surprised the City Council is focusing on the minimum sizes of apartments.

It really depends on the person who lives there, she said. There are people who live in a studio of 200 square feet for years and they are very happy. Others, she said, are not.

A supporter of rent control, Talbot said she would like to see more regulations and restrictions on corporate landlords and a stricter code enforcement system that holds landlords accountable. She would also like funding for housing to go to small mom and pop landlords. Larger ones, she said, seem to receive most of the city grants.

Instead of focusing on a units minimum size, Talbot would prefer to have the city work on creating a rent control formula based on a number of factors, including square footage of an apartment.

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Ive knocked on thousands of doors and Ive never heard people say their apartment is too small, other than those in emergency situations, Talbot said. I think we need all kinds of housing and we need studios, we need efficiencies.

Valley Opportunity Council owns and operates about 250 affordable apartments mainly in Chicopee and Holyoke. While most units meet the 500 square foot minimum Springfield is considering, some do not. They include those at the historic Kendall House  a former downtown Chicopee rooming house the nonprofit renovated in 2017.

In the Kendall renovations, the agency converted a single-room occupancy building with shared bathrooms and kitchens into one in which every apartment has a private bath and kitchen. To create enough units to make the financing work, apartments had to be smaller and the agency took former retail and office space for living space, said Stephen Huntley, the councils executive director.

In a time of expensive housing, it does not make it more affordable to have larger apartments, he said.

Who best lives here?

When renovating a building for affordable housing, the Valley Opportunity Council uses a variety of funding sources, typically from state and federal programs. A lot of planning goes into deciding how many apartments must be in a building, and the number of bedrooms each must have, he said.

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We look at who best lives here  and at that point, you might ask, Is this apartment too big or too small? he said.

Renovating historic buildings is even more complex due to structural walls and other features that architects have to design around to configure apartments.

The council has converted a number of single-room occupancies. It insists on is having private bathrooms and kitchens. Even if apartments are 300 or 350 square feet in size, having private bathrooms and kitchens makes them much more livable than shared facilities.

In some cases, people dont even want a large space. Some are single people who travel a lot for work and just go home to sleep. Some older people chose the smallest apartment in a complex because they have downsized and dont want much space to clean, or have mobility issues and a small space is better to manage.

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I believe different people are in different places in their lives and the more options we have for people, the better off we are, Huntley said.

Former YMCA space

The Chestnut Crossing project started in 2020 when Home City Development converted the YMCA to affordable studio apartments for the chronically homeless. The project provides supportive services on-site, such as mental health counseling and job training.

The nonprofit is wrapping up an addition that created 29 more units, many of which will go to clients of the Mental Health Association, said Kedrick Thornton, project manager.

Most of the new apartments are slightly over 200 square feet, but vary in size depending on the layouts, since the building was retrofitted. The largest are around 350 square feet because they are handicap accessible and designed for people who use wheelchairs.

The aim is to provide a stable place for people to live, Thornton said. Services are here to help become more stable. The goal is to help them move upward and onward.

While officials at Home City wanted to maximize the available space, they also wanted to make a quality product, he said.

Each apartment is designed to maximize space. Kitchens have a microwave and cooktop. While there is no stove, the apartments use that space to provide at least a half-dozen cabinets offering storage.

Each unit also includes a large closet and there is additional storage in the bathroom.

The complex has a community room with a kitchen tenants can use if they want to host a gathering. Managers hold computer training classes and other job training courses in a separate, larger space, Thornton said.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Aug. 16WILKES-BARRE  Social Security was the subject of praise and defense on Public Square on Saturday, as a rally was held to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act's 90th anniversary.

The act in question  one of the most significant in American history  was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935.

However, Social Security faces a few major hurdles under the Trump presidency. According to Brendan Duke at the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities, the program's insolvency has become accelerated due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's passage in July. The "go-broke" date of Social Security has been changed to 2034, as opposed to last year's estimate of 2035.

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Locally, emails from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caused a stir for employees of the Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center (WBDOC) of the Social Security Administration (SSA) in March. The emails asked employees to complete bulleted task lists, which AFGE representatives called a waste of time. And on the actual "birthday" of Social Security on Thursday, area workers and seniors held a rally in Wilkes-Barre to defend the program's continuation.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) was the most prominent union with representation at Saturday's rally, which was a part of the larger Protect Our Checks string of protests that were held nationally. AFGE Council 220 President Jessica LaPointe kicked off the speaking portion of the rally with assurance that Social Security workers will continue to work hard in the face of any additional challenges.

"You'll have to pry this agency out of our cold grip," LaPointe said, inspiring one of the many applauses she garnered during her remarks.

LaPointe told the crowd that data security and the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace are among the additional challenges being faced by Social Security workers, and she called for those in the audience to fight back against attacks on Social Security.

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"We need a worker and retiree movement so big, they will know they've messed with the wrong working and retired class America," said LaPointe.

LaPointe added that her family benefited from Social Security when she was growing up, as did the family of Shawn Reilly of Action Together NEPA. Reilly said that his family received those benefits after his father became disabled in the workplace, and that they were able to afford basic needs  such as visits to the doctor  thanks to Social Security.

"I don't look like someone who you would normally think of when you think of somebody who would benefit from Social Security, but that goes to show it is not just retirees," Reilly, who is far below the retirement age, said. "I was a child when I benefited from Social Security. Those who want to cut Social Security, that is who they are going after. They're going after children."

Reilly sounded the alarm on the aforementioned go-broke date, and pushed back on the notion that Social Security is a "handout."

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"Don't let anyone deceive you: This is not a handout," said Reilly. "This is a hard-earned lifeline for millions of Americans."

The rally was well-attended by elected officials, all of whom were Democrats. State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, who is also a registered nurse, was chosen as the speaker on behalf of the officials in attendance. She was joined on Public Square by state Sen. Marty Flynn, as well as state Reps. Kyle Donahue, Jim Haddock and Eddie Day Pashinski.

Kosierowski, whose name has been floated as a potential opponent for U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan in the 2026 midterms, accounted for the human element within Social Security.

"Behind all of these Social Security checks is actually a person, and you all know that. Someone that's worked hard, someone that's raised a family... people that need us. That's what you paid into," said Kosierowski.

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To illustrate her point, Kosierowski pointed to multiple residents in the audience who have worked for over 50 years and rely on Social Security for financial stability.

"It's about more than a policy. It's about people who earned this respect and protect the economic security of millions of people who deserve and rely and are dependent on Social Security every single day," she said. "You have to make that message clear to our Congress. It is so important. They are not going the right way."
GERMANTOWN, Tenn.  A Dogwood Elementary first-grader got a special surprise at school Friday, as her dad returned from an 11-month deployment to the Middle East.

Tennessee Army National Guard Platoon Sergeant James Kwoka left on a mission to Kuwait and Jordan just as his daughter Holly was starting kindergarten. He returned at 2 a.m. Friday.

Holly knew her dad was coming home, but the timing was a surprise.

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When Holly came out of the doors to the car rider line, there was her dad, in camo, waiting with a teddy bear.

courtesy Germantown Municipal School District courtesy Germantown Municipal School District

Aside from the joy of seeing his daughter, Kwoka said hes glad to see green trees again, and have a burger at Hueys. He will return to his civilian job with the Germantown Police Department.

See more photos from Germantown Schools here.

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Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

Confused

I dont understand how we can have four years of a senile leader with President Biden and now we have a strong president with President Trump and everyone cant support him.

Forget Biden

An overweight, oxygen-deprived, rambling, temperamental 80 year old decided to take over Washington D.C. because one of his former DOGE guys got beat up. The same guy pardoned almost 2,000 verifiable recidivist offenders from Jan. 6. How much more will keep you silent?

Only attack Republicans

Since the start of Sound Off, theres never been any post about the misdeeds of any radical Democrats. As if they dont exist. Exposing them is taboo.

Sink it

I was glad to see in Mary Perezs story that Arbor has bought the Sun Herald property, but, sad to know the perfectly good building will be torn down. Id love to hear theyre collaborating with Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks and CCA to build a Sun Herald Fishing Reef.

On the run

To take a line from Sen. Hakeem Jeffries but turn it: People, we have the Democrats (literally) on the run.

Settle down, Gavin

Californias governor freaked out because someone sent him a Trump 2028 hat. If you really want to get under his skin, send him a Trump 2032 one.

Pondering

Sound Off is a safety valve. It is a chance for us to let the world know what we think is important. For example, is Vladimir Putin possessed by a devil or does he just have a good makeup department?

Back the blue

In Trumps America, throwing a sandwich at a police officer gets you a felony charge, but assaulting police officers and trying to gouge out their eyes with your bare hands gets you a pardon.

A bad look

Police bodycam footage shows Jared Wise beating police officers on Jan. 6 and yelling kill em as rioters attacked. He now works as a senior adviser in President Trumps DOJ.

Sending troops to D.C.

Would you look at that, the National Guard was finally sent to Washington D.C. And only four and a half years too late.

Whats going on in Texas?

Whats with Texas legislators and leaving the state they all love to brag about so much? First Ted Cruz flees for Cancun when it got cold and now the Democrats wont do their jobs?

Desperate

Say all the big beautiful words you like. But when immigration agents, out of nowhere, descend upon a peaceful conference by the California governor and outside supporters, the Republican Party is looking to cause chaos and inflame citizens.

Go away, already

Red or blue, I think we can all agree that Hunter Biden needs to go away.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
YORK, Maine  A South Berwick man was killed Aug. 15 in a motorcycle crash on Birch Hill Road, according to York police.

Emergency crews responded to the area at approximately 6:24 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported a collision between a motorcycle and a car near 160 Birch Hill Road. Responding agencies included the York Police Department, York Ambulance, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Ambulance, and York Village Fire Department.

A South Berwick man was killed Aug. 15 in a motorcycle crash on Birch Hill Road, according to York police.

Police said the motorcycle operator, a 36-year-old South Berwick resident, was found at the scene and received lifesaving treatment, but was pronounced dead due to his injuries.

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The driver of the car, a 78-year-old York man, sustained an apparent head injury and was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for treatment.

The names of the motorcyclist or the driver of the car were not released by police.

The Maine Medical Examiners Office will determine the official cause of death. Police said the crash remains under investigation and is being reconstructed by the York Police Departments Accident Reconstruction Team.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Motorcyclist killed in collision with car on Birch Hill Road in York
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) revealed on Saturday that he authorized the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to help restore law and order in Washington, D.C., adding that they could be recalled in case of a disaster in the Palmetto State.

Ive authorized the deployment of 200 S.C. National Guardsmen to support President Trump in his mission to restore law and order to our nations capital. The federal government will pay for this deployment under Title 32, McMaster said in a post on social media platform X.

Our National Guard will work to assist President Trumps mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond, the governor added.

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The order comes just hours after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) announced that between 300-400 National Guard troops from his state will be heading to the District as President Trumps administrations police takeover continues in the nations capital.

The president invoked a provision in the Home Rule Act earlier this week, spearheading the federal control of Washingtons police department and deploying 800 National Guard soldiers and federal officers to patrol the Districts streets to better curb crime.

The administration said this week that since the federal police takeover was put in place, hundreds have been arrested, and dozens of firearms have been confiscated.

The Justice Department (DOJ) named Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head Terry Cole as the Metropolitan Police Departments (MPD) emergency police commissioner, sparking pushback from some D.C. residents and city council members. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued the administration over the DOJs move to appoint Cole. After a federal judge expressed concerns about the move, the DOJ agreed to back away.

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D.C. Mayor Bowser (D) has looked to calm the nerves of Washingtonians, as some residents have protested the deployment of the National Guard in recent days.

It has been an unsettling and unprecedented week in our city. Over the course of a week, the surge in federal law enforcement across DC has created waves of anxiety. I was born one year before Home Rule became law, and while our autonomy has been challenged before, our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now, Bowser said in an open letter on Friday.

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Criticising Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's recent press conference on Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's "vote theft" allegations, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said that it is for the first time that "new" ECI was speaking instead of "planted sources". This comes after CEC Gyanesh Kumar addressed a press conference in New Delhi, countering the recent "vote theft" allegations on ECI and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. "Today, the Election Commission of India held a press conference. This was the first time this 'new' ECI was speaking directly and not planting through sources," Jairam Ramesh wrote on 'X'. Referring to the press note released by ECI on August 16, Jairam Ramesh stressed that its main purpose was to place the responsibility of voter list correction on political parties and individuals. He noted that the press note was uniformly criticised by the political parties and the general public. "Yesterday, the ECI released a press note, the purpose of which was to place the onus of voter list correction on political parties and individuals. This Press Note had also been met with uniform criticism from the opposition parties and widespread criticism from the general public," Ramesh's 'X' post said. The Congress MP mentioned that Gyanesh Kumar's press briefing has come three days after the Supreme Court rejected ECI's argument to prevent the printing of 65 lakh deleted votes during the Bihar Special Intensive Revision. "Today's Press Conference also came three days after the Supreme Court had rejected every single one of the arguments made by the ECI to prevent the publication of the 65 lakh deleted voters during the Bihar SIR. Despite the vehement and documented objections of the ECI, the Supreme Court directed the publication, in a searchable format, of these 65 lakh voters with all their details. It had also allowed the use of AADHAR ID's to be proof of voter identity. The ECI had opposed every single one of these instructions of the Supreme Court," the 'X' post read. Jairam Ramesh said that CEC didn't answer any of the questions asked by Rahul Gandhi "meaningfully". He stated that the ECI began to say that they make no distinction between the ruling and the opposition party after the INDIA bloc launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra from Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday. "Today, a short while after Shri. Rahul Gandhi launched the INDIA janbandhan's Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram, the CEC and his two ECs began by saying they make no distinction between the ruling party and the opposition. This is laughable, to put it very mildly, in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary. Notably, the CEC answered none of the pointed questions raised by Shri. Rahul Gandhi meaningfully," the Congress MP wrote on 'X'. He further asked the ECI whether the electoral body will implement the Supreme Court's order from August 14, stating that the nation is waiting for the answer. "All that matters now is simply this: will the ECI implement, in letter and spirit, the Supreme Court's orders of August 14th, 2025, on the Bihar SIR process? It is constitutionally bound to do so. The nation is waiting and watching," he said. Jairam Ramesh also countered the CEC's demand for an apology or an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi, stating that his allegations were truly based on the data given by the ECI. "As far as the CEC's threats to Rahul Gandhi are concerned, all that needs to be said is that the LoP in the Lok Sabha had simply stated facts revealed by the ECI's own data. The ECI stands thoroughly exposed not only for its incompetence but also for its blatant partisanship," the 'X' post said. Refuting the opposition's claims of "vote theft" through the SIR of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, the CEC on Sunday said neither the ECI nor the voters are "afraid" of such "false" allegations. It was the first press conference conducted by the Constitutional body following the SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders had raised allegations of "vote theft" during the SIR exercise in Bihar and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Gyanesh Kumar mentioned that many voters had complained of double voting in the past few days, but didn't give any proof when asked for it. "Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations," CEC Kumar told reporters. CEC affirmed that the Election Commission "stood like a rock" with every section of society without any discrimination. "When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that it fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination," the CEC said. (ANI)
FIRST ON FOX: A move aimed at lowering tensions between South and North Korea is threatening, rather than improving, life for the estimated 400,000 Christians who live in the North. The policy has been slammed as "a catastrophic strategic mistake."

South Koreas new President, Lee Jae-myung, ordered a reported 80% of radio broadcasts from the South, beamed into the North, to stop transmitting in May. The President also declared that loudspeakers that had been broadcasting anti-communist propaganda on the border between the two countries should be taken down.

Myung reportedly told his Cabinet in Seoul, "I hope such reciprocal measures will gradually lead to dialogue and communication" between the two Koreas, the Korea Times reported Tuesday, adding that the South Korean President wants South and North Korea to "shift from a relationship that causes harm to each other to one that is mutually beneficial."

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North Korea Breaks Silence On Trump's Return, Sends Message From 'Rocket Man'

In a statement reported by news website korea.net on August 5, South Koreas defense ministry added that the new measures were "practical measures to help ease inter-Korean tensions, within a range that does not affect the militarys readiness posture."

But the shutdown of radio stations is having a drastic effect on North Koreas Christians. The Kim Jong-un regime has ruled that it is a crime to worship Christianity. Even being found with a Bible can lead to execution, normally with a bullet, sometimes reportedly after torture.

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Theres no general access to the internet for ordinary citizens. The only practical way Christians can experience the Gospel and Christian teaching or thoughts is to secretly listen to a radio. But now the Stimson Centers 38 North, a publication analyzing data on North Korea, says broadcasts into the country from the South, including broadcasts previously backed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, have been cut back by almost 80% since May, and they advise that level could fall even further over the coming months.

Kim Jong Un depicted riding a horse atop Mount Paektu, a sacred site in North Korea.

Its also reported that it is more difficult to hear the Christian message now. Because there are fewer broadcasts still going into the North, authorities are said to be having greater success in electronically jamming them.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson expressed concern, telling Fox News Digital, "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the State Department Office of International Religious Freedom is actively looking into new ways to advance freedom of religion around the world, including in North Korea, and for North Koreas severely persecuted Christian community. President Trump is a champion for religious freedom globally, including defending peoples ability to read the Bible and freely access religious texts."

It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of these broadcasts to Christians in North Korea, Timothy Cho, who defected from the country when he was 17, told Fox News Digital from London. Cho serves on the Secretariat of the British governments All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea, saying "we are sharing the Gospel with our brothers and sisters on the ground in North Korea. This significance we cannot compare with any amount of values, because it is hope. It is hope, and it is light and it is the message they can rely on during the darkest time inside North Korea."

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Bishop's Village Attacked, 20 Slain After Recent Testimony To Congress On Christian Persecution

In North Korea, Cho claimed, the ruling Kim family dynasty is portrayed collectively as gods, not only the so-called Supreme Leaders," but supreme beings. He explained thats why Christianity is so feared by the government. He added that "the most dangerous threat to North Korean authority is the claim of there being a true God who is not connected to the Kim dynasty."

"Underground Christianity provides a space for the free exchange of ideas. Christianity is a defining feature of the DNA of the Korean people," Greg Scarlatiou, President and CEO of the Washington-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, told Fox News Digital. "The Kim family regime wants none of that, having tried so hard to obliterate the true identity of the Korean people."

"The shutting down of radio stations beaming information into North Korea is a catastrophic strategic mistake. True change can't come from the Kim family. It can only come from the people of North Korea, especially Christians. And the only thing the outside world can do to help them is empowerment through information."

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North Korea is at the top of Open Doors World Watch List for persecution of Christians again this year. Open Doors is a global organization that supports and speaks up for Christians persecuted for their faith. The report noted, "Police and intelligence agents search homes without warning. If they find Christian materials, it is considered a crime against the nation, and the whole family can be banished, imprisoned or executed. Those who use an unregistered smartphone or radio to access unapproved media are punished."

The report continued, "Christians only dare to listen to radio programs at night, hidden under blankets. Each act of worship, even though conducted by oneself, is perceived as an "act of extreme disloyalty." Citizens are trained to report anyone who might be an enemy of the regime, including family members.

"The national media broadcast anti-Christian content, where Christians are portrayed as evil betrayers of the nation, and missionary activities are referred to as acts of terrorism," the Open Doors report noted.

On Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leaders sister, and Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the ruling Workers Party in Pyongyang, made it clear that North Korea will not lessen controls. She released a statement, monitored by a source in Seoul, reportedly saying, "We don't care whether South Korea dismantles the loudspeakers or stops the broadcasts. We have no intention of improving relations with America's loyal lackeys."









Original article source: South Korea's move to lower tensions with Kim Jong Un threatens 400,000 Christians
Aug. 17For the first time since its founding in 2001, the Robert F. Kennedy Charter School, located in the South Valley, will not be headed by Robert Baade.

Holly Gurule, who has more than two decades of experience in education, has succeeded Baade as the school's executive director. The district announced the move last week.

"I had done administration in the past, but I didn't want to be a principal again; I wanted a chance to learn, grow and expand my skill set," Gurule said in a Friday interview. "I think this was a really unique opportunity to level up."

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Among the things she is prioritizing as she takes over is "fleshing out" career pathways for the school's students and offering them social support services.

Before coming to the South Valley charter school, Gurule worked as an assistant principal at West Mesa High School and Albuquerque High School, as a principal at John Adams Middle School, and Laguna elementary and middle schools.

"Her background fits the mission of RFK really well," Baade said.

RFK, which serves 6th through 12th graders, had an enrollment of around 342 students posting academic proficiency ratings of 3% in math, 15% in reading and 18% in science, according to the latest New Mexico Vistas report, which analyzed data from the 2023-24 school year.

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The report also found that 70% of RFK students were deemed college or career-ready, outpacing Albuquerque Public Schools  the district it is in  where 41% of students were found to be ready for life after graduation.

According to Baade, the school has done a good job serving "certain populations that they (APS) have struggled serving," and he believes the district sees them as a "valuable partner."

According to an APS map, RFK is one of six charter schools in the city's southwest corridor.

While RFK is considered an APS school, the district does not oversee its day-to-day operations  nor does it with any of its charter schools.

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However, the district's board of education does have the authority to renew school charters every five years based on factors such as fiscal management and academic performance. RFK's charter, along with those of 10 other schools, is up for renewal from APS this fall.

Neither Baade nor Gurule expressed concern that the charter would not be renewed, with Baade adding that it has been renewed five times with a "single no vote" by an APS board member.

While Baade will no longer head the school he founded, he is transitioning to oversee operations full-time at Southwest Educational Partners for Training, a nonprofit focused on adult education.

He described the nonprofit as a close partner with RFK and added that he will be around to help as Gurule steps into the role he held nearly 25 years ago.

"It could be really hard to take over any school without knowing all the background," Gurule said. "The fact that Robert's willing to aid in this transition speaks to his dedication to RFK."
Southern African leaders are meeting in Madagascar to decide how to make the region more self-reliant and less vulnerable to global economic shocks after years of instability and falling foreign aid.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit gets underway in Antananarivo on Sunday, with Madagascar taking the blocs rotating presidency for the first time.

Leaders from 16 countries will set the course for the regions future, discussing how to boost trade from within and cut dependence on outside partners.

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The theme this year is clear: remove barriers, move goods faster and keep more value at home.

Opening the SADC Council of Ministers on Tuesday, executive secretary Elias Magosi said the region is being squeezed by higher customs tariffs, shrinking aid and political unrest abroad.

It is becoming increasingly evident that we are more likely to succeed when we depend more on our own resources than on external support over which we have absolutely no control, he said.

To achieve this, we must strengthen intra-regional trade, remove trade barriers and invest in essential infrastructure.

Southern African bloc decides to end military mission in DRC

Building up manufacturing

SADC wants manufacturing to make up 30 percent of its GDP by 2030, nearly triple todays 11 percent. The aim is to build an economy that can keep going when the global market stumbles.

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Madagascars Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rafaravavitafika Rasata  who chairs the Council of Ministers  said all member states need to be part of the plan.

By combining the maritime, economic, environmental and cultural potential of the islands with the resources and agricultural and industrial power of the continental member states, we can build the autonomous and competitive SADC we want, she said.

Southern African forces set to deploy in eastern DRC to quell M23 rebel militia

Political tensions

The summit comes at a time of political strain in Madagascar. Former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Hery Rajaonarimampianina have criticised holding the event in Antananarivo.

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In a joint statement, they accused President Andry Rajoelinas government of presiding over a worsening political and economic climate.

They cited alleged restrictions on peaceful protests, what they called the llack of real independence of the electoral commission, and a situation in which 80 percent of the population live below the poverty line.

They warned that pressing ahead without tackling these issues would undermine the credibility of the SADC.

Rajoelina rejected their accusations, saying his predecessors were trying to discourage SADC leaders from attending. He called the summit an historic opportunity for both Madagascar and the region as the island takes the blocs leadership for the first time.
An investigation is underway after a Los Angeles man drowned while swimming at a resort along a river in San Bernardino County.

On Aug. 15, around 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a man who had gone missing in the water at Pirate Cove Resort, located in Moabi Regional Park along the Colorado River in Needles.

Resort staff said the missing man, Adam Karpha, 24, was holding onto an inflatable tube when the river current pushed him away from shore.

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For reasons still unknown, Karpha released his grip on the tube and attempted to swim back to shore, but he was submerged underwater and never resurfaced.

Pirate Cove Resort & Marina is a property offering camping, a marina and outdoor recreational activities located in Moabi Regional Park along the Colorado River in Needles, California. (Google Maps)

Deputies conducted a coordinated water search of the area. Shortly after 5 p.m., Karpha was located in water that was around 12 feet in depth.

Karpha was removed from the water and lifesaving measures were initiated by deputies and fire personnel. He was transported to the Colorado River Medical Center and was later pronounced dead.

No further details were released as the fatal incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Deputy W. Poe of the Colorado River Station at 760-326-9200.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Southern University System Foundation will host SU Give Day on Thursday, August 28th, with a goal of raising $25 million.

The online event will be streamed live on Southerns Facebook page from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will close out the Foundations Are You In? campaign. Money raised will support all five campuses, including Shreveports own Southern University, Southern University at New Orleans, the Southern University Law Center, the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, plus the Southern University Laboratory School.

The day will feature campus leaders, students, alumni, and partners sharing how donations help Southern. It will also include talks with President Dennis J. Shields, student leaders, corporate partners, alumni, and Dr. Kedric Taylor of the Human Jukebox marching band.

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Supporters can watch live and give online to help Southern reach its goal.

Southern University at Shreveport celebrates growing enrollment at Spring Commencement

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Spring breakers and vacationers in the Midwest are about to gain some new getaway travel destination options.

Southwest Airlines announced Thursday that is adding multiple direct flights to popular vacation spots, beginning in March 2026. The routes include nonstop trips from Indianapolis to San Jose del Cabo and from Kansas City to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

The Indianapolis to Cabo flight path will begin March 5, 2026 and run once daily on Saturdays through April 6, 2026, according to WRTV. The new route is specifically designed for spring break travelers.

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"Cabo is the latest win for Indy travelersjoining Punta Cana and Dublin as new international nonstop destinations, said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. New flights like this open doors. Cabo becomes our second destination in Mexico, and every new route means more convenience, more opportunity, and more ways were delivering on what Hoosiers want most.

Prior to today's news, the only way to get from Indianapolis to Cabo was to go on a connecting flight through another hub, such as Chicago or Dallas-Fort Worth. After the Cabo route launches, Indianapolis will officially offer 21 nonstop routes to domestic and international destinations.

As for Kansas City to Punta Cana, that will also be a weekly Saturday jaunt, beginning March 7, 2026.

This new flight will make access to Punta Cana easier than ever, allowing vacationers longer time to spend in the destination, said Kansas City aviation director Melissa Cooper.

Thursday was a busy day for Southwest

In addition to revealing these new spring break tourism-oriented routes, the budget airline also shared that it will be adding Knoxville as a destination beginning in March 2026.

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Southwest will introduce twice-daily roundtrip runs between Knoxville and Nashville, as well as daily roundtrip flights between Knoxville and Baltimore, Dallas and Orlando, Florida.

"Thanks to the partnership from Gov. Bill Lee, the State of Tennessee, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, we're looking forward to serving Knoxville with our unmatched Customer Service," said Southwest CEO and president Bob Jordan. "We're celebrating another exciting milestone in our journey to transform Southwest Airlines  giving Customers more reasons to choose Southwest.

Southwest Adding Flights to 2 Popular Spring Break Destinations in 2026 first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
By Guillermo Martinez and Ana Cantero

VILLARDEVOS (Reuters) -Scorching heat hampered efforts to contain 20 major wildfires across Spain on Sunday, prompting the government to deploy an additional 500 troops from the military emergency unit to support firefighting operations.

In the northwestern region of Galicia, several fires have converged to form a large blaze, forcing the closure of highways and rail services to the region.

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Southern Europe is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in two decades, with Spain among the hardest-hit countries.

In the past week alone, fires there have claimed three lives and burned more than 115,000 hectares, while neighbouring Portugal also battles widespread blazes.

Temperatures are expected to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some areas on Sunday, Spanish national weather agency AEMET said.

"There are still some challenging days ahead and, unfortunately, the weather is not on our side," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a news conference in Ourense, one of the most affected areas.

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He announced an increase in military reinforcements, bringing the total number of troops deployed across Spain to 1,900.

Virginia Barcones, director general of emergency services, told Spanish public TV temperatures were expected to drop from Tuesday, but for now the weather conditions were "very adverse".

"Today there are extremely high temperatures with an extreme risk of fires, which complicates the firefighting efforts," Barcones said.

VILLAGERS RESORT TO BUCKETS

In the village of Villardevos in Galicia, desperate neighbours have organised to fight the flames on their own with water buckets as the area was left without electricity to power water pumps.

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"The fireplanes come in from all sides, but they don't come here," Basilio Rodriguez, a resident, told Reuters on Saturday.

Added Lorea Pascual, another local resident: "It's insurmountable, it couldn't be worse".

Interior ministry data show 27 people have been arrested and 92 were under investigation for suspected arson since June.

In neighbouring Portugal, wildfires have burnt some 155,000 hectares of vegetation so far this year, according to provisional data from the ICNF forestry protection institute - three times the average for this period between 2006 to 2024. About half of that area burned just in the past three days.

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Thousands of firefighters were battling eight large blazes in central and northern Portugal, the largest of them near Piodao, a scenic, mountainous area popular with tourists.

Another blaze in Trancoso, further north, has now been raging for eight days. A smaller fire a few miles east claimed a local resident's life on Friday - the first this season.

(Reporting by Guillermo Martinez, Ana Cantero and Andrei Khalip; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Clelia Oziel)
LISBON, Portugal (AP)  Spain is deploying a further 500 soldiers to battle wildfires that have torn through parched woodland during a prolonged spell of scorching weather, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday.

The decision to add to the more than 1,400 troops already on wildfire duty came as authorities struggled to contain forest blazes, especially in the northwestern Galicia region, and awaited the arrival of promised aircraft reinforcements from other European countries.

Firefighters are tackling 12 major wildfires in Galicia, all of them near the city of Ourense, the head of the Galician regional government Alfonso Rueda told a press conference with Sanchez.

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Homes are still under threat so we have lockdowns in place and are carrying out evacuations, Rueda said. Galicia has been battling the spreading flames for more than a week.

Temperatures in Spain could reach 45 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some areas Sunday, the Spanish national weather agency AEMET said. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was 44.7 C (112.46 F) in the southern city of Cordoba, it said.

This Sunday, when extraordinarily high temperatures are expected, the danger of wildfires is extreme in most of the country, AEMET said on the social platform X.

The fires in Spain this year have burned 158,000 hectares (390,000 acres), according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That is an area roughly as big as metropolitan London.

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Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists say that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.

Spain awaits European firefighters, more planes

Spain was expecting the arrival of two Dutch water-dumping planes that were to join aircraft from France and Italy already helping Spanish authorities under a European cooperation agreement.

Firefighters from other countries are also expected to arrive in the region in coming days, Spains Civil Protection Agency chief Virginia Barcones told public broadcaster RTVE.

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National rail operator Renfe said it suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the fires.

Galician authorities advised people to wear face masks and limit their time spent outdoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash.

Portugal heads into cooler days

Portugal is set for cooler weather in coming days after a spate of severe woodland fires. A national state of alert due to wildfires was enacted Aug. 2 and was due to end Sunday, a day before two Swedish firefighting planes were to arrive.

As in Spain, Portugals resources have been stretched. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters and more than 1,300 vehicles were deployed, as well as 17 aircraft, the countrys Civil Protection Agency said.

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The scorched area of forest in Portugal so far this year is 17 times higher than in 2024, at around 139,000 hectares, according to preliminary calculations by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, a government body.

Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have also requested help from the EUs firefighting force in recent days to deal with forest fires. The force has already been activated as many times this year as in all of last years summer fire season.

Turkish fires threaten area of Gallipoli memorials

In Turkey, where recent wildfires have killed 19 people, parts of the historic region that includes memorials to World War I's Gallipoli campaign were evacuated Sunday as blazes threatened homes in the countrys northwest.

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Six villages were evacuated as a precautionary measure, the governor of Canakkale province, Omer Toraman, said.

Some 1,300 firefighting personnel backed by 30 aircraft were battling the blaze, according to the General Directorate of Forestry.

A wildfire on the peninsula to the north of the Dardanelles Strait led to the closure of visitor facilities at Gallipoli, the sites management said. The area is dotted with cemeteries, memorials and other remnants of battles waged between Ottoman and Allied troops in 1915.

Turkey has been struck by hundreds of fires since late June, fueled by record-breaking temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds.

___

AP reporter Andrew Wilks in Istanbul contributed to this story.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has interrupted his summer holiday to visit regions hit hardest by severe wildfires in the country's north-west.

Sanchez was due to travel on Sunday afternoon to the provinces of Ourense and Leon, the government said.

Over the past two weeks, the blazes have destroyed an estimated 1,150 square kilometres of forest and vegetation. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and at least three people have died.

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Virginia Barcones, the director general of Spain's Civil Protection, said on Sunday that there were 20 fires at the highest risk level.

The situation has been worsened by a prolonged drought and a heatwave with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

Spain's meteorological service AEMET has issued warnings of extreme fire risk in several regions through Monday.

Under the EUs civil protection mechanism, Madrid has requested help from partners. Two firefighting planes from the Netherlands were expected to arrive Sunday, Barcones said.

From Germany, a convoy of more than 20 fire engines and 67 firefighters departed Bonn for Spain, a spokesman for North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Ministry told dpa.

Road closures and evacuations

In recent days, 13 rural roads have been closed across the autonomous communities of Galicia, Castile and Leon, Extremadura and Asturias. Train service was also suspended in parts of Galicia, while some villages and smaller towns were placed under curfew.

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So far, the fires have mainly devastated sparsely populated areas, including large stretches of protected nature reserves. The village of Palacios de Jamuz in Leon was partially destroyed, as seen in video footage. Several people have been arrested on suspicion of arson

Thousands of firefighters, members of Spain's military emergency unit UME, civil protection staff and police have been battling the flames for days, supported by dozens of helicopters and water-bombing aircraft.

Fire crews reported extreme heat, heavy smoke and difficult terrain. "Its like trying to stop a tsunami," one operations leader in Ourense told El Pais.

This year among the worst fire years

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 1,570 square kilometres, 157,000 hectares, of forest and scrubland have burned in Spain so far this year, as of August 16.

That makes 2025 already the third-worst wildfire year in the past two decades, behind only 2022 (about 306,000 hectares) and 2012 (190,000 hectares).

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Portugal is also enduring its fiercest fires in years. More than 3,200 firefighters were deployed on Sunday against nine major blazes, with the most critical situations in Arganil and Satao in the countrys centre. Lisbon has requested EU assistance and is expecting two firefighting planes from Sweden.

Role of depopulation

Experts warn that more frequent and prolonged droughts linked to climate change are not the only reason behind the growing fire risk.

Forest and scrubland in Spain have expanded from 12 million hectares to 27 million hectares over the past 50 years. Many of these forests are in depopulated rural regions where land is no longer actively managed, allowing huge amounts of combustible material to accumulate, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reported.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  This week on The Spectrum:

Sherrod Brown appears to have made up his mind about his political future.

I guess he wants, 50 years wasnt long enough, and well, well see if he actually runs, Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) said.

Hear more from Husted about the possibility of facing off against Brown at the ballot box.

Experts said Social Security will run out of money within the next decade if changes arent made.

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People have questions, people are concerned, people are frustrated, people are scared, Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) said.

So, were going to go, were going to go through this thoughtfully, in a bipartisan way, Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) said.

Hear from Ohio lawmakers on what they are doing to try to shore up the program.

Do utility companies have too much leeway with their regulators?

Its the utilities that have the opportunity to influence and change the auditors recommendation, Ohio Consumers Counsel Director Maureen Willis said.

Why the Ohio Consumers Counsel said there needs to be more transparency in the Public Utilities Commission of Ohios audit process.

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Does Sherrod Brown have a chance to mount a political comeback and retake a seat in the Senate, or does Ohios political shift to the right make it an uphill battle? Republican strategist Will Hinman and Democratic strategist Brian Rothenberg weigh in.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday distributed appointment letters to 220 newly appointed medical officers while participating in a Medical Health Empowerment Campaign organised by the State Health Department at the Mukhya Sewak Sadan. During this, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly appointed doctors and described this moment as an important milestone in their lives. He said that you are not just doctors but also the health guards of Devbhoomi. "That is why all of you have to work with full dedication and service spirit to take the state's medicine to new heights, affordable and accessible to the public." The Chief Minister said that more than 11 lakh patients of the state have received cashless treatment facilities worth more than Rs 21 crore. Special medical facilities related to cardio and neurology are being provided in Srinagar and cancer in Haldwani. He said that in case of emergency, health services through heli from remote areas are also working as life-saving. This was also seen during the recent disaster in Dharali. The Chief Minister said that medical services in the state have got a new dimension due to free health checkups, modernisation of health centres, appointment of paramedical staff and expansion of telemedicine services. He said that we are trying to establish one medical college in each district. So that people can get quality health facilities at the local level. The Chief Minister said that today, Uttarakhand is setting new records in every field, and in a way, Uttarakhand is leading in realising the resolution of developed India. He said that the resolution of developed India will be realised only with the development of Uttarakhand, and the resolution of Uttarakhand's development will be realised only with the development of society, citizens and every sector here. Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said that under the guidance of the Chief Minister, the Health Department is setting new records every day in terms of appointments. He said that out of 220 doctors, except 04 doctors of Divyang quota, all the remaining doctors will be deployed in remote areas. He said that the department is going to recruit more doctors, nurses and supporting staff soon. The minister said that from 17 September, the birthday of Prime Minister Modi, to 2 October, blood donation camps will be organised as a part of a big campaign in 220 places in the state and by organising health camps in every village, more than 25 lakh people will benefit from it. (ANI)
Legendary Film Director and Producer Spike Lee joins MSNBC's Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss his latest film Highest 2 Lowest starring Denzel Washington. The film is available right now in theaters and will premiere on Apple TV+ on September 5th. He also talks about his connection to New York Democratic Mayoral primary candidate Zohran Mamdani as well as the Trump administration adding National Guards into black and brown neighborhoods in D.C. in an effort to address crime.
SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Armory was the nations first armory and it played a decisive role in the American Civil War by producing most of the weapons used by Northern troops.

Its rich history dates back to 1777, when George Washington scouted and approved the site for the armory on the recommendation of his artillery chief, Henry Knox.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the armory celebrated its 50 years as a National Historic Site with a daylong festival featuring guided tours, live music, a birthday cake, free ice cream, vendors and food trucks.

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The armory is located on the campus of Springfield Technical Community College. The museum is in the building with the very

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

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Alaya Branch, right, helps Ebony Branch, both of Springfield working on this art project, one of the activities at the Springfield Armory celebration Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, helped to recognize the Springfield Armory for its role in American history.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, was among officials recognizing the Springfield Armory Saturday.

Kelly Fellner, superintendent of the Springfield Armory, stands next to the original Blanchard Lathe, first used at the armory. Its creation was a significant development in the nation's industrial history.

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John B. Cook is president of Springfield Technical Community College, which is located on the site of the Springfield Armory.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

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A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

A daylong festival marked the milestone with guided walking tours, live music, free ice cream, a birthday cake, interactive events for children and more Saturday.

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large United States flag on top of the clock tower.

More Western Mass. Content

Read the original article on MassLive.
St. Paul police investigating city's 8th homicide of 2025 originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Police are investigating the eighth known homicide in St. Paul this year after a man was shot in the Frogtown neighborhood early Saturday morning.

According to police, the shooting was reported at approximately 4:15 a.m. Officers responded to the scene on the 300 block of Edmund Avenue and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim, who has not been identified, was treated by officers before St. Paul Fire Medics took him by ambulance to the hospital, where he died.

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No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 651-266-5650.

The scene of the Aug. 16, 2025 homicide in St. Paul.St. Paul Police Department

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 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Several major highways across Israel, including Highway 1 and the Ra'anana Junction, were blocked by protesters as the nationwide day of solidarity in support of the Gaza hostages commenced.

Several major highways across Israel, including Highway 1 and the Ra'anana Junction, were blocked by protesters as the nationwide day of solidarity in support of the Gaza hostages commenced early on Sunday.

Other highways that were closed include areas of Highways 75 and 443.

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Israel Police announced that thousands of police officers, Border Police, and traffic police were deployed to enable protest freedom while maintaining law and order, including directing traffic along major routes.

Last week, the families of hostages and bereaved families announced they would bring the nation to a standstill and lead a nationwide day of solidarity, with more than 300 demonstrations expected across the country.

Events will run from 6:29 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with widespread participation from civic groups, academic institutions, and municipal leaders.

A drone photo shows protesters blocking Israel's main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv near Latrun, Israel, after families of hostages have called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)

Six protest convoys are scheduled to set out at 7:30 a.m. from Tel Aviv, Latrun, Haifa, and Highway 6. Organizers said the convoys are meant to signal that anyone traveling on Israels roads will feel the shutdown.

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At 7:10 a.m., activists will hold a wake-up call for members of the government, declaring: October 7 will forever be a stain on each member of this government, the greatest failure in Israels history occurred on their watch.

Demonstrations in major Israeli cities

Major demonstrations are planned in key cities.

In Tel Aviv, the march from Tel Aviv University will begin at 8:00 a.m., alongside protests at Hapil and Rokach/Namir junctions, a rally at City Hall, and the white coats march by medical staff to Hostage Square. The main rally, Israel Stops, will take place at 8:00 p.m. at Hostage Square.

In Jerusalem, neighborhood protests will start at 7:10 a.m., including those outside the Presidents Residence and in Beit Hakerem, followed by a march from Givat Ram at 9:30 a.m.

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Demonstrations will take place in Haifa at Kikar Sefer, the Grand Canyon mall, and Kikar Ziv all throughout the day.

In Beersheba, protests will take place outside of the Government Complex and IDF Southern Command.

Dozens of mayors across Israel announced their support, including Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel; Shai Hajaj, chairman of the Regional Councils Center; and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai. While municipalities are not legally permitted to suspend operations, they pledged to dedicate Sundays public activity to advocating for the hostages release and pressing leaders to push quickly for a deal.

Several universities also announced they will join the strike, including the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the Open University of Israel.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the day of protest aims to demand the release of all hostages and an end to the war as part of an agreement. The central rally is set for 8:00 p.m. at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
The recent spectacle of the Metropolitan police rounding up 500 peaceful protestors, half of them pensioners, for supporting a terrorist organisation whose terrorist activities include spraying some paint on an empty plane does have one saving grace: it makes it clear what the Labour Party thinks about the publics right to dissent.

Keir Starmer has been fond of juridical high-handedness for as long as he has been the Prime Minister: following the riots in Southport last year, he supported the polices round-up of over thirty people for their indiscretions on X, arguing that such posts were not free speech, and promising that online instigators would feel the full force of the law. Now, the same treatment is being visited on middle-class, middle-aged liberals.

Interestingly, though, rather than making any moral arguments in favour of the proscription, Labour partisans have decided that the best tactic is to keep repeating the statutes that enact it.

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Dan Jarvis argues that the UKs definition of terrorism was established in law a quarter of a century ago, and it has stood the test of time and extensive scrutiny since; Lord Hanson of Flint spent most of a recent Lords debate repeating the line the terms of the proscription are clear (as if, say, the Nuremberg Laws werent pretty clear too).

The fact that anyone in the Labour Party finds this kind of thing even remotely satisfying, or even coherent, suggests that the party is in the throes of a very specific pathology: lawyer brain. In its broadest form, lawyer brain is the belief that legislation alone can solve all human problems, and that the law is the law, whether it is ethically sound or not.

Anything can be justified, provided it meets arbitrary legal standards of legality. Elderly protestors can be arrested if they meet definitions of terrorism. Online posters can be rounded up if they meet definitions of incitement. It certainly seems to capture something about Keir Starmer  a former lawyer whose former nickname, according to a leaked 2022 Labour memo, was Mr. Rules.

In this respect, Starmer is part of a long case-history of lawyer brain in the UK Labour Party. Perhaps the worst offenders came from the Blair government, whose seasoned lawyer-politicians  Tony Blair, Lord Irvine, Jack Straw  passed a frenzied set of statutes and constitutional reforms without much in the way of democratic consensus. Urban crime was to be tackled by the invention of new, quasi-criminal categories like the ASBO; broken families were to be fixed with parenting orders; political violence was to be tackled by an enormous raft of new anti-terror legislation, that conveniently rolled back all those bothersome rights to privacy and fair treatment under the law that prior statutes had codified.

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Much of this new legislation was nonsensical with loopholes; it caused the day to day running of the country to be beset by legal challenge, and left a lot of citizens  peaceful protestors, for example  with far fewer rights than they had before.

In Blairs New Labour, lawyer brain took root for one reason above all else: it was the perfect instrument for justifying the actions of a party which technically had a large mandate, but which was, in real terms, haemorrhaging public support.

Lawyer brain was a kind of magic: given that whatever was lawful was, by definition, right, all an incumbent party had to do was write new legislation, invent new legal categories, and it could be justified in any pursuit  abolishing the office of Lord Chancellor, invading Iraq.

Its no wonder Starmer  who possesses what must be one of the greatest discrepancies between parliamentary majority and public popularity in British history  is so susceptible to it.

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But government by diktat also has its drawbacks. As convincing as the arguments of lawyer brain are to other lawyers, they remain unimpressive to the public.

In Blairs case, the final straw came with Lord Goldsmiths mealy-mouthed declaration of the legality of the invasion of Iraq. In Starmers, it seems to be working through accretion. Almost every well-touted communication failure of Starmers can be explained by the same, mad legalism: the man wont talk about gilt markets, or pension funds; he has to keep talking about the OBR and its arcane rules.

He seems incapable of assessing the morality of whats going on in migrant hotels, or Gaza; he can only about international law, as though he were still back in the halls of Matrix Chambers.

No wonder he has slumped to remarkable depths in the polls, and is facing considerable dissent from within his own party. He is on the verge of discovering what most of us knew already: that lawyers might be pretty good at getting their way, but theyre not exactly well-liked.

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Sir Keir Starmer has praised Donald Trumps offer of an Article 5-style security guarantee for Ukraine, as European leaders prepared to head to Washington for a crucial meeting with the US president and Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Prime Minister chaired a meeting with Ukraines president and members of the Coalition of the Willing on Sunday.

Afterwards, Downing Street said the leaders commended President Trumps commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the Coalition of the Willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures.

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The US is understood to have offered a Nato-style collective defence guarantee for Ukraine, which special envoy Steve Witkoff described as game-changing.

Natos Article 5 states that an armed attack against one or more of its members should be considered an attack on all.

Ukraine would be able to enjoy a guarantee resembling this clause without becoming an official member of the bloc.

Mr Witkoff confirmed today that Vladimir Putin had agreed to the guarantee at talks in Alaska, saying it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, said: If we are weak with Moscow, we are preparing for tomorrows conflicts.

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In a video address from Fort de Bregancon, the presidents official holiday residence, Mr Macron also repeated Europes demands that territorial decisions can be made only by Ukraine and no limits can be placed on Kyivs armed forces moving forward.

06:48 PM BST

Our live coverage has ended. Heres a round-up of todays events:

A host of European leaders announced plans to accompany Volodymyr Zelensky to his meeting with Donald Trump in the White House tomorrow

Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer will attend the talks and commended Donald Trumps efforts to end the war

Zelensky travelled to Brussels for talks with Europes Coalition of the Willing

At a joint conference with Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe and Ukraine need strong security guarantees in any peace deal

Marco Rubio admitted a peace deal with Russia may not be possible

Steve Witkoff described Russias acceptance of a Nato-style security guarantee for Ukraine as game-changing

Emmanuel Macron said if we are weak with Moscow, we are preparing for tomorrows conflicts after meeting with European leaders

Zelensky said the US must guarantee air, land and sea security in Ukraine

06:40 PM BST

Zelensky: US must guarantee air, land and sea security in Ukraine

The US must provide air, land and sea security guarantees, Volodymyr Zelensky has said, as he prepares for showdown talks with Donald Trump in the White House on Monday.

Speaking after a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, the Ukrainian President said security guarantees must be truly very practical and provide protection on land, in the air, and at sea.

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The US is understood to have offered a Nato-style collective defence guarantee for Ukraine, which special envoy Steve Witkoff described as game-changing.

Natos Article 5 states that an armed attack against one or more of its members should be considered an attack on all.

Ukraine would be able to enjoy a guarantee resembling this clause without becoming an official member of the bloc.

Mr Witkoff today confirmed that Vladimir Putin had agreed to the guarantee at talks in Alaska, saying it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that.

Mr Zelensky also said today at a press conference preceding the meeting that key issues such as territory had to be discussed with Ukraines participation in a trilateral format: Ukraine, the US and Russia.

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Putin has not yet publicly agreed to any three-way talks, though Axios previously reported that Mr Trump was keen to meet with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders as soon as Aug 22.

06:28 PM BST

Revealed: Melania Trumps letter to Putin

Melania Trump sent a private letter to Vladimir Putin in which she appeared to urge him to end the war to protect children.

The note, which was hand delivered to the Russian leader by Donald Trump during their Alaska summit, tells Putin it is time to act.

The letter does not explicitly mention Ukraine or the war, but appears to be a thinly veiled plea for him to end the war with a stroke of the pen to protect younger generations.

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A simple yet profound concept, Mr Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government and ideology, Mrs Trump wrote, according to Fox News.

06:10 PM BST

Pence says Trump uses velvet glove to deal with dictators

Mike Pence, the former US vice president, warned Donald Trump against using a velvet glove to deal with Vladimir Putin, saying the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately.

Speaking to Jake Tapper on CNN, Mr Pence praised the US president on Sunday for not giving up on Ukraine, saying there are many voices in and around the administration that would have cut Ukraine loose months ago.

He admitted I would have liked to have seen a ceasefire, but the truth is that no deal is better than a bad deal.

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At the end of the day, its important to remember the bad guy here is Putin, Mr Trumps first term VP concluded. Putin launched an unprovoked, brutal invasion more than three years ago... I have literally walked the streets, seen the aftermath of that brutal invasion.

In my judgement, Putin is not going to stop until hes stopped... I served alongside the president for four years. I know his style in dealing with these dictators. Its the velvet glove, but I think the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately.

05:47 PM BST

Security of Ukraine and Europe at stake in Washington says Macron

By Vivian Song in Paris

Mondays meeting in Washington with Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky marks a pivotal moment in the Ukraine conflict, Emmanuel Macron warned, with the security of both the Ukraine and Europe at stake.

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Mr Macron said European leaders from the Coalition of the Willing and non-European allies including Japan, Canada, Norway and Albania, discussed how to prepare for tomorrows meeting in an extremely serious context, not only for Ukraine for the security of the whole of Europe.

Because this is an important moment in the conflict, and an important moment for the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe, Mr Macron told French media after emerging from the videoconference at his summer retreat at Fort de Begancon.

There can be no discussion of Ukraine without the Ukrainians. But by the same token, there can be no discussion of European security without them, he added.

Mr Macron also shot down the idea of demilitarising Ukraines army, calling it the first pillar of security guarantees. He also said that allied forces are ready to exert their presence, not on the front lines, but as support.

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Ultimately, our desire tomorrow is to present a united front between Europeans and Ukrainians at this moment of conflict resolution by reaffirming who is on the side of peace, who is on the side of international law, but above all, how we can collectively ensure that the international order is respected and that our collective security is protected, he said.

Because the security of Europeans and of France is at stake.

05:34 PM BST

Zelensky: I will only discuss territorial concessions with Putin

Credit: Reuters

Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that only he and Vladimir Putin can discuss territorial concessions, as Russia looks to claim the entire Donbas region as the price for peace.

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The Ukrainian leader insisted that his countrys constitution made it impossible to give up territory or trade land but said Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting.

He said that any negotiations should centre around the front line.

Putin told Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday that he would stop the war if Ukraine were to withdraw from the 30 per cent of Donetsk which is not currently under Russias full control. The US president is inclined to back the Russian presidents land grab.

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Sunday that both sides would need to make concessions and said that after Fridays summit, there was the potential for a breakthrough to end the war.

05:32 PM BST

Macron: If we are weak with Moscow, we are preparing for tomorrows conflicts

Emmanuel Macron has warned Donald Trump that Vladimir Putins peace plan amounts to a Ukrainian capitulation.

Following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, the French president said showing weakness to Russia would only lead to another war in the future.

He also repeated Europes demands that territorial decisions can only be made by Ukraine and no limits can be placed on Kyivs armed forces moving forward, in a video address from Fort de Bregancon, the presidents official holiday residence.

There is only one state that proposes a peace that would be a capitulation: Russia, Mr Macron said.

He added: If we are weak with Moscow, we are preparing for tomorrows conflicts.

Mr Macron said the fact European leaders are joining Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday is a sign that there is no division in thinking.

Our desire tomorrow is to present a united front between Ukrainians and Europeans, he said.

The French President added: There can be no territorial discussion about Ukraine without the Ukrainians, no discussion on the security of Europe without the Europeans.

05:09 PM BST

Coalition of the Willing meeting very useful, says Zelensky

Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the European leaders making up the Coalition of the Willing, describing the meeting they held earlier this afternoon as very useful.

There is clear support for Ukraines independence and sovereignty, Mr Zelensky wrote in a statement on X, adding everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force.

Mr Zelensky praised the US, saying this is a historic decision that the United States is ready to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine.

Security guarantees, as a result of our joint work, must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europes participation, he added.

04:58 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian evacuated from Pokrovsk clings to her cat

A resident of Pokrovsk clings to her cat after being evacuated to a designated safe point on Aug 17 - Pierre Crom/Getty Images Europe

04:55 PM BST

European leaders agree security guarantees are essential

Petr Fiala, the Czech prime minister, said in a statement on X that European leaders had agreed that clear security guarantees for Ukraine will be absolutely crucial for further negotiations at their meeting this afternoon.

It comes ahead of talks between Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders and Donald Trump in Washington tomorrow.

Mr Fiala added that the goal of participants at the Coalition of the Willing meeting this afternoon was to stop the killing of people as soon as possible.

04:43 PM BST

Costa: Sustainable peace in Ukraine will require transatlantic unity

Transatlantic unity is vital for achieving sustainable peace in Ukraine, Antonio Costa, the European Council president, has said.

In a statement on X following this afternoons Coalition of the Willing meeting, Mr Costa said that he emphasised to his European partners during the meeting that if no ceasefire is agreed, the EU and the US must increase pressure on Russia.

Ukraines sovereign right to determine its conditions for peace must be respected, he continued, adding we welcome the United States willingness to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

04:38 PM BST

Pictured: Russian airstrike on Bilozerske, Donetsk region

Ukrainian police officers evacuate a resident following a Russian airstrike on Bilozerske on Aug 17 - Pierre Crom/Getty Images Europe

A residential building burns after a Russian airstrike on Bilozerske on Aug 17 - Pierre Crom/Getty Images Europe

04:30 PM BST

Von der Leyen welcomes security guarantees

Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed Donald Trumps proposed security guarantees.

We welcome President Trumps willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine. And the Coalition of the Willing, including the European Union, is ready to do its share, the European Commission president said.

We know that the work of defending Europe is first and foremost our responsibility. And we have been working hard to speed up and scale up as we increase Europes defence capability, Ms von der Leyen added.

Ukraine must become a steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders, she finished.

04:24 PM BST

Russias agreement to Nato-style guarantee for Ukraine game-changing, says Witkoff

In more remarks from Steve Witkoffs interview on CNN earlier today, the US special envoy said Russias agreement to a Nato-style security guarantee for Ukraine was game-changing.

We were able to win the following concession, that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, Mr Witkoff said.

It was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, he said.

Article 5 is Natos collective defence mandate which states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against all.

Ukraine would be able to enjoy a guarantee resembling the clause, but would not be permitted to officially join the military bloc.

However, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns earlier today about the plan, saying that there are no details about how it will work, and what Americas role will be, Europes role will be, and what the EU can do.

We consider EU accession to be part of the security guarantees, he added.

04:16 PM BST

Trump says Putin meeting was great

Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had a great meeting in Alaska on the war in Ukraine, which he dubbed Bidens stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!

The US president also hit back at Fake News in the posts on Sunday morning, saying there is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me.

A few minutes later, he added: If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal.

They should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! Mr Trump concluded.

04:05 PM BST

Coalition of the Willing meeting has ended

The virtual Coalition of the Willing meeting held between European leaders and Volodymyr Zelensky has come to a close.

The meeting of the Western Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine has concluded ahead of tomorrows talks in Washington, Radosaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, wrote on X.

I emphasised that for peace to prevail, pressure must be placed on the aggressor, not the victim of aggression, he added.

03:54 PM BST

Ukraine claims gains in Donetsk

Ukraine has made gains in eastern Donetsk Oblast, the general staff of the armed forces of Ukraine has claimed.

From August 4 to August 16, Ukrainian forces say they retook the settlements of Hruzke, Rubizhne, Novovodiane, Petrivka, Vesele and Zolotyi Kolodiaz.

Operations to stabilise the situation around Dobropillia, a town in Donetsk which has seen intense fighting in recent weeks, are ongoing.

Earlier this week Ukraine confirmed that Russia had made a sudden push of some six miles towards its main defensive line in Donetsk.

Volodymyr Zelenky has warned that Russia is attempting to thrust towards the administrative border of Donetsk Oblast to gain greater leverage in peace talks.

03:24 PM BST

Witkoff: Important discussion to be had with regard to Donetsk

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, has said there is an important discussion to be had regarding the embattled Donetsk region of Ukraine.

Mr Witkoff was asked on CNN whether Trump had told European leaders that Putin will agree to end the war in exchange for Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas, which consists of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as per reports.

There is an important discussion to be had with regard to Donetsk and what would happen there, Mr Witkoff said.

That discussion is going to specifically be detailed on Monday when President Zelensky arrives with his delegation and some of the other European leaders.

Hopefully, we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there on that, he finished.

03:14 PM BST

Pictured: Macron attends virtual Coalition of the Willing meeting

Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference with Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelensky as part of Coalition of the Willing on August 17 - Philippe Magoni/AP Pool

03:07 PM BST

Rubio: Ceasefire not off the table in Ukraine

A ceasefire is not off the table in Ukraine, according to Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state.

Speaking on CNN, Mr Rubio said that everyone was agreed that the best way to end this conflict is through a full peace deal, but added unfortunately, the Russians as of now have not agreed to that.

When asked why the US would not impose more sanctions in order to force Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire, Mr Rubio said theyre already under very severe sanction, claiming that there is no evidence that further measures would be effective.

As much as people might not like it, as distasteful as people may find it, the only way to end this war is to get the Russians to agree, as well as the Ukrainians, to a peace deal,Mr Rubio said.

And the minute you issue new sanctions, your ability to get them to the table, our ability to get them to the table, will be severely diminished, he finished.

03:04 PM BST

Analysis: Ukraine and Europe reveal position on Putin-Trump talks

The press conference just now between Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula Von der Leyen, the European Commission president, is the clearest outline yet of Ukraine and Europes position on elements of the Putin-Trump talks.

Strong pushback on handing all of Donetsk to Russia

Mr Zelensky said Russia had failed to take the region in 12 years of trying and insisted that the current frontline should be the starting point for talks.

Talks only happen after the fighting stops

Mr Zelensky and Ms Von der Leyen said that whether it was called a ceasefire or peace, what mattered is that negotiations can only properly begin when Russia stops attacking. This follows Donald Trump saying he wanted to skip a ceasefire and go straight for a peace deal.

Three-way summit needed to discuss talks

Mr Zelensky said that the matter of territorial changes was so important it should be discussed in a three-way meeting with Putin and Mr Trump. If Putin refuses, he should be hit with more sanctions. (The EU is working up a 19th sanctions package.)

Ukraine needs Nato Article 5-like security guarantees

Mr Zelensky called for this. Ms Von der Leyen thanked Mr Trump for reportedly opening the door to this. But nobody knows quite what the US is willing to do here. Natos Article 5 promises an attack on one member is an attack on all. That is not being proposed for Ukraine after any peace deal. What, exactly, these guarantees entail remains unclear.

Ukraine continues on a path to EU membership

Ms Von der Leyen stressed this point, saying this in itself is also a security guarantee. It was notable in the press conference that EU membership for Ukraine, and note Nato membership - something Mr Trump has publicly opposed - was talked up.

02:44 PM BST

Russia has made concessions, says White House envoy

Steve Witkoff, the United States special envoy, said that Russia has made some concessions on territory amid Ukraine war negotiations.

The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions, Mr Witkoff said on CNN, seemingly in reference to Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Crimea.

Mr Witkoff also said that Vladimir Putin agreed that the US and Europe could offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling the Nato collective defence clause, though Ukraine would not officially join the bloc.

The agreement came despite Russias repeated claim that its security is threatened by Nato trying to gain a foothold in Ukraine.

Im hopeful that we have a productive meeting on Monday, we get to real consensus, were able to come back to the Russians and push this peace deal forward and get it done, Mr Witkoff concluded.

02:43 PM BST

Pictured: Worshippers pray at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in central London

Ukrainian worshippers pray during a Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in central London on August 17 - Isabel Infantes/REUTERS

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, OBE, leads a Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in central London on August 17 - Isabel Infantes/REUTERS

02:37 PM BST

Starmer to meet with Trump and Zelensky in Washington

Sir Keir Starmer will join Volodymyr Zelensky for his crucial meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, Downing Street has confirmed.

Sir Keir will attend the talks alongside a number of European leaders.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte also confirmed that they will be at the meeting in the White House tomorrow.

Alexander Stubb, the Finnish president, and Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, will also be there.

Downing Street said that Sir Keir stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.

It is understood that Europe is drafting its heavy hitters to protect Mr Zelensky from Mr Trumps ire in the Oval Office on Monday, after a February clash between the leaders of the US and Ukraine set back relations for months.

Zelensky is expected to meet with Ms von der Leyen shortly, before a wider Coalition of the Willing meeting with European leaders at 2pm BST.

02:28 PM BST

No sign Russia will agree to trilateral talks, says Zelensky

There is no sign that Russia will agree to a three-way summit with Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference in Brussels.

So far, Russia gives no sign that the trilateral talks will happen, and if Russia refuses then new sanctions must follow, the Ukrainian president said.

Mr Zelensky also said that negotiations are likely to take time as Putin has many demands, but we do not know all of them.

He reiterated his desire for an immediate ceasefire, saying that it is impossible to hold talks under the pressure of weapons.

02:25 PM BST

Rubio: Additional consequences for Russia if peace deal not reached

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, has said that both Ukraine and Russia will have to make concessions in order to reach a peace deal and Russia will face additional consequences if negotiations fail.

In an interview with the Face the Nation show, Mr Rubio said: If peace is not going to be possible here and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands... we may unfortunately wind up there, but we dont want to wind up there.

Mr Rubio added that in order for the war to end, Russia and Ukraine must accept that there are things they cannot get, but said it is still possible that the US will not manage to strike a deal.

Donald Trump appeared more optimistic, writing on Truth Social: BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!

02:12 PM BST

Von der Leyen: Europe and Ukraine need strong security guarantees

At a joint news conference with Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said that Ukraine and Europe need strong security guarantees in any peace deal.

Ms von der Leyen also reiterated her support for Ukraines territorial integrity, saying that Europes position is that international borders cannot be changed by force.

There are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone. And these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table, she said.

The remarks appeared to be in response to reports that Russias Putin has demanded that Ukraine surrender Donbas as the price of a peace deal, a proposal reportedly backed by Donald Trump.

01:54 PM BST

LIVE: Zelensky meets with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels

01:54 PM BST

Russia claims Ukraine targeted nuclear power plant

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) claims that Ukraine tried to hit the Smolensk nuclear power plant on Sunday with drones.

The FSB said that it deterred the onslaught, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

The Smolensk nuclear power station is the biggest in Russias northwest, located 200 miles from Moscow.

Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the claims.

01:35 PM BST

Swedish PM to attend Coalition of the Willing meeting

Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish prime minister, will attend Sundays virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing ahead of the visit by Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to Washington on Monday.

A spokesperson from the prime ministers office confirmed that Mr Kristersson will not fly to Washington with his counterparts.

The Coalition of the Willing meeting is expected to begin shortly, at 2pm BST.

01:31 PM BST

Putin wants to turn Donbas into lifeless wasteland, says Ukraine foreign ministry

Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs has claimed that Putin wants to turn new cities in Donbas into lifeless wasteland.

In a statement on X, the ministry posted pictures of ravaged cities in Ukraines Donetsk and Luhansk regions, saying all these cities were once full of Ukrainians... whom Russian war criminals have either killed, captured, forcibly transferred, or driven from their homes under relentless attacks.

Having left nothing but ruins behind, Putin still seeks to seize and destroy more, the ministry continued. Russias war is not just against Ukraines territory  it is against the very right of Ukrainians to exist.

The ministry urged the US and European partners to pursue strong, coordinated actions grounded in justice, sovereignty and Ukraines territorial integrity ahead of crunch talks between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and European counterparts tomorrow afternoon.

01:15 PM BST

Zelensky arrives at European Commission in Brussels

Ursula von der Leyen shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelensky before a meeting at the European Commission in Brussels on August 17 - SIMON WOHLFAHRT/AFP

Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to the European Commissions head office in Brussels.

Mr Zelensky and Ms von der Leyen will attend a virtual meeting of European leaders.

It comes shortly after the European Commission president confirmed she will accompany Mr Zelensky to Washington to meet with Donald Trump on Monday.

Ms von der Leyen and Mr Zelensky are due to hold a joint news conference later in the day.

01:09 PM BST

Pictured: US sergeant visits memorial to fallen soldiers in Lviv

US citizen Justin Mishler, who voluntarily joined Ukraines International Legion soon after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, is pictured visiting a memorial to fallen soldiers at the Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv.

Mr Mishler was seriously injured in battle in eastern Ukraine in 2024, losing one eye.

He currently serves as sergeant in the International Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Justin Mishler visits the memorial to fallen soldiers at the Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, August 16 - Stringer/REUTERS

01:03 PM BST

Putin discusses Alaska summit with Lukashenko

Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko to discuss his meeting with Donald Trump in Alaska.

According to the press service of the Belarusian president, Putin told Lukashenko in detail about the results of the summit and the pair discussed the situation in the region in light of the talks.

Mr Trump also spoke with Lukashenko on phone ahead of the Alaska meeting, reportedly to thank the Belarusian dictator for releasing 16 political prisoners.

The two leaders also discussed the bilateral agenda, regional issues and the situation in hotspots, including Ukraine, according to state news agency BelTA, which also claimed that Mr Trump had accepted an invitation to meet Lukashenko in Minsk in the future.

12:52 PM BST

Pictured: Zelensky arrives in Brussels for talks with European leaders

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Volodymyr Zelensky at the military airport in Melsbroek, Steenokkerzeel, on August 17 - Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial

12:48 PM BST

Ukrainians fear Trump is repeating Chamberlains mistakes

Donald Trump has played into Vladimir Putins hands by dropping his demands for a Russian ceasefire, a senior Ukrainian politician has warned.

By aligning himself with Putins insincere peace proposal, the US president risked repeating Neville Chamberlains betrayal of Czechoslovakia at the Munich conference of 1938, Oleksandr Merezhko, the chairman of the Ukrainian parliaments foreign affairs committee, said.

If Trump is serious about supporting Putins peace treaty idea without calling for a ceasefire first, then it looks very much like a betrayal, Mr Merezhko told The Telegraph.

It looks like Munich 1938, he added referring to the decision to carve out Czechoslovakias Sudetenland and award it to Hitler in the vain hope of staving off war.

Olena and Yuriy, a couple in Kyiv who lost their son in the war, were appalled by Donald Trumps treatment of Vladimir Putin

12:41 PM BST

Analysis: Starmers Washington trip is a sign of lessons learned

The decision by Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders to join Volodymyr Zelensky for his meeting with Donald Trump in Washington tomorrow is a sign of lessons learned.

Downing Street insiders were left kicking themselves that they had not done more to prepare the Ukrainian leader ahead of that infamous Oval Office shouting match back in February.

So much attention had been poured into making sure Sir Keirs first meeting with Mr Trump the day earlier went well that little thought went into the Trump-Zelensky meeting.

The approach emerging today is a clear attempt to avoid a similar deterioration from taking place.

Mr Zelensky will have allies Mr Trump knows echoing many of his talking points.

In a moment where Ukraines future is so tied to the whims and instincts of the US President, European leaders have concluded a united front in person has the best hopes of swaying Mr Trump their way.

12:39 PM BST

Downing Street confirms Starmer will attend Washington talks

Downing Street has confirmed in a statement that Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Washington to meet Donald Trump alongside Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes, the statement reads.

This follows the Prime Minister commending President Trumps efforts to end Russias illegal war in Ukraine, reasserting his position that the path to peace cannot be decided without President Zelenskyy, and co-chairing a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this afternoon (Sunday 17 August) to discuss the progress to provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees in the event of any deal.

12:22 PM BST

Russia claims it hit Sapsan missile storage sites in Ukraine overnight

Russia has claimed that its forces shot down 300 Ukrainian drones and struck storage sites for Sapsan operational-tactical missiles across Ukraine overnight.

Russias defence ministry added that the Russian army had gained better positions in a settlement of Zolotyi Kolodiaz in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine says that it has contained the Russian advance in Donetsk.

The ministry said that Sapsan missile storage sites had been hit by a range of war planes, drones and missiles.

12:08 PM BST

Pictured: Ukrainian firefighters battle blaze in Donetsk

Ukrainian firefighters were pictured working to extinguish a blaze after Russian shelling hit a house in Kostiantynivka, an industrial city in the Donetsk region, on August 16.

A Russian FPV drone attack damaged their fire truck during the operation.

Ukrainian firefighters work to extinguish a blaze after a Russian shelling hit a house in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, on August 16 - Anadolu/Anadolu

A house burns after being hit by Russian shelling in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, on August 16 - Anadolu/Anadolu

12:02 PM BST

Trump to push for three-way meeting with Putin and Zelensky

Donald Trump wants to hold trilateral talks with Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky and the US as early as 22 August, according to Axios.

Citing two sources, the outlet claims that Mr Trump told Mr Zelensky that he wants to hold a summit between all three leaders quickly after his meeting with Putin on Friday.

Putin has not yet confirmed his participation in any three-way summit, though Mr Zelensky has repeatedly challenged the Russian leader to meet him.

11:59 AM BST

Ursula von der Leyen to attend Washington meeting at the request of President Zelensky

This afternoon, I will welcome @ZelenskyyUa in Brussels.



Together, we will participate in the Coalition of Willing VTC.



At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 17, 2025

The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that she will attend the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.

In a post on X, Ms von der Leyen said she will join at the request of President Zelensky alongside other European leaders.

She will be joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, among others.

11:49 AM BST

Analysis: Europes crucial role in White House talks

The presence of European leaders alongside Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky is crucial when he travels to the White House on Monday.

The Oval Office spat between the Ukrainian president, Donald Trump and JD Vance remains etched in the mind of the Europeans.

It was a major set back for US support for Kyivs cause in the face of its Russian invasion.

Mr Zelensky risks a similar spat by turning down Mr Trumps offer of peace, which by now everyone knows includes granting swathes of unoccupied territory to Russia.

With Europeans there in tow, it prevents the very pile-on scenario that Mr Trump and Mr Vance were so freely to prosecute last time round.

It also gives the Europeans a chance to express that theyre doing the heavy lifting and US support for Kyiv is worthwhile if the peace talks collapse under the weight of Vladimir Putins maximalist demands.

11:47 AM BST

Merz to join European counterparts in Washington

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday for political talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European heads of state and government.

The trip will serve as an exchange of information with US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with the heads of state and government and underscore Germanys interest in a swift peace agreement in Ukraine, the government said in a statement.

The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. This includes maintaining the pressure of sanctions.

This comes around 6 weeks after Merzs first official visit to the White House, when he told Trump Im here, Mr President, to talk to you later on how we could contribute to that goal [to end the war]. We are all looking for measures and for instruments to bring this terrible war to an end.

11:41 AM BST

Emmanuel Macron to travel to Washington with Zelensky

Our correspondent in Paris, Vivian Song, has confirmed that Emmanuel Macron will be part of a delegation of European leaders who will travel to Washington on Monday to support Volodymyr Zelensky.

The President of the Republic will travel to Washington tomorrow alongside President Zelensky and several European leaders to continue the work of coordination between Europeans and the United States with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace that preserves Ukraines vital interests and Europes security, the Elysee Palace wrote in a statement.

Mr Macron will join European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Nato secretary Mark Rutte at the White House Monday.

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It is hard to overplay the sense of despondency and sheer dread felt by Downing Street insiders as they watched Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky trade barbs in the Oval Office.

Just 24 hours earlier, on Feb 27, Sir Keir Starmer had pulled off what the media and Labour loyalists alike saw as a diplomatic triumph in his first meeting with the US president.

Weeks of preparation had been invested in how the Prime Minister handled that moment, how to strike the balance of massaging Mr Trumps ego while landing the critical UK talking points.

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The result was delight from the US president at a state visit invitation, support for Sir Keirs deal to give away the Chagos Islands and warm words on a trade deal from the worlds most powerful man.

How differently Mr Zelenskys meeting went the next day, when he was harangued by JD Vance, the US vice-president, for not saying thank you to America, as Ukraines allies looked on, horrified.

Zelenskys meeting with Trump and JD Vance at the Oval Office went badly, with No 10 insiders feeling they could have done more to prepare the Ukraine leader - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The contrast between those two meetings  and the way the spiralling row in the latter undercut the progress made on Ukraine in the former  left Sir Keir and his team kicking themselves.

Why had they not done more to prepare the Ukraine president as they had their own Prime Minister? Senior No 10 figures have since told The Telegraph they felt they dropped the ball.

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As a result, a new approach is being taken by London and other European capitals  one that comes to fruition on Monday when Mr Zelensky travels to Washington not alone but alongside his allies.

A similar trip had almost happened within days of the Oval Office skirmish as Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, and others tried to repair the damage done.

But those attempts to get Mr Zelensky back to the White House with European leaders in tow ultimately did not come to fruition.

The Prime Minister ended up doing something else to project a similar message: Hugging Mr Zelensky outside the black No 10 front door in an image that showed he was standing by Kyivs side.

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Since then, behind the scenes, there has been a deliberate attempt from British ministers and officials to teach the Ukrainian leader how to speak Trump.

It is notable that now Mr Zelensky often begins conversations with American counterparts with a word of thanks for all the US support in countering Russia  a nod to what Mr Vance had demanded.

Trump turned visibly angry with Zelenksy, though the latter has since adjusted his approach to discussions with US counterparts - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Jonathan Powell, Sir Tony Blairs former chief of staff, who, as Sir Keirs national security adviser, is one of the most influential figures in British foreign policy, has worked closely with the Ukrainians on ways they can best achieve their goals with a Maga White House.

Sir Keirs inner circle believe  with some evidence to back up their case  that they have sussed out the best strategy for trying to influence Mr Trump from the outside.

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The touchstones are: Do not bite on every provocative statement he makes; Do not publicly try to bounce the US president into a corner (for fear of a backlash by pricking his ego).

Instead, heap as much praise on Mr Trump in public as is possible and use your influence behind the scenes to nudge him into a position that best suits your national interests.

It is notable how Sir Keirs statement after Mr Trumps Alaskan huddle with Vladimir Putin was not one of condemnation but praise at the White Houses attempt to secure peace.

President Trumps efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russias illegal war in Ukraine, read the first line of the Starmer statement issued on Saturday.

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Meanwhile, European allies have clearly reached a similar conclusion to the Prime Minister  that the best chance of avoiding another White House clash on Monday is to be there themselves alongside Mr Zelensky.

As well as Sir Keir, Mr Macron, Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, and Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary general, and others will all be in Washington.

Mr Rutte, who bent the knee so far at this summers Nato summit that he ended up referring to Mr Trump as daddy, but in turn won praise for the military alliance at a precarious moment, is evidently following a similar strategy to Sir Keir.

But the decision to fly to Washington is also a sign of concern. Getting Europes most prominent political leaders to rip up their August plans and to rally together, spending many hours of travelling time away from their homes, underscores the sense of uncertainty and fear.

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Two former British ambassadors to Washington told The Telegraph the scramble for the White House shows they know how important it is to unpick Putins spin.

Lord Darroch, who was ambassador during Mr Trumps first term, said: This rapidly assembled, highest-level European delegation accompanying Zelensky to Washington is a sign of profound concern about two aspects of the outcome of the Alaska summit.

First, the news that President Trump now thinks a comprehensive peace deal should precede a ceasefire. And second, the suggestions that the way to peace could involve Ukraine surrendering still further territory in the Donbas.

Trump was rolled over in Alaska

Sir Peter Westmacott, Britains man in Washington during Barack Obamas tenure, said: It indicates to me that the more they look at what happened in Alaska, the more they realise that it went badly wrong and that Trump has been rolled over.

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Putin has given nothing and gone home feeling very pleased with himself. So whatever he has talked Trump into believing about Zelenskys responsibility for the conflict, or Russias right to reconquer its former subjects in eastern Europe, is going to require some pretty robust pushback.

The president really needs to have a better solution than just thanking Putin for agreeing that he won the election he lost in 2020 and giving up all his threats to sanction Russia simply because Putin says he doesnt want a ceasefire.

Sir Keir Starmer, who met Trump last month at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland, travels to Washington on Monday - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Sundays press conference between Mr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, revealed many of the points the Euro contingent will be pressing on Monday.

One, pushing back on the idea of handing over all of Donbas to Putin. Two, demanding an end to Russias attacks before proper talks. Three, meaningful security guarantees for Ukraine after peace, backed up by the US.

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There will also be a call for Mr Zelensky, Mr Putin and Mr Trump to get together to negotiate territorial changes  a position Moscow is expected to reject, thereby helping frame Putin, not Mr Zelensky, as the blocker to peace.

The Prime Minister travels out on Monday. Sir Keirs team believes he understands how to speak Trump. Being there in person is another attempt to help Mr Zelensky to do likewise, boosting Ukraines cause in the process.

Whether the US president hears what he wants is another matter.

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.
Eight Palestinian children from Gaza named, Rahaf, Ibrahim, Jana, Mustafa, Nasser, Mohammed, Kenan, and Ahmed, arrive at O'Hare International Airport, sponsored by Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), for medical treatment in Chicago, Illinois, USA on December 2, 2024. Credit - Jacek BoczarskiAnadolu via Getty Images

The State Department said it would stop issuing visas to Palestinians from Gaza, including to those coming to the United States for humanitarian and medical treatment, following a campaign by far-right political activist Laura Loomer.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Saturday.

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The decision will impact several programs that have evacuated dozens of critically injured children from Gaza over the last 21 months, including amputees and severe burn victims.

The announcement came just hours after a series of social media posts from Loomer criticizing the medical evacuations of Palestinian children to the U.S. In one post, she shared a video of a child amputee arriving in a wheelchair at Seattle airport for medical treatment, adding: The Trump administration needs to shut this abomination down ASAP.

Loomer, who once described herself as a proud Islamaphobe and said 9/11 was an inside job, made false claims in her posts and said she had sent her evidence to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Hours later, the pause was announced.

Read more: I Can No Longer Feed Kids in Gaza

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Rubio told "Face the Nation" on CBS on Sunday that the action came after "outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it." But Loomer quickly took credit for the pause, posting: Its amazing how fast we can get results from the Trump administration.

The Palestinian Children Relief Fund (PCRF), a charity that organizes medical evacuations of children to the U.S., said the move will prevent them from providing lifesaving medical treatment for critically ill children from Gaza.

Medical evacuations are a lifeline for the children of Gaza who would otherwise face unimaginable suffering or death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure in Gaza, the PCRF said in a statement. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Gazas health system has been in collapse, and there has been a relentless and systematic decimation of hospitals in Gaza.

The United Nations childrens charity, UNICEF, said in July that more than 17,000 children have been killed and 33,000 injured in Gaza in the last 21 months.

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HEAL Palestine, another charity that organizes evacuations and which was specifically targeted by Loomer in her posts, said this month it has evacuated 63 injured children and 148 total evacuees to the U.S. to receive treatment. Earlier this month, it carried out the largest known evacuation of wounded children from Gaza to the U.S., which included 11 children and their families, most of them for treatment of amputations.

HEAL Palestine made it clear on social media that the visas it uses to bring people to the U.S. for treatment were not for resettlement, but for lifesaving care, contrary to Loomers claims.

After their treatment is complete, the children and any accompanying family members return to the Middle East. This is a medical treatment program, not a refugee resettlement program, HEAL Palestine said Saturday. The charity added that U.S. tax dollars do not fund the treatment provided to these children.

Loomer, a conspiracy theorist with a history of using hate speech to gain attention, has acquired an outsized influence over the White House in President Donald Trumps second term.

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She has successfully lobbied to remove people from top government roles whom she considers disloyal to the president, including six from the National Security Council, a senior Customs and Border Protection official, and a Food and Drug Administration vaccine official.

TIME has contacted the State Department for comment.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Work started Friday afternoon on the second special session at the Texas State Capitol. But when the roll call took place in the Texas House, not enough members were in attendance to conduct business.

Showing up is half the battle, and those present today will have a say in what we accomplish over the next 30 days, or hopefully fewer, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, told the members.

Burrows said he expected the House to have quorum by Monday. So lets be ready to work, he told members.

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The first special session ended Friday morning, shortly after for the sixth consecutive time the Texas House failed to reach the 100 member quorum needed to conduct business Friday morning, falling five members short as Democratic lawmakers remained out of state to block Republican redistricting plans.

True to their word, Republican leadership officially ended the first special session after just minutes and immediately launched a second special session Friday afternoon, with Gov. Greg Abbott expanding the agenda to include youth camp safety measures in addition to the 18 original items.

Do not go very far, Speaker Burrows, R-Lubbock, warned lawmakers before ending the first session, signaling the quick turnaround that followed.

The failed first special session leaves significant business unfinished, including relief for the victims of the Hill Country floods that killed more than 100 people over the July 4 weekend.

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Its incredibly disappointing. We have people that need resources right now. We have some funding in some of those bills that I think would be critical, said State Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady, who represents flood affected areas.

Second session launches with same agenda

More than 200 bills have already been filed in the new special session, including a similar congressional redistricting proposal that sparked the Democratic exodus. The plan would redraw Texass 38 congressional districts to give Republicans an advantage in picking up five additional House seats, with only a slight adjustment made to the West Texas portion of the map.

By Friday evening, State Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, was the only confirmed Democrat from the quorum break planning to return to Texas. But House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu signaled that more will be likely to return.

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We have members who are like, lets keep going into infinity. They want to fight, Wu said. But at the same time, we have, I mean, look, we came out of a bruising regular session, and people are tired. People are exhausted. Staff has been running, just doing like 16-18, hour days for two, three months now.

Were human beings. We have a physical limit, Wu added.

All of us were able to stay together and see the end of this first session come to an end. We did exactly what we said we needed to do, and that is bringing a spotlight on this issue, said Rep. Josey Garcia, D-San Antonio, speaking Thursday about the quorum break strategy.

National redistricting battle escalates

The Texas standoff has triggered a national redistricting race, with California preparing to release its own redistricting proposal on Monday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said his state will not back down from its gerrymandering efforts while Republican states pursue similar tactics.

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Were not waiting and were not anticipating that the states will be passive, particularly with the directive coming from President Donald Trump, Newsom said.

RELATED | Lawmakers will start with a clean slate if Democrats fail to return Friday, governor calls for second special session

Abbott dismissed Californias threats, calling Newsom all talk and no action, while hinting Friday that he may expand Texass redistricting efforts to include state House districts as well.

We hold a lot more bullets in our belt that well be ready to use when [we] need to, Abbott said at a Friday press conference.

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Wu said he believes the quorum break sets Democrats up for an eventual victory. I think Democrats are going to get a win, our first win in a long time. Wu said the quorum break has energized supporters.

The people of the state of Texas are rising up. The people of America are rising up because everybody has had enough, Wu said.

While Rep. Wu envisions a win for Democrats, Speaker Burrows expects state lawmakers to pass a slate of Republican priorities in the special session.

We will be able to move immediately to pass a strong pro life bill, to protect womens spaces, and more property tax protections without the threat of procedural gamesmanship getting in the way, Burrows said.

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House Republicans said they are confident the chamber will have a quorum when the second special session convenes Monday, though it remains unclear how many Democrats plan to return.

The second session can last up to 30 days, with all bills needing to be refiled and the legislative process starting over completely.

Gov. Abbott announces plans to address screwworm threat

On Friday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins publicly addressed plans to fight back against threats posed by the New World screwworm.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New World screwworms is an invasive species that burrows fly larvae into fresh wounds of living animals like livestock, pets and occasionally people. The damage they cause can be deadly.

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During a press conference, Secretary Rollins announced a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, TX. The facility will breed three hundred million flies a week.

Additionally, the Trump Administration will invest in the development of technology and work closer with Mexico to track the screwworm population.

We have a lot of data to collect. We have a lot of work to do. But we have to protect our beef and cattle industry in this country, Rollins said.

Governor Abbott said during the press conference that screwworms, which feed on cattle and deer, could result in billions of losses each year.

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This is an issue that is essential to the cattle industry, to the food supply which are at risk, Governor Abbott said.

The animal is named after their feeding behavior, with the larvae screwing into the flesh of their victims.

Larry Gilbert, a professor at UT Austin and the faculty director of the Brackenridge Field Lab, said he was more concerned about the impact New World screwworms could have on the deer population.

The deer herds would be very vulnerable to this, and you dont go around treating wounds on deer. Its hard to find them, Gilbert said.

In June, the Department of Agriculture reported that screwworms were detected about 700 miles from the southern border. Cattle imports were suspended from Mexico to prevent an infestation in the states.

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This drew concern from Governor Abbott earlier in the year. He established a Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

New World Screwworm photo (Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

According to Peyton Schuman, senior director of government relations for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, a screwworm outbreak could cost Texas around $1.8 billion in damages to livestock annually.

The states hunting industry could also face issues. During the 1960s outbreak, 80% of Texass white tailed deer died as a result of screwworms.

The species originates in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some countries in South America. The pests were mostly eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s, but they have occasionally reemerged in Central America and Mexico.

Texas to create response team to combat New World screwworms

According to the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension office, the population is controlled through the release of sterile males into the population. Using sterile populations for control was developed at the University of Texas in Austin by entomologists, Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland.

Signs of an animal infested with the New World screwworm include:

Foul-smelling wounds with maggots

Animals biting or licking their wounds

Lesions in bellybuttons, ears and where branding has occured

Lethargy

If an infestation is suspected, Texas A&M Agrilife recommends you contact authorities, like the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife, and notify your veterinarian.

You should then inspect the animal for signs of infestation and collect any samples to give to authorities. There are several treatment options, including topical treatments.

Visa delays pose challenge for prospective international students

Dan Weber and his husband, from Dripping Springs, wrote a letter to their senator as a last resort in May. The couple said they have been trying since 2022 to sponsor 25-year-old Mexican citizen Angel to study at the University of Texas at Austins English Language Center. Emails between Webers husband and UT Austin staff reveal how, year after year, Angel deferred his admission to later semesters because he was unable to secure a student visa.

This recent spring was the fourth time we tried, Weber said.

The couples motivation to help Angel stems from a desire to pay it forward. According to Weber, Angel came to the US under humanitarian parole years earlier to see if he was a match for Weber, who was in kidney failure.

He wasnt  but Weber said he still wanted to do something nice for someone who tried to do something nice for them.

Dan Weber and his husband have been trying for years to help an international student attend UT Austin (KXAN Photo/Kelly Wiley)

In his letter to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Webers husband, Clement, wrote, Our concern is that having been turned down for an F-1 visa before, he will face similar problems in this application. He wrote about Angels goals to improve his English and pursue a career as a commercial pilot.

Over the years, the visa interviews have been quick, according to Weber. The shortest was under 10 minutes. The most recent under the Trump administration was the longest, but the consular post still denied Angels visa.

DHS memo offers new guidance on terminating status of international students

The spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, stated that their office has reviewed more than 124 visa cases since January, with 40 of those cases remaining pending.

A spokesperson for Doggett stated that in all the cases they have seen, there are long delays in communication and unanswered phone calls, including in instances where families are obtaining visitor visa interviews at embassies to return to the U.S.

Since January, when President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. State Department temporarily halted scheduling new visa appointments (the State Department has since lifted the pause), suspended issuing visas to individuals in 19 countries, and implemented a new policy to vet the social media profiles of foreign nationals seeking a U.S. visa. Applicants will now have to make their social media profiles public.

Last spring, the federal government also faced a slew of legal challenges after the State Department abruptly terminated approximately 4,700 international students from the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS. The database tracks the minute-to-minute status of international students and workers in the U.S.

For its part  the State Department said consular posts constantly adjust their schedules to allow for sufficient time to fully vet the cases before them and told KXAN, in every case, [it] will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a safety risk to the safety and security of the United States.

Waiting to see how student visas affect universities

Matthew Hughes is a former consular officer, and through his legal practice, BorderCall, he represented Angel in trying to obtain a student visa. Hughes said that while some challenges with visa applications have always existed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a visa in the United States.

US government expands grounds for canceling international students legal status

Hughes said that it can have a ripple effect on college campuses.

I imagine that they are dealing with a lot of phone calls. They are probably dealing with a lot of withdrawn applications. And I think, too, assuming that fewer people show up on these college campuses in the fall, that takes a way a bit from this, from the student experience, right? Hughes said.

With less than two weeks before the start of the Fall 2025 semester, University of Texas at Austin officials say they still dont have a clear picture of the impact, if any, that new federal visa policies and the SEVIS terminations last spring might have on its international student population.

University officials said they wont officially know how many international students will enroll until the official census is recorded on the 12th day of classes this semester.

According to UT Austin data, from January to July 31, the university issued 1,220 I-20 forms to new prospective international students. In the same period in 2024, the university issued 1,322. Individual universities issue the I-20 forms, which visa applicants use to demonstrate their authorization to study at a specific institution.

UT Austins Texas Global officials say I-20 issuance data is an unreliable indicator of the international student body in any given year. According to Texas Global, international students admitted to multiple schools might receive an I-20 form from each institution.

Texas Global told KXAN that even if the university issues fewer I-20s in one year compared to the previous year, the number of students who ultimately enroll may remain constant. At UT Austin, students can arrive and enroll until the census date.

Officials with Texas Global also noted that, from year to year, there are variations in student behavior, such as the level of commitment among applicants to attend, as well as changes in a country or regions economic situation, which can impact the I-20 issuance rate.

After repeated failed attempts, Dan Weber said they are embracing the idea that Angel might never be able to get a student visa. They are now thinking of ways they can be helpful to him abroad.

We are kind of like why cant we make this happen for you? Weber said. We are taking a lesson from him. He has never been like  Oh, woe is me. Hes always been This is what I have. Let me make the best of it. So, we are saying  OK, maybe the best of it for you isnt in the United States.

Flood victims work to rebuild as legislation stalls at Texas Capitol

Nathan and Audrey Rich, a newly married couple, felt like they had adulting figured out. They were renting a home and a workshop on a property in Kerr County. Audrey worked at the local bank across the street and Nathan ran his diesel repair company out of the workshop.

Then the Independence Day Floods happened.

The Richs home, about 1,000 feet from the river bank, took on three feet of water and mud that destroyed the interior of their home, and damaged tools and vehicles inside Nathans workshop.

Both Audrey and Nathan, along with Audreys parents and brothers, safely evacuated in hip-deep water. Audrey recalled the moment they went back to the home to see the damage.

We walked in and it broke our hearts, Audrey said through tears. Their wedding photos were thrown across the front yard. A pool table in the garage with significant value to the couple was ruined. Audrey said she saw Nathan cry for only the second time since theyve been together.

Everybody would come over no matter what the day, and we were the house in the center of all the houses, so everybody would come over and play pool and hang out, Audrey explained.

The couple is now trying to find a new place to live while restarting their business and paying their bills. It looked like they were going to get some help from Austin after Gov. Greg Abbott called on all legislators to come back to the Capitol building in a special session.

One of the 18 items on the agenda was relief funding for Hill Country Floods. However, those efforts have been put on pause as Democrats and Republicans battle over redistricting proposal that would give Republicans an advantage to pick up five additional seats in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms. More than 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state to block any votes from happening. A process known as breaking quorum.

Looking for financial help

The couple has moved into a camper located on one of their friends property and is taking one day at a time. Nathan said he applied for help through FEMA as soon as his internet was restored. An inspector with FEMA and their insurance company came out to look at the damage.

Audrey said they were able to get $10,600 from FEMA for the personal property they lost. However, they estimate there was about $60,000 worth of damage done to the house and the workshop.

Nathan started applying for grants through local groups and county governments and was able to secure about $30,000 worth solely for his business. He is not sure he wouldve gotten that money if it wasnt for his business.

But the couple has not had the best luck getting money for their living situation. The Community Foundation of the Hill Country began doling out millions of dollars to different groups to help first responders, schools, businesses, and families impacted by the floods.

The foundation granted the Center Point Alliance for Progress $200,000 to allow them to distribute the money to families impacted in Center Point. Susan Walker, the alliances treasurer, said 58 families applied for funds.

We have a committee that actually went to their houses to verify that they did have damage, Walker explained. The group also was gifted private donations that increased their fund to about $270,000.

Walker said the alliance is giving out money in two phases. The first phase cut a $2,500 check for each family that applied. For the Riches, that money paid one month of rent for the workshop.

We dont have the money to just rebuild, go buy a house, go rent somewhere, Audrey said. We need help to restart.

In total, Walker said their fund will be able to pay each family about $4,500 to $4,600, but she understands more needs to be done to help people.

It would be nice for our government to want to help but were going to try to make sure theyre taken care of regardless, Walker said.

Collateral damage

Kerr County residents waiting for funds to come from the state are becoming collateral damage as a political drama plays out in Austin. Texas Democrats have vowed to prevent quorum until the first special session is ended.

Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said Friday will be the last chance for Democrats to come back to the Texas House floor. If a quorum is not met, both chambers will end the session and Abbott has vowed to call another special session immediately beginning Friday.

Both sides have pointed fingers at each other when it comes to the lack of legislative help for the flood victims. Republicans have regularly criticized Democrats for leaving the state. Abbott posted on his X account Wednesday, These representatives were elected to cast votes not run away from their responsibilities.

On the other side, Texas Democrats have accused Abbott and Republican leadership of using the floods as leverage to get a new congressional map passed to appease President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, nine Senate Democrats walked out of the chamber just before it considered and approved the controversial redistricting map that started the quorum break.

Thats why we walked out  because this session should only be about flood relief, and we refuse to engage in a corrupt process, the group said in a released statement.

Some House Democrats have even argued the governor has the power to transfer money within different state departments to help provide relief for flood victims. State Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, wrote an opinion piece in the Houston Chronicle where he said, Gov. Abbott has the power to make that happen efficiently, and without inappropriately tying this tragedy up in partisan politics or political games.

Shannon Halbrook, a fiscal policy analyst at Every Texan, a nonpartisan policy advocate, confirmed the governor does have the power to transfer money to different state agencies during an emergency. Its a process called budget execution.

The governor has to make a proposal to the Legislative Budget Board, which is a state agency thats in really in charge of the budget made up of members of the legislature, and then they review it, Halbrook explained.

It has been used in the past. Halbrook said in the 2022-2023 biennium there was $415 million moved around for some behavioral health support for the Uvalde victims, and then $1.3 billion was moved around for Operation Lone Star.

But Halbrook said the governor can not execute this power when the legislature is in a regular or special session.

One day at a time

The Riches say they are not too focused about whats happening in Austin. I got way more going on than to sit and watch the news and be mad at Democrats or be mad at Republicans, or whatever, Nathan said.

His business is running once again. He and his wife say they are taking things one day at a 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 KXAN Austin.
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he interacted with undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, as well as innovators and researchers. During the interaction, the Minister underlined the importance of self-reliance in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address this year, according to a release from the Ministry of Education. Pradhan stressed that the present moment offers a unique opportunity to emphasise the need for achieving self-reliance, ignite collective action for driving national priorities and fulfil the vision of 'Samridhh Bharat' by 2047. The Minister engaged with students to learn more about their dreams, aspirations, areas of research, the technological challenges they are currently pursuing, and their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities outlined by the Prime Minister. He also shared his views on enhancing capabilities and expanding the spirit of innovation. The Minister encouraged the students to bring forward their innovative ideas, work on the challenges and keep hustling until we achieve self-reliance in every sphere. He stated that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with India's innovators and researchers for shaping a brighter future for our coming generations and also for establishing India as a global hub of solutions. Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, the Minister his confidence that the talent, tenacity and resolve of our youth coupled with the pursuit of self-reliance will pave the way for strengthening Bharat's capabilities as well as enhancing her technological and economic sovereignty. He highlighted the crucial role of IITs as the bedrock of a self-reliant India. Backed by the rock-solid support of PM Narendra Modi, the talented YuvaShakti are going to rewrite the rules of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and build a 'Samridhh and self-reliant Bharat'. The Minister also informed that he would revisit the Institute to review the innovations being developed by the students. Secretary, Department of Higher Education Dr Vineet Joshi; IIT Delhi Director Prof Rangan Bannerjee; and senior officials of the Ministry of Education and IIT Delhi were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vineet Joshi reiterated the Prime Minister's Independence Day message on the role of youth in making the country self-reliant. He underlined that the Department is extending all possible support to higher education institutions in advancing innovation, strengthening research capacities and addressing national challenges in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He expressed confidence that IIT Delhi, through its students and faculty, will continue to play a leading role in developing technologies and solutions of global relevance. (ANI)
Governors face a new challenge as they barrel into natural disaster season: navigating President Donald Trumps increasingly personal approach to awarding federal aid.

In recent weeks, Trump has heralded disaster aid awards to states including Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana via Truth Social  and accompanied Indiana's $15 million award with a note that he won BIG there in the past three general elections. His practice of flattering federal recipients on social media has left state leaders who are still awaiting decisions wondering how to get into his good graces.

There's no clear evidence he's making funding decisions based on politics. Rather, it's Trumps public statements  indicating hes making the decisions  that's making state officials nervous. And Trump's proposals to dramatically downsize or even get rid of FEMA, and to withhold funding from states over their immigration and energy policies, have officials in Democratic-led states less willing to attack him.

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We're not going to rock the boat while we're still trying for assistance, a top official in the office of a Democratic governor said last month. The official was granted anonymity over their fears of potential retaliation from the Trump administration. Officials in two other states that voted blue in 2024 also said in interviews that worries over Trump withholding FEMA funds influence their decisions on criticizing the president.

The White House insisted states' fears are misplaced. Any allegation that the President is favoring certain states over others is false, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told POLITICO in a statement. President Trump continues taking decisive action ensuring the safety and security of all Americans regardless of red state or blue state.

Of the eight states that received FEMA awards in July, some waited months to hear that their requests were granted, while others  like Texas  waited just one day. States also received varying degrees of approval. For severe March storms that triggered flooding and landslides in Oregon, for example, FEMA approved public assistance to state, local and tribal governments for recovery but denied a request for individual assistance to residents.

When responding to aid requests, the White House also said, Trump is trying to make sure FEMA funding is being used to supplement  not substitute, [states] obligation to respond to and recover from disasters. Trump has said repeatedly that he believes states should be more responsible for their own recovery efforts.

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A FEMA spokesperson flatly rejected any implication of political bias in award decisions, adding in a statement that disaster response and preparedness are best when locally led, state managed and federally supported.

The law and regulations require FEMA to review each request closely and consider the unique circumstances of disaster-caused damages as well as state and local capacity. These decisions just like all disaster requests [are] based on policy not politics, the FEMA spokesperson said.

The president doesn't appear to be favoring red states over blue ones, Michael Coen, former FEMA chief of staff under presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, said in July. But Coen said hes noticed a slower pace of awarding funds in the current administration, which appears to approve multiple requests at a time, rather than on a rolling basis. This, he says, means some states are waiting longer for approval.

But Democrats remain worried that the presidents history of singling out his critics will extend to disaster aid. Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman said local officials and nonprofits in his liberal northern California coast district are actively working to avoid triggering retribution from the Trump administration. If you're in a blue state, if you are in the communities that I represent, Trump would love to pick a fight with you, he said.

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I run into it everywhere  there is a culture of fear, of hesitancy, Huffman said.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent months courting the White House for aid. She called Trump within days of destructive ice storms in March, according to her office. She visited the White House in April  getting drawn into an impromptu Oval Office press conference and a now-infamous photo that drew criticism from fellow Democrats. Trump called Whitmer to tell her he approved Michigan's $50 million award last month.

A handful of Democratic governors  including those who are looked at as potential 2028 presidential candidates  have publicly criticized Trump's disaster aid decisions. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told NBC4 Washington it was shocking when FEMA denied his request last month for $15.8 million for floods that hit Western Maryland in May.

"This decision was petty. This decision was partisan, and this decision was punishing. Moore said.

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And after the Los Angeles wildfires in January, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was quick to propose that politics could play a role in Trumps approval or denial of funding for his state.

Hes done it in the past, not just here in California, Newsom said on Pod Save America. The rhetoric is very familiar, its increasingly acute, and obviously we all have reason to be concerned about it.

A review by Seattle-based public radio station KUOW in June found that FEMA denied six of the 10 major disaster requests that Democratic states filed between February and June, while denying just one of 15 requests from Republican states. Asked about the analysis, a White House official said that "Democrat state requests were denied in the first six months because they were not disasters. In the past, states have abused the process. President Trump is right-sizing FEMA and ensuring it is serving its intended purpose to help the American people."

Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs became the rare governor to criticize the federal governments disaster management in mid-July when she called for an investigation following a destructive fire on federal land that burned down a beloved Grand Canyon lodge. Hobbs said that she does not intend her call for an investigation to be viewed as a criticism of the Trump administration.

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I don't, and I think it's really important, Hobbs said in an interview, adding that good working relationships between officials managing tribal, federal and state land are key. This is not intended to undermine that collaboration, but  we need to look at what led to that decision being made.

Steve Ellis, former deputy director of the Bureau of Land Management who worked for the agency and the U.S. Forest Service under multiple administrations, said that any federal agency involved in managing a fire of the magnitude and destructiveness as the one in the Grand Canyon should be launching an investigation without a governors need to call for it.

Those are political things, but  they should be doing it anyway, Ellis said. That thing starts to heat up, you should announce [a review], you shouldn't wait for the governor to tell you to do that review.

Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who echoed Hobbs' call for an investigation, said its crazy that states are at a point where they even need to consider whether or not to speak out in situations like this.

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We pay a lot of tax dollars to the federal government for instances like this, he said in an interview. And the fact that we can't actually ask questions, we cant hold them accountable. It's going to make things I think very difficult.

Since taking office in January, Trump has rebuffed both Republican and Democratic governors' aid requests. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders  Trumps former spokesperson  had to appeal an initial FEMA request denial, receiving the funding on her second attempt.

Trump was also accused of politicizing disaster aid at times in his first term, and on several occasions hesitated to give funding to Democratic-led states. Governors have criticized the president of an opposing party over a denial before.

Historically, officials in both parties try to keep politics out of disaster response, Coen said. When Biden approved aid decisions, Coen explained, it was common practice for governors to find out through their regional FEMA administrator  not a presidential announcement.

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Coen said, however, that he hasnt seen any glaring red flags so far over Trumps decisions on helping states deal with natural disasters. FEMA releases a daily operations brief of pending and approved awards every morning that Coen said he still checks frequently.

I haven't seen a clear red line that there's much difference on what's being declared [now] than what would have triggered in past administrations, Coen said. But it's still early. We're only six months in.
The U.S. State Department warned Americans traveling to Mexico about terrorism risks earlier this week, leaving some to wonder whether they should continue or cancel their trips.

The agency updated its travel advisory on Aug. 12 for the beloved Caribbean destination to Level 2, meaning travelers should "exercise increased caution," due to violent crimes such as terrorism, crime and kidnapping. In some areas of the country, U.S. government assistance and emergency services are limited in reaching anyone who might need help.

"Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery," the updated summary states. "There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico."

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The news may be unsettling for many Americans, given Mexico's popularity, specifically regions like Cancun, Tulum, Cabo, Mexico City and more. In 2022, 33.5 million Americans traveled to Mexico, making it the most popular international destination that year.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

However, travelers don't need to cancel their trips just yet. According to security expert Mike Ballard, although the travel advisory was updated, the safety landscape in Mexico remains mostly the same as it has been and travelers can still enjoy their visits as long as they keep some precautions in mind.

"Ninety-nine percent of (our clients') visits have no issue, and it's probably a similar percentage for your average American that's visiting Mexico," said Ballard, who's the director of intelligence at international security firm Global Guardian. "But, you know, I would just say you want to maintain situational awareness."

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Here's what travelers should know about going to Mexico right now.

What are the terrorism risks for travelers in Mexico?

A Mexican flag flutters on the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on April 18, 2024.

According to Ballard, the travel advisory for Mexico was likely updated following the U.S. government's recent designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations rather than an incident involving tourists.

"The penalties obviously are going to be quite a bit stiffer, and it's a bigger deal to be involved and to be found guilty of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization than a drug trafficking or arms trafficking organization," he said. "So, I think this move was really to maintain consistency. If we're labeling the leading drug cartels in Mexico as terrorist organizations, then we probably should include a risk and an advisory about terrorist groups and terrorism in Mexico."

The State Department did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico under the updated advisory?

For the most part, yes, depending on where you go. "We're not really seeing a particular uptick (for violent crimes) in some of the tourist spots," said Ballard.

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Travelers should continue to keep their guard up, especially in some regions of Mexico, where violent crimes are known to occur. "You still want to avoid those areas that are hotly contested by the cartels or are under outright total control of the cartels," said Ballard. "There are certain states within Mexico that are really hot zones for this, but those typically are not your prime vacation spots."

Where in Mexico should travelers avoid visiting?

Mexico's most popular destinations, such as Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen, should still be relatively safe to visit as long as you're being a smart traveler.

However, there is one vacation spot people are advised to stay away from, the coastal Acapulco. "It's in one of the most dangerous states, Guerrero in Mexico, and it's not a place that I would go personally," said Ballard. The State Department designates Guerrero with a Level 4 "do not travel" advisory because of a risk of violence from drug cartels.

Safety tips for Mexico

Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind, according to Ballard.

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Avoid hailing taxis. According to Ballard, taxis have been known to "shake down" passengers through extortion, sometimes for hundreds of dollars. "Our preference at the top would be a vetted, secure transportation with a company," he said, so do your research and reserve a shuttle or car ahead of time with a reputable company.

Stay on resort property. Most resorts have around-the-clock security keeping watch of the property. If you do want to go into town, don't go alone or at night.

Be aware of your surroundings. "Don't walk around with your head buried in your phone," said Ballard, also noting to ensure you watch your drinks when you're out.

Maintain a low profile by not wearing expensive or flashy jewelry.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it safe to visit Mexico? What the new US travel warning means
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Protestors against the construction of the Bridge of the Strait of Messina at a demonstration in Torre Faro, north of Messina. | Credit: Corbis / Getty Images

It has been a dream some 50 years in the making  but finally that dream is becoming reality, said Francesco Sisci in Formiche (Rome). Last week, Giorgia Meloni's government defied the naysayers to announce it had approved a 3,300m bridge from the mainland to Sicily, with work to start in a matter of weeks.

The world's longest suspension bridge, the 13.5 billion structure would transport six lanes of traffic and a double track of trains over the Strait of Messina  a stretch of water that has challenged mankind since "Odysseus and his companions were side by side at the oars" attempting to navigate the twin perils of Scylla and Charybdis. Now those two "rocks" will be "united" and the Strait  and Sicily  forever changed.

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Attempts to bridge the Messina Strait go back to 251BC, said Amy Kazmin in the FT, when, according to Pliny the Elder, a consul moved 100 war elephants from Sicily to the Italian peninsula on rafts made of "rows of barrels tied together". From 1970, linking the mainland to Sicily was deemed a national priority, critical to the development of the economically poor south. Silvio Berlusconi issued the first 3.9 billion contract for the bridge in 2005, but the project was then beset by numerous political and economic crises and construction costs have since "ballooned".

Meloni's government, however, has found a cheeky way to finance the contentious project: she claims it is key for "national security", as it will counter Russian influence in the Mediterranean and thus is part of Italy's pledge to increase defence spending by 5%.

Only if the blockers don't have their way, said Christian Rocca in Linkiesta (Milan). They're lining up with reasons why this bridge shouldn't be built, from claims that the Mafia will profit, to environmental objections (perhaps they should study the current impact of ferry crossings on the Strait). It's the usual old defeatism. Yet if we want to avoid Italy's long-term decline, "we must act like an adult country, not abandon infrastructure" as if we were a developing world country "incapable of building it".

Don't be fooled by the hype, said Domenico Gattuso in Il Manifesto (Rome). There are countless reasons why work on the Messina Bridge "should not begin". There is no other "cable-stayed bridge this long on the planet": the current longest is 2km, in Turkey. Attempting to tension a bridge's cables between two end piers some 3.3km apart without the structure then failing to support its own weight is, to put it mildly, a "challenge". Positioned at "the worst point of the Strait", it would be exposed to strong winds that "could cause the deck to oscillate dangerously"; and on the Calabrian side, its foundations would be built on a perilous seismic fault.

But Meloni's government is ploughing ahead regardless  pursuing, in the name of populism, a "shoddy, risky and extremely expensive project that would cause far more harm than good".
President Isaac Herzog spoke at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where he said, "There is not a single Israeli who does not want the hostages home."

Cabinet ministers and coalition MKs condemned the nationwide strikes and demonstrations in support of the Gaza hostages on Sunday. Opposition MKs called on Israelis to join them in the strikes.

Mass protests were held across the country after families of hostages held in Hamas captivity said they would bring the nation to a standstill to demonstrate against the governments decision to expand the military campaign in Gaza and in solidarity with the hostages.

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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) said the demonstrations were a harmful and damaging campaign.

The protests play into Hamass hands, bury the hostages in the tunnels, and seek to bring the State of Israel to surrender to its enemies, endangering its security and its future, he said.

The State of Israel is not standing still, not striking, and not following all kinds of bombastic slogans theyre trying to sell us, Smotrich said. Essentially, its just a very small number of people who choose to disrupt the daily routine of Israeli citizens and block their way to work.

A man looks on as demonstrators block Israel's main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after families of hostages have called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, in Latrun Israel August 17,2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) said the participants in the strikes were the same people who weakened Israel then [before the October 7 massacre] and are trying to do so again today. This strike strengthens Hamas and pushes further away the return of the hostages.

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The strikes were a failure that weaken the State of Israel, and they do not bring the hostages any closer to being returned, he said later in the day.

Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar (Likud) said: Blocking Israels main roads and disrupting the lives of Israeli citizens is a grave mistake and a reward for the enemy, who sees these images this morning and rejoices.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev (Likud) called for unity and said the protesters were turning solidarity for our dear hostages into a political campaign and strengthening Hamas.

The demonstrators were burning roads and damaging infrastructure, she said.

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Knesset Finance Committee chairman Hanoch Milwidsky (Likud) wrote in a social-media post: The pogroms in support of Hamas have begun. Jews, Israelis, who are burning the country in an attempt to prevent the destruction of Hamas. He posted a video of tires that were burnt in the middle of a highway as part of the protest.

Opposition MKs support the protests

In response, Yesh Atid MK Merav Ben Ari criticized Milwidsky and cited allegations against him of sexual misconduct and obstruction of justice.

I understand that the suspect in the eightfold rape case, because of cowardly [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu, called the protests pogroms in support of Hamas, she said.

Keep going, protest, dont pay attention, Ben Ari said. See you at [Hostage Square in Tel Aviv]. There is no more justified protest.

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Other opposition MKs called on Israelis to join the nationwide strike and expressed their support.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who went to Hostage Square, said: Go on strike today. This is not a provocation. Its not part of the political quarrel. Its not the opposition. Strike out of solidarity. Strike because the families asked, and that is reason enough.

President Isaac Herzog spoke at Hostage Square and said no hostage has been forgotten.

Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz spoke at Hostage Square and said any attacks against the families of the hostages weaken and divide us.

The Democrats chairman Yair Golan posted a photo of himself joining protesters on social media and encouraged Israelis to join the demonstrations.

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This morning, hundreds of Israelis gathered at Kfar Hayarok junction to launch the strike for the return of the hostages, he wrote. Tens of thousands took to junctions across the country, calling for the release of the hostages and an end to the war. There is no more time. We will do everything to bring them back now. Join us throughout the day in continued protests, the strike, and disruptions.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett later in the day attributed the tensions to the government, which he said wants to hide its failure. The government reverts to its expertise: tearing the nation apart from within and creating two camps.

The current government is autoimmune, he said. It causes the state to fight against itself.
IDF releases footage of the approximately 20 Israel Air Force fighter jets that took part in striking Houthi sites in Yemen, July 7, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON

There were times the Houthis were launching attacks almost every two days. Have the Houthis finally been blunted or has their stockpile of missiles suffered a kind of attrition?

Israel carried out airstrikes against the Houthis on Saturday night. In the last 24 hours, the Navy attacked power stations in Yemen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The airstrikes were part of the wider multifront war that Israel is waging. For instance, the IDF is also expanding operations in Gaza and continues to hunt down Hezbollah threats in Lebanon.

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This is important because it is part of Israels current doctrine of operating on multiple fronts and not reducing the pressure it puts on the terrorist groups.

Nevertheless, it also has the result of having multiple conflicts that continue for years. The Houthis, for instance, began attacks on Israel after the October 7 massacre in 2023. This means that for about 22 months, Israel has had to contend with the Houthi threat.

The shifting threat of the Houthis

The Houthis have shifted their threat over time. They have used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to strike at Israel. They even hijacked a ship, the Galaxy Leader.

Israeli air defense systems intercept an incoming missile fired from Yemen, as seen from Jerusalem, July 1, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

They have terrorized merchant shipping with drones and used small boats to attack cargo ships. This is a threat to international trade. The Trump administration briefly bombed the Houthis in March in an attempt to deter them. It is not clear if they have been deterred, as they have continued to attack ships.

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The Houthis also continue to launch ballistic missiles at Israel. They launched missiles on August 1, August 5, and August 17. This shows they continue to possess ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel.

The overall volume of fire, however, appears to have lessened from its peak. There were times when the Houthis were launching attacks almost every two days.

Have the Houthis finally been blunted, or has their stockpile of missiles suffered a kind of attrition, meaning they dont have enough missiles to keep up a large amount of fire?

The Houthi missile launch on August 17 was designed to show that they will continue to threaten Israel. This illustrates that the precision airstrikes on the Houthis by the IDF over the past 22 months have not been able to stop their plans entirely.

Nevertheless, they provide the IDF with a lot of experience striking long-range targets with precision. They also enable the IDF to use the Israel Navy and the IAF in various capacities. This is important for Israel and its ability to project power.
A prominent Sudanese human rights group has accused the country's army and security forces of torturing people to death and operating "execution chambers".

The Emergency Lawyers group said it had documented hundreds of arrests in the capital Khartoum. It said that in the "worst cases", some captives had later been found dead with evidence of torture.

The Sudanese army recaptured the city from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in March, against which it is fighting a bitter civil war that has killed tens of thousands in two years.

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The army did not respond to the BBC's request for comment on Sunday.

Throughout the war, the Emergency Lawyers group has documented atrocities by both the army and the RSF.

In a statement on social media platform X, Emergency Lawyers said it had observed a "dangerous escalation in violations".

Some detainees were arrested at random and taken to large detention centres, the group alleged.

"Their fates range from continued detention in inhumane conditions, trials conducted by security agencies that lack the most basic standards of justice, or release in poor health," the statement said.

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"In the worst cases, some are found dead after being killed or declared dead as a result of torture."

The use of torture was common during the oppressive rule of president Omar al-Bashir.

Throughout the current war, the RSF have also been found to have abused and executed prisoners.

The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan said in March that both sides were responsible for "a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of detainees".

It said both both the RSF and the army had used "rape and other forms of sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as torture and ill-treatment".

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The fighting has sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises - 12 million people have been forced from their homes and famine has been declared in parts of the country.

Last week, medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said the war has fuelled the worst cholera outbreak the country has seen in years.

There have been nearly 100,000 cases of the disease and 2,470 deaths over the past year.

More BBC stories on the war in Sudan:

[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

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WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP)  Two local businesses are teaming up to support Shriners Childrens New England, and a summer concert series is at the center of this cause.

Over 100 people came out to Fern Valley Farms for an evening of views and music, all the while supporting something far greater. The views from the farm were breathtaking, drawing in the Wilbraham community to support a cause.

Fifth annual Kamari B. Williams Memorial Golf Tournament held in Springfield

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Locally owned, locally operated since 1987, said Zoe Czaplicki, realtor and partner at Landmark Realtors. Weve been partners with Shriners for that long as well.

The second-to-last summer concert was held at the farm on Saturday evening, put on by Landmark Realtors for a night of fundraising.

We, over the last handful of months, have done of handful of Dine and Shine events that have raised an immense amount of money so far, said Sarah Roberts of Landmark Realtors. So we are looking to just continue to raise money for our community.

Shriners Childrens New England has been a cause near and dear to the brokerage for years. From local bites to local brews, and a 50/50 raffle with donations from businesses in the area, supporting local was the heart of the fundraiser, including a band from the area making their debut performance.

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Great vocals, really talented musicians, just a fun night, said Maria Servidone of Wilbraham.

Shriners New England has helped more than 1.5 million children since its start. Local businesses have helped grow those numbers and resources, but not alone. The Wilbraham community helped do its part on this summer night.

For Fern Valley Farms, their last summer concert is Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Apple picking at the farm begins on Labor Day weekend.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.

Deep in the woods of Sumter County, between Interstate 75 and U.S. 27, the old-timey Richloam General Store and former post office takes you back to yesteryear.

WorldAtlas recently ranked the landmark among the five best historic general stores in the South.

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It's located in Webster, around an hour south of Lake Sumter Landing.

What makes Richloam General Store so special?

The federally registered historic landmark harks back to Florida's tumultuous pioneer days.

Chad Gallivanter, a YouTuber and connoisseur of Old Florida destinations, sums it up as "truly a step back in time."

Lucius Sidney "Sid" Brinson built the store as a post office in 1921 as part of a timber and turpentine industry camp, like other communities that sprang up along southeastern U.S. railroads during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Florida's Orange Belt Railway.

Vintage signs advertise products of the early 20th century, and yes, you can purchase a moon pie and RC Cola inside Sumter County's historic Richloam General Store.

Arsonists burned down the first building, and the store was rebuilt in the late 1920s, operating until the 1940s.

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In 2016, Eric Burkes, a descendant of the Brinsons and the last private property owners in the state-owned forest, began renovating the store and reopened it in 2017.

Burkes used as many of the original building materials as possible, including original sheet metal for the walls, remaining old-timey advertising signs, and even some of the bricks and etchings on the walls.

The PBS series "Our Vanishing Americana, Florida" featured the historic general store along with other not-too-far-away destinations.

Shelves at Richloam General Store and Post Office in Webster, Florida.

What to expect?

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more literal interpretation of a hidden gem than the Richloam General Store.

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It's tucked away a little more than a half-mile inside the Withlacoochee State Forest, marked only by a brown state landmark sign.

As you enter, tall pine trees line the road, interrupted occasionally by the graceful bows of live oaks.

On arrival, rocking chairs and antique gas pumps lull you sweetly back to yesteryear. The original doors from 1926 usher you inside (thankfully, the shop's air conditioning is one of the few non-vintage experiences here.)

On our visit a while back, Burkes' mom, Denise Brinson, greeted customers at an early-20th-century cash register (but they also take more modern forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and GPay.) Even the old mail slots are still there.

A visit to the Withlacoochee State Forest surrounding Richloam General Store reminds us of what's no longer standing but the outstanding nature that has endured for us to explore.

Folks of all ages lined up to try the store's hand-scooped ice cream. Mom Brinson's hand-sewn aprons and sock monkey dolls were for sale inside the shop. Other throwback toys like Tiddly Winks and Raggedy Ann Dolls lined the shelves. An impressive array of glass-bottle sodas quenched thirsts, and, yes, you can buy a moon pie and RC Cola at the Richloam store.

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For the grown-ups, a hand-crank coffee mill invited customers to grind smoky-roasted coffee beans. Also available: Amish-canned and preserved foods, hand-crafted tableware, cast-iron pans, homemade jams and jellies, seeds, and Dapper Dan mustache and beard wax for the well-groomed gents.

If you want to go deeper into the area's history, Burkes has written a book filled with the tales of the people who shaped the Flatwoods and glimpses of local culture and traditions.

Speaking of old traditions, we spotted an old thingamabob used to skewer squirrels and other critters, reminding us of how folks would make do with what was available.

Eric Burkes, owner of the Richloam General Store & Post Office in Webster, rebuilt the store with as many of the original materials as possible. The store reopened in 2017 and was registered a national historic landmark.

Richloam General Store is not only a place to buy historical novelties; it's like a museum that shows what a general store and post office looked like in the 1920s and 1930s. Visiting this Florida Landmark offers a great opportunity to teach the young'uns what Florida was like "back in the day."

An old-fashioned coin-operated soda bottle machine still functions outside the Richloam General Store in Webster.

Richloam General Store

What you'll find: old-fashioned snacks, hand-scooped ice cream, glass-bottle sodas, beauty items, accessories, toys, kitchenware, remnants of an old post office, antiques and rocking chairs for relaxation.

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Where? 38219 Richloam Clay Sink Road, Webster, Florida

When to visit? Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

How to contact them? Call 800-915-8027 or visit richloamstore.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/richloamstore

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Step back in time to Richloam General Store in Webster, Florida
NAVAJO NATION (KRQE)  This week, the Navajo Nation honored a group of Indigenous wartime heroes. Thursday was National Navajo Code Talkers Day, and hundreds gathered in Window Rock, Arizona, to honor the veterans who helped win World War II.

New Mexico Department of Health agrees to give Tribal member data to Navajo Nation

Tribal leaders, U.S. military officials, and community members celebrated the men who turned their language into an unbreakable code. From 1942 to 1945, over 400 Navajo Marines used Dine Bizaad to send more than 800 messages in battle, and those messages helped secure victories, including Iwo Jima.

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The event honored two surviving code talkers, Thomas Begay and Peter McDonald. Navajo Nation President Buu Bygren says keeping the Navajo language alive is key to preserving their legacy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When Angela Craig went on life support on March 15, 2023, in Aurora, Colorado, police assigned a homicide detective to investigate her case  even as she was still alive. Three days later, and only hours after Angela Craig was declared dead, her husband, Dr. James Craig would be arrested and charged with her murder. James Craig has pleaded not guilty.

The story of why police allege James Craig murdered his wife and why police made that arrest so quickly all traces back to a package that police say was delivered to James Craig's dental office just five days before Angela Craig died.

That story of the dentist, his wife's death and that suspicious package is told by "48 Hours" contributor Natalie Morales in an encore of "Who Poisoned Angela Craig?" now streaming on Paramount+.

Dr. James Craig and Angela Craig / Credit: Facebook

The Craigs married in 1999 and moved to Aurora where they would raise their six children. Their lives were steeped in their communitytheir church, their children and James Craig's dental practice, Summerbrook Dental, which was well known in Aurora.

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The podcast and the podcaster

Steffan Tubbs, a former radio host and podcaster, first met James Craig when he was a patient at Summerbrook Dental. So when Tubbs saw the news in March 2023 that Dr. Craig had been arrested for Angela's murder, he was stunned. "I couldn't believe the allegations  I couldn't believe the mugshot. There's my dentist. A mugshot," Tubbs told "48 Hours."

The 52-page arrest warrant. / Credit: Aurora Police Department

Tubbs reported on James Craig's arrest in his radio show, and within days had launched a podcast to explore the alleged facts of the case. In that podcast, Tubbs reviewed the 52-page arrest warrant that police released when they charged James Craig with murder. Tubbs said of that warrant, "In nearly 34 years of being a newsman, the most unbelievable and seemingly thorough arrest affidavit I have ever read."

Tubbs had first known James Craig as his dentist, but he got to know Craig better while working on radio ads for Summerbrook Dental, at Tubbs' former radio station. Tubbs had also met Angela Craig at those meetings and says her energy and intelligence stood out. "She was not somebody to just sit there and stay quiet. She was engaged in the dental practice," Tubbs said, adding that Angela Craig "was somebody who was talking about ideas, and their marketing, their message." Tubbs thought it was great to see such a successful family business seemingly thriving in Colorado.

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Angela Craig was 43 years old when she died, and mother to those six children with James Craig. Former employees and friends told "48 Hours" that she had always seemed happy and healthy. In that warrant, police note that Angela and Jim Craig were known to work out together in the mornings, and that James would make Angela a morning protein shake as part of that daily routine.

Angela Craig's mysterious illness begins

Angela Craig's medical troubles had begun on March 6, 2023, when she first started feeling sick. According to that arrest warrant, she texted her husband that morning, writing, "I don't feel right in my head." James Craig texted her back asking, "do I need to come home?" and Angela Craig replied "Nothis is just weird. I'm dizzy in my head and my eyes are working slowly and my body is responding slowly."

The warrant shows James Craig texted, "Do you get lightheaded when you stand up?" and that Angela Craig texted back, "It feels more like I feel when I take heavy meds and everything adjusts and moves slowly. Like I'm moving in thick gel. My eyes are struggling to stay focused." She later texted James Craig, "I feel drugged" and soon he did come home and took Angela Craig to the ER.

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The warrant says Angela Craig was released from the ER that same day but was back at the hospital three days later, this time as an admitted patient. Angela Craig underwent a series of tests and treatments, but doctors were still struggling to figure out what was wrong. It was during that second hospital visit when a curious thing happened at Summerbrook Dental. It would become a key piece of evidence in a murder investigation.

A package arrives

According to the warrant, James Craig had told his office manager that he was expecting a "personal package" and "not to open it." That package arrived on March 13, while Angela Craig was still in the hospital, and, according to the warrant, a staff member, not knowing about those instructions, had opened it. The warrant says that the office manager, closing the box back up for Dr. Craig, saw it contained a canister labeled "potassium cyanide." Police say the package was then hand delivered to Dr. Craig.

Angela Craig was released from her second hospital visit on March 14, the day after that package is alleged to have been delivered to Summerbrook Dental. She had still not been diagnosed but seemed well enough at that moment.

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Unfortunately, that moment would not last. The next morning, on March 15, 2023, Angela Craig was back in the hospital, seemingly sicker than ever. She would never come out.

Police say James Craig arrived at the hospital on March 15 soon after Angela Craig but didn't stay long. The warrant says he soon went home and returned roughly an hour-and-a-half later, carrying food. Police say he then went into Angela Craig's room alone and that soon after she had a seizure and her vital signs crashed.

That's when James Craig took photos of his wife, sending them to their friend Michelle Redfearn, a trained nurse married to James Craig's business partner and friend from dental school, Ryan Redfearn. When the Redfearns got those photos and James Craig's text  that read in part, "crash. intubated. doc says she's 'very very worried'"  they raced to the hospital.

On their way, Ryan Redfearn would later tell police, he got a phone call from the office. That phone call was to alert Ryan Redfearn about that package marked "potassium cyanide" that a staffer said had been delivered and opened. That same employee, hearing of Angela Craig's symptoms, had Googled them, and, according to the warrant, was worried Angela Craig may have been poisoned. When the employee saw that Angela's symptoms lined up with the symptoms for cyanide poisoning, she made a phone call.

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After arriving at the hospital, Ryan Redfearn would later tell police he saw James Craig crying after talking to a doctor. But Ryan Redfearn did not seem convinced those tears were real. He took a nurse aside and shared the story about that package marked "potassium cyanide" that had been delivered to James Craig just two days prior.

The warrant says that nurse, being a mandatory reporter, called police and within hours members of the homicide unit from the Aurora Police Department had launched an investigation. By this time, Angela Craig was on life support, and the outlook was grim.

A phone call between partners

Later that same day, the warrant says, Ryan Redfearn was with Michelle Redfearn in the hospital parking lot when they got a phone call from James Craig. Ryan Redfearn said James Craig asked him if he had spoken to police. Ryan Redfearn told him that he had and that he had heard about that package allegedly marked "potassium cyanide."

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According to the warrant, James Craig then told Ryan Redfearn that the package contained a ring for Angela. Ryan Redfearn says he told James Craig that someone had opened that package and seen that container marked cyanide. And, according to the warrant, Ryan Redfearn soon ended that phone call, telling James Craig to "stop talking and get a lawyer."

The next morning, the warrant says, James Craig sent Ryan Redfearn a lengthy text, writing, in part: "I want to make an urgent plea to you," it went on "Please don't talk to anyone  including any law enforcement officers. You are under no obligation to answer their questions unless you are served a subpoena and you will do more damage than good to my family by continuing to insert yourself into this."

In an interview with Natalie Morales, former Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler, when asked about that text said, "I'm trying to think of all the innocent applications of the phrase, please don't talk to the police. I can't come up with any."

Still, as James Craig is awaiting trial, the defense has not yet had the chance to present its case to a jury. At a preliminary hearing in July 2023, Craig's attorney stated that he had struggled with depression in the past and had sought counseling.

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Utah-based defense attorney Skye Lazaro is not a part of this case, but has worked on other cases involving poison, and reviewed the records available at the time. Lazaro told Morales it's possible James Craig's defense could argue he was looking for poison not to kill Angela Craig but to kill himself. Lazaro also said she thinks the defense could argue that James Craig's arrest was rushed and that police didn't take the time to explore other theories of how Angela Craig may have died, including the possibility that Angela may have sought to die by suicide  or that James Craig had.

Lazaro also noted that during that preliminary hearing, the defense emphasized that the lead detective had acknowledged that police had not yet found evidence of poison in the materials they had testedincluding bottles and syringes from the Craig's home.

At trial, jurors will likely hear how that accidental discovery at Summerbrook Dental led to a murder investigation and James Craig's arrest. Brauchler told Morales that what happened from there "is a testament to Ryan Redfearn" and what he told the nurse that day.

On July 30, 2025, a jury found James Craig guilty of murdering his wife Angela Craig. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more
Due to inclement weather, the registration for the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended for two hours at all yatra counters, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced on Sunday. In a post shared on the social media X, the Shrine Board advised pilgrims to stay updated for further announcements. https://x.com/OfficialSMVDSB/status/1956994665103650894 According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a warning has been issued for Katra, forecasting "thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, and light to moderate rainfall" for the region today. Meanwhile, flash floods and landslides have been reported in several parts of Kathua district following a cloudburst on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Rescue operations have been intensified, and efforts are underway to retrieve stranded vehicles. At atleast seven people have died in a landslide triggered by heavy rain. The cloudburst in Kathua, which occurred on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, also damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station. Rescue and relief operations are underway in Kathua and Kishtwar, officials said on Sunday. Following the cloudburst and landslides, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Central government was closely monitoring the situation and assured all possible support. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured of every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K." The Indian Army is leading the ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and local administration. Earlier on August 10, Union Minister Jitendra Singh officially launched the 'Tringa Yatra' and 'Har Ghar Tringa' campaign at Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Udhampur, ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Union Minister Singh arrived in Jammu via the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express train, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off recently. The train connects Amritsar in Punjab to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, improving regional connectivity. (ANI)
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

AMMAN (Reuters) -Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed hope that his country would avoid military conflict with U.S.-backed Kurdish forces if efforts to integrate their autonomous administration in northeast Syria into the state structure collapse.

In remarks late on Saturday to senior figures from Idlib, where he has mustered loyalist forces, Sharaa said Kurdish leaders had signalled readiness to move forward with a landmark deal in March to bring their Kurdish-run areas under state authority.

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But their actions on the ground suggested otherwise, he told the publicised forum.

At times on the ground there are signals opposite to what they say in the negotiations, Sharaa said.

Turkey and Washington, the main powers backing the deal to integrate Syria's oil-rich northeast into the state, wanted to resolve the issue peacefully, Sharaa said.

"These parties are pushing for a solution peacefully. I hope we don't enter into a dispute. I am hopeful in a few months we will resolve it," he said.

The collapse of follow-up talks since the March deal has escalated tensions in the region, triggering fresh clashes this month between government troops and the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

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The SDF, which controls parts of northeast Syria where Arabs form a majority, has recently fortified extensive tunnel networks along the frontlines. Many tribal Arabs accuse the SDF of discriminatory policies - claims Kurdish officials deny.

CONCERN OVER MAJOR ESCALATION

Turkey-backed rebels have also reinforced their positions amid concerns over a potential large-scale escalation in hostilities, officials say.

Ankara has warned of military action against the SDF, whichit considers a terrorist organisation and has targeted in pastcross-border operations. It expects the Syrian government toaddress its security concerns but says it reserves the right tomount an offensive if needed.

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U.S. envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack - an advocate for a strong, unified Syrian state - voiced concern last month over Kurdish delays in implementing the March deal, urging faster progress.

Authorities in Damascus reacted earlier this month angrily to a recent SDF conference calling for greater decentralisation and which demanded a review of a constitutional declaration it said discriminated against minorities, a move officials said threatened Syrias territorial integrity.

Syrian officials said any military push against the SDF would rely on Turkish-backed factions operating in northern Syria, adding that Ankara has grown impatient with what it sees as Kurdish foot-dragging.

Sharaa said those who sought partition were dreaming and insisted the country would not give up any stretch of territory. He also criticised Druze groups seeking support from Israel in their confrontation with Damascus.

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Thousands joined a large Druze protest in Sweida on Saturday, demanding self-determination, hoisting Israeli flags and praising Israel for a military intervention that forced Syrian forces to retreat after hundreds of people were killed last month.

Sharaa acknowledged that violations had been committed by security forces and army personnel in Sweida, but said Druze militias had also perpetrated crimes.

(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; editing by Clelia Oziel)
Syrian Druze fly Israeli flag in Sweida, July 16, 2025. (photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

Footage shared on TV and social media depicted armed Druze protesters in Sweida, Syria, wearing military vests with Israeli flags, calling for self-determination.

A large protest was held in Sweida, Syria, on Saturday by local Druze residents calling for it to be annexed by Israel, with many of the protesters wearing Israeli flags and military equipment, KAN reported. Footage shared on TV and social media depicted armed Druze protesters wearing military vests with Israeli flags. According to KAN, the vests were delivered as part of a recent humanitarian aid shipment to the Druze in the region.

The demonstrations have also been held under the banner of the right for self-determination, with participants calling to have a say in the destiny of their future as tensions continue to boil over in the Sweida area, Israeli media reported.

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https://www.tiktok.com/@n12news/video/7539152643990555925

Ahmed al-Sharaa: Israel is interfering

Syrias President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of interfering in what is happening in Sweida, Ynet reported Sunday. He noted that there are elements within Syria that seek support from Israel, but that obtaining it is difficult, and further called for unity in the country.

The Sweida Province has been ravaged by violence for over a month, with armed Druze and Bedouin groups clashing in the city and surrounding villages.

The Syrian government dispatched troops to the area to quell the fighting, and the IDF has also carried out targeted airstrikes in order to prevent the Syrian army from getting close to the Israeli border. Sweida has a majority Druze population, though tensions have long simmered with the local Bedouin minority for decades, which have occasionally erupted into clashes.

However, these latest clashes come following the ousting of the Assad regime in 2024, with the Hayat Tahrir al-Shams rebel group leading the formation of the new transitional government as they attempt to return Syria to stability after over a decade of civil war.
NEED TO KNOW

AT&T customers may be eligible for payouts of up to $7,500 as part of a $177 million settlement tied to data breaches

Seventy-three million customers had their data, which included social security numbers, stolen in a March 2024 breach, and in the second breach in July 2024, nearly all of AT&T cellular customers had their phone numbers leaked

The deadline to submit a claim is Nov. 18



AT&T customers may be eligible for payouts of up to $7,500 as part of a multimillion-dollar settlement tied to data breaches in 2024.

The company said it proposed a $177 million settlement to resolve multiple lawsuits  $149 million for the first class-action lawsuit involving a data breach in March 2024 and $28 million for another breach in July 2024.

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In March 2024, AT&T said it was investigating a data breach that exposed information, including social security numbers and birth dates, belonging to 73 million customers, whose data had been stored in its systems from 2019 through 2024, according to CNN.

The second data breach occurred four months later and leaked the telephone numbers of nearly all of AT&T cellular customers that used the AT&T network between May and October 2022, per the outlet. The company said hackers downloaded call and text logs onto a third-party platform.

As part of the settlement, customers affected by the first data breach may be eligible to claim up to $5,000 in compensation for losses that occurred in 2019 or later, according to the settlement website.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

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The amount of cash payment people can receive depends on the information they had leaked. For example, if a person had their social security number leaked, they were able to claim a higher cash payment than someone who only had other information, including their name or phone number, leaked.

Those impacted by the second breach could receive up to $2,500 for losses that occurred on or after April 14, 2024. Those who were affected by both breaches, or an overlap settlement class member, could get up to $7,500.

For all claims, AT&T customers must show documentation proving that their stolen data was tied to either or both of these two data breaches.

The deadline to submit a claim is Nov. 18, according to the settlement website. However, the website said the $177 million settlement is still awaiting approval, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

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The amount of money that will be available for Settlement Class Member Cash Payments is unknown at this time, the settlement website states.

An AT&T spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement, While we deny the allegations in these lawsuits that we were responsible for these criminal acts, we have agreed to this settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of protracted litigation.

We remain committed to protecting our customers' data and ensuring their continued trust in us, the representative added.



Read the original article on People
Tacoma playing dirty on initiative

Here we go again. The Tacoma City Council is being sued for waiting until Aug. 8 to take action on an initiative to create a Workers Bill of Rights, even though the signatures for the initiative were filed on June 24. The delayed timeline has meant that the initiative is being postponed until next years February election rather than the upcoming election in November.

This is not the first time the Tacoma City Council has used these behind-the-back devilries to subvert local democracy. When Tacoma For All collected enough signatures to get their Landlord Fairness Code initiative on the ballot, the Tacoma City Council placed a competing proposal on the same ballot. However, the councils competing proposal was clearly there to befuddle voters, as it merely restated current law rather than introduce new ordinances.

As with now, the city was sued, and ended up losing the case. It can happen again.

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The citys ongoing ballot subterfuge is not just an insult to Tacoma For All, but to all Tacoma voters. If officials do not like the contents of a ballot initiative, they should campaign against it honestly. Instead, they keep trying to weaken local democracy through bureaucratic shenanigans.

Marco Rosaire Rossi, Tacoma

Dont support genocide in Gaza

Gaza is home to the highest number of child amputees in the world.

More than 18,000 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli bombs, bullets, and starvation. According to the UN, thats 28 children a day  the size of a classroom.

Leading rights groups, like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch  including those inside Israel, like BTselem and Physicians for Human Rights  have found Israel to be committing genocide.

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In the past 22 months, 56,000 people, mostly women and children, have been murdered. Israel has been blocking all baby formula from entering Gaza for more than 150 days straight. This deliberate starvation of infants isnt self-defense  its collective punishment, a war crime.

Perhaps just as disturbing, is our local Rep. Marilyn Stricklands staunch support of Israel.

Rep. Strickland even visited Israel during the genocide and posed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, for whom an international arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court.

Not only does she refuse to oppose Israels bombing and starvation campaign in Gaza, Strickland also refuses to meet with her healthcare worker constituents who have served in Gaza to hear their firsthand eyewitness accounts.

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Contact her and let her know your thoughts. Let Gaza live.

Michelle Ryder, Olympia

South Tacoma hostile to bikers

Biking to the gym brings me so much joy. My muscles are already warm when I arrive, and the wind in my hair is such a refreshing way to start the day.

But this Saturday, biking from my home in South Tacoma to Zumba at the Peoples Community Center, I almost became another statistic on dangerous South Tacoma Way.

The painted bike lanes here end at every intersection, and with the ongoing construction, its even worse. Near Pine Street, the bike lane disappeared and the narrowed road meant I had to take the full lane. A driver in a big white Yukon SUV, apparently unable to wait 15 seconds, close-passed me so dangerously that I lost my balance and fell into the middle of the road. I was left bloody and bruised lying there. He didnt stop.

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Tacoma has made a policy choice to let bike lanes vanish at intersections, putting people on bikes in harms way. But drivers also choose whether to be patient or put someones life at risk.

South Tacoma, I want to bike in you. I want to shop at your businesses, get to the gym, and enjoy my community. I just wish you were safe.

Sara Kiesler, Tacoma
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  A 3-day tattoo event is making its mark in Panama City Beach.

The Tatak International Tattoo Expo is back for its second year at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center. It is called Tatak, which means To mark in Filipino.

Edong Elenzano created the event to educate people about traditional tattooing. He began tattooing people 46 years ago, using bamboo and a citrus board.

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Hes brought tattoo artists from Puerto Rico, Samoa, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Panama City farmers market temporarily moves to Harrison Avenue

Tattoo fans can choose an artist and get a tattoo. However, it shouldnt hurt as much as getting a modern tattoo. Elenzano says traditional tattoos do not hurt.

In the traditional way, it is 90 degrees, and you tap it with rhythm. Sometimes the people who received that kind of tattooing fall asleep because its a kind of therapeutic kind of thing. So when you hear the song again, it will feel like its hypnotic. Im trying to tell the tattoo world, they just should not forget where it came from. Thats why this event is from the traditional way, the old way, to modern, tattoo artist Edong Elenzano said.

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The expo will be open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It costs $20 to enter and is free for military personnel and children under 12 years old.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Back-to-school season is right around the corner and the teachers in the Sioux Falls district are ready for full classrooms again.

School is nearly back in session and the teachers with Sonia Sotomayor are excited to welcome students back into their classrooms.

Report: 4 closed SD newspapers find new owners

Every year is so different. You know, like, because kids, every brain is different. Every brain is creative. And something that makes me very excited is to know each other and their ideas and how much they have grown up too, said 4th-grade teacher Lissette Moerman.

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This year marks Sonia Sotomayors 17th school year. Students come back into the classrooms next Thursday.

All the teachers here at Sonia Sotomayor are from 15 different counties and all the children K-12 become fluent in both Spanish and English.

I love the cultural day here because we can share a little part of our culture. So we have teachers from Spain, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela. So each one is showing a little part of the culture and the students are rotating in different classrooms. So we have a lot of fun on that day, said 4th-grade teacher Erika Tarqino.

For Ms. Tarqino, it is a priority of hers to make her students feel confident and safe because in turn she says they can achieve anything they want.

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I love my classroom. This is my special place. I want to feel like home in my classroom. And its so important for me to transmit that to my students. So they need to feel like they love it. They are in a safe place, and they can have fun and learn at the same time, said Tarquino.

This year, there will be 690 children attending the school. Principal Tracy Vik says they currently have a wait list for enrollment.

Next Tuesday, there will be a back-to-school open house at the 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 KELOLAND.com.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a meeting with members of the Iranian Navy in Tehran, Iran, May 17, 2025. (photo credit: IRAN

A senior Iranian political official told state media that an IDF strike on an Iranian national security council meeting was an attempt on Pezeshkian's life.

Israel tried to assassinate Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the 12-day war in June, according to Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, Pezeshkians chief of staff.

Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iranian leaders and nuclear infrastructure during the war.

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An Israeli attack on June 16 had targeted a Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) meeting in Tehran and was a calculated plan to kill Pezeshkian, Haji-Mirzaei told Iranian state television on Friday. Pezeshkian was lightly wounded in his leg after six missiles or bombs slammed into the compound hosting the council, he said.

Israel deliberately targeted the entrances and ventilation systems of the building to block escape routes and suffocate those inside, according to Fars News Agency, which has close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Among the senior officials present at the meeting were Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, head of the armed forces.

Here, posters display assassinated military leaders, including IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami (center), in Tehran at the end of June. (credit: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Momeni had struggled to breathe after inhaling dust, and Mousavi came out with his uniform torn and his body covered in ash and rubble, Haji-Mirzaei said.

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Pezeshkian managed to walk out on his own, take a shower, and later meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, before visiting a doctor the following day, he said.

Israel wanted him dead, but fate did not allow it, he added.

Was Pezeshkian the target?

The targeting of Irans top decision-making body was particularly striking given the role the SNSC has played since its creation in the early years of the Islamic Republic.

Established to oversee national defense and foreign policy, it is chaired by the president but operates under the supervision of the supreme leader. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, the council helped coordinate military strategy.

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An Israeli strike on the SNSC represents not just a military escalation but an unprecedented attempt to decapitate Irans leadership in one blow, an approach rarely seen even in Israels long history of targeted assassinations against Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, and proxies abroad, according to some analysts.

For Tehran, Pezeshkians survival became a symbol of resilience. Yet it also highlighted the vulnerability of Irans leadership structure to external attack.

For Israel, the campaign achieved significant tactical gains, but it also risked drawing the US deeper into a regional confrontation.
Scattered thunderstorms closed out the second week of August across the Valley. While the rainfall was welcome, monsoon conditions were not expected to last through the weekend.

Dry weather was forecast for Aug. 16 and 17, with no additional thunderstorm activity anticipated, according to Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist with the Phoenix office of the National Weather Service.

"As a drier air mass is moving in, it's going to shovel that moisture that was responsible for instigating the thunderstorm activity on Wednesday and Thursday," Lojero said.

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The moisture moved east, leaving metro Phoenix dry over the weekend, according to Lojero.

The National Weather Service forecast for Phoenix called for dry conditions and slightly below-normal temperatures through Aug. 18. The drop in surface moisture following thunderstorms on Aug. 14 and 15 was the main factor, according to Lojero.

Clear skies and a low of 82 degrees were expected in metro Phoenix on the evening of Aug. 16.

Mild conditions were set to continue into Aug. 17, with a high near 103 degrees and an overnight low around 82.

Later in the week, the weather service expected a combination of rain and extreme temperatures.

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"Potentially by the latter half of the week, we may see moisture increase and thus maybe some slightly higher thunderstorm chances," Lojero said.

The weather service predicted temperatures would rise, reaching above 110 degrees, beginning Aug. 20 and continuing through the end of the week.

Lojero said there was a potential that the weather service would need to issue "some extreme heat products."

Despite the forecast rain chances, overnight lows were expected to remain in the 90s toward the end of the week in metro Phoenix, which added to the extreme heat risk, according to Lojero.

Will it be cool or hot this fall? See what experts predict for Arizona's weather

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Will it rain in Phoenix this weekend Aug. 16?
Nashville police charged a man with four counts of rape after witnesses say they saw him assaulting an unconscious woman outside a church on Thursday.

Officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department rushed the woman to an area hospital soon after the incident, but she died after arriving. Police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Mohamed Mohamed.

"A Nashville Fire Department crew traveling on Nolensville Pike just after 9:30 p.m. enroute to a call saw the sexual assault taking place on a sidewalk in front of the church. They turned around and chirped their siren," the MNPD said in a statement.

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"As they pulled up to the sidewalk, Mohamed was attempting to pull up the unconscious victims pants. The fire crew detained Mohamed, called for police and rendered aid to the victim," the statement continued.

Armed Robbers Target Bar Hoppers In Ritzy Blue City Neighborhood: Held The Gun To My Head

"Surveillance video shows the victim by herself walking unsteadily toward the front steps of the church. She was unable to keep her balance and sat down on a step, appearing to be under the influence of some type of substance. Mohamed approached and sat down beside her," police said.

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Dc Violence Has Grown Far More Deadly, Despite Dems Claiming 30-Year Low

"Mohamed made physical contact with the victim as she went in and out of consciousness as she tried to push him away. He ultimately lifted her off the steps, put her on the ground, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her," the statement added.

Police say Mohamed refused to be interviewed after being taken into custody. His bond has been set at $300,000.

As of Friday, the Medical Examiner was still awaiting the results of toxicology testing in order to determine the victim's cause of death.

Police have identified the victim as a 34-year-old woman who they believe was homeless. Her name has not been made public, as a police chaplain was still trying to find and notify her family.





Original article source: Tennessee man charged for allegedly raping unconscious woman outside church before she died
Clutching pictures of hostages, waving yellow flags, banging on snare drums and shouting chants to bring captive Israelis home, tens of thousands took to Tel Aviv's streets Sunday to call for an end to the war in Gaza.

"We're here to make it very clear to the Israeli government that this is probably the last minute we have to save the hostages that are being held in the Hamas tunnels for almost 700 days," Ofir Penso, a 50-year-old Arabic teacher, told AFP.

Demonstrations have been held regularly through most of the 22 months of war in the wake of the Hamas attacks in 2023, but Sunday's protests appeared to be one of the largest yet.

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The renewed energy of the movement came with the government deciding just over a week ago to seize Gaza City and nearby camps in a new offensive.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to conquer the most populated swathes of the Gaza Strip has triggered an international backlash while aid agencies and UN experts have warned of unfolding famine in the territory.

Recent video footage released by Palestinian militants showed hostages heavily emaciated and pale -- spurring fears that the captives' health is more fragile than ever.

Many in the crowd wore makeshift patches on their shirts made with pieces of tape with the number 681 -- the number of days the hostages have been held captive in Gaza -- scrawled in marker pen.

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Of the 251 people taken hostage by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 49 remain in the Gaza Strip, including 27 the Israeli military has said are dead.

- 'Enough is enough' -

Snaking along downtown streets, shadowed by glass towers, the crowd converged on Tel Aviv's Hostage Square -- the focal point of movement.

"The Israeli government has never offered a genuine initiative for a comprehensive agreement and an end to the war," Einav Tzangauker, whose son Matan is being held captive in Gaza, told the crowd.

"We demand a comprehensive and achievable agreement and an end to the war. We demand what is rightfully ours - our children."

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The war has also touched on other frustrations for many who took to the streets.

"The whole country is fighting with each other, our image around the world has completely changed, worse than it ever was, and enough is enough," Nick, a 31-year-old tech worker, told AFP, asking not to use his last name.

Others worried about the fate of their own children enlisted in the Israeli military who had been sent to Gaza and feared that they might soon be recalled to fight.

"We are hoping and praying that our government will hear us and listen to us," said Ella Kaufman from Kadima Zoran, who has two sons serving as officers in the Israeli army.

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"I'm also a concerned mother."

While thousands took to the streets, there were others in Tel Aviv who hoped for an end to the war but in different circumstances.

"No, I won't be protesting against Bibi, because I think that he has to finish the work, he has to finish the war," said Patrick Menache, a 69-year-old real estate investor in Tel Aviv, using a common nickname for Netanyahu.

Nevertheless, he admitted the war had taken a toll.

"Everybody is tired, the hostages are tired, the families are tired, the Palestinians are tired, everybody is tired."

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The Chief Election Commisioner of India on Sunday refuted allegations of "vote theft" by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and asked him to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks. The CEC also termed the allegations of bias by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabhas as an "insult" to the Constitution of India. "...An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within 7 days, it means that all these allegations are baseless..." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said while addressing mediapersons at a briefing at the National Media Centre in the national capital. Rahul Gandhi had on August 7 addressed a press conference in New Delhi which he presented Congress' research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, a part of the Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency. Gandhi alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes including duplicate voters, invalid addresses, and bulk registrations of votes at single locations. Rahul Gandhi further pointed out an instance of 80 people registered in a single address in Mahadevapura. Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the poll body is "destroying evidence" through the directive deleting CCTV footage from polling booths. He alleged that the EC was only preserving CCTV and webcasting footage of the election process for only 45 days after the whole process is completed, unless the election result is challenged in court. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar today said, "We saw a few days ago that photos of many voters were presented to the media without their permission. Allegations were made against them, they were used. Should the Election Commission share the CCTV videos of any voter including their mothers, daughters-in-law, daughters? Only those whose names are in the voter list cast their votes to elect their candidate..." Rahul Gandhi had alleged that "collusion" happened between the poll body and the BJP during the 2024 parliamentary elections, which resulted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi securing his third term. Congress won 99 seats out of out of 543 while BJP secured 240 seats. The Congress leader further claimed that that multiple voters have more than one voter ID cards. Gandhi had presented examples of voters like Shakun Rani, who he claimed cast her ballots twice based on data shown by a polling officer. The CEC in his briefing today refuted the allegations of an increase in voters in Maharashtra. Kumar asked that why there were no objections submitted during the preparation of the voter list. Gyanesh Kumar said that till date, the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra has not received the name of a single voter with proof. "Allegations were made that the voter list in Maharashtra had increased. When there was a draft list, why were the claims and objections not submitted on time? When the results came, then it was said that this was wrong. To date, the Chief Election Officer of Maharashtra has not received the name of a single voter with proof. It has been eight months since the elections were held," Kumar said. "Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations. When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that the Election Commission fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination, is standing and will continue to stand," the CEC said CEC said that the Election Commission had replied that if there is voting for 10 hours, then the average rate per hour is 10 per cent. "It was also asked how so much voting happened in the last one hour? The Election Commission had replied that if there is voting for 10 hours, then the average is 10 per cent every hour... If you keep saying anything 10 times, 20 times, it does not become true. The sun rises only in the east. It does not rise in the west just because someone says so," he said. The Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party ended up registering a landslide victory in the 2024 state assembly with 235 from 288 seats. The BJP won 135 seats on its own becoming the single largest party in the state. Incidentally, today's briefing by the EC were made on the same day when Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi launched his 1,300 km-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from poll-bound Bihar's Sasaram to step up the Opposition INDIA bloc's campaign against its "vote theft" allegations. Further, the Chief Election Commissioner today appealed to all political parties to point out mistakes in the draft list before September 1 to enable the poll commission to make corrections. "...After 1st of August, when our daily bulletins started coming, no political party has lodged a single objection till now. So, this can only mean two things. Either the draft list is completely correct...The Election Commission is saying that we will give time till 1st September and it (draft list) can be corrected...If similar allegations are raised even after September 1, then who is responsible? Every recognised party still has fifteen days left...I appeal through you that all twelve political parties, whether they are national parties or state-level parties, should still point out the mistakes in (draft list) before September 1. The Election Commission is ready to correct them..." (ANI)
By William Schomberg

LONDON (Reuters) -Terence Stamp liked to recall how he was on the verge of becoming a tantric sex teacher at an ashram in India when, in 1977, he received a telegram from his London agent with news that he was being considered for the "Superman" film.

"I was on the night flight the next day," Stamp said in an interview with his publisher Watkins Books in 2015.

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After eight years largely out of work, getting the role of the arch-villain General Zod in "Superman" and "Superman II" turned the full glare of Hollywood's limelight on the Londoner.

Buoyed by his new role, Stamp said he would respond to curious looks from passers-by with a command of: "Kneel before Zod, you bastards," which usually went down a storm.

He died on Sunday morning, aged 87, his family said in a statement. The cause was not immediately known.

"He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come," the family statement said.

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'I WOULD HAVE BEEN LAUGHED AT'

Terence Henry Stamp was born in London's East End in 1938, the son of a tugboat coal stoker and a mother who Stamp said gave him his zest for life. As a child he endured the bombing of the city during World War Two and the deprivations that followed.

"The great blessing of my life is that I had the really hard bit at the beginning because we were really poor," he said.

He left school to work initially as a messenger boy for an advertising firm and quickly moved up the ranks before he won a scholarship to go to drama school. Until then he had kept his acting ambitions secret from his family for fear of disapproval.

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"I couldn't tell anyone I wanted to be an actor because it was out of the question. I would have been laughed at," he said.

He shared a flat with another young London actor, Michael Caine, and landed the lead role in director Peter Ustinov's 1962 adaptation of "Billy Budd", a story of brutality in the British navy in the 18th century. That role earned him an Academy Award nomination and filled him with pride.

"To be cast by somebody like Ustinov was something that gave me a great deal of self-confidence in my film career," Stamp told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in 2019. "During the shooting, I just thought, 'Wow! This is it'."

Famous for his good looks and impeccable dress sense, he formed one of Britain's most glamorous couples with Julie Christie, with whom he starred in "Far From the Madding Crowd" in 1967. But he said the love of his life was the model Jean Shrimpton.

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"When I lost her, then that also coincided with my career taking a dip," he said.

After failing to land the role of James Bond to succeed Sean Connery, Stamp sought a change of scene. He appeared in Italian films and worked with Federico Fellini in the late 1960s.

"I view my life really as before and after Fellini," he said. "Being cast by him was the greatest compliment an actor like myself could get."

'A LOT OF ACTION GOING ON'

It was while working in Rome  where he appeared in Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Theorem" in 1968 and "A Season in Hell" in 1971 - that Stamp met Indian spiritual speaker and writer Jiddu Krishnamurti in 1968. Krishnamurti taught the Englishman how to pause his thoughts and meditate, prompting Stamp to study yoga in India.

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Mumbai was his base but he spent long periods at the ashram in Pune, dressed in orange robes and growing his hair long, while learning the teachings of his yogi, including tantric sex.

"There was a rumour around the ashram that he was preparing me to teach the tantric group," he said in the 2015 interview with Watkins Books. "There was a lot of action going on."

After landing the role of General Zod, the megalomaniacal leader of the Kryptonians, in "Superman" in 1978 and its sequel in 1980, both times opposite Christopher Reeves, he went on to appear in a string of other films, including as a transgender woman in "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" in 1994.

Other films included "Valkyrie" with Tom Cruise in 2008, "The Adjustment Bureau" with Matt Damon in 2011 and movies directed by Tim Burton.

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He counted Princess Diana among his friends.

"It wasn't a formal thing, we'd just meet up for a cup of tea, or sometimes we'd have a long chat for an hour. Sometimes it would be very quick," he told the Daily Express newspaper in 2017. "The time I spent with her was a good time."

In 2002, Stamp married for the first time at the age of 64 -- to Elizabeth O'Rourke, a pharmacist, who was 35 years his junior. They divorced in 2008.

Asked by the Stage 32 website how he got film directors to believe in his talent, Stamp said: "I believed in myself.

"Originally, when I didn't get cast I told myself there was a lack of discernment in them. This could be considered conceit. I look at it differently. Cherishing that divine spark in myself."

(Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Olivier Holmey)
UPDATE: The Texarkana Police Department said that Seth Harrel was found safe at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Photo of Seth Harrel, courtesy of Texarkana PD.

TEXARKANA, Texas (KETK)  The Texarkana Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating an autistic boy who went missing on Saturday.

Tyler PD searching for missing woman last seen over 2 weeks ago

12-year-old Seth Harrel is an autistic child who was reported missing at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday from his home, which is to the south of Texarkana College.

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He was last seen on foot heading in an unknown direction and could be wearing a black shirt and jeans. Anyone who sees Seth is asked to call 911 immediately.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Saturday he secured a modified temporary restraining order that will halt former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke and his political group, Powered by People, from removing any property or funds out of Texas.

ActBlue, who also partners with Powered by People, is included in that order, per a news release from Paxtons office.

In Texas, lawless actions have consequences, and Betos finding that out the hard way, Paxton said in the release.

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Ken Paxton opens investigation into Beto ORourke-backed PAC that supports Democratic candidates

This all comes after Paxton first secured the temporary restraining order last week against Powered by People for alleged unlawful fundraising activity for Democrats who broke quorum during the Texas special session, a news release from his office states. A district judge from Tarrant County also sided with Paxton by temporarily blocking the organization from fundraising for Democrats or financially supporting the quorum break.

This is the guy that were talking about, who was twice indicted on securities fraud charges. And ladies and gentleman, he was impeached by the Texas Legislature  which is a Republican majority institution  on charges of bribery himself. And hes accusing us of some kind of fraud as we try to stop the theft of these five congressional seats. Well you know what? We welcome his investigation, we welcome his attack, we welcome their hatred right now. Because it proves that were doing the right thing, ORourke said while speaking to a crowd in Oklahoma last week.

The first special session ended Friday after it did not have quorum for the sixth consecutive time, as the House failed to reach the 100 member quorum needed to conduct business. Additionally, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a second special session just minutes after the first special session ended, which will include the 18 original items announced in the first one.

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On Saturday, ORourke announced Powered by People donated more than $1 million to Texas Democrats during the special session, according to The Texas Tribune. He added more than 55,000 donations came from people across the country since the start of the first special session.

Earlier this month, ORourke filed his own lawsuit against the attorney general after he was sued. He asked a judge to block Paxtons investigation into Powered by People, alleging he engaged in a fishing expedition, constitutional rights be damned, according to the Tribune.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Texas Democrats in Chicago may soon be going home following a two-week battle preventing Republicans in their state from redrawing districting maps.

Lawmakers at a rally in Millennium Park to protest the Trump administration encouraged voters to get involved and speak up on the issue.

Democrats from the Lone Star state are declaring victory in the Windy City.

And let me tell you, what you have done is nothing short of miraculous, State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) said.

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For nearly two weeks, Texas Democrats have taken part in a walkout to block the GOPs redrawing of U.S. House maps.

According to the Associated Press, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott put redistricting on the agenda at the urging of President Donald Trump, who wants to shore up Republicans narrow House majority before the 2026 midterm elections.

The walk out made redistricting a national conversation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is now pushing to redraw Californias congressional map.

We took a leap of faith and people caught us. Together, we shined a national spotlight on this power grab. Together, we sparked national momentum for California and other states to redistrict and cancel out the five stolen seats out of Texas, Texas State Rep. James Talarico said.

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Republicans have called the move hypocrisy, pointing to redistricting in states like Illinois that favor democrats.

Democrats dont have gerrymandering, they hate losing. With this new map, they know they are going to lose five seats. We can make it harder for them and make them lose eight seats, Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George said.

At Millennium Park, members of the Texas legislature joined a Fight the Trump Takeover rally.

Hundreds marched to Federal Plaza hoping their message was heard by those both near and far.

The Texas Democrats did not make it clear when they are heading back to their state. Lawmakers are facing $500 fines for each day they are absent.

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Texas FBI agents were involved in an investigation into a suspect for computer fraud and money laundering that led to the seizure of millions of dollars in assets.

The Northern District of Texas has charged Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko for conspiring to commit computer fraud and abuse and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The investigation resulted in the Department of Justice authorizing the seizure of over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency from a wallet owned by Antropenko, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle.

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The indictment states that Antropenko leveraged ransomware to attack individuals, businesses, and organizations around the world. The assets seized are thought to be proceeds derived from these attacks.

According to the Department of Justice, the latest ransomware involved laundering through a variety of methods, including via a now-disabled service called ChipMixer. The stolen cryptocurrency was then exchanged for cash.

The asset seizures were authorized for the Northern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the Central District of California. The FBI Dallas, as well as Norfolk Field Offices and the Virtual Assets Unit, are investigating the case.

As previously reported in The Dallas Express, the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) was the target of a ransomware attack in November 2022. After the perpetrators locked away DCAD records, the department eventually relented to demands and paid the cyberterrorists $170,000 in cryptocurrency to regain access.
The Brief

A Frio County man was sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

Joe Corona, 34, was found with over 67 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm during a search of his home.

Further investigation revealed that Corona was paid $1,500 per trip to transport the drug from Mexico into the U.S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A Frio County man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for his role in a drug-trafficking organization that transported methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.

Joe Corona Sentenced

What we know

Joe Corona, 34, was sentenced to 235 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.

The backstory

Court documents show Corona sold a package containing nearly a pound of pure methamphetamine for $2,850 in March 2021. When federal agents and Frio County sheriffs deputies searched his home a month later, they found more methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a revolver with ammunition.

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Further investigation revealed that Corona was paid $1,500 per trip to transport the drug.

Corona pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment in May and was sentenced on Aug. 13 by U.S. District Judge Jason K. Pulliam.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Frio County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Source

Information in this article is from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Brief

A Texas Mexican Mafia leader was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

David Botello, 54, was arrested in July 2020 after police found him with methamphetamine, multiple cell phones, and cash.

Botello, who had previous convictions for murder and aggravated robbery, was described as a "lieutenant of lieutenants" in the gang.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A leader of the Texas Mexican Mafia gang was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Friday for his role in a methamphetamine-trafficking conspiracy.

Texas Mexican Mafia leader arrested

What we know

David Botello, 54, of San Antonio, was a "lieutenant of lieutenants" within the gang, according to court documents. He pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

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Botello was arrested by San Antonio police in July 2020. Officers found approximately 150 grams of methamphetamine, nine new cell phones and $585 in his possession during a traffic stop. An investigation revealed Botello was working with other gang members to distribute large quantities of the drug.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and multiple other federal, state and local agencies.

According to U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons, Botello had previously been convicted of murder and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

What they're saying

"This investigation demonstrates our office's commitment to dismantling criminal organizations in our communities," said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. "As a leader of the Texas Mexican Mafia, Botello was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine in San Antonio, enriching himself and his fellow gang members to the detriment of so many of our fellow citizens. We are thankful for the outstanding collaboration of our federal, state and local partners in this case, which coalesced around the common cause of bringing this murderer and gang member to justice. In the Western District of Texas, this is what we do."

The Source

Information in this article is from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  People packed the capital lawn on Saturday morning for the Texas for All rally protesting the states plan to redraw redistricting maps.

I ask you, do not allow this moment to pass without a fight, said former U.S. Congressman Beto ORourke. Do what you can with what you have where you area today and every single day going forward. Are we together on this?

It was a sentiment echoed by others in the crowd.

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Controversy grows over Texas redistricting efforts

Its our government. And if we dont treat our government and come together and take charge of it, it wont serve us, attendee Aaron Polinard said.

Gov. Greg Abbott has faced harsh criticism by Democrats for the redrawing plans, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom said he will fight back by doing redistricting in his own state to undo whatever might happen in Texas.

According to Politico, two-thirds of his state disagrees with him on that. And for him to be able to get anything passed he has to have two-thirds of the state agree with him on it, Abbott said during a Friday news conference. Its a joke. Hes posturing for the presidency and doing nothing more than that. Hes all talk and no action.

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Those at the rally said it is no longer left versus right, adding the issue is much bigger than that.

Capitol Context: Unusual timing for Texas redistricting

This is the working class versus the billionaire class, attendee J. Gordon Mitchell said. So what youre seeing here [Saturday] is people that come from all walks of life.

Abbott also said Friday he is ready to pull out all the stops to add the five seats.

We hold a lot more bullets in our belt that well be ready to use if we need to, Abbott said.

A fight in Texas that is far from over as the second special session returns on Monday.

Abbott has vowed to continue to call special session after special session until the redrawn maps are passed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
More than 2,500 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats in the 11 days since the new "one in, one out" agreement with France took effect, figures from the Home Office show.

The plan proposes that for each migrant the UK returns to France, another person with a strong case for asylum in Britain will be allowed to stay.

Around 28,000 people have reached the UK in small boats so far this year and more than 50,000 have crossed since Labour came into power in July 2024.

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Meanwhile, a boat holding more than 100 people was reportedly sighted in the Channel this week.

A Home Office spokesperson said the people-smuggling gangs "do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay".

"That is why this government is implementing a serious and comprehensive plan to break the business model of the gangs, including enhanced cooperation with France to prevent small boat crossings and a pilot scheme to detain and return small boat migrants back to France."

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Rob Lawrie, a volunteer aid worker, told the BBC's Today Programme on Friday smugglers estimate they can send up to 150 people on boats.

"That's a lot more people, overcrowding an extra large boat," he said.

"We've already had reports of children getting crushed, not only in the rush but within the dinghy itself."

He added it was unclear how many people were falling overboard during crossings.

Crossings tend to increase in the summer months when the weather is calm in the Channel. Last August, more than 4,000 people made the journey.

These numbers can vary depending on factors including the supply of boat parts and how actively the police are patrolling the beaches in northern France, to try to prevent boats from launching.

[BBC]

The "one in, one out" pilot scheme was set up as part of a deal announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to the UK in July.

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The first group of people to arrive under the scheme were detained in Dover earlier this month. Removals to France have yet to take place and could take up to three months.

When Labour came to power it promised to smash the gangs organising the crossings, but warned that it would not be quick or easy to do. Ministers are now under pressure to deliver results, though the deterrent effect of the returns deal may not become clear until deportations begin in earnest and increase in number.

Speaking about the first detentions earlier this month, Sir Keir said: "If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent back. When I say I will stop at nothing to secure our borders, I mean it."

Set to last 11 months, the project will see the UK accepting an equal number of asylum seekers who have not tried to cross and can pass security and eligibility checks.

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At the time, shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the government's new deal as "having no deterrent effect whatsoever".

The National Crime Agency said it has had some success in disrupting the business model of the smugglers.

Last week, 20 inflatable boats believed to be destined for the Channel were seized from a lorry in Bulgaria - the second such discovery in less than three weeks.

The government says it's an illustration of the need for international cooperation to tackle illegal immigration.

Afghans were the top nationality arriving by small boat in the year to March 2025, according to Home Office figures.

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Syrians made up the second largest group, followed by people from Iran, Vietnam and Eritrea.

These five nationalities accounted for 61% of all arrivals.

In 2024, almost one third of the 108,000 people who claimed asylum in the UK arrived on a small boat.

The Home Office can remove people with no legal right to stay in the UK, or refuse to let them enter.

But the 1951 Refugee Convention establishes the right to claim asylum in a foreign state if an applicant can prove they face a serious threat to life or freedom in their country of origin.
Thousands of Israelis have joined a nationwide strike demanding a ceasefire deal to free the hostages and protesting against the governments plan to occupy Gaza.

The strike, initiated by families of hostages, saw protesters taking to the streets across the nation on Sunday, blocking major highways with burning tyres, and staging demonstrations in front of government ministers homes.

Police used water cannons to disperse protestors who blocked Highway 16 in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, 25 people were arrested across the country for violating public order, according to the authorities.

Protesters in Tel Aviv hold up an Israeli flag carrying images of the hostages who remain in Hamass hands - Yair Palti/Anadolu via Getty Images

A protester wearing a Benjamin Netanyahu mask in front of a burning barricade on a Tel Aviv street on Saturday night - Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

Noga Gur Arye, the aunt of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel, spoke at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning, saying her nephew is 40 metres underground.

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Hes bound in chains, hes severely wounded, hes probably losing his sight. He suffers from severe head trauma and shrapnel throughout his body, and hes alone, she said, adding that the people of Israel dont have the privilege to ignore, we dont have the right to distance ourselves or flee from this reality.

Lishay Miran Lavi, the husband of hostage Omri, said: Today is just the beginning. We intend to escalate the struggle. We have no other choice.

Credit: Reuters

Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, also made an appearance at Hostage Square on Sunday morning, with a plea to international media and decision-makers: Our sons and daughters are there in the dungeons of Gaza for 681 days. We want them back home as soon as possible.

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The world should want them back home as soon as possible. Press  because when you know how to press, you press, press and tell Hamas, No deal, no nothing, until you release them.

The streets of Tel Aviv were filled on Sunday with large numbers of protesters supporting the hostage families - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Photo

Protesters were also seen marching towards the Gaza border, where they plan to set up a camp where they will be sleeping overnight.

A number of large high-tech firms allowed their employees to join the strike, including Wix, Meta and Fiverr. Israels Bar Association, universities in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem, and Israel Airports Authoritys employees union also backed the strike, allowing staff to take a day off.

Groups of protesters also gathered in front of the private homes of Amir Ohana, the Knesset speaker, Yoav Kisch, the education minister. Nir Barkat, the economy minister, and Sharren Haskel, the deputy foreign minister.

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Demonstrators were planning to hold a joint prayer at 6pm local time at Hostage Square before a big rally.

Police move in to remove demonstrators who had blocked a road tunnel - Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

The large-scale protests were met with harsh criticism from government ministers who accused demonstrators of playing into Hamass hands.

All these protests accomplished one thing for certain: they strengthened Hamas and set back the release of the hostages, Amichai Chikli, the diaspora affairs minister, told The Telegraph.

Bezalel Smotrich, the far-Right finance minister, called the protests a bad and damaging campaign that is playing into Hamass hands and is burying the hostages in the tunnels.

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And Miki Zohar, the culture minister, criticised the disruption of daily life in Israel, calling it a grave mistake and a reward for the enemy who sees the pictures this morning and revels in joy.

The rage and protests must be aimed at international pressure against Hamas so that it releases our loved ones, and not at those who are doing everything to bring [the hostages] home, Mr Zohar added.

Our hostages are not pawns

Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, who backed the nationwide strike, responded to accusations by ministers that Israeli demonstrators were rewarding Hamas, saying: Have you no shame? No one empowered Hamas more than you.

We are shutting down the country today. Because our hostages are not pawns that the government is allowed to sacrifice for the sake of the war effort  they are citizens that the government must return to their families.

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Benny Gantz, the former defence minister and leader of the National Unity party, also lashed out at the ministers who attacked demonstrators, saying their accusations weaken and divide us.

Families of hostages have long accused the government of abandoning their loved ones in Gaza, and have warned that Benjamin Netanyahus plan for a full occupation of the enclave is a death sentence for the hostages.

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Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin and senior BJP leader on Sunday called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi the new avatar of Jinnah. "He (Rahul Gandhi) is exactly playing the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Rahul Gandhi is the new avatar of Muhammad Ali Jinnah," Momin told ANI. "The people of the country weren't able to know about the knowledge of the facts, now the NCERT module reveals the "Culprits of Partition". Jinnah first demanded the Partition of India, Congress accepted it, and Lord Mountbatten implemented it. The culprits of the Partition of India are Jinnah and Congress, and they were solely responsible for the Partition of our country. This is a sad part of Indian history. This Congress party has always tried to divide our country. Whenever Rahul Gandhi visited outside of the country, he tried to defame our country and malign the image of our country. He is playing the role of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Rahul Gandhi is the new avatar of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His nature, thought, ideology, and vision are to destroy our culture, heritage and country's integrity. This is a very dangerous situation and condition that such people are living in our country and defame and malign the image of our country," Momin said. "I strongly believe that, instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, if Narendra Modi were in his place, the very existence of Pakistan wouldn't have happened. It was a sad part that Jawaharlal Nehru was the leader of our country, but so many good leaders were there, including Patel ji (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel). Still, he was not chosen by the time of the leadership," he further added. A senior BJP leader also stated that the people of our country are now very intelligent, and their motivation is very strong under the strong leadership of Narendra Modi. "Whatever Rahul Gandhi is trying to do, repeating Jinnah's policy will not be successful. We are striving to become the Vishwaguru by 2047, and our dream is within reach. I believe the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working, very soon we are going to be the top leader of the world," Momin said. On the other hand, discussing infiltration and demographic changes, Numal Momin highlighted the demographic threat to Assam and the North Eastern region, accusing the Congress party of encouraging infiltrators. "Congress party is responsible for infiltration in Assam and the North East. For a long time, the Congress government was in the North-Eastern region, and they gave Bangladeshi infiltrators shelter. They didn't give land rights and didn't issue land pattas to the indigenous people. Following the formation of the BJP government in Assam, we have begun to grant land rights, including land pattas, to the state's indigenous people. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we have given more than 12 lakh land pattas to the indigenous people of Assam," Numal Momin said. He further said that the Bangladeshi infiltrators are not only the greatest threat to Assam, but also the greatest threat to the North East and West Bengal too. "It is also a threat to the other states of the country - Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc. Due to infiltration, demographic changes are adversely affecting Assam and West Bengal. The infiltration is causing a threat to the North-Eastern states. If we don't control this with an iron hand, in the next 25 years the entire North East will become an Islamic state. It is high time for all leaders to come together and consider the North East, their own state. Irrespective of political parties, we should unite to make the North East a foreigner-free region. But the Congress party is again and again supporting these infiltrators and trying to help the Islamic fundamentalists to make the North Eastern region an Islamic state," Numal Momin reiterated. (ANI)
A gang beef fueled the bloody gunfight in a crowded Brooklyn lounge early Sunday that left three men dead and nine people, including bystanders, wounded, cops said.

Two of the dead are preliminarily believed to be among those who opened fire in the crowded Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Ave. near Carroll St. in Crown Heights just before 3:30 a.m., a law enforcement source said. The third fatality is believed to be an innocent bystander.

We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident. Our crime scene investigators have now recovered shell casings from multiple guns, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing at City Hall. The shell casings appear to be from 9-mm. and .45-caliber weapons.

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We was just in there, said clubgoer Marie Desir, a 40-year-old mother of two who fled the shooting. I heard a few gunshots and then  people on the floor, running, trying to save their life just like I did.

She said she hit the floor when the shots started.

I ducked down and after that I found a way to get out, she said. I laid down on the floor first and when I found a way to get out, I just got out because I was right there close to the door.

She returned to the club hours later because one of her friends, Guerby Tida, 32, went missing in the mayhem. He showed up at the cub, where his car was parked, midday Sunday, leading to an emotional reunion after Desir worried he was among the dead.

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Im OK, he told her. Thank God everythings good.

The shooting is believed to be gang-related, but Tisch declined to provide further details on motive, citing the ongoing investigation. At least 42 shell casings were recovered by cops.

An argument in the crowded club led to the shooting, Tisch said. Some of the victims are believed to have been involved in the clash while others are likely bystanders.

What happened in Crown Heights this morning was a tragic, senseless act of violence, Tisch said. The club did have bouncers, and we are working now to identify those bouncers and interview them.

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Cops recovered a firearm close by the lounge near Bedford Ave. and Eastern Parkway that may be connected to the shooting, she said. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video.

No arrests have been made so far.

Rajawn Philips, 40, who works in the smoke shop next door, said he heard the shots and checked the camera feed from outside his store.

I saw people running, he said. I looked out the door. I saw the intensity of the running.

Two of the dead men  35-year-old Jamel Andre Childs, who died at an area hospital, and a 19-year-old man who died at the scene  are believed to be among the shooters as well as victims, according to a preliminary investigation, a law enforcement source said. Childs initially tried to quash the beef between two groups at the club, friends told the Daily News.

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A 27-year-old man who died at an area hospital is thought to have been a bystander.

A relative of the 19-year-old reached by phone Sunday night said the young mans father had called her in the morning looking for his son. He said, I think hes having a problem, but he didnt know whats going on, she said. I was praying everything was going to be okay, butnow we know its not.

The Daily News is not naming him at this time.

Six men and three women were wounded but survived, the oldest 61 and the youngest 27, according to police sources. They were all hospitalized and are expected to recover.

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As you get to the door, you see shot victims, said Philips, who left his smoke shop to check on the scene. A girl was shot in the face. This guy shot in the leg. Another guy out here this morning shot in the a.

He saw medics doing CPR and chest compressions on patrons.

Its the second shooting at the club in less than a year. A 28-year-old man survived being shot in the back and arm in front of the club about 4 a.m. on Nov. 17, according to police.

The victim told cops he was standing outside the lounge when two men he didnt know approached him and started arguing with him, police sources said. One of them whipped out a gun and opened fire.

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In February, cops released surveillance footage of a suspect they were still looking for in that shooting and asked the publics help identifying him.

Taste of the City Lounge serves Caribbean fusion cuisine and has a full bar with hookahs, DJs and live music.

Philips said security at the lounge is tight, but thats not enough to stop it from being a problematic place.

Every night its some type of altercation, so Im surprised that three people died there, but Im also not surprised at the same time, he said. This is not new. Its the normal.

Mayor Adams, who visited the scene Sunday, said the NYPD and the citys crisis response teams will be working to try to stop any potential revenge shootings.

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You often find that after gang-involved shootings, you can have retaliatory actions, Adams said. That is a real concern.

He blasted what he called a revolving-door criminal justice system that allows people who carry guns to come back out on the streets and City Council members efforts to eliminate the NYPDs controversial gang database.

Every single victim of violence, particularly gun violence, is one too many, and last nights mass shooting reminds us all the work that we must continue to do, Adams said earlier in the day at City Hall. This is the second [mass shooting] within weeks, and we dont want this to turn into a normal course of doing business.

On July 28, Shane Tamura opened fire with an assault rifle in a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, murdering an NYPD officer and three others before killing himself.

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The violence comes as the city has seen significant drops in violent crimes through Aug. 10 compared with the same period last year, including a 24% drop in murders and a 21% drop in shootings.

We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year that weve seen on record in the City of New York, Tisch said.

Something like this is, of course, thank God, an anomaly. And its a terrible thing that happened this morning, but were going to investigate and get to the bottom of what went down.
A gang-related gunfight inside a crowded Brooklyn lounge early Sunday left three men dead and nine people, including innocent bystanders, wounded, cops said.

The mass shooting erupted inside the crowded Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue near Carroll Street in Crown Heights just before 3:30 a.m., cops said.

We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident. Our crime scene investigators have now recovered shell casings from multiple guns, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press briefing at City Hall. The shell casings appear to be from 9-mm and .45-caliber weapons.

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We was just in there, said clubgoer Marie Desir, a 40-year-old mother of two who fled the shooting. I heard a few gunshots and then  People on the floor, running, trying to save their life just like I did.

She said she hit the floor when the shots started.

I ducked down and after that I found a way to get out, she said. I laid down on the floor first and when I found a way to get out, I just got out because I was right there close to the door.

She returned to the club hours later because one of her friends, Guerby Tida, 32, went missing in the mayhem. He showed up at the curb, where his car was parked, midday Sunday, leading to an emotional reunion after Desir worried he was among the dead.

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Im OK, he told her. Thank god everythings good.

The shooting is believed to be gang related but Tisch declined to provide further details on motive, citing the ongoing investigation.

An argument inside the crowded club led to the shooting, she said. Some of the victims are believed to have been involved in the clash while others are likely innocent bystanders.

What happened in Crown Heights this morning was a tragic senseless act of violence, Tisch said. The club did have bouncers, and we are working now to identify those bouncers and interview them.

Cops recovered a firearm close by the lounge near Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway that may be connected to the shooting, she said. Investigators are reviewing surveillance video and no arrests have been made so far.

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Rajawn Philips, 40, who works in the smoke shop next door, said he heard the shots and checked the camera feed from outside his store.

I saw people running, he said. I looked out the door. I saw the intensity of the running.

A 35-year-old man and a 27-year-old man died at area hospitals while a 19-year-old man died at the scene, Tisch said.

Six men and three women were wounded but survived, the oldest 61 and the youngest 27, according to police sources. They were all hospitalized and are expected to recover.

As you get to the door, you see shot victims, said Philips, who left his smoke shop to check on the scene. A girl was shot in the face. This guy shot in the leg. Another guy out here this morning shot in the a.

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He saw medics doing CPR and chest compressions on patrons.

Its the second shooting at the club in less than a year. A 28-year-old man survived being shot in the back and arm in front of the club about 4 a.m. Nov. 17, according to police.

The victim told cops he was standing outside the lounge when two men he didnt know approached him and started arguing with him, cop sources said. One of them whipped out a gun and opened fire.

In February, cops released surveillance footage of a suspect they were still looking for in that shooting and asked the publics help identifying him.

Taste of the City Lounge serves Caribbean fusion cuisine and has a full bar with hookahs, DJs and live music.

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Philips said security at the lounge is tight but thats not enough to stop it from being a problematic place.

Every night its some type of altercation so Im surprised that three people died there but Im also not surprised at the same time, he said. This is not new. Its the normal.

Every single victim of violence, particularly gun violence, is one too many and last nights mass shooting reminds us all the work that we must continue to do, Mayor Eric Adams said Sunday. This is the second (mass shooting) within weeks, and we dont want this to turn into a normal course of doing business.

On June 28, Shane Tamura opened fire with an assault rifle in a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, murdering an NYPD officer and three others before killing himself.

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The violence comes as the city has seen significant drops in violent crimes through Aug. 10 compared to the same period last year, including a 24% drop in murders and a 21% drop in shootings.

We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year that weve seen on record in the city of New York, Tisch said.

Something like this is, of course, thank God, an anomaly. And its a terrible thing that happened this morning, but were going to investigate and get to the bottom of what went down.

_____
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man trapped inside a Northwest Portland apartment on fire was rescued out a window and taken to a hospital with serious burn injuries Sunday morning, authorities said.

The same fire also hospitalized another resident, as well as a firefighter.

Crews originally responded to the 1200 block of Northwest 23rd Avenue on reports of a structure fire at around 9 a.m.

Officials said firefighters first arriving at the scene noticed heavy gray smoke coming from a second-story window and a resident was stuck on the top floor.

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Tractor-trailer driver detained after 1 dead, 1 hospitalized in NE Portland hit-run

The resident was rescued after being extricated out of a third-story window, then taken to a hospital. Authorities said he is in serious condition from burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Crews next worked to cut a hole in the roof, releasing trapped smoke from the attic space.

Although the fire was successfully extinguished, officials said three residents were displaced.

During the rescue, authorities said one of the firefighters also injured his back while extricating the resident from the window, so he was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.

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Additionally, the fire extended to a nearby apartment, and a resident there was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Further, authorities said a dog and a cat were killed.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
(KRON)  Three loaded firearms were found last Friday on the set of a music video being filmed in Vallejo, said the Vallejo Police Department.

One gun was without a serial number, another was registered to someone not at the scene, and the other was tucked in the waistband of a suspect, according to VPD.

Oakland PD investigate double homicide on Skyline Boulevard

Vallejo PD said it were notified of the incident around 11:34 p.m. on August 8 when officers responded to 911 calls reporting gunshots heard in the 100 block of Larissa Lane. While heading to the location, police also received reports of a large group of people filming a music video, with multiple individuals seen carrying firearms.

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When Vallejo police arrived, officers said they discovered and detained the aforementioned large group before conducting a search of the area. Thats when police said officers spotted two loaded firearms in clear view on the backseat of a nearby vehicle.

Photo courtesy of Vallejo Police Department.

Officers also conducted pat-down searches of the individuals in the group to ensure everyones safety, said police in a social media post. During these searches, they discovered that one male associated with the group was carrying an unregistered, loaded firearm equipped with a large magazine tucked in his waistband. The armed suspect, who resided in San Francisco, was immediately arrested.

Police said the man was taken to Solano County Jail and booked on several fire-arm related charges. Investigators confirmed that a total of three firearms were recovered at the scene as police evidence.

As part of the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage showing multiple individuals with firearms before police arrival, added Vallejo police. Those subjects fled the scene before the officers arrived.

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This is an active case. Anyone with information that can aid investigators is strongly encouraged to contact Officer Beglin at James.Beglin@cityofvallejo.net. Anonymous tips are welcomed at 1-800-488-9383.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In Bangors Downeast School, teachers are setting up for the upcoming year. Crayon boxes and name plates top small desks, signs spell out the ABCs. In one classroom, a banner proclaims All Are Welcome.

Principal Sarah Vickers said the elementary school has been working toward better serving and including students who have disabilities for a few years. This has meant pushing for more collaboration across departments, developing more proactive responses to negative behavior in the classrooms, as well as planning lessons to serve a diverse array of needs.

Principal Sarah Vickers stands in a classroom at Downeast School in Bangor, one of three elementary schools taking part in the states inclusive education pilot. Photo by Kristian Moravec.

We do have students that receive special education services for the majority of their day, and with these kinds of support and practices in place, weve been able to transition them to a less restrictive environment, Vickers said.

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Being able to spend more time or the majority of their day in the regular (education) setting without additional supports, or supports being much less than what they previously had, has been a big success for us.

About a third of the children at her school need special education services, according to state data.

This year, Downeasts pursuit of more inclusive education is scaling up: it is one of three elementary schools that is working with the state and the University of Maine at Farmington as part of a five-year pilot program aimed at helping teachers learn how to incorporate students with various needs in their classrooms and move away from the silos that have long separated students with disabilities.

The other two schools are Turner and Leeds Central, both near Lewiston.

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The program, which is supported through federal grant funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and through a partnership with the University of Maine, launches as special education costs are on the rise in Maine and as federal priorities are shifting.

The state Department of Education declined to say how much the program will cost. We are unable to provide a specific dollar amount to you at this time, wrote Erin Frazier, from the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in an email, as the project is in its infancy.

In 2022, roughly 56 percent of Maine special education students spent most of their day in the general education classroom  10 percent lower than the national average, according to state data and the National Center for Education Statistics. Since then, Maines inclusion rate has only risen by one percent.

Nationally, around 15 percent of students need special education services. In Maine, that figure is 21 percent, according to 2023 data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Maine is tied with New York and Pennsylvania for the second-highest rate, behind Puerto Rico.

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As the special education student population has grown, so have the costs. A 2018 state task force looking at special education costs recommended that the state remove barriers between special education and general education and develop an integrated, inclusive system in which special education and general education work collaboratively to deliver services to all students.

Disability rights advocates have long railed against a siloed approach to education for students with disabilities, and some see the new pilot as a step in the right direction.

Atlee Reilly, with Disability Rights Maine, explained that the purpose of IDEA is to ultimately help students participate in the broader community, such as through employment, further education and more.

We need to do it in integrated settings, because it doesnt make any sense to prepare children in a segregated, kind of artificial, environment to live in a community, Reilly said. Why not just support them to live in their communities from the jump?

Reducing barriers

The pilot program will pay for participating schools to get leadership and teacher training, and will help schools restructure their schedules so special education students have more time in the general classroom. The state saw just four applications for the three spots.

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For Tracy Whitlock, a special services coordinator at the states Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, it was important that the schools were invested in the work.

We never want to come into a school and say youre going to do this, it needs to be something that educators are passionate about, Whitlock said.

The goal is to develop a model of inclusive education that other schools could eventually adopt.

Kate MacLeod, an associate professor at the UMF, is spearheading the programs professional development and data collecting process. The first year, she said, will focus on leadership training: taking stock of how students are currently being included in classrooms, how resources are used for education and forming a plan to improve.

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Years two through five will then incorporate training for educators to adopt inclusive practices like Universal Design for Learning, a decades-old concept that involves creating multiple access points to a given topic. Other practices could include looking at adjusting schedules to have special education students remain in the general class during universal learning blocks, and receive one-on-one attention with special education staff during other hours of the day.

In the general classroom, MacLeod explained that universally designed lessons about a book, for instance, may include three groups: a small group for independent reading, a small group for audio reading, and a small group that reads with the teacher. Then a teacher will offer multiple ways for students to think about the text, such as writing a summary or sharing a response out loud.

Youre going to reduce barriers for the most number of people possible from the beginning, and then you have to do less individual differentiation, or support, MacLeod said. So thats the goal, and thats what really great teaching can be.

Every student benefits

The three schools are hoping that the pilot program, by improving the variety of supports available in the general classroom, could decrease the number of students that need special education services.

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Some advocates point to weaknesses in identifying students in earlier age groups, prompting a need to over-identify special education students in later ages, as a reason behind high identification rates in Maine.

A recent report released by the Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) found that high rates of challenging behavior  that is, types of student behavior in class that was disruptive, dangerous, or did not meet teacher expectations and required additional attention  is a growing issue for schools.

Persistent challenging student behavior can overburden administrative and education staff, lead to an increase in special education referrals, contribute to over-identification of students with behavioral disorders and be a critical factor in the ongoing teacher shortage, the report states.

Carrie Woodcock, the executive director of the Maine Parent Federation, explained that how schools address challenging behavior is tied to the siloed structure of special education.

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A student with high behavior is the number one thing that will get them kicked out of a classroom and in a special education setting, Woodcock said. But likewise, students with specific learning disabilities who may have a reading or a math disability, they might be getting pulled out of the classroom for too much time to get specific instruction.

But if classrooms use a more universal design for learning, Woodcock said that kids who are struggling can find more success, and students who may not have a specific disability could be helped too.

We all learn differently, Woodcock said. When you do inclusion right and universal design of learning right, every student benefits.

Outlook

Reilly, of Disability Rights Maine, said that the pilots approach marks a positive change, but the challenge will be scaling it across the state.

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Im sure that, in the coming years, there will be discussions about school funding and things like that and how can we make it to where schools are rewarded for  financially and otherwise  for not shipping their kids off to segregated regional or private placements, Reilly said. If those things make financial sense for schools, then theyre more likely to do them.

As special education costs continue to rise, so do other school costs in Maine, sparking broader debate over school funding. Administrators have called for changes to the states school funding model and towns upset at tax increases have attempted to leave school districts.

Educators at Downeast School will receive coaching and professional development over the next five years aimed at reducing the siloed nature of special education. Photo by Kristian Moravec.

Lawmakers and researchers have examined the cost of special education in an effort to preserve resources. Two bills that aimed to increase the states share of special education funding for school districts, L.D. 933 and L.D. 71, were introduced this session but ultimately died.

In MEPRIs study of the state school funding model, researchers pointed to a need to explore other ways of calculating how special education funding responsibility is split between the state and towns. A possible model the Institute suggested could mean funding school districts based on the amount of need special education students have, according to reporting from The Portland Press Herald.

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The cost of sending that learner to a separate space  I call it a segregated space because its only for students with disabilities  away from their home, neighbor, school, to receive services that the district or school cant provide is very costly in a lot of different ways, MacLeod said.

She explained that districts will pay hefty tuition to send students away. The schools that students are sent to, called special purpose private schools, can cost districts hundreds of dollars per day.

Aside from being separated from their communities, some students have been subjected to controversial restraint and seclusion practices, in which children are forcibly removed from classrooms and physically restrained in emergencies. Lawmakers passed a bill this year, L.D. 1248, that weakened previous rules on how and when educators can restrain and seclude students.

Inclusive support, when implemented well, means that schools are more effective with their resources, MacLeod said. For instance, having a more tightly integrated team of educators might mean schools could get by with fewer staff members overall.

As the pilot gets underway, MacLeod said it builds on work that educators have already been striving to do.

I think folks are hungry for this, she said. They can see that there are better ways for all learners.
Three Republican-led US states will send members of their National Guard forces to Washington, DC to bolster the roughly 800 troops President Donald Trump has already deployed to the city.

West Virginia Governor Parick Morrisey said he would send 300-400 of the state's National Guard troops at Trump's request. South Carolina will send 200 troops, and Ohio will send 150 military police from their National Guard, their governors said.

Trump declared a "public safety emergency" on Monday, claiming the nation's capitol was gripped by "complete and total lawlessness."

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Washington DC's elected officials have objected these claims, and hundreds of DC residents marched in protest on Saturday.

Agents from several federal law enforcement agencies have spent the week patrolling Washington's most populous and touristed areas alongside the National Guard troops.

Many in Washington DC, where 92% of residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, have expressed frustration with Trump's enforcement policy.

Residents have taken to filming federal officers as they patrol and over the weekend, the frustration expanded into peaceful protests against the administration.

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Marchers congregated in Dupont Circle, a central hub in the city, and marched through the streets chanting "Free DC!" Some banged drums and rang bells as they marched.

Residents in Washington, DC have expressed concerns about crime in surveys, and a former employee of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) was attacked and beaten in the city recently.

Trump has painted a portrait of the nation's capital as beset by "violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals."

But Mayor Muriel Bowser has rejected Trump's claims about rampant crime in the city. She acknowledged there had been a spike in crime in 2023 that has since dropped off.

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Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) data shows homicides dropped by 32% between 2023 and 2024 and reached their lowest level since 2019.

Preliminary data shows violent crime overall is down 26% so far in 2025, compared to the same point in 2024, according to MPD data. Robbery is down 28%, BBC Verify reports.

The Trump administration initially tried to take command of the city's Metropolitan Police Department using the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, but rescinded the order after city officials took them to court.

However, Judge Ana Reyes said that Mayor Bowser was required to follow White House directives.
The Republican governors of West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio announced on Saturday that they plan to send hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, to support the deployment ordered by US President Donald Trump.

The US state of West Virginia plans to send 300 to 400 National Guard troops to the capital, Governor Patrick Morrisey said, to help restore "cleanliness and safety" at the request of the government.

Henry McMaster, governor of South Carolina, said on X he had approved the deployment of 200 National Guardsmen "to support President Trump in his mission to restore law and order" to the nation's capital.

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he authorized sending 150 Ohio National Guard members to "carry out presence patrols and serve as added security," according to US media reports.

Trump has justified the deployment by citing rising crime and public disorder in Washington, claims not reflected in official crime statistics. Critics say the move appears aimed more at demonstrating strength amid domestic political pressures.

The additional troops are intended to supplement a previously announced contingent of 800 National Guard members, US media reported, citing government sources.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the new units could carry weapons, unlike the current unarmed patrols. The military has stated that National Guard troops in Washington are equipped with personal protective gear, including body armour, while weapons remain stored unless needed.

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The deployment follows a controversial decree issued by Trump on Monday, which invoked the Home Rule Act to place Washington's police under federal command during a state of emergency.

However, Washington Attorney General Brian Schwalb has argued that the law only allows the US president to instruct Washington's mayor, Muriel Bowser, on how law enforcement agencies should be deployed.
Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, who featured in the Netflix documentary Tiger King, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for money laundering and wildlife trafficking.

What happened?

World Animal News reported Antle pleaded guilty to laundering over $500,000  money he claimed came from human smuggling across the border between the United States and Mexico  and for conspiring to violate the Lacey Act, a federal law that protects endangered species.

He'll also pay a $55,000 fine, give up nearly $200,000, and surrender three chimpanzees. Once released, he'll be under supervised watch for three more years.

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This wasn't a small-time scheme. Investigators said Antle used his Rare Species Fund  supposedly a nonprofit  as a cover to buy and sell protected animals, including lions, baby chimps, tigers, and cheetahs.

All moved through deals masked with fake donation receipts. Jason Clay, who moved a chimp and gibbon to Antle for $200,000 in cash, got four months in prison and another four under home confinement, according to the report.

Antle's Myrtle Beach Safari zoo was also used to clean the funds he thought were tied to human smuggling through construction invoices that never lined up.

"These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws," said Special Agent Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office.

Why does this matter?

As troubling as the impacts on the animals are, this kind of thing goes beyond that initial harm  it also erodes the whole idea of conservation and turns actual rescue efforts into a punchline. Cases like this may erode trust in organizations working to conserve our ecosystems and help animals.

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Fortunately, donating to vetted charities can help ensure your dollars are going toward causes you support.

Other cases show it's part of a bigger pattern of animal smuggling, with notable cases in India, Massachusetts, Thailand, and Indonesia.

What's being done about animal trafficking?

This case didn't end with Antle, as World Animal News detailed. One of his associates, Andrew Sawyer, was put on probation for two years and sentenced to eight months of home detention. He also had to forfeit $185,000 and a chimpanzee.

Another link in the chain, Shaylynn KolwyckPeterson, admitted to selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle for $200,000.

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The legal system stepped up this time  but tighter restrictions could make wildlife trafficking even more unappealing to those willing to take the risk. The Lacey Act continues to be a crucial tool in the protection of endangered animals. Conservation groups are calling for bans on private exotic pet ownership.

Exposing what's behind the fences matters. Because this wasn't just about a disgraced TV figure. It's about stopping the sale of living creatures like collectibles  and stopping the harm before it spreads.

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.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)  Despite the poor weather during the day, motorcyclists gathered in Oshkosh after a ride on Saturday to honor and support veterans who need it most.

The Motorcycle Rides were done to help support while showcasing love and support for veterans living at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, a long-term rehab care facility.

AirBnbs nonprofit providing emergency housing for people impacted by flooding in Wisconsin

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The facility houses veterans, veterans spouses, a surviving spouse and Gold Star Parents, who have lost a child in combat, while providing medical and nursing care to improve quality of life.

All of the money raised at the event went back to helping the Veterans Home at King, which Brenda Feathers, President of the Kindred Heartz Chrome Angelz, said it needs.

The state isnt helping; they help a little bit, but a lot of these veterans dont have money, Feathers said. They dont have anybody to hand them $20 and tell them to go out and eat. Theyre handicapped and cant jump into a vehicle to go out. They need a lot of help.

Feathers said that about 47 people showed up for the ride, as many backed out from the rain.

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Put your rain gear on, a lot of them wont do it, Feathers said. These guys (veterans) didnt have a choice, so were making the choice to go raise money for them.

Feathers comes from a family of service members, giving her a passion to help the community, especially the veterans. The event wasnt just a ride, as everybody gathered at Winklers Westward Ho in Oshkosh for food, beverages, live music and raffle baskets. 100% of donations went to the veterans.

Gary Vanderperren, a Past Post Commander of the Redgranite AMVETS Riders of Wisconsin 13, said he used to volunteer at the Veterans House at King. Vanderperren was also a veteran, and he expressed pride in his service time.

You dont have to be a veteran to be proud, but they saved us, its our time to give back to them, Vanderperren said. Thats where my passion comes from.

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About $100,000 raised at Pulling for Honor in Appleton despite early closure due to storms

While the event was small, Vanderperren said its meaningful and worthy, one that should open peoples eyes.

Click here to learn more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question youd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Will it ever be possible for time travel to occur?  Alana C., age 12, Queens, New York

Have you ever dreamed of traveling through time, like characters do in science fiction movies? For centuries, the concept of time travel has captivated peoples imaginations. Time travel is the concept of moving between different points in time, just like you move between different places. In movies, you might have seen characters using special machines, magical devices or even hopping into a futuristic car to travel backward or forward in time.

But is this just a fun idea for movies, or could it really happen?

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The question of whether time is reversible remains one of the biggest unresolved questions in science. If the universe follows the laws of thermodynamics, it may not be possible. The second law of thermodynamics states that things in the universe can either remain the same or become more disordered over time.

Its a bit like saying you cant unscramble eggs once theyve been cooked. According to this law, the universe can never go back exactly to how it was before. Time can only go forward, like a one-way street.

Time is relative

However, physicist Albert Einsteins theory of special relativity suggests that time passes at different rates for different people. Someone speeding along on a spaceship moving close to the speed of light  671 million miles per hour!  will experience time slower than a person on Earth.

People have yet to build spaceships that can move at speeds anywhere near as fast as light, but astronauts who visit the International Space Station orbit around the Earth at speeds close to 17,500 mph. Astronaut Scott Kelly has spent 520 days at the International Space Station, and as a result has aged a little more slowly than his twin brother  and fellow astronaut  Mark Kelly. Scott used to be 6 minutes younger than his twin brother. Now, because Scott was traveling so much faster than Mark and for so many days, he is 6 minutes and 5 milliseconds younger.

Some scientists are exploring other ideas that could theoretically allow time travel. One concept involves wormholes, or hypothetical tunnels in space that could create shortcuts for journeys across the universe. If someone could build a wormhole and then figure out a way to move one end at close to the speed of light  like the hypothetical spaceship mentioned above  the moving end would age more slowly than the stationary end. Someone who entered the moving end and exited the wormhole through the stationary end would come out in their past.

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However, wormholes remain theoretical: Scientists have yet to spot one. It also looks like it would be incredibly challenging to send humans through a wormhole space tunnel.

Paradoxes and failed dinner parties

There are also paradoxes associated with time travel. The famous grandfather paradox is a hypothetical problem that could arise if someone traveled back in time and accidentally prevented their grandparents from meeting. This would create a paradox where you were never born, which raises the question: How could you have traveled back in time in the first place? Its a mind-boggling puzzle that adds to the mystery of time travel.

Famously, physicist Stephen Hawking tested the possibility of time travel by throwing a dinner party where invitations noting the date, time and coordinates were not sent out until after it had happened. His hope was that his invitation would be read by someone living in the future, who had capabilities to travel back in time. But no one showed up.

As he pointed out: The best evidence we have that time travel is not possible, and never will be, is that we have not been invaded by hordes of tourists from the future.

Telescopes are time machines

Interestingly, astrophysicists armed with powerful telescopes possess a unique form of time travel. As they peer into the vast expanse of the cosmos, they gaze into the past universe. Light from all galaxies and stars takes time to travel, and these beams of light carry information from the distant past. When astrophysicists observe a star or a galaxy through a telescope, they are not seeing it as it is in the present, but as it existed when the light began its journey to Earth millions to billions of years ago.

NASAs newest space telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, is peering at galaxies that were formed at the very beginning of the Big Bang, about 13.7 billion years ago.

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While we arent likely to have time machines like the ones in movies anytime soon, scientists are actively researching and exploring new ideas. But for now, well have to enjoy the idea of time travel in our favorite books, movies and dreams.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question youd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit  adults, let us know what youre wondering, too. We wont be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Adi Foord, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

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Adi Foord does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Union Minister of State Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Sunday slammed the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which was kick-started by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav from Sasaram, Bihar, under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). He said that it is a big conspiracy to mislead the people of Bihar in the name of Special Intensive Revision (SIR). MoS Home Affairs told ANI, "The leaders of the INDIA Bloc, especially Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, are conspiring to mislead the people of Bihar so the people of Bihar are no longer going to fall into their trap because they know the reality of them." Minister Rai also appreciated the Election Commission for the SIR process in Bihar. He then accused the leaders of Voter Adhikar Yatra of wanting infiltrators to be given the right to vote in the Bihar assembly election. "The beginning of 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' by the leaders of the India Bloc is just a sham. The leaders of the INDIA Alliance, especially Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, want infiltrators to be given the right to vote in the Bihar assembly election, which is why they are carrying out the Voter Adhikar Yatra in support of those infiltrators," he said. Minister Rai further targeted Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi by saying, "Tejashwi Yadav ji, Rahul Gandhi listen carefully, no matter how much power you use, the infiltrators, Rohingyas, Bangladeshis will never get the right to vote in Bihar." "I am once again appealing to the 14 crore people of Bihar that you should not fall into the trap of Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi has come to Bihar to mislead you," he added. He further remind people of Bihar, saying that they should remember the period between 1990 and 2005, during which Gundaraj and Jungle Raj were established in Bihar by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. "People of Bihar should remember that they have seen the period between 1990 and 2005. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav want the era of 1990-2005 to return in Bihar, to establish Gunda Raj and Jungle Raj again in Bihar, to replace the Lalten era with electricity in the state, for roads to turn into potholes again, but people of Bihar will not allow this," he added. (ANI)
Bryan Patrick Miller violently murdered two young women in Phoenix in the early 1990s and went decades without being caught. By the time police caught up to him, he had a new persona and was hiding in plain sight. Genetic genealogy and DNA would be the keys to identifying him as the killer.

See how investigators tracked down a killer more than 20 years after the Phoenix canal murders.

The Zombie Hunter

Bryan Patrick Miller, center, who called himself the Zombie Hunter, poses for a photo with police officers. / Credit: Facebook

In 2014, Miller was known to many in the Phoenix area as the Zombie Hunter  a comic-book-inspired character who wore a mask and a long trench coat and carried a fake Gatling gun. He drove around in a tricked-out old police car and attended events taking photos with fans and even police officers. Investigators would later learn the man behind this costumed character had an extremely violent past.

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1989: Celeste Bentley stabbing

In May 1989, Celeste Bentley was stabbed in the back by a 16-year-old Bryan Patrick Miller. / Credit: Celeste Bentley

In May 1989, a Phoenix woman named Celeste Bentley got off a bus at the same stop as a 16-year-old Miller. "Well, when he had ran by me, I thought he had just hit me," Bentley said. "But then, I reached back to my back and I pulled my hand up and I saw the blood."

Miller had stabbed Bentley in her upper back. He was caught and charged with aggravated assault and sent to juvenile detention where he stayed until he turned 18.

1990: An ominous note

A disturbing note written by a teenage Bryan Patrick Miller that his mother found while he was in juvenile detention. It spelled out how he wanted to find, abduct, rape, murder and dismember a young woman. / Credit: Phoenix Police Department

While Miller was in juvenile detention, his mother Ellen made a strange discovery. She told police she found a disturbing note while cleaning his room. The note, with the heading "Plan" on the second page detailed a sadistic scheme to torture and kill a young woman. Ellen gave the note to police and refused to let Miller return home, so he moved into a halfway house.

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Nov. 8. 1992: Angela Brosso disappears

Angela Brosso / Credit: Cedar Cliff High School

On the eve of her 22nd birthday, a Phoenix woman named Angela Brosso went out for a solo evening bike ride. Her boyfriend Joe stayed home to bake her a birthday cake and expected her to be home within the hour. When Brosso didn't return, Joe took his bike out and rode around looking for her. He told investigators he went out three times that night looking for Brosso but couldn't find her.

Nov. 9, 1992: Brosso's body is found

Detectives at the Angela Brosso crime scene. / Credit: KPHO

The next morning, police searching for the missing woman came upon Brosso's body in the field next to her apartment. She had been fatally stabbed in the back, sexually assaulted and decapitated. Her head was nowhere to be found. Investigators discovered she had been attacked on the nearby bike path, and her bike was also missing.

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Eleven days later, Brosso's head was spotted in the Arizona Canal, about two miles from where her body had been found. Due to a lack of decomposition, investigators believed the killer may have kept her head in a refrigerator before dumping it in the canal.

Sept. 21, 1993: Melanie Bernas goes missing

Melanie Bernas / Credit: Maricopa County Court

Ten months later, high school junior Melanie Bernas took an evening bike ride while her mother Marlene was out to dinner. Marlene told police that when she came home that night, Melanie and her bike were gone.

The next morning, Phoenix local Charlotte Pottle was riding her bike with her daughter in the back seat when she rode through a strange-looking puddle. She circled back to get another look.

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"I could tell that it was a puddle of red, that it was a puddle of blood," said Pottle. She also noticed drag marks. She rode home and called police. When police came to the scene, they found Melanie's body floating in the canal dressed in a blue bodysuit. She had been fatally stabbed in the back and sexually assaulted. A matching DNA profile was found on both victims. Melanie and Angela's murders became known as the "canal murders."

1994: A tip

A teal bodysuit like the one police say Melanie Bernas was found wearing. / Credit: KPHO

In 1994, investigators received a tip suggesting Miller may have had a distinctive teal body suit that was similar to the one Melanie was found in. Investigators at the time seemingly never pursued Miller.

The case goes cold

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With a volume of tips coming in and hundreds of persons of interest, investigators were unable to find the person responsible for the murders. Decades passed with no arrest.

2011: The cold case unit

Clark Schwartzkopf was a cold case detective with the Phoenix Police Department. / Credit: CBS News

In 2011, Phoenix police detective Clark Schwartzkopf was working with the cold case unit investigating the canal murders. He says there were over 600 persons of interest in the case files. "I said, 'OK, give me the list,'" said Schwartzkopf. "Let's start at A and I'm going to go through all the backgrounds on all these people and see if I can find anybody in there that would be possible of  committing this type of potential violence."

2014: Genetic genealogy provides a new lead

Colleen Fitzpatrick, founder of Identifinders International. / Credit: CBS News

In late 2014, forensic genealogist Colleen Fitzpatrick spoke to investigators at a conference. Fitzpatrick's company, Identifinders International, had developed software that could mine public genealogy databases, searching for matches to crime scene DNA. Phoenix police sent her the DNA information from the canal murders. Fitzpatrick's company crunched the data and came up with the surname Miller. Schwartzkopf found six people with the last name Miller on his list. One of those names was Bryan Patrick Miller: a 42-year-old man with a juvenile record for the stabbing of Celeste Bentley.

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December 2014: Surveilling a potential suspect

Bryan Patrick Miller / Credit: Maricopa County Court

Schwartzkopf began to conduct surveillance on Miller and observed him on his breaks from work at an Amazon warehouse. To determine if he was the killer behind the decades-old canal murders, Schwartzkopf would have to obtain Miller's DNA. He came up with a ruse. During one of Miller's work breaks, Schwartzkopf approached Miller's car, introduced himself and offered a job proposal.

"I introduced myself as a security consultant. I said, 'listen, I've got a team of people here in this parking lot and we're watching this building that's north of you.'" He told Miller the owner suspected thieves were stealing merchandise and had hired him to watch the building.

"You're always  out here for your breaks," Schwartzkopf said he told Miller. " would you be interested in working for me as a security officer watching the building while you're outside?" Miller agreed and Schwartzkopf later scheduled a meeting to fill out a job application, with the hope of getting Miller's DNA.

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Jan. 2, 2015: The sting at Chili's

The mug Bryan Patrick Miller drank from during the sting. / Credit: Maricopa County Court

Schwartzkopf arranged for Miller to meet him at a Chili's restaurant in Phoenix. Schwartzkopf says investigators from the cold case unit were on the scene, working with staff to ensure Miller's silverware and dishes were free from contamination.

"So, they watched them pull them outta the dishwasher," Schwartzkopf told "48 Hours." "The detectives take the plates and the glasses and the silverware, and they move them directly to a booth that this manager has set up for us, away from everybody else."

To Schwartzkopf's surprise, Miller arrived with his 15-year-old daughter. Miller ordered a hamburger and a water and when he finally took a drink, Schwartzkopf knew he had his DNA. But after observing Miller's mild temperament and his rapport with his daughter, Schwartzkopf doubted Miller could be the person responsible for the brutal canal murders in the early 1990s.

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After the meal, they left the restaurant and detectives seized Miller's glass and sent it to the Phoenix Police Department crime lab for DNA analysis.

Jan. 13, 2015: DNA match

On Jan. 13, 2015, Bryan Patrick Miller was arrested and charged with the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas. / Credit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Eleven days later, the head of the crime lab told investigators they had a match to the DNA from the crime scenes where both Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas were found.

"She leans down to me, she goes, 'It's him  Bryan Miller, it's him,'" said Schwartzkopf.

Miller was arrested later that day. He was charged with first degree murder in both Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas' deaths. When a detective told him they had DNA linking him to the canal murder victims, Miller replied, "I don't see how that's possible." He also denied killing anyone.

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"It's full of crap"

Bryan Patrick Miller's kitchen.

Investigators got a search warrant for Miller's house where he and his teenage daughter had been living. Schwartzkopf was shocked by the state it was in.

"I can remember like it was yesterday walking up to the front door and everybody going, 'you can't get in that way.'  'It's full of crap,'" said Schwartzkopf.

Schwartzkopf and his team went through the entire house collecting items of evidence, but the women's long lost bicycles were not found, and neither was the murder weapon.

Trial for the canal murders

Bryan Patrick Miller during his murder trial. / Credit: Pool

Miller's trial began in October 2022. His attorney's admitted Miller was the canal killer but said that due to abuse he endured as a child, he developed severe mental health problems. His lawyers argued he was not guilty by reason of insanity.

A psychologist testified that Miller developed a condition known as dissociative amnesia - an inability to remember some traumatic events. Miller's attorneys claimed he had no memory of the canal murders. Miller claims he did not commit the murders.

Judge Suzanne Cohen found Miller guilty of both murders. In June 2023, Cohen sentenced him to death. Under Arizona law, he will have an automatic appeal.

Messages from death row

Bryan Patrick Miller was sentenced to death in June 2023. / Credit: Arizona Department of Corrections

Miller, now in his 50s, sits on death row at the Eyman Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona. A "48 Hours" producer contacted him via email to discuss the case. Miller maintains he did not commit the canal murders. When asked to explain how his DNA was found at both crime scenes, Miller said that is a question that will go unanswered.

"If I had a provable answer for that I wouldn't be in this situation now, would I," Miller replied. He says he doesn't believe he had a fair trial.

Regarding the prison conditions, Miller wrote, "  it is far from great, as I am even more isolated from those I care about and also my legal team, the food is still not great and the cells are getting very cold now that temps are falling."

He also expressed his personal views on the death penalty and its effect on the people he sees around him: "I see wasted lives and potential that would have been beneficial to society  I have always been against the death penalty and the more I see what death row is and who is here and how they got here, I am even more against it."

Miller says what he misses most is spending time with his daughter and friends and going to car shows and events.

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more
Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Aug. 17, according to the Tribunes archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 98 degrees (1988)

Low temperature: 48 degrees (1976)

Precipitation: 2.6 inches (1979)

Snowfall: None

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Our grand, old flag

1915: Lucy Derwent of Rockford won a $25 prize (almost $800 in todays dollars) from the Daughters of the American Revolution for her design of a state flag for Illinois  a field of blue on which a circle of white bears the states coat of arms. Derwent, who later lived in the Chicago area, presented her prize to the Rockford chapter of the D.A.R.

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1970: Soul Train premiered in Chicago on WCIU-TV with a budget so tight it couldnt afford color cameras or a dance floor bigger than a typical living room. But the show was an instant hit in Chicago, and it started consuming the after-school viewing time of a young, African American audience that other teen-oriented shows, including Dick Clarks American Bandstand, largely ignored.

1984: One person died and 47 were injured when two Chicago Transit Authority rapid transit trains collided at Montrose Avenue station on the OHare Line.

2003: Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon Osbourne sang Take Me Out To The Ball Game during the seventh inning stretch at Wrigley Field.

Near the end of the broadcast, WGN-Ch. 9 showed a replay of legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully giving the thumbs up after Osbournes rendition.

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If you get the seal of approval from Hall of Famer Vin Scully, you know youre doing OK, Cubs announcer Chip Caray said.

2010: After 14 days of deliberations, a six-man, six-woman jury convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich on just one of the 24 felony counts he faced  a charge that he had lied to FBI agents about his intense involvement in campaign fundraising.

At his second trial, in 2011, Blagojevich was found guilty on the more widespread allegations, including the Senate seat charges, trying to shake down a childrens hospital leader in exchange for sending money approved for pediatric services, and seeking a $100,000 contribution from a horse track owner in exchange for signing favorable legislation.

In 2020, President Donald Trump, a Republican later convicted of felonies himself, commuted Blagojevichs 14-year sentence to about eight years served.

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How many presidential pardons or sentence commutations have been granted to people from Illinois?

Want more vintage Chicago?

Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, just ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, criticized China on Sunday for its increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.

"Fundamental rules of our global coexistence are at stake here," he warned before his departure from the Hamburg Airport. This also has implications for Europe, he added.

Germany is countering this by advocating for "an international order based on the strength of the rule of law and binding rules for all."

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Wadephul is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and several ministers responsible for economic affairs in Tokyo on Monday. A speech at a peace foundation is also planned.

"Our freedom, our prosperity and our securitythe goals that guide me as foreign ministerare not decided in Europe alone. They are decided especially in cooperation with strong partners worldwide," the minister said, explaining the purpose of his trip.

Germany's foreign minister is set to visit Indonesia on Wednesday.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, just ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, criticized China on Sunday for its increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.

"Fundamental rules of our global coexistence are at stake here," he warned before his departure from the Hamburg Airport. This also has implications for Europe, he added.

Germany is countering this by advocating for "an international order based on the strength of the rule of law and binding rules for all."

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Wadephul is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and several ministers responsible for economic affairs in Tokyo on Monday. A speech at a peace foundation is also planned.

"Our freedom, our prosperity and our securitythe goals that guide me as foreign ministerare not decided in Europe alone. They are decided especially in cooperation with strong partners worldwide," the minister said, explaining the purpose of his trip.

Minister stresses importance of open sea routes

"The Indo-Pacific is crucial in determining how secure the freedom of sea routes, global supply chains and, consequently, the economic development of the entire world remains," Wadephul said.

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This is of paramount importance for major exporting economies like Germany and Japan, as well as for emerging partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Indonesia, he said.

Germany's foreign minister is set to visit Indonesia on Wednesday.

He criticized China for challenging the economies of Germany and Japan with unfair and market-distorting trade practices. He also noted that US tariff policies are unsettling businesses in Europe and Asia.

Germany, he said, is working with key partners like Japan and Indonesia to promote economic relations based on free trade, competition and fairness. Germany shares more with Japan than with almost any other country in the Indo-Pacific region, the minister added.

"We are united by values and interests, and we face the same massive challenges that call our liberal way of life into question."
Donald Trumps top Middle East envoy said that a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. was likely to occur in the days ahead but did not provide specifics regarding the deal reached between the president and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

However U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that Putin agreed to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee at his meeting with Trump.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Witkoff told CNN.

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He added that it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that and called them game-changing.

But the envoy wouldnt specify whether the security guarantee could lead to what Trump and his followers have long opposed  a promise to directly engage U.S. troops in defense of Ukraine should Russia continue crossing Trumps red lines.

Steve Witkoff spoke about the Trump-Putin meeting on CNN Sunday (CNN/State of the Union)

Trump met with Putin for nearly three hours Friday at a U.S. military base in Anchorage. In their first meeting in six years the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine. Trump has pushed for peace in the region but no ceasefire deal came out of the talks.

Also during the Sunday CNN interview, Witkoff declined to say whether a Russian demand for Ukraine to cede the entire occupied Donbas region was being considered by the U.S.

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There is an important discussion to be had with regard to Donetsk and what would happen there. And that discussion is going to specifically be detailed on Monday, when President Zelensky arrives with his delegation, he said.

We made so much progress at this meeting with regard to all the other ingredients necessary for a peace deal that President Trump pivoted to that place, he continued. We are intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently very, very quickly, quicker than a ceasefire.

All eyes are now on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky's crucial meeting with Trump at the White House Monday. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join Zelensky, and other European leaders at the talks. Finnish president Alexander Stubb, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and French president Emmanuel Macron are among those who will be on hand to prevent any flare-ups between the Ukrainian president and Trump.

Coverage of that meeting has largely centered around the theme of damage control, with European leaders insistent on having a seat at the table for future negotiations.

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At the same time, the Trump administration is signaling that it will not put significant pressure on Russia to force a peace agreement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing separately Sunday on ABC, said that further sanctions on Russia were, for the time being, likely off the table.

The minute you levy additional sanctions, strong, additional sanctions, the talking stops. Talking stops. And at that point, the war just continues, Rubio said. He and Witkoff were part of th delegation to join Trump in Alaska for the summit.

Rubio added that meant more people dead. More people killed. More people maimed. More families destroyed.

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Many Republicans have come out publicly to state that Trump was wrong about his assumption in February that Putin wants peace in Ukraine.

I think hes going to be very careful about what he does, Sen. Mike Rounds said of Trump backing further Russian sanctions in early August. But I think he is clearly disappointed in Putin and I think he is now coming around to recognizing that many of us were right.
Worried traders say they are being "kept in the dark" over their forthcoming move into a new indoor market hall being built in Wigan town centre.

Several business owners told BBC Radio Manchester they did know what their new stalls would look like at the Fettlers shopping centre.

Ray Smith, who has sold shoes at Wigan market for 34 years, said: "They haven't given us any idea of floor plans or how big our stalls are going to be."

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Wigan Council said it was working with the market operator to clarify those details and would continue to support traders.

As well as an indoor market hall, the Fettlers shopping centre will include a Hilton hotel, an office block, leisure facilities and about 450 apartments.

It will replace the Galleries shopping centre, which was bought by Wigan Council in 2018 and has since been demolished.

Kathleen Clunan, who sells cold meats and pies at Wigan indoor market hall, said: "I will need new refrigerators, hot displays, rotisseries and slicing machines."

The 61-year-old added: "Those things will cost tens of thousands of pounds and I fear the new indoor market hall won't have the space for everything I have now."

Kathleen Clunan sells cold meats and pies at Wigan indoor market hall [BBC]

Aidan Thatcher, director of place at Wigan Council, said the local authority had supported the traders.

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"We want to put the market hall back in the heart of the town centre," he said.

"The council will pay for things like storage, fridges and cooking facilities."

The council said it had acknowledged a sharp reduction in footfall to the market and had cut rents by 50%.

The local authority also said it had not passed on rises in energy bills and had built a new car park next to the existing indoor market.

Work on a new indoor market hall is under way in Wigan town centre [BBC]

Some traders said the construction site for the new Fettlers shopping centre had left the existing market hall isolated on the edge of the town centre.

Laura Tomlinson, who has worked at June's Farmhouse Barbecue at Wigan indoor market for 20 years, said: "There's nobody coming in - it's diabolical.

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"Eventually it will be bustling but how many businesses will survive until then?"

Laura Tomlinson works at June's Farmhouse Barbecue at Wigan indoor market [BBC]

The hospitality operator Northern Lights Group has been appointed to manage the indoor market at Fettlers, which is expected to open before Christmas 2026.

The shopping centre will include a new public square, providing an access route to the Victorian Makinson Arcade.

Its name derives from the phrase "in fine fettle", which refers to a piece of metal or pottery which has had its rough edges trimmed.

Related stories
The following is the transcript of an interview with Fiona Hill, former senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 17, 2025.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face the Nation. Fiona Hill served as the Senior Director for Russia and European Affairs on the National Security Council during President Trump's first term. She joins us now from Waterville, Maine. Good morning to you.

FIONA HILL: Good morning, Margaret.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Fiona, you were an advisor during that infamous Helsinki summit in 2018. You've spoken about that in the past. I wonder what you think about how this Alaska summit compared?

HILL: Well, obviously quite different in many respects. Part of it was the fact that they decided to skip the one-on-one meeting and the lunch. I mean, these are usually part of the sort of set of summits like this. And the press conference, obviously, was more of an announcement, or a set of announcements- presentations by both leaders. Much more by President Putin, and more of a commentary by President Trump. So there wasn't that free-for-all of press questions, which I'm sure was a bit disconcerting for you and others who were present there, at Alaska. But the optics weren't exactly great, as Congressman crow has laid out for the United States and for President Trump, again, I mean, again, different, but although it was presented as perhaps a show of power by being at a US Air Force base with the fight passing of the B-52s and other fighter jets, it did certainly look much more like a show of appreciation for Vladimir Putin. And so, the optics were really much more favorable to Putin than they were to the United States. It really looked like Putin had set the agenda there, the narrative and, in many respects, the tone for the whole summit meeting.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, saying that, you know, the President has a team of advisers around him, and in a traditional administration, those advisers would be setting the policy, they would be planning the optics, and they would be thinking through that. Do you think that the President's team set him up for success here?

HILL: Well, look, it may well have been that one of the demands, because we've heard from Secretary Rubio, which I have to say, I think was a very fair assessment of where things are. So it may well have been that one of the demands by the Russians to make any progress in moving further forward was to actually have that kind of show of pomp and pageantry, that basically marks Putin's re-entry into international affairs. Maybe the Russians said to them in Moscow, either to Steve Witkoff or to Secretary Rubio, or to anybody else, that basically they wanted to have a major US-Russia, bilateral summit appearance before they would move on to the nitty-gritty of anything else in Ukraine. That's to give them- them all the benefit of the doubt there. But, it all now depends on what comes out of this. And I think again, Secretary Rubio made it very clear that it's not going to be easy. He was certainly downplaying any expectations of a major breakthrough. But he did say that there was something that might be possible. I think that's what's going to be the proof of whether this was actually worth all the effort that they went to in Alaska or not. And as Congressman Crow said, there's a pretty high bar here, because what Putin is doing is pretty brutal, and he's not showing, right now, any signs whatsoever of giving anything up.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: The United Kingdom's Defense Secretary has said that they would be willing to put boots on the ground in Ukraine to help oversee a ceasefire. When you hear these security guarantees being talked about, and the Secretary said he is going to negotiate that tomorrow, what should we think- what form is that going to take? What do you think that should look like?

HILL: Well, look, I think he actually laid this out, and you did too in your questions. And I think Congressman Crow made it very clear as well. It has to be a combination of all of the things that we've already heard discussed on the show today. You have to be able to have some boots on the ground. Congressman Crow that it doesn't have to be the United States. That's actually the case. But, it actually has to be some commitment from the United States to enable European forces to actually hold that territory and to provide some security guarantees for Ukraine. The United States is key in terms of its intelligence, in terms of enabling equipment, and the information and the data that we would need for all of this to make a security intervention mean something. And it's also essential in terms of all kinds of other forms of equipment and defensive weaponry. We've already heard, of course, about Ukraine needing all kinds of equipment, from javelins in the past, to patriots, now, in terms of an integrated missile defense system that Ukraine desperately needs. So there's a lot there that we all know needs to be done, and what we really need to see, I think, in these meetings that will take place on Monday and moving forward, is a real commitment to the United States, to work with Europeans, and to work with Ukraine to make this happen. Look, this is existential, also for European security. So, minimizing the real role of Europe here, be it the United Kingdom, be it Poland, be it Finland, be it France, be it Germany, is not the way to go. Europe has to have an equal say in all of this. This is about Europe's future and the future of European security, not just about Ukraine's.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to ask you about the dynamic between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. You know both men. You've written biographies of Vladimir Putin, and of course, you served under Donald Trump. In one of the FOX interviews that President Trump did, he said that he spoke about mail-in voting in the United States with Vladimir Putin, and during that press address, Putin also claimed that the war wouldn't have happened at all if Donald Trump had been President. I mean, that's a counterfactual, but that something Trump often says on the- on the trail, why would those things be discussed at all if this was about Ukraine?

HILL: Exactly. Well, look, this is Vladimir Putin, as usual, trying to manipulate U.S. domestic politics. I've seen him do this over and over again, including at Helsinki when he set the president off, not in the press conference, but before that, in a whole diatribe against his political enemies, because Putin deliberately asked him about this. So Putin knows that President Trump wants to have an acknowledgement of his self-assertion that the war wouldn't have happened had he not- had he been in the presidency. And so, Putin is giving him something that plays well for President Trump in his own domestic environment. It doesn't play well in the international environment, where people know things are much more complicated, but it's basically a gift and a concession to President Trump himself. And Putin wants to sow chaos in the American electoral system ahead of the midterms. So, of course, he's led into this whole issue of mail-in voting. And President Trump asserted in his Fox News interview that there are no countries in the world that allow mail-in voting. Well, Russia allows mail-in voting, and if everybody wants to go out and look, they can look for themselves. In 2020, President Vladimir Putin signed into law Russians being able to vote by mail and also on the internet. And more than 30 other countries also allow some forms of mail-in voting. So, it's just not true that other countries, including Russia, don't use this. It's a pure, blatant piece of manipulation, and that's the kind of thing that Putin likes to do.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: And, of course, I don't think you would endorse the outcome of that voting system and that those elections are rigged in Russia. Correct?

HILL: Of course. And I mean, basically, Putin wants to see us tie ourselves up in knots between now and the midterms. He's trying to sow chaos, and he's just basically used his time with President Trump to push that along. It's, again, it's a diversion, it's a distraction, really, from the negotiations on Ukraine, because Putin doesn't really want to give anything up, so he gives up, basically, something that plays well in the political arena for President Trump and something that actually plays very badly for the United States in its own political arena, which is the mail-in voting point that he made.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Fiona Hill, always appreciate your analysis. Thank you for joining us today. We'll be right back.

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more

Face the Nation Page 2: Hill, Sullivan, Andres
The following is the transcript of an interview with Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 17, 2025.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We turn now to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that the total number of starvation-related deaths has now risen to 250, including 110 children, seven of those deaths in the last 24 hours. World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres joins us this morning from Jerusalem. He visited Gaza late last week. Good morning. It is rare to get a look inside of Gaza. The IDF does not allow journalists in to freely report, but they let you in. What did you see?

JOSE ANDRES: It was a day trip. I was able to go early in the day and leave before sunset, and I visit our main- one of our two main kitchens inside Gaza in Deir al-Balah. And I was able to visit the few warehouses we have there, the bakery, the kitchens, and spending a day trying to see what else the teams need, what else we need to be doing, how we are going to be increasing the hot food and bread that we are producing right now. So this was a day, again, to show support, to see on my own and assess the situation of our own kitchens. And that's what I have to report about that.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: The U.N. says that there is starvation happening in Gaza, Israel's Prime Minister says there is no starvation. What's real?

ANDRES: Obviously, there is always a gray area, but we are making boxes for children that we know they are in very- a special need situation. I saw those boxes being made with the name of every one of the children. We need to remember that during many weeks, no food was going inside Gaza, and this is two- two million people. So in the places we know we are feeding, we are doing around 200,000 meals a day, but this is only 10 percent of the need. That's what we are trying to increase. I can say that where we are, obviously, people are- are being fed at the bare minimum. It's not everything they should be receiving, but at the very least they're receiving a piece of bread and a piece of food. But we need much more aid. We need to make sure that the aid is never interrupted again. We need to make sure that the flow of trucks keeps happening. We need to make sure that we have safe roads so those trucks can reach their intended delivery place. We need to make sure that all the NGOs that are actively trying to do the best they can to take care of people inside Gaza- and this is beyond food, obviously, medicines, etc., etc. We need to make sure that the aid is massive enough that we don't get to those moments where- in some areas, like in the north, that is still very difficult to reach, that we know that people are desperate for food.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You mentioned for many weeks no food was allowed in. That was a government policy. There was a blockade for many months. That is now lifted officially. But as you say, your organization wants to scale up. You are trying to produce one million meals a day in Gaza. Can you get the fuel in to do that? Can you get the food in? Are Israeli officials giving you a green light?

ANDRES: Well, it's a million because we are an organization that we specialize in emergencies and in food, but obviously we are requesting that all the NGOs that are participating in feeding are given more access, including us and other organizations like Anera, which was one of the organizations we work with that they've been in Gaza for many, many decades- and many others. We need to make sure that everybody has access. For that, we need a lot of things, the trucks inside Gaza. We need to remember that the trucks come from outside Gaza, and there they are put aside. And then we need to reload the trucks that are inside Gaza. This takes time. We need more trucks inside so the trucking company can have enough people and enough trucks to have a constant flow. I have to report that, yes, I saw a good flow of trucks going in. I don't- around 150 to 250 trucks are going in every day. But even I will say that this is not enough. We need to make sure that we massively increase- that we massively make sure that nobody has to be walking for miles to try to reach a place where they can find a plate of food or use a bag of rice. We need to make sure- like what World Central Kitchen does, at one moment we had, you know, 100, 200 kitchen partners. We need to make sure that we are cooking where people live. We need to make sure that we are feeding them where people are, so the people don't have to be, again, leaving their neighborhoods, leaving their tents and walking for hours back and forth only to try to bring little bit of food back home.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: In terms of walking to designated areas for food, you're referring to the model that the Israelis have set up with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. You are saying that their preferred method of feeding people is not sufficient.

ANDRES: Well, it takes a village, right? To feed 2 million people and more in a- in a situation like the people of Gaza are facing. That's why the model we are- we are pushing for is the more kitchens we have, the better. Right now, we have 80 partner kitchens on top of the two main World Central Kitchen kitchens, but that's not enough. We need to make sure that we increase the numbers of World Central Kitchen, the big ones that people can see on the webpage of World Central Kitchen or in my Twitter account. We need to make sure that our partner kitchens, that they produce between 500 and two, three, four thousand meals each. We need to make sure the bakeries are fully loaded with bread. We need to make sure that we have the fuel. That's why we need to be bringing pellets, because we have hundreds of kitchens firing up every day. We need the fuel to be able to cook the food. The big bakery we have, a bakery that was in partnership with the Kingdom of Jordan that is doing almost 50,000 loaves of bread a day. We need diesel to make sure that we are able to move the machinery to be very effective, but that's only one bakery doing 50,000 pitas a day. We need many more bakeries to make sure that we are able to- to cover the demand of 2 million people.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Before I let you go, I have to ask you about an incident that happened a few days ago. World Central Kitchen issued a statement saying the Israeli government told you armed people were posing as workers for your organization. Is that the first time that you've heard bad actors are trying to pose as humanitarian workers? Have you experienced exploitation by Hamas?

ANDRES: Obviously, World Central Kitchen, we are a young organization. Gaza is a very complicated place. I know this is still kind of under investigation on our side and everybody else. But doubly, we are there to be next to the people of Gaza, next to the Palestinians. At the end, what we have is Palestinians feeding Palestinians. Only in our kitchens, we have around 600 Palestinians doing amazing work just trying to feed their fellow citizens, and that's what we plan to continue to make sure that Palestinians feed Palestinians, that Palestinians take care of themselves, and we're going to be giving them all the support we can to achieve that.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: And I understand you met with a former hostage while you were in- in Israel, whose brother is still being held in Gaza. What did you learn?

ANDRES: Yeah, I've been- I've been- I've been- I've been meeting with- with different- but these- I met with Iair Horn. His brother is still in Gaza. You know, we had a two hour conversation. You know, was hard to listen to the story. Obviously, he wants his brother- his brother out. Today is a very massive strike in- in Israel, and everybody is asking for the return of the hostages. That's what should be happening. That's what should be- let's hope that this happens, obviously, alongside of a cease-fire, of peace, where nobody is under bombs, where nobody has their loved ones away, where nobody is losing their loved ones in the middle of- of- of this- of this war, where everybody is fed, where we can start the reconstruction of Gaza, where every children can receive a plate of food that they can go back to school, where, obviously, the hostages are released, where the people of Palestine and Gaza can live in peace and where the people of Israel can live in peace. What is good for you must be good for me. Let's hope that you at least will cover the basic minimums right now of feeding everybody, hopefully also the hostages being released as soon as possible.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Jose Andres, thank you very much for your time this morning.

Laufey on creating her own sound

A robotics activist's remarkable crusade

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 17, 2025.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we're joined now by Colorado Democratic Congressman Jason Crow. Good to see you in person. Before we start talking about Ukraine, I want to pick up on something, since you sit on the Intelligence Committee. The Secretary of State just said that lawmakers had come to the Trump administration with information that they've been granting visas to individuals with ties to Hamas, or with organizations with ties to Hamas. That's a pretty stunning accusation. Israel controls who enters and exits Gaza. The United States screens all visas. So, is there really a blind spot that you are aware of?

REP. JASON CROW: I'm not aware of that. But if that's true, actually, that is concerning. That would be a problem. I mean, Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. They should not be traveling anywhere. So, if that's happening, it should be stopped immediately. And, you know, the Intelligence Committee has a role to play in that.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: But the Intelligence Committee wasn't behind the information presented to the Secretary of State.

REP. CROW: I have not been briefed on that. I have no information about it.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Okay, on Ukraine: You know that the U.S. intelligence assessment is that the battlefield is turning in Russia's favor, despite the fact that Putin has to rely on Iran and North Korea to keep this thing going. If neither President Biden nor President Trump were ever willing to commit troops, doesn't the secretary have a point that it has to be hammered out at the negotiating table?

REP. CROW: You know, this absolutely will end at a negotiating table, like most conflicts will. But what happened on Friday was a historic embarrassment for the United States. There's no other way to put it. Right? You listen to what Marco Rubio and the president have said. They keep on saying they're dedicating time. They're making it a priority. They're focusing their attention on it. In any negotiation, when you're trying to end an armed conflict, there's nothing more important than understanding what motivates your adversary. What is making Vladimir Putin tick, in this instance. Vladimir Putin does not care about the amount of time that we're nego- we're allocating to this, does not care about a B-2 bomber flyover, does not care about a lineup of F-22 fighters rolled out. He doesn't care about any of that. What Vladimir Putin cares about is basically three things. He cares about economic pressure in the form of sanctions. He cares about political, diplomatic isolation, being a pariah state. And he cares about military defeat. Those are the three things that will end this conflict if he feels pressure on all of those three fronts. And this administration continues to be unwilling to do anything to assert pressure in any of those three areas.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, they have put in place some secondary sanctions, at least on India here, and they haven't pulled back. They need Congress to help them repeal a lot of these sanctions. But bigger picture, in hindsight, do you think the United States to date has been too hesitant to actually help Ukraine win this war? President Obama did not send offensive weapons to Ukraine. President Biden was criticized for being perhaps too slow in delivery of certain weapons.

REP. CROW: There's no doubt. As you know, I was one of the members of Congress that, on a bipartisan basis, pushed really hard in the first two years of this war, under the Biden administration, to do more, to do more quicker. And I was concerned that we were doing just enough to prevent Ukraine from losing and not doing enough to help them win. And I do believe that had we done more, and we had done it faster, and that we were willing to be more aggressive in providing aid and support for Ukraine, then they would be in a different position on the battlefield today. But compare that to what this administration has done, which has relieved almost all pressure. Like look at what happened on Friday. U.S. military personnel in uniform, literally, were on their hands and knees, rolling out a red carpet for the most murderous dictator of the 21st century. Somebody who has kidnapped and is holding prisoner tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Somebody who started this whole war, right? This both-sides-ism that the administration is engaging in, that both sides need to come to the table and negotiate. Ukraine is the victim. They are the victim. They didn't start this war. Russia did. And somehow we keep on acting like Vladimir Putin deserves to be brought out into the open like any other head of state. This is a historic embarrassment and defeat for U.S. foreign policy.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You have served this country in uniform. I wonder, since you sit on the Armed Services Committee, how comfortable you would be with the United States giving this, whatever the Article Five-like security guarantee would look like. Is that something you should see boots on the ground to do?

REP. CROW: I don't think boots on the ground would be the way to go. But, certainly, the United States has assets and capability that I think are essential to any type of security guarantee. I think Europe has to come forward with the forward presence of military. But we can provide intelligence. We can provide economic support, diplomatic support. One of the most important things that we can do right now is actually seize Russian assets. This would be huge. This would be a game-changing thing that put pressure on Vladimir Putin. And actually create security guarantees and reconstruction for Ukraine. There's over $150 billion of seized Russian assets, and the United States could lead a coalition to seize that money. Allocate it towards reconstruction, allocate it towards security, allocate it towards the building of a Ukrainian military that could actually resist Russia going forward. But this administration is unwilling to do it.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: Last administration was too, they--

REP. CROW: --That's right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: They did agree to the legislation. But on the immigration front, you and your fellow Democratic lawmakers are now trying to challenge the Trump administration's policy that requires notice to be given before you visit an immigration facility. You just did visit some. What did you see, and how does that compare to the last visit?

REP. CROW: Well, there's an ICE detention center in my district, in Aurora, Colorado. I have visited that center 10 times now over the last five years, six years. And oversight of federal facilities is one of the most important things that any member of Congress does. Air Force bases, military bases, VA hospitals and ICE detention centers. This administration just tripled the budget of ICE. Made it the largest federal law enforcement agency in the history of the United States. Bigger than the FBI, ATF, DEA, all others combined. And they are putting in roadblocks to prevent oversight, to prevent transparency because they were trying to hide what they are doing. That is unacceptable. So we filed a lawsuit to force them to abide by federal law that guarantees us access.

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MARGARET BRENNAN: And we'll see where that heads next. Jason Crow, thank you. We'll be right back.

Laufey on creating her own sound

A robotics activist's remarkable crusade

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
Portland resident Phillip Vincent Haskins-Delici was sentenced on August 14 to 24 hours of community service, a seven-day suspended jail term, and one year of probation for assaulting Arab-American woman Sorbeah Ara Almosa.

Haskins-Delici, who goes by the name Isabel Rosa Araujo, is a man who identifies as a transgender woman. He was convicted on August 6 of fourth-degree assault and unlawful use of mace.

The incident occurred in Couch Park during a counter-protest to an anti-Israel rally in March 2024, where Almosa burned a copy of the Quran.

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Araujo wore tactical gear labeled Antifa Super Soldier and a gas mask before spraying Almosa with a burning chemical, reportedly mace.

A close friend of Haskins-Delicis family said he was raised in a Christian household in Westville, New Jersey, but later became radicalized online. His demeanor changed drastically after the crossdressing and cosplay started, and he was heavily involved with the creeps in the chatrooms and elsewhere, the friend said.

Araujos shift to identifying as Latinx and a Muslima marked a departure from his upbringing. His attorney indicated he plans to request that Araujo be allowed to carry mace during probation, citing fear of fascists.

Observers note that Multnomah County has generally reduced incarceration rates for nonviolent offenses. The decision to impose community service, suspended time, and probation for what prosecutors described as a politically motivated assault has raised concerns about accountability.

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Video footage from outside the courthouse, posted by Andy Ngo on X, shows Araujo walking with fellow transgender activist Heather-Lynne Van Wilde before confronting Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt. He shouted, Khaybar Khaybar ya yahud, an Arabic chant referring to a 7th-century Islamic battle in which Muslim forces killed Jewish tribes.

Araujo then screamed F*ck Israel six times and cursed at the reporter: F*ck you! You are a propagandist for Andy Ngo, a f*cking Nazi! A Zionist Nazi! An Israel boot-licking Nazi! He also told her to kill herself before being led away by his lawyer.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, critics of the transgender movement have increasingly raised allegations of terrorism and other criminal activity in recent years, citing incidents across the United States involving acts of violence, threats, and extremist affiliations.
"Special discussion on India's first astronaut aboard the International Space Station-critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047," the agenda released by Lok Sabha secretariat read.

Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in Delhi in the early hours of Sunday.

He was received at Delhi's IGI airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, as well as his family, including his wife and son.

Shukla was part of NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on June 25. He returned to Earth on July 15, splashing down off the coast of California. He became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space.

Alongside this landmark discussion, two crucial Bills will be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal will move for leave to introduce the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025.

The second bill is the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025. It will be moved by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This Bill proposes further amendments to the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017. (ANI)
Flickers of the bygone days of Indianas political pragmatism have rekindled in the past week. Political pressure is already threatening that fledgling spark.

It was lit by the Trump administration. The White House is trying to strongarm Republican-majority states into redrawing their congressional boundaries, years ahead of the constitutionally based post-census cycle.

Now, President Donald Trump has invited all 110 Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly to an Aug. 26 meeting in the White House, the Indianapolis Star reported Friday.

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They should decline, politely if that softens the consequences for those lawmakers.

The coercion from the White House is a purely political ploy to win more Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Not through better candidates, policies or campaigning, but by simply erasing the existing lines and redrawing them to ensure a GOP victory.

Trumps Republican Party holds a narrow 219-212 majority in the House, with four vacant seats. The party in control of the White House historically loses seats in midterm elections. If that holds true in the 2026 election, Democrats could regain the House majority, complicating Trumps plans.

So, the White House has unleashed a pressure campaign on governors and state lawmakers in Republican-leaning states to redraw congressional districts to win more House seats. It started with Texas, where Republicans hold 25 of the Lone Star States 38 seats in the U.S. House, and has spread to others.

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The U.S. Constitution provides for states to redistrict after the decennial census, which happens next in 2030. This is 2025.

The presidents rationale for disrupting that cycle, specifically in Texas?

We are entitled to five more seats, Trump told CNBC on Aug. 5.

Soon, compliant Texas Republicans began working to conjure up new boundaries to deliver those five seats in 2026, setting off a wild clash with minority Democrats who left that state in a procedural move to stall the scheme. Then, Vice President J.D. Vance was sent to Indiana to twist the arms of Gov. Mike Braun, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston and state Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray to follow Texass lead. The Hoosier leaders were basically noncommittal.

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Numbers illustrate the reason why Indiana officials should not join the power grab. Republicans already hold seven of the states nine seats in the U.S. House. That calculates to 78% of the seats. That is far more than the actual Republican-Democratic split in Indiana. Braun won the 2024 governors race with 54% of the vote, while Democratic challenger Jennifer McCormick got 41%.

Trump wants 100% of Indianas seats, and wants new lines drawn to guarantee that outcome.

Admirably, a surprising number of Republican Indiana state legislators have pushed back against the scheme.

Zionsville Rep. Becky Cash told WTHR in Indianapolis, I do not support redistricting and do not know of any reason why Indiana should redistrict. Even staunch conservative Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour gave the highly unusual and politically optically horrible scheme a hard no on social media, adding, If there are seats that need targeted, we should do it the old-fashioned way and campaign harder in those districts.

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Spencer Deery, the Republican state senator from Lafayette summoned a slice of the late Richard Lugars statesmanship, saying, We are being asked to create a new culture in which it would be normal for a political party to select new voters, not once a decade, but any time it fears the consequences of an approaching election. That would clearly violate the concept of popular sovereignty by making it harder for the people to hold their elected officials accountable, and the country would be an uglier place for it.

Deery is right; it would be.

There is no need for state legislators to travel to the White House to face intimidation. Indiana should study its legislative boundaries after the 2030 census, and no sooner.
Two passengers were rushed to the hospital after the motorcycle they were riding on got into a crash with a pickup truck in South Hill, according to the Pierce County Sheriffs Office(PCSO).

The Sheriffs Office received a call about a crash that happened at the intersection of 160th St E and Gem Heights Rd E at around 6:46 p.m. on Friday.

The two passengers, a 25-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman, were rushed to the hospital.

One of the motorcycle riders has leg injuries, but the sheriffs office didnt say which of the two had the injuries.

PCSO is still investigating the cause of the crash.
I dropped out of high school two weeks before the start of my senior year. It wasnt planned. A few failed classes turned into a quiet slide out of the system. Like too many students, I fell through the cracks.

A few weeks later, I got a job with a mobile veterinary clinic serving low-income neighborhoods across the mid-Atlantic. Wed set up in strip mall parking lots and Tractor Supply back rooms, vaccinating and microchipping dozens of pets each shift. I was 18, wrestling 120-pound German shepherds and coming home with dirt and blood on my scrubs. One day, a bite sent me to the ER for sutures up my side. Still, I loved it.

Related: From Fame To Fade: My Faux Hollywood Big Break

Then things slowed down. As my friends applied to college, one thing became increasingly clear: Without a degree, the road ahead would be narrower, steeper and far less forgiving. Finishing school felt like the difference between having choices and getting left behind.

Related: School Segregation Is On The Rise  And Trump Is Likely To Make It Worse

So I hit the books. I relied on public libraries and free online resources that entire year. I earned my GED in the basement of a community college and spent the next few months reading whatever I could get my hands on: vintage paperbacks, old textbooks, open-access PDFs. Eventually, I started poking through Supreme Court opinions. The more I read, the more engrossed I became. I was captivated by the stakes of it all, especially the idea that law, when done right, could be a support system.

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I applied to nearly two dozen colleges. One said yes, and I started over.

I studied relentlessly, graduated at the top of my class and went on to Harvard Law School. As a practicing attorney, one of my first major cases was representing a student with learning disabilities.

The author with his dog at Harvard Law School Courtesy of Ryan W. Powers

This girl was in seventh grade and had an individualized education plan. Under federal law, the school district was required to provide targeted reading help, one-on-one tutoring and regular check-ins to help her stay on track. Instead, administrators terminated her mandated behavioral support plan and rolled back her test-taking accommodations. My job was to work with the Department of Education to make the district follow the law.

When I first took on her case, the DOE still had the will and the resources to hold schools accountable. It felt like the kind of fight where the system, if pushed, could still work. For me, it was deeply personal: a chance to turn my own experiences into something useful.

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But the legal landscape shifted sharply with the return of the Trump administration, and I found myself with a front-row seat to an unsettling reality.

In May, the Trump administration released its FY 2026 budget proposal. The plan calls for a $12 billion cut to the DOE  about 15% of the Departments total. A central feature is the consolidation of 18 competitive and formula grant programs, including those serving English learners and migrant students, from $6.5 billion into a $2 billion K-12 Simplified Funding Program. That figure represents a roughly 70% cut from current levels, effectively shrinking targeted investments in vulnerable student populations.

The budget negatively impacts programs that fund education research, preschool access and workforce training  gutting the data, early-intervention and career-readiness efforts that help close learning gaps. Without these programs, the DOE leaves struggling schools with fewer resources and less accountability.

Related: Experts Reveal The 'Real Damage' Trump's DOE Cuts Will Do To Our Schools

Simultaneously, Trump has unleashed multiple executive orders to suppress federal diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. These orders dismantle DEI programming across the federal government, withdraw federal recognition of transgender identities and ban gender ideology instruction in K-12 schools while authorizing prosecution of educators supporting transgender students.

Related: My Cousin And I Exchanged Thousands Of Texts Before She Died  But I Never Asked The 1 Question I Should Have

Taken together, these measures strip away targeted funding streams, dismantle enforcement infrastructure and narrow the pathways that have historically helped disenfranchised students overcome systemic barriers.

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For students, that impact will be immediate and structural. Deep budget cuts and program consolidations have left the DOE without the staff or resources to keep pace. Backlogs will grow, and the pressure on school districts to follow IEPs will evaporate. That means canceled therapy sessions, long evaluation delays or the quiet removal of key accommodations. Low-income and rural students, heavily reliant on federal funding, will feel the shift hardest. A missed tutoring session in middle school can cascade into failing grades and limited options years later.

The author at Harvard Law School graduation Courtesy of Ryan W. Powers

I know what it means to rely on public education systems. Free libraries, subsidized tutoring programs and early-intervention services carried me to my GED. Without them, I might never have made it to college, let alone law school. For the seventh-grade student I represented, the difference between the DOE I knew and the DOE she faces now is stark. Every month of backlog is another month without the supports she needs, and we have allowed those delays to become the norm.

Its not just about students with learning disabilities. Its about what happens when political leaders charged with enforcing rights are hostile to them  and the protections that once felt guaranteed slowly lose their power. What should be guaranteed in law is no longer carried out in practice.

For the student I represented, the stakes werent abstract. They were the ability to read at grade level, to communicate, to have a real shot at a future. That case isnt over, but the fight has changed. And for millions of students in Trumps America, its only getting harder to win.

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Ryan W. Powers is a legal analyst and former Big Law attorney, licensed to practice in New York and Washington, D.C. He currently writes a weekly newsletter on democracy, dissent and the law, which you can find here.

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President Donald Trumps top negotiator in Ukraine appeared like a deer in headlights discussing what the president had achieved in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff insisted his boss made progress achieving peace during the summit, though acknowledged that what Trump fell short of the ceasefire that he had promised before the meeting.

Maybe not enough for a peace deal, but were on the path for the first time, Witkoff said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday.

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Witkoff said Russia has agreed to legislative enshrinement in the Russian Federation not to go after European countries and violate their sovereignty before claiming cryptically that the failure to arrive at a ceasefire at the Alaska summit had paved the way for an end to fighting.

Ukraine took care of that by killing 100k Russians. If that is the baseline the US wants we should just arm Ukraine more and have them kill another 100k Russians. https://t.co/0fuB0cKt47  Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 17, 2025

We are intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently, quicker than a ceasefire, Witkoff claimed.

Host Jake Tapper appeared perplexed.

I still dont understand how not getting the ceasefire is a win, he said.

We cut through all kinds of issues that would have to be discussed and agreed to during a ceasefire period, Witkoff claimed. The fundamental issue, which is some sort of land swap, which is obviously, ultimately in control of the Ukrainiansthat could not have been discussed at this meeting.

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Without specifying, Witkoff said that the Russian delegation made some other concessions on several of the regions [of Ukraine], which he called significant.

That doesnt mean its enough, he said.

Witkoff said territorial concessions would be discussed on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Witkoff further claimed Putin had agreed to effectively offer Article Five-like language to cover a security guarantee, referring to the provision of the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (NATO) agreement that signatories would treat an attack on any NATO member as an attack on them all.

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Tapper pressed Witkoff on this claim, asking Witkoff if any further incursions in Ukraine, Russia would understand would be seen as an attack on all NATO members?

No, Jake, thats not what I said, Witkoff said. We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee.

Witkoffs remarks come after an abysmal meeting with Putin on Wednesday in which he mistook Putins demand for a peaceful withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as a proposed concession from Putin to pull back Russian troops in the regions.

Witkoffs lukewarm evaluation on CNN comes after Trump rated his meeting with Putin as a 10 out of 10.

Top Trump envoy @SteveWitkoff tells @jaketapper that Putin agreed to allow "robust security guarantees" for Ukraine as part of a peace deal, describing them as Article 5-like protections. pic.twitter.com/6sOOby7PCd  State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) August 17, 2025

After the meeting, Trump walked back his goal of achieving a ceasefirewhich he said Putin would have to agree to on Friday or face economic consequencesand has pivoted to trying to achieve a peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia.

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According to one European diplomat who spoke to Fox News on Saturday, Trump supports the idea of Russia taking full control of the eastern Donbas region. The Donbas region includes Luhansk, which Russia controls, and Donetsk, which is still heavily contested and controlled partly by Ukrainian forces.

Last week, Zelensky said that he would reject any proposal to cede the region to Russia, saying that would open a bridgehead to further territorial incursions from Putin.

Ultimately, Witkoff said that everything is going to be about what the Ukrainians can live with, continuing to put the onus on Zelensky to accept major concessions to end the war.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.
In July, a federal judge barred the Trump administration from arresting suspected undocumented immigrants based solely on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, and type of employment. The administration is now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that ruling and permit officers to resume those practices in Southern California. MSNBC Analyst Tim Miller breaks down the story.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has proposed for Moscow to take full control of the Donbas region and freeze the front lines elsewhere in exchange for ending his nation's war with Ukraine, and President Trump supports the terms, a European diplomat told Fox News.

Donbas, the region along Ukraine's eastern border with Russia, had a pre-war population of around 6.5 million and includes the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. A U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Trump urged Zelenskyy to accept Putin's offer.

After meeting with Putin on Friday in Alaska, Trump told European allies that the Russian president reiterated that he wants the key Luhansk and Donetsk regions, but that he appeared open to the possibility of ending the stalemate in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson along with a freeze along the front lines.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously rejected the idea of surrendering the territory in the Donbas.

Zelenskyy Outlines Peace Demands Before High-stakes White House Meeting With Trump

Zelenskyy has refused to withdraw from the remaining 30% of Donetsk that Ukraine still controls. He has said that doing so would be unconstitutional, and the territory could be used as a staging ground for later Russian attacks.

Read On The Fox News App

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday.

Trump also reversed his support for a ceasefire and instead is seeking a peace agreement after the meeting with Putin, who has long said Moscow is not interested in a temporary truce and is looking for a long-term settlement that supports the Kremlins interests.

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Trump: We're Going Straight To Russia-ukraine Peace Deal, 'Not A Mere Ceasefire'

After calls with Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump said Saturday on social media that "it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF television that Trump said Russia "seems to be prepared to conduct the negotiations based on the so-called line of contact and not the administrative boundaries."

In a statement after the call with Trump, major European leaders did not address whether they preferred a peace deal over a ceasefire.

Trump reversed his support for a ceasefire and instead is seeking a peace agreement.

The leaders said they "welcomed President Trumps efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russias war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace."

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Putin described his talks with Trump in Alaska as "very frank."

"We, of course, respect the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military actions," Putin said at the follow-up meeting at the Kremlin, adding that "we would like to move to resolving all issues by peaceful means."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Putin demands control of key Ukrainian territory in exchange for peace: European diplomat
Donald Trumps supposed strength lies in showmanship and stagecraft, or at least in shamelessly whoring for attention, which is not exactly the same thing. The fact that we  meaning the entire ecosystem of media and public opinion, including you and me  keep giving him attention, like a bunch of aging addicts chasing an unachievable high, says more about us than about him.

But while Trumps second administration is undeniably nastier and more destructive than his first, its not entirely clear whos driving the bus to dystopia. Because it aint him. Trump has always seemed more like a sump pump of received wisdom and reprocessed opinions than an actual human adult, but even by those standards he now appears enormously diminished. His so-called summit meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday was an abject failure (for everyone but Putin), making clear that the presidents performance skills have degraded nearly as much as his already-damaged cognitive abilities.

It seems almost beside the point to report that Trump and Putin failed to achieve a breakthrough in resolving the Ukraine conflict, and that Trump appears to have pivoted back to Putins view of the war, at least for the moment, after a brief personal flirtation with the orthodox pro-Ukraine position of other Western leaders. Did anyone genuinely expect a different outcome? Its not entirely a rhetorical question; a lot of people at least pretended to.

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The endlessly disproven notion that Trump is a master negotiator, uniquely skilled at making deals (whatever that even means), is like a fading folk belief or sectarian doctrine. For MAGA believers, its a received truth that requires no evidence and can never be contradicted by facts. For mainstream journalists, its an aspect of the Trump legend that must be treated with reverence, and demands the perpetual suspension of disbelief. Even after all these years, they remain mystified and mesmerized by the Trump phenomenon, and follow him around like a flock of children hoping to learn Harry Houdinis secrets: Maybe this time, the magic will be real!

It wasnt real this time either, and the consensus view that Trump was thoroughly pantsed by the Russian leader is correct, or close enough. Putin was welcomed back to the Western world with a literal red carpet, while giving nothing away and making no concessions. Amid the baffled and disgruntled commentary coming in from all directions, I was especially struck by New York Times fashion reporter Vanessa Friedman, who goes straight to the heart of the matter in far more economical fashion than most of her peers. The point of the whole show, she writes, was the photo op depicting Putin and Trump

in complementary dark suits  single-breasted, two-button  matching white shirts and coordinating ties  giving the impression of kindred spirits: just two statesmen meeting on the semi-neutral ground of an airport tarmac to go talk cease-fire, their respective planes looming in the background.

Both men, Friedman continues, understand the power of the image and have made themselves into caricatures through costume and scenography, the better to capture the popular imagination. What she does not say, perhaps to avoid throwing shade on her colleagues from the supposed grown-up desks, is that Trumps image-making fell flat during this particular spectacle, and the whole world was watching.

That helps explain the scathing reviews from the Trump-orbiting press corps: Not only was there no peace deal in Ukraine  which, not to be tiresome, was something Trump promised he would accomplish in one day  but, worse yet, our guy put on a bad show. Armies of commentators, reporters and photographers were hauled off to the 49th state expecting a vintage Trump performance, of the sort that has lubricated their industry for an entire decade.

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What they got instead was inconclusive meeting that produced no agreement of any sort, followed by an awkward press appearance captured by the Washington Post with a textbook people-are-saying deflection:

Reporters also noted that Trump spoke for just a few minutes before stepping off stage and described him as appearing unhappy, tired or bored during the joint appearance.

Im sorry, what? Which reporters said such disgraceful things about our president, and why arent you naming them or quoting them? Was it by any chance the reporters who wrote this article? Was it someone else? Did they swear you to secrecy?

Ill tell you who was unhappy, tired and bored: All the mainstream journalists who felt personally insulted after traveling all that way for a depressing pseudo-event with crap ratings. This was a new experience in their long-running relationship with Donald J. Trump; the media transition to covering a lame-duck presidency has begun. (Sure, I know: He might try to run again or stay in office or whatever, but it sure doesnt feel that way right now.)

By Saturday afternoon, we witnessed the arrival of sober and long-winded policy analysis in numerous forums, most of it making painfully obvious points: Trump had reversed himself shamefully, apparently in exchange for empty flattery from the Russian leader  full points for whoever told Putin to bring up the 2020 election!  and had done less than nothing to advance the prospects of peace in Ukraine.

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But the tone of disappointment and personal insult had already been established, and if nothing else it fueled a lot of enjoyably outraged prose. For Peter Baker of the Times, normally something of a Trump neutral, the Anchorage meeting with Mr. Putin now stands out as a reversal of historic proportions, even by the standards of Trumps erratic presidency.

For Anne Applebaum of the Atlantic, It was humiliating to watch an American president act like a happy puppy upon encountering the dictator of a much poorer, much less important state, treating him as a superior. Much of what is admirable in Applebaums work, and also what is dubious, is captured in that one sentence: She is a fine writer, a clear thinker, a forceful exponent of old-school internationalism and something of a neo-Cold Warrior.

Speaking of Cold War throwbacks, Max Boots column in the Washington Post was uncharacteristically listless, as if he not only wished that the summit hadnt happened but also that he didnt have to write about it. (All these years of fruitless warmongering have worn Boot out, I fear.) Putin was the clear winner, he writes, and Trump looked positively giddy as he escorted Putin into the presidential limo known as The Beast.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only by Amanda Marcotte, also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Beneath this outpouring of anti-Trump snark lies a veiled suggestion calculated to inflame the MAGA faithful: Trump wasnt just outmaneuvered by Putin but literally unmanned, and theres something feminine or masochistic or sexually submissive in the happy puppy relationship between the wannabe dictator and the genuine article. Whether thats a sophomoric insult or acute psychological insight is, I suppose, a matter of interpretation, but its been an element of liberal Trump-Putin discourse since the 2016 campaign.

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David Smith of the Guardian frames his otherwise conventional analysis by taking that premise to a hyperbolic and faintly homophobic extreme: That was the moment he knew it was true love, he writes, awkwardly framing Trumps reaction to Putins endorsement of his alternate-history claim that the Ukraine invasion would never have happened with Trump in the White House. Smith then contends that the Alaska summit was actually worse than Neville Chamberlains appeasement of Adolf Hitler in Munich 1938, or the Churchill/FDR/Stalin Yalta Conference that carved up Europe in 1945, without even trying to explain or defend that outlandish proposition. Because these guys seem so gay? (I imagine thats not it.)

What actually happened, and didnt happen, between these so-called world leaders on Friday in Alaska wasnt especially surprising, or all that difficult to understand. Donald Trump ran headlong into reality, in the form of an uncharismatic but implacable opponent who holds most of the cards, to use Trumps favorite metaphor, and is in position to grind out a slow and painful endgame to this war, largely on his own terms. But he also ran into something else, which could be the outer limits of his diminishing ability to shape the narrative so its always about him.

No one expected Trump to grow a spine or display moral principles or become presidential. His low-key quisling turn was entirely in character, and not nearly enough to explain the medias collective sense of betrayal. What the fading infotainment priesthood wanted, or rather needed, was vintage Trump theater: outrageous bluster, false claims, fatuous rhetoric, unfulfillable or alarming promises (with something or other about the future of Ukraine thrown in). Instead, they watched their main character deflate before their eyes, like a sad-clown balloon at the end of a long day at the theme park. Trump committed the only unforgivable sin of this era: He was small and boring.

The post Trump baked in Alaska: He grovels  worse yet, its bad TV appeared first on Salon.com.
Donald Trump has claimed that Chinese president Xi Jinping promised not to invade Taiwan while he remains in the White House, as the US leader positions himself as a global dealmaker on some of the worlds most volatile conflicts.

Speaking en route to the Alaska summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin on Friday, Mr Trump told Fox News he appreciates Mr Xis patience.

"I will tell you, you know, you have a very similar thing with President Xi of China and Taiwan, but I don't believe there's any way it's going to happen as long as I'm here. We'll see," Mr Trump said during an interview on Fox News' "Special Report onboard Air Force One.

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"He told me, 'I will never do it as long as you're president.' President Xi told me that, and I said, 'Well, I appreciate that,' but he also said, 'But I am very patient, and China is very patient." Mr Trump said.

The US and its allies have long sought to deter China from taking military action against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own and has threatened to seize by force if necessary. Taiwan rejects Chinas sovereignty claim.

The Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday described the topic of Taiwan as "the most important and sensitive issue" in China-US relations, without referring to Mr Trumps statement.

"The US government should adhere to the one-China principle and the three US-China joint communique, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and earnestly safeguard China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement.

This satellite image taken on March 25, 2025 and received on April 3, 2025 by Planet Labs PBC shows three Chinese barges connected via extendable bridges in waters off Zhanjiang city, in southern China's Guangdong province (Planet Labs PBC/AFP via Getty Im)

Taiwan is yet to respond to Mr Trumps remarks.

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Mr Trump and Mr Xi held their first confirmed call under the US presidents second presidential term in June.

Later in April, Mr Trump said that the Chinese president had called him, but did not specify when that call took place.

His comments on Taiwan come as he presses Russia and Ukraine towards a peace deal, repeating his campaign promise to end the war within 24 hours of taking office.

He has already claimed credit for easing or resolving several other disputes, including tensions between India and Pakistan in May, the CambodiaThailand border standoff in July, and flare-ups involving Congo and Rwanda, and Serbia and Kosovo.

By citing Mr Xis assurances alongside his push for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Mr Trump is seeking to cast himself as the central broker of peace in multiple global crises a narrative he has openly linked to his pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was killed in a drive-by shooting on the evening of June 30 while undertaking a summer internship at a congressmans office in the nations capital.

Following Erics death, his mother, Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, 62, never heard from Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington DC.

I never heard from her. Never a letter, never a call. That was a slap in the face, the married mother of three told The Telegraph. As far as Im concerned, she thought Eric was a piece of dirt.

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You couldnt even have someone pen you a letter and sign your name to it? She has no class.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst student was one of several victims of gun violence mentioned by Donald Trump as he announced plans earlier this week to take federal control of the citys police department.

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachymn says the Washington DC mayor did not contact her after the death of her son Eric

When Mr Trump invoked Erics killing, Ms Tarpinian-Jachym said it made her feel like her son didnt die in vain.

I was looking at his urn and a picture next to it of his beautiful, blue eyes. I cried and I said: Eric, you didnt die in vain. Youre not a number. Theyre going to do something. Theyre going to get control of these criminals doing these dangerous acts.

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On Monday, the president announced he was deploying 800 National Guard troops to Washington and temporarily taking over the citys police department, as he vowed to rescue our nations capital from crime.

The impetus for his decision appeared to be an attack last week on Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) staffer nicknamed Big Balls, who was left bloodied and bruised in an attempted carjacking.

Hes lucky to be alive, Mr Trump said.

National Guard troops descended on the National Mall on Tuesday evening, joining hundreds of law enforcement officers who reported having made dozens of arrests since the start of the 30-day operation.

National Guard troops patrol along the National Mall - Jacquelyn Martin/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Mr Trump has said that the law enforcement blitz in Washington DC could serve as a blueprint to expand his efforts to other Democrat-run cities such as Chicago that he claims have been overrun by crime.

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The move has been met with pushback from Democrats and members of the public accusing Mr Trump of an authoritarian power grab.

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, dismissed Mr Trumps clampdown, sharing a department of justice press release from January showing violent crime in the city is at a 30-year low.

As you listen to an unhinged Trump try to justify deploying the National Guard in DC, heres reality, the Democratic former presidential candidate wrote on X.

Ms Bowser has called Mr Trumps deployment of officers in her city unsettling and unprecedented, casting his actions as part of an authoritarian push.

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One DC resident was charged with assault on Sunday for hurling a Subway sandwich at a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer and yelling: I dont want you in my city!

Sean Charles Dunn (left) was charged with assault after hurling a wrapped Subway sandwich at a CBP officer - Andrew Leyden/Getty Images North America

Meanwhile groups of demonstrators flocked to a law enforcement checkpoint in the capital, with hecklers yelling: Go home, fascists and Get off our streets.

Despite White House claims that Washington DC is anything but safe, overall crime so far this year is down by seven per cent from 17,136 to 15,921 compared to last year, according to official statistics which the president rejects.

The capital was rocked by a surge in violent crime in 2023, which included the citys highest number of homicides since the late 1990s and a near-doubling of reported carjackings compared to the previous year.

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However, both have fallen dramatically following the implementation of a host of initiatives and law changes to deal with violent offenders.

So far this year, violent crime is down 26 per cent on last year and 35 per cent since 2023.

Yet Democrats efforts to dismiss Mr Trumps crackdown on crime fail to appreciate the public mood over perceived lawlessness in the capital.

Videos of masked young people ransacking shops in the capital are commonplace on social media, with teenagers making off with whole wardrobes-full of clothes and leaving products strewn across the pavements.

Police detain a young person in Washington DC amid Donald Trumps federal takeover of the capitals police department - Nathan Howard/REUTERS

Last year, Washington DC had the fourth-highest homicide rate in the country  nearly six times higher than New York City.

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And despite overall crime declining between 2023 and 2024, the percentage of residents who said crime is a very or extremely serious problem rose from 56 per cent to 65 per cent, according to a Washington Post poll.

The crime statistics themselves have been a source of controversy, with Mr Trump telling reporters on Thursday that city officials have been placed under investigation for producing phoney crime stats.

Republicans responded to criticism of the measures by saying that the capital should be a symbol of safety and strength and accusing the citys Democrat-run council of pursuing a radical, soft-on-crime agenda.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that every American should be able to visit and enjoy Washington DC without fear.

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Meanwhile Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the capital, hit back at questions over the drop in crime rate, saying: Its never enough, pointing to Erics killing.

You tell the mother of the intern who was shot going out for McDonalds near the Washington Convention Centre, Oh, crime is down.

Of particular concern are young offenders, with the number of juveniles arrested in the capital increasing every year since 2020, according to statistics from 2024.

Juveniles accounted for 51.8 per cent of all robbery arrests in 2024, according to the citys police department, while the majority of carjackings in the year ending in July 2025 have been carried out by juveniles.

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In the case of Mr Coristine, two 15-year-olds have been charged with unarmed carjacking.

Yet for Ms Tarpinian-Jachym, the search for justice over her sons death continues.

The retired occupational therapist welcomed Mr Trumps law and order crackdown, saying the influx of officers would free up the police to fight crime rather than spending time in court and doing paperwork.

Her message to the presidents critics? Its four weeks of your life. If people dont want to be safe, my question is why?

I just want people to realise that its about everybody in DC. My son is gone, its not going to bring him back, but it may prevent another family from going through the living hell we go through every day.

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In 1989, Donald Trump purchased full-page ads in four New York newspapers, including the New York Times, calling for the return of the death penalty after a white jogger was brutally attacked in Central Park. Five Black and Latino teens were arrested for the assault, and after confessions later determined to have been coerced by the police, they were convicted  even though there was no physical evidence linking any of them to the crime.

After the five young men had spent years in prison for a crime they did not commit, their convictions were vacated in 2002 when DNA evidence implicated Matias Reyes, a serial rapist. (In 2022, a sixth teenager who was convicted on a related charge was also exonerated.) Reyes ultimately confessed and provided an accounting of the crime that matched details prosecutors already knew about the case; forensics confirmed he had acted alone.

After the case was finally solved, it became symbolic for systemic injustice, police brutality and racial profiling. Trump never apologized to the five men, and he has never acknowledged what would have happened to them had his death penalty campaign succeeded. In October 2024, they filed suit against Trump for allegedly defaming them in his presidential debate against then-Vice President Kamala Harris, and in late June, a federal judge rejected the presidents efforts to have the case dismissed.

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Trumps vitriol has percolated in the intervening decades since his campaign against Central Park Five. After his full-page ads claimed that roving bands of wild criminals were controlling New York City streets in 1989, this week he claimed that roving mobs of wild youth are terrorizing the streets of Washington, D.C.

Trump once again used inaccurate claims to portray a city overwhelmed with soaring violence when he announced on Monday that he was deploying 800 members of the D.C. National Guard and taking over the Metropolitan Police Department to rein in complete and total lawlessness. His misleading charts, which featured selectively outdated crime statistics, were so patently wrong that he was fact-checked live by CNN, MSNBC, PBS, NPR and the BBC. Even the Justice Departments data shows that violent crime in Washington is at a 30-year low.

On Thursday night, he followed up his actions by having U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi name Terrance C. Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as emergency police commissioner. Hours later, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit against the administration for its unlawful actions in violating the Home Rule Act of 1973, which granted the city partial autonomy. On Saturday night, it was reported that three Republican-led states  West Virginia, Ohio and South Carolina  would be sending 750 National Guard members to Washington. Some of the troops will now be carrying firearms.

The presidents addiction to hate and division, promoted through blatant and unabashed falsehoods, has persisted since the days of the attack in Central Park. When then-New York City Mayor Ed Koch called for public healing, seeking to unite rather than divide the city, Trump refused to have it. His ad shot back: Maybe hate is what we needI want to hate these muggers and murderersThey should be forced to sufferYes, Mayor Koch, I want to hate these murderers and I always will.

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At least on this front, Trump has been true to his word. He has continued ratcheting up false portrayals of dystopian urban hellscapes riddled with crime, even as experts track the link between his language, trickle-down racism and an increase in hate crimes.

The infamous death penalty ads also revealed his thirst for police brutality. He argued in them that police should be unshackled from the constant threat of being called to account for police brutality, a sentiment he has echoed ever since. In a 2017 speech, Trump said police should not have to be nice to suspects and encouraged arresting officers to not shield suspects heads as they were loaded into squad cars. Three years later, he appeared to celebrate the killing of Michael Reinoehl, a community activist who was suspected of fatally shooting a member of a pro-Trump group at a protest in Portland, Ore. That same year, in response to protests over police brutality in the George Floyd case, he reportedly asked his staff if the protestors couldnt just be shot. In 2023, during a speech to California Republicans, he called for police to respond to shoplifters by shooting them. At a campaign rally in 2024, Trump said that one day of violent policing would end crime, suggesting that if police were free to brutalize the population, crime would disappear. In April, he issued an executive order that promoted aggressive police tactics and made it more difficult to punish brutality.

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.

On Monday, as he detailed his federal takeover of Washington, the president said that police and military forces could do whatever the hell they want to people on the streets, expressly encouraging violent force.

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The obvious problem with getting tougher on crime without addressing community needs is that it doesnt work  and it often leads to an increase in crime. Trumps ineptitude also undermines police accountability efforts, further eroding trust between police and communities. By encouraging law enforcement to use excessive force, he spreads distrust of the police among the public, needlessly endangering the lives of both citizens and police.

It is widely assumed that Trump is using D.C. as a test run for the federal occupation of other Democratic-led cities. During the George Floyd protests in the summer of 2020, when Trump still had adults in the room to advise him, he voiced interest in taking over Washington, but officials warned that such a heavy-handed approach could backfire. Now, in the absence of more competent advisors, the president is indulging his most dangerous authoritarian impulses.

The Pentagon is also developing a National Guard reaction force to confront and quell protests, demonstrations and civil unrest. The plan calls for troops to be on constant standby for rapid deployment and looks to be targeted to Democratic-run cities.

Setting aside the glaring unconstitutionality of his plan, military service members arent trained to de-escalate tensions, manage crowds or solve crimes. They are trained to kill. That is why the Posse Comitatus Act forbids using military forces against civilian populations, except in cases of insurrection.

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The purpose of Trumps actions in Washington isnt to address escalating crime  because the citys crime isnt escalating. And it isnt to deal with potholes, beautification or anything else Trump mentioned in his incoherent press conference.

Just like he did in Los Angeles, the president is taking over D.C. to normalize an expanded police state for an extended period of time  and to take his 1989 declaration of hate, control and brutality nationwide.

The post Trumps DC occupation scratches an old itch appeared first on Salon.com.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for trying to "malign" India's democracy through his ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra.' The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said that the Congress MP had failed to present real issues before the people and was instead spreading lies to mislead them. Speaking to ANI, Chugh said, "Rahul Gandhi's 22nd launch has also failed because he has no issues to raise. He has become issueless, which is why he is running a campaign to defame the country's democracy, constitution, and institutions by creating an atmosphere of lies and fear to please his foreign masters." The BJP leader also alleged that the Congress MP lacked evidence to back his claims against democratic institutions. "You (Rahul Gandhi) have no facts, you have no evidence when the Election Commission asks for evidence," Chugh said. He further argued that Rahul Gandhi's repeated campaigns had not connected with the public. According to him, the Congress leader had attempted several political relaunches but failed to gain credibility. Chugh also claimed that the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' was another attempt to target the Election Commission and question India's democratic framework without substantiating the allegations. With his remarks, the BJP leader sharpened his attack on Rahul Gandhi, signalling a heated political exchange as campaigning continued across the country. Earlier in the day, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, Punjab BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, former minister Bibi Preneet Kaur, Subhash Sharma, Anil Sareen, Krishan Dev Bhandari, former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, and Fateh Jang Singh Bajwa were present at the Kisan-Mazdoor Fateh Rally held in Rajpura. Addressing a massive crowd, Chugh said that the nefarious design of the Kejriwal-Bhagwant Mann duo to loot the farmers of Punjab with the land pooling scheme to help Delhi realtors had been decisively defeated. The Bhagwant Mann government has met a moral defeat and a big political humiliation. He complimented Punjab farmers for defying the Kejriwal conspiracy tooth and nail, forcing him to bite the dust. The Kisan Mazdoor Fateh Rally in Rajpura, was also addressed by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, and Punjab BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma. The rally witnessed the participation of thousands of farmers and a massive gathering of BJP workers and supporters, making it a historic show of strength. Chugh further targeted the Congress, saying, its suspicious silence proved its tacit support for AAP's anti-farmer conspiracy. Instead of standing with farmers, Congress gave silent approval to the corrupt agenda of Mann and Kejriwal, which he called the biggest betrayal of Punjab's food growers. Chugh contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Nation First, Farmer First" vision. He highlighted that under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Rs. 20,500 crore has been transferred to 9.7 crore farmers and that the Dhan-Dhaanya scheme is channelling Rs. 24,000 crore annually into boosting productivity in 100 districts. (ANI)
U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff claims Russian President Vladimir Putin made "robust" steps toward peace during his meeting with President Donald Trump last week.

Witkoff made the statement during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday" with host Shannon Bream. The official was in the room for the Alaska meeting and has met previously with Putin several times.

"We agreed on much more robust security guarantees," Witkoff said. "The Russians agreed on enshrining legislatively language that they would attest to not attempting to take any more land from Ukraine after a peace deal, where they would attest to not violating any European borders."

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Witkoff also said Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders directly after the meeting. He said the meeting was "absolutely acknowledged as a win."

Zelenskyy To Meet With Trump In Washington, Dc Following Us-russia Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (R) at Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia on August 06, 2025.

Bream pressed Witkoff to explain why Trump did not push Putin for a ceasefire agreement during the meeting as well. Trump had previously said a ceasefire was a top priority and claimed Putin would face consequences if he didn't agree to one.

Read On The Fox News App

Zelenskyy Outlines Peace Demands Before High-stakes White House Meeting With Trump

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"The president has always talked about a ceasefire, until he made a lot of different wins in this meeting and began to realize that we could be talking about a peace deal. The ultimate deal here is a peace deal, and we were talking about much more robust security guarantees than anyone ever imagined," he said.

President Donald Trump (R) greets Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska.

In a statement after the call with Trump, major European leaders did not address whether they preferred a peace deal over a ceasefire.

Trump: We're Going Straight To Russia-ukraine Peace Deal, 'Not A Mere Ceasefire'

The leaders said they "welcomed President Trumps efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russias war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace."

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Putin described his talks with Trump in Alaska as "very frank."

"We, of course, respect the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military actions," Putin said at the follow-up meeting at the Kremlin, adding that "we would like to move to resolving all issues by peaceful means."

Fox News' Landon Mion and the Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump envoy says Putin made 'robust' concessions during Alaska meeting talks on Ukraine
US President Donald Trump handed Vladimir Putin a special item at their Alaska summit: a letter written by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, pleading for the Russian leader to make peace in the name of children.

The first lady's office on Saturday reposted a Fox News article on X containing the short letter, a day after Trump and Putin failed to find a breakthrough at their high-stakes meeting.

Putin read the "peace letter" immediately after Trump handed it to him, while delegations from both sides looked on, according to Fox News.

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"In today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them," read the letter, which was signed by the first lady and did not mention Ukraine by name.

"Mr Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," it added. "In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone -- you serve humanity itself."

"Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today," the letter read. "It is time."

In July, the US president had said that his wife, who was born in Slovenia, had helped change his thinking about Putin.

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"I go home, I tell the first lady, 'you know, I spoke to Vladimir today, we had a wonderful conversation,'" Trump said.

"And she said, 'Oh really? Another city was just hit.'"

Trump attempted a rapprochement with Putin shortly after starting his second term, having campaigned on a pledge to end the Ukraine war within 24 hours.

During the early months of his new term, he largely directed anger at Ukraine for the lack of a deal, but gradually began expressing frustration that Putin continued his attacks on Ukraine.

Before the summit in Alaska, Trump had warned of "severe consequences" if Russia did not accept a ceasefire.

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However after meeting with Putin, Trump dropped his demand for a ceasefire, saying the best way to end the war "is to go directly to a peace agreement."

Putin has long argued for negotiations on a final peace deal -- a strategy that Ukraine and its European allies have criticized as a way to buy time and press Russia's battlefield advances.

dl/des
President Donald Trumps administration is scrutinizing higher education. Last week, the White House issued a memorandum requiring all universities receiving federal funds to submit admissions data on all applicants to the Department of Education. The goal is to enforce the 2023 Supreme Court decision that ended race-based affirmative action.

Days before the memo was released, Columbia and Brown agreed to share their admissions data with the administration, broken down by race, grade point average, and standardized test scores. The administration suspects that universities are using racial proxies to get around the ban on race-based admissions. The Department of Education is expected to build a database of the admissions data and make it available to parents and students.

Amid this increased federal scrutiny, an alternative idea from Richard Kahlenberg, director of the American Identity Project for the Progressive Policy Institute, is gaining attention. Kahlenberg, who testified in the Supreme Court cases against Harvard and UNC, advocates for class-based affirmative action instead of race-based admissions. He argues that this approach will yield more economically and racially equitable results.

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Today, Explained co-host Noel King spoke with Kahlenberg about how he contends with the consequences of helping gut race-based affirmative action, why he believes class-based affirmative action is the path forward, and if his own argument may come in the crosshairs of a Trump administration eager to stamp out all forms of affirmative action.

Below is an excerpt of their conversation, edited for length and clarity. Theres much more in the full podcast, so listen to Today, Explained wherever you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify.

Youre the director of the American Identity Project at the Progressive Policy Institute. I would take it to mean that you are a progressive.

Its complicated these days. Im left of center. I think of myself more as liberal than progressive.

I ask because you testified as an expert witness for the plaintiffs in the case Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. This is the case that essentially gutted race-based affirmative action. It doesnt sound like a progressive, or even a left-of-center, position. What was going on? Explain what you were thinking.

Ive long been a supporter of racial diversity in colleges. I think thats enormously important, but Ive been troubled that elite colleges were racially integrated, but economically segregated.

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I think theres a better way of creating racial diversity  a more liberal way, if you will  which is to give low-income and economically disadvantaged students of all races a leg up in the admissions process in order to create both racial and economic diversity.

What was the data that you looked at that led you to believe that? Were primarily wealthy Black and Hispanic students benefiting from affirmative action?

Thered been a number of studies over the years that had come to that conclusion, including from supporters of race-based affirmative action. Then, in the litigation, further evidence came out. At Harvard, 71 percent of the Black and Hispanic students came from the most socioeconomically privileged 20 percent of the Black and Hispanic population nationally.

Now, to be clear, the white and Asian students were even richer. But for the most part, this was not a program that was benefiting working-class and low-income students.

Alright, so the Supreme Court in 2023 hands down this decision that says, essentially, were done with race-based affirmative action. Was there a difference in how progressives and conservatives interpreted the Supreme Court ruling?

Most mainstream conservatives have always said they were opposed to racial preferences, but of course, they were for economic affirmative action. But now we have some on the extreme, including the Trump administration, saying that economic affirmative action is also illegal if part of the rationale for the policy is seeking to increase racial diversity.

What do you make of that? That was your team once upon a time, right?

Well, I think its troubling when people shift the goalposts. In a number of the Supreme Court concurring opinions in the case, conservatives said that economic affirmative action made a lot of sense. Justice [Neil] Gorsuch, for example, said if Harvard got rid of legacy preferences and instead gave economic affirmative action, that would be perfectly legal. And now some extremists are shifting their position and saying theyre opposed to any kind of affirmative action.

Are you surprised by that shift?

Im not surprised. Im confident, however, that a majority of the US Supreme Court wont go that far. The Supreme Court, to some degree, looks to public opinion. Racial preferences were always unpopular. But economic affirmative action is broadly supported by the public.

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The Supreme Court has had two cases come before it, subsequent to the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision. One involved a challenge to class-based affirmative action at Thomas Jefferson High School in Northern Virginia, and the other involved an attack on a similar class-based affirmative action program at the Boston exam schools, like Boston Latin. In both cases, the Supreme Court said were not gonna hear those cases over the vehement dissent of a couple of extremely conservative justices. So Im fairly confident that the Supreme Court will not go down the path of striking down economic-based preferences.

What do you make of this move by the Trump administration to ask colleges for data?

Im of two minds about it. I do think transparency is good in higher education. These institutions are receiving lots of taxpayer money. We want to make sure theyre following the Supreme Court ruling, which said you cant use race.

Having said that, Im quite nervous about how the Trump administration will use the data, because if a college discloses the average SAT scores and grades by race of applicants, of those admitted, and then those enrolled, one of two things can be going on. One is that the universitys cheating and theyre using racial preferences, and that would be a violation of the law.

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The other possibility is that they did shift to economic affirmative action, which is perfectly legal.

And because Black and Hispanic students are disproportionately low income and working class, they will disproportionately benefit from a class-based affirmative action program. And so the average SAT score is going to look somewhat lower. Im worried that the Trump administration will go after both race-based and class-based affirmative action.

Because class-based affirmative action still might mean a college is admitting more Black and Hispanic students. And what the Trump administration seems to have the issue with is that fact.

Yes. Increasingly, thats what it looks like. As long as the Trump administration was focused on counting race and deciding who gets ahead, they had the American public on their side. But Americans also support the idea of racially integrated student bodies, they just dont like racial preferences as the means for getting there. So, if Trump says, no matter how you achieve this racial diversity, Im just opposed to racial diversity, hell have lost the public. And I dont think he will be consistent with the legal framework under Students for Fair Admissions, either.

Do you think he cares?

Well, I think he ought to care if he cares about the future of his political party. Because under class-based affirmative action, it is true that Black and Hispanic students will disproportionately benefit, but it will also benefit white working-class students. And those are the students who are coming from families that form the base of the Republican Party. So I think it would be a big mistake if the Trump administration were to really push hard on that angle.
National Guard troops that President Donald Trump has sent to Washington, D.C., may be armed a White House official told CBS News on Saturday, a departure from a previous statement.

Officials said earlier this week that the troops would not be armed, and that weapons would not be in their vehicles, either. Weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory, the Army said in a press release on Thursday.

On Saturday, the Trump administration changed course, according to reports.

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The National Guard is not making arrests at this time  they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence, the official told CBS News.

The president is broadly forbidden from using the military as a domestic police force under the Posse Comitatus Act. While the troops are not allowed to make arrests, they are allowed to temporarily detain individuals to prevent imminent harm, according to the Army.

Some National Guard troops were told Friday to expect an order instructing them to carry weapons, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.

A National Guard spokesman also told CBS News that troops may be armed consistent with their mission and training, and that their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and ensuring the safety of the community they serve.

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Also on Saturday, several Republican governors pledged to send troops to D.C. in support of Trumps initiative. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he would deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to the capital.

West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital, Morrisey said in a press release. The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.

Meanwhile, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he would send 200 troops and Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio pledged 150.

Trump announced Monday that he was deploying the National Guard and putting the capitals Metropolitan Police Department under federal control to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. Attorney General Pam Bondi, he said, would take control of the citys Metropolitan Police Department  an effort the administration partially walked back on Friday.

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Under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the president is allowed to take control of the police during an emergency for 48 hours at a time. Trump moved to replace the districts police chief; the Justice Department changed course at the urging of a federal judge.

Trumps decision to deploy the National Guard to D.C. and his attempt to direct the police took place after former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, known as Big Balls, was assaulted by a group of teenagers earlier this month. Trump said Coristine, who works for the Social Security Administration, was left dripping in blood. He thought he was dead with a broken nose and concussion.

In 2020, during the first Trump administration, 62,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated in 23 states and Washington, D.C. in response to protests of the police killing of George Floyd.

In June, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following protests over aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and courthouse arrests.

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Trump suggested Monday that he could send the National Guard to more cities.

We have other cities also that are bad, he said. Were not going to let it happen. Were not going to lose our cities over this. And this will go further. Were starting very strongly with D.C., and were going to clean it up real quick, very quickly.

This article was updated with additional Republican governors pledging to send more National Guard troops to support Trumps D.C. initiative.

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US President Donald Trump will first hold a personal meeting with just Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, and European leaders and the NATO secretary general will join them afterwards.

Source: Bild, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: It is reported that Trump will initially receive only Zelenskyy. European state leaders, the NATO secretary general and the European Commission president are expected to join the meeting later. A working lunch and several hours of extended discussions are planned.

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The Washington meeting on Monday is expected to be attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The purpose of the visit is the possible conclusion of a peace agreement with Russia following the summit between Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Zelenskyy's last visit to the White House in February ended in a fight between the two presidents, and the US president temporarily suspended military aid to Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Democratic National Committee led nationwide protests against Trump-led redistricting plans across the nation. DNC Vice Chair and Pennsylvania Representative Malcolm Kenyatta joins the Weekend to discuss this, plus the momentum across the nation of protesting against Trumps authoritarian-style takeover.
In his 2022 acceptance speech, newly elected U.S. Sen. Ted Budd noted that the media had dismissed his race against Democrat Cheri Beasley as sleepy, quiet and under the radar.

Then he said, Well, I tell you that this so-called sleepy race  sounded a loud and clear message in Washington, D.C., tonight.

Well, not exactly. As a senator, Budd is still sleepy, quiet and under the radar.

As President Trumps legislation and his administration hammer North Carolinas institutions and economy, its Republican junior senator doesnt stir. Budd is hardly unique. Republicans in the House and Senate have failed to dissent as Trump usurps their authority and rolls over them and their constituents.

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But you have to wonder how much has to happen to North Carolina before Budd says enough. Theres already been plenty.

Federal aid to counties hit by Hurricane Helene has been limited, slow and uncertain. Trumps crusade against universities and federal agencies has frozen grants that drive the Research Triangles economy. Duke University, the second largest private employer in the state, has given buyouts to 600 employees and layoffs may follow.

I asked Budds office last week for his position on the suspension of federal grants to North Carolina universities and organizations, but have not heard back. The senator may be appealing to the president through back channels, but his public silence must be read as approval.

Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill will undermine major clean energy projects in North Carolina. It also curtails programs that aid the hungry, a change that the state would have to spend $700 million to offset. And the bills new rules for Medicaid may push more than 600,000 North Carolinians off the program. Rural areas, where support for Budd is strong, would be hard hit by the losses.

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For North Carolinas senior senator, Republican Thom Tillis, the bills impact on North Carolinas Medicaid recipients was too much. He voted against it and, knowing what the political cost would be for crossing Trump, he announced he will not seek reelection to a third term in 2026. I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party, he said in a statement.

Budd has shown no such qualms. He voted for the bill. Indeed his vote was crucial to a 50-50 Senate tie that was broken by Vice President JD Vance.

Budds go-along-with-Trump approach is increasingly at odds with North Carolinians. A July Catawba-YouGov poll showed Trump is underwater in the state he carried three times. The results of the July 1 survey show Trump with a 46% approval rating versus 50% disapproval. Fifty nine percent of respondents in the states largest voting group  unaffiliated voters  said they disapprove of the president.

But Budd is a MAGA Republican. He cares about the base and there he is secure. The same poll that showed Trumps approval underwater also showed that those who voted for Trump give the president 92% approval.

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As a low-profile, three-term House member, Budd won the GOP Senate nomination on the strength of Trumps endorsement. Now hes completely beholden to him. Hes in no position to use the leverage of his vote to exact concessions from the White House that would help North Carolina.

Budd campaigned in 2022 by appealing to fears about undocumented immigrants and claiming that he would help fight crime and oppose President Biden. Mostly, though, he stood back and let outside groups pummel Beasley with negative ads about her time as the first Black woman to serve as chief justice of the state Supreme Court. Outside groups spent $32 million against Beasley, compared to less than $10 million spent by outside groups against Budd.

Despite all that outside firepower, Budds campaign was considered lackluster because he took a cautious and predictable approach based on a handful of conservative issues. In office, hes done the same. Hes ranked as the 4th most politically right Senate member. The conservative group Heritage Action for America gives Budd a lifetime score of 96%. Tillis score is 59%.

When it comes to being an advocate for North Carolina, no one expects the conservative Budd to be woke. But its fair to expect him to show hes awake to the damage being done by Trumps extreme and erratic actions.

Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@newsobserver.com
I returned from my fourth visit to Ukraine a few weeks ago. Each time I have sought to visit the front line and meet soldiers to hear their stories. With Russian drones and missiles hitting their cities and with constant attacks on their front line, I was much moved by their stoicism and their hope that the West would stand by them. Whilst the soldiers want peace, they were very clear  not at any price.

Thats why as I listened to the news on Saturday about the outcome of Anchorage summit between President Trump and Putin, I confess I was more and more depressed.

On the plane to Anchorage President Trump had made it clear that he expected Putin to agree to a ceasefire and he would feel pretty angry if they didnt achieve that.

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Hopes were high, as a few weeks ago Trump threatened very severe consequences, unless Putin agreed to a ceasefire. Secondary sanctions on countries still taking Russian oil and gas were even announced.

Yet the Anchorage discussions didnt achieve a ceasefire. Tragically, what they did achieve was not what Trump had claimed he would get but exactly what Putin had wanted; a continuation of the War until his demands for territory, were met.

So, instead of a ceasefire we were left with the leader of the free world posting, weakly that they go instead directly to a Peace Agreement, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times does not hold up. If only Trump had learnt from Teddy Roosevelt, Speak softly and carry a big stick.

What all Ukrainians know and the US should too, is that Putin wants it all. He has never accepted Ukraines right to exist and he wants Ukraine back. Any glance at his comments and writings teaches us that Putin has been clear all along about his territorial ambitions. He dreams and plots a return to a greater Russia and Putin is backing up his future plans by his huge increase in weapons production.

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It was after all George Santayana who wrote that Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

Thats why this Anchorage summit now looks a lot like the 1938 Munich agreement when Hitler was given the Sudeten Land and the fate of the Czechoslovakian state was signed away, without the Czech president present.

This moment of Deja vu is because the US and other Nato nations have failed to accept the wider context in which this Russian War of aggression sits. In front of our eyes, a New Axis of authoritarian states has been growing in mutual support and strength  China, Iran, Russia and North Korea.

This is why the White Houses foreign policy towards the war has been inconsistent and wrong. First, they claim that Ukraine is not their concern but should be Europes, as theirs is Taiwan.

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Second, that if Trump strikes up a strong personal relationship with Putin, this will somehow draw Putin away from China.

I am afraid this is an utterly wrongheaded understanding of Russias relationship with China. President Xi Jinping has since the beginning of the war supported Russia, economically by buying Russian oils and gas and diplomatically by ensuring the non-aligned states are supportive of the Kremlin. After all, Xi made it abundantly clear to Putin at the start of the war that China had a no limits partnership with Moscow.

Furthermore, Xi knows that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, Chinas ambitions will be hugely strengthened in Taiwan. For it will have shown how weak and ineffectual Nato nations have become and make it much more unlikely that the US and its allies will have the resolve to act should China move on Taiwan.

Only recently, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underlined this when he said that Beijing could not accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine.

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As Russia ramps up military production, so too China. In naval production capacity alone, China now outstrips the US and Nato.

As European leaders try to find positive things to say about Anchorage, there is the overwhelming sense that Putin has run rings around US and European leaders. Even this so-called commitment to guarantee any peace agreement by the US isnt real, its just words to placate Europe and the UK.

Russia knows that when European leaders talk tough, too many of them are breaching the sanctions on Russia in their selfish pursuit of oil and gas.

Its not just that Trump didnt discuss a ceasefire. It appears that he went much further and engaged in a land for peace discussion  the appeasement of a brutal dictator, who will come back for more.

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I see that some commentators think this is a clever move, they are wrong. If the West appeases Putin in a land for peace deal, then we will have made Putin and Xi much stronger and they will be back. Or as Churchill said:

This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.

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The high-stakes summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin garnered mixed reactions from U.S. lawmakers and European leaders.

Trump, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, huddled with Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and top foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, for nearly three hours at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska on Friday.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky welcomed the presidents effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been raging for well over three years, but slammed the Russian leaders remarks following the closed-door meeting in Alaska.

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From Putin, we heard the same propagandistic nonsense about the roots of the conflict that his state television promotes. The problem is Russian imperialism, not Ukraines desire to live freely, Lipavsky said in a Friday post on social media platform X.

European Unions (EU) foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said Saturday morning that Trumps effort to stop the conflict in Eastern Europe is vital, but argued that Russia has no intention of ending the war anytime soon.

The U.S. holds the power to force Russia to negotiate seriously. The EU will work with Ukraine and the U.S. so that Russias aggression does not succeed and that any peace is sustainable, Kallas wrote on X. Moscow wont end the war until it realizes it cant continue. So Europe will continue to back Ukraine, including by working on a 19th Russia sanctions package.

Trump said Friday evening that both sides made progress, but a ceasefire agreement was not struck. Neither the president nor Putin relayed any details about the agreements when addressing reporters after the huddle.

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Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally who has a warm relationship with the Kremlin leader, argued the world is a safer place as a result of the summit.

For years we have watched the two biggest nuclear powers dismantle the framework of their cooperation and shoot unfriendly messages back and forth. That has now come to an end. Today the world is a safer place than it was yesterday, Orban wrote Saturday morning on X. May every weekend be at least this good!

Trump briefed EU leaders  dubbed the Coalition of the Willing  and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a Saturday call after the meeting. The European politicians hailed the presidents push to end the war, but emphasized that Ukraine needs ironclad security guarantees in order to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The coalition is made up of French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Trump on Monday at the White House. The president said Saturday on Truth Social that the best way to end the war is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

Ukraines leader indicated his support for a trilateral meeting between himself, Trump and Putin.

President Trump informed about his meeting with the Russian leader and the main points of their discussion, Zelensky said Saturday on X. It is important that Americas strength has an impact on the development of the situation.

During the Saturday joint call, Trump told European leaders and Zelensky that he wants to broker a trilateral meeting as soon as next Friday, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

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Reaction to the summit was also mixed among some U.S. lawmakers.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), one of the staunchest Ukraine supporters in the House, said Friday that time will tell what ultimately manifests from Fridays meeting between U.S. and Russian delegations.

I commend and credit President Trumps peace through strength policies which forced Putin to come to America to discuss a possible cease-fire, which Ukraine has already and repeatedly agreed to, Fitzpatrick said Friday on X.

Ukraines sovereignty and freedom are not bargaining chips; they are principles that must be defended. No path to peace is credible without their voice, the Pennsylvania Republican added.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a supporter of Ukraine and Trump ally, predicted Friday night that if the trilateral meeting between the president, Putin and Zelensky takes place, the conflict could end before Christmas.

Make no mistake, this war is a war of aggression by Putin against Ukraine. However, I have always said Ukraine will not evict every Russian soldier and Putin is not going to take Kyiv, Graham said. The key to ending this war honorably and justly is to create an infrastructure of deterrence that Biden and Obama failed to do  which will prevent a third invasion.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he supports active diplomacy and argued that peacemaking has to be done responsibly or it risks the security of Europeans, Ukrainians and Americans.

I didnt care for the red-carpet treatment Putin was afforded or the signal Trump sent by welcoming him with applause. And I think everyone was a bit surprised by the lack of detail and unorthodox post-meeting press conference, Reed said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the U.S. should team up with allies to impose new sanctions on Russia to intensify the economic pressure.

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Trump said during the call with European and NATO officials that he is open to offering U.S. security guarantees to Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing European officials familiar with the matter.

The president told European leaders that the Russian president will not halt the military offensive while peace discussions are underway, according to the report. But Putin is open to, as part of a potential peace settlement, having Western security forces in Ukraine to ensure the truce would last, the Journal reported, citing four officials briefed on the matter.

Macron signaled the U.S.s openness to contributing to Ukraines security guarantees on X.

The French leader said Saturday that any lasting peace must be accompanied by unwavering security guarantees. I welcome, in this regard, the readiness of the United States to contribute. We will work on this with them and with all our partners in the Coalition of the Willing, with whom we will meet again soon, to make concrete progress.

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Still, Putin is reportedly demanding that Ukraine pull back from Luhansk and Donetsk regions as a condition to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Financial Times (FT) reported, citing four sources with direct knowledge of the Friday meeting, that Putin would halt the rest of the front lines if this request is fulfilled.

The Russian leader would freeze the front lines in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and would refrain from new offensives to conquer more Ukrainian land in exchange for Luhansk and Donetsk, the FT reported.

Russia controls about 70 percent of Donetsk. Zelensky has previously said he is not willing to give up Donetsk, but he is open to negotiating the territorial divides, one of the main sticking points, with the president at the White House, the FT reported.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Donald Trump released a garbled mess of a video praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for a very productive meeting a day after they failed to reach a ceasefire deal in Ukraine.

In a bootlicking propaganda clip that Trump posted to his Truth Social account Saturday, somber music accompanies snippets of the world leaders meet-and-greet in Anchorage, Alaska, including footage of their respective planes arriving, and the two men shaking hands and walking in slow motion, spliced with images of American flags.

The growly voiceover Trump recorded to accompany the video was equally puzzling, beginning, I would like to thank President Putin and his entire team before segueing into Trumps comments at their joint press conference.

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At the conference, Trump declared that he and Putin would stop thousands of people from being killed, The Guardian reported.

We will speak to you very soon and will probably see you again very soon, Trump told Putin in a voiceover accompanying a video posted on Truth Social. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Closing out the video, Trump says, We will speak to you very soon and will probably see you again very soon.

In recounting the meeting in a debrief with Fox News Sean Hannity, Trump kept his recap of the conversation vague, opting instead to insist that it was a 10 out of 10 success while in the same breath blaming former President Joe Biden for the talks not turning out better.

Trump claimed that Putin respects our country now under his leadership. He added, He didnt respect it under Biden, I can tell you that, claiming that Russias war with Ukraine would have never happened if we had a competent president.

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As for the next steps in securing a ceasefire, Trump laid the responsibility at the feet of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Now its really up to President Zelensky to get it done, Trump told Hannity. And I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit. But its up to President Zelensky, and if they would like, I will be at that next meeting.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Sunday reviewed the flood situation in several districts of the state as heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh led to a rise in water levels in the state's rivers and dams. The Minister held detailed telephonic discussions with Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts and directed immediate relief and mitigation measures to safeguard lives, livestock, and property. Addressing mediapersons at Punjab Bhawan, Goyal said that flood-like conditions had developed in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka and Ferozepur due to rising river waters and breaches in temporary embankments built by farmers in the floodplains. He disclosed that nearly 14,200 acres across Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts had been inundated. While the affected areas of Kapurthala included residential settlements, the damage in Fazilka and Ferozepur was largely to agricultural land under cultivation. "The state government and district administration are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected population," the Minister assured. Goyal said the department had deployed four Superintending Engineers, 10 Executive Engineers, 20 Sub-Divisional Officers, and 200 field staff, including Junior Engineers, for round-the-clock monitoring. Vulnerable regions have been divided into sectors to ensure prompt response and interventions. The Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to set up relief camps without delay, ensuring shelter, food, clean drinking water and medical facilities for displaced families. He stressed that priority must be given to children, the elderly and pregnant women for medical assistance, with arrangements for mobile health units and uninterrupted essential medicine supplies to prevent waterborne diseases. Goyal further instructed Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur to personally oversee the Harike headworks, where increased water inflow from the Sutlej and Beas rivers is being closely monitored. "The embankments built by the department are safe, and no overflow has been reported. Vigilance is being maintained 24x7 by strong roster-based teams," the Minister said, reiterating that the Punjab Government is taking every possible measure to protect people and property. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform on Sunday that a lot of progress had been made on Russia, just two days after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA," Trump posted, asking his followers to "STAY TUNED."

He did not elaborate on what the actual progress was.

Trump, a former television personality, often makes his posts in capital letters.

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He is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and an entourage of European leaders in Washington on Monday.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine some three and a half years ago.
US President Donald Trump has promised "big progress" regarding Russia.

Source: Trump in a short post on Truth Social, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "Big progress on Russia. Stay tuned."

Background:

On 18 August, President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders will meet at the White House.

This meeting follows the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska.

The talks are expected to cover security guarantees for Ukraine and possible territorial concessions.

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President Donald Trump said he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday afternoon to discuss an agreement "which would end the war" between Russia and Ukraine.

The Truth Social post came about half a day after Mr. Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Mr. Trump said the meeting with Putin "went very well." He also said the meeting was followed by a "late night phone call" with Zelenskyy and other European leaders, including Mark Rutte, the secretary general of NATO. The call took place around 2:40 a.m. ET.

"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Mr. Trump said.

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Mr. Trump did not share any details of the agreement. Diplomatic sources told CBS News that Mr. Trump said that Putin would make some concessions, but failed to specify what that might mean.

In his first remarks since Friday's summit, Putin said the visit to Alaska was "timely and very useful" and that addressing the "root causes" of the war "should be the basis of a settlement."

"We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time. I repeat: there was an opportunity calmly, in detail once again to express our position," Putin said, according to a transcript of a meeting with senior Russian officials released by Kremlin. "We, of course, respect the position of the U.S. administration, which sees a need for an early cessation of hostilities. Well, we would also like to resolve all issues by peaceful means. The conversation was very frank, informative, and I think it brings us closer to the right decisions."

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said in a statement that they had been debriefed on the meeting with Putin, and said Mr. Trump had supported security guarantees for Ukraine. The guarantees would allow Ukraine to "effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement said.

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Diplomatic sources told CBS that European leaders were relieved to hear President Trump offer a U.S. security guarantee, but described the idea as vague, and it's unclear how it would work.

Mr. Trump said Zelenskyy would join him in the Oval Office on Monday afternoon to discuss the proposal.

Zelenskyy has previously supported a ceasefire agreement to meet and discuss a peace agreement, but Moscow has rejected the idea. He has also criticized any talks that take place without Ukraine.

"If it all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin," Mr. Trump said. "Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved."

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First Lady Melania Trump on Friday also wrote a letter to Putin, saying he can "singlehandedly restore" children's laughter. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted the letter on social media Saturday.

"In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone  you serve humanity itself," the letter said, in part. "Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time."

Zelenskyy previously joined Mr. Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office in March, but the gathering quickly descended into insults and chaos.

President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025. / Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Mr. Trump's meeting with Putin in Anchorage on Friday ended without a ceasefire or peace deal. In brief remarks after the leaders' nearly three-hour meeting, Putin alluded to "unspecified agreements," but no further details were given. Mr. Trump said the meeting had been "extremely productive." Neither leader mentioned an end to the fighting in Ukraine.

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The summit, which included a red carpet and military flyover, ended early without a planned luncheon between a broader group of officials. Mr. Trump returned to Washington, D.C. overnight.

In a taped conversation with Fox News' Sean Hannity before he departed from Alaska, Mr. Trump said he believes Putin wants the war to end and that the nations are close to a deal, and added that it's "really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done." He did not specify what an agreement might look like.

Zelenskyy has said in the past that he will never agree to any formal Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory or abandon the country's bid for NATO membership. Meanwhile, Putin has been unwavering in his demand to keep all Ukrainian territory that his forces occupy and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, with the long-term goal of returning it to Moscow's sphere of influence.

Diplomatic sources expressed concern to CBS that Mr. Trump had dropped his ceasefire demand and feared that the U.S. president and Putin may have come to an agreement on deal terms that they may try to force on Ukraine. The sources said that European leaders are trying to show unity with Zelenskyy to push back.

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Mr. Trump has called ending the war in Ukraine and Russia a top priority for his administration. He previously said he would end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office in January. He has criticized both Putin and Zelenskyy for failing to end the conflict. In recent months, he has appeared to become frustrated with Putin, giving several ultimatums and criticizing the Russian leader for the violence against civilians in Ukraine amid ongoing conversations with the U.S.

"I always hang up, [and] say, 'Well, that was a nice phone call,'" Mr. Trump said in July. "And then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city, and I say, 'That's strange.' And after that happens three or four times, you say, the talk doesn't mean anything."

President Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. / Credit: Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Mr. Trump said Friday that he would not enact economic sanctions he had threatened against Russia if an agreement wasn't reached by early August. He said he "may have to think about" enacting the sanctions "in two weeks or three weeks or something."

There were strikes between the two countries overnight. Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 29 Ukrainian drones over Russia and the Sea of Azov, the Associated Press reported. Ukraine's air force said one ballistic missile and 85 Shahed drones were fired at parts of Sumy, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv, according to the AP, and 61 of the drones were shot down.

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A Ukrainian soldier in Sumy told CBS News that "things get even more terrifying on the front line" when there are peace talks.

"They try and seize more territory," the soldier said.

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The president has posted the full letter from First Lady Melania Trump that he hand-delivered to Russias Vladimir Putin at Fridays summit in Alaska regarding the fate of the Ukraine war.

In the letter, which Putin reportedly read immediately in front of delegates at the summit, the first lady appealed the Russian leader to remember the innocence of the children caught in the midst of the fighting.

Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or magnificent city-center, the letter begins. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger.

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As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope, the letter continues. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all  so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology, the letter adds.

First ladys letter to Putin, delivered by President Trump during Alaska summit, urges Russian leader to think of children impacted by war in Ukraine (Associated Press / Melania Trump)

Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them  a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future, the first lady wrote. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

The message concludes with an urgent appeal to end the war.

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In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone  you serve humanity itself, Trump wrote. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with the stroke of the pen today. It is time.

President Trump revealed the letter on Truth Social, after making multiple posts criticizing reaction from the media and Democrats to the Alaska summit, which did not result in a deal to end the Ukraine war.

Senator Chris Murphy, the ranking Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on European security cooperation, said the VIP welcome for Putin gave the Russian everything he wanted and was an embarrassment for the United States.

"It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me," Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. "There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me."

First Lady Melania Trump met Vladimir Putin in 2017, but she was not present at Anchorage summit over the weekend (EPA)

"If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal, he wrote in another.

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Following the Alaska summit, both Trump and Putin claimed the controversial meeting had been productive and a success, though little concrete information has emerged about what the two leaders discussed behind closed doors.

We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to, Trump told reporters. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didnt get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.

Speaking to Fox Newss Sean Hannity after the Friday summit, Trump said both Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky would like him to be present at a potential second meeting.

Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage dead not result in any lasting ceasefire, though U.S. claims Russia open to NATO-style Western security guarantee for Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images)

They both want me there, and Ill be there, he said.

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On Sunday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Putin agreed to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a NATO-like security guarantee.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Witkoff told CNN.

The reported concession was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, Witkoff added, calling the step game-changing.

The envoy also signaled that the fate of the occupied Donbas region, which Putin reportedly demands Ukraine cede to Russia to end the invasion, will be a major topic during continued discussions around ending the war.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Trump Monday at the White House. A delegation of European leaders is also attending including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Frances leader Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
Though the move by the Trump administration this week to federalize the nation's capital in the name of public safety has drawn controversy, previous comments by the president show the bold action was a direct campaign promise.

Hundreds of National Guard troops and federal agents were deployed to deter crime and "beautify" the city after President Donald Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department on Monday.

While coordination with the federal government came after former DOGE employee Big Balls was violently beaten in Washington, D.C., the commanding step was promised on multiple occasions during Trump's presidential campaign in 2024.

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"Americans overwhelmingly elected President Trump because of his commonsense policies that are hugely popular with the American publicincluding restoring law and order. Making DC Safe Again and stopping violent crime is something President Trump pledged to do and now hes keeping his promise," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. "Democrat politicians who oppose this move are suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome and it is just one of the many reasons why their approval rating is hitting record lows. Meanwhile, Americans from all backgrounds and communities can applaud efforts to stop violent crime."

Members of the National Guard and armored vehicles near the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. US President Donald Trump announced he would take control of Washington's DC's Metropolitan Police Department and deploy the National Guard as part of a push to reduce crime and homelessness in the nation's capital.

Radical Dc Officials Treated Officers Like Crap, Police Leader Says  7 Attacks That Led To Trump Takeover

Following the January 2024 murder of Mike Gill, a Republican who worked under the Obama and Trump administrations, in Washington, D.C., Trump posted on Truth Social noting the violence was unacceptable.

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"Wonderful and brilliant Mike Gill, a highly respected member of the Trump Administration, was ruthlessly and viciously shot in the head during a carjacking in Washington D.C.," Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday morning. "His family and friends are devastated. The Federal Government must take over D.C."

Gill was shot in broad daylight on Jan. 29, 2024 while sitting in his car parked just a few blocks north of the National Mall.

He was waiting to pick his wife up from work when an armed carjacker opened fire. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died three days later.

Former Obama and Trump administration official Mike Gill was shot in Washington, D.C. during a 2024 carjacking spree and later died.

At a campaign event in Las Vegas, Trump doubled down on the promise to restore law and order in the capital.

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"Were going to federalize it," he said. "Were going to have the toughest law enforcement in the country."

Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich also weighed in on the topic following Gill's death, calling on Congress to "take back control."

"Mike Gills death from attack by a carjacker on 14th street in downtown Washington while picking his wife up from work is one more example of why Congress needs to take back control of our national capital," Gingrich wrote in an X post.

Metropolitan Police Department officers investigate a shooting on August 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. The shooting comes amid a federal takeover of DC police and mobilization of the National Guard that President Donald Trump says is necessary to restoring order in the city.

I Support Trump Taking Control Of Dc Police  The Constitution Is On His Side

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Mayor Muriel Bowser said violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, but city data shows robberies and homicides spiked after the pandemic.

D.C. records show gun violence jumped 460% downtown, while homicides rose up to 500% in neighborhoods like Southwest/Waterfront and H Street.

Trump has 30 days of temporary emergency control of the capital under current law, and warned he could declare a national emergency to prolong it if Congress resists.

"You can't have 30 days," he said during a news conference at the Kennedy Center. "We're going to do this very quickly, but we're going to want extensions. I don't want to call a national emergency, but if I have to, I will."

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The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: Trump vowed DC takeover multiple times on 2024 campaign trail: 'He's keeping his promise'
People participate in a naturalization ceremony last year at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. The Trump administration is encouraging states to use an online search tool to verify the citizenship of registered voters, alarming some Democrats and privacy experts. ( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

BILOXI, Miss.  The Trump administration is developing a powerful data tool it claims will let states identify noncitizens registered to vote. But Democratic critics and data experts warn it could allow the federal government to vacuum up vast quantities of information on Americans for unclear purposes.

Some Democratic election officials and opponents of the effort fear President Donald Trump wants to build a federal database of voters to target political opponents or cherry-pick rare examples of noncitizen voters to fuel a sense of crisis. Republican election officials allied with the president counter that hes helping states to maintain accurate voter rolls.

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The Trump administration has rolled out changes to the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, tool at the same time the U.S. Department of Justice is asking states for copies of their voter rolls. The timing, combined with questions about what happens to voter data uploaded to the program, has alarmed critics.

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Trump wants Congress to pass a national proof of citizenship voter registration requirement and in March tried to unilaterally impose one for federal elections through executive order. But with the legislation stalled and the order halted by the courts, the citizenship data tool may offer a backdoor way to accomplish the same goal.

SAVE was originally intended to help state and local officials verify the immigration status of individual noncitizens seeking government benefits. But U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, this spring refashioned it into a platform that can scan states voter rolls if election officials upload the data.

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The changes to SAVE, rolled out over just a few months and with little public debate, are tinkering with sort of the bones of democracy, said John Davisson, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a Washington, D.C.-based research and advocacy group that argues privacy is a fundamental right.

Youre talking about the voting process and who will be eligible to vote, Davisson said. And to take a system that is not designed for use in that process and repurpose it, really on the fly, without a formal comment process, without formal rulemaking, without congressional intervention  thats pretty anomalous and pretty alarming.

Previously, SAVE could only search one name at a time. Now it can conduct bulk searches, allowing state officials to potentially feed into it information on millions of registered voters. SAVE checks that information against a series of federal databases and reports back whether it can verify someones immigration status.

Since May, it also can draw upon Social Security data, transforming the program into a tool that can confirm citizenship because Social Security records for many, but not all, Americans include the information. NPR reported earlier on changes to SAVE.

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It is incredible what has been done, really since March, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray, a Republican who supports proof of citizenship requirements and the SAVE tool, told a gathering of state secretaries of state in Biloxi, Mississippi, last week.

Individuals registering to vote in federal elections must already sign a statement affirming they are citizens under penalty of perjury, and those who cast a ballot face criminal penalties and deportation. One study of the 2016 election placed the prevalence of noncitizen voting at 0.0001% of votes cast.

But as Trump has spread falsehoods about elections, Republicans have made purging noncitizens from voter rolls a central focus.

Nameplates at the National Association of Secretaries of State conference in Biloxi, Miss. The Trump administration wants state secretaries of state to use an online program to identify noncitizens on their voter rolls. (Jonathan Shorman/Stateline)

Democratic concerns were on display last week at the National Association of Secretaries of State conference, held at the Beau Rivage casino-resort in Biloxi. In interviews on the sidelines of the conference, Democratic secretaries of state voiced deep reservations  or outright opposition  about plugging their voter data into SAVE.

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Maine Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said Aug. 6 that the federal government appeared to be trying to take over election administration. She formally rejected the Justice Departments voter roll request two days later.

Bellows said the Department of Homeland Security told her in a recent phone call that it planned to retain SAVE data for 10 years for audit purposes only.

Just like the [Justice Department] is asking us to hand over an electronic file of all the voters in our state, it seems like the Department of Homeland Security is through this backdoor system also asking us to share voter information about every voter in our state, Bellows said.

At least one state appears to have granted the federal government sweeping authority over any voter data it provides to SAVE.

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Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced in July he had reached an agreement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to access the newly expanded system for voter list maintenance. Indianas agreement allows the federal agency to use information the state provides for any purpose permitted by law, including criminal prosecutions.

Morales, a Republican, said in a news release that SAVE represented another step in safeguarding the rights of eligible voters. His office didnt respond to Statelines questions.

The Trump administration has ramped up efforts to encourage state election officials to use the expanded program. The White House hosted a bipartisan fly in event for state secretaries of state on July 29. Multiple secretaries of state told Stateline that USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, who was confirmed on July 15, spoke at the event.

The president is very much keyed in on voter list maintenance, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a Republican, said in an interview  echoing other GOP secretaries of state who released statements praising the Trump administration after the meeting.

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When we disclose information, particularly personal identifying information, we need to have a handle on how its going to be used, by whom and under what circumstances.

 Minnesota Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat who attended the meeting, said he questioned how the federal government would handle voter information provided to SAVE. He added that the Justice Departments request for his states voter rolls raised his level of concern about how data would be used.

When we disclose information, particularly personal identifying information, we need to have a handle on how its going to be used, by whom and under what circumstances, Simon told Stateline.

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The White House referred questions about SAVE and the event to the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS.

In response to questions from Stateline, USCIS didnt directly answer whether the agency would share voter roll data with other parts of the federal government but confirmed it disposes of records after 10 years.

The SAVE application is a critical tool for state and local governments to access information to safeguard the integrity of elections across the country. Its no wonder many states have quickly adopted it, and we continue to promote the tool to other states and counties not using SAVE, USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement.

We look forward to continued optimization efforts and implementing more updates to SAVE.

GOP pressure

Some Republican election officials and Trump allies have long wanted the federal government to take an expanded role in searching state voter rolls for noncitizens.

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Last summer the Trump-aligned litigation group America First Legal, co-founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, encouraged states to submit to the Department of Homeland Security the names of individuals for citizenship or immigration status verification.

Some states did just that. Texas, for example, asked USCIS to verify the citizenship of some voters in September, and Indiana asked the agency to verify 585,774 voters in October. The same month, 16 Republican state attorneys general signed a letter criticizing Homeland Security, then under the Biden administration, for failing to work with states on verification.

After Trump took office, GOP state officials kept up the pressure. Twenty-one Republican secretaries of state urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in February to prioritize SAVE improvements.

On April 16, Indiana sued the department in federal court for not responding to its verification request last fall. USCIS announced an overhaul of SAVE less than a week later.

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As the agency continues to remake SAVE, the tool will soon allow searches using the last four digits of a Social Security number, multiple state secretaries of state told Stateline. The agency confirmed the feature is under development and will be available soon but didnt provide an exact date.

The change would mark another significant expansion of the program because most states collect the last four digits when individuals without a drivers license register to vote.

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, a Republican, said SAVE represents a better way to verify citizenship than a state law requiring voters to produce documents. I think theres a real opportunity for us to do a lot of this through just sharing of information and I think thats what were seeing happen, McGrane said in an interview.

Unreliable data?

But some voting rights advocates and experts on government data caution against an overreliance on Social Security data.

The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, a progressive policy nonprofit, has noted that Social Security only began tracking the citizenship status of all applicants in 1978  meaning the database doesnt include comprehensive citizenship information for older Americans. Additionally, Social Security may not always have up-to-date information on the status of naturalized U.S. citizens.

The nonpartisan Institute for Responsive Government also warned in May that since SAVE hasnt used Social Security numbers to verify citizenship in the past, its accuracy and effectiveness are unknown. The success of the expanded SAVE program may also partially depend on whether it has adequate staff and resources, it said.

A 2017 Government Accountability Office report found that between fiscal years 2012 and 2016, about 16% of the nearly 90 million SAVE searches required additional verification, which the institute says often translates into federal workers manually checking files. Now that SAVE allows bulk searches, the need for manual checking could rise dramatically.

Nick Doctor, director of implementation at the Institute for Responsive Government, said in an interview that a tool confirming the eligibility of registered voters in a way that doesnt burden individuals can be a good thing. But he emphasized that it depends in large measure on SAVEs implementation.

The changes that have been made to SAVE happened very quickly and, to my knowledge, we havent seen releases on the level of accuracy of that information, Doctor said.

During interviews, Republican secretaries of state stressed that voters arent kicked off the rolls because SAVE cant verify their citizenship. Instead, an inability to verify would likely trigger a follow-up process with the voter.

Just because we get something back from the SAVE database, its not a cut and dry, especially on those theyre not sure about, Hoskins, the Missouri secretary of state, said.

Still, Arizona illustrates why some Democrats worry about any large-scale effort to ask voters  especially longtime, older residents  to prove their citizenship. After the state discovered errors in how it tracked voter citizenship dating back years, election officials are contacting some 200,000 voters seeking proof of citizenship documentation.

Some have been casting ballots for decades without incident and many feel targeted, Arizona Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said during a presentation at the state secretaries of state conference. They feel insulted when they get that letter, Fontes said.

Theres a lot of good-government reasons to believe that something like this, governed properly and governed with fail-safe mechanisms, could have an upside.

 Charles Stewart III, professor of political science at MIT who studies elections

Charles Stewart III, a professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who studies elections, said Arizona may actually point to the potential usefulness of SAVE. If Arizona runs its voter roll through the program, a list of 200,000 voters needing citizenship verification would perhaps drop into the hundreds, he suggested.

Theres a lot of good-government reasons to believe that something like this, governed properly and governed with fail-safe mechanisms, could have an upside, Stewart said.

Connecticut Democratic Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas told Stateline that every secretary wants tools to keep voter lists as clean as possible. But the details are important.

When she hears of something new, Thomas said she asks whether its the best option available and whether the is are dotted, the ts crossed. She said shes asked USCIS a series of questions about SAVE and is waiting on some responses.

When it comes to voter lists, Thomas said, I dont want Connecticut voters to be a guinea pig.

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.
President Donald Trump on Sunday really reached to criticize outlets for their coverage of his peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal, he wrote on Truth Social. Thats why they are the FAKE NEWS!

Trump was perhaps smarting over negative headlines like: In Alaska, Trump gifts Putin more time to grind down Ukraine, and leads like Nothing says standing up to Russian aggression quite like welcoming the aggressor on a red carpet and applauding him. On Friday, Donald Trump did both.

Related: Wall Street Journal Delivers Trump A Warning: 'Peace At What Price?'

There was no deal reached at the summit to end Russias 3-year-plus invasion of Ukraine. The conditions being presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will meet with Trump on Monday, seem to be: Surrender chunks of territory, perhaps including unconquered land, for little in return.

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Trump also said on Truth Social Sunday that an announcement on BIG PROGRESS in the negotiations was forthcoming, but some observers were still cracking wise over his sarcastic Moscow gripe.

Related...

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President Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday  a meeting that could play out differently than their last one in the nations capital back in February.

That earlier meeting went south fast: What started as a discussion about a possible minerals deal spiraled into a shouting match, with Vice President J.D. Vance accusing Zelenskyy of ingratitude and Trump saying the Ukrainian leader had disrespected the U.S. (Zelenskyy later responded by publicly thanking the American people for their support.)

This time, if tempers flare, Zelenskyy wont be on his own. Hell be joined by NATO and European leaders  including French President Emmanuel Macron  in a show of solidarity. Still, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back on the idea that their presence is meant to shield Zelenskyy from being strong-armed into a bad deal.

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Heres what to watch: whos coming, whats at stake, and whether peace is even within reach.

How did we get here?

A lot has happened since that February clash. Most recently, Trump sat down with Zelenskyys adversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on Friday.

The two leaders spent about two and a half hours together, where they touched on possible territorial concessions, security guarantees, and sanctions relief, though no formal agreements were announced. Trump later called the talks very productive and emerged no longer backing a ceasefire, instead saying it was up to President Zelenskyy to make peace  a stance that aligned with Putin. The Russian leader, for his part, hinted that some understanding had been reached without offering details.

Despite Trumps upbeat framing, many U.S. analysts cast the summit as a setback for Washington  and a win for Putin, who gained legitimacy without making concessions. President Trump does not have a solid grasp of the facts and the issues at hand, security expert Andrea Kendall-Taylor told PBS. President Putin, in contrast, knows these details in and out. Hes a steely eyed, detail-oriented dictator.

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Russian state media, by contrast, hailed the outcome, highlighting the red carpet treatment and the leaders cordial handshake. The red carpet and warm, almost friendly handshake does not fit into the portrait of Russia they have painted [in Europe] as a pariah state, the Rossiya-1 television channel said in its closing report.

In the aftermath, Trump reportedly phoned Zelenskyy from Air Force One while returning from Alaska, in what sources told Axios was a tense exchange.

Getty Images

Who will be joining Zelenskyy for the meeting with Trump?

Zelenskyy wont be walking into the White House alone. Hell have a lineup of European and NATO leaders at his side  among them British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Also joining are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Their presence is meant to send a clear signal: Europe is standing with Ukraine. The show of solidarity is not only aimed at warding off another public pile-on like the one in February, but also at easing fears in Kyiv and other European capitals that Trump could strong-arm Ukraine into accepting a lopsided peace deal.

Vice President J.D. Vance meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy following the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, on May 18, 2025. (Getty Images)

Rubio, however, pushed back on that framing, dismissing the idea that Europes leaders are showing up to protect Zelenskyy. He called it a stupid media narrative and argued that European leaders have been involved throughout the negotiations. Theyre coming here tomorrow because they chose to come here tomorrow. We invited them to come, he said on CBSs Face the Nation.

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Putin, meanwhile, has suggested he sees Europe as an obstacle to negotiations  another reason he isnt expected at Mondays meeting. He has also avoided meeting Zelenskyy directly, saying such talks can only happen once the outlines of a peace deal are already in place.

Still, the situation remains fluid: a three-way summit with Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy is reportedly being discussed for later in the week, though the timing, format, and even who would take part are all still up in the air.

Whats at stake?

After his summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump suggested a peace deal might be possible if Zelenskyy agreed to give up the Donbas region in southeastern Ukraine, senior European officials told The New York Times.

But Zelenskyy has repeatedly drawn a hard line: Ukraine will never recognize the loss of its territory  even areas already annexed by Moscow. Hes also insisted that any deal must include binding guarantees Russia wont invade again.

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The Ukrainian leader also rejected Trumps assertion  echoing Putins stance  that the war should be settled outright before a ceasefire. Its impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons, he said. Putin does not want to stop the killing, but he must.

Another flashpoint: whether Russia would accept U.S. and European nations offering Ukraine an Article 5-style security guarantee  a NATO-like pledge floated as part of a possible settlement. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Fridays summit was the first time Putin signaled he might consider it, a sharp reversal from one of his original justifications for the war.

Moscow has long insisted any deal must curb Ukraines NATO ambitions, scale back its military, and recognize Russias control of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.

Even so, Rubio said on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday that while a ceasefire is not off the table, the goal remains a comprehensive peace deal. But he cautioned that such an agreement could still be a long ways off, with big areas of disagreement unresolved.

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All eyes are now on Monday  not just to see if Trump and Zelenskyy can find common ground, but whether Europes united front can shift the balance toward peace, or if the world will simply watch another clash unfold.



The post Can Trump and Zelenskyy Avoid Another Clash in Washington? appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
The US presidents special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin agreed during his conversation with Donald Trump to the provision of "robust security guarantees" for Ukraine from the United States as part of a potential peace deal.

Source: Witkoff on CNN

Quote: "We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing."

Details: Witkoff described the security guarantees as NATO Article 5-type protection against further Russian invasion.

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He said Putin also agreed to a "legislative enshrinement" by Russia not to enter any other territory, in Ukraine or elsewhere in Europe, as part of a potential peace deal.

In addition, Witkoff said that during the meeting with Trump in Alaska, Putin made concessions on his demand for a "land swap" with Ukraine. He declined to provide specific details but suggested that the Kremlin now sees the "land swap" occurring at the current front lines rather than along the administrative boundaries of at least some of the five regions that have long been in Putins sights, CNN reported.

"The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions," Witkoff said, adding that this issue will be discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to the White House on Monday.

"Hopefully we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there," he said.

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Witkoff noted that although Russias position has changed compared with previous negotiations, it is still not sufficient for a comprehensive peace treaty.

"It was significant. And, that doesnt mean its enough," he said. "The point was that we began to see some moderation in the way theyre thinking about getting to a final peace deal."

Background:

On Sunday Zelenskyy stated that he is only willing to discuss territorial issues with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin at a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia meeting.

Trump announced after the Alaska summit that he had reached an agreement with Putin for a "land swap" between Ukraine and Russia and that "Zelenskyy has to agree".

Trump is reported to have told Ukraine and European leaders that Putin wants to immediately discuss the conditions for ending the war rather than a pause in the hostilities, and Trump believes that would be better.

According to Bloomberg, Trump informed European leaders and Zelenskyy that Putin is still demanding that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the entire territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, but is prepared to freeze the front in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. Zelenskyy has rejected this demand.

On Sunday, Reuters published the demands for ending the war that Putin put forward during his meeting with Trump in Alaska.

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There is a paradox that some people struggle with when they eat meat: It is a contradiction to value the life of animals while still choosing to eat meat. On paper, it doesn't sound logical, but many people live this way. For some, it is simply a matter of distance, as, after all, most of the meat we eat is slaughtered and processed far away. We only get the end product, and so we don't feel a connection to the living animal it came from. One creature that doesn't fit into this mold is the lobster, an expensive delicacy once served to prisoners and one of the few animals sold live in grocery stores. It's also the only animal we're often expected to cook while it's still living. For a long time, boiling these crustaceans alive was justified by the misguided belief that they don't feel pain. However, that is false.

Lobsters do feel pain, and being boiled alive is painful for them. In fact, scientific research supports this. Of the many lobster myths you should stop believing, the false notion that they don't feel pain is not a relic of the Dark Ages. As recently as 1997, experts were telling consumers that lobsters lack a nervous system capable of feeling pain. They said the movements that you see in a boiling lobster are just reflexes. While activists have long claimed it's inhumane, the science was slow to catch up. Research from the University of Gothenburg, using EEG-style measurements, revealed that crustaceans, such as lobsters, crabs, and crayfish, experience clear neurological reactions to painful stimuli. Or, in other words, yes, these animals feel pain.

Read more: The Most Popular Cuts Of Steak Ranked Worst To Best

Is There A Humane Way To Prepare Lobster?

Split lobster tails with herbs and lemon - Og-vision/Getty Images

Once we understand that lobsters feel pain, finding a humane way to kill and cook them becomes a more complex issue. Switzerland, Norway, and New Zealand have banned the practice of boiling lobsters alive. Storing them on ice has also been banned in Switzerland and Italy, as it has been deemed cruel. In 2022, decapods, like crabs and lobsters, were included in an animal welfare law in the U.K., which recognized them as sentient and capable of feeling pain.

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One method that minimizes suffering is electrical stunning. An invention called the CrustaStun emits a charge that kills the crustacean almost instantly. It happens so fast that no pain is felt. Death takes place in 0.3 seconds, while boiling can take as long as three agonizing minutes. However, the device also costs thousands of dollars and may not be a practical option for home cooks or even most restaurants. Some experts recommend chilling the lobster in an ice bath to anesthetize it before cooking. However, recent research from the journal Animals suggests that an ice slurry does not fully work on larger crustaceans, such as crabs or lobsters, which may still experience some pain. Additionally, using plain tap water can cause osmotic shock in marine animals, which may lead to cell rupture and increased pain; therefore, it is recommended to use salt water.

Currently, the most humane, widely accessible method of killing lobsters is known as splitting. After stunning the lobster, a sharp knife should be used to very quickly split the crustacean lengthwise, severing all nerve centers and killing it instantly. Once split, the lobster can be cooked. The method isn't perfect, but it acknowledges the potential pain and attempts to reduce it, which is a step in the right direction.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Sunday slammed the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it to "ensure free and fair elections." The Rajya Sabha MP raised questions on the poll panel over the availability of voter lists and alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had access to them while the Congress did not receive the details. "It is the constitutional right of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair elections. The soft copy of the voter list is available with BJP. Why does the Congress party not have it? With these questions in mind, a Voter Rights Yatra is being taken out in Bihar today," the Congress leader told ANI. The Congress leader underlined that the issue of voter list transparency was crucial for democracy and stressed that the ECI must function without bias. He also said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar on Sunday with the intention to spread awareness among citizens about their voting rights. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav called for removing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power in Bihar, referring to the party as "thieves" who are harming democracy by stealing the people's votes. "Choro ko hataiye, BJP ko bhagaiye, aur hume jitaiye, (Remove the thieves, banish BJP, help us win)," Lalu Yadav said during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar's Sasaram. He urged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to stand united with RJD, along with his son Tejashwi Yadav, to "uproot the BJP and throw them away." "At any cost, do not let BJP, which is a thief, come to power. Everyone, stand united, and together, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav will uproot them and throw them away. Save democracy," the RJD chief added. The Congress is currently holding a 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra, protesting against the alleged 'vote chori' that Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission and BJP of. The yatra began from Bihar's Sasaram on Sunday, with several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar and others participating. (ANI)
Two families were on their way back from an overnight kayaking trip off the coast of Washington state when things turned difficult.

That led to the 12 kayakers  including six children  having to radio for help.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a radio report of kayakers in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island near the Canadian border north of Puget Sound at about 1:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, the agency said in a news release.

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A Coast Guard crew based in Bellingham, joined by nearby Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Washington State Parks rangers, responded to the distress call, the agency said.

Officers learned that two families had gone out on an overnight guided kayaking tour and were on their way back when they encountered challenging conditions, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a news release.

Realizing the conditions had surpassed their capabilities to safely continue the trip, they made the prudent decision to call for help before the situation worsened, the agency said.

All 12 kayakers were rescued and taken to Orcas Island, the Coast Guard said. No injuries were reported.

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A VHF marine radio is a mariners lifeline when there is no cell phone service, Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, said in the release. It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.

There are 172 named islands and reefs in the San Juan Islands, with Orcas Island being one of the largest, according to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.

The islands are about 70 to 90 miles north from Seattle.

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ST. ANN, Mo.  First responders rescued two children from a hot car Saturday in St. Ann after a quick-thinking resident called for help. Police say a father was arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the St. Ann Neighborhood Watch, a community group that works with the St. Ann Police Department to share information with the public, the rescue happened early Saturday afternoon outside of an ALDI grocery store.

The Neighborhood Watch reports that a father left two small children inside his vehicle as he went into ALDI. The car was not running with air conditioning, and the windows were rolled up.

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According to the National Weather Service, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise up to 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes or up to 50 degrees over an hour without air conditioning. High temperatures peaked around the mid-90s on Saturday in the St. Louis region, so within 10 minutes, the cars internal temperature possibly could have reached 115 degrees.

May 16 tornado report details multiple failures

The Neighborhood Watch reports that a quick-thinking resident saw the two children in the car and reached out to the St. Ann Police Department for help.

With assistance from community fire crews, the two children were rescued from the car.

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The father was reportedly arrested and could possibly face charges of child endangerment.

The Chief wants to remind adults to NEVER leave their children in a closed car (regardless of the temperature), said the St. Ann Neighborhood Watch of the incident.

According to the National Safety Council, around 37 children (under the age of 15) die each year in the United States from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Tacoma Police on Saturday said two more arrests have been made in connection with a 2024 South Tacoma homicide case.

On Nov. 27, 2024, police were called to an address in the 7400 block of South Oakes Street. When they arrived, they found a deceased adult male victim at the residence, The News Tribune reported at that time.

The victim was later identified as William Akers, 56, who died from multiple blunt force injuries.

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During this investigation, detectives developed probable cause to arrest three suspects, Tacoma Police said in a news release on Saturday.

On Friday, two women, one age 45 and the other age 42, were taken into custody by Tacoma Police on suspicion of first-degree murder in the case.

The two arrests follow the Jan. 6, 2025 arrest of a 47-year-old male in connection with the case.

Pierce County prosecutors in January charged Christopher Charles Reyes with two counts of first-degree murder in the homicide. Reyes allegedly killed Akers with an air compressor and chair, according to charging documents.

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A plea of not guilty was entered on Reyes behalf during his arraignment in January. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Brian Tollefson set Reyes bail at $2 million.

Reyes faces a tentative trial date in September.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Initial information revealed that a 2019 Chevrolet 2500 was traveling southbound on Knox Ave.

A 2012 GMC Yukon was traveling westbound on FM 2020. The driver of of the Chevrolet disregarded the stop sign at the intersection of W. University and was struck by the GMC.

The driver of Chevrolet, Juan Manuel Nunez-Quiroz, 61 years of age, of Odessa, and the front passenger of the GMC, Tyson Cooper Avery, 32 years of age, of Odessa, were pronounced deceased on scene.

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Several other, including children, were also hurt during the crash.

This crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Honeybee colonies across the United States are experiencing unprecedented losses.

This year, the U.S. has seen a staggering 62% decrease in honeybee coloniesone of the highest rates ever recorded. These losses are raising alarm among environmental advocates who warn of the significant consequences for food production.

Ben Powell, coordinator of Clemson Universitys Apiculture and Pollinator program, says the situation is dire but not without hope.

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Theyre an essential part of most ecosystems because they serve as critical pollinators, said Powell. About three fourths of the species of plants that we cultivate for crops are pollinated by honeybees.

According to Powell, there are multiple factors causing the honeybee decline. While the use of pesticide is one of them, he emphasizes that habitat loss is among the biggest threats.

The reduction in the forage plants that they need to collect the food to build their nest and raise their brood, has resulted because were changing the landscape, he said. We reduce the number of flowering plants in the landscape and replacing stuff like turf and that reduces the amount of forage thats available to them.

Historically, beekeepers are expected to lose 15% to 20% of their bee colonies annually due to natural disasters. However, those numbers have nearly doubled in the last decade. Powell said this year has seen exceptional losses.

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We had one of the highest colony loss rates thats ever been recorded, and it was averaged out about 62%. I dont know any agricultural producers that could lose 62% of their crops or their animals and stay in business, but beekeepers are industrious people. They overcome all these challenges and theyre working very, very hard to maintain our bee stocks and produce the services and products that bees give us.

Beyond the ecological and agricultural importance, Powell emphasized the educational roles that beekeepers play when raising awareness:

If you want to help bees, help beekeepers, he said. Theyre engaging the public, theyre improving awareness. Theyre teaching children and trying to get everybody to understand that the honeybee, the iconic pollinator, is indicative of whats happening in the rest of the world around us.

Powell also recommends that transforming your outdoor landscape can be an effective way to attract pollinators and cultivate an environment that supports them.

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You can plant plants in your yard that are better forage, get away from lawn grasses, get away from exotic species that dont support our native pollinators near as well as the native flowering plants do.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Cancer treatment is already an emotional and physical challenge, but for one Oklahoma woman, getting to her appointments has turned into another battle, after Uber drivers never showed up.

Ruth Pyeatt is from Elk City and is staying at Chad Richison Hope Lodge in Oklahoma City while undergoing radiation at the Oklahoma Proton Center.

With early morning appointments, the staff had scheduled Uber rides for Ruth days in advance.

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First three days were great, I was down there and they picked me up, said Pyeatt.

Vision restored: Woman regains sight after tumor removed through nasal cavity

But last Thursday, she says her driver never showed up. The same thing happened on Friday and then again on Monday.

Ruth says the drivers would cancel the rides.

Its been tough, Ive got enough on my plate. I dont need this, you know, said Pyeatt.

In one instance, Uber even marked her as a no-show, which Ruth says isnt true. She even signed out of the Hope Lodge and waited right by the door in the lobby.

Fortunately, other patients stepped in to give her rides, but she was still late to appointments and had to wait around for doctors to fit her in. For Ruth, missing an appointment isnt an option.

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Im doing it at the proton center, which takes that radiation, goes right straight to the cancer, and if I miss one, then they have to reschedule. I got to have that, said Pyeatt.

Pyeatt hopes her experience will be a warning to others who rely on rideshares for things that cant be missed.

News 4 asked Uber if this happens often and what riders can do to prevent it.

The company sent us a statement Monday morning.

We sincerely regret the riders experience. Our team is actively working to connect with the customer and understand what took place. Uber

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington tomorrow for his meeting with Donald Trump, which will also be attended by other European leaders and the NATO secretary general.

Source: Sky News, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Starmer is one of several European leaders expected to join the meeting. Among them are French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also take part in the talks.

The European leaders will arrive in Washington for a joint meeting with Zelenskyy after receiving the US presidents invitation.

Background:

The negotiations will be held following the 15 August US-Russia leaders summit on ending the war in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he plans to raise the issue of maintaining sanctions against Russia at the meeting.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels to hold talks with President von der Leyen.

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The Armed Forces of Ukraine has made gains in eastern Donetsk Oblast, the General Staff reported on Aug. 17.

The escalation in Donetsk Oblast follows Russian President Vladimir Putins Aug. 15 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which ended without a deal amid Putin's reported demand that Ukraine cede the entire oblast.

From Aug. 4 to 16, Ukrainian forces cleared Russian troops from several villages in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements retaken were Hruzke, Rubizhne, Novovodiane, Petrivka, Vesele, and Zolotyi Kolodiaz.

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The General Staff said Russian forces suffered significant losses in the area, including 910 killed, 335 wounded, and 37 captured. Ukrainian troops also reported destroying or damaging eight Russian tanks, six armored fighting vehicles, more than 100 vehicles and motorcycles, one multiple launch rocket system, 18 artillery pieces, and 91 drones.

Stabilization operations continue around Dobropillia, a town in Donetsk, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials said six Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian units on Aug. 16.

Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps also reported clearing Russian positions in Pokrovsk, another key city in Donetsk Oblast.

Ukraine also said its forces advanced up to one kilometer near Yablunivka in Sumy Oblast, along the northern border with Russia.

A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent)

Ukraine's military confirmed earlier on Aug. 16 that Russian troops captured two villages in Donetsk Oblast  Popiv Yar, southwest of Dobropillia, and Ivano-Darivka, northeast of Sloviansk.

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Russian units have intensified attacks near the settlements of Novyi Shakhove, Rodynske, Myroliubivka, Novoekonomichne, Novoukrainka and Zvirove, as well as pushing west of Vuhledar, according to Ukraine's Dnipro Group of Forces.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is trying to reach the administrative border of Donetsk Oblast to strengthen its position in potential future talks.

Zelensky said on Aug. 16 that the situation in Donetsk Oblast remains "extremely difficult," noting that Ukrainian troops had carried out successful counterattacks around Dobropillia and Pokrovsk for a second consecutive day.

The fighting around Dobropillia has become one of the fiercest in recent months. Ukraine's General Staff said on Aug. 12 that Moscow had deployed more than 110,000 troops near Pokrovsk.

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Monitoring group DeepState reported that Russian forces had advanced north toward the DobropilliaKramatorsk highway, though Ukrainian counterattacks have since recaptured some of that ground.

Read also: Ukrainian soldiers on fighting to reclaim their homes from Russia

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(Reuters) -A railway employee was injured and a power line damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack at a station in Russia's Voronezh region, the regional governor said on Sunday.

"According to preliminary information, a railway station track technician was injured in one of the municipalities," Alexander Gusev said of the overnight attack on the Telegram messaging app. "He has been hospitalised."

Gusev said the attack caused train delays, but by Sunday morning trains were running back on schedule.

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The Russian defence ministry, which reports only how many drones its units destroy not how many Ukraine launches, said on the Telegram messaging app that nine drones were downed over the Voronezh region in Russia's southwest.

In total, the ministry said, its defence systems destroyed 46 Ukrainian drones overnight, all of them in regions west of Moscow.

Reuters could not independently verify the Russian reports. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine.

Kyiv says that its strikes inside Russia are in answer to Moscow's continued attacks on Ukraine and are aimed at destroying infrastructure key to Russia's war efforts.

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The reports of the attacks came after a summit between the U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin yielded no agreement on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump said on Saturday that Kyiv should make a deal with Moscow to end the war because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by William Mallard and Sonali Paul)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a decree enacting a decision of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on new personal sanctions. The restrictions target 39 Russian individuals and 55 companies from Russia, Belarus and China.

Source: decree No. 599/2025; Office of the President of Ukraine

Details: The sanctions have been imposed against Russias defence industrial base, targeting UAV manufacturers that employ artificial intelligence and their suppliers.

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The restrictions apply to 39 individuals and 55 companies (43 Russian, 10 Chinese and two Belarusian). Among them are key developers of attack UAVs and first-person view (FPV) drones (Zala Aero, Smart Birds, Vostok Design Bureau), electronics suppliers from China and Belarus, and centres developing AI solutions for drones, particularly Neurolab and the Centre for Unmanned Systems and Technologies.

Sanctions have also been applied to dozens of Russian citizens linked to the defence sector. Among them are Sergei Kalutsky, CEO of the defence company Vikor and CEO of Vostok Design Bureau, Newton-ITM CEO Dmitry Alikhanov and others.

The list of legal entities includes Russian defence companies such as:

Military Engineering Corporation;

NPO Topol  Unmanned Technologies;

Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences;

Vostok Design Bureau;

ETC  Newton;

Altegrity;

Newton-ITM,

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as well as Chinese and Belarusian companies supplying dual-use technologies and cooperating with the Russian defence industrial base.

The sanctions provide for asset freezes, a complete halt of trade operations and transit, a ban on participation in state procurement and privatisation, termination of agreements in the security and defence sphere and restrictions on access to technologies and intellectual property.

The restrictions are imposed for 10 years or indefinitely. Ukraine is working with partners to achieve synchronisation of these sanctions across global jurisdictions.

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Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Sunday criticised Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that whenever the opposition raises concerns against the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to its "defence." He further said that if the ECI is "bungling" with the voter list, then it must answer the "vote theft" allegations made by the opposition parties. "If the Election Commission is bungling with the voter list, they will have to answer the allegations made by the opposition party...unfortunately, when we make allegations, the BJP comes to their defence...", Elangovan told ANI. Earlier in the day, refuting the opposition's claims of "vote theft" during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that neither the ECI nor the voters are "afraid" of such "false" allegations. It was the first press conference conducted by the constitutional body following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders had raised allegations of "vote theft" during the SIR exercise in Bihar and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Gyanesh Kumar mentioned that while some voters had alleged instances of double voting in recent days, no proof was submitted when asked. "Some voters alleged double voting. When asked for proof, no answer was given. Neither the Election Commission nor any voter is afraid of such false allegations," CEC Kumar told reporters. CEC affirmed that the Election Commission "stood like a rock" with every section of society without any discrimination. "When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear to everyone that it fearlessly stood like a rock with all the voters of all sections and all religions including the poor, rich, elderly, women, youth without any discrimination," CEC said. He stated that the ECI doesn't belong to any party and it will not step back from its "constitutional duty". CEC stated that there is no discrimination in the eyes of the ECI and every political party is equal. "For the Election Commission, there is neither any opposition nor any party. All are equal. No matter who belongs to any political party, the Election Commission will not step back from its constitutional duty," CEC Kumar told reporters on Sunday. (ANI)
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing new sanctions on dozens of individuals and companies linked to Russia's drone industry, the Presidential Office said on Aug. 17.

Both Russia and Ukraine have significantly ramped up drone production during the war, as unmanned systems have proven critical on the battlefield for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare.

According to the presidential decree, restrictions were introduced against 39 Russian nationals and 55 companies from Russia, China, and Belarus. The measures target entities involved in the production of drones using artificial intelligence, as well as suppliers of electronic components for unmanned aerial vehicles.

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Among the sanctioned companies are Russian defense developers Zala Aero, Smart Birds, and Vostok Design Bureau, as well as Chinese and Belarusian firms that provide dual-use technologies.

Ukrainian authorities also sanctioned research centers focused on AI-based drone technologies, including Neurolab and the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies.

The list of sanctioned individuals includes senior executives from the Russian defense industry.

The sanctions provide for asset freezes, a full ban on trade operations and transit, exclusion from state procurement and privatization, suspension of defense-related contracts, and restrictions on access to technology and intellectual property. Most measures are set for 10 years, while some are indefinite.

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Ukraine's Presidential Office said the country is working with international partners to synchronize the sanctions across global jurisdictions.

China's exports have enabled Russia to significantly ramp up its production of Garpiya-A1 attack drones, Reuters reported in July. Bejing has long been one of Russia's key exporters of dual-use goods and military technology, though China denies the claims.

Read also: Little by little away from China  Inside Ukraines new mass-production of drone parts

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Its both tempting and normal to focus on the land when it comes to conflict and war. This is where the majority of the visible fighting takes place. Even the Falklands War, a notably maritime conflict, was about using the sea to regain the land. Most conditions and terms of surrender are discussed on land. The bias is understandable  its also where we live.

The recent round of discussions on the future of Ukraine triggered by President Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska is no exception. No matter how grim it is to see where people live and have set up their lives discussed as if it were a game of Risk, that is the reality. In some ways the Donbas region typifies this, being treated like a commodity whilst the thousands who fought, and are fighting, so bravely to defend it are asked to watch on.

2603 Black Sea

As is often the way, the Black Sea slips under the radar. Not to everyone: earlier today, an OSINT account reported a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum providing top cover for a cargo ship heading into Odesa. Our own Air Force is flying a C-17 heavy-lift aircraft there as I type this. The military have not forgotten the strategic importance of this sea.

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And they are right not to do so  the ability to navigate freely on it is hugely important and is not a foregone conclusion.

Right at the start of the 2022 invasion, the interaction at Snake Island set the tone for subsequent Ukrainian doggedness. In the face of the Black Sea flagship, the Moskva, off Snake Island, the Ukrainian forces there used some extremely naval language to suggest they go away. It didnt work, and the island was lost, but two months later, the Moskva was sent to the bottom in what was a simple but devastating counter-attack.

Symbolic as this sinking was as a single military action, and despite getting Snake Island back shortly afterwards, it was part of a wider maritime tapestry which Ukraine were not winning. Russia was now denying them freedom of navigation  blockading them, to use the wartime term  and it worked, initially halting up to 90 per cent of all sea exports.

July 2022 to July 2023 saw the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the UN and Turkey. This partially alleviated the pressure with exports increasing up to 50 per cent  33 million tons of grain over 1,000 voyages. Putin ended this initiative in July 2023  for obvious reasons  recommenced attacks and mining, and numbers dipped again.

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But by this point, Ukraines long-range counter-strategy was in full flight. Rapid development and use of uncrewed surface vessels, combined with more conventional missile and special forces strikes, worked to drive the Black Sea Fleet out of Sevastopol and virtually into hiding.

Its risky in warfare to say anyone has lost until the surrender is signed, but in terms of what the Black Sea Fleet set out to achieve, against how it was forced to operate for most of 2024 it is not far off. They certainly lost their fighting cohesion at sea. By July 2024, pre-war export levels were restored, and there they have largely remained.

This is not by chance and has taken considerable effort to maintain, and it is a balance that could be upset quickly if the importance of the Black Sea is overlooked.

A Black Sea Fleet out of hiding and able to restock and rearm could upset this balance almost immediately causing war risk insurance to climb again and shipping companies to no longer take the risk. At least Russia wont be able to sail more warships in there, the Montreux Convention prevents it, but rearmament takes many forms. And besides, that convention works both ways.

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Most estimates are that if Ukraine lost freedom of navigation by up to 80 per cent, it would damage their overall economy by 10-12 per cent of GDP. Indirect losses could be as much as 30 per cent. They simply cant afford for this to happen again.

Add in loss of influence, access and the effect on other countries who need those exports, then layer how much this all inversely helps Russia, and you can start building a case for maintaining freedom of navigation in the Black Sea being more important than the division of land being contested and now discussed.

In war, most people naturally focus on the land. In peace, no one focuses on the sea until it stops working, at which point it can wreck your security and prosperity. This isnt a competition, just a plea not to ignore the sea as this conflict progresses to a conclusion, whatever form that takes, over land.

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Key developments on Aug. 16-17:

Trump, Zelensky to meet in Washington next week after US-Russia summit ends without agreement

Top European leaders to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump talks

Putin offers Trump frozen battle lines, written promise not to invade again if Kyiv surrenders Donbas, NYT reports

'Negotiation can begin where the front line currently stands'  Zelensky says ahead of meeting with Trump

Ukraine claims battlefield success in Donetsk Oblast

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 18 to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine, following a call between the two leaders on Aug. 16.



The lengthy call comes a day after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, to which Zelensky was not invited. While Trump said he and Putin "made some headway" in peace talks, the summit saw no agreement to end the war in Ukraine.



Zelensky said that Trump invited him to Washington on Aug. 18, where they will discuss "the end of the killings, the end of the war."



"We discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing security to Ukraine," he added, stressing the importance of Washington's influence on the peace process.

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He also said he supports Trumps proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, noting that the three leaders can cover the "key issues."

In a statement shared later on Telegram, Zelensky said he had told Trump that sanctions against Russia must be tightened if Moscow opts out of a trilateral meeting or if Putin doesn't comply with a just end to the war.

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"Sanctions are an effective tool. We need to guarantee a lasting, long-term security with the participation of both Europe and the United States," Zelensky said. "All issues that are important for Ukraine should be discussed with the participation of Ukraine, and no issue, including territorial ones, can be resolved without Ukraine."

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Shortly after the Alaska summit, Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state media that the idea of a trilateral meeting wasn't discussed in Alaska.



Zelensky first spoke to Trump one-on-one for an hour before European leaders joined for an additional 30 minutes.



Trump briefed the Ukrainian leader about his meeting with Putin, and said that he thinks a "fast peace deal" is better than a ceasefire, according to a source on the call, Axios journalist Barak Ravid wrote on X.



"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up," Trump wrote on Truth Social after the call.

Zelensky said that Europe needs to be involved at every stage of the peace process, in order to "reliably guarantee security."



Some European officials criticized the Alaskan summit as a win for Putin while Trump got nothing in return.



Following the summit, Trump said that he and Putin had "largely agreed" on territorial swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine. Ahead of the meeting, Trump said that both sides would have to agree to "swap" land, although it is unclear what exactly he meant by that.



"I think we're pretty close to a deal," Trump said, adding: "Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they'll say no."



A Ukrainian Presidential Office source earlier told the Kyiv Independent that Moscow's proposal would require Kyiv to withdraw from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in exchange for a Russian pullback from parts of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.



Zelensky has previously said he would not give up territory to Russia as part of peace negotiations, insisting instead that the first step should be a ceasefire.

Top European leaders to join Zelensky in Washington for Trump talks



European leaders will personally accompany Zelensky to Washington on Aug. 18 for his meeting with Trump, officials confirmed on Aug. 17.

The move comes after Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, where the U.S. leader said he would seek to bring Putin and Zelensky together for trilateral talks on a peace deal.

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No breakthrough was achieved in Alaska, but Putin received a red-carpet welcome that raised alarm among European allies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X that she will welcome Zelensky in Brussels on Aug. 17 and participate together in the online "coalition of the willing" videoconference.

At Zelensky's request, von der Leyen will also join the White House meeting with Trump and other European leaders.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also travel to Washington alongside Zelensky and other European heads of state and government.

According to the German government, the discussions will cover the state of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial questions, continued support for Ukraine, and maintaining sanctions pressure.

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French President Emmanuel Macron will also join Zelensky in Washington, according to BMFTV, and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to attend, according to Sky News.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb will also join the delegation, the Finnish presidential office confirmed, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is participating in the talks as well.

European officials see the summit as pivotal to preventing Trump from conceding to Russian demands that Kyiv finds unacceptable, including ceding territory partially occupied by Moscow, Politico reported on Aug. 16.

Privately, officials fear a repeat of February, when a meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office devolved into a heated argument over U.S. aid to Ukraine, Politico says.

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The clash in February led Trump to cancel a planned U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement and publicly accuse Zelensky of having "disrespected the United States of America in the cherished Oval Office" in a post on Truth Social.

Read also: International borders cannot be changed by force,  von der Leyen says in Brussels ahead of Trump meeting

Putin offers Trump frozen battle lines, written promise not to invade again if Kyiv surrenders Donbas, NYT reports

During the Aug. 15 Alaska Summit with Trump, Putin outlined a peace plan that would involve Ukraine ceding unoccupied territory in exchange for Moscow's written promise not to invade again, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Aug. 16, citing European officials.

Trump appeared to endorse this plan as the fastest way to a peace deal, the officials said.

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Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska on Aug. 15 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Prior to the meeting, Trump threatened to impose economic penalties if Putin didn't accept a ceasefire deal during their talks. After their three-hour conversation, Trump dropped both the ceasefire demand and the sanctions threat.

According to officials briefed on the call Trump held with European leaders after the summit, the U.S. president favors a rapid peace deal over an immediate ceasefire and believes that if Kyiv withdraws entirely from the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine  including currently unoccupied lands  an agreement can be reached.

In exchange for Ukraine's withdrawal, Putin would offer to freeze the war along the current front lines and provide a written promise not to attack Ukraine or a European country again, an official said.

Map of Russian-occupied Ukrainian lands as of April, 2025. (The Kyiv Independent)

Putin also asked that Russian again be named an official language in Ukraine.

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Trump publicly expressed his preference for a comprehensive deal over a ceasefire in a TruthSocial post, reversing his previous position  which aligned with Ukraine and its European allies. In the post, he claimed that European, NATO, and Ukrainian officials agreed with this view.

"It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times does not hold up," he wrote on Truth Social after the call with European and NATO leaders.

Read also: Everything we know about the fallout of Trumps meeting with Putin

'Negotiation can begin where the front line currently stands'  Zelensky says ahead of meeting with Trump

Zelensky said on Aug. 17 that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should begin at the current front line, amid questions surrounding proposals of land swaps to end the war.

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"We need real negotiations, and that means they can begin where the front line currently stands. The line of contact is the best line for negotiations," Zelensky wrote on social media following a meeting with members of the so-called "coalition of the willing."

Zelensky said that European leaders agreed with Kyiv's assessment for the basis of negotiations, adding that "Ukraines Constitution makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land."

Zelensky has firmly rejected the possibility of handing additional Ukrainian territory over to Russian occupation as part of a peace deal, insisting on establishing a ceasefire as the first step in any negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rebuffed Russia's expectations for a negotiated territory swap on Aug. 17 in an interview with NBC News.

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"Ultimately, if the Ukrainians are not willing to give that up and no one is pushing Ukraine to give that up," Rubio said, referring to all the territories currently controlled by Moscow. "If there's going to be a peace deal, it's not going to look like that."

The Trump administration's Russia envoy, Steve Witkoff, echoed similar points in media interviews ahead of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.

"(President Trump) understands it is for the Ukrainians to decide how they might land swap, how they might make a deal with the Russians on different territories there," Witkoff told Fox News. "That's why Zelensky and the Europeans are coming to the White House to make a decision for themselves."

Zelensky once again called for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to reach a peace deal following his talks with coalition of the willing members, reiterating that any deal must include a face-to-face meeting with Moscow.

Read also: Ukrainians fear Trump will shift responsibility for ending war onto Kyiv after failed talks with Putin

Ukraine claims battlefield success in Donetsk Oblast

The Armed Forces of Ukraine has made gains in eastern Donetsk Oblast, the General Staff reported on Aug. 17.

The escalation in Donetsk Oblast follows Russian President Vladimir Putins Aug. 15 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which ended without a deal amid Putin's reported demand that Ukraine cede the entire oblast.

From Aug. 4 to 16, Ukrainian forces cleared Russian troops from several villages in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements retaken were Hruzke, Rubizhne, Novovodiane, Petrivka, Vesele, and Zolotyi Kolodiaz.

The General Staff said Russian forces suffered significant losses in the area, including 910 killed, 335 wounded, and 37 captured. Ukrainian troops also reported destroying or damaging eight Russian tanks, six armored fighting vehicles, more than 100 vehicles and motorcycles, one multiple launch rocket system, 18 artillery pieces, and 91 drones.

Stabilization operations continue around Dobropillia, a town in Donetsk, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials said six Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian units on Aug. 16.

Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps also reported clearing Russian positions in Pokrovsk, another key city in Donetsk Oblast.

Ukraine also said its forces advanced up to one kilometer near Yablunivka in Sumy Oblast, along the northern border with Russia.

Ukraine's military confirmed earlier on Aug. 16 that Russian troops captured two villages in Donetsk Oblast  Popiv Yar, southwest of Dobropillia, and Ivano-Darivka, northeast of Sloviansk.

Russian units have intensified attacks near the settlements of Novyi Shakhove, Rodynske, Myroliubivka, Novoekonomichne, Novoukrainka and Zvirove, as well as pushing west of Vuhledar, according to Ukraine's Dnipro Group of Forces.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is trying to reach the administrative border of Donetsk Oblast to strengthen its position in potential future talks.

Zelensky said on Aug. 16 that the situation in Donetsk Oblast remains "extremely difficult," noting that Ukrainian troops had carried out successful counterattacks around Dobropillia and Pokrovsk for a second consecutive day.

The fighting around Dobropillia has become one of the fiercest in recent months. Ukraine's General Staff said on Aug. 12 that Moscow had deployed more than 110,000 troops near Pokrovsk.

Monitoring group DeepState reported that Russian forces had advanced north toward the DobropilliaKramatorsk highway, though Ukrainian counterattacks have since recaptured some of that ground.

Read also: Ukrainian troops advance in Sumy oblast, General Staff says

























































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Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) carried out a special operation in Russias Voronezh Oblast on 17 August, striking the infrastructure of the Liski railway station.

Source: an Ukrainska Pravda source in DIU

Details: The operation was carried out jointly with the State Border Guard Service and other units of Ukraines defence forces.

According to the source, the strike has disrupted railway traffic and stopped train movement through the station, causing a breakdown in the supply of ammunition and personnel to Russian forces.

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DIU stressed that the Liski station is a key railway hub in the logistics system of Russian troop formations on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

Background: On the night of 16-17 August, Russian Telegram channels reported that drones had attacked a large railway hub in the Russian city of Liski in Voronezh Oblast.

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Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) carried out a drone strike on Russian military logistics in the Voronezh region overnight, damaging infrastructure at a key transportation hub, a source in HUR told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 17.

The operation was conducted together with Ukraine's State Border Guard Service and other units of the Armed Forces, the source said.

The strike disrupted train traffic through the Lisky station, halting the supply of ammunition and troops to aid Russian forces fighting on Ukrainian territory, according to the source.

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HUR described Lisky station as a key transportation hub for Russian military logistics.

Earlier on Aug. 17, Russian independent outlet Astra published footage purportedly showing a fire at the station following the attack.

Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev confirmed a drone strike on a railway station in the region, though he did not name it.

Gusev said a railway worker was injured, a power line was damaged, and several trains were delayed. Gusev added that the worker had been hospitalized and that train movement had since been restored. He also reported fires at a market, a store, and a gas pipeline in separate incidents in the region.

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Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 46 Ukrainian drones overnight across several oblasts, including 16 over Belgorod Oblast, 14 over Nizhny Novgorod, nine over Voronezh Oblast, three over Bryansk Oblast, and one each over Kursk, Oryol, Kaluga, and Smolensk oblasts.

Read also: International borders cannot be changed by force,  von der Leyen says in Brussels ahead of Trump meeting

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MAHONING TOWNSHIP, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  The war in Ukraine was on the minds of people gathering this weekend for a local ethnic festival.

28/22 News went to the first day of the annual Ukranian Folk Festival near Lehighton, just one day after President Trump met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at a peace summit in Alaska.

Developers look to build housing on coal bank

Ukrainian Homestead drew people by the dozens to celebrate independence, pride, and culture.

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We have vendors that sell Ukrainian t-shirts, different flags, we have Ukrainian food, Ukrainian sweets, and we also have Ukrainian beer, said Ulana Prociuk, an administrator with Ukrainian Homestead.

While people at the festival were enjoying the upbeat environment, many were also reflecting on the current state of affairs in eastern Europe.

The war between Russia and Ukraine is now three and a half years long, and despite Fridays Trump-Putin summit, there is still no ceasefire.

Do I support the Ukrainian people? Yes, I do. I support Slavic people. It makes me sick to observe that Slavic people kill each other. That makes me very, very unhappy, said Lana Darlington from Palmerton.

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Festival organizers say theyve collected a lot of humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and the amount is still growing thanks to the local community.

The non-profit United Ukrainian American Relief Committee helps send that aid overseas.

It means that they are supporting us. They are supporting Ukraine, and they are supporting the Ukrainian community here in Carbon County and Lehighton, Prociuk explained.

That positive spirit is what makes this event so special for everybody who attends. Im enjoying the dancing, Im enjoying the food, Im enjoying the crafts, Darlington commented.

Darlington is already looking forward to the next folk festival, I will be enjoying next year, and the next year, and the year after that. I really like to support cultureany culture.

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Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) carried out an operation in occupied Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 16 August, destroying an ammunition storage point and killing an unknown number of Russian troops.

Source: DIU

Details: An explosion occurred as a Russian truck carrying military personnel entered a Russian base in an industrial zone near the Korvatskyi passage in Melitopol.

DIU reported that at least six Russian marines had been killed, along with the crew of a UAV unit from the Vostok-Akhmat battalion. The exact number of casualties is not yet unknown.

The explosion also set fire to an ammunition storage point, and sounds of secondary detonations were heard.

The Russians sent four ambulances to the scene.

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Ukraine and Russia have been negotiating prisoner exchanges through a secret communication channel between their military intelligence agencies, established at the start of the full-scale war.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Details: The publication revealed that the largest wave of prisoner exchanges in Europe since the Second World War became possible by establishing a secret communication channel between Ukrainian and Russian military intelligence.

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It all began by chance: in March 2022, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) Brigadier General Dmytro Usov found a phone in the pocket of a dead Russian officer near Kyiv. Using it, he made contact with the Russian command and proposed the first "exchange" of bodies of the dead. This arrangement evolved into regular negotiations and a large-scale system of prisoner-of-war exchanges.

In the first months of the war, there was no trust between the sides. DIU had no direct contact with Russian intelligence so reaching any agreement was extremely difficult. The situation changed after Russian General Alexander Zorin, who was born in Ukraine and had previously represented Russia in talks in Syria, made contact. He became a regular interlocutor of Ukrainian General Usov.

Over time, these negotiations led to the creation of a dedicated infrastructure: in Kyiv, a Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War was established, where analysts gather data on the locations of detained Ukrainians, and families of prisoners can obtain information about their relatives.

According to the publication, the existence of an effective "shadow channel" seems paradoxical, as Ukraine and Russia remain enemies and cannot agree on either a ceasefire or the future of occupied territories. At the same time, prisoner exchanges take place regularly, allowing people to return home even amid unsuccessful peace talks.

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Military historians are puzzled by the well-organised logistics and exchanges conducted during an ongoing war, something almost unheard of in modern conflicts. For comparison, the Soviet Union held German prisoners of war for many years after the Second World War. Some of them were not released until 1956. The US and North Vietnam only began prisoner exchanges in 1973. Until then, America had been increasingly dragged into the Vietnam War for 20 years, and the peace negotiations themselves were extremely lengthy and exhausting. Iran and Iraq, whose war ended in 1988, released their last prisoners of war just three days before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

"Despite the fact that were enemies, that Russia is the aggressor, we have established a certain level of communication," General Usov said.

Background: During the exchange on 14 August, 84 civilians and soldiers were returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. Among them were Ukrainians who had been held since 2014, as well as defenders of Mariupol.

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Credit: Telegram/ButusovPlus

A Ukrainian sniper has killed two Russian soldiers with a single bullet from a distance of 2.5 miles (4,000m), in what is believed to be a record for the longest shot by a marksman.

The sniper, from Ukraines elite Pryvyd (Ghost) unit, used a 14.5mm calibre Snipex Alligator rifle.

Footage shows two Russians collapsing inside an occupied building between the cities of Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk in eastern Donetsk after being struck, according to local media reports.

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The video was published by Yurii Butusov, a Ukrainian journalist, who wrote on Telegram: Incredible accuracy and a new world record for the longest range!

During the year of performing combat missions in the defence of [Donetsk region], almost 1,000 servicemen of the Russian armed forces have already been destroyed!

Mr Butusov reported that the shot was made with the support of unmanned drone and artificial intelligence (AI) systems on Aug 14.

The sniper used a 14.5mm calibre Snipex Alligator rifle, a gun intended to destroy enemy military hardware rather than kill soldiers

The strike comes as Russian forces intensify attacks around Pokrovsk in what analysts have described as one of the fiercest battles of the war.

Moscow has stepped up operations around the city and in the wider Donetsk region, which Vladimir Putin is hoping to secure in full during peace negotiations, despite not occupying it in full.

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If confirmed, the unnamed shooter will have surpassed the record set by Vyacheslav Kovalsky, a fellow Ukrainian, in November 2023.

Mr Kovalsky, then 58, killed a Russian soldier from 3,800m using a Ukrainian-made Lord of the Horizon rifle.

At the time, the Ukrainian special forces said their fighters were rewriting the rules of global sniping.

Prior to that, the record was held by a Canadian sniper who shot an Islamic State fighter in Iraq from 3,540m in 2017.

Before that, the world record was held by Craig Harrison, a British sniper, who shot down a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan in 2009 from a distance of 2,478m.

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The two-metre Alligator rifle used in the latest feat was designed as an anti-materiel weapon, intended to destroy enemy military hardware rather than kill soldiers. Its official range is 2,000m, half the distance of the recent shot.

Since Russias full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has become a testing ground for military innovation.

Sniper teams now operate with the assistance of drones and AI software, pushing technology beyond its intended limits as Ukraine struggles with ammunition and equipment shortages.

Real-life experience has shown not only completely different requirements, but also the actual capabilities of Ukrainian weapons, which have far exceeded their creators expectations, wrote Defence Express, a Ukrainian publication.

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A Ukrainian sniper unit on Thursday reportedly broke the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating Russian troops from a distance of more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

The shot, fired by a Ukrainian-produced rifle and aided by artificial intelligence and drone guidance, left two Russian soldiers dead in the area of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, the Kyiv Post reported.

"The record-breaking shot was made on Aug. 14, 2025, using artificial intelligence under the guidance of [an unmanned aerial vehicle] complex with a 14.5 mm alligator rifle," said military journalist Yuri Butusov, according to the Kyiv Post.

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Russia Bombards Ukraine Hours Before Key Meeting On Trump Nato Weapons Deal

A serviceman of the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces checks the sky for Russian combat drones amid Russia's attack on Ukraine near the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Aug. 5, 2025.

The shooting took place amid increased Russian attacks in the area surrounding Pokrovsk, which was once a city with more than 60,000 residents, the Post reported.

Top Ukrainian Spy Gunned Down In Kyiv Ambush Attack: Report

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The previous world record belonged to a 58-year-old Ukrainian sniper who eliminated a target from a distance of around 12,400 feet (3,800 meters), the outlet added.

A bus carrying passengers travels past destroyed buildings Sept. 11, 2024, in Pokrovsk, Ukraine.

The record-breaking shot reportedly took place a day before President Donald Trump's closely-watched summit Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Four Killed In Russian Attacks On Ukraine As Moscow Continues To Retaliate For Kyiv's Drone Strike

Putin, who spoke first in a joint press conference held by the two world leaders, described the talks as a "constructive atmosphere of mutual respect."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., Monday.

Zelenskyy said in a post on X that he and Trump will "discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war."





Original article source: Ukrainian sniper reportedly breaks world record with 13,000-foot kill shot against Russian forces: report
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission (ECI) for "manipulating" voter lists, alleging that votes were being stolen in the name of "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR). The Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav today held a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Aurangabad district. Addressing the public at the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Aurangabad, the Congress MP said, "SIR means stealing votes from the people of Bihar. Earlier, they used to do it secretly. Now they are doing it openly in front of everyone." He launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, stating that neither he, nor Tejeshwar Yadav, nor the people of Bihar are afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the Election Commission. "The people of the election commission say that yes, we will cut voters, and we will not tell you, we will not show you the voter list. What will you do? I will tell you what we will do. We are going to show you the power of the people. We are going to show you the power of Bihar. Modi ji, Amit Shah ji and people of the Election Commission should understand that I am not afraid of you, neither Tejeshwar Yadav nor Bihar. I am saying this as a guarantee, the truth of vote theft. We will put it in front of every citizen of India, in front of their eyes," he later added. The Congress MP alleged that the Election Commission, saying, "The Election Commission asks for an affidavit from me. But when Anurag Thakur says the same thing that I am saying, it does not ask for an affidavit from him." The Leader of Opposition further claimed that in Maharashtra, the INDI bloc won the Lok Sabha elections, but the BJP swept the Vidhan Sabha elections held four months later. "Wherever new voters came, the BJP won there. Our votes did not decrease. The INDIA alliance got as many votes in the Vidhan Sabha as it had in the Lok Sabha. BJP got all the new voters. So we got suspicious," Rahul Gandhi said. The Congress leader alleged that when the INDIA bloc asked the Election Commission to explain the sudden addition of new voters, the poll panel refused to respond. "Election Commission tells us that we will not explain. We do not need you to explain. Then we told them that you have installed CCTVs. The law is that CCTV cameras will have to be provided to any party asking for CCTV. They say they will not provide CCTV. Then we said give us the voter list. They say they will not provide the electronic voter list. The Election Commission and the BJP together have committed theft in Bengaluru Central. I am telling you this with a guarantee," the Congress MP added. The Congress party is currently holding a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', protesting against the alleged 'vote chori' that Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission and the BJP of perpetrating. The yatra began from Bihar's Sasaram today, with several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar and others participating. The Chief Election Commisioner of India on Sunday refuted allegations of "vote theft" by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and asked him to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks. The CEC also termed the allegations of bias by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabhas as an "insult" to the Constitution of India."...An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within 7 days, it means that all these allegations are baseless..." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said while addressing mediapersons at a briefing at the National Media Centre in the national capital. Rahul Gandhi had on August 7 addressed a press conference in New Delhi, in which he presented Congress' research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, a part of the Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency. Gandhi alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes ,including duplicate voters, invalid addresses, and bulk registrations of votes at single locations. (ANI)
Ukraine's military has reportedly advanced about two kilometers (1.2 miles) in northeastern Sumy oblast, just a day after the United States and Russia discussed possible "land swaps" in Ukraine.

"Ukrainian soldiers continue to actively destroy the enemy and liberate our settlements," Ukraine's General Staff wrote on Telegram on Aug. 16. The military added that Ukrainian units had made gains in multiple areas in Sumy.

The reported advances come just a day after a high-profile meeting in Alaska between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the two reportedly discussed a deal that would include giving up unoccupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.

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As part of the deal, Russia would withdraw from parts of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, in exchange for the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

Meanwhile, in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces reportedly captured two more villages in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's military said on Aug. 16.

President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged in a social media post that the situation in Donetsk remains "extremely difficult," but noted Ukrainian troops had launched successful counterattacks.

According to the General Staff, Ukrainian forces also advanced near Dobropillia and Pokrovsk in Donetsk oblast.

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While Moscow and Washington discuss a possible "land swaps," military developments on the ground reflect a volatile and evolving front line.

Read also: Ukrainians fear Trump will shift responsibility for ending war onto Kyiv after failed talks with Putin

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Cold case Detective Clark Schwartzkopf was working a double murder case from the early 1990s and had arranged to meet a person of interest at a Chili's restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. The idea was to get the possible suspect's DNA so forensic investigators could determine if it matched male DNA found on the bodies of the two female victims, Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.

Those unsolved murders had become known as the canal murders because both women were attacked while taking bike rides along the city's distinctive canal paths.

It was Jan. 2, 2015, and Schwartzkopf was meeting with a guy named Bryan Patrick Miller. The detective had learned that Miller was something of a local celebrity. He liked to attend popular zombie walks and other festivals in Phoenix dressed as a character known as the Zombie Hunter, and fans and police officers posed with him.

Bryan Patrick Miller in costume as his alter ego, the Zombie Hunter. / Credit: Ben Garcia

When he was in character, Miller wore a homemade costume with goggles and a menacing mask and carried a fake Gatling gun. He also drove and tricked out an old Crown Victoria police car, splashed it with fake blood and put the name Zombie Hunter on the back. He also often put a ghoulish mannequin in the back seat behind bars.

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The day they met for dinner, Miller had driven his distinctive car to Chili's. That certainly caught Schwartkopf's attention, but the detective still didn't believe Bryan Miller was the canal killer. One of the reasons he was a potential suspect was because a genetic genealogist had matched the name Miller to the crime scene DNA.

But Schwartzkopf remained skeptical that this 42-year-old divorced dad raising a teenage daughter alone and working at an Amazon warehouse could be the killer.

Schwartzkopf told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant that he essentially wanted to cross this Miller off his list. "I was really more about just getting his DNA," Schwartzkopf said, "clearing him and moving on because my conversation with him, he was the last person I ever thought would be responsible for this. He was mild-mannered."

Van Sant reports on the case in "Unmasking the Zombie Hunter."

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The detective's doubts were reinforced as he observed the way Bryan Miller treated his teenage daughter whom he had brought along for the meal at Chili's. "He had a good rapport with his daughter."

Van Sant asked, "Was he physically imposing? He looked like a guy who could overpower people?"

Angela Brosso, left, and Melanie Bernas / Credit: Cedar Cliff H.S./Maricopa County Court

The canal killer had ambushed Brosso and Bernas while they were each out on nighttime bicycle rides. Somehow, the killer had stopped them, and then stabbed and sexually assaulted them. The killings were particularly vicious and Brosso had been beheaded.

"He's a bigger guy, but he's more soft," the detective said. "Big enough to where he could certainly overpower women, but not someone you'd be really scared of on the street."

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Schwartzkopf had arranged to be seated in a quiet section of Chili's. Undercover detectives watched workers take the silverware and plates out of the dishwasher and then detectives placed them on the table to ensure they would not be contaminated, Schwartzkopf told "48 Hours."

Miller ordered a burger and a glass of water. "He swallows his hamburger, in like, five bites, Schwartzkopf said. "Won't take a drink of his water. And I'm sitting there going, 'Are you sure youdon't wantsomething else to drink? You just got water.' 'No, no, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good.'"

But then to Schwartkopf's relief, Miller finally took a sip of water: "That's when I knew that, OK, now we've at least got his DNA."

As soon as Miller walked out, undercover detectives secured the glass Miller had used. Miller then gave Schwartzkopf a quick tour of his Zombie Hunter car before he left.

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Eleven days later, the detective got a visit from the head of the forensic lab. Schwartzkopf told Van Sant what happened. "She leans down to me, she goes, 'It's him.' I go 'What?' She goes, 'Bryan Miller, it's him.'  Well, the blood rushed from my head.  I kind of sat back and I went, 'You've gotta be kidding.'"

Miller was arrested immediately and denied he had killed anyone. The case took almost eight years to get to trial, but Miller was convicted of murdering Brosso and Bernas and received the death penalty in June 2023.

Under Arizona law, Miller will receive an automatic appeal.

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more
The looming Air Canada flight attendant lockout has the potential to cause havoc to travel plans in Canada and America.

Air Canada announced it will begin canceling flights Thursday in anticipation of the lockout, which is set to begin Saturday. The news comes after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) gave the airline the required 72-hour notice following an "impasse" in negotiations on Tuesday, according to the CBC.

With the work stoppage on the horizon, United Airlines has taken action. United, a Star Alliance partner of Air Canada, is offering a travel waiver to customers for all flights involving nine airports north of the border.

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The nine affected hubs are: Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The waiver encompasses any flight to, from or through the facilities and runs through August 18, though it could be extended depending on how long the lockout lasts.

"You can reschedule your trip and well waive change fees and fare differences," says the official United Airlines announcement. "But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between August 12, 2025 and August 27, 2025. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked."

When will the Air Canada strike begin

According to the CBC, the earliest that airline workers can leave the job is 12:58 a.m. ET on Saturday.

CNN reported that Air Canada will gradually discontinue flight operations over the next three days before a complete cessation of flying by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge on Saturday.

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Even after the work stoppage is complete, Air Canada officials say it would take up to a week to restart full service.

How many people are affected

Air Canada says it carries around 130,000 passengers daily in Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights. Air Canada Express flights will not be affected by the strike.

As a way of accommodating those whose flights will be canceled, Air Canada says any traveler scheduled to fly between Aug. 15 and Aug. 18 can change their flight if desired, as long as they bought their ticket no later than Aug. 13.

These passengers will also be able to change their flights to another date between Aug. 21 and Sept. 12 without being charged.

Will travel in the United States be impacted?

It will, as Air Canada has hundreds of daily flights between the United States and Canada involving dozens of airports.

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"Data from AirAdvisor, a consumer airline refund website, suggests that as many as 27,000 U.S passengers per day could be affected," writes USA TODAY.

United Airlines Announces Special Offer Amid Pending Air Canada Strike first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
Flights are canceled for a variety of reasons every day, ranging from inclement weather to maintenance issues with the aircraft.

In the case of one United Airlines flight last summer, the reason was a lot more unique--and disgusting. In a recent video, an online influencer admitted to getting the flight grounded because she had destroyed the airplane bathroom during an in-air bout with norovirus.

Last month, writer and actress Meghan Reinertsen produced an eight-minute TikTok video on the one-year anniversary of her flying mishap, admitting all the gnarly details from her ordeal on the flight from Newark, N.J. to Indianapolis.

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"If that flight cancellation changed the trajectory of your life in a really negative way, Im so sorry," Reinertsen said.

What happened

Reinertsen was flying from Portugal to Newark and then to Indianapolis. According to her video, she woke up about five hours into the flight and 30 minutes from Newark Airport, sensing "a disturbance" in her stomach.

She made it off the plane and through customs before going to board her connecting flight to Indianapolis. While Reinertsen thought she could go to the bathroom and get through the worst of her issues, that wasn't the case.

Im full body sweating, Im crying, my insides are cramping, Reinertsen said, adding that she spent the first 30 minutes of the flight in "agonizing pain."

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At that point, Reinertsen said she ignored the seatbelt warning and jetted to the bathroom.

"For the next 20 minutes I had more diarrhea than any human should ever have in their life," she said.

It only got worse from there

In addition to her explosive diarrhea, Reinertsen said she also began vomiting, which led to her calling a United crew member for assistance.

Reinertsen said the crew graciously provided her with bags and allowed her to stay in the bathroom for the remainder of the flight. Once the plane landed, she was informed that the aircraft's next flight had been canceled because of her.

They canceled that flight because of me. The hazmat team [had] to come in and clean it, because [they didnt] know if Id brought [a disease] back from Portugal, Reinertsen said. "And I am a biohazard. I am patient zero."

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Eventually, Reinertsen was taken off the plane in a wheelchair because she couldn't walk. She blamed the illness on an undercooked hamburger she consumed the night before flying home.

United confirmed the incident took place

Thankfully, United Airlines did not embarrass Reinertsen publicly, but did admit that the nightmare she experienced occurred.

"Our flight crew is trained to assist customers in situations like this and helped as much as they could during the flight and upon arrival in Indianapolis," the airline said in a statement.

United Airlines Flight Canceled After Passenger's Unfortunate Bathroom Incident first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 14, 2025
There are a lot of things going on at the federal and state levels that are intertwined. President Donald Trump used his authority to take control of the Washington D.C. police force by sending in the National Guard and threatens that more cities could follow.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will deploy some of the states National Guard troops to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carry out deportation efforts.

And Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is playing host to Democratic state lawmakers from Texas as they stall a Republican power play in their state to redraw congressional districts- something the state did four years ago after the census like every state does.

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Host Jim Niedelman takes a big picture look at all of that with Democratic Political Consultant Kevin Perkins and Scott County Republican Party Vice Chair Kurt Whalen.

I think we got a lot of issues, I mean clearly the Democrats are doing things that are unprecedented, Whalen said.

The Texas legislators are utilizing what is known as civil disobedience, Perkins said.

To hear more from the panel, click on the video.

Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 the Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. Its a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on whats happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
The decision comes after just weeks of announcing the agreement between ANII and the university, which would have seen the opening of offices from the Uruguayan agency in Jerusalem.

Uruguay suspended the cooperation agreement between the National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, citing the latest Gaza operation and the decision to occupy Gaza City, according to Uruguayan media reports on Friday.

We lament the decision of freezing the agreement of cooperation between ANII and the Hebrew University, said a statement by Israels Embassy in Uruguay. Using political disagreements as an excuse to destroy scientific cooperation is always a misfortune."

The decision comes just weeks after announcing the agreement between ANII and the university, which would have seen the opening of offices from the Uruguayan agency in Jerusalem.

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The office was never formally used, without any personnel in it until now, said ANII president Alvaro Brunini to Uruguayan news outlet Telemundo.

There were plans to start online courses soon, but they hadnt started yet, he added.

According to Brunini, the decision comes as a pause rather than a full-on cancellation of the project. We understood that the best was to have a paused, reflective moment before continuing the process, he stated.

Left to right: Prof. Aaron Palmon, Hebrew University, and Mr. Flavio Caiafa, former President at ANII. (credit: HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM)

Uruguays new left-wing government and its relationship with Israel

The decision also comes as the first main conflict between Uruguays new left-wing government and Israel, after almost five years of good relationships under the Luis Lacalle Pou right-wing administration.

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Mario Lubetkin, Uruguays foreign minister, said to the newspaper Ambito Uruguay that the decision was also made as a formal response to Israels new operations planned for Gaza City and the whole Gaza Strip.

Uruguays Foreign Ministry also shared Lubetkin's reasoning, explaining that the current government doesnt desire to share common projects with the Israeli administration in a moment of high geopolitical tensions, reported Ambito.

The decision comes after Uruguays condemnation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to occupy Gaza City and its support of the UN declaration asking for a peaceful solution to the war.

What was the ANII-Hebrew University agreement?

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Uruguays National Research and Innovation Agency (ANII) are launching Innovacion Uruguay, a new innovation and entrepreneurship office on the Edmond J. Safra Campus, announced the university during the programs launch.

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The Innovacion Uruguay office will serve as a central hub for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, said the official statement.

The university also expected that the office would serve as a platform to strengthen ties between Uruguay and Jerusalem.
The State Department approved the sale of four M142 HIMARS, which are produced by weapons manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin, based in Texas.

The US State Department approved the sale of four M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Bahrain, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on Thursday.

In addition, Bahrain will purchase three International Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems, for a total cost of approximately $500 million, DSCA added.

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This sale will improve Bahrain's capability to meet "current and future threats by enhancing its ability to provide critical support for the security of US installations and personnel in Bahrain, integrate into USled coalitions, and operate independently in support of US interests and the security of US forces in-theater," the DSCA commented.

Five US government personnel and 10 contractors will be required to deploy to Bahrain for at least four months in order to assist in setting up the equipment and provide training to operators and maintenance engineers in the Bahraini military.

Notably, Bahrain hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet.

US Navy 5th fleet ship. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

What are HIMARS?

M142 HIMARS are produced by weapons manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin, based in Texas.

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"HIMARS carries a six-pack of GMLRS rockets, two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) or one ATACMS missile, and is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions," according to Lockheed Martin's website.

"HIMARS is the most technically advanced, affordable, and sustainable artillery solution; Provides cutting-edge technology on an indigenous platform; Offers maximum commonality with M270 platform launch systems and MLRS interoperability; and Simplifies coalition operations, training, logistics, and coordination," the website adds.

The UAE and Jordan have previously purchased M142 HIMARS from the US, and Saudi military personnel have trained on US-owned M142 HIMARS based in the country.

In June, Iran launched ballistic missiles towards US military positions in the region, including nearby Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Theres one word to describe what the U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington did Thursday evening: disrespectful.

In a brief statement, the head of the Justice Department outpost said it had finished its civil rights review of the states criminal case against police involved in the struggle that left Tacoma resident Manuel Ellis dead in March 2020. Thats the point in the statement where you would expect the federal governments lawyers to say anything at all about what they found.

But they didnt.

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After a careful and thorough review, the Department of Justice has closed its inquiry, the statement reads.

Thats it. No findings.

A spokesperson for the US Attorneys office said that its unusual for the agency to announce an inquiry to begin with, and its limited in what it can say when closing an inquiry.

But whatever the reason for the abrupt closure of the case, the brief statement is disrespectful to Ellis family, to Washington residents served by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Millers office, and to the officers whose conduct was under review.

It raises doubts about the inquiry, which was taken up in 2024 under the leadership of Millers predecessor, Tessa Gorman. Gormans office announced the investigation after three officers were acquitted in a trial over state felony charges in the death of Ellis, whose last words were, I cant breathe. A coroner later found Ellis, who went by Manny, died of oxygen deprivation due to physical restraint.

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Gorman was ousted from the role of U.S. Attorney and replaced by Miller earlier this year under the Trump administration. This casts a further pall over the vague outcome of the inquiry.

In the absence of more information, its easy to point out that this outcome avoids blowback for Miller from either Democrat-dominated Washington state politicians or the federal Trumpers. Now no one can say the U.S. Attorney is parroting belligerent rhetoric from DC on wokeness and the anti-police left. But she also doesnt have to take heat from her bosses if she announces any findings of wrongdoing by the police officers involved.

Whats more, she doesnt give any grist to the efforts of Ellis family in civil court. Their lawyer is positioned to file another lawsuit based on any new findings of police misconduct.

Still, I tend to think it would have gone over fine for Miller to say her staff found no wrongdoing if that was in fact what happened. The landscape has changed in the five years since the death of George Floyd galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement and kicked off widespread conversations about racism and the use of force in policing.

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Since then, concepts like defunding the police and reforms that restrained police intervention have become political liabilities. Along the way, the moral heart of the conversation  under what circumstances a person pays with their life for how they respond to police orders  has been drowned out.

Theres plenty to debate about how things ended up this way, but the result is clear. Many people blame these deaths on the actions of imperfect people who disobey the police. And theyre OK with that.

The moment that gave rise to the DOJs unusual decision to announce an inquiry has clearly passed. So much so that I dont think Miller would pay much of a political price for saying her office found nothing in its review. But we got less than that.

Intentionally or not, the U.S. Attorney has avoided any kind of political interpretation of her offices work. Either way, it sends a message. Its something more subtle than Trumps vitriol towards people who advocate for police accountability, but it still stings.

Case closed, and you get no further information.
U.S. forces carried out a series of airstrikes against al-Shabab in Somalia at the start of the month, the latest escalation of the American involvement in the country.

U.S. Africa Command confirmed that American aircraft conducted a series of airstrikes against al Shabaab in the vicinity of Bariire in central Somalia between Aug. 1-8. between August 1-8, 2025.

The airstrikes were in support of a military ground operation led by partner forces against terrorists in the area, AFRICOMs statement said. AFRICOM did not provide additional details or specifics on the strikes, citing operational security.

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According to reports in local media, including BBC News Somali, the Somali military and Ugandan troops on the African Union mission to the country captured the town of Bariire after a week of fighting. The Somali government did not mention U.S. involvement, but AFRICOMs statement confirms American support from the skies.

al-Shabab suffered a crushing defeat with approximately 120 terrorists neutralized, over 100 wounded, dozens more captured. They also abandoned their weapons, Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said in a statement.

Its unclear how many were killed as a result of American airstrikes, or what aircraft and munitions were used in the strikes.

U.S. forces have regularly been active in Somalia, supporting the federally recognized government in its fight against al-Shabab, which previously held large swaths of the country. Much of that has been in training ground forces but also air support. American forces have also carried out extensive operations against the Somali chapter of ISIS, conducting airstrikes and raids. Last month the U.S. captured ISIS-Somalias finance chief in a joint operation. AFRICOM did not immediately disclose that, but local Somali forces announced the details. Since the start of the second Trump administration, the American military has ramped up its air war in Somalia following a noticeable scaling back of operations under the Biden administration. Since January there have been nearly 60 airstrikes, more than all airstrikes conducted under Biden.

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New America, which is tracking airstrikes in Somalia and other countries that the U.S. is operating in, reported that five strikes were carried out during the Aug. 1-8 operations. One strike occurred per day for the first four days, and then the fifth happened on Aug. 8.

According to New Americas data, U.S. forces carried out 13 airstrikes in Somalia in June and another six across July. The operations in Bariire in the first eight days of August account for nearly the same as the previous month.
The US State Department announced it was halting all visitor visas for people from Gaza.

The pause was issued to conduct a "full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the agency said on X.

The decision has drawn condemnation from some Palestinian rights groups.

Palestine Children's Relief Fund said in a statement that the decision "will have a devastating and irreversible impact on our ability to bring injured and critically ill children from Gaza to the United States for lifesaving medical treatment".

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The State Department's policy shift comes after far right activist Laura Loomer wrote a series of posts on X criticising the visa programme and urging the Trump administration to "shut this abomination down."

In subsequent posts on X Saturday, Loomer took credit for the shift and thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for temporarily halting the visas.

The Palestinian Children's Relief Fund says it has evacuated 169 children from Gaza in 2024 as part of its treatment abroad programme, bringing them to the Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and the US for care.

Two and a half years into a war that followed Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, Gaza has seen much of its medical infrastructure damaged and now faces dramatic food shortages.

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Humanitarian groups have alleged that an Israeli blockade beginning in March has prevented non-governmental organisations from delivering sufficient food into Gaza. The Israeli government says its rules on aid are intended to prevent the food from being taken by Hamas.

UN-backed food security organisations, humanitarian groups, and journalists reporting within Gaza have warned of famine conditions in Gaza.

In late July, the BBC joined international news outlets Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, and Reuters in issuing a public statement warning that journalists in Gaza faced starvation.

"For many months, these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. They are now facing the same dire circumstances as those they are covering," the outlets wrote.

In July, US President Donald Trump said there was "real starvation" in Gaza, but his administration has remained solidly behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai on Sunday inaugurated the new Circuit bench of the Bombay High Court at Kolhapur, marking it as the fifth seat of the High Court. At present, the Bombay High Court has its principal seat in Mumbai and benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Goa. With Kolhapur now added, the High Court expands its reach to Western Maharashtra. The Kolhapur Circuit Bench will have jurisdiction over six districts; Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra. A notification regarding the bench was issued by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe on August 1. The demand for a bench at Kolhapur had been pending for over two decades, with litigants and lawyers repeatedly stressing the need to reduce travel to Mumbai for hearings. Officials said the new bench would save citizens' time, effort, and money while improving access to justice across the region. The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe, Guardian Minister Prakash Abitkar, and several judges, MPs, MLAs, and dignitaries. The event began with a Guard of Honour by the police. The bench has been set up in the renovated heritage District Court building opposite the CPR hospital in Kolhapur. Built in 1874, the structure had been lying unused after the District Court was shifted. With a sanctioned cost of 46 crore, the Public Works Department and local authorities carried out extensive restoration work in record time. The Kolhapur Circuit Bench premises now include a Division Bench courtroom, two Single Benches, chambers for judges, offices for government lawyers, a mediation centre, and upgraded record facilities. The historic Radhabai Building within the complex now houses the Registrar's office, Record Room, etc. (ANI)
You might have heard of an "AI race" heating up between the US and China, a bitter rivalry between two global adversaries that could shape the direction of world history.

At least, that's how some in the US feel. While China has repeatedly tried to establish a geopolitical friendship with the richest nation in the world, officials and pundits in the US have doubled down, reframing artificial intelligence as the 21st century's nuclear bomb.

In the meantime, China may have gotten a massive lead  by actively investing in its power grid, while the United States' is quickly running out of capacity to power immensely power-hungry AI models.

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As Fortune reports, Americans who've had a look at China's technological development firsthand found that the two country's aren't even in the same league, given China's next-level power grid.

"Energy is considered a solved problem," wrote Rui Ma, editor of the US publication Tech Buzz China.

"Everywhere we went, people treated energy availability as a given," she continued. "This is a stark contrast to the US, where AI growth is increasingly tied to debates over data center power consumption and grid limitations."

AI is a notoriously energy-intensive technology. The data centers powering large language models like ChatGPT are immense labyrinths of computer chips, which suck down resources like power and water in order to keep up with demand.

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As Fortune notes, this effectively makes electricity the key bottleneck for expanding AI infrastructure.

That's caused some critical shortages in the US. Short on energy and hopped up on fantasies of an arms race, American companies are resorting to all kinds of bizarre strategies to get their juice. Elon Musk's xAI, for example, is running 35 portable methane gas generators in the parking lot of one of its main datacenters in Memphis, encircling nearby communities in a cloud of noxious smog.

China has no such problems. In 2024, China was responsible for nearly 65 percent of the world's renewable energy construction, installing so many solar panels and wind turbines that it caused the country's CO2 emissions to drop for the first time  despite record-high demands for energy.

Whether or not the US can catch up remains to be seen. President Donald Trump previously made an off-the-cuff remark about attaching coal power plants to data centers directly.

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It's an unfortunate conundrum in an age when energy demand in the US has never been higher. In the meantime, China keeps chugging along, seemingly unperturbed by any energy bottlenecks  and the Trump administration's posturing.

More on AI: AI Datacenters Are Raising Nearby Residents' Electric Bills
The United States has halted entry via visitor visas for individuals from the Gaza Strip until further notice.

"All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days," the US State Department posted on the platform X on Saturday.

According to the New York Times, this type of visa has been a means for the medical treatment of critically ill people - including small children - in the United States in recent weeks.

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The government did not disclose exactly how many of these visas have been issued recently. It was also initially unclear whether the halt applies only to new visas or also to visas already granted.

According to the newspaper, the decision is based on statements by the ultra-right activist Laura Loomer, who has stirred sentiment against entries from the Gaza Strip on X.

Loomer, a supporter of US President Donald Trump, published footage on X on Friday that purportedly shows Palestinians entering the US.

"Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US under the Trump admin[istration]?" she asked. In her sights is the organization Heal Palestine based in Ohio, which, according to the New York Times, helps families from Gaza bring wounded and sick children to the US for medical care.

In further posts on X, Loomer described the entries as a "national security threat" and insisted that there are enough Muslim countries that could afford to take in those in need of treatment.
The United States has halted entry via visitor visas for individuals from the Gaza Strip until further notice because some organizations involved in obtaining the visas had close ties with Hamas, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

"We will not enter into partnerships with groups that have connections to Hamas or sympathize with it," Rubio told the television channel CBS News on Sunday.

The State Department, in a post on X on Saturday, said that "all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days."

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The reporter asked Rubio why the government would halt visas for sick children who she said were coming to US hospitals for treatment via this visa programme.

"It's not just kids," Rubio said. "It's a bunch of adults that are accompanying them." He added that "there was just a small number of them issued to children."

He said multiple congressional offices contacted his office about the people coming in.

"There is evidence, it's been presented to us by numerous congressional offices, that some of the organizations bragging about and involved in acquiring these visas have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas." He did not elaborate.

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The Palestinian Islamist Hamas and other groups attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200, taking 250 hostage and setting off the nearly 2-year-old Gaza war that has resulted in some 62,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.

Rubio did not say how many of these visas have been issued recently. It was also initially unclear whether the halt applies only to new visas or also to visas already granted.

According to the New York Times, the decision is based on statements by the ultra-right activist Laura Loomer, who has stirred sentiment against entries from the Gaza Strip on X.

Loomer, a supporter of US President Donald Trump, published footage on X on Friday that purportedly shows Palestinians entering the US.

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"Why are any Islamic invaders coming into the US under the Trump admin[istration]?" she asked. In her sights is the organization Heal Palestine based in Ohio, which, according to the New York Times, helps families from Gaza bring wounded and sick children to the US for medical care.

In further posts on X, Loomer described the entries as a "national security threat" and insisted that there are enough Muslim countries that could afford to take in those in need of treatment.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia envoy Steve Witkoff provided contradicting statements on the outcomes of the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 17, fueling uncertainty about the progress of U.S.-led security guarantees for Ukraine.

The contradictory outlook comes as Trump told reporters after his meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska that the two leaders "largely agreed" on security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial swaps, which would require Ukraine giving up some land to Russia.

In comments to various media networks on Aug. 17, both Witkoff and Rubio addressed the outcomes of U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine stemming from the Trump-Putin meeting.

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Witkoff who directly participated in the meeting between Trump and Putin told CNN that Putin has already agreed to "robust security agreements that I would describe as game changing."

"We didn't think that we were anywhere close to agreeing to Article 5 protection from the United States in legislative enshrinement within the Russian Federation, not to go after any other territory when the peace deal is codified," Witkoff said. "Legislative enshrinement in the Russian Federation not to go after any other European countries and violate their their sovereignty. So we agreed to, and there was plenty more."

Rubio, who was also in attendance in the "three-on-three" meeting with the Russian delegation led by Putin, provided differing accounts on the progress of talks on a U.S.-led security guarantee.

"There's going to have to be some security guarantees as part of (a peace deal). How that's structured, how that's built, and what our role will be, that will be the kinds of things we'll have to work through," Rubio told NBC News. "It's one of (Ukraine's) fundamental demands, is that if this were to end, they have to make sure this never happens again. They don't want to get reinvaded."

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As President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to visit the White House on Aug. 18 alongside a number of European leaders for talks with Trump, Zelensky expressed concern over a lack of detail on what security agreement may look like.

"It is important that America agrees to work with Europe on providing Ukraine with security guarantees  and we are very grateful to the United States and the President for this signal," Zelensky said on social media following talks with European leaders.

"However, there are still no details on how this will work  what America's role will be, what Europe's role will be, and what the EU can do. And this is our main task. We need security that will function in practice, like NATOs Article 5," Zelensky added.

The Ukrainian president added that Kyiv considers "EU membership to be part of security guarantees. And we heard from President Trump that both America and Putin see it the same way."

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As confusion widens over a lack of detail on potential security guarantees from the summit with Putin, Trump has not yet commented on what a final potential agreement may look like.

Ukrainian and European leaders have long urged the U.S. to back robust security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire agreement with Russia. The Trump administration has thus far been hesitant to commit to such guarantees, a stance that initially derailed the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and has injected uncertainty into the plans of the so-called "coalition of the willing."

French President Emmanuel Macron said Aug. 13 that the U.S. is prepared to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once peace is established, but NATO membership is not on the table as a possible guarantee.

Read also: Everything we know about the fallout of Trumps meeting with Putin





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Russia has agreed to allow the United States and European allies to provide NATO-like security guarantees to Ukraine, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN on Sunday.

He said the United States was able to get Russia to agree to the US providing Ukraine with NATO-type protection as outlined in Article 5, which says that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

"We moved the Russians significantly past where we thought they were going to end up," Witkoff said.

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He said the US "is potentially prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States and other European countries. That is big. I mean, really big."

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine's NATO membership is non-negotiable.

Witkoff was at the Friday meeting with Trump and Putin in Alaska along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two Russian advisers

Witkoff made similar comments in an interview on Sunday with Fox News, when he said that the security guarantees would not involve NATO as a whole in the event of a defence situation. Instead, the United States and European countries would ensure Ukraine's security

Details of the proposal remain unclear

Witkoff did not elaborate further on the details. He stated that Ukraine and its European allies have already been informed of the proposal, according to CNN.

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Witkoff also noted that Russia has expressed its intention to commit, as part of a peace agreement, to refrain from occupying further territories in Ukraine. Additionally, Russia has pledged not to cross European borders, he said on Fox News.

Speaking to CNN, Witkoff emphasized that Russia is showing movement in the negotiations for the first time and is willing to make concessions. "Now we need to build on this and achieve an agreement for the Ukrainians that ensures their self-determination and the protection of their sovereign borders."
WASHINGTON (AP)  American lawmakers are using a trip to South Korea and Japan to explore how the United States can tap those allies shipbuilding expertise and capacity to help boost its own capabilities, which are dwarfed by those of China.

Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., who are scheduled to land in Seoul on Sunday before traveling to Japan, plan to meet top shipbuilders from the worlds second- and third-largest shipbuilding countries. The senators want to examine the possibilities of forming joint ventures to construct and repair noncombatant vessels for the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific and bring investments to American shipyards.

We already have fewer capacity now than we did during Operation Iraqi Freedom" in 2003, Duckworth told The Associated Press. We have to rebuild the capacity. At the same time, what capacity we have is aging and breaking down and taking longer and more expensive to fix.

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Their trip comes as President Donald Trump demands a plan to revive U.S. shipyards and engage foreign partners. The Pentagon is seeking $47 billion for shipbuilding in its annual budget. The urgency stems from the fact that Washington severely lags behind China in building naval ships, a situation raising alarms among policymakers who worry the maritime balance of power could shift to China, now the world's No. 1 shipbuilder.

Duckworth, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said she hopes the trip could lead to joint ventures among the U.S. military, American companies and foreign partners to build auxiliary vessels for the Navy and small boats for the Army.

Another possibility is repairing U.S. ships in the Indo-Pacific region.

If we have to bring ships all the way back to the United States ... to wait two years to be fixed, that doesnt help the situation, Duckworth said.

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The discussions, she said, will focus on auxiliary vessels, which are noncombatant ships such as fueling and cargo vessels that support naval and military operations. The Navy's auxiliary fleet is aging and insufficient in numbers, she said.

The U.S. commercial shipbuilding accounted for 0.1% of global capacity in 2024, while China produced 53%, followed by South Korea and Japan, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A Navy review from April 2024 found that many of its major shipbuilding programs were one year to three years behind schedule.

During the trip, the senators are expected to meet representatives from major shipbuilders in the region.

South Korea and the U.S. are already making progress on shipbuilding cooperation. In March, Hanwha Ocean completed maintenance work for a 41,000-ton U.S. Navy dry cargo and ammunition ship in South Korea. The overhaul of USNS Wally Schirra was the Korean company's first project after it secured a repair agreement with the U.S. Navy in July 2024.

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Hanwha Group last year acquired Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, which builds large merchant mariners, part of the reserve auxiliary fleet.

Earlier this month, South Korea proposed to invest $150 billion in the U.S. shipbuilding industry to support Trumps Make American Shipbuilding Great Again initiative as part of its tariffs talk with the White House.

Duckworth said she had earlier conversations with Hyundai Heavy Industries about them actually buying into U.S. shipyards on U.S. soil.

This month, China formed the worlds biggest shipbuilding company by merging two state-owned shipbuilders. The combined entity China State Shipbuilding Corporation produces Chinese navys combat vessels from aircraft carriers to nuclear submarines. It commands 21.5% of global shipbuilding market.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined the main elements of a potential agreement to end the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Source: Rubio in an interview with NBC News, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "We all know what the elements of such a deal [are].

There has to be talk about what the territories are going to look like and what the border lines are going to look like at the end of this conflict.

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There has to be talk about Ukraine's legitimate desire for security in the long term, to make sure they don't get invaded again.

There has to be talk about how Ukraine is rebuilt. And how do you rebuild a country that's been attacked as often as it has over the last three and a half years? These are key elements of any agreement, we understand that.

And each side  if there's going to be a deal, each side is going to have to give up on something."

Background:

Rubio also said that the US will not pressure Ukraine to give up its territories to Russia as part of a peace agreement.

In addition, the US secretary of state said that in Alaska the Russians had to pay in cash to refuel their planes.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has explained that despite US President Donald Trumps repeated threats to punish Russia with sanctions for refusing to agree to a ceasefire, the United States does not plan to impose new restrictions at this stage, pointing out that existing sanctions forced the Russian delegation in Alaska to pay in cash to refuel their planes.

Source: Rubio in an interview with NBC News, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rubio does not believe that further sanctions would make Russia agree to a ceasefire. "They're already under very severe sanctions," the US secretary of state said.

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He stressed that there is no evidence that new sanctions would be effective and force Russia to lay down its arms immediately, since restrictions would take months or even years to take effect.

"We may very well wind up in that place [introducing new sanctions  ed.]. I hope not, because that means that peace talks failed," he said.

Rubio said that any announcement of new sanctions by Washington would bring peace talks to a halt.

"The minute he [Trump  ed.] takes those steps, all talks stop. The minute we take those steps, there is no one left in the world to go talk to the Russians and try to get them to the table to reach a peace agreement. So that moment may come. I hope not, because I hope we get a peace deal," Rubio said.

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He added that all the sanctions imposed on Russia at the time of Trumps inauguration remain in force.

"Every single sanction that was in place on the day he took over remain. And the impact of all those sanctions remain. You know, when the Russians landed in Alaska, they were there to refuel. They had to offer to pay in cash to refuel their airplanes because they can't use our banking system. They face consequences every single day," the US secretary of state added.

Background:

Rubio also said that the United States will not pressure Ukraine to give up its territories to Russia as part of a peace agreement.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that if Russia does not agree to a trilateral meeting, then new sanctions must follow.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasised that the United States will not pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions to Russia as part of a potential peace agreement.

Source: Rubio in an interview with NBC News, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rubio said that "the Ukrainians are not willing to give that up [referring to the Ukrainian territory demanded by Putin  ed.], and no ones pushing Ukraine to give that up".

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Quote: "He [Putin] is certainly making demands and asking for things that the Ukrainians and others are not willing to be supportive of, and that were not going to push them to give. And the Ukrainians are asking for things that the Russians are not going to give up on."

Details: The secretary of state added that the US is trying to "have a serious negotiation here and see if we can find any middle ground between two warring parties in a very difficult war, where the Russians feel, as they always do, like they have momentum on their side, and the Ukrainians, who have been incredibly brave and fighting back  have inflicted a tremendous amount of damage on the Russians."

Background:

On Sunday, Zelenskyy stated that he is only willing to discuss territorial issues with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin at a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia meeting.

Trump announced after the Alaska summit that he had reached an agreement with Putin for a "land swap" between Ukraine and Russia and that "Zelenskyy has to agree".

Trump reportedly told Ukraine and European leaders that Putin wants to immediately discuss the conditions for ending the war rather than a pause in the hostilities, and Trump believes that would be better.

According to Bloomberg, Trump informed European leaders and Zelenskyy that Putin is still demanding that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the entire territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, but is prepared to freeze the front in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. Zelenskyy has rejected this demand.

On Sunday, Reuters published the demands for ending the war that Putin put forward during his meeting with Trump in Alaska.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that the State Department suspended visitor visas for people from Gaza because it received evidence that some organizations facilitating the visas to the US have strong links to terrorist groups like Hamas, without providing further details.

The State Department announced in a post on X on Saturday that it would halt all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza as it reviews the process that allows them to temporarily enter the US for medical and humanitarian reasons.

Rubio told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that evidence had been presented to the Trump administration by numerous congressional offices and that the department had received outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it.

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He did not give details on the evidence or the offices that presented it. Far-right Trump ally Laura Loomer has taken credit for the pause in the visas following her claims that the families arriving from Gaza threaten our national security.

Loomer specifically criticized HEAL Palestine, an American nonprofit dedicated to providing critical aid to Palestinian families, including bringing kids suffering from severe injuries, psychological trauma and malnourishment to receive care in the US. The group says it has evacuated 63 injured children and 148 total people.

The group, which returns Palestinians back to the Middle East after they are treated in US hospitals, criticized the Trump administrations move to halt visitor visas, saying in a statement on Sunday, this is a medical treatment program, not a refugee resettlement program.

As of May, the US has issued almost 4,000 visas to people holding Palestinian Authority passports permitting them to seek medical treatment in America. That number also includes Palestinians living outside of Gaza, such as in the West Bank.

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Rubio said Sunday that while a small number of visas had been issued to children, they come with adults accompanying them, obviously, and we are going to pause this program and reevaluate how those visas are being vetted.

Were not going to be in partnership with groups that have links or sympathies towards Hamas, he continued, without naming any specific groups or providing more information to corroborate the administrations concerns.

CNN reached out to the State Department for more information about the evidence cited by Rubio.

President Donald Trump acknowledged last month there is real starvation in Gaza, breaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with.

I see it, and you cant fake that. So, were going to be even more involved, Trump told reporters of the humanitarian crisis.

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President and Union Minister JP Nadda on Sunday stated that the party will reach out to the Opposition in an effort to ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President of India, scheduled to be held on September 9. Addressing a press conference after announcing Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for Vice President, Nadda said efforts are being made to secure a consensus. "We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them, and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well and even now, we will remain in touch with them, and all our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDA's candidate for Vice President," Nadda said. Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, a post he assumed on July 31, 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. A veteran BJP leader, Radhakrishnan, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice and previously served as the Tamil Nadu BJP State President. The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25. The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution," Dhankhar's resignation letter read. (ANI)
The United States plans to breed thousands of sterile flies in a southern Texas factory in an effort to protect American cattle from flesh-eating maggots in Mexico.

The New World screwworm is a "devastating pest," the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a news release this week.

"When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds and, in rare cases, people. It is not only a threat to our ranching community, but it is a threat to our food supply and our national security."

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Factory construction is expected to cost $750 million, and it would be located at Moore Air Force Base outside Edinburg, Texas, about 20 miles north of the border.

Virginia Tech Study Shows Dogs Can Detect Invasive Lanternfly

Flies of various species sit stuck in a trap near the pens of an auction in Hermosillo, Sonora state, Mexico, July 29, 2025.

The USDA says sterile flies are "currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of" the maggots, adding it hopes to produce and release them into the wild within a year.

Read On The Fox News App

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the government also plans to spend $100 million on technology such as traps and lures, therapeutics, border patrols by "tick riders" mounted on horseback, dogs trained to sniff out the parasite and other tools that could "bolster preparedness or response to NWS."

Cowboys push a cow to a veterinarian inspection at a ranch that exports livestock to the U.S., in Zamora, northern Mexico, in July.

Rollins added that the border will remain closed to cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico until the parasite appears to be pushed back closer to Panama, where it had been contained until late last year through the breeding of sterile flies there.

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"Farm security is national security," Rollins said at a news conference at the Texas State Capitol in Austin with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week. "All Americans should be concerned. But its certainly Texas and our border and livestock-producing states that are on the front lines of this every day."

Brooke Rollins: Farm Security Is National Security

Technicians prepare bait to attract flies near a cattle auction in Hermosillo, Sonora state, Mexico, in July.

The parasite has hit Mexican cattle industry hard, and Mexicos agriculture ministry said it plans to take steps to mitigate the problem.

The New World screwworm was a problem in the American cattle industry until it was largely eradicated in the 1970s through the breeding of sterile flies, and factories were shut down afterward.





Original article source: USDA announces $750M sterile fly breeding program to protect cattle from Mexican flesh-eating maggots
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  The USNS Comfort, a U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship, returned to Naval Station Norfolk Sunday morning following a 78-day humanitarian mission as part of the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleets Continuing Promise 2025 mission.

U.S. Naval Hospital Ship Comfort deploys for Continuing Promise 2025 mission

The ship returned at 10:30 a.m. and hundreds gathered pier side to welcome home the USNS Comfort.

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Medical teams aboard the Comfort traveled 11,000 miles and treated thousands of patients in Grenada, Panama, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago.

The deployment, which began May 30, delivered critical medical support and humanitarian aid to underserved populations. Capt. Ryan Kendall praised the crews efforts.

The whole team came together two weeks before we set sail, Kendall said. We visited and delivered humanitarian aid and medical support to deserving populations in the Caribbean and South America.

The USNS Comfort, powered by steama rarity in modern naval operationsnavigated challenging routes, including two passages through the Panama Canal and across the equator. Michael Cook, a master mariner with the United States Merchant Marine, called the journey nothing short of remarkable.

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As a floating hospital, the Comfort provided a range of services, including surgeries, optometry, dental care, and physical therapy. Capt. Grace Key, commanding officer of the ships medical treatment facility, emphasized its readiness to support frontline warfighters if needed.

The difference is that we are not in a building, Key said. We have to stay ready in case we are called to support.

The team also collaborated with local governments and NGOs to facilitate subject matter exchanges (SMEEs), implemented humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) projects, and conducted community relations.

This mission marks the 16th time Continuing Promise 2025 made it to that region, the eighth involving the USNS Comfort.

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The homecoming was marked by emotional reunions, with handmade signs and heartfelt embraces. Connor Ming, a young family member, beamed with pride, saying, We love you, Dad. Im proud of you.

For the crew and their families, the return signifies a moment of reconnection after months of service. The USNS Comforts mission not only brought healing to distant shores but also reinforced the bonds of those waiting at home.

Visit the link here to learn more about the USNAVSO/4th Fleet.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Channel 11 spoke exclusively with United Steelworkers Local 1557 Vice President Richard Tikey, sharing his reaction to new details in the investigation into the deadly explosion at the Clairton Coke Works.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Investigators release new details on what caused the US Steel Clairton Coke Works explosion

U.S. Steel on Friday revealed what it believes caused Mondays explosion at the steel mill.

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The companys preliminary findings indicate a potential gas valve failure. Officials say crews were flushing that gas valve ahead of planned maintenance when it failed, causing the area to fill with coke oven gas.

>>> PHOTOS: Explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Works Plant <<<

The explosion killed two people and injured ten. At last check, three were still being treated at UPMC Mercy.

Tikey told Channel 11 a bit more about the findings and shared gratitude for the response to the explosion.

In routine maintenances, you exercise a valve. It cracked and started releasing gas, Tikey said.

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Monday was a tragedy for us at U.S. Steel, but everybody came together  first responders usw employees and management," he added.

These findings are only preliminary. Multiple other investigations are ongoing.

>>> U.S. Steel officials release details about moments leading up to Clairton plant explosion <<<

Andrew Macey is a mechanical repairman in the utilities department at the Clairton Works and has been for 32 years.

He said if workers notice something is wrong, they have the authority to stop.

The work that they were doing was done according to safety procedures in place, but something failed, something happened, whether it was human error or mechanical, Macey said.

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The Allegheny County Health Department has stepped up air monitoring in the Mon Valley since the explosion. So far, officials say all readings have come back normal.

>>> Mobile units to monitor air quality around Clairton Coke Works following deadly explosion <<<

The two workers who died were identified as Timothy Quinn and Steven Menefee.

A funeral service for Quinn was set for Saturday. Menefees funeral will be held Tuesday.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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Iowa's Alliant Energy has announced plans to build out 1,000 megawatts of wind energy, according to Renewable Energy Magazine.

A filing with the Iowa Utilities Commission describes the utility's intention to own and operate multiple wind projects.

"This filing marks a significant step in our commitment to an all-of-the-above approach to energy generation," said Alliant's Iowa president, Mayuri Farlinger. "By expanding our wind energy portfolio, we're reinforcing our ability to meet customer demand while delivering reliable and cost-effective energy for customers."

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Alliant has also emphasized the tax revenue these projects will provide to local counties, a benefit that's already been seen in other Iowa wind farms.

While this expansion in wind power is good news, Alliant has a long history with fossil fuels. It continues to run coal plants and is a major supplier of gas to Iowa. Alliant aims to eliminate coal from its generation by 2040 but has already delayed the closure of its coal plants in Wisconsin.

Coal and gas energy are major contributors to atmospheric pollution, so the sooner we can switch to renewables like wind, the better. Fossil fuel emissions exacerbate destructive weather patterns like floods and droughts, which in turn contribute to crises in agriculture and real estate.

Meanwhile, wind energy is one of the cheapest electricity options available. With sufficient storage, wind can cover most residential energy needs. Iowa is already a major player in wind power, with 59% of the state's energy coming from the renewable source.

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Alliant's wind energy application is expected to be approved in the first quarter of 2026.

Reddit commenters have been keen to support Alliant in its push for more sustainable energy generation.

"Renewables are the economic choice right now. Thus the most profitable for energy companies to invest in," said one community member.

"Can we move those targets up a bit please?" said another.

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.
(FOX40.COM)  Vacaville police have identified the man who died on Sunday near the Arco gas station in Vacaville as Jason Demar Robinson, 42, of San Francisco.

 Video above: How to report a public safety threat

Person of interest arrested for possible homicide in Nevada County death investigation

Police stated the evidence shows that a violent confrontation had occurred between the male and the woman, who allegedly were in a romantic relationship. The woman reported acting in self-defense, and a firearm was found at the scene.

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Authorities detained the woman at the scene, police said.

According to VPD, crews received multiple reports of a shooting at a convenience store gas station at around 7:30 p.m., in the parking lot of the 800 block of Leisure Town Road.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who was inside the store suffering from a gunshot wound, VPD said. Officers started life-saving measures. However, the man was pronounced dead a few minutes later.

At this time, the case remains under active investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen believes his Republican colleagues will not allow President Donald Trump to keep the Washington, D.C., police department under federal control indefinitely.

Van Hollen explained that, under the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act, Trump must seek congressional approval to continue federal control the D.C. police department and deploy the National Guard to the nations capital.

His ability to extend it beyond 30 days is not authorized, Van Hollen said on ABC News Sunday. And so, theyre going to have to pass this statute this extension in the Congress. And I dont think that thats going to pass.

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Van Hollen pointed out that Trump had to reverse course on replacing the D.C. police chief after officials stepped in and sued him for the decision. He said that example showed Trump has a low chance of getting the statute extended when other government officials can interfere.

The FBI, the DEA, folks who are supposed to be out and about protecting the country from violent criminals, and now they are spending their time taking down tents of homeless people in the District of Columbia, he said. I would think people all over the country would worry about that diversion of resources.

But some congressional Republicans are already taking action to back the president. The party has already shown a willingness to support Trumps more controversial actions this year, such as confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his cabinet.

Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, has already introduced a resolution to Congress to extend Trumps control of D.C.s police department and deployment of the National Guard past 30 days.

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Ogles Capital Emergency Control Act of 2025 would strike the 30-day limit from Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act and instead allow the president to unilaterally extend the control period by 30 days. The act would also allow the extensions to keep occurring unless Congress enacts a joint resolution to terminate the presidents authority.

President Trump has rightly declared a national emergency in Washington, D.C. a city its own government has surrendered to chaos, Ogles said in a post on X. Congress must defend the president, and our country.

While Trump has raised concerns about public safety in the nations capital, crime numbers are down. Washington Metropolitan Police Department data shows violent crime is down 26%, overall crime down 7% and property crime down 5% since last year.

________
I am dressing in harmony with the energy I wish to manifest. That means bold prints, brash colours, statement jewellery and anything that will make me stand out. Mum, why are you wearing crazy clothing? my nine-year-old daughter Lola asks. Its an experiment, I tell her. Im attracting abundance.

At the behest of an energy dressing expert, Ive ditched my high-waisted jeans and T-shirts for clothes that Id never typically wear. Today, that means a stylish off-the-shoulder toga dress thats coloured bright purple, and a giant shell ring on my finger. We head down to a local park in west London, dog in tow, and I notice some raised eyebrows from shopkeepers and other mums  theyre all used to seeing me looking quite unspectacular.

Im following the guidance of fashion manifester Nieve Tierney, an energy healer and author who  days earlier  had helped me clear my energy in a reiki healing session. This energetic reset, as she called it, will help create a more positive and receptive state for manifestation and clear out any emotional blocks that might be standing in the way of me attracting my dreams.

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Tierneys new book, The Fashion Oracle, suggests that there is a connection between our desires and how we dress. Its a bit like the blockbuster self-help book The Secret, which claimed that ones thoughts and feelings can directly influence their external reality. Tierney goes one step further: if we dress a certain way, good things will come to us. Her book is further inspired by the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel, who spent her life fascinated by esoteric and mystical practices, including tarot and astrology  elements of which she incorporated into her collections.

The Fashion Oracle describes 70 archetypes, each with its own energy, colour palettes, textures and silhouettes: among them are The Rebel, The Devil, The Seductress and The Cosmic Voyager. Tierney asks readers to pick a page at random in the book and step into that archetypes energy in order to attract what you desire. But, as Tierney points out, You wouldnt necessarily know somebody is energy dressing  its about the intention, not the style itself. You can dial it up or down with your wardrobe.

I decide to take inspiration from Karl Lagerfelds 2018/2019 collection for Chanel, which was full of golden hues and nods to ancient Egypt to manifest abundance (Charlotte Cripps)

Ahead of our session together, Tierney asked me to prepare one fashion-related question. What do I wear to create overwhelming abundance in my life? I ask her. Before she answers, she asks me to flip backwards through a copy of The Fashion Oracle, and stop when I intuitively feel like it. Its similar to shuffling tarot cards, and just as panic-inducing. The book randomly lands on an archetype I definitely didnt want to step into: The Influencer. Oh no, I cry. I can already tell its going to be too full-on for me.

To step into this archetype, I must wear pieces that turn heads and be bold, stand out and opt for a style choice that is sure to influence others to follow. Always be dressing camera-ready, Tierney advises, who suggests I also develop a signature style that will eventually make me instantly recognisable.

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I cant stand the idea of it. Could we redo it, I ask. Anything would be easier! The Mermaid perhaps? I could wear all the pearl necklaces that have been handed down to me from my family. Or even The Mother, which would mean wearing clothes and accessories that shimmer with golden threads. But no, Tierney insists, I must trust the process.

Sometimes there can be resistance when we land on an archetype that is slightly different to how we normally dress, she explains. But it asks you to step out of your comfort zone. Its guiding you to change your statement look from jeans to something that stands out more.

Ive ditched my jeans for a stylish off-the-shoulder toga dress thats coloured bright purple, and a giant shell ring on my finger (Charlotte Cripps)

I realise I need to adopt a fearless approach to fashion. Or at least go back to how I used to be. In my late teens and early twenties, I broke all the fashion rules. I remember wearing a pair of silk PJs to a party long before it became a trend. I looked good in anything  even the black bin liner I once wore to a fancy dress party, accessorised with a statement belt. But now all I want is my jeans. The book, however, warns me against this. Clinging to the familiar and the tested will only anchor you in the shadows of what has already been, Tierney writes. To transcend and advance, you must move towards the uncharted and the new.

In our session, Tierney gives me some ideas: Will you be known for always having audacious handbags in the shape of animals, or for wearing metallic nail vanish, or red lipstick every day? she asks. What will make you stand out from the crowd?

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I have a second question for her. Are my jeans holding me back from my most abundant life? We flip through the pages of The Fashion Oracle again, and I land on The Goddess. Let your jewellery speak the language of the Egyptian gods, it advises. Honour the feminine aspects within you  however you identify  and understand that true strength often comes from qualities like empathy, intuition and the ability to nurture life.

Nieve Tierney with her book The Fashion Oracle that helps you to align your wardrobe with your intentions (Vicky Polak)

I decide to take inspiration from Karl Lagerfelds 2018/2019 collection for Chanel, which was full of golden hues and nods to ancient Egypt. Im also advised to surround myself with people who recognise my worth. But the book also tells me to recognise my own value, too. Let your jewellery be the starting point for building your outfit as you are stepping into this new vibration, or frequency, Tierney says. It may be as simple as a bracelet or a ring, rather than a whole outfit piece. It may be a colour, too. It doesnt mean you have to dress head to toe in gold.

I resist Amazon Prime-ing some amulets and scarabs and instead opt for a thick, heavy gold bracelet with a turquoise veneer that I find in a drawer. I wear it with a voluminous silk skirt in a light pastel floral design with a T-shirt and trainers. It feels more me, at least, than the sleeveless Masscob dress with shiny gold all over it, which Id worn to a lunch the day before. I also opt for an Isabel Marant bohemian dress that fits the whole goddess vibe.

Sometimes there can be resistance when we land on an archetype that is slightly different to how we normally dress. But it asks you to step out of your comfort zone

Nieve Tierney, energy healer

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I find it kind of magical how we asked the book several times, and along a similar theme, what you should wear to shift and optimise your frequency to manifest abundance, says Tierney. And each time, we received consistent guidance: jewellery with Egyptian connections, and statement pieces. The universe clearly had a message it wanted you to hear!

By the time I hit the local supermarket in my bright purple dress, Ive followed Tierneys advice for a week. She says that it can take at least a month to see results. But something is working for me: I certainly feel better having broken free of my jeans, and I feel more open to the new rather than the safe and familiar.

I was invited to step into the goddess archetype and opted for an Isabel Marant bohemian dress (Charlotte Cripps)

At the park, my kids admit theyre suffering from the post-holiday blues  weve just returned from Greece, with no further plans for holidays until next summer. Then, unexpectedly, I receive a text message. A new single dad friend that Id met in Greece has invited us all to stay at his villa in Corsica. My children scream with joy. Is it just a coincidence? Or proof that Id manifested something positive with my clothing? Either way, its not something I could have ever predicted.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Honor Flight 19 is set for October 25th and today officials started making calls to veterans eligible for the upcoming trip.

Volunteers spoke with veterans who are age appropriate and next in line in the database to go on the flight to Washington DC. Guardians were also called who are matched with the veterans.

The phone blitz gave veterans and guardians their interview day appointment times and a list of items they need to bring including which bus they will be assigned to. The organization says if a veteran decides not to take the flight they will not lose their place in the database and will be given another opportunity for a later flight.

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When we call the guardians in, they will come for training on a separate day and after that moving forward towards our meet-and-greet, Honor Flight President Steve Lynch said. It will be the first time all the 86 veterans and their guardians will be together.

Lynch says hes thankful for the community support and is excited for the next trip to DC.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
Protests against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia saw a fourth consecutive day of violence on Saturday night.

The most severe riots occurred in the central town of Valjevo, where opponents of the government set fire to the office of Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and damaged buildings of the city administration and the local public prosecutor's office.

The anger of the demonstrators in the town 100 kilometres south-west of Belgrade was directed against the fact that two days earlier, thugs from the SNS ruling party had destroyed a cafe owned by a sympathizer of the protest movement.

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On the same night, SNS thugs attacked the workshop of a student activist's father and beat its operator to the point of hospitalization. The authorities took no steps to prosecute these acts of violence.

Government opponents demonstrated in numerous cities across Serbia during the night, reports said on Sunday.

Clashes with the police also occurred in the Belgrade suburb of New Belgrade.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said shortly before midnight that a gendarme was injured and that 18 demonstrators had been arrested. The Serbian authorities did not provide information on the number of injured protesters.

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People in Serbia have been demonstrating almost every day against Vucic for more than nine months. The trigger for the protests was the collapse of a newly renovated station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people.

Independent experts and opposition members blame negligence and corruption under the Vucic government for the tragedy.
Protests against the government of President Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia saw a fourth consecutive day of violence on Saturday night.

The most severe riots occurred in the central town of Valjevo, where opponents of the government set fire to the office of Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and damaged buildings of the city administration and the local public prosecutor's office.

The anger of the demonstrators in the town 100 kilometres south-west of Belgrade was directed against the fact that two days earlier, thugs from the SNS ruling party had destroyed a cafe owned by a sympathizer of the protest movement.

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On the same night, SNS thugs attacked the workshop of a student activist's father and beat its operator to the point of hospitalization. The authorities took no steps to prosecute these acts of violence.

Government opponents demonstrated in numerous cities across Serbia during the night, reports said on Sunday.

Clashes with the police also occurred in the Belgrade suburb of New Belgrade.

Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said shortly before midnight that a gendarme was injured and that 18 demonstrators had been arrested. The Serbian authorities did not provide information on the number of injured protesters.

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People in Serbia have been demonstrating almost every day against Vucic for more than nine months. The trigger for the protests was the collapse of a newly renovated station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people.

Independent experts and opposition members blame negligence and corruption under the Vucic government for the tragedy.

The protests had largely been peaceful until Wednesday. From the start, however, rallies were repeatedly attacked by organized supporters of the Vucic government, with few of these assaults ever punished.

Independent media attribute the recent escalation into violent riots to public frustration over authorities' inaction in the face of such attacks.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) extended its full support to the CP Radhakrishnan, after he was named the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the Vice Presidential elections scheduled to be held on September 9. In a post on X, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that the candidacy of CP Radhakrishnan is a living example of the National Democratic Alliance NDA's resolve of "social justice, inclusion, and development for all." Chirag Paswan said, "The Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) extends its full support to the CP Radhakrishnan ji, the candidate for the Vice President of the country. His selection, as a strong representative of the OBC community from Tamil Nadu, is a historic example of the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA towards social justice and inclusive development." "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister ji, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has always prioritised the policy of "social justice, inclusion, and development for all." The candidacy of Radhakrishnan ji is a living example of this resolve, sending the message that the voice of every section and every region of the country will receive respect and representation at the national level," he added. Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was picked as the National Democratic Alliance's candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections. Replying to PM Modi's congratulatory 'X' post, Radhakrishnan thanked him for his wishes and for allowing him to serve the nation. "My heartfelt thanks to our beloved People's leader our most respected Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating me as the NDA Vice Presidential candidate and giving me the opportunity to serve the Nation," Radhakrishnan posted on X. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan after he was named the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the Vice Presidential elections scheduled to be held on September 9. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said Radhakrishnan had distinguished himself in public life with his dedication, humility and intellect. "In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance," the Prime Minister wrote on 'X'. Meanwhile, CP Radhakrishna, who is at present the Maharashtra Governor, prayed at the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai after he was picked as the NDA's candidate for the VP polls. Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, a post he assumed on July 31, 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. A veteran BJP leader, Radhakrishnan, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice and previously served as the Tamil Nadu BJP State President. (ANI)
The Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office and the citys Circuit Court want to make sure residents know recently mailed notices about jury duty questionnaires are real and not a scam.

According to the sheriffs office, the court is using a new system to handle jury duty for court cases. The system includes a new phone number, 757-384-5545, and email address, vbjuryroom@gmail.com.

If you receive a notification in the mail with this information, it is legitimate and you should respond, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

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The notice is not a summons for jury duty. It is for a jury questionnaire that is taken through an official Virginia Beach website. The questionnaire must be completed within 10 days of receipt , and is used to determine whether a resident is qualified or exempt from jury service.

The new phone number and email address are for residents who dont have access to a computer to fill out the survey, or have questions before completing the survey. If the resident has any questions, they are encouraged to call.

In recent years, some communities in Hampton Roads have had issues with jury duty scams. In September, the Chesapeake Sheriffs Office issued a notice about issues with scam callers. In that case, scammers called residents and identified themselves as a sheriffs office deputy and claimed the resident missed jury duty. The scammers said they have a warrant for the residents arrest, and the resident must pay a bond immediately.

In Norfolk, residents received calls last year from someone claiming to be official with the Norfolk courthouse, citing specific judges and other staff. Similar to the Chesapeake scam, callers demanded money or gift cards from residents, claiming they missed jury duty.

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According to Virginia law, someone who misses jury duty can be fined from $50 to $200. It is common for scammers to ask for upwards of $1,000 or more. Residents should never give personal information over the phone or email and are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

The Virginia Beach Circuit Court may call to find out why someone did not show up for jury duty, but our court officials will never request personal identifying information over the phone or request a payment to avoid the court process, the court said in a notice about scams.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, alongside 51 other AGs, helped to secure full G.I. bill benefits for decorated Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Paul Yoon, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

Back in 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that veterans who qualify under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills are entitled to a combined 48 months of education benefits.

I was proud to have led the bipartisan coalitions of 52 attorneys generals fighting to ensure Virginia Army veteran Lieutenant Colonel Paul Yoon received every benefit he earned while fighting for our country and our freedom, said Attorney General Jason Miyares.

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Two claims were filed, in March and June 2025, following the 2024 decision in support of Yoon.

Yoon received his full benefits in July.

I know there are many other veterans like Lieutenant Colonel Yoon out thereand I implore the VA to honor their service by permanently granting them full benefits as well.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A 100-year-old World War Two veteran said VJ Day did not seem to be of any "great consequence" at the time, even though he was serving in the Pacific.

Richard Clegg, from Bozeat, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, was on board HMS Victorious on 15 August 1945 when Japan surrendered.

Events to mark the 80th anniversary were held on Friday and over the weekend across the UK.

Mr Clegg said the events were "for people who weren't there to remember it. People who were there I don't think make a fuss about it really".

Richard Clegg (far left) served in the navy during World War Two [Richard Clegg]

Victory over Japan Day commemorates the Japanese surrender that brought the war to a complete end.

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Mr Clegg said that 80 years ago, HMS Victorious was "delivering a load of American planes into the middle of the American Pacific Fleet".

He told BBC Radio Northampton's Annabel Amos they "got halfway there to our destination" when they were stopped.

'No communication'

"We didn't know what had happened, and the next day they then told us that the first atom bomb had been dropped [on Hiroshima], and then... three days later they dropped the second atom bomb [on Nagasaki] so they then said the fleet will disperse," Mr Clegg said.

The bombs killed more than 200,000 people  some from the immediate blast and others from radiation sickness and burns  and led to Japan's surrender.

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Mr Clegg said HMS Victorious sailed to Brisbane and was then used to take Japanese prisoners of war home or to hospital.

"[VJ Day] wasn't of any great consequence to us at the time because we were never directly involved with fighting the actual Japanese people," he said.

The veteran also said VE Day  marking Victory in Europe  which happened earlier in the year, in May, was not celebrated in the Pacific because it "wasn't possible  there was no communication".

The centenarian is the last of his friends from the services still alive, and he put his longevity down to "good fortune".

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He added: "I've always kept fit. You just learnt to look after yourself when you are in the navy."

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with other European leaders, will travel to Washington to attend a joint meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday 18 August. She will make the trip after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels on 17 August.

Source: a European Pravda source in the European Commission

Details: On Sunday 17 August, Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Brussels to hold talks with von der Leyen and hold a joint press conference.

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Afterwards, von der Leyen and Zelenskyy will participate together in a Coalition of the Willing meeting via video link at 16:00 Kyiv time.

At Zelenskyys invitation, von der Leyen will join his meeting with Trump at the White House the following day, 18 August.

Background:

European leaders are planning to accompany Zelenskyy to the US to strengthen his position in talks with Trump on Monday 18 August. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are expected to travel to Washington.

After the meeting between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska, Trump said he had reached an agreement with Putin on a territory exchange and that "President Zelenskyy has to agree".

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Ukraine can count on US participation in a security pledge similar to NATO's mutual defence commitment, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday at a press briefing with the Ukrainian president.

"We welcome President (Donald) Trump's willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine," von der Leyen said alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

The so-called Coalition of the Willing, including the European Union, is ready to play its part, she added. The coalition is a loose grouping of nations backing Kiev against Russia's full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

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Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that member states can rely on the support of their allies in the event of an attack, with an attack on one member considered an attack on all.

Following the press appearance, Zelensky and von der Leyen were set to participate in a video conference of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss the next steps. On Monday, Zelensky, accompanied by several European leaders, is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington for talks.
SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  The Virginia State Police (VSP) is investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday night in Smyth County.

The VSP said it was notified by the Saltville Police Department of a stabbing in the 100 block of Daydream Ridge Road in the Town of Saltville at approximately 11 p.m. Saturday.

According to the VSP, one female died at the scene, and one suspect was taken into custody, Daniel Baptiste, 31.

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Baptiste has been charged with murder and use of a weapon in the commission of a felony, the VSP said. He is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail.

The VSP said the incident is being investigated as a possible domestic incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The Trump administration won't take control of the Washington police force, but more military personnel -- from West Virginia -- are being deployed to the nation's capital.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on Saturday announced he is deploying between 300 and 400 of the state's National Guard troops to Washington to help "restore cleanliness and safety."

"West Virginia is proud to stand with President [Donald] Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey said.

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He called the deployment a "show of cooperation to public safety and regional cooperation" that "aligns with our values of service and dedication to our communities."

The West Virginia National Guard will remain under the command of Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, the adjutant general of that's state's Guard, while deployed in the nation's capital.

Morrisey's deployment order comes after Justice Department and Washington police officials agreed Friday that the capital would maintain control of its police force of 3,200 officers.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, during an emergency hearing Friday, encouraged attorneys for the Justice Department and District of Columbia to negotiate a short-term agreement to temporarily stop the Drug Enforcement Administration from taking control of the city's police force.

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The resulting compromise agreement will continue while Reyes considers arguments made by the Justice Department and capital attorneys, who filed the federal case on Friday.

Reyes suggested Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Trump administration likely exceeded the authority rovided by the 1973 Home Rule Act, which made Washington a self-governed federal district.

President Joe Biden appointed Reyes to the court in 2023.

"A hostile takeover of our police force is not going to happen," District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb said during a Friday news conference.

Capital Police Chief Pamela Smith "remains in control of the police department under the supervision of our mayor," Schwalb said.

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Bondi said the Justice Department will continue working with local officials to address concerns of criminal activity in Washington.

"We remain committed to working with Mayor [Muriel] Bowser, who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers and visitors in Washington," Bondi said.

Bondi on Thursday said an "emergency police commissioner" would approve the city's Metropolitan Police Department policies and ensure the police force helps with federal law enforcement make immigration-related arrests, The Hill reported.

Bondi had appointed DEA Administrator Terrence Cole to oversee the Washington MPD, but his appointment is on hold and might not happen.

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The Trump administration's effort to police Washington's streets and control its police force caused concern among many of its younger residents.

"I understand public safety is important, but they look more like they're bullying us than being our community guardians," a 16-year-old named Ali told NPR. "It's hard not to feel intimidated."

Another 16-year-old named Makayla blamed a relatively small group of juveniles for causing trouble that triggered the federal intervention in the capital.

"As a teenager, you want to go out and enjoy yourself," she told NPR. "But all y'all want to do is fight."

Trump cited juvenile crime as a tipping point in his decision to have his administration intervene in capital policing to make it safer for all for residents, workers and visitors.
Its not Tom, Dick, or Harry.

A new study has revealed that Robert is the most powerful male name in America, with a whopping 21 of the Fortune 500 company CEOs bearing the moniker.

The analysis was conducted by Profit Engine, with the company interested in examining whether a persons name had an impact on their professional life.

The patterns we discovered were quite striking, Jason Morris, CEO of Profit Engline, proclaimed in a press release. While correlation doesnt equal causation, these results definitely make you wonder if theres something to the old saying about names shaping destiny.

These findings reveal something notable about representation in American corporate leadership, Morris said. The complete dominance of traditional male names isnt a coincidence. New Africa  stock.adobe.com

Powerful Americans bearing the name include Disney boss Robert Bob Iger and Boeing boss Robert Ortberg. Interestingly, however, no US president has ever been named Robert.

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Robert has been a powerhouse name for decades, Morris declared. It projects authority and tradition, both of which are qualities that boards of directors clearly value when selecting leadership.

Since the year 2000, however, the classic name has fallen far from favor.

That year, it was the 29th most popular name for boys born in the US, according to the Social Security Administration. By 2020, it had fallen to number 80. Last year, it slipped further and is now the 90th most popular boys moniker in America.

Profit Engine found that Fortune 500 CEOs were far more likely than the general public to possess traditional names. Dusan Petkovic  stock.adobe.com

If you want your son to be a CEO and youre not a fan of the name Robert, the analysis shows that its still best to stick to the classics.

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Profit Engine found that male Fortune 500 CEOs were far more likely than the general public to possess traditional names.

After Robert, Michael was revealed to be the second most powerful name, with 19 Fortune 500 CEOs bearing the moniker.

James, John, Christopher, William, David, Mark, Timothy, Brian, Andrew, Thomas and Scott followed in that order.

These findings reveal something notable about representation in American corporate leadership, Morris said. The complete dominance of traditional male names isnt a coincidence. It reflects decades of systemic patterns in who climbs the corporate ladder.

Whats particularly telling is that were not seeing the diversity of names that reflects modern America. No Aidens [or] Ethans, despite these being popular baby names in recent decades, he added. This suggests either a generational lag or that certain naming conventions still carry unconscious advantages in professional settings.
In the shadow of the activities on the diplomatic and political fronts, Russian and Ukrainian troops continue to fight in eastern Ukraine.

A total of 65 armed clashes were registered during the course of the day, the Ukrainian General Staff announced late Sunday afternoon. The front-line reports could not be independently verified.

The fighting was focused on Kupiansk and Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian positions near Kupiansk were attacked with guided glide bombs and from rocket launchers.

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"The Ukrainian units are taking active measures to thwart the occupiers' plans and are achieving certain successes in some places," the General Staff office in Kiev reported, without providing further details.

There were 27 attacks by Russian units at the permanent focal point of Pokrovsk during the course of the day. The attacks were repulsed.

The Russian army has been trying to take control of Pokrovsk for months. The city has already been largely destroyed in the course of the heavy fighting.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The 2025 Childrens Miracle Network Telethon happened on Saturday, Aug. 16, giving San Angelo residents a unique opportunity to raise funds for local kids during their hospital stays.

The telethon was held from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. An archive will be made available for live viewing in the video player above, on KLST-TV and on the KLST News Facebook page.

Donations collected during the telethon were given to the Childrens Miracle Network at Shannon Medical Center. The Childrens Miracle Networks primary goal is to provide the services, equipment, and training necessary so that your child or one that you know can stay in San Angelo at home (or closer to home) for their treatments, according to the Childrens Miracle Network at Shannon Medical Center website.

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Special segments featuring the 2025 Miracle Children  kids whose lives will be impacted by the telethons proceeds  and their stories will be aired during the event.

During the 2024 Childrens Miracle Network Telethon, $471,641.65 was raised in support of local children undergoing medical treatment.

To donate, call (325)-747-8385 or use the donation portal on the Childrens Miracle Network at Shannon Medical Center 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Sunday, announced development projects worth over Rs 300 crore for the Narwana Assembly constituency, terming them a significant gift for the region. The Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting organised in Narwana by the State Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi. Nayaib Singh Saini said that the State Government is working with the core mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" and is consistently striving to ensure the flow of development reaches every area and every section of society. In this spirit, priority has been given to Narwana, with a large number of development works now being initiated. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the drinking water system of Narwana city will be linked to canal water at a cost of Rs 45 crore. In addition, the city's sewerage system will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 75.87 crore, providing long-awaited relief to residents. He further stated that the stormwater drainage system of Narwana city will soon be completed at a cost of Rs 31.65 crore. To improve the city's traffic infrastructure, the Chief Minister said that a railway overbridge (ROB) will be constructed at Railway Crossing No. 2 on Narwana-Tohana Road, and another ROB will be built at Railway Crossing No. 137 on Old Hisar Road. Approximately Rs 60 crore will be spent on these two projects. While announcing this, the Chief Minister said that, subject to land availability, a new animal hospital building will be constructed in Village Amargarh at a cost of Rs 40 lakh. An amount of Rs 4.30 crore will be allocated for the construction of classrooms in various government schools across the Narwana Assembly constituency, ensuring improved educational facilities for students. He further announced that four grain markets in the Narwana Assembly will be renovated at a cost of Rs 5 crore, along with repair work on Mandi Board roads, also costing Rs 5 crore. The Chief Minister announced Rs 5 crore for the reconstruction of the Rajwaha from Tohana to Dhamtan Sahib. In addition, Rs 51 lakh will be allocated for the drinking water pipeline from Narwana Minor to Village Bhikhewala, ensuring better water supply for local residents. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 1.07 crore for laying a drinking water pipeline in Village Bhana Barhman, while the canal-based water supply distribution system will be strengthened in various villages of the constituency at a total cost of Rs 35 crore. The Chief Minister announced Rs 5 crore for the special repair of the old National Highway-65 in Danoda, and Rs 3.50 crore for the construction of roads connecting Village Bhikhwala to Farain, Khurd Kalan to Kaloda Khurd, and Village Kalwan to Dhamtan Juleda. He further stated that an additional PWD Rest House will be constructed in Narwana city at a cost of Rs 9.50 crore. He also announced that special repairs will be carried out on five roads, covering a total length of 18.54 km in the Narwana Assembly constituency, at a cost of Rs 6.96 crore. In addition, 37 roads spanning 180.14 km, which are currently in the defect liability period, will be repaired soon by the concerned agencies. He further stated that construction work on 24.8 km of PWD roads will also be completed shortly. The Chief Minister also announced plans to beautify the Dada Rameshwar Tirtha in Danoda and allocated a separate amount of Rs 5 crore for other development works across the Narwana Assembly constituency. He further announced that a new 9-bay bus stand will be constructed in Narwana. A new office building for the Nagar Palika and a new sector of the Haryana Urban Development Authority will also be developed in Narwana, subject to land availability. The existing 50-bed Civil Hospital in Narwana will be upgraded to 100 beds. Additionally, a new Sabzi Mandi in Narwana, a Primary Health Centre building in Village Amargarh, and a Sub Health Centre building in Village Bidharana will be constructed, once land is available. The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a new stadium in the Village of Kaloda Khurd of the Narwana Assembly constituency. On this occasion, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Dr Krishan Kumar Middha, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala and other dignitaries were also present. (ANI)
Water rescue at Ludlow Falls: Young man saved by firefighters

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A 19-year-old man, David Michael Reis, Jr., was rescued from the water in Ludlow Falls on Saturday evening.

He was hospitalized, but was released Sunday evening and is recovering, according to his family.

According to a social media post made by The Ludlow Falls Fire Department, its station #60 crew was dispatched for a water rescue at approximately 6:30 p.m. along with Troy Firefighters Local #1638 IAFF and West Milton Fire Company crews.

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They hosted the young man by ladder 71, who got him safely to solid ground. Medics from Union Township Life Squad took the teen to a local hospital.

We want to remind everyone swimming at the falls can look fun and be a nice way to cool off but there are dangers that lie within that water. Our crews have responded multiple times to these falls and either had to rescue or make a unfortunate recovery, wrote Ludlow Falls FD.

19-year-old Ludlow Falls drowning victim identified

It reminded people that swimming in the falls is illegal because it is dangerous.

We want to give a big thank you to all our mutual aid that responded and worked together to get the patient moved and secured, wrote Ludlow Falls FD.

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It shared these photos of the rescue:

Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department. Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department. Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department. Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department. Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department. Photo via Ludlow Falls Fire Department.

Miami County Communication Center said it will share more information soon.

Reis family is collecting donations to pay his medical bills. Click here to learn more.

2 NEWS is working to learn more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
LAPEL  To enthusiasts, a beer is like being with a good friend  refreshing under any circumstance.

Theres a beer for every kind of taste preference imaginable. Beer can take a host of forms, including stouts, pilsners and Indiana pale ales  depending on the ingredients involved and the person or entity making them.

You can go work a long day and still be able to get something refreshing, said Colt Carpenter, co-owner and head brewer at Pax Verum Brewing Co. in Lapel. Whether that be light and crispy or having some bitterness from some hops or really present fruity. Its a beverage that meets you where youre at.

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That thought, Carpenter believes, is one reason beer has kept its iconic status.

Pax Verum will host the fifth Way Out Beer Fest on Aug. 23. The festival has grown into a sort of friendly competition in which breweries, wineries and distilleries outdo themselves in their efforts to produce the most out-there concoctions.

Indiana breweries have been front and center during previous festivals but will share the spotlight this year.

At least 10 out-of-state breweries have been invited, including Butchertown Brewing from Louisville and Nine Giant Brewpub from Cincinnati.

If youre not someone known for making hazy IPAs, I dont want you to make hazy IPAs, Carpenter said. Bring me something that ties into your brand, that works for you there.

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Its about what all is accessible in beer, he continued. Its trying to get our people to have new experiences.

Guests will be able to enjoy unlimited samples from all of the vendors.

Beer wont be the only thing on display. Robert Castillos BMX Freestyle Team travel from California to make an appearance.

There will also be food from vendors including King Dough, Nerdy BBQ, The Bacon Station and Hot Diggity Dog!, along with music from DJs like Shibascream and Kwick Zwick.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Rep. John Larson (D- CT 1) is running for reelection and facing challenges from at least three of his fellow Democrats.

Dennis House spoke with one of the candidates, attorney Ruth Fortune, on her journey from being an undocumented immigrant to becoming a political challenger to a representative who has been serving since 1999.

Watch their full conversation from This Week in Connecticut above.

THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police in Ludlow said the West Street Bridge, which spans the Chicopee River to connect Ludlow with Springfield, is closed after inspectors with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation asked for its immediate closure.

In a social media post made Sunday afternoon, the Ludlow Police Department told motorists to seek out alternate routes because the bridge will remain closed until further notice.

Ludlow Police Sgt. Brandon Vigneault said the department recently received several calls that cars going over a bump on the bridge bottomed out and sustained damage to their undercarriages. The police called MassDOT.

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After a bridge inspection team visited the bridge, according to Vigneault, MassDOT called Ludlow Police on Sunday: Could they close the bridge immediately?

In 2023, the bridge closed for several weeks for repairs to its rusted steel deck. At the time, officials said they were beginning to look at fully replacing the bridge, which is more than 85 years old.

Two years ago, motorists were directed to cross the Chicopee River about a mile-and-a-half upstream where Route 21 passes over Wallamanumps Falls.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP)  The Ludlow Police Department has shared that the West Street Bridge will be closed until further notice.

Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley in Northampton announces closure, citing zoning change

This bridge connects Ludlow and Indian Orchard in Springfield and has recently caused concern among residents in Hampden County. This month, Springfield DPW Director Chris Cignoli stated that the Springfield side of the bridge was experiencing a deficiency and that an engineer had been hired to inspect it and create repair scenarios in case further issues arose.

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The DPW also said that the bridge has experienced more recent traffic due to its lack of a weight limit on vehicles. One anticipated repair is the rewelding of the bridges deck structure.

In a news release from the city of Springfield on Monday, Mayor Sarnos Office states that the bridge has been experiencing issues with a large bump on the Springfield side of the bridge due to an expansion joint issue.

Theres a little bit of an issue on the end, but really what its doing is all the expansion is happening in the middle of the bridge, Cignoli said. It has no place to go, so it kind of just bubbled straight up.

Two years ago, the city of Springfield and the town of Ludlow made repairs to the end of the bridge. Springfields DPW said they are inspecting the bridge. Part of the inspection is to make sure the work they did two years ago isnt causing those humps in the middle.

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The metal decking was completely rusted out, so those had to be replaced, Cignoli said.

The Ludlow Ave. Bridge on the east side of Indian Orchard will connect you to East Street and Center Street in Ludlow. To get there, you can follow Main Street along the Chicopee River, and it will take you right to the bridge.

The Route 21 Bridge has weight restrictions on it put on by MassDOT. The heavier vehicles have chosen to take the West Street Bridge until now. The Springfield DPW is now asking MassDOT to consider a weight restriction for the West Street Bridge. City officials say it could take two to three months to get the bridge back open.

Next Monday, the DPW will be conducting an inspection under the bridge. Once that is completed, they will send a repair request to MassDOT, as they need their approval in order to fix it.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio governors on Saturday announced they will deploy their National Guard troops to the nation's capital to support President Donald Trumps initiative to restore cleanliness and public safety to Washington, D.C.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey committed to sending 300 to 400 guardsmen and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he would send 200 guardsmen.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will deploy 150 troops, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Military vehicles with the Washington, D.C., National Guard are parked near the Washington Monument Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

400 National Guard Members Descend Upon Dc; Expanded Crime Crackdown Expected Wednesday Night

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The response was prompted by a request from the Trump administration, according to Morrisey.

"West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital," Morrisey wrote in a statement. "The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America."

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The states' missions will be funded at the federal level.

"Our National Guard will work to assist President Trumps mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond," McMaster wrote in an X post.

U.S. military members walk near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2025.

Watch: National Guard Humvees, Roughly 30 Troops Stand Guard Outside Dc's Union Station Amid Police Takeover

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Trump federalized D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department on Monday under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the president to take emergency control of the police force for 30 days.

Hundreds of National Guard members have been spotted in the city, along with agents from federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Capitol Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

"This initiative aligns with our values of service and dedication to our communities," said Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, who will command the West Virginia troops. "We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nations capital a clean and safe environment. The National Guards unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking."

The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department conduct a traffic stop near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2025.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Vows To Be 'Force Multipliers' Of Dc Police

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Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday announced there have been nearly 200 arrests in D.C. since the Trump administration federalized the city to tackle crime.

Among those arrested were two homicide suspects, 17 suspected drug traffickers, 39 suspected illegal gun offenders and two sexual predators, according to Bondi.

The White House and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Three red states deploy National Guard personnel to support Trump's DC safety mission
Hundreds of National Guardsmen from three states are being activated to go to Washington, D.C. to aid the military mission in the nations capital.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the activation on Saturday, posting on X that the state is deploying 300-400 skilled personnel to the nations capital at the request of the Trump administration; Joint Task Force  District of Columbia specified it is 350 Guardsmen. In a press release that followed, the governors office added that the states involvement will include providing mission-essential equipment and specialized training. The deployment is being funded at the federal level, the announcement said. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster posted on X that he authorized the deployment of 200 National Guardsmen, but noted they could be recalled in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane. Meanwhile Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said that the Ohio National Guard is sending approximately 150 military police officers at the request of the Secretary of the Army, which will arrive in the coming days. They will conduct presence patrols and serve as added security, DeWine said.

That brings the total number of troops activated for the D.C. mission to more than 1,500. The West Virginia National Guardsmen were the first group of troops announced to join the District of Columbia National Guard since it was activated on Monday. The deployment comes five days after President Donald Trump said he was activating the National Guard to join hundreds of federal law enforcement personnel that were sent to Washington, D.C. 826 District of Columbia National Guardsmen are set up inside the city, with 200 patrolling the streets at any time, according to the military. They have conducted patrols near the National Mall and Union Station.

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Trump said he was sending in the large law enforcement and military presence to address crime and homelessness in the nations capital. Data from local agencies and the Department of Justice show that crime has significantly dropped in Washington, D.C. However, since last weekend, hundreds of federal agents, including personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration have arrived in the city, patrolling D.C. streets around the clock. Authorities have also been clearing homeless encampments in the city.

Top Stories This Week

News 2-star general busted down to lieutenant colonel over inappropriate relationship By Jeff Schogol Culture Laura Loomer unites vets from both sides of aisle after Medal of Honor rant By Matt White News A Hawaii airman hit the surf in dress blues on his first day out of the Air Force By Matt White

On Thursday, a Pentagon spokesperson said that the D.C. National Guardsmen are there to support local law enforcement. They will not be arresting people, but they may temporarily limit the movement of an individual who has entered a restricted or secured area without permission before turning them over to law enforcement, the spokesperson said.

On Friday night Guardsmen briefly detained one person who assaulted a Park Police officer, according to the New York Times. A spokesperson for Joint Task Force  District of Columbia confirmed the incident to Task & Purpose, saying that it happened during a presence patrol on the National Mall with Park Police. One person got into a fight with a Park Police officer, who requested aid. A D.C. Air National Guardsmen chased down and detained the person before they were taken into custody by Park Police.

Update: 8/16/2025; This story has been updated following the troop activation announcements from Ohio and South Carolina.
A century ago, the appearance of a stranded sei whale on the shore at Langness caused shock and fascination among people on the Isle of Man.

Mammoth efforts were needed to move the 48ft (14.6m) carcass in a mission that involved ropes, chains, trailers, steam traction engines and even a tugboat.

Its skeleton remains the largest single artefact held in the Manx Museum's National Collections, and events were held this week to mark the milestone since its acquisition.

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But the whale's arrival on Manx shores marked only the start of a final journey that would last a decade, and capture the imagination of children and adults alike.

When did the whale appear?

The female Sei Whale became stranded in a gully at Langness on the southern coast of the island in the summer of 1925.

Such was the spectacle that crowds of people, including families with children, streamed down to the shore to see the creature and even pose with it.

As the largest mammal ever to be stranded on the Manx coast, it also drew the attention of the custodians of the island's history at the time.

As curator of natural history for Manx National Heritage Laura McCoy explained, it was at a time when natural history and antiquarian societies were very prominent.

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"Things like whale skeletons were seen as a very a prestigious thing to have," she said.

"And so when this opportunity came about, the museum was like 'we want that skeleton'."

But taking it into the collections of the newly opened Manx Museum was not as simple as just staking a claim on it, as all cetaceans are the property of the British Crown.

Once permission was secured for the whale to be taken locally, something had to be done to move the rotting carcass, which was by now becoming a public nuisance.

How was the whale retrieved?

Without the powerful portable machinery of the modern age, a series of manoeuvres was needed to move the whale.

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That involved wrapping it in chains to drag it back out to sea where it was refloated and pulled around the coast to Derbyhaven by a tugboat.

Once there, it was hauled ashore onto large trailers using ropes and chains to allow it to be transported to an abattoir in Douglas to be defleshed.

Such was the putrid smell of decay that it is said police at the head of the cavalcade warned people along the route to shut their windows as it passed by.

After the bulk of the flesh was removed from the carcass at the abattoir, the bones were buried for four years to finish the defleshing.

Ms McCoy said that allowed the skeleton to be cleaned "organically", which was a technique still used when dealing with the marine mammals.

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"A common way to prepare whale skeletons, even to this day, is to bury them," she said.

"That allows all the little creatures and things to get into the bones and deflesh them."

"Then you dig out your nice skeleton that is hopefully very dry and clean and not smelly."

Why did it take another decade before it was put on display?

With that process taking about four years, the task remained of finding somewhere appropriate in the Manx Museum to house the huge specimen.

Following a fundraising effort, the Langness whale found a home in the newly created Edward Forbes Gallery, named in honour a notable Manx botanist.

The company chosen to mount the skeleton was the same London-based firm responsible for the original hanging of Hope the blue whale in the Natural History Museum in London.

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Ms McCoy said while the skeletonised whale would have been "a little" lighter once the flesh had been removed, it would still have been "incredibly heavy" with the skull alone weighing more than a tonne.

The enormity of the task of mounting the creature meant it was a "fairly prolonged project", which the records had shown had involved "barrels of papier-mache" and steel rebar, she said.

Once in situ the skeleton remained in position for the next seven decades.

That was until a revamp of part of the museum saw the opening of a new Natural History Gallery in 2005, leading to another epic task of moving the bones, this time with the help of modern techniques.

What is a sei whale?

Taken from the Norwegian word for pollock, "seje", sei whales (scientific name balaenoptera borealis) are the third largest whale species after blue whales and fin whales.

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Dark in colour with a white underbelly, they have long, sleek bodies that can grown up to 64ft (19.5m) long, allowing them to travel at speeds of up to 34mph (54km/h).

Usually found alone or in small groups, they are baleen whales which consume about 2,000lb (907kg) of plankton each day, diving for up to 20 minutes at a time to feed.

Their distribution around the world is wide with the species found in subtropical, temperate, and subpolar waters.

Listed as endangered, the marine mammals are usually seen in deeper waters, away from the coast, and have been noted for their unpredictable seasonal movements.

Why is it still an important feature of the museum today?

The largest object in the museum, and Langness whale has fascinated generations of children on the island.

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And Ms McCoy explained, as well as celebrating the history of the artefact, it allows for a broader conservation about the natural world and its conservation.

"What museums do best is use an object that illustrates multiple lines of inquiry," she said.

"You've got the history, you've got the science, you've even got art.

"The whale skeleton is like an entryway into a bigger story if you want to go down that route.

"That's why we love these kinds of objects and specimens because they allow us to talk about all sorts of different things and reach people in different ways.

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"We want to bring kids into the museum, have a lovely day, see something really cool, and learn something interesting.

"And then they can talk about it and maybe it'll inspire some of them to take it further when they get a little bit older... that's always the dream."

The Langness whale is on display in the Natural History Gallery of the Manx Museum.

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.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  One of El Pasos oldest Whataburger locations is getting a new look and is reopening this week, the company said.

The Whataburger location at 650 Sunland Park Dr. in West El Paso had been closed for months for a remodel. It will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 19, the company said in a news release.

A look at the new Sunland Park Drive location. Photos courtesy of Whataburger

The restaurant at 650 Sunland Park Road was ready for a freshen-up that pays respect to Whataburgers storied history while looking to the future with a forward-thinking design, the company said in a news release It features a double drive-thru, spacious dining room, and digital menu boards to serve guests best. A custom interior mural features Whataburger iconography with El Paso imagery prominently displayed.

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The newly renovated location will have a team of 60 employees.

The first guest in each drive-thru lane and the first in line in the dining room will receive free Whataburger for a year, the company said.

The restaurant has also declared that the following week will be a week of celebratoin with daily giveaways.

Welcome, Monday, Aug. 25  Free Whataburger goodies, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Rise and Shine, Tuesday, Aug. 26  Free Iced Coffee, 7-9 p.m.

Youre Sweet, Wednesday, Aug. 27  Free shakes, 3-5 p.m.

Family Time, Thursday, Aug. 28  Free Kids Meal, 3-5 p.m.

TGIFryday, Friday, Aug. 29  Free Fries, 3-5 p.m.

Re-Fresh, Saturday, Aug. 30  Free 16 oz. drinks, 3 to 5 p.m.

Winning Time, Sunday, Aug. 31  Giving away free Whataburger for a year. The name will be selected at random from participants throughout the week.

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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday extended his wishes to Governor of Maharashtra CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) picked him as the candidate for the Vice Presidential election. In a post on X, Minister Goyal said, "Heartiest congratulations to the Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan ji, on being nominated as the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election. In his dedicated service across diverse positions, he has consistently worked towards empowering the marginalised. His work in Tamil Nadu at the grassroots level is truly inspiring." https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1957111791391014944 "Also, as the Governor of Maharashtra, he has made significant contributions to the progress and development of the State. Through his rich experience in constitutional matters, he will play a pivotal role in upholding democratic values in the Upper House. Gratitude to PM Narendra Modi ji, and the members of the BJP Parliamentary board for this decision," the post further read. Meanwhile, the NDA today announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, scheduled to be held on September 9. The announcement was made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda during a press conference following the party's Parliamentary Board meeting held in the national capital. "At the parliamentary board meeting, we all unanimously decided on the VP candidate, Mr CP Radhakrishna. We discussed the VP candidate with all our alliance party (NDA) earlier as well. We will discuss our opposition party as well to smooth the VP election..." Nadda said. Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is currently serving as the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, a post he assumed on July 31, 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. He also held additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry between March and July 2024. Radhakrishnan was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore twice and previously served as the Tamil Nadu BJP State President. The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling for the Vice Presidential election would take place on September 9, with counting of votes scheduled for the same day. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25. The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons. "To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the constitution," Dhankhar's resignation letter read. (ANI)
JOPLIN, Mo.  Kansas City University, Joplin students embark on their journey to become dentists.

82 students walked across the stage for the White Coat Ceremony at the Joplin High School performing arts center.

The White Coat ceremony symbolizes the official first step of each student entering the dental profession and the commitment ahead.

Fellow dentists spoke to the new class, including a fellow student in the College of Dental Medicine, and a dentist with years of professional experience under his belt.

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Incoming student Christian Rivas, also a husband and father of five, says he hopes today inspires his kids.

Thats something that I really take to heart. Im a first-generation college student, so Ive had to work for everything that Ive gotten, and I want my kids to see that with hard work. No matter how big that dream is, theyre able to achieve as long as theyre able to keep going and work hard for it, said Christian Rivas, KCU-Joplin white coat recipient.

This is the beginning of a transformational journey where they go from being a college graduate to all of a sudden being a member of the dental profession, even though they are just first-year dental students. They will be asked to behave as if they are dentists, said Dr. Linda Niessen, Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine Dean.

Students have been on campus for orientation, but classes officially begin on Monday.

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The White House has rejected a report by National Public Radio (NPR), a US public broadcasting organisation, claiming that US State Department staff left information about the Alaska summit schedule in one of the hotels public printers.

Source: ABC News, as reported by European Pravda

Details: After NPR reported that documents concerning the Alaska summit had been found in a hotel printer ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin, the White House dismissed the claim as "hilarious".

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"Its hilarious that NPR is publishing a multipage lunch menu and calling it a 'security breach'. This type of self-proclaimed 'investigative journalism' is why no one takes them seriously and they are no longer taxpayer-funded thanks to President Trump," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said.

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President Donald Trumps foreign envoy Steve Witkoff  one of three American participants in Fridays summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin  described on Sunday several major agreements reached during the Alaska talks that he said created strong momentum toward a peace agreement with Ukraine.

Witkoff told CNN that Putin had signed off on allowing robust security guarantees as part of an eventual peace accord, including a provision that would provide for a collective defense of Ukraine by the United States and Europe should Russia attempt another invasion.

We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing, Witkoff told Jake Tapper on State of the Union, adding the Russians had also pledged legislative enshrinement of a promise not to invade Ukraine or another European country in any forthcoming peace plan.

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Neither provision has been mentioned in Russian accounts of the summit.

Witkoffs public description of Fridays summit was the most fulsome yet of what was discussed for nearly three hours behind closed doors in Anchorage. Trump will meet Monday at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders to discuss the matter in more detail.

Still, many questions remained about how the US is assessing Putins seriousness about reaching a deal, whether his promises can be trusted after a track record of violating previous peace agreements, and what exactly Trump is willing to offer to ensure Ukraine isnt invaded again.

Heading into Fridays meeting, Trump said he would be disappointed if a ceasefire wasnt reached and threatened severe consequences on Russia if Putin didnt end the fighting.

The remains of stores burn following an airstrike by Russian invading forces on August 17, 2025 in Bilozerske, Ukraine. - Pierre Crom/Getty Images

But as he departed, Trump said he was no longer aiming for an immediate ceasefire and declared we dont have to think about sanctions after the talks.

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Witkoff said significant progress during the summit led Trump to abandon his push for an immediate ceasefire and instead work toward advancing a larger peace agreement.

We made so much progress at this meeting with regard to all the other ingredients necessary for a for a peace deal that we, that President Trump, pivoted to that place, Witkoff said.

The other US participant in the talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offered a more guarded assessment of how close a peace agreement may be.

We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remains some big areas of disagreement. So were still a long ways off, he said on ABCs This Week. Were not at the precipice of a peace agreement, were not at the edge of one, but I do think progress was made.

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He said later on CBS Face the Nation that any agreement to end the war would cause disappointment on both sides.

It may not be pleasant, it may be distasteful, but in order for there to be an end to the war, there are things that Russia wants that it cannot get and there are things that Ukraine wants that its not going to get, he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio talk before a news conference with President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on August 15. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

The agreements Witkoff described will be at the center of meetings Monday between Trump and Zelensky. A large delegation of European officials  including the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO  will accompany the Ukrainian leader for the talks.

Trump on Sunday night previewed the message hell deliver to his White House visitors: Zelensky must agree to some of Russias conditions for the war in Ukraine to end.

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President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight, Trump wrote on social media. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE.

The post underscored the pressure Zelensky will face Monday as Trump works to end the conflict. The two conditions he listed  that Ukraine cede Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, and that it agree never to join NATO  are among the conditions Putin has set for ending the war.

European leaders have been pressing Trump to follow through on his threat of tough new economic penalties on Russia, but Rubio cautioned such steps could scuttle progress on a peace deal.

The minute he takes those steps, all talks stop, he said. The minute we take those steps, there is no one left in the world to go talk to the Russians and try to get them to the table to reach a peace agreement.

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A breakout session during Mondays talks at the White House will explore options for security guarantees for Ukraine that would ensure Russia is unable to re-invade the country once a peace deal is in place. Zelensky and European leaders have said such assurances are necessary as part of a peace accord.

Witkoff said the clause agreed to by Russia  akin to NATOs Article 5 agreement that an attack against one country is an attack against all  was a workaround for Russias insistence Ukraine never be able to join NATO.

He described it as the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to such a provision being included in a peace deal.

What the United States would contribute to the effort  versus the Europeans  remained unclear. Trump has previously stated clearly that American troops wont be on the ground in Ukraine, and has said the onus is on European nations to take the lead in protecting it.

Ukrainian servicemen load ammunition before firing toward Russian positions at the frontl ine in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, on August 5. - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

Some officials believe a robust security infrastructure for Ukraine could make it easier for Zelensky to accept some of Russias demands for land concessions as part of a peace deal.

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Putin has not abandoned some of his maximalist ideas, including that Ukraine give up the entire eastern Donbas region, where Russia currently occupies large swaths of territory.

But Witkoff said Putin did make some concessions on his land requirements, suggested the Russians now see land swapping occurring at the current front lines of the war rather than the administrative boundaries of at least some of the five regions long in Putins sights.

The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions, he said, adding the issue would be discussed with Zelensky on Monday and hopefully we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses the Fiscal Year 2025 Education Budget at Educare in Flint. | Kyle Davidson

On Friday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her pen to three bipartisan bills, aimed at supporting distillers and mixed spirit manufacturers and remembering a member of the national guard and a member of state police.

Michigans small businesses should be able to work together to keep costs low and grow their businesses, Whitmer said in a statement. These bipartisan bills will help our distiller and mixed spirit manufacturers do just that by cutting unnecessary red tape. This will lower costs for these businesses and boost our economy by making it easier for more people to make it in Michigan.

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House Bill 4403, sponsored by state Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet) permits these manufacturers to use the same space and equipment to make their products, allowing them to share costs on that equipment, as well as rent and utilities.

This bill is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together, Wendzel said in a statement. The unanimous support it received in the House and Senate shows that helping our small businesses and local job creators is a shared priority. By clarifying the law around alternating proprietorships, were not just supporting distillers; were fostering innovation and ensuring Michigans craft beverage industry can continue to grow and thrive.

House Bill 4003, sponsored by state Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare), designates a portion of U.S. Highway 131 Sergeant Matthew Webber Memorial Highway in honor of a member of the Michigan National Guard who was killed in the line of duty while deployed in Iraq.

House Bill 4046, sponsored by state Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen), designates a portion of U.S. Highway 131 Trooper James E. Boland Memorial Highway, honoring a member of the State Police who was struck by a drunk driver and killed in the line of duty.

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For those flying south this summer, the prospect of green fuel one day powering their planes down to the south of France or the Med may mean a little less guilt over their climate-destroying air travel.

British factories pumping out climate-friendly aviation fuel have long been a pipe-dream for the aviation industry and some holidaymakers, and it seemed one step closer six years ago when British Airways announced plans for the UKs first factory to convert waste into jet fuel.

The futuristic plant, to be built by fuels firm Velocys on a field near the Humber estuary, in north Lincolnshire, would see household rubbish destined for landfills turned into thousands of tonnes of green plane fuel, powering the airline into a sustainable future.

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Alex Cruz, then-chief executive of BA, said the fuel  known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)  would be a game-changer for aviation.

But six years after British Airways Velocys announcement  and a year after the SAF plant should have gone into production  that dream seems as far away as ever.

Velocys Humber estuary site remains as an empty field  a recent image shows that the only structure on it is a portaloo.

The Velocys Humber estuary site remains an empty field save for an overturned portaloo - Dominic Lipinski/Reuters

The failure of the plan highlights the difficulty green aviation has faced getting off the ground, made worse by a government push to force airlines to use more green fuels.

On the back of promises for airlines to use SAF, in 2022, then-prime minister Boris Johnson announced a new policy  known as jet zero  to enforce a minimum threshold of green fuel use.

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By 2050, he claimed, flying would be zero-carbon, adding: Sustainable fuels and fully electric planes will achieve guilt-free flying for years to come.

Under the policy, still in force, British airlines must this year fuel their planes with a minimum of 2pc SAF, ratcheting up to 10pc by 2030 and 22pc by 2040.

That fuel should also be pumping out from a minimum of five new SAF plants, which, Johnsons policy promised, would be operating by now, creating jobs and helping make the UK a clean energy superpower.

Barely any of that has come to pass.

For BAs partner Velocys  which is yet to sell any green jet fuel to any airline  it ran out of money last year and was taken over by a private consortium. Its leadership team says its plans are only delayed, but similar promises by other UK would-be SAF producers have also so far come to nothing.

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It means the only company making SAF in the UK is the Phillips66 refinery on Humberside  and its output is just 20,000 tonnes a year. Thats about 0.2pc of the 11 million tonnes of aviation fuel Britain consumes annually.

So how are UK airlines meeting their obligation to add 2pc SAF to their fuel tanks?

While prime minister, Boris Johnson launched a policy to enforce a minimum threshold of green fuel use on airlines - Henry Nicholls/Pool/Getty Images

Most of it is being imported, generating jobs not in the UK but mostly in Finland, the Netherlands, the US and Holland. That gap is set to worsen, says the Aviation Environment Federation.

It points out that by 2030, the UKs SAF obligation will have soared to 10pc, or 1.2 million tonnes, of green fuel  all or most of which will be imported.

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While a number of plants are making progress, the expected amounts they will produce are insufficient to meet the mandate, it says.

Those imports will not just dash the opportunity for more UK jobs, but also mean flight costs will take off, say experts.

Simone Burgin, a biofuels analyst with Argus Media, said SAF is already far more expensive than conventional jet fuel.

The European price for SAF stood at $2,280 (1,681) per metric tonne on Aug 13  more than three times the price of conventional jet fuel.

Those high costs are inherent to the way SAF is made  using vast amounts of heat at high pressure to break down waste cooking oil, animal fats, wood, plastics or other organic materials into the smaller molecules needed for jet fuel.

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But inflated pricing is adding to that, says the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 340 global airlines.

It says fuel suppliers are stoking their profit margins with compliance fees.

The fees being imposed on airlines are over twice the prevailing market price premium of SAF. In the EU, airlines face an additional $1.3bn in excess surcharges in 2025. The impact of the compliance fees in the UK is even higher.

It all suggests Britains demand that airlines add SAF to their fuel is doing little to save the planet and nothing for UK jobs, while making aviation increasingly expensive.

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Greenhouse gas emissions from UK-based international aviation are surging  equating to 37 million tonnes in 2024  more than double the 16 million tonnes seen in 1990, and set to grow even faster in the next two decades.

1508 Aviation emissions

The 300 million passengers who pass through UK airports annually is expected to hit up to 500 million by 2050, with 10 airports planning major expansions.

And globally, aviation emits around a billion tonnes of CO2 and rising  so what difference can SAF really make?

Airlines and aircraft manufacturers point out that its still early days for SAF  and as manufacturing steps up, so prices and emissions may decline.

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But they too are worried by the lack of realism from a Government that is telling them to use ever more SAF, but doing little to help ensure homegrown supplies.

Jonathon Counsell, sustainability director at IAG, which owns British Airways, said the current plans for boosting SAF output were too weak to meet UK and EU decarbonisation targets.

Airlines want some of the taxes they pay to be deployed to support SAF production.

SAF is a critical lever to get to net-zero, and to achieve this, the industry needs increased Government support, as mandates alone are not enough, he said.

Greater support is essential to bridge the cost gap between SAF and traditional jet fuel, alongside stronger incentives to accelerate production at the scale required to ensure a long-term, affordable supply.

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The Department for Transport, which is steering the policy, points out that next year will see the introduction of its revenue certainty mechanism under which companies that build SAF plants will get a guaranteed minimum price, funded by a levy on airlines.

But that levy would add to costs in an industry with a slim profit margin of 3pc to 4pc  and so would go straight on to ticket prices.

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said global SAF supply had doubled last year to one million tonnes and was expected to double again this year.

Like any brand-new industry, progress will be uneven, and there will be failures. There also remains much to do to ensure UK airlines have access to the growing volumes of advanced SAF needed to meet the UK mandate.

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Ryanair, Europes largest airline, puts it more bluntly: SAF production needs to be incentivised by governments. It said the environmental taxes it pays annually need to be reinvested to accelerate the decarbonisation of the sector.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: Not backing SAF is not an option  it is a core part of the global drive to decarbonise aviation.

There are encouraging signs that the SAF mandate will be met, and we will continue to support the production and use of SAF as the technology matures.

A Velocys spokesman said the company was seeking to licence its technology to SAF producers worldwide to help them produce more fuel.

He said the amount of money required for the Humber estuary plant was beyond investment appetite and investors remained concerned about the pace of regulatory change but that it hoped to bring the site to fruition in the near term.

For sunseekers hoping to cleanse their conscience with green fuel, a guilt-free future still seems some way off.

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Last year was considered the Summer of Hell" for NJ Transit rail commuters after a mix of Amtrak infrastructure problems and NJ Transit train break downs caused delays and service suspensions.

This year, it seems to be PATH commuters turn to endure their own Summer of Hell on the rail line between New Jersey and New York. In recent weeks, PATH riders have been hit with three fires, a derailment and the failure of part of a $31 million infrastructure project that was supposed to make the system more reliable.

The latest incident  a fire on Aug. 4 in Newport Station in Jersey City  sent nine people to the hospital. A riders video showed a train car on fire while agency alerts reported a smoke condition.

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PATH officials are cooperating with a National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the incident.

Several commuters interviewed in Hoboken Terminal said this has been a Summer of Hell, worse than past years.

Absolutely, you could put it that way, said Jon Renzulli of Hoboken, who said he added 30 minutes extra commuting time to his schedule due to delays.

Theres been good days and some very bad days, he said. Its kind of a guessing game, it adds a little stress."

PATH had 57 million rides last year. The riders included Essex and Hudson county residents and NJ Transit commuters from suburban towns who transfer to PATH trains in Hoboken and Newark.

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Its been doing poorly, trains are not on time or dont come at all or catch fire, said PATH rider Dave Hutchinsen of Hoboken. Its been pretty good for most of the time Ive lived in Hoboken. I dont know what they need to do to get back to that.

Other riders said theyve seen PATH service get less reliable.

Its been worse than the last couple of summers, said Jeffrey Proko of Hoboken. Im not happy. Until I see actual improvement, its just one more frustration.

Officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the PATH system, said they are working on communicating with customers and local officials.

PATH commuters enter the Hoboken Terminal station Wednesday, passing signs advising of alternate transportation offered during track repairs. The terminal will close for five days between 11:59 p.m., Aug. 28 and 5 a.m., Sept. 2 to complete repair of track issues blamed for a July derailment.

The Port Authority will continue our ongoing engagement with riders, community groups, and local officials. Well have more to say on those efforts in the coming months, said Seth Stein, a spokesperson who echoed comments made by Port Authority leaders at recent board meetings.

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State Sen. Raj Mukherji, D-Hudson, who represents Hoboken and parts of Jersey City served by PATH, said constituents told him they regret moving here because of how embarrassingly unreliable and infrequent service has been.

This summers commute has been a complete train wreck, said Mukherji, vice chairman of the state Senate Transportation Committee. The inadequate service is threatening peoples livelihoods.

The summer has been a perfect storm of train trouble that included the fires, the July 12 Hoboken derailment and daily delays due to signal, track and train malfunctions.

Port Authority officials said problems with new equipment are unacceptable and will be addressed.

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Any failure of this new equipment is unacceptable and the manufacturer, installation contractor or any party if at fault for its failure will be held accountable. The Port Authority prioritizes the safety of the riding public and is committed to ensuring safe and reliable PATH service, therefore necessitating this critical repair to the Hoboken interlocking, the agency said in a statement.

Hoboken Terminal will close for five days from 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, to finish repairs. Officials will also test parts of a new track junction  called an interlocking  that was blamed for the July 12 derailment.

We are closing the Hoboken Station over Labor Day weekend and expect to finish repairs to the interlocking, Stein said. The replacement parts will be shipped before we begin the repair work.

Some commuters interviewed in Hoboken Wednesday said they werent aware the station is closing for five days at the end of August.

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I havent heard that, Ill probably take the ferry, said Stephan Torseaou, who commutes from Rockland County on NJ Transit and transfers to PATH.

Ferry, bus and rail alternatives have been announced for the days the station is closed.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said hes cautiously optimistic PATH will meet the Sept. 2 goal to reopen.

I hope they meet their goal because thousands of commuters are depending on it, the mayor said. However, without clear and consistent updates on the progress made, its difficult for the public to have full confidence in that commitment.

Looking for solutions

Some critics want state officials to get involved in fixing the PATH systems problems because New Jersey and New Yorks governors appoint commissioners to the Port Authority, the board that oversees the service.

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The governor has enormous power over board members and should use that leverage to improve service, said Katie Brennan, the Democratic state Assembly candidate in District 32, which includes Hoboken and part of Jersey City. The Legislature should be holding oversight hearings and using their subpoena power to investigate whats going on.

In the short term, Mukherji, the state senator representing the area, wants better coordination between PATH and NJ Transit during construction and emergencies. He also wants improved fare cross-honoring, increased light-rail shuttle service, and better bus connections.

I will continue to work with the Port Authority leadership and the administration to hold them to promised long-term solutions that will meet our commuters basic needs, he said.

Bhalla, the Hoboken mayor and Brennans state Assembly running mate, wants the next governor to appoint Port Authority commissioners with mass transit expertise and qualifications.

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The Governor has and should use veto power to leverage greater investment in improvements into PATH service, he said.

Murphy spokesperson Stella Porter said the governor is aware of PATHs problems.

The Governor is closely following issues with PATH service and is grateful everyone got out safely during the recent fire, Porter said. We are committed to ensuring that PATH service is safe and reliable and will continue to press the Port Authority to resolve recent issues in a timely and transparent manner.

Porter did not say what Murphy has asked of PATH officials or what the Port Authority committed to do.

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Murphy may not want to get too involved in the Port Authoritys problems, said Phil Plotch, principal researcher and a senior fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation, a nonpartisan think tank based on Washington, D.C.

Im sure the P.A. has been briefing the governors offices, said Plotch, the co-author of a book about the Port Authority.

But New Jersey governors tend to lie low and let the Port Authority get the heat when theres a problem ... unless the governors see a way to swoop in and take credit for fixing a problem, he said.

Jersey Citys mayor said PATH problems are becoming a regular part of the service.

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I wouldnt classify it as the Summer of Hell for PATH, its the norm, said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. People are now just aware of how dysfunctional it is.

PATH is a " neglected asset," he said.

Fulop said he wants to see NJ Transit stake over PATH. He proposed a takeover as part of his transportation plan in his failed bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.

It has to be driven by the governor, and New Jersey has to take the lead, Fulop said. Its not a mayors voice or residents that will get it started. Ive brought it up over the years. Its not a new issue.

Fulop echoed others complaints that PATH service has declined since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and never returned to pre-2001 levels.

The Hoboken problem

The PATHs complicated junction of tracks between the station and the Hudson River tunnel, known as an interlocking, was replaced in February as part of a $31 million Hoboken Terminal rehabilitation project.

On July 12, the last car of a train arriving in Hoboken derailed due to a malfunctioning track switch, officials said.

Several parts of track and switches that allow trains to change tracks need to be replaced. The interlocking manufacturer is fabricating new components, officials said.

Other issues include more warping than was expected as the newly installed interlocking settled on the stone ballast that supports it, officials said.

Those issues resulted in slow train speeds entering and leaving Hoboken. That left a 10-minute gap between rush hour trains, instead of an 8-minute headway.

Another major problem for PATH is the difficulties of doing major track projects in cramped tunnels built 116 years ago.

Its like building a ship in a bottle, there are a lot of constraints, said Thomas Brennan, a civil engineering professor at The College of New Jersey.

The tunnels are tight, he said. Everything has to be custom made.

Because of tight clearances between moving trains and tunnel walls, which are only a few inches in some places, there is little room for error, Brennan said.

If the track settles a little bit off, it adds up, he said.

The current problems with the stone ballast supporting the interlocking is like having issues with the foundation of a house.

It might work for a couple of months and then you have an issue, he said

PATH could avert future problems by using sensors and thermo cameras to detect problems before they fail, he said.

Its like replacing a car battery at 3-years-old instead of waiting until it fails and leaves you on the side of the highway, Brennan said.

Improving communication

Some PATH repairs have already been made and more are on the way, said Stein, the Port Authority spokesman.

During the five days the Hoboken station is closed, crews will install the final switch parts in the interlocking. They will compact the stone ballast that support the track and ties to ensure it is level and aligned, then test it.

If the repair schedule changes or is delayed, PATH must communicate that information transparently and well in advance, said Bhalla, Hobokens mayor.

Bhalla had criticized shortcomings in rider communications after the July derailment, saying commuters deserved more details than just generic alerts.

Communication has meaningfully improved with PATH over the last several weeks, he said.

PATH officials said they are working to communicate better with riders.

Alerts are a core part of our customer communications, and we are reviewing how we issue them to provide as much transparency and detail as possible, Stein said.

A WhatsApp channel PATH launched for one-on-one assistance has answered nearly 10,000 rider questions, he said.

Still, Alison Keenan of Hoboken was among the commuters interviewed who didnt know about the Labor Day weekend closure.

Communications are terrible. A lot of times, when Im working in the city, I dont know that PATH isnt working until I get to the PATH, she said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.

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Key Takeaway

Good newsit would be physically impossible to open the door mid-flight, but there are serious consequences for people who try.



The most important thing in the exit row on a plane isnt the extra legroomits the emergency door. These doors are strategically located throughout the aircraft so that passengers can easily evacuate, regardless of whether theyre in first class or the last row. The Airbus A380the worlds largest commercial aircrafthas 16 emergency doors. Thats approximately one for every 50 passengers. While part of the flight attendant safety speech includes pointing out where the nearest emergency doors can be found, it doesnt include the answer to one burning question. What happens if you try to open the emergency door mid-flight?

Is it possible to open the emergency door mid-flight?

If you ask American Airlines First Officer Steve Scheibner, nothing would happen if you tried to open the doorbecause you cant open the emergency door mid-flight. Unless youre capable of lifting 25,000 pounds, its physically impossible. Once this door gets pressurized in flight, its nine pounds per square inch, says Scheibner, who goes by Captain Steeeve on TikTok where he has more than 380,000 followers. Another pilot-turned-social media sensation explains it further on YouTube: We pressurize our aircraft to a lower altitude so that you guys can breathe, says Pilot PascalKlr. The inside pressure pushes the door in its frame. Scientists liken it to how a drain plug works. Given the small size of sink and bath drains, it takes a substantial amount of effort to pick them up. Also, most emergency exit doors on planes open inwards.

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Still, physics isnt the only thing keeping emergency doors closed during flights. On most commercial aircraft, all cabin doors automatically lock once the plane has reached a certain speed. According to Scheibner, its approximately 80 knots (92 miles per hour). They cant be manually unlocked until the plane slows down again. Obviously, these locks werent customary back in 1971 when the infamous D.B. Cooper parachuted out of a Boeing 727s rear door with $200,000 in cash somewhere over southeastern Washington. In fact, because hijacking passenger planes was common in the late 60s and early 70s, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amended their safety regulations in 1972 and started requiring large passenger aircraft exits to be designed so that they cant be opened during flight.

Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure Exit sign in an airplane Exit sign in an airplane

What happens if someone tries to open an emergency door mid-flight?

Even though its not possible to open an emergency door mid-flight, people have tried. In fact, every year passengers make headlines for trying to do so. In May, an All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Houston was diverted to Seattle after an unruly passenger kept trying to open the emergency doors. Cabin crew and fellow passengers managed to restrain him using zip ties. Upon landing in Seattle, the passenger was handed over to the local police and FBI. And when an American Airlines passenger on a flight from Albuquerque to Chicago tried to open an emergency door 20 minutes into their flight last year, the plane returned to Albuquerque where law enforcement was waiting.

If the plane isnt far from its final destination, it will usually try to land there. Thats what happened on another American Airlines flight in 2024 when a passenger flying from Milwaukee to Dallas attempted to open an emergency door mid-flight. A flight attendant was injured in the process, and the man was charged with a federal crime. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. At the very least, trying to open an emergency door mid-flight is a great way to get yourself on the dreaded no-fly list.

While most passengers who try to open emergency doors fail, at least one appears to have succeeded. In 2023, a passenger on an Asiana flight about to land in Daegu, South Korea, allegedly opened the emergency door he was sitting next to. The plane was more than 700 feet off the ground at the time. While the plane was able to safely land, and no one was seriously injured, 12 people went to the hospital and were treated for hyperventilation. The wind was stinging my legs and hitting my face so hard I couldnt even breathe properly, the passenger sitting next to him recalled in an interview with CNN. Asiana immediately launched an investigation to see how the door was able to be opened. It also issued a statement saying it would stop selling certain exit row seats on its Airbus A321-200 aircraft.

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But this doesnt exactly mean that sitting next to an emergency door is dangerous. On the contrary, some experts say the exit row boasts the safest seats on the plane. If there was a seat that was safer, being close to an emergency exit increases the chance of getting out quicker, Cary Grant, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Aviation, previously told T+L.



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Special envoy Steve Witkoff says the White House extracted critical wins from its Friday summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, even as President Donald Trump failed to walk away with the ceasefire he was loudly advocated for.

Security guarantees offering Ukraine "Article 5-like protections" are the real prize, Witkoff told CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday. They're "game-changing," he said.

"We didn't think that we were anywhere close to agreeing to Article Five protection from the United States in legislative enshrinement within the Russian Federation, not to go after any other territory when the peace deal is codified," Witkoff said on CNN's "State of the Union."

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He continued, saying, "We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee."

Trump spent much of the week ahead of the Alaska meeting issuing threats over what could happen if Russia wasn't serious about a ceasefire. In the end, Trump's confab with Putin, in which the U.S. president feted his Russian counterpart with a red carpet and clapped as he approached, didn't even result in concrete plans for a follow-up meeting.

Still, Witkoff is optimistic.

"We're on the path for the first time," he told Tapper. "We are seeing accommodation more than we've seen in the past, certainly more than we saw in the last administration. And that's encouraging. Now we have to build on that."

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Zelenskyy will travel to Washington  alongside a number of major European leaders  to meet with Trump on Monday.

The president has warmed to the idea of playing at least some role in maintaining peace and deterring future Russian invasions into Ukraine after the war, telling European leaders in a virtual meeting last week that he was open to contributing security guarantees to Kyiv in a final settlement.

Trump's foreign policy has long been marked by skepticism of NATO allies. He previously balked at the idea of coming to the defense of a NATO country "if they don't pay," signaling he would consider abandoning a key part of the NATO security pact if members dont spend more on defense.

"There are numerous definitions of Article 5," Trump told reporters en route to the NATO summit in June.

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Trumps former Vice President Mike Pence told Tapper that Witkoffs description of the security guarantees floated during the meeting was encouraging. But he cautioned the White House to remember the bad guy here is Putin throughout its conversations on ending the war.

I served alongside the president for four years. I know his style in dealing with these dictators, Pence said. It's the velvet glove. But I think the hammer needs to come and it needs to come immediately.
Trump admin insiders arent willing to rule out the idea of US troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff spoke to Fox News Shannon Bream on Sunday as part of a round of press shows after President Donald Trumps disastrous summit with Vladimir Putin. Pressed on the lengths that the US was willing to go to support Ukraine, Witkoff said that the US was prepared to be able to give Article 5 security guarantees.

Article 5 is a section of the founding treaty of NATO that considers an attack on any member nation to be an attack on all member nations. It has only been invoked once, in response to the attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., on September 11. The resulting coalition forces were involved in the invasion of Afghanistan.

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Ukraine is not a member nation of NATO. Bream asked Witkoff directly if this pseudo-Article 5 invocation would include US boots on the ground and a direct conflict with Russia.

I think part of the discussion that were going to haveis exactly the specifics of what the Ukrainians feel that they need, Witkoff said. Its for us to drill down on the granular details of exactly what the Ukrainians need to give them a sense of security in the future We were fully committed to be there for that purpose.

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On CNNs State of the Union, host Jake Tapper drilled down on Witkoffs Article 5 comments. Tapper wondered if Russia would allow that to happen. Witkoff said that the US could dance around Russias hardline stance against Ukrainian NATO membership on a technicality.

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The United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee, he said.

Watch Witkoffs interview with Fox News via YouTube:

The post Witkoff wont rule out US boots on the ground in Ukraine appeared first on Salon.com.
A Merrimack woman was arrested following a high-speed pursuit in Concord, New Hampshire, late Friday night.

Heather Lewis, 34, was taken into custody after crashing her SUV into a State Police cruiser.

The incident began at 11:37 p.m. on August 15, 2025, when a Trooper from the Troop D barracks observed a black 2012 Toyota RAV4 traveling at 93 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 93 northbound with no lights on.

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The Trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply, leading to a pursuit.

During the chase, Lewis drove through a steel metal gate blocking off a class VI road and continued through a field on private property.

The pursuit concluded when Lewis crashed the Toyota into a State Police cruiser.

Lewis faces multiple charges, including:

reckless conduct

resisting arrest

criminal mischief

reckless operation

disobeying a police officer

speeding over 25 mph above the limit

operating without lights.

She is being held on preventive detention until her arraignment, scheduled for Monday, August 18, in Concord District Court.

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Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Eight people were killed after a massive collision between two cars near Surendranagar in Gujarat on Sunday, police said. Speaking to the reporters, Surendranagar DSP Girish Kumar Pandya said, "On the highway connecting Lakhtar and Surendranagar, there was a collision between two cars. And after the collision, Maruti Dzire came into the lap of fire, and all eight people in Maruti Dzire died due to the fire." DSP Pandya further informed that the police have shifted all the bodies to the hospital, and identification and post-mortem of the bodies are underway. Further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, a man died after being allegedly hit by a car at the roadside in Delhi's Moti Nagar area, Delhi police said on Saturday. The incident took place on Friday when the car hit the deceased, indentified as Bikshu Lal (40) while he was standing on his bike at the roadside, police said. Police said that they were searching for the accused, who fled the scene after the accident. Nomi Lal, the brother of Bikshu Lal told ANI that they came to know about the incident on Saturday morning after their calls went unanswered. "He left home last night, telling his son that he would be back in 10 minutes...The whole night, his son was calling, and we were looking for his father. In the morning, we found out what had happened. He was hit by a car so badly that his bike was completely destroyed, and he suffered injuries to his chest...We want appropriate action to be taken... My brother has five children, and he was the sole breadwinner in the family," he said. Earlier, a trailer went up in flames on the morning of August 1 along the Gandhidham-Kandla highway in Gujarat's Kutch district, prompting immediate firefighting efforts by local authorities. Visuals show thick plumes of smoke billowing from the trailer, which was seen engulfed in flames by the roadside. Fire and emergency response teams rushed to the scene and launched operations to bring the blaze under control. (ANI)
An area woman was arrested on felony charges after a month-long burglary investigation in Richmond, Indiana.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On August 12, Richmond Police Officers arrested 38-year-old Kristi Wampler in the 200 block of North 13th Street, according to a social media post from the department.

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Wampler was wanted on an active warrant for a fourth-degree Felony burglary charge and a fifth-degree felony theft charge.

The arrest is the result of a month-long investigation of a burglary that was reported on July 8 in the 300 block of South 16th Street, according to the post.

RPD Detective Tom Legear put in the work following leads, gathering evidence, and securing a warrant for Wamplers arrest.

Good police work means we dont stop when the call is over. We keep working until the person responsible is found and brought to justice, RPD Chief Kyle Weatherly said.

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A woman from Guernsey has urged people to "live for today" after surviving a skin cancer scare.

Suzanne Lucas noticed a reoccurring lump on her foot, which was initially treat as a verruca, and was even frozen three times by her doctor, yet it kept coming back.

She spent a number of years trying to find an answer until she was referred to a specialist who sent her for treatment in Southampton a few weeks later.

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Ms Lucas is now urging people to apply sun cream when heading out in the heat.

"I was in Southampton and they took a chunk of my foot away.

"They then put in artificial padding and then I had to have a skin graft a few weeks later as well - most of last year was spent with my foot up.

"All the years Ive been to the beach I dont think Ive ever put sun cream on the bottom of my feet - you just dont think about it."

Cancer free

She added: "Touch wood, I now seem to be cancer free and good to go.

"It makes you feel you have to live for today and do what you have to do."

She said she had given up her job because she did not know how long treatment would take as well as healing, "but now I get my pension and Im retired".

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"All Id say is live for today and apply sun cream."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls dog rescue is now a little better equipped to pay its medical funds.

Saturday afternoon, Dakota Dachshund Rescue hosted Woofstock at Remedy Brewing. People were able to see adoptable dogs, a petting zoo, vendors and more all while raising money for a good cause.

Giveaway serves over 700 kids as school approaches

The atmosphere is just amazing, Dakota Dachshund Rescue president and founder Diane Wade said. People are having fun and coming out and enjoying a Saturday afternoon. All the dogs are getting a lot of loving and a lot of attention.

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Remedys Pickleball Pub also hosted a LEGO building competition Saturday. If you missed out, you can also attend Sunday beginning at 11:45 a.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
During a phone call with European leaders, US President Donald Trump appeared tired and irritated with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin after their meeting in Alaska.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Details: According to the WSJ, the conversation between the US president and European leaders occurred at about 03:00 Central European Time. During the call, Trump said he had been working for 24 hours straight.

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The US president looked tired and irritated with Putin, officials who took part in the conversation said.

They also noted that Trump stated he was prepared to consider restoring the threat of immediate sanctions against Russia only if trilateral negotiations failed to bring progress towards peace.

Background:

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Shoppers looking for retro style and nostalgic finds filled Mylan Park on Sunday afternoon for the latest edition of WV Vintage Fest, a growing event that has become one of the states largest showcases for vintage goods.

The festival is organized by Gallery 304, which specializes in vintage clothing. It got its start as a small vintage pop-up at the Star City Farmers Market in 2021 and has since expanded into a full-scale marketplace, drawing both local and out-of-state vendors. This year, sellers came from across West Virginia and neighboring states.

Since we started running the Vintage Fest its been very popular, and its really not only the college students, weve actually had people over the years who have stopped in the store when theyre in town, Gallery 304 Owner Lisa Hart said. One family I remember specifically brought their daughter in and spent the weekend in Morgantown specifically to attend the event.

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Fairmont Tomato Festival returns for 16th year

The festival brought together more than 60 vendors offering vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, and some handmade items. Many families and young people came out not only to shop but also to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Attendees found styles ranging from multiple decades including 1950s classics, early 2000s and Y2K looks.

One of my favorite things about vintage is that its all subjective, you know, people can wear what they like. For me, typically, I dont wear this, I wear like full 1970s outfits and before, so it gives a little insight into what people are like personally, Born Again Vintage Owner Evan Miller said.

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WV Vintage Fest organizers say the festival continues to grow each year, both in size and popularity, and they expect the event to keep growing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHEYENNE  Local Democrats gathered at the Laramie County Library on Wednesday evening for a town hall hosted by Reps. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, and Mike Yin, D-Jackson.

This meeting, however, was different from the traditional town hall format of a speech followed by a question-and-answer portion. Provenza and Yin instead primarily focused on fostering community engagement and listening to the more than 100 Wyoming residents who attended.

Cheyenne was the first stop of five scheduled town hall events in a tour across the state set to conclude next month.

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The format of the room was not rows of chairs facing the stage. Instead, participants were seated around tables in groups of about 10. The representatives posed questions, and the participants engaged in a discussion with their neighbors and took notes. After 10 or 15 minutes of discussing each question, each table presented their notes to the audience while the representatives took notes.

There were three questions: What are your top concerns currently?; What is your hope for the future of Wyoming?; What should be the role of the government in realizing these changes?

I think its a good way for them to gather information, and its a good way for us to hear everybody elses opinions, said David Salverson, a town hall attendee and member of the Laramie County Democratic Party.

Responses to the questions covered a wide range of topics, both locally and nationally, and there were some through lines connecting all questions.

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One common theme was education. This included a discontent with statewide decisions regarding school vouchers provided to families seeking private or homeschool education for their children. Further discontent was expressed over conversations from across the state about prohibiting access to some sexually explicit literature and banning of certain books from school libraries.

Public funds for public education and private funds for private education, one attendee said while presenting their tables notes.

Attendees at one table shared concerns about the future education of their children and grandchildren if the Wyoming Legislature continues in its current trajectory.

Other common themes included treating all people fairly; halting the collaboration between the Wyoming Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; protecting public lands and federal workers; access to health care and protection of Medicare and veterans; Medicaid expansion; and securing funding for municipalities and counties through tax revenues.

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Following the community discussion, which lasted around 90 minutes, Provenza and Yin fielded questions from attendees for around 20 minutes until the library closed for the night.

I think people want to be heard, Yin said while packing up after the event. I think a lot of folks felt like they werent heard in other forums, and hopefully we heard folks in Cheyenne, and we will hear folks from other locations.

The representatives said they will follow up with emails to the attendees on the format of the town hall to share whether they felt like their voices were heard and what the elected officials can do to continue those conversations.

Whether they agree with (other attendees) or not, they care about their community, and we need more of that. And I think that was what were trying to do, Provenza said. I think we accomplished that, I think we demonstrated to people what it looks like to have community come together and figure out, What are the problems? What are the solutions? Whats the role of the government? that I dont think Ive seen in any other town hall.

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During the question-and-answer portion of the evening, the final question for the representatives was What will you do with this information? What should we, as voters, do going forward?

Provenza responded, saying that they will digest and synthesize the responses they heard Wednesday night and from the forthcoming events across the state. She said they will look for patterns and through lines to identify top priorities that will guide budget amendments and bills to bring to the Wyoming Legislature in 2026 and beyond, as well as sharing the information with the Wyoming Democratic Party.

We want to make sure that we, as elected officials, and we, as Democrats, are listening to the core concerns of the people of Wyoming, because we have some people in government that listen to the core concerns of people in D.C., and were not interested in that. Were trying to provide a contrast, she said.

In terms of immediate actionable steps for attendees, Provenza said she didnt have answers right now. She suggested getting involved in local Democratic parties and educating themselves on local government issues.

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Ted Hanlon, a state committeeman for the Laramie County Democratic Party, helped organize the event in Cheyenne. He said this meeting format is helpful to educate state leaders on what the top concerns are for residents on the local level and keeping national issues from interfering and polarizing local elections.

What the state Legislature does in terms of funding schools, in terms of the classic fixing potholes, in terms of whether everybody has affordable health insurance, that all happens at the state level. So the state-level politicians should be addressing local issues. Those are the politicians that should be really important to all of us, because theyre the ones that affect your life the most, he said.

Provenza and Yin have four more town halls scheduled, first in Casper next Tuesday followed by events in Lander, Sheridan County and Park County.
Zohran Mamdani attributes his Democratic nomination for New York City mayor to the confidence he has inspired in younger voters.

"Ive been heartened in many of my conversations with older New Yorkers, whove told me they were introduced to the campaign by their son or their daughter," Mamdani quipped. "I think its indicative of a new generation of leadership."

His social media-savvy campaign promises to make NYC affordable and pursue social justice.

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We get the appeal as Gen Zers - the generation who led Mamdani to triumph over Cuomo in the primary. Were part of the most housing-burdened generation, and increasingly reliant on public transit.

But young voters shouldnt be fooled by Mamdanis vision. These lofty promises arent new. After all, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has battle-tested Mamdanis proposed solutions to housing, crime, and public transit - and failed to deliver a safer, more affordable city.

In 2023, Johnson campaigned on building affordable housing and enacting rent stabilization laws. Yet, Chicago experienced the highest annual rent hike compared to other metro areas, at 5.9%. And what about Johnsons promise to build affordable units? Chicago spent $300 million in government subsidies with only 500 new units to show for it.

After failing to pass his more progressive policies, Johnson recently adopted proven, free-market solutions to combat rising housing costs, such as eliminating parking requirements near public transportation stops and cutting government red tape.

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Mamdani should be championing his pro-growth solutions, but instead his leading proposal is $100 billion in taxpayer funds to create 200,000 housing units over the next decade. New Yorkers should be skeptical: If Chicago couldnt muster at least 500 units after burning $300 million in subsidies, why would NYC fare differently?

Mamdani also proposes to freeze rent for rent-stabilized apartments. This tried-and-failed approach to affordability will lead to more vacancies, deteriorate housing quality, and create a spill-over demand in market-rate apartments.

Our Gen Z peers are now opting for Austin, Raleigh, and Baltimore for lower housing costs.

Mamdanis vision to create a "Department of Community Safety" instead of empowering the NYPD isnt "new leadership" either. Johnson enacted similar boutique police reforms during his tenure with dismal results.

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The former teachers union lobbyist opted to override the City Council and terminate the Chicago police-approved ShotSpotter - a gunshot detection system - for more "holistic" solutions. He stripped police officers from schools to end the "school-to-prison pipeline" and eliminated over 2000 police positions.

The city leads America in homicides and mass shootings despite crime rates falling nationwide. Chicagoans have moved on from solving the "root problems" of crime, and now rank it as the preeminent issue facing the city. They voted out the progressive, "soft on crime" states attorney, and have expressed support for more police, not less.

New Yorkers agree with Chicagoans - they support more policing - but Mamdanis proposed reforms are still rooted in these luxury beliefs. He argued that social workers, not the NYPD, should respond to domestic violence calls. He called for defunding the police in 2020. Mamdani may have walked back his rhetoric, but his $1.1 billion proposal rests on the same assumptions that guided Johnsons failures.

If you thought the subway was overrun with crime and homelessness, just wait until New York State follows through with Mamdanis plan to make buses fare-free.

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Riders on the Chicago Transit Authority have seen dramatic scheduling delays since the pandemic, and homelessness, smoking, and crime dominate train cars. Ridership recovery lags behind other major cities. This decline has added up to a deficit of over $500 million. The NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority faces a similar crisis: a projected $900 million deficit.

Unlike us, Mamdani and Johnson arent transit users. They dont rely on clean, well-managed trains to get to work. They get the privilege of casting societal failures on transit, when everyday riders just want to get home quickly and safely. Instead of relying on the state to bail out the struggling systems, riders in New York and Chicago would benefit from a thorough police presence that enforces fares and prevents anti-social behavior. Instead, Johnson and Mamdanis solution is to put social workers on the trains.

Chicagos rejection of Johnsons progressive policies should have inspired a course correction. Instead, Johnson advised Mamdani to double down.

"What has happened historically, particularly for candidates like myself or even Mamdani, when we win, sometimes the movement doesnt always show up after the win, right? So, we just have to stay committed as progressives to our values, and even when it gets bumpy a little bit, it doesnt mean that were doing everything wrong."

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Young New Yorkers should pay attention. Like many of our peers, we want safe, affordable cities. But, Chicagos experiment in progressive governance is already unraveling - and New Yorkers should think twice before importing the same failed blueprint.

Daniel Idfresne is a student at Syracuse University, a Young Voices writer, and a former intern for The Story with Martha MacCallum. Find him on Instagram and X.

&

Micky Horstman is the communications associate at the Illinois Policy Institute and social mobility fellow for Young Voices.
Tourout and Matthew Yeomans' vehicle reportedly fell an estimated 200 meters, which is about 656 feet, leaving Tourout with "a severe head injury," while Yeomans was found with "no vital signs."

YouTubers Matthew Peter Yeomans and Stacey Tourout tragically died following an off-roading accident in Canada -- and it's now been revealed that Tourout was found alive after the pair's vehicle fell an estimated 656 feet.

The couple -- who ran the Toyota World Runners account on YouTube -- was killed in a tragic accident in British Columbia on August 7.

Following the tragic accident, Kaslo Search and Rescue's Mark Jennings-Bates told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, or CBC, said one passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was taken to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.

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In a new interview with PEOPLE, Jennings-Bates -- the Communication Manager for Kaslo Search and Rescue -- said rescuers found Tourout still conscious when they responded to the scene. While she initially survived, Tourout suffered "a severe head injury," per Jennings-Bates.

"She didn't realize quite how injured she was," he said of Tourout, who was transported to a hospital, where she later passed away that night.

As for Yeomans, Jennings-Bates said he had been thrown from the vehicle, adding that rescuers found "no vital signs" when they arrived at the scene.

He previously told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, or CBC, that the couple was found "on a forestry road, somewhere in the mountains, and quite a long ways north in the valley up towards ... the village of Trout Lake," which is the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.

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While speaking with PEOPLE, Jennings-Bates said the crash site was a "backcountry trail" with "pretty tough" terrain, adding that Yeomans and Tourout's vehicle fell down a "steep boulder field," falling an estimated 200 meters, which is about 656 feet.

Off-Roading Influencer Couple Killed In Off-Road Accident: 'They Are Together Forever' - Click image for related story

According to Jennings-Bates, Tourout was still in the vehicle when it stopped.

"From what I understand, it's one of the few patches of the road that doesn't have a forest on the side," he said to PEOPLE. "So anywhere else, they would've been caught by the trees -- they would've maybe gotten a bit hurt. But this is the one area where they were gonna go for a big ride if they did go off the side road."

Following the accident, Jennings-Bates told the CBC that rescue teams "were able to get to them efficiently," noting that the helicopter pilot was able to "fly straight to the destination." He shared with PEOPLE that the rescue teams consisted of two ground and one air team, saying the rescue team had to use ropes to get to the couple's bodies.

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Tourout's family announced the news of Tourout and Yeomans' deaths in a statement posted to Facebook on August 10.

"With unimaginable heartache, the families of Matthew Peter Yeomans and Stacey Tourout would like to advise that we lost them both tragically succumbing to injuries in an offroad accident on Aug 7, 2025 in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia that they loved so much," Coleen Tourout, Stacey's mother, wrote.

Johnny Gaudreau's Daughter Noa Sings Him Happy Birthday In Birthday Tribute - Click image for related story

"Please keep us and them in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this devastating end to an amazing Love Story," the statement added. "They are together forever as we knew they would always be."

Tourout and Yeomans' YouTube account had more than 200,000 followers, while another 75K followed their adventures on Instagram.

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The two claim to have built the "world's first Land Cruiser Chinook in 100 days," which they were seemingly driving around the world, sharing videos from their travels. "We are documenting our build, the trip plan, and hope to leave you with wisdom and inspiration for why we travel and how you can find fulfillment doing the same - in your own way," they shared on their YouTube page.

In another Facebook post, a friend of the couple, Colin Stuart, said he was with them when the accident occurred.

Jamie Lynn Spears' Daughter Breaks Silence on ATV Accident, Coma: 'I Came Back to Life' - Click image for related story

"I just lived the saddest chapter of my life this past week. As many of you now know, Matthew Peter Yeomans and Stacey Tourout are no longer with us," he wrote. "I was with them when it happened and did everything in my power to save them."

"Those were the hardest 20 hours I have ever lived. The hardest decisions I have ever had to make," he continued. "I'm sorry to all that this has affected. This is a big loss for the offroad community and a bigger loss to Matthew's and Stacey's family and close friends ... My heart goes to all effected."

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Tourout's mother also responded to the post in the comments, writing, "Colin - not only your heroism that evening, but your willingness to talk to us and offer us some peace to understand why two such wonderful souls were taken from this earth so soon will never be forgotten." She added that she was "eternally grateful," concluding, "please, do take care of yourself, we need more people like you on this earth."

The couple's last video was shared on July 31 to YouTube, showing them driving around Vancouver Island. The pair appeared to have gotten engaged back in May 2024, according to a Facebook post shared by Yeomans at the time, below.
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in Brussels on Sunday, said the current front lines in his country's war against Russia should be the basis for peace talks.

"We need real negotiations, which means we can start where the front line is now," Zelenskiy said, adding that European leaders supported this.

Zelenskiy was speaking ahead of a virtual meeting with European leaders and before he travels to Washington to meet with Donald Trump following the U.S. leader's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

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Zelenskiy reiterated his position that it was necessary to establish a ceasefire in order to then negotiate a final deal.

"It's important that Washington is with us," the Ukrainian leader said. He will be accompanied by several European allies for Monday's talks with Trump.

Zelenskiy said that Ukraine did not yet know all the demands made by Putin at the meeting with Trump on Friday, adding that it would take a long time to go over them -- and that this was not possible under "the pressure of weapons".

(Reporting by Max HunderEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Frances Kerry)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called in reinforcements for his Monday meeting with President Donald Trump in hopes of avoiding another diplomatic dust-up.

The move comes after Zelensky left his February visit to the White House in a huff after a heated exchange with Trump over the conditions of Americas aid package for Ukrainewhich has been fighting off Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion since 2022.

Ukrainian President Zelenskys last White House visit in February ended in a diplomatic meltdown as President Donald Trump accused the leader of not being thankful for U.S. aide. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

As Zelensky visits the White House Monday in hopes of securing another aid package, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finnish President Alexander Stubb will all be present to help tag-team Trump, Politico reported.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen sealed a US-EU trade deal with President Donald Trump in July. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

In a statement, von der Leyen, who has proven herself to be somewhat of a Trump soothsayer after sealing a US-EU trade deal in July, confirmed that she will be attending the meeting at the request of President Zelensky.

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A spokesperson for the German government added that the purpose of the Oval Office meeting is to exchange information with  Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. They added, Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with the heads of state and government and emphasize Germanys interest in a quick peace agreement in Ukraine.

Politico reported that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is confirmed to also be in attendance, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is looking to attend.

Trump called the highly anticipated meeting after he came away empty-handed from his Friday summit with Putin in Alaska, save for several puzzling platitudes and compliments from Putin about how the war in Ukraine would have never happened under Trump.

SERGEY BOBYLEV / POOL/AFP via Getty Images

At the Monday meeting, Trump is expected to debrief Zelensky on the many points he agreed on with Putin about how to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, including ditching plans to cement a ceasefire, the New York Times reported.

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The next step will be to bring Putin and Zelensky together to further hash out peace terms. However, Trump made it clear in an interview with Fox News that the ball is now in Zelenskys court for what happens next.

Now its really up to President Zelensky to get it done, Trump told Sean Hannity. And I would also say the European nations have to get involved a little bit. But its up to President Zelensky, and if they would like, I will be at that next meeting.

We have a pretty good chance of getting it done, Trump added.
The School Education department of the Jammu division has ordered closure of government as well as private schools in the region on Monday due to inclement weather conditions, an official statement said. "In view of the inclement and bad weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all the Government as well as Private Schools of Jammu Division shall remain closed for tomorrow, August 18," Director, School Education, Jammu said in a statement on Sunday. Flash floods and landslides occurred in many parts of Kathua following a cloud burst here on Sunday. The rescue operations have intensified, and efforts are underway to retrieve the stranded vehicles. At least seven people died in a landslide triggered by heavy rain. The cloudburst in Kathua, which occurred on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, also damaged a railway track, the national highway, and the local police station. Rescue and relief operations are underway in Kathua and Kishtwar, officials said on Sunday. Following the cloudburst and landslides, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Central government was closely monitoring the situation and assured all possible support. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "Spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site. Assured of every support from the Modi government. We stand firmly behind our sisters and brothers of J&K." The Indian Army is leading ground operations, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police, and the local administration. Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra has termed the recent cloudburst and flash floods in Kishtwar as "very tragic," raising concerns over lapses in preventive measures and rescue operations. Karra said, "This is a very tragic incident. We are going to oversee the rescue operations. An advisory was issued 48 hours ago for this, but the question is how people were allowed to go there even after that... There are definitely some gaps in the rescue operations..." Commenting on the sudden flooding in Kathua, he added, "This is a natural disaster, but we need to see whether the government and its related departments are fully prepared, whether the rescue operations are happening on time or not." In Kishtwar, efforts were focused on restoring essential services. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said, "There were huge boulders here; they were blasted yesterday. The boulders are being broken down. Rope breakers have been installed due to the possibility that some bodies might be trapped under them. The power supply and water supply have been restored. A bridge is being built here with the help of the Army... All the passengers stranded in Machail were safely evacuated yesterday." (ANI)
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at number 10 Downing Street on August 14, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. Credit - Alishia AbodundeGetty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returns to the White House on Monday for the first time since his infamous clash with President Donald Trump earlier this year, which led to a rupture in relations that threatened to derail Kyivs war effort.

This time, however, Zelensky will be accompanied by at least five European heads of state and government, who have rallied around the Ukrainian leader to ease pressure from Trump as the president appears eager to forge a final deal to end the war regardless of the cost to Ukraine.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen all lined up on Sunday to announce they would join Zelensky at the White House. Mark Rutte, Secretary-General of NATO, will also be going.

Macron said the high-level support team, which has called itself the "coalition of the willing," was aimed at showing a united front between Europe and Ukraine. "If we show weakness today in front of Russia, we are laying the ground for future conflicts," he said on Sunday.

Read more: Why Putin Will Be Thrilled With the Result of the Alaska Summit

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to CBS, sought to play down rumors that the leaders of Europes largest economies were traveling to the White House to prevent another argument between Trump and Zelensky.

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"They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskiy from being bullied. They're coming here tomorrow because we've been working with the Europeans," he said. "We invited them to come."

Heres what to expect at Monday's meeting.

Ceasefire or final deal?

The visit comes at a crucial moment in Kyivs effort to fight off Russias invasion. Russia has been inching forward in the key region of Donetsk, and Trump has just emerged from a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin more aligned with Moscow on several issues.

Crucially, Trump appeared to reverse a previously held position and join with Putin in calling for a final deal to end the war, rather than a ceasefire, as called for by Zelensky and European leaders.

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Zelensky has long argued that a peace deal cannot be achieved without a halt in the fighting first. He reiterated that on Sunday, ahead of his meeting with Trump.

Its impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons. So its necessary to cease fire and work quickly on a final deal. Well talk about it in Washington, he said.

European leaders have stood behind Zelensky on this point.

"You cannot negotiate peace under falling bombs," Poland's foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

A fight about security guarantees

One of the causes of the Oval Office fight in February was a belief within the Trump Administration that Zelensky was not being realistic about his ability to continue fighting the war, and that he should agree to a ceasefire with Russia even without clear security guarantees.

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Zelenskys refusal to accept a deal without those guarantees earned him ire from Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and the MAGA base, but he sees them as vital to preventing another Russian invasionas does Europe.

At the time, U.S. guarantees amounted to a deal that would give American companies access to Ukrainian minerals. That appears to have shifted.

On Sunday, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN's "State of the Union" that the U.S. might offer Article 5-like protection" to Ukraine, likening it to the measure that triggers a military response from all NATO members if one member is attacked. He said it was "the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that."

Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an attack on a member country requires each member to consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary. Ukraines efforts to join NATO were a key reason behind Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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Rubio was less clear on what the guarantees might look like.

"How that's constructed, what we call it, how it's built, what guarantees are built into it that are enforceable, that's what we'll be talking about over the next few days with our partners," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

He added that it would be "a huge concession" if Trump agreed to it.

That might answer one of Zelenskys concerns, but it's far from the only one.

Land swaps are on the table

The issue of land swaps has been a key point of contention between the U.S. and Ukraine for some months.

Trump has urged Ukraine publicly and privately to give up land in return for peace. When announcing his summit with Putin last week, he worried both Europe and Ukraine when he appeared to preface the talks by insisting that Kyiv would have to cede land occupied by Russia.

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There'll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both, he said. Were going to get some back, and were going to get some switched.

After the talks, he reiterated that call, arguing that "Russia is a very big power, and they're not."

As he has done in the past when the issue of ceding occupied Ukrainian territory has been raised, Zelensky cited his countrys Constitutionwhich states that its territory cannot be given away in rejecting the proposal.

The answer to Ukraines territorial question is already in the Constitution of Ukraine, he said. No one will step back from this, nor will anyone be able to.

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In the aftermath of the summit, proposals about precisely which land would be swapped have been leaked to the media. Trump reportedly relayed an offer from the Kremlin that it would freeze most front lines in the conflict if Ukraine ceded all of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to Reuters, which cited sources familiar with the offer. The same offer was reported in the Financial Times. Under the proposed deal, Russia would freeze the front lines in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, the outlets reported. In return, Russia would withdraw from parts of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions much smaller areas.

Such a deal would require Zelensky to agree to give Russia land it has not captured in return for a much smaller area. The Ukrainian leader rejected the demand, Reuters reported.

That Trump appears to have responded positively to the proposal may worry Zelensky and Europe.

Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday: "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA"

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities late on Aug. 17, mere hours before President Volodymyr Zelensky met for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

In Kharkiv, 24 people were injured, including six children, and seven killed, including a 1.5-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said at the conclusion of rescue operations on Aug. 19.

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Around a dozen apartment buildings were damaged, along with five parked vehicles.

Terekhov reported earlier that a missile had struck a residential building in the Industrialnyi district of Kharkiv. Over 1,000 windows were damaged by the blast wave, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

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Explosions were also heard in the northeastern city of Sumy around 10:45 p.m. local time. Oleh Hryhorov, the governor of Sumy Oblast, said that a missile had struck near an educational institution in the city. No casualties were reported.

The governor later reported that Russia struck the border village of Nova Sloboda with a guided aerial bomb, injuring a 57-year-old woman and damaging 10 houses. A drone strike also targeted the village of Myropillia, injuring a driver. The man was hospitalized.

In the southern city of Odesa, explosions were reported around 11:40 p.m. amid the ongoing missile attack, according to the news outlet Suspilne.

Ukraine's Air Force has also warned of glide bomb attacks along Ukraine's front line regions as well as the threat of drone swarms across the country.

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Read also: Russia seeks Ukraines surrender, not peace, Macron says ahead of talks with Trump

The Russian attack comes as Zelensky visited Washington on Aug. 18 for peace talks with Trump, alongside European leaders.

The visit comes days after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, to which Zelensky was not invited. While Trump said he and Putin "made some headway" in peace talks, the summit saw no agreement to end the war in Ukraine and no promise of a ceasefire while talks continue.

The New York Times reported, citing European officials, that Putin outlined a peace plan that would involve Ukraine ceding unoccupied territory in exchange for Moscow's written promise not to invade again.

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Despite Trump touting the progress of peace talks in recent days, the U.S. president has previously expressed frustration with Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities amid ongoing peace negotiations with Kyiv.

"I've gotten to see things I was very surprised at. Rockets being shot into cities like Kyiv during a negotiation that was maybe very close to ending," Trump said during a news conference in the Oval Office on May 30.

"All of a sudden rockets got shot into a couple of cities and people died. I saw thing I was surprised at and I don't like being surprised, so I'm very disappointed in that way," Trump added.

Russia has increased its intensity of attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent months amid ongoing peace negotiations, attempting to gain more leverage at the negotiating table and pressure Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Trump to meet with Zelensky, European leaders in Washington on Aug. 18 after US-Russia summit ends without agreement

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for NATO-style security guarantees as a prerequisite for ending Russia's war of aggression.

The guarantee must function like NATO's Article 5, Zelensky told journalists in Brussels after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen told reporters that US President Donald Trump had agreed to such guarantees.

Article 5 refers to the mutual defence clause, under which other states come to the aid of a country under attack. Zelensky also stated that EU membership for Ukraine would serve as a security guarantee for his country.

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Zelensky, along with an entourage of European leaders, plans to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday to be briefed on Trump's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and to discuss ending the war.

"Putin has many demands," Zelensky said. Not all are known but if there are so many "it will take time to go through them all. It's impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons, so it is necessary to [get a ] ceasefire and work quickly on a final deal."

Later, Zelensky agreed with von der Leyen, who had downplayed the importance of the term "ceasefire." What matters, she said, is that the war comes to an end.

Zelensky: Territorial talks

Negotiations for peace must begin from the current front line, Zelensky said, noting that Putin. in 12 years, has failed to fully capture the Donbas region. In any case, the Ukrainian constitution does not allow for such concessions or land swaps.

Zelensky also called for negotiations in a trilateral summit with Putin and Trump, demanding sanctions if the Russian president refuses to participate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in Brussels to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday 17 August.

Source: a European Pravda source in the European Commission

Details: "On Sunday 17 August, President von der Leyen is set to meet with President Zelenskyy and hold a joint press conference," the source told European Pravda.

Zelenskyys plane departed from Poland at about 12:15 Kyiv time and is heading to Brussels.

Background:

European leaders are planning to accompany Zelenskyy to the US to strengthen his position in talks with US President Donald Trump on Monday 18 August. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are expected to travel to Washington.

After the meeting between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska, Trump said he had reached an agreement with Putin on a territory exchange and that "President Zelenskyy has to agree".

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described as "very useful" a meeting with the Coalition of the Willing on Sunday in Brussels at which Ukraine and European representatives coordinated their positions ahead of Zelenskyys visit to Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "We continue coordinating our joint positions. There is clear support for Ukraines independence and sovereignty. Everyone agrees that borders must not be changed by force. Everyone supports that key issues must be resolved with Ukraines participation in a trilateral format  Ukraine, the US and the Russian chief."

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Details: Zelenskyy said the US decision to join in providing security guarantees for Ukraine was "historic".

Quote: "Security guarantees, as a result of our joint work, must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europes participation. Of course, we also discussed how to stop the killings as soon as possible. We are working out a common vision of what a peace agreement should be  really fair, swift, and effective."

Background:

On 18 August, Zelenskyy will meet Trump in Washington. Several European leaders will accompany the Ukrainian president to the US. However, according to media reports, Zelenskyy will first hold a bilateral meeting only with Trump, followed by a joint meeting with the European leaders.

The US presidents special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that at the Alaska summit, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin agreed to the provision of "robust security guarantees" for Ukraine by the US and European allies as part of a potential peace deal.

Zelenskyy said on Sunday that he does not have detailed information on the security guarantees for Ukraine that Trump and Putin discussed in Alaska, but he noted that it was an "important signal" from the US president.

This issue is expected to be discussed during Zelenskyys visit to the White House on 18 August.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the European Commission on Sunday 17 August, where he was received by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The footage from the official broadcast showed von der Leyen welcoming Zelenskyy, after which the leaders shook hands and posed for official photos.

Zelenskyy and von der Leyen will hold talks, and later speak to the media.

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Afterwards, at 16:00 Kyiv time, von der Leyen and Zelenskyy will take part in a meeting of the coalition of the willing via video link.

Background:

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the post-war security guarantee for Ukraine must work like NATO Article 5, which provides for collective security and defence in the event of an attack on one of the member states.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Quote: "It is important that America agrees to work with Europe to provide security guarantees, and we are grateful to the US and the president for such a signal.

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This is a significant change, but there are no details of how it will work and what the role of America and Europe will be and what the EU can do. This is our main task  we need security to work in practice like NATO Article 5.

And we consider EU accession as part of the security guarantees, and we have heard that America and Putin see it the same way."

Background:

US President Donald Trump and European allies have discussed security guarantees for Ukraine "in the style of Article 5" of the North Atlantic Treaty, but not within NATO.

A source of Ukrainska Pravda confirmed that this was phrased as "non-NATO Article 5 security guarantees".

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he does not have detailed information about what kind of security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed by US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the talks in Alaska. At the same time, he noted an "important signal" from the American leader.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I do not know what President Trump and Putin really discussed."

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Details: Zelenskyy added that Trump shared "many details" with him and European leaders.

"And the fact that President Trump sent a signal about security guarantees is much more important to me than Putins thoughts. Because Putin will not give us any security guarantees."

The Ukrainian president went on to explain how he sees security guarantees for Ukraine.

"Security guarantees are strong armed forces. Only Ukraine can provide this. The funding for these forces, I believe, can only come from Europe. Weapons for these forces can be supplied by our domestic production and European production, but there are scarce items that only the United States of America has. That, I believe, is a security guarantee."

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Zelenskyy noted that it remains unanswered whether foreign troops will be deployed in Ukraine and whether Ukraines partners will protect Ukrainian airspace.

"We very much want to get an answer to these questions to understand what security guarantees mean."

Background:

During the press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy also stated that security guarantees for Ukraine after the end of the war must work like NATO Article 5.

He also said that negotiations with Russia on ending the war must take into account the current line of contact and that he will only discuss territorial issues with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin during a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia meeting.

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Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that negotiations with Russia on ending the war must take the current line of contact into account and that he is only prepared to discuss territorial issues with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin at a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia meeting.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Quote: "We need real negotiations. That means they can only begin where the front line is now. The contact line is the best line for talks. The Europeans support this, and we're grateful to them all."

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Details: Zelenskyy stressed that "Russia still has no success in Donetsk Oblast, Putin has not been able to capture it for 12 years." He also reiterated that "surrendering territory and trading land are not possible" under Ukraines Constitution.

Quote: "Since the territorial issue is so important, it must only be discussed by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia during a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia meeting.

So far Russia has given no sign that a trilateral meeting will take place. If Russia refuses, then new sanctions are needed."

More details: Zelenskyy also emphasised the need for a ceasefire before the terms for ending the war can start to be considered.

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Quote: "Putin has many demands and we do not know all of them. If there really are as many as we have heard, then it will take a lot of time to go through all of them, and that cannot be done under the pressure of weapons. Therefore, a ceasefire is necessary in order to work quickly on the final agreement. We will discuss this in Washington."

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This story previously aired on July 13, 2024.

The murders of two young women, killed months apart while riding their bikes along a canal in Phoenix, Arizona, went unsolved for more than two decades and would become known as the Phoenix canal murders.

Investigators got a break 21 years after the murders thanks to DNA and genetic genealogy. They zeroed in on Bryan Patrick Miller, 42, a divorced father raising his teenage daughter. Investigators soon discovered Miller had an alter ego. He was a local celebrity known for participating in parades and festivals as the Zombie Hunter.

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A person of interest, detectives just needed a sample of Miller's DNA to make the case or eliminate him as a suspect.

TWO YOUNG WOMEN VICIOUSLY MURDERED ALONG BIKE PATH

Clark Schwartzkopf: It's one of those cases that you just don't forget  you can't unsee what happened to those girls, you just can't.

Long before the man known as the Zombie Hunter became the prime suspect in the canal murders, Clark Schwartzkopf was a detective with the Phoenix Police Department's cold case squad. His mission was simple but pointed: find the killer responsible for those vicious murders of two young women from the early 1990s.

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Clark Schwartzkopf: To this day, I'm still not exactly sure about what  happened on those  bike paths.

The case began on Nov. 8, 1992. Angela Brosso, a tech worker who had recently moved to Phoenix, was taking advantage of beautiful weather to get in a little exercise, says Briana Whitney, the true crime reporter for the CBS affiliate KPHO in Phoenix.

Briana Whitney: Each night, she would go out for her evening bike ride just at golden hour at sunset, the best time to be riding out here.

Angela Brosso was viciously murdered on the eve of her 22nd birthday. / Credit: Cedar Cliff High School

Angela was only hours away from turning 22, and, like a lot of locals, she liked to bike on the paths that ran alongside the city's distinctive canals, says Schwartzkopf, a "48 Hours" consultant.

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Peter Van Sant: Are there places that are sort of natural ambush sites if somebody wants to attack someone?

Clark Schwartzkopf: Yeah, they are  there's a lot of tunnels that go underneath the interstate.

That November evening in 1992, Angela left her apartment around 7 p.m., her boyfriend Joe later told police. He said he stayed home to bake Angela a birthday cake and didn't expect her to be gone long.

Briana Whitney: Hours go by, and Joe grows concerned. Angela hasn't come home. And that's not like her.

Joe told police he took his bike out three times that night, frantically searching for Angela on the canal paths. He spoke to her friends -- even her mother back in Pennsylvania. Finally, he reported Angela missing to police. The next morning, searchers came upon a horrific scene.

Detectives at the Angela Brosso crime scene. / Credit: KPHO

Briana Whitney: Angela Brosso's torso was found in a field next to the trail that she had been riding her bike on.

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Angela had been stabbed to death.

Approximately 10 days after Angela's headless body was discovered, a man fishing along this section of the canal, spotted her head stuck on a grate.

Morgan Loew, an investigative reporter who also works at KPHO and is a "48 Hours" consultant, has been working on the canal killer case for more than a decade.

Morgan Loew: And from what we have heard from witnesses  the head was in amazingly good condition, especially considering this was days after the murder.  We've heard that the head looked like it had been preserved  Like it was a memento for the killer.

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Angela's purple mountain bike was also missing. There were no solid leads, and the case went quiet until September 199310 months after Angela's murderwhen the mother of 17-year-old Melanie Bernas returned from a dinner date to find her daughter had broken her curfew and was not home. She then noticed that Melanie's bicycle was missing.

Melanie Bernas, 17, was a student at Arcadia High School.

Morgan Loew: Melanie decides to go on a bike ride  by around 10:30 when Melanie did not return, her mother  started calling her friends. "Is Melanie there?"

Rachel Schepemaker: Well, my mom took the phone call  said that Melanie's mom was frantic and like nervous 

Rachel Schepemaker was one of Melanie's close friends in high school.

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Peter Van Sant: So initially when you hear  that her mother's looking for her  You're not thinking something terrible has happened to your friend?

Rachel Schepemaker: Definitely not. I thought she was with a friend and just forgot to communicate with her mom where she was.

Early the next morning Charlotte Pottle, a local resident, happened to be riding along the canal with her young daughter in a bicycle seat. Just as they came out of one of those tunnels that ran under the interstate, she spotted a puddle.

Charlotte Pottle: There was just a big puddle of something.  Ended up riding right through it  and having it splash up over me.

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Pottle says something about the puddle bothered her, so a few minutes later she doubled back. That's when she made a horrible realization.

Charlotte Pottle: I could tell that it was a puddle of red, that it was a puddle of blood.

Charlotte Pottle (pointing to a tree): And all of a sudden, as I'm looking at it, I noticed that there are some drag marks that went along over here.

Peter Van Sant: Toward that tree.

Charlotte Pottle: Towards that tree. Yes.  And then went around the tree and was drugged back  you could see the drag marks right here to the canal.

Pottle went home and called police. Later that night, the local news reported that a woman's body had been found in the canal, close to where Angela Brosso's head had been located.

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Rachel Schepemaker: They found the body in a teal bodysuit. I was told by some other friends that Melanie did not own that. It can't be her.

Schepemaker went to sleep convinced the body in the canal was not Melanie. But the next day 

Rachel Schepemaker: I'm at school  my friends just come up to me crying and saying it was Melanie.

Detectives strongly suspected Melanie had been targeted and stabbed in the back by the same person who had killed Angela.

Morgan Loew: Police believe that somehow, the killer got her off of her bike, whether he knocked her off of her bike or whether he asked her a question.

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Schwartzkopf says the evidence indicates the killer approached the women from behind.

Clark Schwartzkopf :Both the knife wounds were the exact same position.

Investigators say the killer dragged Melanie's body off the canal path removed her clothes and dressed her in that teal bodysuit.

Peter Van Sant: Along with the stabbing and the dismemberment, there was another component to these murders, wasn't there?

Briana Whitney: Yeah, both women were sexually assaulted.

And that meant investigators had a crucial piece of evidence: DNA.

Clark Schwartzkopf: when the DNA from Melanie's scene was finally tested later, it  matched to Angela's scene. So, we knew for sure that we were dealing with the same perpetrator.

Investigators noted that the initial stab wounds to the backs of each woman were fatal and so precise that detectives suspected the killer might be a surgeon.

Morgan Loew: The details about what happened  were the kinds of things that kept parents from letting their kids out when the sun went down.

THE TRAIL LEADING TO THE "CANAL KILLER" BEGINS WITH DNA FROM THE CRIME SCENE

The murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas in the early 1990s created fear in Phoenix that lasted for a generation.

Morgan Loew: They watched the news and read the newspaper every day, hoping that police would make an arrest. And it just kept going on and  nothing and nothing and nothing.

Investigators had collected matching male DNA from both the victims. But more than two decades passed and the canal murder cases went cold. Then, science finally caught up with the calendar.

Briana Whitney: It's in 2014, Phoenix police detectives are at a DNA conference.  and a forensic genealogist from California is also at the conference.

Colleen Fitzpatrick, founder of Identifinders International, was there to meet with law enforcement.

Briana Whitney: And she goes up to these detectives, and says, hey, I can take Y chromosomes and create these DNA profiles and try to match  with genealogy to help solve criminal cases.

Fitzpatrick's company had developed software that could mine public genealogy databases, searching for matches to crime scene DNA. The detectives heard her out.

Colleen Fitzpatrick: And then several weeks later, they sent me the Y-DNA profile  from the crime scene for the Phoenix canal murders.

Fitzpatrick's company started crunching the data, hoping to provide Phoenix detectives with a name.

Colleen Fitzpatrick: We entered the numbers from the forensic profile into our software.  That's where I came up with six matches to the name Miller.

While the genetic genealogy search produced the name Miller, it is also one of the most common last names. Detective Schwartzkopf started digging.

Peter Van Sant: You check your files and what do you find?

Clark Schwartzkopf: I think there were a total of six Millers that were on what I called my master list.  And I went down through the list  got to Bryan Patrick Miller.

Bryan Patrick Miller / Credit: LinkedIn

But who was Bryan Patrick Miller? Records showed he was 42 years old with a Phoenix address. That name was just one of more than 600 persons of interest who had lived in those case files for years, placed there by a tip. Police at the time seemingly did not pursue Miller.

Clark Schwartzkopf: We discovered his file downstairs.

Police learned Bryan Miller had a record dating back to before the canal murders. In May 1989, when he was just 16 years old, Miller crossed paths with Celeste Bentley.

Celeste Bentley: I was 24, and I was going to work.  I had  just noticed  a young boy on the bus.

Bentley says she and the boy got off at the same stop. Moments later, she felt something in her back.

Celeste Bentley: He had ran by me, I thought he had just hit me.  I just yelled at him. I was like  "why  why'd you do that," you know? And then, I reached back and touched my back and realized that it was blood  I had been stabbed.

With a single knife wound to her upper back, Bentley screamed and managed to make it to the store where she worked. A coworker called for help. About 30 minutes later, when Bentley was in the back of an ambulance 

Celeste Bentley: The police came and said they found him, and they wanted to bring him to the ambulance to show him to me.

Bentley identified her assailant. Bryan Miller was charged with aggravated assault.

Celeste Bentley: They said that if he had held the blade the other way, he would've gone straight through my ribs, and I could have died.

Miller pleaded guilty and was sentenced to juvenile detention until he turned 18. It was a far cry from where Miller's life had begun.

Briana Whitney: He was living in Hawaii for a while as a kid with his mom and his dad. But his dad died early on in a motorcycle accident.

Years later, Miller and his mother Ellen moved to Phoenix.

Briana Whitney: So, for most of his life and early years, it was Bryan Miller and his mom.

While Miller was in juvenile detention, his mother made a disturbing discovery.

Morgan Loew: Bryan Miller's mom was looking through his stuff, and she found a note that he wrote.

A disturbing note written by a teenage Bryan Patrick Miller that his mother found while he was in juvenile detention. It spelled out how he wanted to find, abduct, rape, murder and dismember a young woman. / Credit: Phoenix Police Department

The pages detailed a sinister plan: kidnap the girl, tie her up in the truck and cut her clothes off.

Morgan Loew: This note spelled out how he wanted to find, abduct, rape, murder and dismember a young woman. And Bryan's mom was so disturbed by this piece of paper that she took it to Phoenix police.

It was Miller's 18th birthday and he had just been released as an adult.

Clark Schwartzkopf: She flat out told police at the time that she was really scared for her safety.  And that she was not going to allow him to come home.

So, after his release, Miller ended up at a Phoenix halfway house. When Schwartzkopf read that note in 2014, he was struck by something.

Clark Schwartzkopf: There was a lot of things in there that were close or similar to what happened specifically to Angela.

Including a description of decapitating a victim and preserving the head. Phoenix police wanted to locate Miller. Luckily, he was very easy to find.

INVESTIGATORS MEET BRYAN MILLER BUT DISCOVER HE IS THE ZOMBIE HUNTER

In December 2014, Phoenix police continued digging into potential suspect Bryan Miller who they discovered was actually a local celebrity.

Briana Whitney: Everybody at the time in the Phoenix area knew Bryan Patrick Miller as this character called the Zombie Hunter.

Peter Van Sant: The Zombie Hunter.  Like a comic book character?

Briana Whitney: Yeah, like a comic book character. Like a  good guy fighting the bad guys.

Miller's alter ego was a costumed figure who participated in parades and festivals around town.

Briana Whitney: He wore this long trench coat with these goggles and helmet and had this large Gatling gun.

Bryan Patrick Miller in costume as the Zombie Hunter. / Credit: Ben Garcia

And if you're going to hunt zombies, you need a way to get around.

Briana Whitney: He bought  an old police car and tricked it out  wrote "Zombie Hunter" on it.

Morgan Loew: And it had a full-size zombie mannequin in the back and blood on the side.

Friend Eric Braverman says Miller's zombie hunter persona attracted a big fan base  including law enforcement officers who lined up to pose with him.

Eric Braverman: Collected pictures of himself with the cops like trophies.  They're all smiling big with him leaning on the car.

Bryan Patrick Miller / Credit: Maricopa County Court

Braverman says Miller's superhero character was the opposite of what Miller was like when he wasn't in costume.

Eric Braverman: He seemed like a harmless marshmallow that was immersed in this goofy lifestyle.  He's just that unassuming guy.

But could Miller be the canal killer? The only way to find out was to get his DNA. Investigators began to surveil Miller, who worked at an Amazon warehouse. Every day when he got there, Miller parked the zombie mobile in the same spot.

Clark Schwartzkopf: He would come out for his 15-minute break, blast his music really loud.  Lunchtime came out to the car, same thing.  Blast this God-awful music.

Schwartzkopf came up with an elaborate plan to get his DNA.

Clark Schwartzkopf: I went up and introduced myself to Miller. He was in his car.

Peter Van Sant: What did you introduce yourself as?

Clark Schwartzkopf: I introduced myself as a security consultant.

Schwartzkopf told Miller that thieves had been stealing goods from a warehouse across the way.

Clark Schwartzkopf: I said, "would you be interested in working for me as a security officer watching the building while you're outside?"

Peter Van Sant: Did his eyes light up?

Clark Schwartzkopf: Yeah, because it was a good paying job. I said, look"I'll pay you 20 bucks an hour."

On Jan. 2, 2015, Schwartzkopf met Miller at a Chili's restaurant to fill out a job application. The cold case unit was behind the scenes ready to bag anything that had Miller's DNA on it, such as utensils or a glass.

Clark Schwartzkopf: They set a table for me and Mr. Miller away from everybody else in a part of the restaurant where nobody else is at.

Miller arrived with a surprise guest  his 15-year-old daughter, Sarah. Miller was a divorced, single dad.

Eric Braverman: He was very gentle in caring about his daughter. He often brought his daughter  where he would be going.

The trio sat down and ordered hamburgers. When the food arrived 

Clark Schwartzkopf: He swallows his hamburger, in like, five bites.  Won't take a drink of his water. And I'm sitting there going, "Are you sure you  don't want  something else to drink? You just got water." "No, no, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good."

Schwartzkopf started to worry this operation would be a bust.

Peter Van Sant: And what does he finally do that makes this mission accomplished?

Clark Schwartzkopf: He finally took a drink from the water glass  That's when I knew that, OK, now we've at least got his DNA.

The mug Bryan Patrick Miller drank from during the sting. / Credit: Maricopa County Court

Despite knowing about Miller's juvenile record, as their meal ended, the veteran detective's gut told him Miller was not their man.

Clark Schwartzkopf: Seeing him with his daughter.  I just don't see this guy as being the monster in 1992 and '93 that would do this to these women.

Miller gave Schwartzkopf a quick tour of his Zombie Hunter mobile, and the two parted ways with the detective saying he'd be in touch. The cold case unit sent Miller's water glass off to the crime lab.

Eleven days later, Schwartzkopf says there was a call from the lab.

Clark Schwartzkopf: And we're sitting there and we're like, "what is this all about?"

Briana Whitney: And in this meeting, these Phoenix detectives say, as a joke, "Huh, they must have solved the canal murders."

But Detective Schwartzkopf says it was no joke when the head of the lab arrived.

Clark Schwartzkopf: She leans down to me, she goes, "It's him." I go "What?" She goes, "Bryan Miller, it's him."  Well, the blood rushed from my head.  I kind of sat back and I went, "You've gotta be kidding."

Bryan Miller's DNA from that water glass matched the DNA recovered from Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas more than 20 years before. Miller was arrested within hours. During a police interview shortly after, Miller was told why he'd been taken into custody in connection with the canal murders.

DETECTIVE: We have DNA that links you to those two ladies.

BRYAN MILLER: I don't see how that's possible.

Clark Schwartzkopf: He just kind of  went through it in his dopey kind of, I don't know what you're kind of talking about.

DETECTIVE: Would help you get it off your chest if you did something like that.

BRYAN MILLER: I didn't kill anyone.

DETECTIVE: You didn't kill anybody?

BRYAN MILLER: No.

Investigators got a search warrant for Miller's house, the home he shared with his teenage daughter and just about everything he'd ever collected in his life.

Bryan Patrick Miller's kitchen. / Credit: Phoenix Police Department

Clark Schwartzkopf: I can remember like it was yesterday walking up to the front door and everybody going, "you can't get in that way"  "It's full of crap."

Morgan Loew: Bryan Miller's house was like it came from the show "Hoarders."

Clark Schwartzkopf: There was a little pass where you could get to a bathroom and the kitchen and where the TV was, and that's it. Everything else is just stacked to the roof with garbage.

Peter Van Sant: Did you look around and go, "This is madness?"

Clark Schwartzkopf: Not only madness, I go, "This is a nightmare."

Schwartzkopf and his investigators would have to sift through all of it looking for other possible evidence. Detective Schwartzkopf also focused on a new source  someone Miller himself had ominously singled out in his interview.

BRYAN MILLER (to detective): It's the one person on the face of the earth I could probably honestly say I hate.

Miller's ex-wife Amy, who would end up revealing gruesome details from Miller's violent past.

Clark Schwartzkopf: He had told her about the murder of a young girl who had come to his door accidentally.

BRYAN MILLER'S VIOLENT PAST REVEALED

In January 2015, more than 21 years after the canal murders, Bryan Miller was charged with first-degree murder in both Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas' deaths. Melanie's friend Rachel Schepemaker says she felt a wave of relief.

Rachel Schepemaker: A very joyous moment of "Oh my gosh, this is what we've been waiting for, for decades upon decades."

Detective Schwartzkopf wanted to talk to the one person who probably knew Miller best, his ex-wife Amy.

Clark Schwartzkopf: They had been married for eight years. There was a divorce.

Amy told Schwartzkopf that she was just 19 when she met Bryan Miller in 1996. They married less than a year later and moved to Everett, Washington. Amy had a shocking revelation for the detective. She told Schwartzkopf Miller had revealed a gruesome secret to her: that he had killed a young girl in Phoenix years earlier, before he'd ever met Amy. Schwartzkopf says Amy never reported it to police before for a number of reasons; she didn't know if it was true, she was afraid of Miller and she said she wanted to be a good wife.

Clark Schwartzkopf: You support your man no matter what.

Detective Schwartzkopf says Amy told him what Miller had said.

Clark Schwartzkopf: That a young girl had come to his door.  That he had grabbed this young female, pulled her in, killed her immediately.

Amy said Miller told her he dismembered the girl and disposed of her remains in trash left on the curb. Although Amy claimed Miller never told her the child's name, investigators used the information Amy provided to piece together who Miller may have been talking about.

Briana Whitney: Thirteen-year-old Brandy Myers was a little girl collecting money for a school book-a-thon in her north Phoenix neighborhood, going door to door.

Kristin Dennis: I was a tomboy, and she was a girlie girl.

Brandy Myers, 13, disappeared on May 26, 1992, six months before the murder of Angela Brosso. She has never been found. / Credit: Phoenix Police Department

Brandy's sister, Kristin Dennis.

Kristin Dennis: So, she would try to learn how to climb trees or jump fences because she wanted to play with me. She was my best friend.

It was May 26, 1992, six months prior to the murder of Angela Brosso. Miller was living in the halfway house following his time in juvenile detention for the aggravated assault of Celeste Bentley.

Kristin Dennis: This is one block from our school, his home, and then three blocks is our house. So, every single day, we walked right by here.

Dennis says Brandy left home alone that evening, never to return.

Kristin Dennis: She was last seen two doors down from Bryan's  walking in the direction of his house.

Despite an extensive search, Brandy's body was never found. Schwartzkopf says even though Amy couldn't provide a name, the clues in her account add up to just one conclusion.

Clark Schwartzkopf: I believe that person is in fact, Brandy Myers.

Her sister believes that as well.

Kristin Dennis: Brandy went to the landfill ... like something of no importance.

Even with Amy's account, investigators did not have enough evidence to charge Miller in Brandy's disappearance.

Clark Schwartzkopf: So, the fact that she was disposed of  there's nothing physical, nothing forensically to grab onto.

"48 Hours" contacted Miller who said he had no involvement in Brandy's disappearance and never confessed to Amy that he had killed a young girl. But there is another case in Miller's past.

Morgan Loew: In 2002, a woman named Melissa Ruiz-Ramirez is walking down the street in Everett at night  Somebody pulls over.

In 2002, Melissa Ruiz-Ramirez says she was stabbed by Miller. / Credit: Clark Schwartzkopf

It was Bryan Miller. Ruiz-Ramirez would later tell police she'd seen him before, talking to a friend of hers. Ruiz-Ramirez said she got in Miller's car and told him she needed to make a call and he drove her to his workplace so she could use the phone.

Morgan Loew: She tells police she's on the phone and from out of the clear blue, Bryan Miller comes running out with a 12-inch serrated kitchen knife and stabs her in the back. They fight over  the weapon.

Ruiz-Ramirez said she escaped and contacted police. They picked up Miller shortly after. He didn't deny stabbing Ruiz-Ramirez, but claimed it was self-defense. He said he was at work when Ruiz-Ramirez walked in off the street and asked to make a call.

Clark Schwartzkopf: He said  she goes to use a phone. And then  all of a sudden out of the clear blue  she tries to rob him with a knife.

Miller was arrested and charged with first degree assault with a deadly weapon. He was jailed from May 2002 until his December trial.

Clark Schwartzkopf: The jury just didn't buy Melissa's story.  It was a "he said, she said"  and they acquitted him of the charge.

Amy says a chilling change followed Miller's return home. She said it began with the letters she'd received from her jailed husband while he awaited trial.

Clark Schwartzkopf: They first started out as  professing his innocence, and then it would turn into sexual deviance. Like, here's what I'm going to do when I get out to you.

Amy told Schwarzkopf that Miller followed up his words with action.

Clark Schwartzkopf: She said he came back with an unbelievable, ugly, dark sexual deviant side that she'd never seen before.

Clark Schwartzkopf: There were times where there was sex between them where he held a knife to her throat.

Amy told Schwartzkopf that Miller claimed something happened to him as a child  something that would become the cornerstone of his defense for murdering Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas. His unique defense? His mother had created a monster.

THE TRIAL OF THE ZOMBIE HUNTER

At the start of Bryan Miller's trial for the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas in October 2022, his attorneys opened with a startling defensethey admitted their client was the canal killer.

Morgan Loew: They had to concede right off the bat that he is the actual killer, but that he was not guilty by reason of insanity.

His defense attorneys say Miller was tortured by his mother Ellen as a child, and that led to his violent sexual behavior. She died in 2010.

Morgan Loew: If you imagine the making of a monster, this is kind of the household  that story begins in.

Miller told investigators after his arrest that the beatings began when he was just 5 years old.

Morgan Loew: She was a detention officer. Discipline in their house was mental as well as physical.

BRYAN MILLER (to detective): She used her security belt, and it was like a law enforcement belt, and usually I got hit by the buckle.

Ellen and Bryan Miller. / Credit: Clark Schwartzkopf

The defense opted for a bench trial, which meant there would be no jury. His lawyers told Judge Suzanne Cohen that Miller's mother also exposed her young son to violent sexual content.

Morgan Loew: He was exposed to her interests in pornography and extremely violent films.

Miller's lawyers said his mother's abuse caused Miller to develop severe mental health problems.

Bethany Brand: He feels like there are different TVs playing in his head.

Psychologist Bethany Brand testified that Miller developed a condition known as dissociative amnesia  an inability to remember some traumatic events. Morgan Loew summed up the defense argument.

Morgan Loew: There were two Bryans. There's the one you see over there at the defense table, who's a fairly normal person who has friends, who had a job, who was a dad, who was a husband.  And then there's the killer. There's bad Bryan.

And Miller, claimed his attorneys, had no memorynoneof the two murders he was charged with.

Prosecutors undermine the defense claim that Miller has no memory of the killings. They point out that he remembers details related to other stabbings.

Remember, Miller admitted stabbing Celeste Bentley when he was 16 years old, and in 2002 he had also testified about the stabbing of Melissa Ruiz-Ramirez in Washington.

To show Miller's deviant side, prosecutors called the only person in the world Miller said he despised: his ex-wife Amy. The judge did not allow cameras to record her face. Under questioning by prosecutor Elizabeth Reamer, Amy testified that later in their marriage, Miller grew increasingly violent during sex.

ELIZABETH REAMER: Did you ever say anything to him about wanting it to stop because it was scary?

AMY MILLER: No.

ELIZABETH REAMER: Why not?

AMY MILLER: I was avoiding any confrontation with him at all at that point and (sighs) wanted to be as compliant as possible so that I would say, will he love me enough not to kill me?

ELIZABETH REAMER: Did he ask permission prior to using needles on you?

AMY MILLER: No.

ELIZABETH REAMER: Did he ask permission prior to tying you up?

AMY MILLER: No.

ELIZABETH REAMER: What percentage of your sex life after he got out of jail in Washington included bondage, the pins or other things that were not the normal sex you'd been having early in your marriage?

AMY MILLER: Probably at least 95 percent.

The trial continued and after 6 months and 36 witnesses, the judge delivered her verdict.

JUDGE COHEN: As to count one, first-degree murder Angela Brosso is as follows: guilty.  As to count two, first-degree murder victim Melanie Bernas as follows: guilty.

Bryan Patrick Miller during his murder trial. / Credit: Pool

Peter Van Sant: How did Bryan Miller react to the guilty verdict?

Morgan Loew: He didn't react.  He didn't give any real emotion.

But Angela's mother, who addressed the court remotely, was emotional.

LINDA BROSSO STROCK: The defendant broke my heart  took all hope and light from me and my family. The hole in my heart is so big and empty.

Melanie's older sister Jill Bernas also spoke remotely about how painful it was that Melanie's life ended violently at the age of 17.

JILL BERNAS CANETTA: For 30 years now, we've had to live without Melanie because the defendant murdered her  Words cannot even begin to describe the level of excruciating pain we experienced with the news of her horrific death.

Millerwho didn't take the stand during his trialwas allowed to give a statement before he was sentenced.

BRYAN MILLER: I am not looking for sympathy today. This time is for the family and friends of the victims. I cannot imagine what pain they have endured for all these years.  I know I am different.  I thought it had to do with what my mother did to me.

Defense counsel RJ Parker urged Judge Cohen to show mercy before she delivered her judgement on Miller's sentence, life in prison or death.

RJ PARKER: You do not have to kill Bryan in order to see justice done.

Judge Cohen agreed with the centerpiece of the defense case.

JUDGE COHEN: The defendant's abuse as a child was proven.

But eight months after the trial began, Miller's abuse at the hands of his mother did not dissuade Judge Cohen from handing down the ultimate sentence.

JUDGE COHEN: There is no question that what the defendant did deserves the death penalty.

JUDGE COHEN: Mr. Miller, anything you wish to say to the court?

BRYAN MILLER: I guess, thanks for, uh, listening to everything that was said and giving us at least the opportunity to try and convince you otherwise.

Det. Clark Schwartzkopf: Justice was carried out in this case.

Melanie Bernas and Angela Brosso / Credit: Arcadia High School/Phoenix Police Department

Detective Schwartzkopf hopes family and friends of Angela and Melanie might finally find some peace  people like Melanie's friend Rachael Schepemaker.

Rachel Schepemaker: Just knowing that justice was served  it doesn't make anything easier.

Peter Van Sant: How do you want your good friend to be remembered?

Rachel Schepemaker: Just that she's the all-American good kid.

Rachel Schepemaker: I want her family to know that we haven't forgotten her  She changed us all for the better  She was a gift.

Under Arizona law, Bryan Miller's death sentence will be automatically appealed.

"POST MORTEM" PODCAST

Correspondent Peter Van Sant, producer Paul La Rosa and host Anne-Marie Green discuss what actually went into how investigators recovered the smoking gun evidence from a Chili's and how Bryan Miller's defense team's "dissociative amnesia" argument held up at trial.

Produced by Paul LaRosa, Susan Mallie and Kat Teurfs. Cindy Cesare is the development producer. Anthony Venditti is the content research manager. Morgan Canty and Cameron Rubner are the associate producers. Michelle Harris, Marcus Balsam, Phil Tangel and Mike Baluzy are the editors. Anthony Batson is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

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Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Sunday said that the Election Commission of India in its media interaction held earlier today refused to address any of the concerns raised by LoP Rahul Gandhi over "electoral manipulation". In a post on X, Surjewala said, "The most notable thing to come out of today's press conference is that the ECI refused to answer any of the questions raised by the Congress Party and Shri. Rahul Gandhi." "The bigger question is, why is the ECI so petrified of sharing machine-readable lists post the results?" he asked. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday refuted all the recent "vote theft" claims made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on the Election Commission of India (ECI) while addressing a press conference in the national capital. He termed allegations of bias by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabhas an "insult" to the Constitution of India. CEC also asked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks. "An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said while addressing mediapersons. Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, hit back at the CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the ECI is asking for an affidavit from him but doesn't from BJP MP Anurag Thakur when he makes the same allegations. "The Election Commission asks for an affidavit from me. But when Anurag Thakur says the same thing that I am saying, it does not ask for an affidavit from him," Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi had on August 7 addressed a press conference in New Delhi, in which he presented Congress's research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, a part of the Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency. Gandhi alleged "vote chori" (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes, including duplicate voters, invalid addresses, and bulk registrations of votes at single locations. (ANI)
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Alexander Banks reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and Yakima community members. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. To support local journalism, click here.
According to the carrier, a maintenance task was identified just as the aircraft was preparing for departure. The situation was further complicated as the operating crew subsequently came under mandatory flight duty time limitation norms, making it unsafe and impermissible for them to continue.

"Flight AI138 operating from Milan to Delhi on 16 August was cancelled due to a maintenance task identified during pushback, and subsequently due to the crew coming under the mandatory flight duty time limitation norms," a spokesperson with Air India said in a statement.

"Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen cancellation. Our ground team in Milan extended immediate assistance to all affected passengers, providing hotel accommodation and offering full refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling as opted by the passengers," the spokesperson added.

The airline said that alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi at the earliest opportunity. "Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain top priority," the spokesperson said.

Earlier on August 3, two Air India flights were cancelled due to similar reasons.

Air India's flight AI349, which was scheduled to operate from Singapore to Chennai on Sunday (August 3), was cancelled due to a "maintenance task identified prior to departure, which required additional time for rectification", the airline said in a statement.

Another Air India flight, AI500, scheduled to operate from Bhubaneswar to Delhi on August 3, was cancelled due to a technical issue causing high cabin temperature on the ground prior to departure. (ANI)
Uddhav Thackeray on Monday spoke to organisers of the upcoming Dahi Handi festival. Maha CM told them to set an example by setting aside celebration of festivals for some time to banish COVID completely. Uddhav said the health of citizens should be given priority during a pandemic.
Following a shooting incident at Elvish Yadav's residence in Gurugram, India, a gang known as the "Bhau Gang" has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Chinese scientists are developing the worlds first gestation robot with an artificial womb, hailed as a breakthrough that could aid infertility treatments and revolutionise reproductive technology, offering new possibilities for future parenthood.
Former diplomat Veena Sikri on Saturday condemned Pakistani government officials for "paying homage" to top terrorists during their Independence Day celebrations, calling it further proof of Islamabad's long-standing support for terror groups.
- The meeting in Washington comes on the heels of Trump's recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. - This would be Zelenskyy's first visit to the US after he met with Trump in February, which ended in a showdown. - To save Zelenskyy from another such incident, the European leaders are now planning to attend the \meeting.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Sunday inaugurated the new Circuit Bench of the Bombay High Court at Kolhapur and assured that the process to convert it into a permanent bench would be expedited soon. Addressing a gathering at Kolhapur after the inauguration, CJI Gavai said the bench is meant to bring justice closer to litigants from remote areas of western Maharashtra. "This judicial arrangement is not for lawyers but for the poor and underprivileged. Deliver justice here in the spirit of Shahu Maharaj's vision of equality," he urged. "The High Court should soon submit a proposal for setting up a permanent bench, and that demand will be fulfilled shortly. For a small land dispute of two acres, litigants had to travel all the way to Mumbai, which was unaffordable. This Circuit Bench must become a milestone in delivering social and economic justice to the deprived," the CJI said. Calling the moment as joyful as his appointment as the CJI, Gavai recalled his 25-year-long association with the struggle for the Kolhapur bench. "The position I hold is not to showcase power, but to work for the welfare of the deprived sections of society as my father taught me," he said. He also thanked CM Devendra Fadnavis for securing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's London house for Maharashtra, recalling Shahu Maharaj's support to Ambedkar in his educational pursuits. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the inauguration as a "historic moment" and credited CJI Gavai as the "true architect" of the bench. "He not only approved the bench but also finalised the inauguration date himself. His persistent follow-up ensured the process was completed quickly," Fadnavis said, while announcing the transfer of 25 acres of land worth 68 crore at Shenda Park to the High Court and promising a state-of-the-art building for Kolhapur. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the development completed the "circle of social justice." He remarked, "Rajashri Shahu Maharaj introduced the concept of social justice from Kolhapur. Now, under the guidance of CJI Gavai, who preserves the legacy of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, the bench has been established here." Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe noted that the Circuit Bench would ensure justice for poor litigants. The event also saw addresses from Justice Makarand Karnik, Bar Council President, Adv. Amol Sawant, and Adv. Sangram Desai, with Adv. Vijayrao Patil delivering the vote of thanks. The inauguration was attended by several judges of the Bombay High Court, Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf, Additional Solicitor General Anil C. Singh, Goa Advocate General Devdas Pangam, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior lawyers from across western Maharashtra. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday congratulated Governor CP Radhakrishnan on being announced as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the post of Vice President, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. After returning from Kolhapur, CM Fadnavis went directly to Raj Bhavan and met Governor Radhakrishnan and extended his wishes on the announcement of his candidature. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also declared support on behalf of his party, the Shiv Sena, for Radhakrishnan's candidature. He expressed congratulations, calling the choice a recognition of the Governor's experience and integrity. In a post on X, Shinde wrote, "By selecting the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, as the candidate for the Vice Presidential post, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has duly honoured an experienced, wise, honest, and patriotic personality in the political arena. I declare support on behalf of the Shiv Sena party for the candidacy of Radhakrishnan, who possesses extensive experience in parliamentary work as a Member of Parliament and profound knowledge of administrative work as a Governor. Additionally, heartfelt congratulations for his candidacy for the Vice Presidential post. Given that his victory in this election is certain, I extend my best wishes for a successful tenure as Vice President and for his tenure to be remarkable for the bright future of the country." The NDA had earlier in the day announced CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential candidate for the election scheduled on September 9. The announcement was made by BJP national president JP Nadda after the party's Parliamentary Board meeting in New Delhi. "At the parliamentary board meeting, we all unanimously decided on the VP candidate, Mr CP Radhakrishna. We discussed the VP candidate with all our alliance party (NDA) earlier as well. We will discuss our opposition party as well to smooth the VP election..." Nadda said. 67-year-old Radhakrishnan's political life started earlier with him being associated with organisations like the RSS and Jan Sangh, taking up student politics. Since then, he has used politics as a medium to serve the public. He has consistently shown a commitment towards national unity, social reform and public welfare, leading movements that addressed critical social and developmental challenges. His political life started earlier with him taking up student politics. Since then, he has used politics as a medium to serve the public, with over four decades of serving people as a karyakarta. He won his first election from Coimbatore in 1998 with a margin of 1,50,000+ votes. He later went on to serve as the Governor of Maharashtra. He initiated his political journey through the Jan Sangh at the age of 16 in 1974. In 1996, he became the secretary of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. He was elected as MP from the Coimbatore parliamentary constituency in 1998, in which he won by a margin of 1,50,000+ votes, and was re-elected in 1999 from the same constituency. In 2006, he was appointed as the state president of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, during which he actively raised social and developmental issues. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the chairman of the Coir Board, under whose leadership the coir export of India reached an all-time high. He also held the prestigious position of Governor for states like Jharkhand, Telangana, Maharashtra and Puducherry. He is regarded as eminent, knowledgeable and untainted by any legal accusations. He was born on 20 October 1957 in Tiruppur, Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. By profession, he is an agriculturist and industrialist. He completed his BBA from V.O.C. College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. In his over four decades of experience serving the masses, he has held multiple posts, including State Executive Committee Member, Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1974); Secretary, BJP, Tamil Nadu (1996), MP, Coimbatore Parliamentary Constituency (1998-1999); MP, Coimbatore Parliamentary Constituency (1999-2004); Part of parliamentary delegation to the UN (2004); State President, BJP, Tamil Nadu (2004-2007), Member of the first parliamentary delegation to Taiwan (2014); Chairman, All India Coir Board (2016-2020); State Incharge (Prabhari), Kerala (2020-2022); Governor, Jharkhand (2023-2024) and Governor, Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry (2024). With proven leadership across diverse roles, C.P. Radhakrishnan brings rich political and administrative experience. As chairman of the Coir Board, he transformed India's coir sector, taking exports to a record Rs 2,532 crore. In his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand, he travelled across all 24 districts within four months, directly engaging with citizens and officials to strengthen governance at the grassroots. He has also made significant contributions in tuberculosis eradication in Jharkhand, Puducherry and Maharashtra. (ANI)
With the United States imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, American economist Jeffrey Sachs has pitched for India joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying India should be part of it and "that would be a very dynamic way to grow for years to come." In an interview with ANI, Sachs said that India could target 7 per cent GDP growth in the coming decade by focusing on East Asia. "I would recommend that India take a look once again at RCEP. RCEP is the 15 economies, including China, Japan, Korea, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand. It should be 16. India should be part of that. And that would be a very dynamic way to grow for years to come," he said. "India needs a strategy that does not depend on export growth to the US market. You're in the fast-growing part of the world. India should be achieving about 7 per cent per year GDP growth in the coming decade. It can't do that. But to do that, trade with China. Trade with Austria. Deepen the relations in East Asia," he added. India in 2019 decided not to join RCEP as the agreement was not addressing its concerns. During the 3rd RCEP Leaders Summit, which was held on 4 November 2019 in Bangkok, India stated that the current structure of RCEP did not reflect the RCEP Guiding Principles or address the outstanding issues and concerns of India. In light of this, India did not join RCEP. Sachs said US President Donald Trump's policies "are doomed to fail", saying they would not improve the American economy and isolate the country diplomatically. "From an economic point of view and a geopolitical point of view, Trump's policies are doomed to fail. They will not improve the US economy. They will isolate the United States geopolitically. They will strengthen the BRICS and other groups," he said. He further stressed that India must maintain an independent position in its foreign policy. "India is so big, so important, such a great power. It should say we don't ally with the United States against China. We have our own relations. We need our bilateral relations with China," he said. On the US-China trade conflict, Sachs said Washington cannot win, "No, US can't win a trade war with China. US can't win a trade war with China. Not even close. I found after two days, the first time around, China said, No. And the US said, Okay, we'll delay it," he said. Trump had first announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. He imposed another 25 per cent tariff shortly after, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil, taking the total to 50 per cent. India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March this year, aiming to complete the first stage of the Agreement by October-November 2025. The US is keen on greater access to India's sensitive agriculture and dairy sectors, which provide livelihood to a large section of people. On April 2, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order for reciprocal tariffs on various trade partners, imposing varied tariffs in the range of 10-50 per cent. He subsequently kept the tariffs in abeyance for 90 days, while imposing a 10 per cent baseline tariff, providing time and space for making trade deals. The deadline was initially set to end on July 9, but the US administration later pushed it to August 1. The full 50 per cent tariffs on India were announced ahead of the deadline. Earlier this month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that the government is examining the impact of tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the national interest. (ANI)
US First Lady Melania Trump wrote a "peace letter" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him that "it is time" to protect children and future generations around the world, Fox News reported on Saturday (local time). US President Donald Trump hand-delivered the letter to Putin before their summit in Alaska on Friday (local time), as reported by Fox News. Immediately after receiving it, Putin read the letter in front of the American and Russian delegations. "Dear President Putin," the letter began. "Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nation's rustic countryside or a magnificent city-center. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger." https://x.com/FLOTUS/status/1956831062991962146 "As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation's hope. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few," it read. The First Lady further wrote, "Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all--so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded. A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generation's descendants begin their lives with a purity--an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology." The letter noted that "in today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them--a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future." "Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," she added. "In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone--you serve humanity itself," as reported by Fox News. "Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today. It is time," the letter concluded. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday met South Korea's new Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during his first working visit to India, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, shipbuilding, and defence manufacturing. The meeting coincided wth the 10th anniversary of India-Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Strategic Partnership. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ministers reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, mutual trust, shared economic interests, and commitment to regional and global peace and stability. The two leaders reviewed cooperation across political, security, trade, economic, technology, and people-to-people fields. They agreed to set "new industrial ambitions," especially in high-tech sectors such as AI, semiconductors, clean energy, shipbuilding and defense industry. Both sides also shared assessments on regional and global developments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, the MEA said. After the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X that he was "delighted" to meet Cho Hyun as the partnership completed 10 years. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1956645046759108984 "Held productive discussions on advancing our bilateral cooperation in trade, manufacturing, maritime & people to people exchanges as well as new opportunities in AI, semiconductors, clean energy and defence. Also exchanged perspectives on Indo-Pacific and contemporary global developments," he wrote. Earlier during the meeting, Jaishankar welcomed Cho Hyun, describing it as a "very special privilege" to host an old friend in a new role. Congratulating him on his recent appointment, he remarked that the visit, coming "literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot about the value we attach to the relationship," while also extending greetings on Korea's National Liberation Day. Highlighting the importance of the occasion, Jaishankar said the visit marks the 10th anniversary of the Special Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea. He recalled being present with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he met President Lee Jae-myung in Kananaskis, Canada, a meeting that "had very strong bonding." India and South Korea have strengthened ties over the past decade, with collaboration ranging from trade and investment to security and technology. With Cho Hyun's first visit to New Delhi as foreign minister, both countries have signalled their intent to push the relationship into new areas of strategic technology and defence, while deepening their coordination on regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)
Former Diplomat Veena Sikri has expressed hope that the additional tariffs threatened by the United States on India may be put on hold, following a positive outcome from the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to ANI, Sikri suggested that the issue of tariffs on Russia's oil sales to China, India, and the EU may have been discussed by Trump with Putin. "From President Trump's side, I think there is some kind of discussion on this, definitely with President Putin, and it seems that an understanding has been reached that tariffs on Russia's oil sales to China, India, and even the EU do not need to be imposed. There might even be a possibility of trade between Russia and America. So, there is talk of that... President Putin talked about it, saying, 'Oh yes, we have good trade with the USA.' I think this issue of the additional tariff may not come up; maybe it will be put in abeyance for a while," she said. She added that prior to the summit, the situation appeared grim for India due to the looming threat of tariffs. "Before the summit in Alaska, President Trump and President Putin, one of Trump's senior ministers, the US Secretary for the Treasury, Mr. Bessant, had even said that, if the meeting doesn't go well, then we may further increase the tariffs on India. So then it was not looking good at all. But after the meeting, there are indications that, even the journalists have been asking President Trump, what about China? They're buying so much oil from Russia. So why aren't you telling them, putting tariffs on them? So President Trump replied that he's going to wait for a few weeks, and maybe it may not be necessary to put tariffs," she said. Trump, on Saturday, said that his meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska "went really well." He also held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, several European leaders and the Secretary General of NATO and highlighted that it was determined by all that a peace agreement is the best way going forward. (ANI)
Former Diplomat Veena Sikri on Saturday said that further progress on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict would require pressure from US President Donald Trump. Speaking to ANI, Sikri noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that Ukraine must not move towards NATO membership and that territories claimed by Russia will not be returned. "It will need some pressure from President Trump to force these countries to agree because before this, we know that on both the major conditionalities that are there with President Putin, which is that to be no movement towards Ukraine joining NATO or any association with NATO, number one. And number two, that the territorial areas, the Russian-speaking areas of Ukraine that President Putin has captured and has already included constitutionally in Russia, that he would like to hold on to these areas, whether all four or whether one or two, that is not yet clear," she said. Sikri added that now Trump would have to play the broker between Europe, Ukraine and Russia. "President Trump himself had more or less given an indication that complete territorial return would perhaps not be possible. So now I think again it is for President Trump to do this diplomacy between the European and Zelenskyy on one hand and President Putin on the other, but he seemed confident and he seemed to say that the next meeting may be quite quickly, quite soon," she said. Commenting on the recent meeting between Trump and Putin, she said that both leaders signalled that an understanding had been reached. "I think it was a good meeting, going by what they said themselves. And I think they don't want to raise any anticipation about the outcome. But President Trump did say that this is 10/10, so it was a good meeting. He is enthusiastic about the meeting. And President Putin also said very significantly that an understanding has been reached. So in my view, of course, we were all expecting that maybe ceasefire will be announced," she said. Sikri noted that Putin had stressed the need to address the core issues of the conflict to resolve it permanently. "But I think that President Putin has laid down the conditions that there is no point in having a ceasefire if the root causes are not addressed. Otherwise, again, hostilities will break out. Whatever understanding they have arrived at on the conditions for a ceasefire, although even President Putin described it as a nascent, a new, not very well-developed understanding," she said. She said that the issues raised in the meeting would be conveyed by Trump to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders. "This will now be discussed by President Trump with the European leaders and with President Zelenskyy. And already, even in the last few hours, I think President Trump has already had discussions with the European leaders and with President Zelenskyy. So they're going to get them to agree. When they agree, then it will be announced. And already when President Putin was speaking, he said that the European leaders should not destroy this understanding that has come about on how to find a solution. He also said that he is very sincere about the security of Ukraine and he wants a solution to end the hostilities with Ukraine," she said. Sikri added that Trump will have to exert pressure on Ukraine and Europe to ensure the implementation of the understandings reached. "But he said that whatever understanding has been reached should be allowed to progress and be implemented, and not be destroyed by behind-the-scenes action by the European leaders and Zelenskyy. So obviously, it seems that there is an understanding between President Trump and President Putin. But now this will have to be discussed with the Europeans, and I think President Trump is already doing this, and in the next few days, we should have some indication about whether this will be acceptable. I think President Trump will have to put a lot of pressure on that," she said. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], August 17 (ANI/WAM): Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has welcomed its largest cohort for its Fall 2025 intake, enrolling 403 new students. This includes its inaugural undergraduate class, new graduate cohorts in existing programmes in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Robotics, and the first intakes into the Master of Science in Statistics & Data Science and Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence. This semester received more than 8,000 applications across the university's Bachelor and graduate programmes, yielding an acceptance rate of 5 per cent, and reinforcing the university's prestigious position and ability to attract the best talent in the UAE and from around the world. Timothy Baldwin, MBZUAI Provost and Professor of Natural Language Processing, said, "This year, MBZUAI welcomes our largest cohort of graduate students alongside our inaugural undergraduate class. Artificial intelligence is transforming the world at a pace that vastly outstrips traditional education models. To realise its full global potential, MBZUAI invests heavily in reviewing and updating our programmes to reflect modern AI research methodology and workflows, based on our bleeding-edge AI research credentials and grounded in societal and industrial needs. As a young institution, MBZUAI has already earned a place among the world's top 10 AI universities based on our research credentials. With the introduction of our undergraduate and Master's in Applied AI programmes, we continue to build world-leading programmes aligned with the UAE's National Strategy for AI 2031 and supporting Abu Dhabi's rapidly growing AI ecosystem." The newly launched Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence programme offers two streams, AI for Business and AI for Engineering, combining technical rigor with leadership, hands-on entrepreneurship, and in-situ industry experience. The first class consists of 115 undergraduate students from more than 25 countries, over 25 per cent of whom are UAE Nationals. Professor Baldwin said, "The jobs of tomorrow are being shaped by AI today, and we must ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools and skills to navigate that shift. Our extraordinarily talented students don't just learn about AI, but learn with it, through it, and for it. This is an extraordinary value proposition across all our programmes, but especially for our undergraduate students, who will be studying towards a bachelor's degree in AI that I believe sets a new global benchmark in terms of technical depth, real-world relevance, and the high-end AI job-readiness of the students." The key highlights for the Fall 2025 intake include MBZUAI's total student body totalling more than 700, representing over 47 nationalities. Nationalities represented in the undergraduate programmes are Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the UAE and the UK. Postgraduate programmes bring together students from Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Serbia, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam. MBZUAI continues to attract exceptional students, with 151 of the incoming graduate students (27.5 per cent) holding degrees from the world's top 100 computer science universities (CSRankings), including Cornell University, Tsinghua University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of California, San Diego. In welcoming the new students, MBZUAI has begun its immersive Orientation Week, introducing new students to the university's culture of academic excellence, AI-driven innovation, and community engagement. The programme combines academic sessions, mentorship activities, and cultural programming celebrating UAE heritage and life in Abu Dhabi. Highlights include the Orientation Mini Fair, where internal and external partners showcase resources for academic success, career development, and student life. Orientation Week is designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and connection, laying the foundation for academic success and life-changing university experiences. (ANI/WAM)
Sharjah [UAE], August 17 (ANI/WAM): Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, had a meeting on Saturday with Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt at the ministry's office in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt. Sultan shared warm greetings from Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He expressed pride in the strong ties between the UAE, especially Sharjah, and Egypt. Sultan highlighted how their successful collaboration in education and research is helping to advance higher education in both countries, benefiting their people and communities. Deputy Ruler of Sharjah praised the work of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for its efforts in establishing a branch of the University of Sharjah in Cairo. He highlighted that the University of Sharjah is recognised as one of the top universities in the Arab world. The decision to open this branch in Egypt first was based on Egypt's strong reputation in education. Ashour warmly greeted Sultan bin Ahmed and highlighted the strong relationship between Egypt and the UAE. He shared Egypt's hope to deepen this connection by enhancing collaboration in education and research between the two countries. He emphasised how crucial it is to support collaboration in academics and research between educational institutions in Egypt and the UAE. He emphasised the need to enhance communication between the two nations to foster more opportunities for scientific collaboration. These efforts aim to meet the needs of both countries and help develop skills and knowledge in their people. The two sides talked about how to improve collaboration between the University of Sharjah and universities in Egypt. They explored ways to share knowledge and teachers, as well as ideas for creating joint programs that benefit students and meet the needs of the job market. They talked about creating opportunities for students to visit between the University of Sharjah and universities in Egypt. These visits would allow students to explore different educational programs and participate in various academic and cultural activities. This collaboration aims to enrich their learning and personal growth by providing diverse experiences. He and the minister discussed ways to collaborate more closely in scientific research. They suggested ideas like starting joint research projects and holding special conferences and workshops. These activities aim to promote new ideas and knowledge, addressing challenges facing society and science. The meeting was attended by Mansour Mohammed bin Nassar, legal advisor for Sharjah government and Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Sharjah; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; and Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, Advisor to the President of the University of Sharjah. From the Egyptian side, Abdul Wahab Ezzat, Secretary of the Private Universities Council; Mohamed Al Sharqawi, Assistant Minister for Policies and Economic Affairs; and Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. (ANI/WAM)
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected six Chinese aircraft and five Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Sunday. As per the MND, of the six aircraft, two crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1956883700312113623 Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan detected 21 Chinese aircraft and seven Chinese naval vessels. As per the MND, of the 21 sorties, 13 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "21 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 21 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1956521289222340792 Meanwhile, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Western nations to have "courage" to stand with Taiwan and "deepen" their economic partnership with the island nation as China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, Taipei Times reported. Speaking at the 9th Ketagalan Forum 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue in Taipei on Tuesday, Johnson emphasised the importance of backing Taiwan's democracy and innovation. Johnson stressed the need for peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, asking why Beijing feels compelled to conquer a nation that poses no threat, and reiterated that his mission in Taiwan is to affirm Western solidarity. "Why is it essential to conquer Taiwan... We are with you. We stand with you... As China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, I hope that we all -- the West, America, the UK and all Europeans -- will have the courage not to tiptoe away, not to be cowed by our desire to be deferential to Beijing, but to stand with Taiwan and deepen our economic partnership," the former UK PM stated, as quoted by Taipei Times. (ANI)
GHA Director General Kevin McGee to step down due to health reasons

The Director General of the Gibraltar Health Authority, Kevin McGee, has given notice of his intention to step down from his role for health reasons.

Mr McGee, who took up the post in October 2023, has led the GHA through a period of significant reform and progress. His tenure has seen strengthened clinical governance, improved operational efficiency, enhanced patient services, and advances in the GHAs sustainability agenda. He will remain in post until his departure and will ensure a full handover to his successor once appointed.

The recruitment process for a new Director General will be initiated in the usual way, with the vacancy to be advertised shortly.

GHA Director General Mr Kevin McGee said: As I move on, I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving as the GHA Director General. It has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am deeply thankful for the time I have spent in Gibraltar. I have had the pleasure of working alongside exceptional individuals and feel fortunate to have had the privilege to work with such dedicated professionals. I would like to thank the Minister, my close team and every member of Staff within the GHA for your support, encouragement and guidance. The GHA as with every health system in the world faces challenges, but we should be truly thankful for the quality of health service delivery within Gibraltar.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: Kevin has led the GHA through a great deal in a relatively short time and has been instrumental in bringing us closer to the NHS in key areas such as job advertising and the NHS supply chain. He has brought professionalism and a genuine focus on improving patient care to everything he has done and he has been a pleasure to work with. On behalf of the Government and the people of Gibraltar, I wish him the very best for his recovery and for the future.
Former diplomat Veena Sikri on Saturday condemned Pakistani government officials for "paying homage" to top terrorists during their Independence Day celebrations, calling it further proof of Islamabad's long-standing support for terror groups. Speaking to ANI, Sikri said that Pakistan is a "terror monger of terrorism" and India must be wary of it. "We have always said that Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism. It is a matter of great concern to India. And our Prime Minister has now declared the new normal that every act of terror will be considered an act of war. So this is a big warning to Pakistan that they should not indulge in terrorist acts by any of their own army, or their own army personnel, but in addition to that, they must not support terrorism perpetrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Zabat-ud-Dawa, or other organisations," she said. Sikri stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a "huge warning" to Pakistan against conducting terror activities. "So I think this is a very big warning from Prime Minister Modi to the terrorists of Pakistan. So I hope they will heed that warning. What they did on their own Independence Day on 14th August just proves the point. They have always been supporting terrorism. They have always been supporting terrorist groups, giving them money," she said. She further alleged that Pakistan is diverting International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds to rebuild infrastructure destroyed during Operation Sindoor. "They are now offered to build all their buildings which were destroyed during the Operation Sindoor with government money. So all the money going from the IMF is going for this purpose. It is terrible, and the world should take note of that," she said. On Friday, in his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor and saluted the role of the armed forces who targeted terror sites in Pakistan. The operation, he said, was an expression of India's outrage at the Pahalgam terrorists' attack in which "husbands were killed in front of their wives and fathers were killed in front of their children after asking their religion." "I am very proud that from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I am getting the opportunity to salute the heroes of Operation Sindoor. Our brave jawans punished the enemy beyond its imagination," PM Modi said. (ANI)
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has said the tariffs being imposed by the United States in the rapidly changing situation in global trade is not unexpected and that his country was able to sort out "the problem" and "make a win-win" through trade negotiations. In an interview with ANI, Cho Hyun said South Korea and the United States were able to strike a deal "that will again lead us to a win-win proposal". "This is something not unexpected given the rapidly changing situation in global trade. We were able to sort out a problem and make a win-win through these negotiations, and we were able to strike a deal that will again lead us to a win-win proposal," he said. He was answering a query on US tariffs.US President Donald Trump had announced last month that he has reached a trade agreement with South Korea, which includes a 15 per cent tariff on South Korean exports to the United States. Trump made the announcement on July 31 on his social media handle Truth Social. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President. Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes," Trump had said. "This sum will be announced within the next two weeks when the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, comes to the White House for a Bilateral Meeting. I would also like to congratulate the new President on his Electoral Success. It is also agreed that South Korea will be completely OPEN TO TRADE with the United States, and that they will accept American product including Cars and Trucks, Agriculture, etc. We have agreed to a Tariff for South Korea of 15%. America will not be charged a Tariff. I would like to thank the Trade Representatives who came forward today. It was an Honor to meet them, and talk about the Great Success of their Country!" he added. The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament earlier this month that the government is examining the impact of tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the national interest. Asked about the Alaska Summit meeting between the US President and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the South Korean Foreign Minister said it was too early to assess the outcome of the meeting but stressed that avoiding conflict was crucial. "It is too early to make any assessment of the meeting itself. We really hope that this will be the first step in the right direction. It is very important to avoid war and peace at any cost is better than war," he said. Cho Hyun said he had good meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday and recalled his tenure in Delhi as Ambassador from 2015 to 2017, stating that significant changes were made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and that "more good changes" have been made during the past ten years. Cho Hyun said it is great to be back in Delhi and when he landed in the city about 10 years ago, he was humbled by the depths of India's culture. "I feel great to be back in Delhi and ten years ago, I landed in Delhi and I was very much humbled by the depths of the culture and the largest of the subcontinent and the people. I was very proud to serve as the Korean Ambassador to India, during which time I recognised the significant changes made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership...Now I see even more good changes that have been made during the past ten years. So I'm very glad to be back here, meet my friends," Cho Hyun said. Cho Hyun recalled that when he served as Ambassador, he had meeting with S Jaishankar who served as Foreign Secretary from 2015-18. He said they discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Korean Foreign Minister arrived in the national capital on Friday. "It was a good meeting and I used to meet him when I was here and he was the Foreign Secretary. We discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance our bilateral relationship, addressing both the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges our countries face," Cho Hyun said. He also expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack and its fight against terrorism. "We are very stern and firm on this issue. We are strongly against any terrorist attack. We stand by the Indian government and the people of India," he said. In his opening remarks during meeting with the visiting South Korean leader, Jaishankar said "it's not very often that you have a chance to welcome an old friend as a new colleague". "So, it's a very special privilege to welcome you back to India. Please accept my congratulations on your appointment, you have been barely a month in the job, the fact that you are here literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot really about the value we attach to the relationship," Jaishankar said. "Let me also take the opportunity to extend our greetings to you for the National Liberation Day of Korea, and your visit, I think, in many ways, comes at a very important time - it is the 10th anniversary of our Special Strategic Partnership, and I had the privilege of being with the Prime Minister when he met your President in Kananaskis in Canada. It was, by the way, a very good meeting I must tell you, they had very strong bonding," he added. (ANI)
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who is on a visit to India, has called for deepening cultural relations between the two countries and said that young people in his country are fascinated by India's culture and that youth in India are also taking greater interest in different aspects of South Korean culture. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Cho Hyun said the two countries can do many more things in the future in the domain of culture including joint movie production. "We can do many more things in the future like joint movie making...And there are many other areas for cooperation. But more importantly, Korean young people are fascinated by the long history of Indian culture and vice versa is true," he said. India and Republic of Korea (RoK) relations have made great strides in recent years and are spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill and high level exchanges. Historical and cultural contacts between the two peoples date back to ancient times. According to "SamgukYusa" or "The Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms" written in the 13th century, a Princess from Ayodhya (Suriratna) came to Korea, married King Kim-Suro, and became Queen Hur Hwang-ok in the year 48 AD [wife of former President Lee Myung-bak (Mrs. Kim Yoon-ok), former President Kim Dae-jung, former President Kim Young-sam and former PM Kim Jong-pil, inter alia, trace their ancestry to the royal couple]. Korean Buddhist Monk Hyecho or Hong Jiao visited India from 723 to 729 AD. His travelogue 'Pilgrimage to the five kingdoms of India gives a vivid account of Indian culture, politics & society, including food habits, languages & climate. The enduring philosophy of the Buddha, which has influenced the lives and thoughts of the people of the two countries, also provides a strong link. Cho Hyun said he had good meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday and recalled his tenure in Delhi as Ambassador from 2015 to 2017, stating that significant changes were made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and that "more good changes" have been made during the past ten years. Cho Hyun said it is great to be back in Delhi and when he landed in the city about 10 years ago, he was humbled by the depths of India's culture. "I feel great to be back in Delhi and ten years ago, I landed in Delhi and I was very much humbled by the depths of the culture and the largest of the subcontinent and the people. I was very proud to serve as the Korean Ambassador to India, during which time I recognised the significant changes made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership...Now I see even more good changes that have been made during the past ten years. So I'm very glad to be back here, meet my friends," Cho Hyun said. Cho Hyun recalled that when he served as Ambassador, he had meeting with S Jaishankar who served as Foreign Secretary from 2015-18. He said they discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Korean Foreign Minister arrived in the national capital on Friday. "It was a good meeting and I used to meet him when I was here and he was the Foreign Secretary. We discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance our bilateral relationship, addressing both the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges our countries face," Cho Hyun said. In his opening remarks during meeting with the visiting South Korean leader, Jaishankar said "it's not very often that you have a chance to welcome an old friend as a new colleague". "So, it's a very special privilege to welcome you back to India. Please accept my congratulations on your appointment, you have been barely a month in the job, the fact that you are here literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot really about the value we attach to the relationship," Jaishankar said. "Let me also take the opportunity to extend our greetings to you for the National Liberation Day of Korea, and your visit, I think, in many ways, comes at a very important time - it is the 10th anniversary of our Special Strategic Partnership, and I had the privilege of being with the Prime Minister when he met your President in Kananaskis in Canada. It was, by the way, a very good meeting I must tell you, they had very strong bonding," he added. (ANI)
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack and on its fight against terrorism, saying his country stands by the Indian government and the people of India. In an interview with ANI, Cho Hyun said South Korea is firmly against terrorism. "We are very stern and firm on this issue. We are strongly against any terrorist attack. We stand by the Indian government and the people of India," Cho Hyun said. India had launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK and repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who had a bilateral meeting with Cho Hyun, expressed gratitude for South Korea's condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack and recalled that the parliamentary delegation from India that went to Seoul later "got very good meetings". "I want to express our gratitude for the RoK's condemnation of the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on 22nd of April, and the fact that when our Parliamentary delegation went to Seoul, I think they got very good meetings, you yourself made an effort to meet them - it is something which we appreciate," Jaishankar said. Answering queries, Cho Hyun said the tariffs being imposed by the United States in the rapidly changing situation in global trade is not unexpected and that his country was able to sort out the problem and "make a win-win" through trade negotiations. He said South Korea and the United States were able to strike a deal "that will again lead us to a win-win proposal". "This is something not unexpected given the rapidly changing situation in global trade. We were able to sort out a problem and make a win-win through these negotiations, and we were able to strike a deal that will again lead us to a win-win proposal," he said. US President Donald Trump had announced last month that he has reached a trade agreement with South Korea, which includes a 15 per cent tariff on South Korean exports to the United States.Trump made the announcement on July 31 on his social media handle Truth Social. "I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has agreed to a Full and Complete Trade Deal with the Republic of Korea. The Deal is that South Korea will give to the United States $350 Billion Dollars for Investments owned and controlled by the United States, and selected by myself, as President. Additionally, South Korea will purchase $100 Billion Dollars of LNG, or other Energy products and, further, South Korea has agreed to invest a large sum of money for their Investment purposes," Trump had said. "This sum will be announced within the next two weeks when the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, comes to the White House for a Bilateral Meeting. I would also like to congratulate the new President on his Electoral Success. It is also agreed that South Korea will be completely OPEN TO TRADE with the United States, and that they will accept American product including Cars and Trucks, Agriculture, etc. We have agreed to a Tariff for South Korea of 15%. America will not be charged a Tariff. I would like to thank the Trade Representatives who came forward today. It was an Honor to meet them, and talk about the Great Success of their Country!" he added. The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil. Asked about the Alaska Summit meeting between the US President and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the South Korean Foreign Minister said it was too early to assess the outcome of the meeting but stressed that avoiding conflict was crucial. "It is too early to make any assessment of the meeting itself. We really hope that this will be the first step in the right direction. It is very important to avoid war and peace at any cost is better than war," he said. Cho Hyun said he had good meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday and recalled his tenure in Delhi as Ambassador from 2015 to 2017, stating that significant changes were made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership and that "more good changes" have been made during the past ten years. Cho Hyun said it is great to be back in Delhi and when he landed in the city about 10 years ago, he was humbled by the depths of India's culture. "I feel great to be back in Delhi and ten years ago, I landed in Delhi and I was very much humbled by the depths of the culture and the largest of the subcontinent and the people. I was very proud to serve as the Korean Ambassador to India, during which time I recognised the significant changes made in India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership...Now I see even more good changes that have been made during the past ten years. So I'm very glad to be back here, meet my friends," Cho Hyun said. Cho Hyun recalled that when he served as Ambassador, he had meeting with S Jaishankar who served as Foreign Secretary from 2015-18. He said they discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Korean Foreign Minister arrived in the national capital on Friday. "It was a good meeting and I used to meet him when I was here and he was the Foreign Secretary. We discussed various issues and explored ways to enhance our bilateral relationship, addressing both the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges our countries face," Cho Hyun said. In his opening remarks during meeting with the visiting South Korean leader, Jaishankar said "it's not very often that you have a chance to welcome an old friend as a new colleague". "So, it's a very special privilege to welcome you back to India. Please accept my congratulations on your appointment, you have been barely a month in the job, the fact that you are here literally a day after your National Day, and our National Day, says a lot really about the value we attach to the relationship," Jaishankar said. "Let me also take the opportunity to extend our greetings to you for the National Liberation Day of Korea, and your visit, I think, in many ways, comes at a very important time - it is the 10th anniversary of our Special Strategic Partnership, and I had the privilege of being with the Prime Minister when he met your President in Kananaskis in Canada. It was, by the way, a very good meeting I must tell you, they had very strong bonding," he added. (ANI)
Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir has said that he holds no ambitions in the political landscape of his country and that he considers himself only a servant of the state, as per a report in a Pakistani media outlet Suhail Warraich, a columnist for the Jang media group, claimed in an article published on Saturday that the Pakistan army chief had spoken to him in person on the matter during a recent meeting in Brussels, Belgium en route after his visit to the United States. The columnist said that Munir was reported as saying on stage at a Brussels gathering that: "God has made me protector of the country. I do not desire any position other than that." "I am a soldier and my greatest desire is martyrdom," Munir said, as quoted by the Pakistan-based newspaper. This remark by Pakistan's Army Chief came during a time when there were persistent instances that showed that the Pakistani political system had faced military intervention, with Munir categorically rejecting such speculation. "The talk started with politics and especially on the rumours that work is being done to change the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. General Asim Munir clearly said in the Brussels meeting and in the two-hour-long meeting with me that the rumours about the change are completely false," the Saturday column by Warraich read. Munir also stated that such claims of a leadership change in Pakistan weren't made by either civil or military agencies but rather by elements that sought to destabilise the political order in the country. Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper cited the Jang media column to say Pakistani army chief had "warned" India against destabilising Pakistan's peace through the use of "proxies", and also cautioned Afghanistan against "pushing the Taliban into Pakistan", or it would be met with a response. "He said that we have shown kindness and favours to Afghans for years, but instead of repaying them, a conspiracy is being hatched against us in collaboration with India," Warraich said. The columnist stated that the Pakistani Army Chief has also laid out an "ambitious" roadmap aimed at transforming Pakistan, pointing towards an untapped potential in the mineral sector. "Pakistan has a rare earth treasure; with this treasure, Pakistan's debt will also be reduced, and Pakistan will soon be counted among the most prosperous societies," Munir stated in the interview with the Daily Jang. Munir specifically pointed to the Reko Diq mining project, predicting that from next year, the country would earn a net profit of at least two billion dollars annually from the project, with this figure increasing year by year. Munir was quoted as expressing confidence in maintaining equilibrium between the US and China. "We will not sacrifice one friend for the other," Munir said as quoted by the Daily Jung columnist. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he would be meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday for diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, just two days after the "historic" bilateral meeting between Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska. In a post on X on Saturday, Zelenskyy revealed that he and Trump had held a "long and substantive" call, beginning with one-on-one talks and later including European leaders in a broader discussion, where Trump briefed him on his recent meeting with Putin. Zelenskyy underscored that Washington has a vital role in efforts to end the conflict. "We had a long and substantive conversation with @POTUS. We started with one-on-one talks before inviting European leaders to join us. This call lasted for more than an hour and a half, including about an hour of our bilateral conversation with President Trump," the Ukrainian President said. "Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to work with maximum effort to achieve peace. President Trump informed about his meeting with the Russian leader and the main points of their discussion. It is important that America's strength has an impact on the development of the situation," he added. Zelenskyy also welcomed Trump's proposal for a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US and Russia, underlining Kyiv's commitment to peace and close coordination with international partners. "We support President Trump's proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the USA, and Russia. Ukraine emphasises that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this," the post read. "On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C., to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war. I am grateful for the invitation," it added. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to peace and said Kyiv remains ready to work with maximum effort to achieve a resolution, adding that European involvement would be critical in securing lasting and reliable security guarantees. "It is important that Europeans are involved at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America. We also discussed positive signals from the American side regarding participation in guaranteeing Ukraine's security. We continue to coordinate our positions with all partners. I thank everyone who is helping," the post concluded. Earlier, Trump also stated that the Ukrainian President will be coming to Washington on Monday, and if things work out then a meeting will be scheduled with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "President Zelenskyy will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of people's lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. Earlier on Friday, the US and Russia held the much-anticipated truce talks meeting in Alaska to discuss bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Russia's top economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said the US received Russia "very well" in Alaska and that the two countries would continue building relations despite "resistance." (ANI)
Misri met Prime Minister Oli at his office in Singha Durbar, according to a statement from the PM's secretariat. During the meeting, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, and other officials from Nepal's Foreign Ministry were present.

Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

The Foreign Secretary, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings throughout the day. These include meetings with Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and former Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India, scheduled for August 29. Discussions are expected to focus on setting the agenda for that visit.

During Misri's stay, the foreign secretaries of both countries will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbours, stating, "This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India's Neighbourhood First Policy."

The visit also lays the groundwork for a planned meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. (ANI)
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Khar has accused India of being a "belligerent" and "hegemonic" state while calling on the US to reassess its strategic approach to South Asia and stop viewing Pakistan solely through the prism of its relationship with New Delhi. Speaking to GZERO Media's Ian Bremmer on the recent escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations, Khar criticised India for setting "new norms" by conducting strikes on Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, noting that terrorism was "common" not just in South Asia but around the world. "India, a very large, what I call a belligerent country, decides that if there is a security lapse in their own territory or if something happens - terrorism is kind of common in South Asia - now the rest of the world also has the right to launch missile strikes into another country, which also happens to be a nuclear state, and not worry about the repercussions and claim to the world that we have set new norms," she said during an interview with Bremmer released on the media outlet's youtube channel on Saturday. Khar also expressed concern over Washington's strategic tilt towards India at the expense of its relationship with Pakistan, arguing that Islamabad should be recognised for its independent contributions. "I think the United States of America started viewing Pakistan exclusively from the Indian lens. ... I think there is a reality check in the United States of America about how Pakistan must not be viewed from the Indian lens, which is exceptionally belligerent towards Pakistan..." She also noted that Pakistan still holds "relevance" to the US. Khar also strongly defended Pakistan's ties with China, dismissing concerns raised in Western discourse and on broader Beijing-Islamabad cooperation. She criticised the current global narrative portraying China as a threat, stating that Pakistan continues to see China as a "force of stability" and a provider of economic development, especially in a region where traditional international lenders have scaled back infrastructure investment. "In the last 10 years, the world has started noticing Pakistan and China's strong strategic ties. Pakistan and China have had historical ties, which have been strategic in nature and very, very deep for many decades... Pakistan and China have had these relations, whereas at the same time, Pakistan has had very strong relations with the US all of this time throughout those decades, but the world wasn't noticing China as a competitor... Suddenly, where China is feeling and seeming like a threat to the world because of its emerging economic power, technological power, and perhaps military power, which is nowhere compared to the US, we view China in a very different way," she stated. "Within Pakistan and within the broader region, China has been a force of stability and a force of economics, so to be able to give the type of economic goods and infrastructure which were no longer available from the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank, China came in and wanted to do it in a really big way," she added. (ANI)
Moscow will host young theatre actors from BRICS+ countries as part of the InteRussia fellowship programme in the field of theatre arts, scheduled from August 25 to October 3, 2025. The initiative is organised by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund, in partnership with the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and the TV BRICS International Media Network, with support from the Presidential Grants Fund. Representatives from Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Cuba, Mauritania, Tunisia, and South Africa are set to participate. The programme is designed for specialists aged 21 to 35, including senior students of theatre and film schools, as well as young professional actors. "TV BRICS provides comprehensive support for major state and international projects aimed at strengthening humanitarian cooperation between the BRICS+ countries. Traditionally, we are the co-organiser and media partner of two InteRussia fellowship programmes: for theatre professionals and energy specialists. In 2025, TV BRICS informed more than 60 partner organisations in 15 countries. It is noteworthy that countries where our media campaign was active submitted the largest number of applications," said Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS. Over six weeks, participants will undergo training in acting, stage speech, and movement, along with lectures on Konstantin Stanislavsky's system. They will also explore Moscow's leading theatres, museums, and cultural centres. The programme will culminate in a staged performance of excerpts from AN Ostrovsky's play "The Storm". "A year ago, the fellowship united young actors from six countries through Stanislavsky's theatrical language. This year, we expanded the programme from four to six weeks to deepen the experience," said Grigory Zaslavsky, rector of GITIS. The fellowship, launched in 2021, seeks to strengthen cultural dialogue and professional collaboration among young talents from Russia and other countries. (ANI)
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) has released its biannual review on the human rights situation in the region, covering January to June 2025. According to the report, Balochistan witnessed a sharp escalation of state violence in the first half of the year. HRCB documented 814 cases of enforced disappearances, nearly equalling the total number recorded in all of 2024. The victims included students, activists, labourers, and ordinary civilians, who the report says were systematically targeted by security forces and state agencies. The review further stated that at least 131 people were killed without trial through custodial torture, staged encounters, and indiscriminate military operations. According to it, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a peaceful grassroots movement, was reportedly subjected to severe repression, with its leaders arrested, homes raided, protests violently dispersed, and smear campaigns launched to silence dissent. In June 2025, the provincial assembly passed a controversial amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act, granting sweeping powers to security agencies, including arrests without warrants, 90-day detention without trial, and the establishment of "de-radicalisation centres" that the report described as functioning like internment camps. The violence has also claimed the lives of minors. The report highlighted the case of 13-year-old protester Nehmat Baloch, who was shot dead during a police assault on a peaceful sit-in. Despite repeated calls from national and international human rights organisations, the state is accused of continuing to act with total impunity. The HRCB described this situation as part of a longstanding cycle of repression. Human rights violations in Balochistan intensified following Pakistan's 1999 military coup, with thousands reported missing and hundreds allegedly killed under the military's "kill and dump" policy. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (Hakkpaan) is a non-partisan human rights group based in Balochistan and Sweden. Due to restrictions on media and monitoring groups inside the province, HRCB relies on a network of local volunteers and supporters to collect firsthand information. The organisation compiles these reports and presents them to international human rights mechanisms, seeking accountability and global attention to the crisis. (ANI)
Relocation plans for Dr Giraldi service users discussed with families

 Refurbished facilities adjacent to Tangier Views

 Temporary location until Commonwealth Park facility built

 Individual consultation process to commence

HM Government of Gibraltar is pleased to confirm, following a proposal from the Care Agency, that the consultation phase is progressing to relocate service users currently residing on the first floor of the Dr Giraldi Home and some of the Satellite Flats to a refurbished facility adjacent to Tangier Views, as well as to Tangier Views itself.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, today held a meeting with families of service users to consult on the Care Agencys proposals and present the plans. Views were mixed, and the Minister emphasised that while the Governments permanent plan, as set out in its manifesto, is for a new facility at Commonwealth Park, this proposal is an interim solution. Once the Commonwealth Park facility is built, the refurbished Tangier Views building will be repurposed.

The refurbished building will be purpose-adapted to support adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, and will be directly connected to Tangier Views, enabling more efficient use of staff and shared resources. This includes an outdoor space, which was a key factor in selecting the site. This transition forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality and sustainability of residential provision within Learning Disability Services.

The reconfiguration will also enable St Bernadettes Resource Centre to expand into the vacated first floor of Dr Giraldi. A number of satellite flats released by Learning Disability Services as a result of the relocation will be returned to the Housing Department, while others will continue to support service users who require a more bespoke or independent living arrangement.

The Care Agency will now speak individually with the families of service users to listen to their views in detail, with the majority view ultimately determining the way forward.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: I want to thank all those who attended todays meeting and shared their views on these important proposals from the Care Agency. Over the past few years, we have seen significant growth in the demand for specialist residential support for adults with learning disabilities. This development responds directly to that need by creating purpose-adapted facilities that will better support individuals with complex needs. By reconfiguring and making best use of existing government buildings, we are not only enhancing the quality of care but also creating a more sustainable and efficient model of service delivery. This proposal ensures that our residential services can meet the needs of today while building capacity for the future.
Farmers in Balochistan have slammed the provincial government for failing to release promised funds for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells in Nasirabad Division, the province's only green belt, Dawn reported. At a press conference on Saturday, Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KIP) Chairman Khalid Hussain Bathh said that the disconnection of electricity supply has rendered tube wells non-functional, leaving crops to dry up and farmers to suffer heavy financial losses. He noted that despite pledges, the approved amount for solarisation has not been released, Dawn noted. Dawn quoted Khalid as saying that before any payments were made, electricity connections were cut and supply was shifted from three-phase to two-phase. As a result, tube wells remain idle, and with no water reaching the Rabi Canal, agriculture, livestock, and surrounding communities are suffering acute distress. The KIP chairman added that the shortage of irrigation water has already destroyed crops, while drinking water is also becoming scarce. Farmers had cultivated fields on the assurance of the provincial irrigation minister, but the shortage of water meant their seeds were wasted, according to Dawn. He also criticised the government for failing to launch any developmental initiatives such as skill development centres, agricultural workshops, or programmes for women farmers who work alongside men in the fields. Khalid urged authorities to introduce a solar energy scheme for farmers in the Rabi Canal, Nari, and Bolan areas, where irrigation currently depends on expensive diesel generators, Dawn reported. In June, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) issued a stark warning about a deepening agricultural crisis that has plagued the country since May 2024, causing unprecedented financial losses for farmers and triggering a sharp decline in Pakistan's vital agricultural sector, Dawn reported. "The agricultural sector, the backbone of our economy, is teetering on the brink," Dawn quoted PKI President Khalid Mahmood Khokhar as saying. According to Dawn, the PKI recommended abolishing any further tax burden on the sector, stressing that it cannot absorb additional levies such as General Sales Tax (GST) or Federal Excise Duty (FED). The farmers' body also urged the government to immediately announce support or indicative prices for all crops to prevent the exploitation of farmers. It further demanded the establishment of a robust, efficient, and transparent commodity pricing mechanism to stabilise the agricultural market and safeguard farmers' livelihoods, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], August 17 (ANI/TPS): The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) attacked energy infrastructure used by the Houthi terrorist regime, approximately 2,000 kilometres from Israel and deep inside Yemen. The attacks, explained the IDF, were carried out in light of repeated attacks by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel and its citizens, including launches of surface-to-surface missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles towards state territory. "The Houthi terrorist regime operates under the direction of the Iranian regime in order to harm the State of Israel and its allies," said the IDF. "The terrorist regime exploits the maritime space for the exercise of force and terrorist activity against transit and trade in the global shipping area." (ANI/TPS)
Lawyers in the Diamer district of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have sharply criticised the government for failing to address their longstanding demands, as their strike enters its tenth consecutive month. The prolonged protest has severely disrupted judicial proceedings and further deepened the region's legal and governance crisis. A member of the Diamer Bar Association stated that the strike, which began in November 2024, is rooted in public grievances, not merely professional interests. He said, "Our lawyers have been on strike since November 2024, and this marks the 10th month of the strike. The appeal that was raised was interpreted as the lawyers' appeal, even though it was actually a public appeal. Our first demand was the appointment of judges in the Supreme Appellate Court. Similarly, our second demand was the implementation of the Land Reform Act, followed by the appointment of judges in the Chief Court, and finally, the separation of the AG and PG offices." The lawyers have also accused the government of indifference, claiming that even their professional concerns were long overdue. One such demand, they highlighted, stems from a 2011 ruling of the Supreme Appellate Court, which ordered the allotment of one acre of land to each lawyer. Despite the court's directive, the government has neither implemented the decision nor responded positively to the Bar's repeated appeals. Frustration has mounted as political and religious leaders, along with other stakeholders, have refrained from supporting the legal fraternity. Lawyers have now vowed to continue their strike in silence, with a phased protest strategy. The lawyers revealed that for three days, strikes will be observed locally, after which demonstrations will be staged in front of the Chief Minister's office until their demands are met. Adding to the discontent, the protesters have raised concerns over the lack of specialised courts in the region. They argue that, unlike Pakistan, which has dedicated labour, consumer, family, and rent courts, all cases in Gilgit-Baltistan are handled by a single civil judge, who may be tasked with hearing 100 to 150 cases in a single morning. Lawyers warn that this denial of fair justice is pushing PoGB into a deepening judicial crisis. (ANI)
Opposition is mounting against China's controversial plans to build a so-called "mega-embassy" at the historic Royal Mint Court site in central London, with campaigners warning that it will be used to "monitor and harass" those against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including members of the Tibetan community in Britain. In a series of posts on X, London-based group Free Tibet revealed that while the UK government had previously appeared ready to approve the embassy, fresh questions are now being raised over its scale, secrecy, and implications for residents. One of its posts stated that protests under the banner "No Mega-Embassy" have brought parts of London to a standstill, with demonstrators spilling onto major junctions and blocking traffic for hours. Those opposed to the project include Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Mongolians, Taiwanese, and Chinese dissidents, alongside Tower Hamlets residents, local councillors, MPs, and members of the law enforcement community. "China's proposed 'mega-embassy' in London is more than an oversized diplomatic building; it is a multi-dimensional threat," Free Tibet said in one of its posts. "With key details of its plans redacted, there is a real risk that the site will be used to monitor and harass those who speak out against the CCP, including members of the Tibetan community in Britain", the post said. Free Tibet argued that the mega embassy would significantly expand Beijing's capacity for surveillance, intimidation, and repression on British soil. Since 2019, Tibetan activists working closely with allied groups have been "front and centre in the fight against the CCP's expansion into the very heart of London," the organisation added. Free Tibet called for a "big push" protest against the project, urging communities to gather in London to prevent what it described as a dangerous foothold for the Chinese Communist Party. China occupied Tibet in 1950, sparking decades of resistance. Tibetans face repression of religion, culture, and speech, while Beijing tightens control. Exiled Tibetans worldwide continue demanding freedom, rights, and self-determination. (ANI)
Rampant tree-cutting in the riverbed areas of Dadu district in Pakistan's Sindh has triggered public protests, The Express Tribune reported. On Saturday, citizens gathered on the Dadu-Johi road to raise their voices against the unauthorised logging, with lawyers, journalists, political activists, and NGO workers joining the demonstration, according to The Express Tribune. The newspaper quoted Advocate Muhammad Yaqoob Rustamani as saying that widespread, unauthorised logging is underway in Kaacho. "The mafia is fearlessly chopping wood for monetary gains while government officials are silently spectating," he told The Express Tribune. Protesters further alleged that more than 100 trees had been felled and transported through city roads to different destinations. As per The Express Tribune, poet Khalil Soomro and other participants accused the police of turning a blind eye to vehicles carrying timber out of the district. The protesters demanded that the Sindh government not only stop the illegal activity but also take strict action against those involved. Illegal tree destruction is a significant environmental and socio-economic issue in Pakistan, contributing to widespread deforestation and environmental degradation. According to The Express Tribune, until 1980, Karachi's coastline was covered with dense mangrove forests consisting of eight species. Over the last four decades, however, federal and provincial authorities have allowed two to three kilometres of this coastal land to be occupied for luxury residential and commercial developments, even though mangroves are protected under both national and international laws. The Express Tribune further reported that, based on a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) study, satellite images reveal extensive mangrove destruction along the city's coastal belt. Between 2010 and 2022, around 200 hectares of mangroves were lost due to illegal logging by mafias and land being cleared for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The trees, reaching up to 30 feet in height with trunks measuring two to six inches in diameter, were cut in a systematic yet discreet manner, often intermittently rather than in serial order. The newspaper also highlighted that local communities contributed to the loss by cutting trees for firewood, a situation exacerbated by insufficient monitoring and a lack of accountability from law enforcement agencies. These activities have left Karachi's coastal areas increasingly vulnerable to the severe consequences of natural disasters, The Express Tribune noted. (ANI)
Several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump on Monday, as reported by the CNN. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed that, on Zelenskyy's request, she will join the meeting with Trump and other European leaders. In a social media post on X, the European Commission President wrote, "This afternoon, I will welcome @ZelenskyyUa in Brussels. Together, we will participate in the Coalition of Willing VTC. At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1957015978383999422 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also confirmed his visit in a post on X, stating that the leaders will exchange views on the status of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial issues, and further support for Ukraine. "Tomorrow I will travel with President @ZelenskyyUa and other European heads of state and government to Washington. We will exchange views with US President Trump on the status of peace efforts, security guarantees, territorial issues, and further support for Ukraine," Friedrich Merz posted on X. https://x.com/bundeskanzler/status/1957028968416084054?t=WcJ6nOWR2KiP1GKW9HMuDw&s=08 Finland President Alexander Stubb will also participate in a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart. In a social media post on X, the office of the Finland President wrote, "President of the Republic of Finland @AlexStubb will participate in a meeting on peace in Ukraine on Monday 18 August 2025 in Washington D.C., United States." https://x.com/TPKanslia/status/1957021152754241688 This comes after the "historic" bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska on Friday. The US and Russia, during the much-anticipated truce talks, discussed ending the conflict in Ukraine. Russia's top economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said the US received Russia "very well" in Alaska and that the two countries would continue building relations despite "resistance". Earlier on Saturday, European leaders expressed support for US President Donald Trump's proposal for a "trilateral summit" involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine as a next step in ongoing efforts to halt the conflict in Europe that is currently in its fourth year. In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and European Council President Antonio Costa in an effort for lasting peace, backed Trump's initiative following his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. (ANI)
The Khaama Press, citing the US-based New Lines newspaper, reported that more than half of the country's population (around 23 million) needs assistance to access food, clean water, or basic healthcare.

The withdrawal of foreign aid and international relief agencies has plunged Afghanistan's healthcare system into a severe crisis, leaving millions without reliable access to medical treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 425 health facilities have been shut down, compelling patients to travel for hours to reach the nearest functioning hospital or clinic, Khaama Press reported.

Despite the end of large-scale fighting, hospitals are in a state of emergency. Doctors in Afghanistan are now treating injuries from domestic violence, stabbings, and road accidents, as well as medical complications arising from the lack of primary healthcare, as per Khaama Press.

Health experts have cautioned that a swift resurgence of international funding and supplies is crucial to prevent Afghanistan's health system from collapsing entirely, which would result in a significant surge in preventable deaths.

Aid organisations are calling for immediate action from the global community, warning that Afghanistan's health crisis is as dire as it was during the war, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)
The investigation began on August 13, 2025, when authorities received a report that a scooter-riding suspect had stolen a bag containing over NIS 30,000 (more than $8,800) from a Holon resident. "Holon police officers immediately began investigating the case and quickly identified the suspect," a police spokesperson said.

Police and Border Patrol officers went to the suspect's Jaffa apartment last weekend. When they tried to enter, the man attempted to flee to the roof. Officers pursued him and arrested him after he entered a neighbor's apartment.

During the arrest, authorities seized a suitcase containing more than NIS 960,000 in cash (nearly $284,00), $30,000 in U.S. currency, and approximately EUR3,000. Officers also found jewelry valued at roughly NIS 200,000 ($59,000), suspected to be stolen.

The money is thought to have been stolen from the area of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. (ANI/TPS)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], August 17 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and conveyed its sincere condolences over the victims of a passenger bus crash in the capital, Algiers, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed the UAE's sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and the brotherly Algerian people, along with its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. (ANI/WAM)
Sharjah [UAE], August 17 (ANI/WAM): In the lead-up to the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), scheduled to take place on September 10-11 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme "Communication for Quality of Life", the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced the launch of the "Global PR Challenge - Sharjah Edition." Held for the first time, the challenge will bring together 20 local and international students, divided into ten teams, to compete for the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA). The winning team will receive a financial prize as well as the opportunity to implement its idea. The pre-forum programme for IGCF's 14th edition features a range of competitions designed to inspire creativity and innovation. Alongside the Global PR Challenge, organised in partnership with the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the American University of Sharjah (AUS), the programme also includes the University Challenge, run in partnership with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU); and the AI Skills Challenge, organised with Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Science & Technology. Teams competing in the 'Global PR Challenge' will be tasked with developing innovative communication solutions inspired by the Your Sharjah campaign. The challenge aims to nurture emerging talent, connect students with global industry experts, and provide a platform for the exchange of creative ideas in government communication and modern media. It also strengthens Sharjah's reputation as a regional hub for media innovation. Participants will propose sustainable communication strategies addressing social, environmental, economic, and educational issues, all within a competitive and stimulating environment overseen by a jury of leading experts. The top three teams will present their campaigns live at IGCF, with the winners honoured at the SGCA ceremony on September 11. Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Science & Technology will host the AI Skills Challenge, designed for youth aged 10 to 16. Around 45 participants will work on smart solutions for contemporary challenges in food security, sustainability, and quality of life. The programme is structured around four stages--learning, ideation, implementation, and presentation--using interactive educational technologies. Participants will gain practical exposure to artificial intelligence, design thinking, and innovative problem-solving, guided by 12 experts specialising in agriculture, AI tools, programming, robotics, 3D printing, and AI modelling, in addition to technical soft skills and mentorship. The fourth edition of the University Challenge, held in partnership with UAEU, will feature 12 university teams from within the UAE and abroad. This year's theme focuses on "The Importance of Food Security in Achieving Community Sustainability." The initiative enables students to bridge technology with cultural identity, translating their ideas into communication messages and policy recommendations that enhance societal stability and public awareness. A panel of subject-matter experts will select the top three submissions, with the winning teams will also be honoured during the SGCA ceremony. As one of the region's most prominent platforms for dialogue, IGCF brings together decision-makers, experts, academics, and youth to exchange insights and explore best practices in communication. The forum underscores Sharjah's role as a global destination for knowledge and innovation while fostering constructive dialogue that addresses pressing developmental and societal challenges. (ANI/WAM)
Tirana [Albania], August 17 (ANI/WAM): The UAE rescue team is continuing its efforts to extinguish wildfires in several areas of the Republic of Albania, in coordination with the relevant authorities. This comes as part of the UAE's ongoing support for international humanitarian missions and its commitment to strengthening rapid response to natural disasters worldwide, reflecting its deeply rooted humanitarian approach based on solidarity and international cooperation. The team has intensified its field operations, carried out under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, using the latest equipment to ensure the fires are brought under control and to prevent their recurrence. The UAE began its firefighting operations last Tuesday with the arrival of joint aircraft and a specialised team on Monday. The team has conducted dozens of aerial sorties over the past days, deploying thousands of kilograms of water. The wildfires began on 5 August 2025, spreading due to extreme heatwaves, prolonged drought, and strong winds. (ANI/WAM)
Ninety paintings created by Tibetan children from across the world are on display at three different restaurants in McLeodganj, the North Indian hill town in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala. The exhibition, titled "Dear Kundun" - Tibetan Children's Art Exhibition, was inaugurated on Sunday by the Tibet Fund and Khadhok, a Tibetan Artists' organisation. The event features artworks and heartfelt messages in tribute to the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. This exhibition is part of the organiser's ongoing Youth Art Engagement Initiative, encouraging children, in particular young Tibetans, to reflect, create and share their stories through art. The selected works are deeply personal responses to a simple, yet powerful question: "What does His Holiness mean to you?" Through their paintings, these young artists express gratitude, hope and the quiet resilience of a generation in exile. Tashi Nyima, an organiser and Tibetan visual artist, told ANI, "The occasion is specially for the kids, and the theme of this exhibition is 'Dear Kundun (Dalai Lama). '" Basically, this is for His Holiness the Dalai Lama." He added, "The Tibetan kids from across the globe have shown their love for the Dalai Lama. We have selected three cafes in McLeod Ganj, each featuring 30 artworks. In this Juniper cafe, we are doing the opening today. We have placed 30 paintings, created by kids who are with us, in celebration of His Holiness's 90th birthday. We wanted to do something special. We knew that from the younger generation, especially from the kids, we would get the genuine and honest messages." Nyima further explained the choice of venue, saying, "We have placed the paintings in the restaurants to engage more and more people and communities instead of keeping it in some high or exclusive places. We decided to place it here, where a variety of people, including tourists, visit, and they can discuss the Dalai Lama while having tea or coffee, and many of them will certainly come to know about Tibetans and the messages of the Dalai Lama. Every artwork is for sale, and the amount will directly go to the kids' account who have made it." Liya, a German volunteer, told ANI, "The whole idea behind this is to highlight the relationship between the Tibetan children and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, so we made this worldwide, global art call and asked the kids, What does His Holiness mean to you and all of them sent their artworks and messages. We selected 90 artworks for the 90th birthday of His Holiness." Tenzin Paldon, a Tibetan artist, told ANI, "This is my painting right behind me. This painting depicts the Dalai Lama, with students, another monk, and a woman visible behind him. I've tried to convey that the students are enjoying themselves because His Holiness has given us the opportunity to attend school and lead a normal life. We are not able to live in our own country. Then there is an old woman, who symbolises hope. Even the elderly in India are hopeful of returning to Tibet and seeing their homeland again. The girl behind the woman is a senior student, symbolising opportunity, and then there is another monk. As we know, the Chinese have invaded our country, and most of the monks are not able to practice their religion, whereas in India, with the help of the government of India and the grace of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, all Tibetans, including monks, are able to perform their religious practices." (ANI)
Several European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. As per CNN, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Finland are expected to attend the meeting. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also be part of the delegation. The lysee Palace said French President Emmanuel Macron will "continue the work of coordination between Europeans and the United States with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace that preserves Ukraine's vital interests and the security of Europe," CNN reported. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's office said he will discuss the status of the peace efforts in Ukraine with the other attendees and highlight Germany's interest in a rapid peace agreement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Zelenskyy's "desire for a just and lasting peace" and said he would also travel to Washington for the meeting. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed to allow US security guarantees for Ukraine and made concessions on "land swaps" as part of a potential peace deal during his summit with Trump, according to Trump's top envoy Steve Witkoff, as reported by CNN. Russia, however, has yet to mention such agreements, which appear to contradict Putin's past statements. The White House meeting will be divided into two sessions, people familiar with the planning told CNN. Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to meet individually with their delegations first, before joining a larger group session and potentially a lunch with the visiting European leaders. Talks are expected to focus on Russia's demands on land concessions and the contours of security guarantees for Ukraine, including the role of the US. Witkoff told CNN that he believes Trump is close to securing a three-way meeting with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. (ANI)
Moroccan and foreign researchers have unearthed, near Moroccos Boulemane province, in the Middle Atlas Mountains, three fossilized teeth of giant dinosaurs dating to the Bathonian era (Middle Jurassic, around 168-166 million years ago), the scientific journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica reported in a study published on August 7. The plant-eating dinosaurs are called Turiasaurians.

The study notes that these teeth come from the El Mers III Formation, on the Boulahfa plain near Boulemane, which is considered a world-class reference site for the study of Middle Jurassic faunas, contributing to a better understanding of dinosaur evolution during this period.

The study identifies these remains as the oldest confirmed evidence of Turiasauria on the African continent and the first certain fossils of this group in Morocco.

The place where the teeth were found has many rare fossils. Among them are the oldest armored dinosaur ankylosaur ever found in the world and the oldest known true bird. Recently, heavy floods in the area exposed many fossils, helping scientists find them easily.

This discovery supports the idea that Turiasaurians lived across many continents during the Middle Jurassic. It also shows that Morocco was an important place for giant dinosaurs to live and evolve.

Turiasauria are large herbivorous dinosaurs, closely related to the classic sauropods. They are notably recognizable by their broad, flat teeth, with crowns shaped like a heart. The Moroccan specimens share these features while differing from European species such as Turiasaurus riodevensis. The authors cautiously classify them as indeterminate Turiasauria, due to the lack of elements allowing classification at the genus level.

The authors note that sudden floods regularly expose and re-cover the fossil-bearing layers of the site, where the teeth were collected on the surface before other nearby bones were once again buried under several meters of sediment. The deposit, nicknamed Big Flood Quarry, is located in the green-colored part of the succession, characteristic of the El Mers III Formation.

The same geological unit has yielded major discoveries: the oldest known ankylosaur and the first from Africa (Spicomellus afer), two early stegosaurs (Adratiklit boulahfa and Thyreosaurus atlasicus), as well as the oldest documented ornithischian cerapod. This set of finds makes the Middle Atlas a key area for understanding the rise of major dinosaur groups.

The study emphasizes that these teeth extend the known geographical range of Turiasauria in the Middle Jurassic, alongside records from Madagascar and Tanzania, and older evidence in Northern Europe.

It confirms that this family, first described in Iberia, already had an intercontinental distribution between the ancient continents of Laurasia and Gondwana, placing Morocco at the heart of the great migrations of these prehistoric giants.
Kenya has developed a strong renewable energy sector in recent years, as it aimed to diversify its energy mix beyond fossil fuels to boost its energy security. The launch of a national energy plan and the launch of a wide variety of renewable energy projects are expected to help achieve the countrys renewable energy aims, as the East African country also develops its oil production capacity.

Kenya began exporting crude oil in small quantities in 2019 and hopes to start commercial crude exports in 2026, following several development delays. The U.K. oil and gas firm Tullow Oil was unable to secure investors for the South Lokichar oilfield in the East African country after Frances TotalEnergies and London-listed Africa Oil withdrew from the project two years ago. This left Tullow on its own to find the financing needed to develop a pipeline to transport crude out of the landlocked northern region.

Tullow signed a terms agreement with Gulf Energy Ltd to sell all its working interests in Kenya for at least $120 million earlier this year and is expected to commence crude exports next year. The South Lokichar project is expected to produce between 60,000 and 100,000 bpd of crude, with an estimated 560 million barrels recoverable over 25 years. The Kenyan government also plans to launch an oil and gas exploration round for 10 blocks in September.

However, with the countrys oil industry in the nascent stage of development, Kenya is looking to continue developing its other energy sources to ensure its energy security. In 2018, Kenya set the goal of being 100 percent powered by renewable energy by 2020, a deadline that was later changed to 2030.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Kenya is on track to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, supported by wider electrification, using clean energy sources. Electricity access increased from 37 percent in 2013 to 79 percent in 2023, with urban areas having achieved full access. This was driven by the governments 2015 Last Mile Connectivity Project. Kenya is expected to connect a further 280,000 households countrywide by the end of the year.

The rapid advancement in access, particularly in rural areas of the country, has been supported by the development of off-grid solar power projects. Solar adoption has been widespread, with Kenya contributing almost three-quarters of all solar home system sales in East Africa in 2023, according to an IEA report from April. It is estimated that one in five Kenyan households now uses solar-powered mini-grids or standalone systems.

The IEAs Deputy Executive Director, Mary Burce Warlick, stated, Kenya is showing how the strategic deployment of clean energy technologies and electrification in end-use sectors can significantly improve the lives of millions of the most vulnerable people in the world.

The Kenyan government recently launched a National Energy Policy, with input from the IEA and other stakeholders. The Draft National Energy Policy (NEP) 2025-2034 incorporates recommendations from the IEA Energy Policy Review. Renewable energy sources, including geothermal, hydro, wind and solar sources, account for almost 90% of power generation, compared to 50 percent in 2000. Kenya is also home to the Lake Turkana Wind Project, the largest wind farm on the African continent. Meanwhile, geothermal energy contributes around one-third of Kenyas electricity generation capacity.

However, one challenge that must be overcome to transition to green is the ongoing burning of polluting fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene by millions of households, mainly in rural areas. The government aims to reduce this tendency through the rollout of its Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy, which aims to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2028.

Kenya also plans to modernise and expand its electricity grid, following the introduction of new regulations in 2024 to open transmission and distribution networks to private investment, to encourage competition, reduce costs and improve efficiency. In 2023, roughly 23 percent of power was lost in Kenyas transmission network due to technical issues, theft, and billing problems. The introduction of smart grids and better management systems is expected to reduce these losses moving forward.

In March, Kenya launched a tender for 80 MW of solar power across two 40 MW projects in the south of the country. This follows the announcement by the French Development Agency in August 2024 that it planned to fund a 42.5 MW solar plant around 100 km northeast of Kenya's capital, Nairobi. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Kenya had 358 MW of solar power by the end of 2023.

Meanwhile, in July, commercial banks, including the British International Investment, Norways Norfund, and the Dutch development bank FMO, bought into a $156 million financing deal for off-grid solar power in Kenya, investing in Sun King operations. This is expected to contribute to the sale of around 1.4 million solar home systems in rural areas across the country. What makes this work is that we collect small, steady and predictable payments from millions of customers, said Sun Kings co-founder Anish Thakkar.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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The launch of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) project, Angola's first non-associated gas development, is anticipated to be a crucial test for gas monetization in the country.

A recent major natural gas discovery offshore Angola by Azule Energy, a joint venture of BP and Eni, suggests significant untapped gas resources that could boost LNG exports and state revenues.

Angola is increasingly focusing on natural gas development and exports as its oil production is expected to decline despite recent new oil project startups.

Angola is betting big on natural gas developments as a short-term increase in oil production is not expected to last despite the West African country leaving OPEC over capped production.

Companies operating in Angola have recently started up two oil projects, but they have also begun to target non-associated offshore gas plays, hoping that a massive gas resource could be waiting to be tapped.

Despite the recent oil project startups, Angolas oil production is expected to drop to about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2027, from over 1.1 million bpd now, officials at the national oil and gas agency ANPG have told Reuters.

At the same time, natural gas output is set to jump by 2030, per ANPG estimates.

Increased gas output will raise Angolas LNG exports as developers offshore Africa bet big on natural gas to export to Europe and Asia.

A recent large gas discovery year could be one of many gas plays that could underpin a jump in LNG exports and state revenues from gas.

Last month, Azule Energy, a joint venture of international majors BP and Eni, discovered a major natural gas reservoir offshore Angola in the first gas-targeting exploration well in the oil-producing country.

Initial assessments suggest gas volumes in place could exceed 1 trillion cubic feet, with up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate, Azule Energy said, adding that these results confirm the presence of a working hydrocarbon system and open new exploration opportunities in the area.

Azule Energy CEO, Adriano Mongini, commented:

This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. Gajajeira-01 is the countrys first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin.

More recently, Mongini told Reuters that Given that Angola has a couple of prolific basins, I can imagine that we will be able to find much more reserves of gas.

BPs EVP production & operations, Gordon Birrell, highlighted the Angola discovery and its potential on the Q2 earnings call.

Under the Azule brand, we had a discovery in Gajajeira in block 1/14, pretty close to shore, very developable. So West Africa remains an exciting area for us in terms of exploration, Birrell told analysts.

The exciting gas discovery comes as Angola struggles to materially boost oil production even after exiting OPEC in January 2024, following a spat with the OPEC and OPEC+ members about production quotas.

Angolas oil production peaked in 2008 at about 2 million bpd. Output has declined in recent years, due to underinvestment in offshore resources due to higher development costs, which have prompted many companies to overlook the African oil producer as an investment destination.

Azule Energy and TotalEnergies started up new oil projects last month, but these may not be enough to offset a decline in maturing fields.

Azule Energy announced at the end of July the successful startup and first oil production from the Agogo FPSO. Combined, the Agogo and the Ndungu fields have estimated reserves of about 450 million barrels, with projected peak production of 175,000 barrels per day, produced via two FPSOs (Agogo and Ngoma).

Also at the end of July, TotalEnergies launched oil production from the BEGONIA and CLOV Phase 3 offshore projects via subsea tiebacks to FPSOs to add a total of 60,000 barrels a day of new production.

Still, Angolas oil revenues have dropped this year due to falling oil prices. Revenues from oil declined by 4% from the first quarter to $5.6 billion in the second quarter, according to government data. LNG and gas exports meanwhile, earned $755 million in the second quarter.

Now the BP-Eni Azule venture is close to launching first gas from the New Gas Consortium (NGC) project after completing early this year the Quiluma and Maboqueiro offshore platforms in a significant step forward in Angolas first non-associated gas development.

The NGC project is a joint venture between Azule Energy, Sonangol E&P, Chevron, and TotalEnergies.

Development of (NGC's) Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, due to launch around end-2025, is the real litmus test for gas monetisation in Angola, Jimmy Boulter, an analyst at Enverus, told Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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By Oregon State Representative E. Werner Reschke,

2025

2025 has not been kind to Oregon. The public policies of the past 20 years have finally come home to roost for Oregonians and their businesses. That translates into fewer good paying jobs and opportunities. It means state and local governments run into budget shortfalls. Add to those problems Oregons affordability crisis and its a recipe for economic failure. If things continue, 2025 will be characterized as Oregons year tipping point towards decline and disinvestment.

For the past two decades Democrats have dominated the public policy space  from the legislature, to the Governors office, to the courts. Democrat leaders have been resolute to enact policies making Oregon a less and less friendly place to start, expand or relocate a business. Higher and higher taxes coupled with burdensome labor and environmental regulations have forced many people and businesses to load the U-Haul and look for greener pastures elsewhere.

Moving Out

Those who live in the Klamath basin are far too familiar what losing a headquarters means to a local economy. About 10 years ago Jeld-Wen moved its corporate headquarters from Klamath Falls to Charolette. The local economy has yet to fully recover from that loss. Sadly this year, two more iconic, Oregon-grown business have announced the relocation of their headquarters.

Tektronix: The electronics testing equipment giant, once Oregons largest employer, is moving its headquarters to North Carolina. This reflects broader challenges in Oregons business environment, including taxes and workforce issues.

Dutch Bros: The coffee chain, founded in Grants Pass, Oregon, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Phoenix, Arizona, to support growth and consolidate its expanding team.

Laying Off

But the news only gets worse. Other major businesses have announced layoffs or are closing their operations in Oregon.

Intel said earlier this year it was cutting 529 job cuts across its Oregon sites. Then later in July revised that figure so the total layoffs rose dramatically to 2,392 jobs across four Washington County campuses.

said earlier this year it was cutting 529 job cuts across its Oregon sites. Then later in July revised that figure so the total layoffs rose dramatically to across four Washington County campuses. Wells Fargo announced it is laying off 500 employees in Hillsboro and 221 in Salem, tied to the closure of two non-customer-facing facilities between October and December 2025

announced it is laying off in Hillsboro and in Salem, tied to the closure of two non-customer-facing facilities between NIKE announced it will be laying off 740 workers at its Beaverton Headquarters.

announced it will be laying off 740 workers at its Beaverton Headquarters. Owens Corning will be closing its Prineville facility, laying off 184 workers by November 30, 2025.

will be closing its Prineville facility, laying off 184 workers by November 30, 2025. Jeld-Wen is closing its door and window manufacturing factory in Klamath County, laying off 128 employees by the end of 2025.

Missed Opportunities

While there has been much debate over Trumps tariff policy to leverage better trade deals for the U.S., what cannot be refuted is the fury of significant commitments by multi-national businesses to bring back manufacturing and family wage jobs to America. This list is merely a quick summary:

Apple : Announced a $600 billion investment over four years (up from an initial $500 billion) to expand U.S. manufacturing, including AI server production in Texas, Arizona, and California. This is expected to create 20,000 jobs .

: Announced a over four years (up from an initial $500 billion) to expand U.S. manufacturing, including AI server production in Texas, Arizona, and California. This is expected to create . TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) : Committed $100 billion to build semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) in Arizona, Ohio, and New York, spurred by the CHIPS Acts $39 billion in incentives and tariffs on Chinese chips. These facilities aim to produce advanced chips for AI and defense applications.

: Committed to build semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) in Arizona, Ohio, and New York, spurred by the CHIPS Acts $39 billion in incentives and tariffs on Chinese chips. These facilities aim to produce advanced chips for AI and defense applications. Nvidia : Plans to invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI supercomputer manufacturing in Arizona and Texas.

: Plans to invest in U.S.-based AI supercomputer manufacturing in Arizona and Texas. Intel and Micron : Collectively pledged over $100 billion for chip manufacturing in Arizona, Ohio, and Idaho.

: Collectively pledged over for chip manufacturing in Arizona, Ohio, and Idaho. Hyundai : Committed $5.8 billion to a new steel plant in Louisiana to supply its Alabama and Georgia auto factories, avoiding 25% tariffs on imported steel and auto parts.

: Committed to a new steel plant in Louisiana to supply its Alabama and Georgia auto factories, avoiding 25% tariffs on imported steel and auto parts. Honda : Shifted production of its Civic Hybrid Hatchback from Japan to Indiana to bypass a 25% tariff on vehicles and parts, effective later in 2025.

: Shifted production of its Civic Hybrid Hatchback from Japan to Indiana to bypass a on vehicles and parts, effective later in 2025. Nissan : Indicated plans to relocate production from Mexico to the U.S. to avoid 25% tariffs on non-USMCA-compliant vehicles, though specific investment figures are pending.

: Indicated plans to relocate production from Mexico to the U.S. to avoid on non-USMCA-compliant vehicles, though specific investment figures are pending. Eli Lilly and Company : Announced a $27 billion investment in four new U.S. manufacturing sites for pharmaceuticals, creating 3,000 skilled jobs and 10,000 construction jobs .

: Announced a in four new U.S. manufacturing sites for pharmaceuticals, creating and . Merck : Invested $1 billion in a 470,000-square-foot facility in Wilmington, Delaware, to produce Keytruda, a cancer immunotherapy, motivated by tariffs and domestic sourcing mandates.

: Invested in a 470,000-square-foot facility in Wilmington, Delaware, to produce Keytruda, a cancer immunotherapy, motivated by tariffs and domestic sourcing mandates. Abbott Laboratories : Committed $500 million to expand manufacturing and R&D facilities in Illinois and Texas, hiring up to 300 workers for medical device production, supported by tariff-driven demand for U.S.-made supplies.

: Committed to expand manufacturing and R&D facilities in Illinois and Texas, hiring up to for medical device production, supported by tariff-driven demand for U.S.-made supplies. GE Appliances: Announced a $3 billion investment creating 1,000 new jobs in U.S. manufacturing facilities.

Again, that is not the full list and it is only August. The list shows some serious investment activity. Whats also serious is that Oregon is not any part of this re-shoring of investment. Oregon used to be a destination for precision manufacturing. Now it is seen as merely a fly-over state.

The Doom Loop

Recently the Portland Metro Chambers 2025 State of the Economy highlighted some troubling trends: Multnomah County is losing population, especially higher-income residents moving to Clark county in Washington. Job growth lags behind national trends, with losses in high-paying sectors like manufacturing and financial services. Portlands real estate appeal ranks 80th out of 81 cities nationally, and housing affordability remains a crisis, with most areas unaffordable for households earning less than $160,000 annually.

According to a recent survey of Oregon businesses conducted by Oregon Business & Industry:

74% of respondents say that regulations affecting business change so frequently that it is hard to keep up with what theyre supposed to do.

41% of respondents say theyre considering closing, selling or moving their businesses because of taxes, Oregons regulatory environment or a combination of the two.

On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being great, more than 80% of survey participants rate Oregons business climate below a six.

Only 18% of respondents believe that state lawmakers care about the success of their businesses.

Only 7% of respondents believe the states business climate will improve in the coming year.

Are More Taxes the Answer?

If you ask the Governor and Democrats in the Legislature they would respond yes. In two weeks, a special legislative session will begin to approve a transportation package that increases gas taxes by 15%, doubles the payroll transit tax and dramatically increases vehicle registration and licensing fees.

This special session is a sneaky tactic by left-leaning politicians to have you look only at one issue at a time. However, no one policy acts in a vacuum  they are ALL interconnected. Whats more Oregonians pay the final bill, not just the cost increase of one policy.

Looking at the transportation package, many in the BMW class would say they can afford these increases. However given the year Oregon is experiencing the better question is whether middle and lower income Oregonians personal finances can continue to afford higher taxes and fees  increases which will impact every corner of the economy  and whether Oregon businesses can absorb even higher costs just to remain in Oregon.

The Answer

The solution to end this doom loop is not hard: the legislature must stop increasing taxes, making Oregon less affordable to live and less profitable for businesses. Oregon politicians should stop doubling down on the same business strategy enacted by Democrat leaders over the past 20 years. Oregon should return to the business policies of the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s when investment dollars were flooding into the state, not bypassing us or rushing out.

In the meantime to shore up ODOT the state can use emergency funds and/or reallocated monies from other agencies. ODOT also needs to reprioritize how it spends its money  the legislature can dictate how that is done. None of this requires higher taxes or fees, just some common sense principles from Budgeting 101.

With the right leaders Oregon could be positioned as one of the best states in the nation, with the best opportunities for the people and the business where they work. However, that will never happen if the same type of leaders continue to dominate the public policy space  enacting the same doom loop measures year after year.
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 Kagome lattice used in the experiment. The red circle represents the blockade radius Rb = 2.4a set during the process. Credit: Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02944-3

Topological quantum systems are physical systems exhibiting properties that depend on the overall connectivity of their underlying lattice, as opposed to local interactions and their microscopic structure. Predicting the evolution of these systems over time and their long-range quantum correlations is often challenging, as their behavior is not defined by magnetization or other parameters linked to local interactions.

Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently simulated a type of topological matter known as quantum spin liquid employing a new numerical approach. This approach, outlined in a paper published in Nature Physics, was demonstrated using a widely used experimental protocol that relies on Rydberg atoms (i.e., atoms in which one or more electrons are excited to produce high-energy states).

"Everything started with the study published by Semeghini et al in which they experimentally studied a topological spin liquid," Linda Mauron, first author of the paper, told Phys.org. "This paper was quite important as it was one of the first to observe such a state outside of theory.

"However, we realized that all the numerical benchmarks, as for many other experiments occurring in Rydberg atom platforms, failed to capture some of the central particularities of the experimental setup and were thus potentially wrongly compared."

Building on earlier research studies, Mauron and her colleagues set out to simulate a topological spin liquid using a Rydberg atom-based simulator. The approach they employed, like several other numerical simulation techniques employed in the past, relies on the parameterization of the quantum state that one is studying.

"To keep it simple, instead of learning the probabilities of every single state that could possibly exist (which, for a system of N spins, equals 2N states to learn), we encode the quantum state with a few parameters which instead learn the features of the state," explained Mauron.

"In our specific case, the key ingredient was to directly encode the correlations within the wave function. This is an advantage compared to many standard methods used for such simulations, which typically struggle once entanglement (quantum correlations) increases."

Finally, the researchers used a widely used numerical scheme to simulate the evolution of the quantum state they were studying over time. Notably, the scheme they used, known as the time-dependent variational Monte Carlo (t-VMC) scheme, does not require the approximation of a system's size, the shape of its lattice or its time evolution.

"We demonstrated the capacity of our approach to faithfully simulate an experimental protocol on a Rydberg atom simulator, without making any approximation, while still being able to scale up this scheme to meaningful system sizes," said Mauron. "As a direct consequence, our study allows us to draw conclusions about the capabilities of the simulated protocol."

Using their numerical simulation strategy, the researchers were able to predict values that cannot be derived in real-world experiments, such as a quantum system's topological entanglement entropy. This is an important quantity that can help to discern between a truly topological quantum state and a disordered quantum state that is not topologically ordered.

In the future, their proposed approach could be adapted and used by other research teams to simulate quantum spin liquid states and shed more light on their underlying dynamics.

"We are now focusing on the ability to simulate additional quantum devices and protocols using similar techniques," added Mauron. "We are also further investigating the characteristics of the state prepared through the herein-described protocol."

Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Lisa Lock, 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: Linda Mauron et al, Predicting topological entanglement entropy in a Rydberg analogue simulator, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02944-3 Journal information: Nature Physics

 2025 Science X Network
Beijing (Gasgoo)- MHERO Technology, the new energy off-roader manufacturer under Dongfeng Motor, released its all-new large plug-in hybrid SUV, the MHERO M817, onto the market on August 17, with two trims offered at prices ranging from 319,900 yuan to 349,900 yuan.

Co-developed with Huawei, the model is positioned as a rugged off-road vehicle and will feature Huawei's QianKun ADS 4 advanced driver assistance system, HarmonyOS Cockpit 5, and the Tianyuan architecture.



Photo credit: MHERO

In exterior styling, the M817 adopts the brand's "Toughness Aesthetics 2.0" design language. The front fascia is fitted with a trapezoidal LED light strip and an illuminated MHERO logo, flanked by headlamp units, delivering a strong tech-forward presence. A silver off-road-style front bumper with a 30-degree approach angle enhances capability in challenging terrain.

The side profile emphasizes muscular proportions, in keeping with its large SUV positioning, creating an imposing stance. Measuring 5,100 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,899 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,005 mm, the M817 offers substantial road presence. At the rear, cross-shaped taillights and an externally mounted storage pack reinforce its rugged character.

Photo credit: MHERO

Inside, the cabin continues the minimalist yet tough aesthetic with a symmetrical layout. The center console houses a large floating touchscreen, while robust piano-style physical buttons below provide quick access to functions like climate control. A wireless charging pad, mechanical clock, and metal-finish grab handles sit beneath the dashboard, balancing practicality with design flair.

The model's power comes from a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5T engine with electric motors, utilizing an intelligent P1+P3+P4 electric AWD architecture. The setup supports pure electric drive, direct engine drive, parallel hybrid, range-extending generator mode, and regenerative braking. It delivers a combined output of 505 kW and 848 Nm of torque, with an 0100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds.
Apiqroo removes fourth pier plans for Cozumel in exchange for deep sea port in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos, Q.R.  The Quintana Roo Comprehensive Port Administration (Apiqroo) says plans for a fourth pier for Cozumel will be removed. The removal will see the Aipqroo master plan updated to cancel long term plans for another pier.

Vagner Elbiorn Vega, the Director of Apiqroo (Administracion Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo) explained that the fourth pier was part of a long-term master plan set out by the federal agency years before.

He said that Apiqroo is reworking their five-year master plan which still includes a deep sea port, but not for the island of Cozumel. He says Apiqroo intends to build a deep-sea port in Punta Brava near Puerto Morelos.

He explained that the state government has already paid approximately 3 million pesos to a company to conduct a prefeasibility study for the construction of a deep-sea port.

We conducted several research processes in both the center and the south to determine where a deep-sea port would be feasible and Puerto Morelos, near a place known as Punta Brava, was the ideal location, he said.

Elbiorn Vega stated that the prefeasibility study commissioned by the company was positive both legally and environmentally. Therefore, starting now and into the month of December, they will begin a tour with federal agencies including Semarnat (National Securities and Exchange Commission), Profepa (Profepa), the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economy and the Navy, among others, to consolidate the project and conduct the corresponding studies.

He reiterated that Governor Mara Lezamas administration has no intention of building another pier on Cozumel adding that at the end of July, a request was sent to the National Directorate of the Merchant Marine to eliminate the planned construction of a fourth pier on the island of Cozumel from the executive construction plan for this five-year period.

He said the current administrations Master Plan is not a finished plan, only a projection. The master plan isnt a finished plan. Its a projection of what can be achieved and this Cozumel pier project is one that has been dragging on for two six-year terms.

He said that Alicia Ricalde, the former Director of Apiqroo, left those plans to this state administration, however, weve already sent a letter to the National Directorate of the Merchant Marine asking them to remove it from the master plan construction project. We decided to remove the fourth pier project so there would be no future misunderstandings.

He says sometime in September, the planned fourth pier for Cozumel will no longer be included in the Apiqroo Master Plan.

In July, Apiqroo completed a pre-feasibility, environmental, engineering and legal work study to determine the viability of building a new industrial complex. The industrial complex would be constructed in Puerto Morelos over 130 hectare area outside the reef zone on land donated to the state more than 15 years ago.

The new Puerto Morelos port would become the logistics hub that would connect the Maya Train with the Interoceanic Corridor.
Sargassum being categorized as a fishing resource opens new doors says Riviera Maya Hotel Association

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Riviera Maya Hotel Association and The Seas We Love are celebrating the categorizing of sargassum as a fishery product. Toni Chaves President, President of the Hotel Association, says the categorization is a turning point for sargassum use.

Ignacio Munoz, CEO of The Seas We Love with Toni Chaves President, President of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association

This recognition, supported by IMIPAS research and validated by Conapesca and Semarnat, represents a turning point in the transition of sargassum from an environmental threat to a valuable raw material. It is a decisive step toward its productive use, said Chaves.

The Riviera Maya Hotel Association and the Mexican Caribbean Hotel Council reiterated their commitment to continue promoting a comprehensive model for the containment, collection, recovery and marketing of sargassum.

Ignacio Munoz, CEO of The Seas We Love, said that for the first time in Mexicos history, sargassum has ceased to be a waste product and has become an officially recognized resource within the national fisheries policy.

This opens the door to a new marine economy that will generate green jobs, sustainable investment and legal certainty for its collection and processing , he stressed.

He said that the new categorization in the National Fisheries Charter will enable the issuance of commercial fishing permits for sargassum, moving from the current restricted promotional fishing scheme to a broader and more competitive regime.

Marina collect sargassum at Mahahual August 2025.

Likewise, it will provide legal certainty for investors by establishing a clear legal and technical framework regarding its status, fishing zones, authorized vessels and management strategies, which will unlock industrial value-added projects such as those led by The Seas We Love.

Ignacio Munoz added that its publication will facilitate fisheries management of the resource and pave the way for the development of the Sargassum Fisheries Management Plan with the participation of the productive, academic and government sectors.

Sargassum is now considered a resource in Mexico.

Furthermore, its recognition as a strategic biomass validates its potential for the production of fertilizers, biogas, biomethane, sustainable aviation fuel and bioproducts such as construction materials, food supplements, and more, aligned with the circular economy model promoted by the federal government.

This new recognition represents a major step forward for the Mexican Caribbean and a national milestone in sustainable ocean management, he said.

In August, the Government of Mexico incorporated sargassum as a fishing resource with development potential in the National Fisheries Charter. The classification was made official August 6 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRICULTURA) with a publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
Zofemat PDC removes loungers preventing free beach passage

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Federal officials have had loungers reported blocking public beach passage at Playa Mamitas removed. The furniture removal request was made by Zofemat (Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone) personnel Saturday in response to citizen complaints.

Officials visited the beach area, confirming the encroachment on public space, before having a row of lounge chairs belonging to the Mamitas Beach Club removed.

Irving Rafael Lili Madrigal, the Director of PDC Zofemat, said after receiving the social media complaints, personnel corroborated the reports during an inspection visit to the club.

He said personnel from Zona Federal Maritimo Terrestre (Zofemat) visited the popular beach area Saturday afternoon where they verified the complaints. There, they found overcrowded beach conditions due to natural erosion. That over-crowdedness of excessive beach furniture was preventing free passage along Playa Mamitas.

A row of loungers was removed from the beach Saturday evening to allow free public passage at Playa Mamitas.

Madrigal said the beach club was told to remove a row of lounge chairs to ensure more space and better enjoyment for beachgoers. He said they will continue to monitor compliance with regulations in the federal maritime-terrestrial zone, ensuring a balance between the operation of beach clubs and citizens right to free use of the beaches.
CRESTON, Iowa  Skip Kenyon liked what he heard from Rob Sand.

A retired lawyer from Creston, Kenyon said he found himself in total agreement with Sand, who talked about his faith, led the crowd in singing America the Beautiful, praised law enforcement and bad-mouthed the Democrat-led states of California and New York.

Sand also railed against the countrys two-party political system that is dominated by Democrats and Republicans.

Rob Sand is the Democratic Iowa State Auditor who is running as a Democrat to be Iowas next governor.

Kenyon voted Republican in the last election but came to hear from Sand  along with more than 100 others  on an early August weekday afternoon in this Union County seat of roughly 7,500.

I agree with him 100 percent. I think he hit the nail right on the head, Kenyon said after hearing Sand speak for about an hour inside a Creston bar and grill. The fact that our political system is broken 

Its time to get past Republicans versus Democrats and figure out what it takes to fix these problems

Nathan Sage Democratic Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage speaks during a town hall campaign event at Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar in Webster City

In Webster City, Dawn Butler was one of a much smaller number of people  eight  who came to a local restaurant to see Nathan Sage, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate who regularly becomes emotional and worked up during his campaign events, frequently swears, and takes pride in being described as looking and sounding like MAGA despite his Democrat with a capital D beliefs.

Butler donated to Sages campaign after listening to him.

I like the fact that he cursed, Butler said. Thats what I want to see. I want to see my candidates be almost just as mean as Republicans are. Because being nice is getting nowhere and its time to step that up.

Skip Kenyon and Dawn Butler are examples of the kinds of Iowa voters Democrats in the state are trying to win back after the party has largely suffered a string of electoral defeats over the past decade.

Starting with the 2014 elections, Iowa Democrats have lost to Republicans a U.S. Senate seat, two U.S. House seats, and their majority in the Iowa Senate.

Iowa looked like a purple state before that 2014 election, with an even split in its Congressional delegation and split control of the Iowa Legislature. Now, the states Congressional delegation is entirely Republican and the GOP has legislative supermajorities and full control of the state lawmaking process.

Perhaps Iowa voters message has been received. The Democratic candidates who are running in the states 2026 elections have been campaigning throughout this summer, and some of them sound different from what might be expected.

Talking to Iowans a little differently

Sand has been conducting a 100-stop town hall tour of the states 99 counties. In addition to using patriotic music, he starts the events by inviting a show of hands for registered Republican, Democratic and no-party voters. He then decries the two-party political system and explains that he registered as a Democrat mostly so he could vote in primary elections, and the Democratic Party was the one with which his values more closely identified. He talks about hiring Republicans in the state auditors office and auditing Democrats.

I really dont like the idea of just thinking a thing because other people think it. I want to think for myself, Sand said during a campaign event in Knoxville, during which roughly 100 people squeezed into a small coffee shop. Thats why Im a Democrat. I picked the Democratic Party because of my faith. Jesus is for the little guy, and I think the Democratic Party is for the little guy, too.

Sand is one of two Democrats running in Iowas open-seat gubernatorial campaign; the other is Julie Stauch, a West Des Moines consultant and campaign veteran.

Republican incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek re-election next year; four GOP candidates are running in that partys primary.

Sands talk of politics that do not adhere to the two major parties resonates with many of the Iowans who come to his town halls.

In Creston, Roxanne Carroll called Sand inspiring, and Jon Carroll also expressed his appreciation for Sands criticism of a political system dominated by two parties. In Knoxville, Heather Woolridge described Sand as refreshing.

I like that hes willing to work with everyone. He has no bias, Woolridge said after seeing Sand there. Thats whats refreshing.

In addition to raising his voice and swearing, Sage has placed a heavy focus on the economy. He talks about growing up poor in Mason City  telling a story of his father revealing one year that the family could not afford to buy him presents for his birthday  and casting incumbent politicians as beholden to political money and out of touch with everyday Iowans.

Sage, a former radio journalist and chamber of commerce leader from Knoxville, is one of five Democrats running in Iowas 2026 U.S. Senate campaign. The others are state legislators Zach Wahls of Coralville, Josh Turek of Council Bluffs and Des Moines School Board leader Jackie Norris.

J.D. Scholten of Sioux City announced Monday he is dropping out of the race.

Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has not yet declared whether she will run for a third, six-year term, but earlier this year hired a campaign manager.

At his Webster City event, Sage said laws do not work for people because at the end of the day, (lawmakers) dont give a crap.

Theyre more worried about the billionaires and the corporations that back them than they are about the people theyre supposed to represent, Sage said. I think what we need in this world is working class candidates that can stand up and talk about working class issues.

Suzan Erem Suzan Erem poses for a portrait next to an apple tree on her farm in West Branch on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Erems farm, Draco Hill Nature Fa

That economic message  and Sages expression of his eagerness to fight for Iowans  resonated with Butler. She also said she likes that they are close in age  she is 43 and Sage is 40  and joked that it helps that Sage is a fellow fan of the heavy metal band Slipknot.

Anybody that is willing to fight for that, especially from my generation, I want to be a part of that, Butler said.

Sage and Sand are not the only Democrats speaking to voters in a new way this year.

Wahls, who is 34, makes it a habit to note that he has taken on leadership in his own political party.

Ive got some scars to show for it, he said recently while at the Iowa State Fair, referring to his being removed by his colleagues as leader of the Iowa Senate Democrats in 2023 after he fired two longtime staffers who, he said, did not share his vision for the caucus.

The two things that we keep hearing the most about: how to control costs (and) how to control corruption and the fact that you now have a government thats been totally bought and paid for, a broken establishment of both parties, Wahls said. A lot of folks are frustrated with that. They want to see real change and theyre not sure that theyre going to get it with the current folks who are there.

Scholten at a recent event said, Too many of our leaders in the party have lost touch with the people.

Rita Hart, chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party, said Democrats learned from the 2024 elections that voters want to hear most about the economy, and that she believes in 2026 Democrats will be able to make the case that things are difficult, financially, for the average Iowan and American.

That is not only what the voters have told us, but its the reality of the lives that people are living, that things are too expensive, that people are not able to keep up, Hart said, pointing to specific issues like the cost of housing and child care.

Theres so many things that are against the average working person, working family thats trying to get ahead, and so that has got to be our focus. I think that that is clear, Hart said. And I think that what we have got to regain as Democrats is that we have always been the party for the working families. We are the party that has always stood up for union rights, for making sure that people get a living wage, that its about the people in the middle that make the difference.

Ruben Gallego, a Democratic U.S. senator from Arizona, was in Iowa recently to help Democrats here raise concerns about federal Republicans tax and spending legislation that included personal income tax reductions, boosted funding for border security and immigration enforcement, and reductions in future Medicaid spending, among many other budget and policy items. Gallego said Democratic candidates should make an effort to hear from more working class voters.

Do your best to just try to understand what these men and women are going through. Right now it is so difficult for them just to make ends meet, Gallego said.

There was this implicit contract that we had with Americans forever, which is, work a good job, keep your nose clean, youre going to be able to buy a house, have a future, live a good life, and your kids are going to do that, Gallego said. And right now, a lot of Americans dont feel that, and I think a lot of politicians arent matching or understanding that real energy and actually, to some degree, some level of personal depression that people feel.

Gallego said he believes Democrats in 2024 made a mistake by trying to tell Americans that the economy was in a good place under Democratic former President Joe Biden rather than empathizing with their frustration.

Our Democratic message was, Things are getting better. You cant say that to people when theyre living off credit cards. You cant say that to people who are working double shifts just to make sure they can make the rent and when their older kids are still at home because they cant afford their own apartment, Gallego said. And I think Democrats (should) try to laser focus on figuring out whats going on there, what we should do to fix it, and at least understand and relate to them.

Rob Sand Democratic Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand speaks during a town hall campaign event at Spire Drink Company in Knoxville, Iowa, on Tuesda

Some rural voters feel abandoned by Democrats

Some rural Iowa Democrats say the party needs to spend more time in small towns, listen more closely to residents and take bolder stances if it hopes to win back voters in those communities.

Suzan Erem was among a small group of a dozen Democratic voters who sat in folding chairs in the basement of the Tipton Public Library during a July 23 listening session organized by the Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus to provide Iowans the opportunity to discuss the issues impacting their lives.

The 61-year-old Eastern Iowa progressive activist from West Branch says the states Democratic Party is failing to connect with rural voters, leaving many feeling isolated and reluctant to speak openly about their political views.

People out here feel very alone, you know, they're scared, she said.

Erem  who serves as board secretary of the Iowa Farmers Union and helped form a local Indivisible chapter  said Democratic leaders rarely visit small towns or ask residents about their experiences.

In rural Iowa, we dont even see Democrats, she said. Democrats are afraid to speak up, and the Democratic Party never shows up. We never see any Democratic leadership come into our rural areas and listen to what's going on here.  What we see is candidates coming in and telling us about themselves and telling us what we should be worried about and what we care about.

She criticized party candidates for delivering algorithmic speeches instead of tailoring their message to local concerns.

Stop asking us for something before you give us something, Erem said. The least you could give us is enough respect to ask about our stories.

The activist said many rural Democrats are wary of publicly showing support for their party, citing fears of backlash from neighbors or customers in politically conservative communities.

She also faulted the partys messaging, describing it as reactive and centered on fundraising appeals. She said Iowa Democrats, instead, need to focus on organizing efforts that address the real, everyday issues facing rural communities  such as rising cancer rates, underfunded public schools, nitrate contaminated waters and low wages  rather than relying solely on national talking points or fundraising appeals.

The party has no vision, Erem said. If you look at their Facebook ads, it's all, Hey, this happened, give us money. Hey, that happened. Give us money. Hey, Joni Ernst says we're all going to die. Give us money. What the heck kind of organizing is that? You organize around what you are and what you see in the world.

Others expressed frustration over limited grassroots engagement outside election seasons, as well as difficulty attracting young voters who feel the party is disorganized or unwelcoming and reliance on Facebook over platforms like TikTok or Reddit to reach broader audiences.

They asked for more accessible talking points, regular updates and better rebuttals to Republican narratives, saying they want more than just fundraising emails  they want substantive information and reasons to engage.

Erem described the party as scared to take any real vision and run with it, urging leaders to be more assertive on policy positions.

She said Democrats should be fearless advocates for working people, women, children and young families in rural areas. That includes pushing for policies such as a $20 an hour minimum wage to ensure that rural workers can support their families and communities, stronger unions, stricter water quality rules, and more quality job opportunities in rural areas beyond low-wage service jobs.

We know y'all want us to vote, but you gotta give people outside this room reason to vote, Erem said.

Since forming in early 2024, the local Indivisible group has organized parades, marches and social gatherings, distributed immigrant rights information, written weekly columns in local newspapers, and taken constituents to legislative offices in Davenport. Erem said the goal is to keep organizing year-round around issues like clean water, affordable education and rural economic development.

We dont want to be the kind of Democrats who only show up at election time, she said. The issues are always there  the river is filthy, the people are poor, the parents are getting nickel and dimed in schools with activity fees and materials.

Several attendees warned that national talking points often overshadow rural issues, creating a disconnect. Show up and listen was a recurring theme, with speakers stressing that long-term trust will come from consistent, face-to-face engagement in rural communities year-round.

Longtime Democrat Jeanette Wigim of rural Cedar County said the party must do more than fundraise  it must articulate a clear vision for the future and engage younger voters.

The Democratic Party has not been good at creating a vision for what they can do and what they believe in and where they want us to be, Wigim said. And so all we get are letters saying, Give us money. I'm not going to give them money until I know the vision they want and the vision they have.

The 69-year-old retired nurse recalled decades of political involvement, including serving as vice chair of the Johnson County Democrats in the 1980s and working on multiple local campaigns.

Wigim said Iowa Democrats need fighters with a clear, actionable vision for social and economic justice, who arent afraid to challenge the status quo and advocate for the needs of vulnerable Iowans.

She praised candidates like Sage for speaking candidly, even if it makes people uncomfortable  because it's that discomfort that's going to make the (political) pendulum swing, back in Democrats favor, she said  and acknowledged Scholtens experience running campaigns in deep-red districts.

Events like last months listening session helps in the sense that at least you know there are politicians out there who are willing to come and listen, Wigim said.  I have faith that these politicians will go back and talk and come back to us with their plans.

Researching Democratic messaging

Democratic candidates are not the only ones in their party trying to find new ways to connect with voters. Consultants and campaign veterans also are working on cracking the political code.

Nationally, the Working Class Project is conducting focus groups with working class voters in two dozen states, tracking voter sentiment on major issues, and using what they learn to share research, insights and recommendations, according to its website, to be more successful in appealing to this critical segment of Americans who will shape the future of American politics.

The project is led by former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the liberal super PAC and opposition research organization American Bridge 21st Century.

Closer to home, former Northwest Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Cheri Bustos partnered with Eastern Iowa political science professor and radio host Robin Johnson on a report that highlights 22 Democrats who in recent years have won close elections, often in working-class districts.

The 45-page report is titled, Democrats Who Win Working-Class Districts, A road map to winning by those whove won, and features three Iowa Democratic state legislators: Iowa Sens. Mike Zimmer of DeWitt and Tom Townsend of Dubuque, and Iowa Rep. Josh Turek of Council Bluffs, who now is also running in the Democratic primary for Iowas U.S. Senate seat.

The report highlights Democrats struggle in competitive, working-class districts  defined as a district with having fewer college-educated residents than the national average of 35 percent with an election where the winner earned less than 60 percent of the votes  and how the candidates featured in the report won in their districts.

The report focuses on 10 states: Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In those states competitive, working-class districts as defined by the report, only six Congressional districts and fewer than 10 percent of state legislative districts are represented by Democrats, according to the report.

The Democratic brand struggles with working-class voters, many of whom no longer recognize the partys platform, the report says. Party messaging often feels convoluted and disconnected, relying on poll-tested language that alienates working-class communities. Candidates succeed when they are authentic, share values with voters, and have deep roots in the communities they seek to represent.

Some common themes from the successful Democratic candidates who offered their perspective for the report were working hard to reach as many voters as possible and focusing on issues that matter the most to the most people.

I focus on issues that apply to everyone, Turek said in the report. Virtually everyone works and needs a paycheck. Same for health care. Same for education. Same for the air we breathe and water we drink. What you dont see are any culture war issues or identity politics.

Republicans are paying attention

The apparent shift in tone from some Iowa Democrats has caught the eye of Republican candidates running in Iowas 2026 elections, especially in regard to the gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand.

Bob Vander Plaats, the president and CEO of the politically influential Christian conservative Family Leader organization, recently while speaking to a meeting of a suburban Des Moines Republican group called Sand a compelling Democratic candidate.

Churchgoer, gun-toter, state auditor, taxpayers watchdog. Sounds a little bit like us, right? Vander Plaats said during a meeting of the Westside Conservative Club at The Machine Shed restaurant in Urbandale. And hes going to have this common sense message as well.

Steve Scheffler, president of the Christian conservative Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, offered a similar and more stern warning at a recent event that featured three of the four Republicans running for governor. Scheffler called Sand a wolf in sheeps clothing.

I will tell you, as sure as Im standing here, that I believe he is more dangerous than AOC (Democratic New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) and (Democratic Texas Congresswoman) Jasmine Crockett because hes pretending to be something hes not, Scheffler warned the crowd gathered at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event.

And Eddie Andrews, a state legislator from Johnston and one of the Iowa GOPs four gubernatorial candidates, said Democrats are moving their political dialogue to the middle.

The truth is thats exactly where the other party is taking the fight: right in the middle, Andrews said.

Republican Party of Iowa chairman Jeff Kaufmann, in a statement to The Gazette, said he believes Iowa voters will not be swayed by Democrats change in campaign tone.

Democrats can slap new slogans on campaign T-shirts, but Iowans know the truth: their party is in free fall because of their failed policies, and no amount of rebranding can fix that, Kaufmann said in the statement. Whether its Rob Sand or Nathan Sage, they all support the same platform of higher taxes, bloated government, open borders, and woke social agendas.

They might change the message, but the agenda hasnt changed one bit. If they actually believed in Iowa values, they wouldnt be running as Democrats.

Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton contributed to this report.
Each Friday, Roads & Kingdoms and Slate publish a new dispatch from around the globe. For more foreign correspondence mixed with food, war, travel, and photography, visit their online magazine or follow @roadskingdoms on Twitter.

PARAMARIBO, SurinameA president accused of murder and convicted for drug smuggling. Rogue gold miners and outlaw timber harvesters, most of them foreigners drawn to the lawlessness. Roads that end two hours outside the capital, leaving travelers with the choice of either taking handmade canoes through rivers infested with anacondas, piranhas, and giardia or flying on prop planes with alarming safety records.

Why would anyone want to go to Suriname? Thats what I traveled there to find out.

Actually, I had been invited by the recently formed Suriname Tourism Foundation, who had seen some of the consulting I did with the Belize Tourism Board a couple years ago. Like Belize, they wanted advice on how to best reach prospective travelers. With the number of Dutch tourists declining each yearSuriname is a former colony of the Netherlandsthe country is eager to tap into new markets, and North Americans are, geographically and financially, the demographic most likely to take a chance on the smallest country in South America.

I didnt have much time to do research before heading to Paramaribo. But I can say this: The top Google search for Suriname is, Where is Suriname? Thats a tough start.

Suriname, it turns out, is a knuckle on northern South Americas fist, squeezed between other lesser-knowns, Guyana and French Guyana, the continents non-Latin nations. The country is a regional anomaly: neither Spanish nor Portuguese in language and tradition like its South American neighbors, nor French like its Caribbean ones. It is a postcolonial state, although not wholly Dutch, either.

There is a cruel truth about most of the great tourist destinations in the Americas: They are built on old barbarities of one kind or the other. The highest point from a now-bucolic hill in Managua, Nicaragua, is where Anastasio Somozas lackeys threw rebels down a chute into alligator infested waters. They also dropped regime enemies from helicopters into an active volcano, where tourists line up today for photos. Chiles national stadium doubled as an enormous torture center. In my home state of South Carolina, visitors love to walk plantation grounds that were essentially the sites of a centuries-long reign of terror against slaves.

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In Paramaribo, the equivalent landmark might be Fort Zeelandia. A five-minute walk from my hotel, it is the centerpiece of historic Suriname. It was built in the 1600s, and is the oldest monumental building in the capital. And, as the sign in front admits, the fort has also been the backdrop for some gruesome events. Those events dont just include the senseless execution of slaves a century ago. They are also referring to a bloody event from 1982the so-called December Murders.

Thats the difference between Suriname and many other placesusually such grisly sites dont become tourist destinations until the people responsible are either dead or punished. But how do you build tourism off your dark history when the man responsible for the most disturbing chapter in modern Suriname is not just alive, but the president.

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In December 1982, Desi Bouterse had been president for nearly three years, a position he had claimed for himself in a military coup. He had managed, as most dictators do, to quell opposition by eliminating political parties, controlling the media, instituting a curfew, and limiting opportunities for public assembly. Yet Bouterse still had critics. So on the morning of Dec. 7, 1982, 15 dissidentsmost of them respected journalists or university professorswere rounded up and brought to Fort Zeelandia. Two days later, they were dead. Bouterse had allegedly ordered their torture and killing. According to a witness, Bouterse was the triggerman for two of the murders.

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Bouterse is a wanted man for these and other crimes. Europol has had a warrant for his arrest since 1999, after the Netherlands convicted him in absentia of smuggling more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine into the country. The conviction, which could not be enforced since Suriname has no extradition treaty with the Netherlands and Bouterse has legal immunity as president, has apparently done little to discourage Bouterse from maintaining strong ties with other traffickers, including his son, Dino Bouterse. Nor has Bouterse allowed the warrant to keep him homebound. Just last month he traveled to South Africa to attend Nelson Mandelas funeral.

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Paramaribos streets do nothing to tip you off to the presidents history or the political and social drama he has created. No trucks of police or soldiers with machine guns roll down the street. There isnt an unusual amount of security around government offices. The air doesnt feel tense. Paramaribo isnt a remarkable world capital, but its pleasant enougha place where you could enjoy the warm weather, take a boat ride along the river, and down a beer or two in one of the citys nothing-to-write-home-about restaurants.

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Until now, the fact that the country is headed by a cocaine-trafficking fugitive accused of murder hasnt hurt Surinames tourismthere simply wasnt much tourism to speak of. But in an age where more travelers are wired, its inevitable that tourists who find themselves considering Suriname will also find themselves questioning whether its worth visiting a country where a dictator so overtly flouts the law. Its little surprise that the government has decided it needs a robust marketing campaign to convince people to hop on the next flight to Paramaribo.

Some Surinamese, though, arent waiting to see if the glossy brochures work. Ethnic groups in the countrys wild interior, long marginalized politically and economically, have been spearheading their own tourism services, and are seeing surprising success. Both Maroon and Amerindian groups have established co-op style businesses offering tour guide services. Typically, visitors take a prop plane to an isolated community with a grass runway, then transfer to a boat for the remainder of their journey. The priceroughly $730often includes a visit to a local community, with traditional cuisine, a dance performance, as well as a few-nights stay in a rustic lodge and cabin along the Gran Rio River.

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For those looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, these smaller operations deliver. Our guide asked the members of our small tour group to refrain from taking photos of the bare-breasted women who are walking among the low-slung West African style homes of the community we were visiting. He also reminded us to walk around, not through, the palm frond curtain that serves as the entrance to the community. (Walking through the curtain is a right reserved for members of the community.) A few women sat on the ground outside their homes and displayed their woven waresmostly tableclothsand children milled about. We looked at the goods, asked for permission to take photos of the kids, and shared in their delight when they saw their own faces in our viewfinders.

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For the most part, I am told, the people who work in these tourist-oriented programs are localsafter all, who would want to leave the relative comforts of the capital, where jobs are more abundant, for the jungle, where you might find a bushmaster snake in the corner of your room?

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At night, I retired to my cabin overlooking the river. I shook my bed sheets to scare off the scorpions that might have wandered up through the cracks in the floor. But as much as these and other creepy-crawlers might turn off some tourists, its the presidents own tarnished reputation that is probably the biggest threat to these community-based tourism enterprises.

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While I was in Suriname, news broke that the countrys parliament had passed a new law, the Surinamese Amnesty Act, granting Bouterse and 24 other suspects in the December Murders immunity from prosecution. The ever-defiant strongman has shrugged off calls from Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists to rescind the law.

Bouterses son, Dino, has not been as fortunate when it comes to escaping prosecution for his crimes. He was arrested in Panama and turned over to U.S. officials in August. Among his charges: conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and more seriously, offering material support to Hezbollah to establish a permanent base in Suriname to aid attacks on U.S. targets. Having the presidents son prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice for supporting terrorists bent on killing Americans probably wont be a boon for Surinames dreams of attracting North American tourists.

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Without its dictator at the helm, however, the possibilities for Suriname could be intriguing. Since the country has never had much of a public image, it can build its brand identity from the ground up. Suriname is a great blank slate, every tourism marketers dream. Frame that against the backdrop of a culturally rich and diverse country, with residents in far-flung communities living according to centuries-old traditions in untouched forests teeming with rare flora and fauna, and its hard to see why people wouldnt come to Suriname. But that all assumes it can rid itself of the tyrant at the topa problem that is hardly unique to this overlooked corner of the world.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/eu-uk-supporters-of-ukraine-conflict-in-panic---russian-envoy-dmitriev-1122635052.html

EU, UK Supporters of Ukraine Conflict in Panic - Russian Envoy Dmitriev

EU, UK Supporters of Ukraine Conflict in Panic - Russian Envoy Dmitriev

Sputnik International

Russian special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev said on Sunday that the officials in the EU and the UK who support the conflict in Ukraine, appear to be panicking ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky

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On his Telegram channel, Dmitriev referenced Western media reports about some of the European leaders possibly going to escort Zelensky to the meeting with Trump, and commented by saying, "European and UK supporters of the conflict in Ukraine are in a panic." Among the media that he referenced were Politico's report about Finnish President Alexander Stubb possibly going to accompany Zelensky at the talks with Trump, and Bild's report claiming that Zelensky's support group might include French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held narrow-format talks in Anchorage, Alaska. The talks were held in a three-on-three format and lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov took part in the meeting on the Russian side. The United States was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. On Saturday, Zelenskyy confirmed a planned visit to the United States on August 18 to meet with Trump.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/europe-marginalized-after-putin-trump-summit---british-professor-1122633697.html

Europe Marginalized after Putin-Trump Summit - British Professor

Europe Marginalized after Putin-Trump Summit - British Professor

Sputnik International

The recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump underscores Europe's waning geopolitical influence, British professor and the director of the Forum for Democracy International, John Laughland, told Sputnik.

2025-08-17T03:56+0000

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2025-08-17T04:41+0000

russia-us talks on ukraine settlement

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european union (eu)

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He noted that European leaders had attempted to shape the summit's outcome but "failed spectacularly." Professor Laughland further emphasized that European nations were likely to persist in their efforts to undermine US-Russia negotiations as they wanted the war to continue. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron, along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, planned to hold another meeting of the "coalition of the willing" via video link on Sunday. That same day, Zelensky confirmed a planned visit to the United States on August 18 to meet with Trump.Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held talks in Alaska. The leaders met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base. Their narrow-format talks in the "three-by-three" format lasted two hours and 45 minutes. The Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The United States was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US leader's special representative Steve Witkoff.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/europe-scrambles-to-accompany-zelensky-to-us---reports-1122633553.html

Europe Scrambles to Accompany Zelensky to US

Europe Scrambles to Accompany Zelensky to US

Sputnik International

The German, UK and French governments want to decide on Sunday whose representative will accompany Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington on August 18, the German newspaper Bild reported, citing government sources.

2025-08-17T03:37+0000

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world

volodymyr zelensky

donald trump

jd vance

united kingdom (uk)

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germany

coalition of the willing

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CNN, citing sources, announced on Saturday that US Vice President JD Vance, who had previously clashed with Zelensky, would attend the August 18 meeting, while European officials expect one European leader to join the Trump-Zelensky talks in the White House, although it remained unclear who exactly. According to Politico, it could be Finnish President Alexander Stubb. According to the publication, Trump allowed Zelensky to take European politicians with him, but there is no official invitation. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron, along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, planned to hold another meeting of the "coalition of the willing" via video link on Sunday. That same day, Zelensky confirmed a planned visit to the United States on August 18 to meet with Trump.Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held talks in Alaska. The leaders met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base. Their narrow-format talks in the "three-by-three" format lasted two hours and 45 minutes. The Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The United States was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US leader's special representative Steve Witkoff.Trump scolded Zelensky at the White House on February 28 when he arrived to sign an agreement on the joint development of Ukrainian mineral resources. The US leader demanded that Zelensky agree to a ceasefire and stop criticizing Putin. US Vice President JD Vance called Zelensky an ungrateful agitator for the Democrats when he began to justify his steps, blame Russia, and even threaten the United States that they would feel the consequences of the conflict, although they are separated by an ocean. As a result, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the White House, and the agreement was not signed. Later, Zelensky tried to apologize, noting that he regretted what happened, and also stated that he agreed to negotiations as soon as possible.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/protests-in-serbia-leave-6-policemen-injured-56-people-detained-1122634624.html

Protests in Serbia Leave 6 Policemen Injured, 56 People Detained

Protests in Serbia Leave 6 Policemen Injured, 56 People Detained

Sputnik International

Six police officers were injured and 56 people were detained during overnight unrest amid protests in Serbias Valjevo, Belgrade and other cities, the Serbian Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

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Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic told a briefing at night that 18 rioters had been detained in Valjevo and other cities, but the figure was not definitive. "During yesterday's uncoordinated actions, a total of 6 police officers were injured, 56 people were detained  16 of them on reasonable suspicion of committing criminal offenses... while 35 more people were detained for committing administrative offenses," the ministry said in a statement. Among the detainees, 27 were in Belgrade and 29 in Valjevo. Mass protests in Valjevo, 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Belgrade, started on Saturday evening after a video went viral on social media depicting harsh police actions against demonstrators in this city in the previous days. In the early hours of Sunday, the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and partner parties, the city administration, the court, and the prosecutor's office were attacked. Violent protests also occurred in the Novi Beograd district of the capital of Serbia, where the police used tear gas. The office of the Serbian Progressive Party of Vojislav Seselj, who publicly spoke out against the demonstrators, was also attacked in the Zemun district. There, windows were broken and walls were doused with paint. Incidents at protests were reported on social media and news from the cities of Novi Sad, Leskovac, Vranje. The Serbian Interior Ministry has not yet issued a statement. Last night, six police officers were injured and 38 people were detained during riots across Serbia. Unknown persons destroyed the office of the Serbian Progressive Party in Novi Sad on Friday night, and incidents occurred near party offices in Belgrade and other cities. Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut condemned the violence and called for a reduction in tension. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije called on his fellow citizens to stop conflicts and discord. The Serbian Justice Ministry called the riots a blow to the constitutional order and warned of criminal liability for those involved. The ministry recalled that the constitution and laws of Serbia criminalized physical attacks, intimidation and threats on political grounds and that those committing them would be identified and punished according to the criminal code. Student and opposition protests began in Serbia after the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1, 2024, which resulted in the death of 16 people.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/russias-fsb-foils-ukraines-terrorist-attack-on-smolensk-nuclear-power-plant-1122636269.html

Russias FSB Foils Ukraine's Terrorist Attack On Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant

Russias FSB Foils Ukraine's Terrorist Attack On Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant

Sputnik International

A Ukrainian UAV was suppressed by electronic warfare forces over the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday, the FSB said. 17.08.2025, Sputnik International

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2025-08-17T12:42+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

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ukraine

smolensk

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"The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue provocations by attempting attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles on Russias nuclear energy facilities. On August 17, electronic warfare forces suppressed a fixed-wing drone (the Ukrainian-made Spis strike UAV) over the territory of the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant. This foiled a terrorist attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on a nuclear energy site, the statement reads.Kievs attempt to strike nuclear infrastructure in Smolensk region foiled  drone intercepted in local airspace, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed."On August 17 of this year, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack using an aircraft-type drone on the infrastructure of a nuclear power plant in the Smolensk Region was thwarted. The Ukrainian drone was intercepted in the Smolensk Region's airspace," the ministry said in a statement.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250813/ukraine-intensifies-terrorist-attacks-on-russian-regions-ahead-of-us-russia-summit-1122603899.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/trump-tells-zelensky-he-wants-trilateral-meeting-on-august-22---reports-1122633243.html

Trump Tells Zelensky He Wants Trilateral Meeting on August 22 - Reports

Trump Tells Zelensky He Wants Trilateral Meeting on August 22 - Reports

Sputnik International

US President Donald Trump has told European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone conversation that he would like to hold a trilateral meeting with Russia and Ukraine as early as August 22, Axios reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

2025-08-17T03:19+0000

2025-08-17T03:19+0000

2025-08-17T04:29+0000

world

volodymyr zelensky

donald trump

vladimir putin

united kingdom (uk)

russia

ukraine

white house

putin-trump meeting in alaska

coalition of the willing

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Trump wants to hold the meeting "fast," the report said. The Russian leader is yet to comment on this plan.On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron, along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, planned to hold another meeting of the "coalition of the willing" via video link on Sunday. That same day, Zelensky confirmed a planned visit to the United States on August 18 to meet with Trump.Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump held talks in Alaska. The leaders met at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base. Their narrow-format talks in the "three-by-three" format lasted two hours and 45 minutes. The Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The United States was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US leader's special representative Steve Witkoff.Trump scolded Zelensky at the White House on February 28 when he arrived to sign an agreement on the joint development of Ukrainian mineral resources. The US leader demanded that Zelensky agree to a ceasefire and stop criticizing Putin. US Vice President JD Vance called Zelensky an ungrateful agitator for the Democrats when he began to justify his steps, blame Russia, and even threaten the United States that they would feel the consequences of the conflict, although they are separated by an ocean. As a result, the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave the White House, and the agreement was not signed. Later, Zelensky tried to apologize, noting that he regretted what happened, and also stated that he agreed to negotiations as soon as possible.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250816/expect-zelensky-to-try-to-sabotage-putin--trump-peace-push-ex-russian-spy-warns-1122630841.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/ukraine-loses-over-420-soldiers-in-battles-with-russias-center-group-1122635378.html

Ukraine Loses Over 420 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Tsentr Group

Ukraine Loses Over 420 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Tsentr Group

Sputnik International

Russia's Tsentr group of forces has eliminated over 420 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

2025-08-17T11:13+0000

2025-08-17T11:13+0000

2025-08-17T11:22+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russian defense ministry

russia

ukraine

israel

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"The Ukrainian armed groupings lost up to 420 servicepeople, a tank, seven armored combat vehicles, six cars, three field artillery guns, including a US-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and an Israeli-made RADA radar station," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Zapad group of forces has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian fighters, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, a UK-made Snatch armored vehicle, 17 cars, an artillery piece, three electronic warfare stations and three ammunition depots over the past 24 hours, the ministry said. Russia's Vostok group of forces has eliminated over 230 Ukrainian fighters, seven combat armored vehicles, 12 cars, and a US-made 155 mm M777 howitzer, the ministry said. Russia's Sever group has eliminated over 180 Ukrainian soldiers, two combat armored vehicles, seven cars, three field artillery pieces, an electronic warfare station, and four ammunition depots, the ministry said. Russia's Yug group of forces has eliminated over 250 Ukrainian soldiers, a US-made HMMWV armored vehicle, three pickup trucks, three field artillery pieces, an Israeli-made RADA radar station, and two electronic warfare stations, as well as four ammunition and fuel depots, the ministry said. Russia's Dnepr battle group has eliminated over 85 Ukrainian fighters over the past day, six cars, four field artillery pieces, including a US-made 155 mm M777 howitzer, six electronic warfare stations, four ammunition and fuel depots, the statement read.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250816/expect-zelensky-to-try-to-sabotage-putin--trump-peace-push-ex-russian-spy-warns-1122630841.html

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russia's tsentr group of forces has eliminated over 420 ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the russian defense ministry said on sunday.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/unesco-ignores-damage-to-russias-kursk-regions-cultural-heritage-by-ukraine-1122634162.html

UNESCO Ignores Damage to Russia's Kursk Region's Cultural Heritage by Ukraine

UNESCO Ignores Damage to Russia's Kursk Region's Cultural Heritage by Ukraine

Sputnik International

No later than March 2025, the Ukrainian armed forces deliberately shelled the Holy Trinity Church in the city of Sudzha, the Russian Investigative Committee earlier told Sputnik.

2025-08-17T06:11+0000

2025-08-17T06:11+0000

2025-08-17T06:11+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

rashid alimov

russia

unesco

russian investigative committee

ukraine

kursk

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The UNESCO Secretariat does not respond to the damage inflicted on the cultural and historical heritage of the Kursk Region by Ukrainian armed forces troops and shows no interest in issues concerning Russia, Alexander Alimov, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Multilateral Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Relations and the executive secretary of the Russian Commission for UNESCO, told Sputnik. However, the Russian side hopes for changes on this issue following the expected election of a new UNESCO Director-General at the end of 2025, Alimov added. No later than March 2025, the Ukrainian armed forces deliberately shelled the Holy Trinity Church in the city of Sudzha, the Russian Investigative Committee told Sputnik. As a result of the shelling, the church building was damaged and partially destroyed. In April, the Kursk Region's acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein, said that the Ukrainian armed forces targeted the St. Nicholas Belogorsky Monastery in the Gornal village of the Kursk Region with tank firing, immediately after attacking the village of Gornal in the Sudzha district of the region in August 2024. On March 14, Alexander Khinshtein said that the Ukrainian armed forces had struck a building of a local museum  an architectural monument of the late 19th century (the so-called Chupilov house), in Sudzha, killing one employee, injuring two others and destroying the building. Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Russia and launched an offensive in the Kursk Region in August 2024. On April 26, 2025, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced that the Kursk Region had been fully liberated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250801/heritage-for-sale-ukrainian-treasures-up-for-grabs-in-top-uk-auctions--1122534456.html

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no later than march 2025, the ukrainian armed forces deliberately shelled the holy trinity church in the city of sudzha, the russian investigative committee earlier told sputnik.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/us-russia-agree-on-security-guarantees-for-ukraine---witkoff-1122636966.html

US, Russia Agree on Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Witkoff

US, Russia Agree on Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Witkoff

Sputnik International

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that the United States and Russia have agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine, but now everything depends on Kiev.

2025-08-17T14:12+0000

2025-08-17T14:12+0000

2025-08-17T15:46+0000

world

ukraine

russia

steve witkoff

vladimir putin

donald trump

nato

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"What I said is that we got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article Five, like language to cover a security guarantee. So Putin has said that a red flag is NATO admission, right? And so what we were discussing was assuming that the Ukrainians could agree to that, and could live with that, and everything is is going to be, is going to be about what the Ukrainians can live with. But assuming they could, we were able to win the following concession, that the United States could offer Article Five, like protection, which would, which is the which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO," Witkoff told the CNN broadcaster. The issue of territories in the Ukrainian conflict would be discussed with Zelenskyy during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on August 18, Witkoff said. "The land, the fundamental issue, which is some sort of land swap, which is obviously ultimately of the control of the Ukrainians that had that could not have been discussed at this meeting. We intend to discuss it on Monday, hopefully we have some clarity on it, and hopefully that ends up in a peace deal very, very soon," he said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/trump-tells-zelensky-he-wants-trilateral-meeting-on-august-22---reports-1122633243.html

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Harrisburg Heist made off with the sole $138,889 Ohio Sires Stakes dash for three-year-old colt-and-gelding pacers on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Eldorado Scioto Downs.

Jon I Love Dat (Dan Noble) worked hard to make the front from post five, creating a hot :25.2 first quarter. He travelled unchallenged to the half in :53.3 with Downbythewater (Chris Lems) sitting in the pocket, but Harrisburg Heist and Chris Page were out and moving at three-quarters in 1:21 and soon rolled up to the leader's wheel. Harrisburg Heist worked by him and comfortably drew off to win in 1:49 by three lengths over Downbythewater, with Jon I Love Dat holding on for third.

Now seven-for-20, Harrisburg Heist has $276,408 in lifetime earnings. By Downbytheseaside and out of the Western Ideal mare Cashaway, Harrisburg Heist was bred by Brittany Farms LLC and Marvin Katz. He is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC, Knox Services Inc., Phil Collura, and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. The win was Harrisburg Heist's second in a row, and it lowered his lifetime mark taken at Oak Grove by a fifth of a second.

There were also four $27,778 divisions of the Buckeye Stallion Series for three-year-old pacing males on the card.

The fastest division went to Extra Suds in a staggering 1:48.4. Sam Widger took the pinto colt off the gate to settle in fourth while Ss Druidstone (Trevor Smith) set the early fractions of :26.3 and :54.2. Pulling first-over and looming off the leader's flank by the 1:21.4 three-quarters, Extra Suds poured it on down the stretch in a :26.4 final quarter to win by six lengths. Woodrow Blue Chip (Justin Irvine) was second with Ss Druidstone finishing third. By Lather Up-The Bomb Dottie, Extra Suds now has six wins in 20 lifetime starts and $270,608 in earnings for trainer and lessee Virgil Morgan, Jr.

Morgan teamed up with his daughter, Kiara Morgan, to win the third division with Odds On Mad Hatter. She piloted the gate-to-wire winner through fractions of :26.3, :54.1, and 1:21.4, hurried through the back half by Unique Catch (Widger), who was parked the mile. But Odds On Mad Hatter kept going to win by a length in 1:50.4 with Unique Catch holding second. Sonnybytheseaside (Irvine) was third. Odds On Mad Hatter, by Lather Up-Arden Hanover, is owned by Odds On Racing. The gelding now has $51,052 earned in 15 lifetime starts with six wins.

Seaside Star and Luke Hanners also took their division in gate-to-wire fashion in 1:51.2. He led Down Two Party (Page) through all points of call and won by 1-3/4 lengths. Makin Moonshine (Noble) was third. Seaside Star, a son of Downbytheseaside-Rock N Roll Xample, is trained by Dean Glispie for owner Always Finish Second Stable.

Copper Penny took his split in 1:51. After leading from just past the quarter, driver Cam McCown had Copper Penny sprinting away from the field to win by three lengths. Cruising Zone (Page) was second with Ahhh Bach (Ronnie Gillespie) third. Copper Penny is a homebred by Fool Me Once-Free N Easy for trainer Brian Brown and owner Lawrence Litwin.

Also on the card, reigning Jim Ewart Memorial champion Little Rocket Man made his Scioto seasonal debut in the $37,500 Open Pace. The nine-year-old gelding led nearly the entire mile after being three-wide through the first turn to hit the quarter first in :26.1. Jeremy Smith rated him to middle splits of :54.1 and 1:21.4, and Little Rocket Man took off on the final turn before cruising to a 1-1/4-length victory in 1:48.2 with the ear plugs in. Timeisonmyside (Anthony MacDonald) finished second over a closing Surreal Ideal (Luke Hanners).

Little Rocket Man is by Rockin Image-Gt Miss Royal and now has $2,101,270 earned in 131 lifetime starts. The victory was his 77th in his career. He is trained by Ken Rucker for Russ Beeman and Jack Freeman. The race also marked Smiths return to the sulky, and winners circle, after six weeks away. Smith will be back full-time starting with the Tuesday card.

Virgil Morgan Jr. had a training grand slam on the 16-race card, adding wins with Odds On Ray ($7.80) and Gem Quality ($2.60) to his pair of Buckeye Stallion Series victories. The 30-time reigning leading trainer added two wins to his slim advantage over Ron Burke in this season's standings, putting himself three in front.

Racing resumes at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Tuesday with five qualifiers starting at 3:45 p.m., followed by the 14-race card at 5:45 p.m. Later in the week, a special Saturday card on August 23 will host the Moni Maker (for three-year-old filly trotters), the Nadia Lobell (for three-year-old filly pacers), the #SendItIn Invitational for aged pacers, and the Cleopatra Invitational for mare pacers. All four two-year-old divisions of Ohio Sires Stakes will also be held on Saturday. The box for Saturday closes Tuesday at noon.

(With files from Scioto Downs)
Driver William Roy and trainer Guy Roy teamed up to sweep the second leg of the Coupe De L'Avenir for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings with undefeated Bernard and the debuting dark horse Dark Flame on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 17 at Hippodrome 3R.

Bernard ($2.10) maintained his perfect record with a 2:00.2 triumph in the fastest and final $7,500 stakes division of the day as the track conditions improved throughout the afternoon to 'good' with a two-second variant for this event. The overwhelming 1-9 favourite looped early leaver Reve (Simon Deslisle) in a :29 quarter then cruised through middle splits of :59.3 and 1:30.2 en route to an open-length victory. Panic Ray (Sylvain Lacaille) overtook Reve in the race for place more than seven lengths behind. A 1:59 opening leg winner on July 27, the undefeated gelding by Sportswriter out of Armand Spice now boasts a perfect four-race record to start his career for owners Sabrina Pelletier of Sorel-Tracy, Que., and Yvon Genereux of La Bostonais, Que.

Dark Flame was the dark horse in the day's Coupe De L'Avenir action as the first-time starter pulled off a 26-1 upset, winning his $7,500 division for the colts and geldings in 2:02.3 over sloppy conditions with a three-second allowance. With qualifying gait issues behind him, Dark Flame was on his best behaviour in his debut and made up an early 15-length deficit to defeat the heavy 1-9 favourite, White Mountain Sun (Marie-Claude Auger), by four lengths. Well off the leaders gapping in fourth through quick opening panels of :28.1 and :59, Dark Flame started to make progress as the field passed three-quarters in 1:30.3 and was within striking distance at the head of the stretch. A homebred for owner Richard Desrosiers of Massueville, Que, the Sportswriter-C Lulu Amaze Me gelding took control in a :30.2 final frame, with White Mountain Sun settling for second and Wicked Buddy Buck (Pascal Berube) third. Bettors that backed the unproven rookie were rewarded with a $55.80 payout for a $2 win ticket.

Cattlekiss ($2.10) was a repeat winner in the Coupe De L'Avenir for the two-year-old filly pacers with a 2:03.2 triumph over a sloppy -3 track for trainer/driver Guy Gagnon. Sent off as the heavy 1-9 favourite in what would be the fastest of two $7,500 filly divisions, the Cattlewash-Kiss Baby Kiss filly secured a pocket trip for opening panels of :30.4 and 1:03 before taking the lead from Esmeralda Du Lac (Louis-Philippe Roy) at three-quarters in 1:34.3 and sprinting home in :28.4 to finish 6-3/4 lengths in front of that foe. Got No More (Pascal Berube) was third. Owned by Ecuries Guy Gagnon Inc. of Gatineau, Que., Cattlekiss has won both of her starts in this series at Hippodrome 3R and is now three-for-five with a pair of top three finishes in the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Series.

Chezmatante Du Lac ($4.40) won the other $7,500 filly division at first asking in a 7-1/4-length romp for trainer Marc-Andre Simoneau, with Louis-Philippe Roy in town to drive his homebred. Sent postward as the 6-5 bettors' choice, the Cattlewash-Signet miss tracked in third as the fractions went in :31, 1:04.1 and 1:36.4, then swept to command with a quarter-mile to go and took off turning for home to win in 2:07.4 with a :30.4 final frame over a sloppy track rated four seconds slow. Addie Majesty (Marie-Claude Auger) and pacesetter Maumoneyhustle (Guy Gagnon) rounded out the top three. Chezmatante Du Lac is owned by Louis-Philippe Roy Racing and Groupe Chezmatante Du Lac of Campbellville, Ont., Jean Allaire of Montreal, Que., and Michel Letarte of Boucherville, Que.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Bernard from a previous win)
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 self-propelled ice disks on herringbones. Credit: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c08993

Scientists from Virginia Tech have discovered a way to make ice move on its own. It's not a magic trick or a supernatural occurrence but a clever engineering feat. The team designed a flat metal surface that allows ice disks to slide across it without needing a push. The research has a host of potential applications, including rapid defrosting and new ways to harvest green energy.

The researchers were inspired by Desert Valley's "sailing stones," rocks that move across a dry lakebed due to a combination of melting ice and wind. This rare natural event occurs when rain settles on a hard desert floor and forms thin sheets of ice if nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. When the ice eventually melts, a small breeze can move the remaining sheets, which sometimes drag the rocks along with them.

Following the discovery of how the Desert Valley rocks move, Jonathan Boreyko and his team at Virginia Tech's Nature-Inspired Fluids and Interface Lab set out to create a surface that moved ice along a level, horizontal path, but without wind assistance. After five years, they succeeded and published their work in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

So how did they achieve this self-propelled ice feat? The scientists constructed special aluminum plates with tiny, V-shaped grooves in a herringbone pattern. They then froze water in Petri dishes to make ice disks, which were placed on these heated plates. As the ice melted, the water was channeled by the grooves, allowing it to move forward. The herringbone pattern's design is key, as it prevents water from flowing backward.

The team also coated some plates with a water-repellent spray to see what would happen. The ice disks initially stuck to the coated surface before suddenly zipping across the metal plate.

Top-view videos of the six successful cases of ice ratcheting on the HPL herringbones. Credit: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c08993

Beyond the lab

The researchers believe their work could have wide-ranging implications, as they outline in their paper.

"These findings demonstrate the potential for passive ice removal and phase-engineered microtransport by harnessing controlled melting and surface-guided motion, with implications for anti-icing systems, self-cleaning surfaces, and power-free microfluidic transport," they write.

While the new research is exciting, the scientists acknowledge that more work is needed to explore its potential. One of the most promising applications could be in energy harvesting. For example, the metal plates could be patterned into circles, causing the melting ice disks to rotate continually. Then all you would have to do is attach magnets or a turbine to the rotating disks to generate power.

Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

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Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay!
In the British universities of Oxford,[9] Cambridge,[10][11] Royal Agricultural University,[12] St Andrews,[13] Edinburgh,[14] Durham,[15] and the New College of the Humanities,[16] the term is used for the ceremony at which new students are entered into the register (in Latin matricula) of the university, at which point they become members of the university. Oxford requires matriculants to wear academic dress with subfusc during the ceremony.[9] At Cambridge and Durham, policy regarding the wearing of academic dress varies amongst the colleges. Separate matriculation ceremonies are held by some of the colleges in Durham. Also at Durham, not all students are entered into the register, but one person from each college is selected to sign their own name for the whole college. At the University of St Andrews, as well as the other ancient universities of Scotland, matriculation involves signing the Sponsio Academica, a pledge to abide by university rules and to support the institution. In 2015, Bishop Grosseteste University , Lincoln, introduced a Matriculation event for all new students.

Matriculation was a factor in the creation of UK examining boards such as the Joint Matriculation Board.

At most British universities, there is no formal ceremony. The term matriculation is not used by many, with the terms enrolment and registration being more commonly employed to describe the administrative process of becoming a member of the university.

At Oxford and Cambridge, matriculation was formerly associated with entrance examinations taken before or shortly after matriculation, known as Responsions at Oxford and the Previous Examination at Cambridge, both abolished in 1960. University-wide entrance examinations were subsequently reintroduced at both universities but abolished in 1995. More limited subject-based tests have since been introduced.

United States

At most universities and colleges in the United States, matriculation refers to mere enrollment or registration as a student at a university or college by a student intending to earn a degree, an event which involves no special ceremony.

Some colleges that have a formal matriculation ceremony call it as such, while others call this enrollment ceremony for new students a "convocation". A few colleges, such as Trinity College in Connecticut, use both terms, referring to the gathering as a convocation[17] and the formal signing in as a student as the matriculation.[18]

At some institutions, these ceremonies are relatively new. Scripps College's matriculation began only in 1990.[19] Others, like those at Trinity College, are nearly two centuries old, first occurring in 1826.[20]

Colleges that specifically have a "matriculation" ceremony and specifically use this name include: Adrian College,[21] Albion College,[22] Assumption College,[23] Belmont University,[24] Boston College,[25] Boston University,[26] The Citadel,[27] Culver-Stockton College,[28] Dartmouth College,[29] Duquesne University,[30]Jacksonville University,[31] Kenyon College,[32] Lawrence University,[33] Lyon College,[34] Marietta College,[35] McKendree University,[36] Mount Union College,[37] Moravian College,[38] Muhlenberg College,[39] Randolph-Macon College,[40] Rice University,[41] Saint Lawrence University,[42] Scripps College,[43] Trinity College,[44] Tufts University,[45] the University of Saint Mary (Kansas),[46] Virginia Military Institute,[47] Wabash College,[48] Walsh University,[49] Washington and Jefferson College,[50] and Willamette University.[51]

Many medical schools highlight matriculation with a white coat ceremony. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, originating at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine in 1989. The first full-fledged ceremony was at the Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1993.[52]

Special student

Universities and colleges in the United States commonly have a category of students known as special students,[53][54][55] non-matriculated students[56][57] or non-matriculating students.[58] Generally these are students who are not merely auditing a class, but receive credit which is potentially transferable, pay full tuition, and often receive benefits that other students receive such as access to facilities and health care. These students typically are enrolled as matriculated students at other institutions and are visiting scholars of some type. However, sometimes students attend classes for the purpose of a standalone non-degree education.
Toronto police say an eight-year-old boy was killed by a stray bullet while he was sleeping in bed with his family in the citys North York neighbourhood early Saturday morning.

The citys homicide unit says a stray bullet from a shooting outside a building in the Martha Eaton Way and Trethewey Drive area entered the boys room at around 12:30 a.m.

The boy was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say stray bullets also entered two other building units and no one else was injured.

Investigators say it is too early to describe the possible suspects.

Toronto police say the shooting is a cowardly act and they are asking witnesses to come forward.
PHOENIX  Arizona utility regulators have taken a major step toward repealing a nearly two-decade-old rule requiring power companies to get more of their electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind.

The move taken by the Arizona Corporation Commission sets the stage for utilities to meet surging demand from data centers, new computer chip plants and population growth by keeping old coal plants online and building a fleet of new natural gas plants.

Thats a step that the states largest utility, Arizona Public Service, has already taken for coal by ending its commitment to shutter a big New Mexico plant by 2031. And it and several other utilities, including Tucson Election Power, are embracing new gas pipelines and plants, despite solar power being a cheaper option.

The commissions move came a week after APS reneged on its 2020 pledge to get 100% of its power from zero-carbon sources by 2050, with 65% coming from clean sources by 2030.

CEO Ted Geisler said on an Aug. 6 earnings call for parent company Pinnacle West Capital Corp. that the utility would completely ditch its 2030 promise and only commit to be carbon-neutral by 2050. That means that instead of eliminating all plants that emit carbon dioxide its new sources of the planet-warming gas wont add to its total current emissions.

Tucson Electric Power hasnt changed its renewable energy goals. The utility, owned by Canadian utility company Fortis, promised in 2020 that it would retire its coal plants by 2032 and get more than 70% of its power from solar and wind by 2035. Its goal is to reduce carbon emissions, which are tied to climate change, by more than 70% by 2035.

But TEP joined with APS, Unisource Energy Services, the Salt River Project and the city of Mesa earlier this month and committed to buying natural gas from a new pipeline from Texas expected to be open by the end of the decade. APS and SRP are already developing big new gas plants. And SRP is acting on its own as it isnt regulated by the commission and not subject to its renewable energy requirements.

The backtracking on clean energy by the commission and APS come after the GOP-controlled Congress and President Donald Trump eliminated tax breaks for electric cars and solar and wind power as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill tax and spending law he signed on July 4.

Environmental and renewable energy advocates called the commissions move to eliminate the renewable energy mandate misguided and shortsighted and let fly with a slew of other arrows as the commission heard comment on the proposal last week.

But the five Republicans who sit on the Corporation Commission were unmoved. They voted unanimously Thursday to initiate a formal repeal of the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff rules adopted in 2006.

And they pushed back on criticisms that repealing the REST standards will lead to the death of the solar industry in the state. Instead, they argued the repeal will end subsidies that they say consumers are forced to pay for clean power and actually lower bills while allowing utilities to invest in solar and wind when they make the most economic sense.

I think theres a lot of doom and gloom narrative that people throw out there, Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson said before the vote. We hear a lot of teeth gnashing anytime we touch subsidies and anytime we really try to help ratepayers at large.

And what I heard from (Arizona Public Service) is that potentially millions and millions of extra dollars are being put on the backs of APS ratepayers to meet mandates and were stuck with these artificially high rates for decades, Thompson said. And we know that TEP and UNS are probably in the same boat.

Nick Myers, vice chair of the panel, agreed it was time to scrap the standard.

Utilities should have the flexibility to choose the most cost-effective energy mix to deliver reliable, affordable service  without being burdened by government-imposed rules that ultimately increase costs for customers, he said.

Several commissioners pointed to the Solana Generating Station solar plant, which was built just after the standards were adopted. APS buys all the power at about 15 cents per kilowatt hour, far more than the 2.5 cents current solar plant cost. APS attorney Jeff Allmon told commissioners.

The commissions 2006 rules mandated that the states electric utilities get at least 15% of their power from renewables like solar and wind by this year, with 30% of that coming from distributed energy sources like rooftop solar. Thompson and another commissioner campaigned on eliminating the REST rules, saying they increase regulatory burden and costs for utilities  and their customers.

Power companies like APS are now above that level, but not by a lot. Annual reports filed with the commission show APS got 16% of its total retail power sales from solar and wind sources in 2024, while TEP got just under 23%.

Last weeks votes kick off a long process of rulemaking to repeal the renewable energy standards. Final repeal could come next year, and the 5-0 commission vote signals the rules will almost certainly be adopted.

But Lea Marquez Petersen, another member of the commission, said none of this means solar is dead in Arizona. She said many of the companies coming to Arizona like Google, Microsoft and Amazon have their own clean energy goals.

Based upon market demands and the low cost of solar, I believe that renewable energy will continue to thrive in Arizona without a renewable energy mandate, she said.

Legal fight possible

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes pledged to fight the effort, calling it illegal because the commission is abdicating its constitutional duty to set just and reasonable rates. Mayes sat on the Commission as a Republican when the REST standards were adopted.

In a letter to the commission, Mayes noted that the commission staffs own analysis of the repeal proposal concedes that doing so will harm Arizonans. Bills will likely increase for individuals and for businesses.

Growth in the vibrant renewables industry, which employs nearly 10,000 workers, could stall, and tax revenue going to local and state government could drop, she wrote. The industry is already facing headwinds from the repeal of tax credits in place for years.

The benefits to the utility industry, lower regulatory and administrative costs, pale in comparison, she wrote. She said the move is also illegal because the original REST rules were passed in a full-blow rate case but the commission is repealing them through administrative rulemaking.

In an interview, Mayes said her office wont sit back and watch the commission undo the rules.

Well see whether we have to sue, she told Capitol Media Services. They are going to be going through a long rulemaking process here that we will engage on, and we will make every argument for why they should not repeal the REST rules.

Mayes ticked off a series of concerns about eliminating the renewable energy mandate, concluding that APS and other utilities would stop expanding their solar and wind investments to focus on natural gas plants.

They also have a financial incentive to do so, because owning and building a gas plant is far more lucrative: The cost of building gas plants gets folded into electricity rates, essentially passing the costs on to customers.

Theres a reason the utilities want to build natural gas plants more than they want to build renewable energy, Mayes said. And thats because they make more money off of that kind of plant.

The commissions vote to end the REST rule comes just four years after commissioners nearly adopted a rule mandating 100% clean energy by 2050.

Power demand rising

Clean energy advocates testified Thursday against the repeal, noting that with huge new power demand expected from data centers and computer chip plants, utilities will soon slip below the 15% target for renewable power as they build new gas plants.

Given the load growth projected by the (utilities), the plans to spend approximately $5.3 billion on a new gas pipeline, and APSs recent announcement that they are reneging on all of their clean energy goals, there is absolutely no certainty that the utilities will remain at 15% Autumn Johnson of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association told commissioners.

More concerning for consumers, she said, is that natural gas is subject to wild price surges  and wind and solar are not. About half the states power currently comes from gas plants.

This over-reliance on these specific technologies, all of which have out of state supply chains, is a vulnerability for Arizona,Johnson said. It also can have unexpected and dramatic impacts on costs, as many of you witnessed firsthand.

Besides APSs Aug. 6 announcement that it was ending its 2020 commitment to be carbon free by 2050, the company also ditched its plan to shut down the big coal-fired Four Corners Power Plant in New Mexico seven years early.

Although APS is walking back the closing date, a spokesman said Friday the newly announced 2038 closure plan isnt set in stone.

We expect that our exit from coal will be no later than 2038, consistent with the end of operations under our Four Corners lease, spokesman Mike Philipsen said in an email. Coal is an important part of our balanced energy mix today, and we will not exit it any earlier than is in the best interests of our customers to ensure reliable service at the lowest cost possible.

Philipsen said the companys decision to end its clean energy by 2050 pledge was driven by the need to ensure reliable energy at the lowest cost amid surging demand. Removing the 2030 goals was done for the same reason.

The interim goals have been removed to better match our near-term resource needs, which include natural gas along with renewable and clean energy projects, he said.

Going in the wrong direction

All that said, Philipsen said APS remains committed to renewable energy, if it is reliable and cost competitive.

Clean-energy resources  such as solar paired with battery-energy storage  that provide a best-fit, least-cost solution to serving our customers (as demonstrated through our competitive all-source request for proposals process) will continue to be a key part of how we provide reliable service at the lowest cost possible for our customers, he said.

Philipsen put solar and wind power total at 19% of APS electricity supply. And with the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station west of Phoenix, 54% its power comes from carbon-free sources.

Arizona is growing fast and were making sure were planning for the increased energy demand we anticipate in the future, he wrote in the email. By 2038, APS customers will require more than 13,000 MW of energy to serve peak needs, a staggering 60% increase over todays peak demand which took APS 140 years to reach since it first began serving customers.

A megawatt is enough to power about 160 homes. APS has broken its own peak energy demand records three times this summer.

APS has 1.4 million customers in 11 Arizona counties. TEP supplies electricity to nearly 560,000 homes and businesses in Pima County while Unisource, also a subsidiary of Fortis, have more than 107,000 customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties.

For Mayes and other clean energy advocates, that growth is another reason to boost the supply of renewable energy, the least expensive source of new power today at less than 4 cents a kilowatt hour. Arizonas average retail power price for residential customers was just under 16 cents a kilowatt hour in May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

By comparison, retail residential rates per kilowatt hour in California sit at 35 cents, Nevada at 13.3, Utah at 12.6 and New Mexico at 14.6 cents.

Mayes said both the commission and APS should be embarrassed by their moves.

Frankly, its pathetic that these commissioners would attempt to eliminate the renewable energy standard. Its embarrassing, she said.

It is absolutely going in the wrong direction, and its not where other states are, but certainly its where Donald Trump is, the attorney general added. So one can imagine, thats why theyre a part of the reason why theyre doing it.

As for APS, she said their move to end their commitment to renewable energy is bad for consumers, especially after five years of promoting its clean energy commitment.

It tells me that this utility doesnt give a damn about its consumers, she said.

And you know, it just spent a whole lot of time greenwashing itself, Mayes said. And its got a commission that is doing its bidding in a lot of different ways. So, yeah, APS should be ashamed of itself.
Over four decades of war, Afghanistan wielded limited control over five major river basins that flow across its borders into downstream neighbouring nations.

But as Taliban authorities swept to power and tightened their grip on the country, they have pushed for Afghanistan's water sovereignty, launching infrastructure projects to harness precious resources in the arid territory.

Dams and canals have sparked tensions with neighbouring states, testing the Taliban authorities' efforts to build strong regional ties, as they remain largely isolated on the global stage since their 2021 takeover.

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At the same time, the region is facing the shared impacts of climate change intensifying water scarcity, as temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift, threatening glaciers and snowpack that feed the country's rivers.

Here are key points about Afghanistan's transboundary water challenges:

- Central Asian states to the north -

Afghanistan is emerging as a new player in often fraught negotiations on the use of the Amu Darya, one of two key rivers crucial for crops in water-stressed Central Asia, where water sharing relies on fragile accords since Soviet times.

Central Asian states have expressed concern over the Qosh Tepa mega canal project that could divert up to 21 percent of the Amu Darya's total flow to irrigate 560,000 hectares of land across Afghanistan's arid north, and further deplete the Aral Sea.

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Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are likely to face the biggest impact, both joined by Kazakhstan in voicing alarm, even as they deepen diplomatic ties with the Taliban authorities -- officially recognised so far by only Russia.

"No matter how friendly the tone is now," water governance expert Mohd Faizee warned, "at some point there will be consequences for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan when the canal starts operating".

Taliban officials have denied that the project will have a major impact on the Amu Darya's water levels and pledged it will improve food security in a country heavily dependent on climate-vulnerable agriculture and facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

"There is an abundance of water, especially when the Amu Darya floods and glacial meltwater flows into it" in the warmer months, said project manager Sayed Zabihullah Miri, during a visit to the canal works in Faryab province, where diggers carved into a drought-ridden plain dotted with camels and locusts.

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- Iran to the west -

Iran is the only country with which Afghanistan has a formal water sharing treaty, agreed in 1973 over the Helmand river, which traverses Taliban heartland territory, but the accord was never fully implemented.

Longstanding tensions over the river's resources have spiked over dams in southern Afghanistan, particularly in periods of drought, which are likely to increase as climate shocks hit the region's water cycle.

Iran, facing pressure in its parched southeastern region, has repeatedly demanded that Afghanistan respect its rights, charging that upstream dams restrict the Helmand's flow into a border lake.

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The Taliban authorities insist there is not enough water to release more to Iran, blaming the impact of climate pressures on the whole region.

They also argue long-term poor water management has meant Afghanistan has not gotten its full share, according to an Afghanistan Analysts Network report by water resources management expert Assem Mayar.

Iran and Afghanistan have no formal agreement over their other shared river basin, the Harirud, which also flows into Turkmenistan and is often combined into a single basin with the Morghab river.

While infrastructure exists on the Afghan portions of the basin, some has not been fully utilised, Faizee said.

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But that could change, he added, as the end of conflict in Afghanistan means infrastructure works don't incur vast security costs on top of construction budgets, lifting a barrier to development of projects such as the Pashdan dam inaugurated in August on the Harirud.

- Pakistan to the east -

Water resources have not topped the agenda in consistently fraught relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Afghanistan's Kabul river basin, which encompasses tributaries to the greater Indus basin and feeds the capital and largest city, is shared with Pakistan.

The countries, however, have no formal cooperation mechanism.

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With the Afghan capital wracked by a severe water crisis, the Taliban authorities have sought to revitalise old projects and start new ones to tackle the problem, risking fresh tensions with Pakistan.

But the lack of funds and technical capacity means the Taliban authorities' large water infrastructure projects across the country could take many years to come to fruition -- time that could be good for diplomacy, but bad for ordinary Afghans.

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I used Stressfreecarrental.com to hire a car for a visit to my 92-year-old dad in France. I paid 314.32 for a week, which included insurance. I did a lot of research to find the most reliable but cheapest automatic car. I am on disability benefit and a single mum.

When I arrived at Toulouse airport, Goldcar, which was providing the car, said it would not accept a debit card. I dont have a credit card, and because of this the staff said they would have to sell me Goldcars Mega Relax insurance. This added 231  almost the cost of the car hire itself. Are they allowed to do that? Neither stress-free nor mega relaxed.

You booked the car using a Monzo card. I checked Goldcars terms and conditions which clearly say that Monzo cards are not accepted, along with debit and credit cards issued by seven other institutions, including American Express and Revolut. Im not sure how Stressfreecarrental and Goldcar missed the fact that you used a Monzo card to book the car.

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The T&Cs also say that, apart from in Italy, you can use other Visa and Mastercard debit cards to book and pay for your rental car. You have a First Direct account complete with debit card that should have been perfectly acceptable, had you not been told, incorrectly, that Goldcar only accepts credit cards.

On that basis, I asked Goldcar to reimburse you for the cost of the unnecessary Mega Relax insurance.

It said: Although the customer was able to pay for the booking online with her Monzo card, that card is not valid for the security deposit at the counter, which is a mandatory requirement in order to collect the vehicle. Therefore, upon arrival at the office and not having an accepted card for the deposit (the other card she presented was a debit card but was not used for this purpose at the time), the only alternative to continue with the rental was to take out the Mega Relax insurance, which eliminates the need to leave a deposit.

The Goldcar staff then accepted your Monzo card to pay for this additional cover. Goldcar says this should not have happened, so it has refunded the 231 to your account.

Lufthansa gave me a refund runaround

On 2 September last year I took a Lufthansa flight out of Chisinau, Moldova, to Frankfurt to catch a connecting flight with the same airline to Washington DC. My flight out of Chisinau was delayed and I missed my flight to the US. Lufthansa guest services in Frankfurt told me that under EU regulations, I was entitled to compensation. I contacted Lufthansas customer service group and received several emails stating that I was entitled to compensation.

However, since then I have been in touch with at least half a dozen customer representatives. They all separately asked me for US or UK bank details, copies of boarding passes, personal ID and copies of credit cards.

Each time I would get a new representative and the frustrating process would start all over again. However, I was repeatedly assured that I would receive compensation for the missed flight.

On 12 March, a customer service representative emailed stating that I am not eligible for a refund, without saying why.

My wife is a diplomat, we live in Chisinau and I have flown Lufthansa many times and have always felt that they had a high standard of professionalism. But this customer service experience was truly terrible and made me waste hours for reasons that are still not clear to me.

You were trying to claim compensation under regulation EC261, which applies to flights departing from EU member states and operated by any airline, and to flights operated by EU-based airlines arriving in EU member states from non-EU countries (the rule also includes Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. F lights into and out of the UK are covered by its own legislation, known as UK261). As the start and end of your journey involved two non-EU members, Moldova and the USA, Lufthansa concluded, eventually, that you were not entitled to compensation.

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The initial leg of your journey ending in Germany confused everyone. Lufthansa had promised you compensation and asked for bank account details repeatedly over six months, so I argued that it should do the decent thing and compensate you as a gesture of goodwill. It agreed and said it would pay you 600 compensation on a voluntary basis.

Email your problems to Jill Insley at your.problems@observer.co.uk
You're welcome

Owen Franken/Corbis via Getty Images

There's a variety of reasons that countries and cities can become no-go zones. Sometimes it's because of war or a natural disaster, or the decision of a drug lord to base an international cartel there. For some countries it was a quick look at the outside world followed by a decision that they didnt want any part of it.

Click through this gallery to discover the fascinating places that were once off-limits but are now open to visitors again...

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Peter Northall/AFP via Getty Images

This UNESCO-listed walled city on Croatias stunning Dalmatian Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In 2019, 1.5 million tourists squeezed through its narrow cobbled lanes  that's 36 tourists per resident. But when Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the Yugoslav Peoples Army attacked the city and laid siege for several months. Artillery set up on the hills overlooking the old city rained down shells, resulting in hundreds of deaths and destroying centuries-old buildings.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Esk Leo/Shutterstock

Thousands of people fled the city and for a time Dubrovnik was a ghost town. But after peace was declared in 1995, residents  and tourists  began to return. By the turn of the century visitor numbers had returned to their pre-war levels, and in 2011 the city got another boost when it was used as a film set for the immensely popular TV series, Game of Thrones. Today you're as likely to bump into someone looking for the streets used in Cerseis famous 'walk of shame' as you are to come across a cute laneway restaurant selling seafood fresh from the Adriatic.

Timor-Leste

Streitkrafte Indonesiens/Public Domain

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Timor-Leste (East Timor) has always been a place apart. While most of Indonesia, including the western part of the island of Timor, had been a Dutch colony, East Timor was claimed by the Portuguese. Shortly after the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Indonesia invaded and a brutal occupation ensued. For well over a decade the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) fought a guerrilla war with the Indonesian army, who enacted increasingly bloody crackdowns.

Timor-Leste

mauritius images GmbH/Alamy

A UN-monitored referendum in 1999 saw 78% of the population vote for independence, after which the Indonesian army and pro-Indonesia militias drove hundreds of thousands of East Timorese into West Timor and wreaked havoc on East Timors infrastructure. A UN peace-keeping force was sent in and in 2002 the country finally became independent. Today, a nascent tourist industry is enticing visitors to discover its pristine beaches, rugged interiors and unique Portuguese-influenced culture.

Karosta, Latvia

Courtesy of UniqHotels

Karosta is a former Russian Imperial and Soviet naval base on the Baltic Sea in modern-day Liepaja in Latvia. It was built between 1890 and 1906 by Tsar Alexander III of Russia, and during the Soviet period served as a base for the Soviet Baltic Fleet. It became a closed military town, one of the most secretive in the Soviet Union. It was off-limits to everyone, including the people of Liepaja just a couple of miles away, who often came to the beach at Karosta to forage for amber that washed up on shore.

Karosta, Latvia

Peter Moore

When Latvia gained independence in 1991 the Soviet army left Karosta, and parts of the city fell to ruin. Today, it has become an unlikely tourist attraction and a haven for artists. The military prison has been converted into a hotel and wedding space. The impressive Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral, used as a gym and cinema during Soviet times, is holding services again. And graffiti artists have turned the old fort buildings crumbling into the sea into affecting canvases.

Medellin, Colombia

JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / Contributor / Getty

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In 1988 Time magazine dubbed Medellin the most dangerous city in the world. It was the height of the Escobar years, when the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar used the city as the base for a cartel. Running battles with the police, political assassinations, bomb blasts and killings were commonplace. In 1991 the homicide rate reached a staggering 381 murders per 100,000 people, almost 40 times greater than the UN's benchmark for an epidemic of violence.

Medellin, Colombia

Darko Vrcan/Alamy

Escobar died 30 years ago, and the transformation has been staggering. In 2004 a series of infrastructure projects linked the poor, isolated settlements on the steep hillsides to Medellins economic centre. The economy came roaring back and in 2013 the city was named "the most innovative city in the world" by the Urban Land Institute. Today the city is reborn, making the most of its stunning location in a valley between two Andean mountain ridges, and tourists are discovering for themselves why Medellin is nicknamed 'the City of Eternal Spring'.

Cambodia

DAVID VAN DER VEEN/AFP via Getty Images

The Khmer Rouge only ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, but in that short time approximately two million people lost their lives. Their brutal leader Pol Pot declared the nation would start again at Year Zero, emptying the cities, abolishing money, private property and religion and forcing everyone to work on rural collectives. Anyone considered 'intellectual' was executed, while others died of starvation, disease and overwork when the social experiment inevitably failed. The country is littered with killing fields, where the victims were buried in mass graves.

Cambodia

Olena Tur/Shutterstock

The regime ultimately collapsed when neighbouring Vietnam invaded, establishing an occupation that would last a decade. The Vietnamese withdrew in 1989 and in the years since, Cambodia has become a popular tourist attraction, thanks particularly to the stunning Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat. Reminders remain of the terrible times under Pol Pot, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Memorial Stupa, both in capital city Phnom Penh. One of the most significant killing fields can be found at Wat Thmey near Siem Reap.

The Maldives

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The Maldives welcomed its first tourists in 1972. Aware that most of its islands were tiny and fearful of too much foreign influx and influence, the government implemented a one resort, one island policy in 1978. These resorts were largely built on uninhabited islands, and travel to the more populous islands like Hithadhoo or Fuvahmulah was very challenging and very unusual.

The Maldives

Elena Ska/Shutterstock

It's only since 2009 that locals on inhabited islands have been allowed to build guesthouses, where tourists can stay among the local population. Intrepid travellers now have the opportunity to visit islands that were previously out of bounds, and experience more authentic island life in the Maldives. These islands still take some getting to, often on board one of the wooden cargo ships called 'vedis' that sail down from capital city Male carrying supplies and passengers.

Albania

John van Hasselt/Sygma via Getty Images

Albania spent much of the latter half of the 20th century isolated from the rest of the world. Enver Hoxha, the countrys communist ruler, spurned all the worlds major powers and became so paranoid about invasion that he practically bankrupted the country by building concrete bunkers along every major road, border and seafront. Estimates vary on exactly how many bunkers he built  from 170,000 to 750,000 or more  and each one cost roughly the same as a two-bedroom apartment.

Albania

Jan Wlodarczyk/Alamy

Hoxha died in 1985 but the bunkers remain. Some have been converted into dwellings, others have become tiny restaurants, cafes or art galleries. Many have been turned into works of art by graffiti artists. Since transitioning to democracy in 1990 the country has also become a popular tourist destination, offering Mediterranean beach resorts like Ksamil (pictured), stunning mountain hiking and big city thrills in Tirana, all at a much more affordable price than its big-name neighbours.

Sperrgebiet, Namibia

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Sperrgebiet is a diamond-rich area in the southern Namib desert in southwestern Namibia. It was closed to the public after a railway worker called Zacharias Lewala found a diamond at Kolmanskop in 1908. Sperrgebiet means 'prohibited area' in German and the whole area was shut off from the outside world until the early 21st century. It was a secretive place of rich diamond mines, treacherous sand seas and mysterious folk tales.

Sperrgebiet, Namibia

Nick Fox/Alamy

In 2004 the Sperrgebiet region was declared an 8,500-square-mile (22,000sq km) national park. Known as Tsau Khaeb, the park was tentatively part-opened to visitors who discovered abandoned mines, eerie ghost towns swallowed by sand and the skeletons of ships wrecked along the jagged coastline. The park was quickly recognised as a top biodiversity hotspot, and its swirling sea fog supports more endemic species of succulent than can be found anywhere else on earth. It is home to Namibias first Marine Protected Area too, where whales, dolphins, fur seals and vast seabird colonies abound.

Bhutan

Sergi Reboredo/Alamy

Bhutan is the quintessential hermit kingdom, cut off from the rest of the world for centuries and fiercely protective of its culture and traditions. It sits high in the Himalayas, tucked between China and India, and maintains a heavy emphasis on peace and harmony measured as Gross National Happiness. When tourists were finally let in during the 1970s it was under the strictest of conditions. The administrative challenges of visiting were immense, and in 1974 only 287 tourists were allowed into the country.

Bhutan

Charles O. Cecil/Alamy

Between 2012 and 2016 the number of visitors to the kingdom increased by 24%, but Bhutan retains a strong sense of its own identity. There are no traffic lights, government employees must wear traditional clothing (a gho robe for men and kira dress for women) during work hours and watching TV was only reluctantly allowed in 1999. Those lucky enough to visit must pay a hefty daily fee, but the rewards are immense: breathtaking natural scenery, extraordinary Buddhist temples and a culture in which centuries-old traditions are still a part of everyday life.

East Berlin, Germany

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After the Second World War, Germany was split in two by the Soviet Union and the Western Allies. The capital of Berlin was divided into east and west and was separated in 1961 by the notorious Berlin Wall. Neighbourhoods were divided, as, sometimes, were families. Travelling between the two sectors soon became increasingly difficult and, in the end, impossible. The crossing at Checkpoint Charlie was like something out of a spy novel, and more than 600 East Germans lost their lives trying to cross the wall and escape.

East Berlin, Germany

canadastock/Shutterstock

Today Checkpoint Charlie is a popular attraction where tourists pose for photos with people dressed as Soviet and American guards. Theres a McDonald's on the corner opposite and visitors can walk freely between the two 'sectors'. Sections of the Berlin Wall remain, a sombre reminder of more restrictive times, but generally East Berlin has embraced the freedoms and opportunities that came when the Wall fell in 1989. Today it is home to some of the citys most exciting clubs, bars and restaurants, as well as museums and galleries.

Soweto, South Africa

AFP via Getty Images

Soweto is a township on the southwest edge of Johannesburg. It was set aside by the white South African government for black labourers who flocked here from rural areas between the First and Second World Wars. Conditions were often very poor and the slums here became a hotbed of anger and insurrection against the apartheid regime, culminating in the Soweto Rebellion in 1976, which was partly triggered by government insistence that the Afrikaans language be used in Soweto's schools. Vilakazi Street, in the heart of the township, was once home to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

Soweto, South Africa

Bildagentur-online/Schickert/Alamy

Since the end of apartheid in 1990 conditions have improved in Soweto, but most of the residents still have to travel into Johannesburg for work. However, tourism is now a growing source of income, with visitors flocking from all around the world to visit the museum in Nelson Mandelas old house. Theres also a growing foodie and music scene. Ubuntu Kraal Brewery, Soweto Theatre and Locrate Market are popular drop-in spots, while a bungee jump from the decommissioned Orlando Power Station is a must for the more adventurous.

Read on to learn about the US cities that are having a revival after being down on their luck
I read the articles written by two congressional candidates in the Bucks CountyHerald on October 24, 2024. Barbara gave me the newspaper.

1) (A) In Bucks County, we value freedom,  written by Ashley Ehasz

Every day, I talk to members, I ask the questionwhat do you value most? I hear is freedom.

As a pro-democracy candidate, I believe abortion care should be legal. Abortion is an essential part of reproductive healthcare, and the freedom to access that healthcare is essential to our well-being.

Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, there are women serving our country who are stationed in states that have banned abortion, like Texas and Alabama. This is a major barrier for women who want to raise their right hands and take the oath to serve.

Freedom is more than just the ability to chart your own path. Freedom is about personal safety. It means you are safe to make your own choices without persecution. The mother who was told that her baby would not survive, but was still forced to carry to term despite life-threatening risks; the pregnant woman scared she is having a miscarriage who can not get care; the child who needs an abortion after surviving sexual violence. This is not a partisan issue for them, it is real life.

My number one job in running for Congress is talking to people, and I hear many different opinions on what our community needs! The one thing I hear repeatedly is the importance of freedom.

Freedom is an idea that has defined Bucks County since Washington crossed the Delaware. I joined the Army because freedom is worth fighting for. That is why I am running for the U.S. house. In office, I will vote to protect abortion at the federal level.

This November, join me in voting for our countrys freedom.

(B) I think: Freedom is subject to legal constraints, and personal freedom cannot infringe upon others. Freedom of speech allows criticism of the government and the president, which is protected by law. But this does not mean that one can spread rumors or threaten others. Freedom of belief allows one to believe in Marxism-Leninism, but one cannot demand that others do the same. Freedom of movement allows you to go wherever you want, but it doesn't mean you can enter others' residences, steal, rob... .

And laws should be passed through democratic discussion.

Abortion freedom should also be restricted. A fetus is alive. It is incorrect to have an abortion easily and cause the death of the fetus. Of course, if the fetus is unhealthy or poses a threat to the mother's life, abortion should be permitted. For those who are economically disadvantaged or do not want the baby, the government should provide financial assistance to pregnant women by granting them maternity leave. The government should set up orphanages to adopt babies whose mother are unwilling to raise.

2) (A)Upholding a diverse districts values. Written by Brain Fitzpatrick

Serving our community, where I was born and raised, has been the most profound honor of my life. From my earliest days in Levittown, I learned community isnt just a place its a shared dedication to one anothers well-being and a united effort to create a bright future.

This principle has been my guiding force in Congress, where I strive to embody the spirit and uphold the values that define our diverse distinct. In these critical times, the greatest threat to our nation isnt externally, its the corrosive internal force of hyper-partisanship. This division weakens our resolve and erodes the principles that make America exceptional.

Bipartisanship is the only path to national healing and progress, which is why Ive chosen the path of bipartisanship and problem-solving. My steadfast belief that were stronger together than apart.

Ive made it my mission to prioritize solutions that transcend party lines no single party holds a monopoly on good ideas. The challenges we face are far too significant to be left to the whims and delays of partisan politics and games.

As National Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman and NATO Parliamentary Assembly Member, Ill continue fighting for a secure border, standing firm against authoritarian regimes like Putins Russia and Communist China, and ensuring the U.S. remains a global beacon of democracy and peace. Domestically, Ill continue advocating for a regulatory environment that fuels business growth, fosters a thriving economy, ensures low taxes for working families.

This November, I ask for the opportunity to continue to serve you. United as One Community. Our community is not far-left one far-right. Centrist is whoI am to my core.

(B) I think: The United States is a country where the executive, legislative and judicial powers are separated. This can prevent excessive concentration of power and protect citizens' rights, people often can hear different voices.

The political system of the People's Republic of China: Major government policies are led by the Communist Party of China. The Party is above the government and above the law. People often can hear is about loyalty.

The United States is a democratic regime, while China is an autocratic regime.

I believe that people's opinions should be reflected and taken seriously. It is normal for the two parties to have disputes, and the confrontation of different opinions is conducive to social progress. The two parties should cooperate on issues they have a common understanding of, but should not emphasize cooperation on issues they have different opinions on.
Moving to a new home in Ottawa can be an exciting chapter, but the decision to handle it yourself or hire professional movers Ottawa like Foosun Moving Ottawa can make all the difference. While a DIY move might seem like a budget-friendly choice at first glance, the hidden costs can quickly add up, leaving you stressed and out of pocket. In this guide, well uncover the often-overlooked expenses of DIY moving in Ottawa and show why hiring Foosun Moving Ottawa, one of the best moving companies Ottawa has to offer, is the smarter choice for a seamless relocation.

Uncover the Often-overlooked Expenses of Diy Moving in Ottawa

The Appeal of DIY Moving in Ottawa

Its easy to see why some Ottawa residents consider a DIY move. Renting a truck, grabbing some boxes, and enlisting friends might feel like a cost-effective way to relocate. However, the reality of moving in a city like Ottawawhere tight parking, busy streets, and unpredictable weather come into playcan turn a DIY move into a costly ordeal. Lets break down the hidden expenses and compare them to the value of hiring Ottawa moving companies like Foosun.

Hidden Costs of DIY Moving in Ottawa

1. Rental Truck and Equipment Costs

Renting a moving truck might seem affordable, but the costs pile up quickly. In Ottawa, truck rentals can range from $50 to $150 per day, depending on size and availability. Add in fuel costs, mileage fees, and insurance, and youre looking at a hefty bill. Dont forget the extrasdollies, furniture pads, and straps arent always included, and purchasing or renting them adds to your expenses.

Foosun Advantage: When you hire Foosun Moving Ottawa, one of the top moving companies in Ottawa Canada, the cost of a fully equipped moving truck is included. Their modern fleet is designed for efficiency, and you wont face surprise fees for fuel or equipment.

2. Packing Supplies

Packing materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and protective padding can cost hundreds of dollars, especially if youre moving a larger home. Sourcing free boxes is time-consuming and often unreliable, and using low-quality materials risks damage to your belongings.

Foosun Advantage: Foosuns moving services Ottawa include professional packing options with high-quality materials. Their team ensures your items are securely packed, reducing the risk of damage without the hassle of sourcing supplies yourself.

3. Time and Opportunity Costs

A DIY move eats up hoursor even daysof your time. Between packing, loading, driving, and unloading, youre sacrificing time that could be spent settling into your new home or handling other priorities. For working professionals in Ottawa, this lost time could mean missed work hours or reduced productivity.

Foosun Advantage: As one of the best moving companies Ottawa, Foosun handles every aspect of your move efficiently. Their professional movers Ottawa free up your time, letting you focus on what matters most while they take care of the heavy lifting.

4. Physical and Emotional Toll

Moving is physically demanding and emotionally draining. Lifting heavy furniture, navigating stairs, and driving a bulky truck through Ottawas streets (think Elgin Street or the ByWard Market) can lead to injuries or burnout. If youre not used to heavy lifting, you risk straining your back or damaging your belongings.

Foosun Advantage: Foosuns trained movers in Ottawa Ontario are experts in safe lifting and transportation. They handle your move with care, reducing stress and ensuring your belongings arrive safely.

5. Damage to Belongings

Without professional equipment or experience, DIY movers often face broken furniture, scratched floors, or shattered glassware. Repairing or replacing damaged items can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In Ottawas older homes, narrow hallways and tight staircases make moving large items especially tricky.

Foosun Advantage: Foosuns Ottawa moving companies expertise includes handling delicate and bulky items, from pianos to antiques. Their team uses specialized equipment to protect your belongings, and their insurance options provide peace of mind.

6. Parking and Permits in Ottawa

Ottawas urban neighborhoods, like Centretown or Sandy Hill, often require parking permits for moving trucks. Failing to secure permits can result in fines, and finding parking for a large truck can be a nightmare. Even suburban areas like Kanata or Orleans have restrictions that can complicate a DIY move.

Foosun Advantage: As a local moving company Ottawa, Foosun knows Ottawas parking regulations inside and out. They handle permits and logistics, ensuring your move complies with city rules without added costs.

7. Unexpected Delays

DIY moves are prone to delaysfriends might cancel, trucks might break down, or bad weather can throw a wrench in your plans. Ottawas winter snowstorms or summer construction can exacerbate these issues, leading to additional rental days or lost deposits.

Foosun Advantage: Foosuns movers Ottawa are prepared for Ottawas unique challenges, from snow to traffic. Their experience ensures your move stays on schedule, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Why Foosun Moving Ottawa Is the Better Choice

Hiring Foosun Moving Ottawa eliminates the hidden costs and stress of a DIY move. Heres why they stand out among Ottawa moving companies:

1. All-Inclusive Pricing

Foosun offers transparent, upfront quotes that cover everything from labor to equipment. Unlike DIY moves, there are no surprise costs for fuel, mileage, or packing materials. Their competitive pricing makes them one of the best moving companies Ottawa for value.

2. Expertise and Efficiency

Foosuns professional movers Ottawa are trained to handle moves of all sizes, from small apartments in Westboro to large homes in Barrhaven. Their efficiency saves you time and money, ensuring your move is completed in a single day whenever possible.

3. Comprehensive Moving Services Ottawa

Foosun provides a full range of moving services Ottawa residents need, including:

Packing and Unpacking : Save time with professional packing services.

: Save time with professional packing services. Furniture Handling : Disassembly and reassembly of large items.

: Disassembly and reassembly of large items. Specialty Moves : Safe transport of pianos, artwork, and fragile items.

: Safe transport of pianos, artwork, and fragile items. Storage Solutions: Secure, short-term storage for flexible moves.

4. Local Knowledge

As a trusted moving company Ottawa, Foosun understands the citys layout, from navigating Vaniers narrow streets to avoiding rush hour on the Queensway. Their local expertise ensures a smooth move, no matter where youre headed in Ottawa.

5. Customer Satisfaction

With glowing reviews from Ottawa residents, Foosun has earned its place among the best moving companies Ottawa. Their commitment to customer care sets them apart from other movers in Ottawa Ontario, making them the go-to choice for stress-free relocations.

Tips to Avoid DIY Moving Pitfalls

If youre still considering a DIY move, here are some tips to minimize costs and stress:

Plan Ahead : Book your truck early and check Ottawas parking regulations.

: Book your truck early and check Ottawas parking regulations. Invest in Quality Supplies : Use sturdy boxes and proper padding to protect your belongings.

: Use sturdy boxes and proper padding to protect your belongings. Enlist Reliable Help : Confirm with friends or family well in advance.

: Confirm with friends or family well in advance. Check the Weather: Ottawas weather can be unpredictable, so have a backup plan for snow or rain.

However, these steps still require significant time and effort. Hiring Foosun Moving Ottawa eliminates these hassles, providing a professional solution that saves you money in the long run.

Real-Life Example: A DIY Move Gone Wrong

Consider Sarah, an Ottawa resident who tried a DIY move to save money. She rented a truck, bought supplies, and enlisted friends to move her two-bedroom apartment in The Glebe. But things quickly went south: a friend canceled last minute, the truck was too small for her furniture, and a coffee table broke during transit. By the end, Sarah spent more on repairs, extra rental days, and takeout for her helpers than she would have with a moving company Ottawa like Foosun. If she had hired Ottawa movers from Foosun, her move would have been faster, safer, and ultimately cheaper.

Ready to Save with Foosun Moving Ottawa?

A DIY move might seem like a bargain, but the hidden costsfinancial, physical, and emotionalcan outweigh the savings. Foosun Moving Ottawa, one of the top moving companies in Ottawa Canada, offers a stress-free alternative with transparent pricing, expert service, and local knowledge. Whether youre moving to Kanata, Nepean, or downtown Ottawa, Foosuns movers Ottawa have you covered.

Dont let a DIY move turn into a costly mistake. Contact Foosun Moving Ottawa today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover why theyre among the best moving companies Ottawa residents trust. Let Foosun handle your move, so you can focus on starting your new chapter.

Visit Foosun Moving Ottawas website or call now to book your stress-free move with the premier moving company Ottawa!
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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  First came the red carpet, then the warm handshakes, friendly smiles and military planes flying overhead.

Finally, President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin climbed into the back seat of Trump's presidential limousine, casually chatting like reunited friends as they were whisked away to talks about the future of the Russia-Ukraine war.

It was a greeting fit for the closest U.S. allies. Instead it was rolled out for an adversarial leader who launched the largest land war in Europe since World War II and is seen as one of America's most vexing foes.

Hours later, however, their interactions seemed more muted after they emerged from talks.

Trump and Putin appeared briefly at what was billed as a joint news conference  though neither took questions. They offered generalities about an "understanding" and "progress," while praising one another from lecterns positioned unusually far apart before a backdrop displaying the phrase "Pursuing peace."

Trump repeatedly implored Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire after insisting during last year's campaign that he would be able to end the conflict in 24 hours. Trump made clear in recent weeks that he is unhappy with Russia's more than 3-year-old offensive, and he threatened "severe consequences" and additional sanctions if progress were not made Friday.

The tensions between the two leaders were not apparent from their clasped hands and grins as Trump welcomed Putin back to U.S. soil for the first time in a decade. But as they parted, little was known about what comes next.

Reception far different than Zelenskyy's

The pomp and planes may have been intended to remind the Russian leader of U.S. military might. They also underscored the dramatic contrast between Trump's treatment of Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a U.S. ally whom Trump berated for being "disrespectful" during an extraordinary Oval Office meeting in February.

That visit ended without the leaders signing a planned deal on rare earth minerals or holding a joint news conference after Zelenskyy was asked to leave the White House by top Trump advisers.

"You're gambling with World War III, and what you're doing is very disrespectful to the country  this country that's backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have," Trump scolded Zelenskyy after the Ukrainian leader tried to warn Trump that Putin could not be trusted.

Since then, Trump voiced more frustration with Putin as Russian strikes on Ukraine ramped up, writing "Vladimir, STOP!" on social media and even declaring that the Russian leader "has gone absolutely CRAZY!"

Little of that frustration was visible Friday at the greeting of the two leaders, who have long had a friendly relationship that Trump critics view as highly suspect.

Hours later, after the meeting between officials from both countries, Trump and Putin filed into a room of journalists and the American and Russian delegations.

Putin spoke first, saying they reached an "understanding" on Ukraine but offered no details. He agreed with Trump's long-repeated assertion that Russia never would have invaded Ukraine in 2022 had Trump been president instead of Democrat Joe Biden.

"I say that because President Trump and I have established a strong, trusting and practical relationship," Putin said.

He reiterated Moscow's position that it is "sincerely interested in putting an end" to the war in Ukraine  but only after "all the root causes of the crisis" are "eliminated."

"I would like to hope that the understanding we have reached will allow us to get closer to that goal and open the way to peace in Ukraine," Putin said in Russian, without elaborating.

Trump listened with a translation in one ear. He spoke second, telling reporters that he's "always had a fantastic relationship" with Putin.

The U.S. president said "some great progress" had been made during "an extremely productive meeting." Trump said "many points were agreed to" and that "just a very few" issues were left to resolve. He did not offer specifics.

He also made no reference to the ceasefire he sought and did not criticize Putin over the killing of Ukrainian civilians as he stood on the world stage.

As they wrapped up, Putin said he hoped the two would meet again soon. "Next time in Moscow," he said in English, then chuckled.
A lawsuit in Erie County Supreme Court accuses Buffalo Biodiesel of fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract and violating general business law, according to court documents.

A total of 27 restaurants across five states  New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio  are jointly suing the Buffalo company.

The companies alleged  among other claims  that Buffalo Biodiesel signs restaurants up for service contracts to collect their used cooking oil, and then fails to collect the oil. After the restaurants run out of room to store their old oil and allow another vendor to remove it, the companies allege, Buffalo Biodiesel sues them for breach of contract.

Buffalo Biodiesel denied the accusations and said it warns its customers of legal action before filing suit.

Buffalo Biodiesel employs 150 people and operates a facility in Tonawanda that processes used cooking oil for use in fuels. It collects used cooking oil from about 26,000 restaurants across 15 states.

In addition to the lawsuit, Buffalo Biodiesel has been told this summer by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation it may need to shut down if it does not submit a valid solid waste management facility permit for its Tonawanda facility. The permit was first required after regulations changed in 2017, and the state agency gave Buffalo Biodiesel until Aug. 29 to comply with the permit regulations.

But records show that Buffalo Biodiesels problems with the DEC represent only one set of legal problems for the company. The 27 plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed Aug. 5 accuse Buffalo Biodiesel of using the court system to intimidate customers, an allegation the company denies.

But in 2016, the office of the New York State Attorney General faulted Buffalo Biodiesel for just that reason  finding the company filed some 600 suits against its own customers between 2013 and 2015.

Agency orders Buffalo Biodiesel to shut down after years of failing new permit requirement Buffalo Biodiesel officials acknowledged they "dropped the ball" on a permit requirement. They have needed to apply for a new permit since 2017. The state recently told them to shut down in 60 days.

The current lawsuit against the company claims Buffalo Biodiesel often fails to provide basic service, answer calls for pick-up, refuses to remove unwanted containers and other allegations.

When businesses are allegedly found to be in breach of their contract, Buffalo Biodiesel sues them, according to the lawsuit. But the lawsuit said that when Buffalo Biodiesel sues its customers, its for unlawful reasons.

The intent of these lawsuits  is to intimidate BBDs (Buffalo Biodiesels) small business customers into maintaining their business relationship with BBD, the lawsuit alleges.

When asked about the lawsuit from the 27 restaurant companies, Sumit Majumdar, president of Buffalo Biodiesel, attacked Michael Collesano, the attorney representing the restaurants.

Its the rants and the ravings of an ill person, Majumdar said.

Majumdar noted that Buffalo Biodiesel has filed a grievance regarding Collesano with the states Attorney Grievance Committee, which investigates complaints against lawyers.

An attorney for Buffalo Biodiesel, Pat Balkin, when asked about the lawsuit, told The Buffalo News he was not going to respond to something thats nonsense.

Majumdar said the claims in Collesanos lawsuit were unjustified.

He noted that Buffalo Biodiesel gives customers plenty of notice of a breach of a contract with the company before they are sued.

They normally are scared enough for the threat of litigation, if theyre normal, he said, and then the people that arent are the ones that we sue.

New Jersey pizza restaurant owner Giovanni Taccardi said all five of his Crust N Fire establishments were sued for alleged breach of contract by Buffalo Biodiesel.

He signed a contract with Buffalo Biodiesel for used cooking oil containers to be placed behind his five restaurants in 2023.

Ive been in the industry for 20 years, he told The News. The oil industry is usually very simple.

With Buffalo Biodiesel, it wasnt so simple, he continued.

The 350-gallon vats behind Taccardis restaurants filled up with used cooking oil in no time, he said.

When they got close to being full, he said he called Buffalo Biodiesel to ask when the company would empty the vats so he could continue using them.

We left several kinds of messages, Taccardi said.

Buffalo Biodiesel never, never answered, he added.

It was a big problem, he said, noting that the Buffalo Biodiesel vats would fill up at one restaurant, so that employees from that restaurant would have to cart the oil to another one of Taccardis establishments to ensure the oil wasnt disposed of improperly.

I was exhausted and very frustrated, Taccardi said. There is no service, no customer service.

Taccardi decided he needed to switch to another used cooking oil collection company.

Thats when Taccardi said he finally heard back from Buffalo Biodiesel, in the form of a lawsuit.

Buffalo Biodiesel sued Taccardis five businesses in Erie County Supreme Court for breach of contract for using a different oil collection company. In total, Buffalo Biodiesel is requesting nearly $60,000 in damages for oil it claims it never got from Taccardis restaurants, according to court documents.

In Michigan, tavern owner Dan Kolander said he faced customer service issues as well.

Kolander said Buffalo Biodiesel approached him with a one-year contract in 2022. He signed it, even though he said he already had another used cooking oil bin behind his restaurant, Dans Downtown Tavern.

They put this bin in there and it took up a lot of room and I already had a bin back there, Kolander said. So I tried to get a hold of them and you couldnt get a hold of them  they wouldnt answer their phones, nothing.

In March 2024, Buffalo Biodiesel sued Kolander in Erie County Supreme Court for breach of contract, demanding more than $12,000 in damages for alleged undelivered oil, according to court documents.

Collesano said there are more restaurants out there that have similar issues to Kolander and Taccardi. A survey of 175 cases in the Erie County Supreme Court online docket showed Buffalo Biodiesel is demanding more than $2 million in damages, or an average of $11,000 per customer, Collesano said.

The tactics used by Buffalo Biodiesel today are reminiscent of those previously deployed by the company, Collesano said.

In 2016, the New York Attorney General said Buffalo Biodiesel used the local court system to bully and intimidate small businesses across New York. The attorney general had found the company filed more than 600 lawsuits in Buffalo City Court between 2013 and 2015.

The attorney general and Buffalo Biodiesel in 2016 reached an agreement to drop the cases and return any money it may have collected.

Majumdar said after the attorney generals investigation, his company updated its contracts and now gives businesses notice of its intent to sue them before filing any court action.

It hurts me if I was some terrible person and had some weird conspiracies to sue people; not to collect their oil so I dont get paid, Majumdar said. I dont understand how that even works logically.

We get cash from the oil, we have to collect it, he said. Weve got to put in our containers.
Councils under pressure to fund adult social care to get 30m boost

Local authorities in Wales will receive an extra 30m from the Welsh Government to strengthen community-based services and speed up hospital discharges.

The funding will be used to improve access to timely care assessments and home support packages, allowing patients to leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit and reducing delays in the system.

It will also be used to strengthen community-based social care and support services to help people to stay well at home.

It comes as councils across Wales warn that demand for adult social care is increasing, placing strain on already stretched budgets. Ministers say the new money will help relieve some of that pressure by focusing on preventative services and early intervention.

Local authorities will be able to direct funding at specific regional challenges, building on the Welsh Governments 50-day challenge programme and aligning with integrated care models.

During a visit to Bridgend, Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, met Mr Howard Pring who is receiving vital support from the local authoritys Home Support Team. Through daily visits, the team provides help with essential tasks, enabling the individual to continue living independently at home.

The funding will also support the development of a multi-disciplinary prevention team in Bridgend which is designed to reduce hospital admissions by providing targeted support to individuals in care homes and the wider community.

Similar projects across Wales will benefit from the 30m, with local authorities focusing on preventative and early intervention initiatives as well as actions that enable people to leave hospital as soon as they are clinically able, helping individuals live healthier lives at home and within their communities.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: The funding we are making available to local authorities will make a real difference to people across Wales who need care and support.

By investing in community-based support, we can help more people return home from hospital when theyre medically ready and enable others to remain independent in their communities.

This will not only improve experiences for individuals but also help patient flow through our hospitals.

This funding has been secured through the budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
North Wales MS hails Green Flag success for Wrexham parks

A North Wales MS has commended four Wrexham parks being named among the best green spaces in the UK.

Sam Rowlands, who represents the region in the Senedd and chairs its Cross-Party Group on Tourism, welcomed the news that Alyn Waters, Ponciau Banks, Belleview Park and Ty Mawr have all been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for 2025.

The international mark of quality, run in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, is given to parks and green spaces that meet high environmental standards, are well maintained and provide excellent visitor facilities.

Mr Rowlands said: I am absolutely delighted to see all these popular parks receiving national recognition for being some of the UKs best green spaces.

Not only is it good news for local people who use the facility but it certainly helps to keep North Wales firmly on the tourist map.

I am always happy to promote any attractions in my region and particularly those which hold the Green Flag Award which is the benchmark for parks and green spaces in the UK and beyond.

Congratulations must go to both Flintshire and Wrexham councils along with everyone else involved in helping to maintain and improve these spaces for us all to enjoy.

This year, 315 green spaces across Wales have received Green Flag or Green Flag Community status.

The Award is all about connecting people with the very best parks and green spaces and wherever you see a Green Flag, you know youre visiting an exceptional place with the highest standards.

Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive, Owen Derbyshire said: Were delighted to see 315 green spaces across Wales awarded Green Flag and Green Flag Community status this year  a real testament to the hard work and dedication of those who care for these special places.
Entrepreneurs have taken over the area's only Black-owned bar, Z Bar in Midtown, for a pop-up event.

On Saturday, August 16 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m., attendees can shop from multiple Black-owned businesses at Z Bar as they celebrate National Black Business Month.

The vendors are featuring artisan crafts, jewelry, plants, food and more.

The event also features live music, with R&B jams provided by DJ Ryon.

For more information and to find out about upcoming "It's a BOP" pop-ups, follow It's a BOP on Instagram.
Bid Day, the climax of sorority recruitment at the University of Alabama, saw about 2,400 women welcomed into their new campus homes on Sunday. See photos in the accompanying gallery

According to information provided by the University, 2,573 women participated, with a 94% acceptance rate.

Sorority rush at universities across the country has generated national attention in recent years thanks to a genre of social media accounts known as RushTok. The University of Alabama has been a hot spot, thanks to the fervor (and considerable expense) which many young women have put into their efforts to be accepted by top-tier sororities.

To some extent, that was fueled by the 2023 HBO Max documentary Bama Rush, which showed that aside from spending thousands of dollars, some candidates even hired rush consultants to improve their chances.

Things were more subdued this year after a peak of interest in 2023 and 2024. As reported by the Associated Press, many sororities have clamped down on social media posting and media interviews.

The 2025 recruitment schedule began with a convocation on Aug. 9 and included Philanthropy Days and Sisterhood Days leading up to Bid Day. Classes begin Wednesday.
Wally Goose, Fairhope cheerleaders and others dance at the opening of Alabama's first Wawa store. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Up until now, Buc-ees has operated gigantic interstate stops catering to heavy long-distance traffic and Wawa has stuck to small convenience stores mostly serving local communities. Thats about to change, as Wawa debuts a new super-sized format in the South.

To be clear, Wawas first move into the travel center game isnt as monstrous as the typical Buc-ees. The Buc-ees location in Leeds, at 50,000-plus square feet and 120 gas pumps, is typical of the Texas chains stores in Alabama. According to Wawa, its first travel center will feature over 8,000 square feet of space and 20 fueling stations for passenger cars.

While thats obviously smaller than a Buc-ees, its quite a bit bigger than the typical Wawa. Just as significantly, it features six high-speed diesel fuel lanes, accepting over the road (OTR) payments and is located on an Interstate exchange. Its on I-95 in Hope Mills, N.C., just south of Fayetteville; the actual address is 630 Chicken Foot Road.

North Carolina-based WGHP-TV8 quoted Wawa Chief Real Estate Officer John Poplawski as saying the store is designed to serve a mix of local customers and travelers.

Not only will our Wawa Travel Center meet the fueling needs of professional drivers, but our store will offer the freshest of food, beverages, conveniences and the friendliest flock of associates, while also remaining a community hub for local friends and neighbors to enjoy. Poplawski said.

Wawa recently announced an opening date of Aug. 28 for the new travel center.

Wawa has made headlines in Alabama over the past year and a half by opening its first half-dozen stores in the state in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Thats part of an aggressive expansion across the Florida Panhandle and central Gulf Coast.

Wawa, which was founded in Pennsylvania and mostly grew along the East Coast until recently, also is expanding into the central portion of the South and portions of the Midwest. In July it opened its first Kentucky store, and more recently it broke ground on its first stores in middle Tennessee. 2025 also has seen the openings of multiple Wawas in Ohio and Indiana.
A 42-year-old man was critically injured when he and two passengers  including a toddler  were thrown from their boat Saturday in south Alabama.

Artis E. Anderson, 42, was then struck by his own 18-foot boat as it began to circle their location even though it was unmanned.

The incident happened at 8:50 a.m. Saturday on the Tensaw River near Byrnes Lake in Baldwin County.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Capt. Jeremy Burkett said Anderson was operating the boat when it tilted heavily to the right, ejecting the Bay Minette man as well as Brittany Anderson,34, and a 2-year-old. All three were thrown into the water.

Burkett said the homemade vessel continued even after everyone onboard had been ejected. As a result, the vessel began to circle their location eventually striking Artis E. Anderson.

A nearby boater, later identified as 46-year-old Michael W. Carr II, of Daphne, saw what was happening and immediately responded to help.

Michael Carr and Terri Carr were able to retrieve the 2-year-old from the water, safely bringing the child onboard their vessel.

Andersons vessel eventually struck Carrs 14-foot boat.

Michael Carr was able to climb onboard Andersons vessel and was eventually able to disable the engine and push Andersons boat away from his.

Additional vessels responded to the scene and assisted in the retrieval of both Artis Anderson and Brittany Anderson.

Artis Anderson was airlifted to University Hospital in Mobile for medical treatment. Brittany Anderson and the toddler were not injured.

The Whitehouse Fork Volunteer Fire Department, Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office, Alabama State Troopers and ALEAs Marine Patrol Division all responded to help with the recovery efforts.
Nearly 403 pounds of various forms of Kratom were found in a white cargo van.

Amanda Hernandez, Stateline.org(TNS)

For years, state lawmakers have taken the lead on regulating kratom  the controversial herbal supplement used for pain relief, anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Some states have banned it entirely. Others have passed laws requiring age limits, labeling and lab testing.

As of this year, Washington, D.C., and seven states  Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Rhode Island (until April 2026), Vermont and Wisconsin  have banned kratom. At least half of U.S. states now regulate kratom or its components in some way building a patchwork of policies around a product largely unaddressed by the federal government.

But that may soon change. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing to ban 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH  a powerful compound found in small amounts in kratom and sometimes concentrated or synthesized in products sold online, at smoke shops or behind gas station counters.

Federal health officials announced last month that the compound poses serious public health risks and should be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, alongside heroin and LSD.

The move marks a significant shift in how federal regulators are approaching kratom, which they attempted to ban in 2016. It also has sparked debate about how the change could impact the growing 7-OH industry and its consumers.

This year, at least seven states have considered bills to tighten kratom regulations, including proposals for bans, age restrictions and labeling requirements.

Kratom, which originates from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia, can have a wide range of mental and bodily effects, according to federal officials, addiction medicine specialists and kratom researchers. Reports of fatal kratom overdoses have surfaced in recent years, though kratom is often taken in combination with other substances.

Kratom and 7-OH are distinct products with separate markets, but they are closely connected. 7-OH is a semi-synthetic compound derived from kratom and only emerged on the market in late 2023, while kratom itself has been available for decades.

Leading kratom researchers also say more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of using both substances.

Theres much we dont know, unfortunately, on all sides, said Christopher R. McCurdy, a professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida. McCurdy is a trained pharmacist and has studied kratom for more than 20 years.

Research suggests kratom may help with opioid withdrawal and doesnt seem to cause severe withdrawal on its own. Smaller amounts seem to act as a stimulant, while larger doses may have sedative, opioidlike effects. Very little is known about the risks of long-term use in humans, according to McCurdy.

As for 7-OH, it shows potential for treating pain, but it hasnt been studied in humans, and it may carry a high risk of addiction. Researchers dont yet understand how much is safe to take or how often it should be used, McCurdy told Stateline.

While some leading kratom experts agree that kratom and 7-OH should be regulated, they caution that placing 7-OH under a strict Schedule I classification would make it much harder to study  and argue it should instead be classified as Schedule II like some other opioids.

A federal survey from 2023 estimated that about 1.6 million Americans age 12 and older used kratom in the year before the study. The American Kratom Association, a national industry lobbying group, estimated in 2021 that between 11 million and 16 million Americans safely consume kratom products each year.

Since gaining popularity in recent years, 7-OH has appeared in a growing number of products. Some researchers and addiction medicine specialists say many consumers, especially those new to kratom, sometimes dont understand the difference between products.

Its a pure opioid thats available without a prescription, so its akin to having morphine or oxycodone for sale at a smoke shop or a gas station, McCurdy said. This is a public health crisis waiting to happen.

Federal crackdown targets 7-OH, not kratom

In late July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration place 7-OH in Schedule I, citing a high potential for abuse. The classification would not apply to kratom leaves or powders with naturally occurring 7-OH.

Were not targeting the kratom leaf or ground-up kratom, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference. We are targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid.

Makary acknowledged that there isnt enough research or data to fully understand how widespread 7-OHs use or impact may be. Still, he said the Trump administration wants to be aggressive and proactive in addressing the issue before it grows into a larger public health problem.

While only small amounts of 7-OH occur naturally in the kratom plant, federal officials have raised concerns about U.S. products containing synthetic or concentrated forms of the compound because its more potent than morphine and primarily responsible for kratoms opioidlike effects.

The FDAs recommendation to schedule 7-OH will now go to the DEA, which oversees the final steps of the process  including issuing a formal proposal and opening a public comment period.

If finalized, the rule could affect both companies selling enhanced kratom products and consumers in states where those products are currently legal.

The DEA backed off scheduling kratom compounds in 2016 after widespread public opposition.

Kirsten Smith, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University who is studying kratoms effects in humans, said she was surprised by the FDAs push to schedule 7-OH.

We dont really have a public health signal of a lot of adverse events for either kratom or for 7-OH at this time, she told Stateline. I was, frankly, always surprised that kratom was pushed toward scheduling at an earlier time point. ... I dont know that we have data to support scheduling even now.

Still, some advocacy groups, including the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust, argue the push to schedule 7-OH is driven more by corporate interests than public health, suggesting the kratom industry is trying to sideline competition from 7-OH products.

We think that this is just happening because of the legacy kratom manufacturers losing market share and wanting to gin up a crisis with this, said Jeff Smith, the national policy director for the group, who said he has used 7-OH for sleep and pain management.

While his organization supports regulation and safe consumption, members worry the federal governments move could drive people to riskier substances or push the market underground.

Its made a profound difference in my life, Smith said. We think it would be tragic to cut it off based on such a paucity of data when theres so much potential for this product to help people.

Public health concerns

Federal health officials say a key concern is the growing use of kratom and 7-OH products among teens and young adults.

Some officials and addiction medicine specialists have pointed out that these products often come in flavors and packaging designed to appeal to younger buyers, with few controls over where or how theyre sold. In some states without clear regulations, kratom and 7-OH products are available at gas stations or online, sometimes without any age verification.

Whenever you go into a gas station and even though its behind the glass, its kind of eye level, and it has all of these bright colors  it has all of these things that really attract the visual of a kiddo, said Socorro Green, a prevention specialist with Youth180, a nonprofit focused on youth substance use prevention in Dallas.

Green added that kratom and 7-OH products may be even more accessible to young people in rural communities, where gas stations and convenience stores are often among the few available retailers.

Some researchers and experts say that certain products may not clearly or accurately disclose their 7-OH content and are sometimes marketed or mistaken for traditional kratom.

Some cities, counties and states have responded by banning kratom or raising the minimum purchase age to 18 or 21. But in many areas, enforcement remains inconsistent, and some addiction specialists say clearer federal and state guidance is needed  especially as more people are using kratom and 7-OH to manage pain, anxiety or withdrawal symptoms on their own.

There needs to be some kind of oversight, including some way of maybe helping to ensure that people know what theyre getting, said Terrence Walton, the executive director and chief executive officer of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.

State regulations

At least seven states have considered or enacted legislation this year related to kratom  ranging from age restrictions and labeling requirements to outright bans.

In New York, lawmakers passed two bills: one requiring warning labels and prohibiting kratom products from being labeled as all natural, and another raising the minimum purchase age to 21. Neither has been sent to the governor.

In Colorado, a new measure, which was signed into law in May, prohibits kratom from being sold in forms that resemble candy or appeal to children, increases labeling requirements, limits concentrations of 7-OH, and bans the manufacture and distribution of synthetic or semi-synthetic kratom.

In Mississippi, a new law that took effect in July raised the minimum purchase age for kratom to 21. It also bans synthetic kratom extracts and products with high concentrations of 7-OH. Lawmakers in Montana and Texas introduced similar legislation this year, but neither proposal advanced.

Louisiana is the latest state to enact a kratom ban, which took effect Aug. 1. Meanwhile, in July, Rhode Island became the first state to reverse its ban. The new law establishes a regulatory framework for the manufacturing, sale and distribution of kratom products, set to take effect in April 2026.

(Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy.)
A Troy man was killed Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash involving an 18-wheeler, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports.

According to information provided by ALEA, Carroll Grant Hughes, 81, was pronounced dead at the scene. Hughes was fatally injured when the 2019 Ford F-250 he was driving struck the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer driven by Jaden Christopher Dunwoody, 24, of Dothan.

Hughes was not wearing a seat belt at the time, according to ALEA.

Dunwoody was injured in the crash and was transported to Dale Medical Center in Ozark for treatment.

According to information provided by ALEA, the crash happened at about 7:35 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, near the 54-mile marker on U.S. 231, northeast of Enterprise and about five miles south of the town of Ariton in Dale County.

Troopers continue to investigate the incident, according to ALEA.
FILE - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference at City Hall, Jan. 28, 2025, where he talked about the order from President Donald Trump's administration to freeze federal funding. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune via AP, File) AP

By Terry Tang, Associated Press

As President Donald Trump declared Washington, D.C., a crime-ridden wasteland in need of federal intervention this week and threatened similar federal interventions in other Black-led cities, several mayors compared notes.

The presidents characterization of their cities contradicts what they began noticing last year: that they were seeing a drop in violent crime after a pandemic-era spike. In some cases the declines were monumental, due in large part to more youth engagement, gun buyback programs and community partnerships.

Now members of the African American Mayors Association are determined to stop Trump from burying accomplishments that they already felt were overlooked. And theyre using the administrations unprecedented law enforcement takeover in the nations capital as an opportunity to disprove his narrative about some of the countrys greatest urban enclaves.

It gives us an opportunity to say we need to amplify our voices to confront the rhetoric that crime is just running rampant around major U.S. cities. Its just not true, said Van Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association. Its not supported by any evidence or statistics whatsoever.

After deploying the first of 800 National Guard members to Washington, the Republican president is setting his sights on other cities including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and Oakland, California, calling them crime-ridden and horribly run. One thing they all have in common: Theyre led by Black mayors.

It was not lost on any member of our organization that the mayors either were Black or perceived to be Democrats, Johnson said. And thats unfortunate. For mayors, we play with whoevers on the field.

The federal governments actions have heightened some of the mayors desires to champion the strategies used to help make their cities safer.

Some places are seeing dramatic drops in crime rates

Trump argued that federal law enforcement had to step in after a prominent employee of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was attacked in an attempted carjacking. He also pointed to homeless encampments, graffiti and potholes as evidence of Washington getting worse.

However statistics published by Washingtons Metropolitan Police contradict the president and show violent crime has dropped there since a post-pandemic peak in 2023.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson scoffed at Trumps remarks, hailing the citys historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30% and shootings by almost 40% in the last year alone.

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, where homicides fell 14% between 2023 and 2024, called the federal takeover nothing but a performative power grab.

In Baltimore, officials say they have seen historic decreases in homicides and nonfatal shootings this year, and those have been on the decline since 2022, according to the citys public safety data dashboard. Carjackings were down 20% in 2023, and other major crimes fell in 2024. Only burglaries have climbed slightly.

The lower crime rates are attributed to tackling violence with a public health approach, city officials say. In 2021, under Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore created a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan that called for more investment in community violence intervention, more services for crime victims and other initiatives.

Scott accused Trump of exploiting crime as a wedge issue and dog whistle rather than caring about curbing violence.

He has actively undermined efforts that are making a difference saving lives in cities across the country in favor of militarized policing of Black communities, Scott said via email.

The Democratic mayor pointed out that the Justice Department has slashed over $1 million in funding this year that would have gone toward community anti-violence measures. He vowed to keep on making headway, regardless.

We will continue to closely work with our regional federal law enforcement agencies, who have been great partners, and will do everything in our power to continue the progress despite the roadblocks this administration attempts to implement, Scott said.

Community organizations help curb violence

Just last week Oakland officials touted significant decreases in crime in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, including a 21% drop in homicides and a 29% decrease in all violent crime, according to the midyear report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Officials credited collaborations with community organizations and crisis response services through the citys Department of Violence Prevention, established in 2017.

These results show that were on the right track, Mayor Barbara Lee said at a news conference. Were going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here.

After Trump gave his assessment of Oakland this week, she rejected it as fearmongering.

Social justice advocates agree that crime has gone down and say Trump is perpetuating exaggerated perceptions that have long plagued Oakland.

Nicole Lee, executive director of Urban Peace Movement, an Oakland-based organization that focuses on empowering communities of color and young people through initiatives such as leadership training and assistance to victims of gun violence, said much credit for the gains on lower crime rates is due to community groups.

We really want to acknowledge all of the hard work that our network of community partners and community organizations have been doing over the past couple of years coming out of the pandemic to really create real community safety, Lee said. The things we are doing are working.

She worries that an intervention by military forces would undermine that progress.

It creates kind of an environment of fear in our community, Lee said.

Patrols and youth curfews

In Washington, agents from multiple federal agencies, National Guard members and even the United States Park Police have been seen performing law enforcement duties from patrolling the National Mall to questioning people parked illegally.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the guard troops will not be armed but declined to elaborate on their assignments to safety patrols and beautification efforts.

Savannahs Johnson said he is all for partnering with the federal government, but troops on city streets is not what he envisioned. Instead, cities need federal assistance for things like multistate investigation and fighting problems such as gun trafficking, and cybercrimes.

Im a former law enforcement officer. There is a different skill set that is used for municipal law enforcement agencies than the military, Johnson said.

There has also been speculation that federal intervention could entail curfews for young people.

But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.

If youre a young person, basically you can be cited, criminalized, simply for being outside after certain hours, Lee said. Not only does that not solve anything in regard to violence and crime, it puts young people in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system.

A game of wait-and-see

For now, Johnson said, the mayors are watching their counterpart in Washington, Muriel Bowser, closely to see how she navigates the unprecedented federal intervention. She has been walking a fine line between critiquing and cooperating since Trumps takeover, but things ramped up Friday when officials sued to try to block the takeover.

Johnson praised Bowser for carrying on with dignity and grace.

Black mayors are resilient. We are intrinsically children of struggle, Johnson said. We learn to adapt quickly, and I believe that we will and we are.
This is a guest opinion column

Theres something magical about traveling by train  the steady rhythm of the tracks, the easy comfort of the ride, and that rare feeling that the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, that experience is returning to the Gulf Coast  and New Orleans is ready to roll out the welcome mat.

Starting Monday (August 18), Amtraks new Mardi Gras Service will connect New Orleans and Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. With morning and afternoon departures daily in both directions, tickets start at just $15 between New Orleans and Mobile  even less for shorter hops in between. Its an affordable, convenient new way to reconnect with family, plan a weekend escape, or explore the Gulf South.

The launch of the Mardi Gras Service is more than a transportation milestone  its a celebration of connection, progress, and persistence. This route is the result of years of teamwork, vision, and commitment from Amtrak, the Southern Rail Commission, and our Gulf Coast partners. Were proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with them to bring passenger rail back to our region.

For New Orleans, this is about more than travel. Passenger rail means more visitors discovering our music, food, and festivals. It means neighbors visiting neighbors, businesses growing across state lines, and local shops and restaurants welcoming new faces.

To our friends in Alabama and Mississippi: we cant wait to see you. Whether youre coming for a Saints game, a festival, a business meeting, or simply a great meal with great company, were ready to welcome you with the kind of hospitality youll only find in the Gulf South. Our train station is in the heart of our walkable downtown, surrounded by 26,000 hotel rooms, steps from the iconic French Quarter, and close to some of the finest restaurants in the world.

So hop aboard, take in the view, and come spend some time with us. And dont worry  well be making the trip to see you, too.

Walt Leger III is a Louisiana native and the President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the New Orleans tourism industry.
Wonder why your neighbor is hanging gourds up? Or why there appears to be an undulating donut on the weather radar?

The answer to both is the purple martin.

The largest swallow in North America, male purple martins are an inky, bluish purple, according to the Audubon Society. Female purple martins and young males are a grayish brown, sometimes with purple spots.

Purple martins in the eastern U.S. rely almost exclusively on manmade habitat, rather than the natural environment.

If people stop putting up purple martin housing, the population would probably crash by 90 to 95% in just a few years, said Brad Biddle, a cattle farmer in Marshall County. I mean they think a white gourd is a house. They dont see a hollow tree as being a house anymore.

Relying on humans for habitat is a practice that started in the time of the Native Americans, Biddle said. They would hang gourds up for the birds to nest in. The purple martins would catch insects for food, helping the Native Americans.

Today, Biddle houses between 150 and 155 nesting pairs of purple martins in gourd racks on his farm. He runs a Facebook group, Purple Martin Fanatics, dedicated to helping people host the birds.

Purple martins will arrive at his house in February, he said, then they start their migration by the end of July. This year is an unusual one: one pair of purple martins has stayed into August.

Biddle got his start being a landlord for purple martins in 2002, after a friend suggested it. Housing the birds was a natural fit, he said, because the nearby ponds provided plenty of insects for them to eat.

The first year he put up gourds, Biddle had four pairs of nesting purple martins. By his fourth year, he had 102 pairs.

Biddle goes beyond just being a landlord for the purple martins. When the birds start laying eggs, he and his children will go out once a week and count the number of eggs, the number of chicks, and if anything is odd or suspicious.

He also has put up an electric fence to protect the purple martins from predators, namely snakes, raccoons, or feral cats. All of those animals can climb a pole easily. Hawks and owls are natural predators of purple martins, which is why they dont like to nest near trees, Biddle said. He encourages anyone looking to become a purple martin landlord to put up predator guards.

A male and female purple martin snuggle on the edge of a habitat created for them. The birds nest in Alabama over the summer, then migrate all the way to South America in the winter. (Photo by Kathy Freeze) Kathy Freeze

Biddle works with the Banding Coalition of the Americas, a bird conservation group based in south Alabama. He is one of two landlords in the state to band purple martins. Along with the banding group, Biddle also attaches geolocators, or trackers, to some of the birds.

The hope is that this information will be able to shed light on their migration path, and how far the young adults disperse when they return for nesting season the next year. Older purple martins, if they were able to successfully raise young, will return to the spot they nested the year before.

Only about 10% of the nestlings that I have at my colony any particular year will return to nest at my colony the next year, Biddle said. They normally naturally disperse; it keeps them from inbreeding. It diversifies the gene pool.

Purple martins are long distance migrants. Starting in July, they will migrate all the way from the eastern United States to the Amazon Basin in Brazil, where they will spend their winters.

They can fly exceptionally quickly, too: Biddle said the purple martins will cross the Gulf of Mexico in one night flying south in the fall. In the spring, the birds take a more eastern track. Theyll leave from south Florida and be back to his home in north Alabama in one night.

When the purple martins are getting ready to migrate, thousands of the birds will all gather together and roost for the night. When theyre ready to leave in the morning, the birds will ascend into the air and spread out.

This phenomenon can easily be seen on weather radar in the fall, according to Cornell University. The roosting birds start out as a dot, then as they spread out, it looks like a donut shape on the radar.

GWX Roost rings on radar this morning. Mostly purple martins departing their roosting sites in various directions. As they travel farther from their roosting sites and reach higher altitudes in lower densities, the birds show up on radar as expanding, fading rings until they either fly above or below the radar beam and are no longer detected. Posted by James Spann on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

In addition to purple martins, Biddle also provides habitat for bluebirds and tree swallows on his farm. What started out as a hobby has become more than that: a way to steward and protect the native bird populations of Alabama.

Truthfully, somebodys got to do it, and there arent people just jumping up and down, lined up to start doing this, Biddle said. The longer Ive been in it, the more important I realized it was to be a landlord. Because in the past 20 years, the number of landlords in this area has plummeted.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore are running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Tommy Tuberville. File

Alabama voters will hear President Trumps name early and often from Attorney General Steve Marshall and Congressman Barry Moore as they campaign for the U.S. Senate.

That is expected in Alabama, where Republican support for Trump has never wavered since a rousing rally in Mobile helped launch his presidential aspirations back in 2015.

Moore has said it was just before that rally that he agreed to become the first elected official in the nation to endorse Trump for president.

Since that time, Marshall has joined in many legal fights on behalf of Trump policies and fought initiatives from Joe Bidens time as president.

How likely is the president to choose sides in the race to replace Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a loyal ally in Washington?

That is unclear. But it is a factor to watch as Alabamas high-stakes election next year draws closer.

No doubt that both candidates will be putting their conservative bona fides on full display, Joseph Aistrup, political science professor at Auburn University, said in an email.

Congressman Moore has been a loyal Trump supporter in Congress and a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

AG Marshall has filed lawsuits with other GOP AGs fighting various Biden policies and fought unsuccessfully in federal court to keep Alabamas 2022 U.S. Congressional map in place.

Aistrup said he expects the candidates to challenge each others records and MAGA credentials.

None of that will matter if Trump decides to endorse one of these candidates, Aistrup said.

His endorsement in Alabama would be decisive for the endorsed candidate.

Who is in the lead?

Marshall won statewide elections for attorney general in 2018 and again in 2022 after Gov. Robert Bentley appointed him to the position in 2017. He is a former district attorney in Marshall County.

Moore was twice elected to Congress in Alabamas 2nd District, then switched to the 1st District last year after a federal court redrew the district map. Moore beat the incumbent, Jerry Carl.

Moore, who is from Enterprise, the same hometown as Sen. Katie Britt, served in the Alabama House of Representatives before his election to Congress. He started and ran an excavation, demolition, and waste disposal business.

Marshall and Moore are likely the frontrunners but they have competition.

Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL who ran for Jefferson County sheriff in 2022, is also running for the Republican nomination.

Mo Brooks, who served six terms in Congress before losing to Katie Britt in the 2022 Senate race, has not ruled out a run but says it is improbable.

A win by a Democrat would be a longshot.

But several are in the race, including Kyle Sweetser, a business owner and lifelong Alabama Republican who spoke at last summers Democratic National Convention, Dakarai Larriett, a business owner, Birmingham native, and University of Alabama graduate, and Mark Wheeler of Heflin, a Jacksonville State University graduate and chemist who works for a wire manufacturing company.

Marissa Grayson, assistant professor of public policy studies at the University of Alabama, said Marshall has an edge over Moore in name recognition because of his two statewide wins.

I do believe Moore can overcome this disadvantage but he will need to dedicate more resources to introducing himself to the state than perhaps Marshall will, Grayson said in an email.

Both candidates are likely to focus much of their energy on convincing Alabama voters that they are most loyal to President Trump, Grayson said.

Grayson said Moores membership in the House Freedom Caucus, a group that sometimes opposes other Republicans over issues like the rising federal debt, could be an issue.

While the Caucus has typically been viewed positively by Alabama Republicans, the Caucus has been seen as a nuisance to the Trump agenda, and had a lot less influence on the Big, Beautiful Bill than past spending bills, Grayson said.

What will Trump do?

Grayson thinks a Trump endorsement is unlikely unless polls show one of the candidates is far ahead.

She believes Marshall is more likely to get a Trump endorsement than Moore.

But President Trump doesnt like to lose, and so an endorsement most likely wont happen unless polls show Marshall leading by a significant amount, Grayson said.

A strong example of that came in the 2022 Senate race. Trump withdrew his endorsement for Mo Brooks and later endorsed Katie Britt after it was clear Britt had a commanding lead.

Zoe Nemerever, assistant professor of political science at Auburn University, said Trumps track record shows the futility of trying to predict whether he will make an endorsement.

I think its impossible to know what Trumps going to do, Nemerever said.

Nemererver said Moore should benefit from having won elections in two different congressional districts and representing voters from two of the states four largest metro areas - Mobile and Montgomery.

She expects Moore to win, partly because of an image she described as MAGA to the core.

Moore has a very strong Republican brand, Nemerever said.

Hes a member of the House Freedom Caucus. He says he is the first person to have ever endorsed Donald Trump for president way back in 2015.

He is the opposite of RINO (Republican in name only), Nemever said. He is like Republican in everything. And I think that will go over well with Alabama voters.

Marshall, on the other hand, has boosted his own MAGA credentials as attorney general, opposing President Bidens initiatives and supporting President Trumps by working in conjunction with other Republican AGs on federal court cases.

Marshall testified against Bidens nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I think hes gone beyond the institutional functions of the job and really used it to shape politics in Alabama to the best extent an attorney general could, Nemerever said.

That can help Marshall in the election if his campaign can effectively tell voters about those efforts, Nemerever said, because many dont know what the state attorney general does, or any state office-holder besides the governor.

If you went up to them in Kroger and asked them whos the attorney general of the state right now. I would be very surprised if half the people could name him, Nemerever said.

In a video to launch his campaign, Marshall made it clear that Trump knows who he is. It features three clips of Trump calling him by name.

Thank you, Steve, Trump says. Youre doing a great job.

We have fought the fights that had to be fought for the people of Alabama, Marshall says on the ad.

Steve stands shoulder to shoulder with President Trump ready to fight to take our country back, the narrator says.

Moores campaign launch video includes a clip of Moore speaking at Trumps stadium rally in Mobile back in August 2015, when Trump was just one of more than a dozen Republican candidates and still considered a longshot.

I didnt wait to see which way the wind was blowing, Moore says on the ad, taped with his wife Heather on the porch of their home in Enterprise.

I stood with him from the very beginning, and Ive stood with him every step of the way in Congress, fighting for the America first agenda, Moore says.

Im not a RINO, and Im sure not one of those MAGA pretenders suddenly coming to be conservative. I aint never been nothing but a Republican, and I stand up for our values in Congress every day.

Aistrup, the Auburn political science professor, said he expects to see ads in the early stages of the campaign that focus on introducing the candidates to the voters, especially for Moore, since he has not run statewide before.

As the primary draws closer, he expects them to go on the attack.

From a conservative Republicans perspective, neither of these candidates has any major blemishes, but that wont prevent them from trying to scar one another in an attempt score political points, Aistrup wrote.

The primary is May 19, 2026.
A brand new episode of the hit true-crime docuseries Buried in the Backyard premieres on Oxygen Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8/7c.

This weeks episode catches Phoenix-based investigators racing against time to stop a deranged killer whos targeting victims who share one thing in common: their chosen career.

Where to watch Buried in the Backyard season 6

Cord cutters looking to keep up with the bizarre and heinous cases included in season six of the popular Oxygen series can stream the weekly releases through Fubo, DirecTV or Sling.

Fubo is another popular live TV streaming service that appeals to cord cutters. Starting at $84.99 a month after its free trial, this popular streaming service offers users over 100 live TV channels through its base package and includes helpful features like unlimited DVR.

Streaming Platform Promotion Price Fubo Free trial $84.99/month after free trial DirecTV 5-day free trial $86.99/month after free trial Sling No active promotions $45.99/month

DirecTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DirecTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features.

Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99.

What to expect from this weeks new episode

This week, viewers will be transported to Phoenix, Arizona to hear about a truly bizarre case. The case is put on Phoenix investigators radar when a successful realtor disappears randomly in the desert.

Upon digging into it further, investigators discover that a killer is targeting the surrounding areas real estate agents, and despite having more questions than answers, the investigators must act quickly to catch the killer before he can strike again.

More on Buried in the Basement

Buried in the Backyard examines true-crime stories about unfortunate victims found buried in the most unlikely of placesthe backyard. When the remains are unearthed, its the very beginning of an investigation, police piece together the persons identity and determine the cause of death before seeking the person responsible.

Thrilling and captivating re-creations paired with firsthand knowledge from those closest to the victims can be seen as investigators track down the why and how and give viewers a shocking tale.
The brand new true-crime documentary The Serial Killers Apprentice premieres on Investigation Discovery Sunday, Aug. 17 at 9/8c.

The documentary follows Dr. Katherine Ramsland, an American non-fiction author and professor of forensic psychology and criminal justice at Desales University, as she tackles the monumental task of interviewing Elmer Wayne Henley.

Where to watch The Serial Killers Apprentice

Cord cutters hoping to catch the gripping true-crime documentary can watch the premiere even without access to cable by signing up for a subscription through Philo, DirecTV or Sling.

Out of the three streaming platforms that offer Investigation Discovery, Philo is the cheapest option at just $28 a month after its free trial concludes.

Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $28 a month after a 7-day free trial, subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

Streaming Platform Promotion Price Philo 7-day free trial $28/month after free trial DirecTV 5-day free trial $86.99/month after free trial Sling No active promotions $45.99/month

DirecTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DirecTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features.

Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99.

More on The Serial Killers Apprentice

Over the course of the two-hour documentary, Dr. Ramsland holds a conversation with Henley and dives into his mind and memory to discover what motivated him to act as an apprentice to the infamous Houston serial killer, Dean Corll; Henley assisted Corll as an accomplice in what was known as the largest mass murder in U.S. history at the time.

In addition to the revealing conversation Dr. Ramsland has with Henley, the renowned criminologist will also study Henleys journey from groomed teen to killer in the 1973 Houston Mass Murders.
Forcing nunsnuns!to buy birth control (in the form of Obamacare medical insurance) should have been the canary in the coal mine of progressives vile, out-of-control authoritarianism. And to a large extent, in the center-right media space, it got the attention it deserved, but it truly deserved a deeper and wider audience, for it was a blinding flashpoint in the whole groin-focused-reproductive-care-gay-marriage-gender-fluid-what-are-your-pronouns arc launched in earnest during the Obama era.

Last November, when analyzing why Kamala lost, Clarice Feldman summed it up brilliantly:

For some reason I keep thinking about the saga of the Little Sisters of the Poor, beginning back at the end of the second Obama administration. It had, in miniature, the key elements of liberal political psychology that afflicted the Biden administration and the Harris campaign: the compulsive aggression and imprudence of liberal government, which ends up defeating itself through the inability to exercise even a modicum of political self-restraint, combined with the total inability of the aggressors to understand why anyone could doubt their rectitude. [Emphasis added.]

The American people are a great and good people with a deep sense of fairness. Whatever else we are, we are that. Its ingrained within us. We fled the divine right of kings. We have intense discomfort with some people, who, simply by dint of blood, claim to have been born superior to us, having special rights we dont have and can never get. The British pomp and circumstance is all very entertaining, but thats them, not us.

Some of us (mostly women) might occasionally fancy watching a fairy tale of a royal wedding on television, but princes and kings? For real? Fairy tales are where they belong. We blew that clambake. We work for a living and dream big. We can each be our own kings (and queens), thank you very much. We earn it. Oh, and youd better have a good reason for getting all up in my business, Mr. Big Government, or youll hear us complain loudly about it.

The Little Sisters of the Poor did complain...loudly. They complained all the way to the Supreme Court, and won (mostly), but not completely. Two blue states are still coming after them!

In 2020, the Little Sisters won again at the Supreme Court, securing protection from the mandate. But Pennsylvania and New Jersey have continued to fight in court to strip the Little Sisters of that protection.  BECKET (@becketfund) August 13, 2025

(The above tweets are part of a much longer thread about how Democrats have been trying to force nuns to fund abortion.)

This level of authoritarianism needs a name: Progressive Neo-Puritanism. They are the Puritans of the 21st century. They will shun you, cancel you, and punish you if you do not comply. And they mean this on a nationwide basis, and that is their problem.

Our fifty laboratories of liberty are merely hubcap-popping speed bumps on their frenetic way to Progressive Utopia. Hence their need, their relentless drive, to get the Supreme Court to affirm things they havent been able or willing to get the Hill or the states to affirm through legislation, which is how its supposed to be done here in America.

We use the term slippery slope a lot. Its a slippery slope indeed.

First, it was tolerance, right? Then coexist. Then it was legal domestic partners. Then came Obergefell with gay marriage. Almost immediately, there were articles in Salon and other left-wing organs talking about throuples. Then there were celebratory articles about women marrying trees, or their dogs, or themselves! Then came gender fluidity and the insistence on pronouns. Then they came for the nuns. And then...

...they came for our kids. Their gender fluidity. Their mutilation while they were still developing. Then came the drag-queen story hours in public schools for kids who hadnt even begun puberty, much less finished it. And the books they publish! Have you seen Gender Queer? Good gravy. Its pornography for kids. On and on... It has done nothing but grow more and more degenerate and dangerous to innocence.

Then, when we complain that we, as parents, should have a say over what our schools are teaching about sex and all things sex-related, we are vilified, shunned, canceled, and punished. Bidens FBI sends agents to school parking lots to record license plate numbers of the parents who are complaining.

Somewhere along the way, tolerance of all their crazy ideas became an insistence on endorsement. They demanded we not merely, silently, just live and work alongside them. Somewhere along the way, that became insufficient. Silence became violence.

They needed us to endorse their insanity with compliance, like the whole pronoun thing. Certainly like Obergefell. Which, maymayget a rehearing at the Supreme Court this fall, thanks to the Kentucky clerk who went to jail (for a few days) a decade ago for not issuing a wedding license to a gay couple because it violated her sincerely held religious beliefs.

I dont know exactly when tolerance transmogrified into endorsement, but its corrosive. Its got to stop. Compelled speech, compelled expression, is profoundly anti-American.

Liberals used to understand this during the Vietnam era with conscientious objectors. Nowadays, they want to force doctors to perform abortions even when it violates everything they hold morally dear.

How is this not authoritarian? How is this not just reflexive obedience to the Church of Progressive Orthodoxy? How vile. Can you imagine? Being a physician, a healerfirst do no harmbeing forced into this gruesomely evil scenario? Yet progressives are just fine with it.

Well, Im not fine with it. Never have been. Never will be. Thank God the right candidate won last November, or wed be seeing acolytes to the Church of Progressive Orthodoxy insinuating themselves and their insane beliefs into every little nook and cranny of our lives right now. We can only hope Trump can get the swampy RINOs on the Hill to codify much of his agenda into law so we dont have to fear what comes after him. Maybe they can start with some legislation to relieve The Little Sisters of the Poor.

Image created using AI.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin flew to Alaska to meet with President Trump in an effort to resolve the long-running war with Ukraine. (Too many geographically handicapped people believed SNLs skit deriding Sarah Palin, asserting that she had said she could see Russia from her home, and they were surprised to learn how short an eastward trip from Russia is to the United States.)

For a long time, corporate media have largely framed the war as one of an innocent party viciously attacked by a big neighbor, one that is worthy of unending military and financial support. As Trump has signaled, hes had enough and wants Ukraines neighbors, whose interest is greater than ours, to step up, and several Western European leaders have mouthed support. In advance of the summit, Stephen Bryen set out some relevant facts, most of which are not well-publicized elsewhere, one of the most pertinent of which is that support for the war has dropped substantially in Ukraine:

More than three years into the war, Ukrainians support for continuing to fight until victory has hit a new low. In Gallups most recent poll of Ukraine -- conducted in early July -- 69% say they favor a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible, compared with 24% who support continuing to fight until victory. This marks a nearly complete reversal from public opinion in 2022, when 73% favored Ukraine fighting until victory and 22% preferred that Ukraine seek a negotiated end as soon as possible. Yet, Zelensky continues doing whatever he can to sabotage the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska and to behave as if Ukraine's army still has some hope of winning a war they are clearly losing.

He adds that Europe is in no realistic position to enforce any ceasefire which might be agreed upon:

A European military contingent is, theoretically, supposed to enforce a ceasefire, the other demand made by Zelensky and his European allies. The idea behind this is a sort of plan (one hesitates to call it that, but it is what it is) to get a cheap ceasefire deal, send in troops, and then restart the war against Russia.

In fact, Europe has no means to follow through on this -- having neither the troops nor the cash to back up Zelenskys intransigent position.

Now consider this: if Trump and Putin start to work out a relationship, Europe will be on the outside looking in mainly because they have taken an extreme Zelensky position on Ukraine. Trump is a trade maven. He will promote any deal with Russia by touting investment and technology sharing. Where does that leave the Germans or Italians or anyone else in Europe? Even more likely, US interest in the NATO alliance will continue to disintegrate. Why back Europe if Europe is undermining US strategic interests? If key European allies continue to try and undermine any Ukraine deal, Washington will see it as harming US national security. You cannot keep backing Zelensky and expect otherwise. Zelensky, for his part, defies democratic norms. Not only does he not follow public opinion, but he sees to it that he keeps martial law in place, refuses to have elections, and jails or exiles his opponents. During the worst of times for the British in World War II, with the loss of most of Europe, the retreat from Dunkirk, the Blitz on London, Britain never declared martial law, nor did they jail opposition politicians (other than some Nazis), attack minorities or close down churches they didn't like. Zelensky won't change direction. He will continue to try and undermine US-Russian negotiations. But Europe needs to rethink its support for a Zelensky-led Ukraine. It is digging a deep hole for its future.

Aside from all this, we do have ample evidence that Ukraine under Zelensky is completely corrupt, a money-laundering machine through which billions of dollars were washed and ended up in the pockets of the Left and cronies. Hardly a sympathetic victim worthy of our wasting more arms and money to defend.

Unfortunately for Zelenskys grand plan, Trump saw through it, and both he and Putin rejected a ceasefire, preferring an end to the war altogether.

President Trump outlined the next steps:

A great and very successful day in Alaska! The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late night phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and various European Leaders, including the highly respected Secretary General of NATO. It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up. President Zelenskyy will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin. Potentially, millions of peoples lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Monday, Zelensky will fly to the U.S. and will be presented with the outline of the Trump-Putin plan:

It is too bad we do not have a detailed readout on the actual conversation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Trump's use of provocative symbols, F-35s and a flyover involving a B-2 stealth bomber, and the lack of the usual protocols (no honor guard and no national anthems), hardly was conducive to a diplomatic encounter of heads of state. Moreover, the use of a military base, explained as a "security measure," was inappropriate, but the Russians, anxious to state their case to Mr. Trump, intent on showing deep respect for the United States, accepted the venue and the conditions, even the escort of Mr. Putin's Presidential aircraft by US fighter jets. The bottom line is, at least for now, US policy has shifted. The US and Trump no longer support a ceasefire but want to settle the Ukraine war through negotiations. How long that will take, and even if it is possible, remains to be seen. Meanwhile the war continues and, for the most part, Russia will continue pushing to take Pokrovsk and to expand the contact line further to the west. Ukraine, already stretched and now with uncertainties on military supplies, is facing a crisis.

(Trumps provocative setting has echoes of Putins. In a meeting with Angela Merkel, who is terrified of dogs, he brought his own pooch in to her obvious discomfort.)

Hans Mahncke has an idea (which I share) about what took place in Alaska:

Heres what likely happened at the Alaska Summit. The broad outlines of a Ukraine peace agreement were already in place -- otherwise Trump wouldnt have agreed to a summit at all. Yesterday was about confirming that everyones on the same page and committed to moving forward. Trumps new insistence on going straight to a full peace agreement, not just a cease fire, is another sign of that. On Monday, little Zelensky will be told what the deal is. He might throw another tantrum, in which case he and his European friends will eventually find out the hard way that it wont end well for them. Or he might come to his senses, accept reality, and take the deal, in which case things will move very quickly.

Mahncke views Zelenskys latest tweet about how well his war is going as akin to a Hitler-in-the-bunker statement.

Whether or not you agree, my view is that reality wins in the end, and Trumps view, unlike Zelenskys or Britains or Germanys or Frances, is one that accords with it.
Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann recently gave a talk where, based on Biblical scholarship, she declared unequivocally that the land of Israel was given to the Jewish people thousands of years ago by Almighty God. She stated (and this writer unequivocally agrees with her) that the Oslo Accords promising a so-called two-state solution between the Arabs in the region and Israel was arbitrary and unacceptable. Further, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made a serious mistake in 2005 when he turned Gaza over to the Arabs, and removed 10,000 Jewish Israelis from Gaza, plus the dead Jews bodies which were exhumed and removed.

Hamass hatred and much of the Arab/Islamic hatred of Jews has a long history. In order to understand how we got to the present point, we must ask: How and when did the modern state of Israel become established? The Ottoman Empire had been broken up by the Allies after WWI because Islam (the Ottoman Empire) and the caliphate which ruled that empire (based in present-day Turkey) had tried to gain hegemonic power over Europe by allying with Germany and Austria-Hungary in WWI, but failedagain.

After the war, the caliphate in Constantinople with control over the Islamic countries of the Middle East was dissolved, and many different Arab states were created.

Woodrow Wilson at the end of WWI introduced the idea of giving sovereignty to national groups that had long been denied a proper voice within their nation states in Europe prior to WWI. In Europe this led to the creation of Czechoslovakia whereby Czechs and Slovaks, previously under Austrian and Hungarian rule, became independent. Yugoslavia was a new state for Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, and Poland, which before the war had been partitioned, regained independence. Further, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia became independent of Russia, and the Austro-Hungarian empire became two different nation states.

Although the formation of nation states out of the former Ottoman Empire was not in Wilsons Fourteen Points, it provided a model which expressed the thinking of the Allies in their treatment of the former Ottoman Empire. However, ethnicity was not the only factor in creating various states out of the former Ottoman hegemony. Other identity markers came into play including religious affiliation and tribal identities. It was a considerably more complex process than the creation of new European states. There was the usual Middle East mixture of happenstance, prevarication, betrayal, [and armed struggle].

The Balfour Declaration made by the United Kingdom after WWI promised the Zionists an extensive piece of land for their desired Jewish homeland, although much of that promised land was eventually given over to Jordan. Nevertheless, the promise of a Jewish return had been made, but the British at the same time promised that they would not go ahead with the establishment of a Jewish state without first consulting the Arabs. Again, let it be stated that the end of WWI saw the radical reorganization both of the entire Ottoman Empire and of Europe instigated by Wilsons Fourteen Points, which stressed the importance of respect for longstanding national identities within the boundaries of the defeated nations.

Jewish settlers continued to arrive in the area now known as Israel during the years after WWI, and this migration was intensified because of the persecution of Jews in Germany and continued anti-Semitism in Russia and other areas of Eastern Europe. There was intense resistance to a Jewish state in the Middle East, and Europe  never very Jew friendly  was somewhat blase.

Yet, the Jewish people worshipping in their synagogues throughout the world  to which places they had travelled over centuries after the Romans crushed them in the Holy Land  continuously expressed through prayer their love for the homeland that Almighty God had promised them going back to the time of Abraham. Their prayers and studies all maintained a continuous reference to their homeland. The faith of the Jewish people that their former homeland was their eternal homeland was emerging as the answer to 1,900 years of prayer and fasting.

On May14, 1948, God in His mercy restored Israel when David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on the same day. At that very time, because the British mandate was ending and the establishment of Israel was clearly on the table, there was ongoing fighting between Arabs and Jews in the area. This restoration against a backdrop of centuries of contempt for Jews and decades of post-WWI indifference and open hostility is a clear message of Divine intervention in the creation of the modern state of Israel. It was not just a series of historical coincidences. They were promised this land almost 4,000 years ago, had lost it approximately 1,900 years ago, but the Lord who is ever faithful kept His promise.

Israel has been attacked by its Arab enemies six times since its reinstatement in 1948 including this latest multi-front attack by Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has won all these wars, yet has been pressured not to completely take out the governments that had attacked them. The Western allies of Israel have kow-towed to the Arab world  to the oil interests  to prevent Israel from taking down the governments that tried to destroy them.

Now Hamas, unlike the other Middle East losers that have had the gall to attack Israel over and over again, is not willing to finalize a deal that will give Israel a reprieve from Hamass terrorist violence. Nevertheless, under the anointing of Almighty God who has restored the land to the Jewish people, Israel is once again about to re-affirm the promise made to Abraham a little less than 4,000 years ago.

God said to Abraham, Go from your country and your kindred and your fathers house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (Genesis 12: 13)

The Israelis are about to take full control of Gaza which they so foolishly gave away to the Arabs living 20 years ago. This re-establishment of control is another expression of the Lord fulfilling that long ago promise stated in Genesis.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
Theres no better example of how little faith Americans have that government officials will tell the truth than the publics blase reaction to UFO announcements. In the last ten years, The New York Times has run stories about secret Pentagon programs tasked with retrieving alien craft. Members of Congress have held hearings on mysterious orbs and invited government witnesses to testify about black budget projects supposedly reverse-engineering alien technology. Secretary of State Rubio and director of National Intelligence Gabbard have both suggested that the UFO issue is serious. Yet eight billion people around the world collectively shrug.

Can you imagine what the public reaction would have been like had national newspapers and prominent officials released similar details in the 1950s? With the 1947 Roswell Incident still fresh in Americans minds, government confirmation of UFOs would have been the most important story in the world. Every article written and television report broadcast would have been framed around the alien/UFO phenomenon.

For eighty years, UFO-hunters have been fighting for government declassifications and official disclosure of alien contact. Now that videos of strange sightings have been released and congressional hearings have been convened to investigate the matter, Americans dont seem to care. Representatives Tim Burchett and Anna Paulina Luna have said explicitly that extraterrestrial visitors are real, and their statements disappear in a blizzard of news stories discussing the Aryan micro-aggressions of Sydney Sweeneys jeans.

Nobody believes what government officials say. Nobody believes what journalists say. In our world today, fantastic stories come and go, and nobody knows if theyre real.

CIA director William Casey reportedly told other principals gathered in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in early 1981, Well know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false. Whether Casey was being frighteningly blunt or darkly humorous, I dont know. Yet we certainly know that the CIA and FBI have been running mass propaganda programs on the American people for as long as either agency has existed.

What military schools now teach as examples of hybrid or information warfare has long been part of the U.S. governments arsenal of psychological weapons used against American citizens. I wish this fact were more shocking to people. Information warfare is just as effective and deadly as conventional warfare.

As bad as Allied losses were at Normandy, they would have been much worse had Eisenhower and Patton not tricked Hitler into concentrating his forces away from the locus of the invasion. All of the so-called color revolutions of the last fifteen years in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East relied heavily upon anonymous (and likely espionage agencycreated) social media accounts to inflame tensions, sow chaos, and encourage rioting. The Russia Collusion Hoax and the unbridled COVID hysteria (during which governments rushed to close schools and businesses and censor online speech before basic facts could even be established) are textbook examples of information warfare that upended entire societies without ever firing a shot.

When we acknowledge that government institutions have knowingly and willfully targeted the American people with disinformation campaigns meant to achieve strategic objectives, we are acknowledging that these institutions have made war against us exactly as military planners would wage war against foreign enemies. That is a sobering, terrifying, and unforgivable betrayal of the U.S. Constitution.

Surely the federal governments information war against the American people is just as newsworthy as the possibility of extraterrestrial or intra-dimensional visitors. Noticeably, however, there are even fewer stories written about the governments mass psychological operations against citizens than there are stories written about UFOs. Thats pretty revealing. The New York Times would rather hype speculation about little green men than document how federal agencies regularly lie to and manipulate the American people.

Why do you think that is? It is because The Times and other prominent news publications are well aware that they have been willing weapons in this decades-long information war against citizens. The government cant psychologically manipulate the masses without controlling mass communication. Likewise, instruments of mass communication cant effectively disseminate disinformation if the people who are meant to be manipulated recognize those instruments as weapons for spreading colossal lies.

When President Trump first began excoriating reporters for publishing fake news, the Dan Rathers and Jim Acostas of the propaganda press huffed and puffed, claiming that Trumps exercise of his First Amendment right to free speech somehow jeopardized Americans First Amendment right to a free press. Coming from the mouths of known liars, the journalistic Establishments choreographed umbrage was hilarious. The prodigious manufacturers of fake news had long advertised their offal-laden sausages as fine cuts of meat. And Trump had no problem telling the American people that the most famous names in news sold eyeball- and intestine-filled slop.

But it was not Trumps insults that the corporate news media really feared. After all, lame-duck President Obama had used the fake news pejorative repeatedly before leaving office in an effort to blame Hillarys election loss on random social media accounts supposedly spreading Russian disinformation. (Appallingly, Obama was pushing Russia Collusion Hoax disinformation while blaming disinformation for Trumps victory.) Even the propaganda press picked up Obamas baton and published numerous stories in late 2016 claiming that an epidemic of fake news got Trump elected.

So the purveyors of fake news had no problem disparaging other news publications as fake. They only started worrying when they belatedly realized that Trumps belittling of their profession had shattered their decades-long spell over the minds of the American people. Frauds such as Dan Rather and Jim Acosta called Trump a liar. Trump called them liars. And the American people believed Trump more than the pudgy blood sausages of fake news.

Trust in government institutions and newsrooms has been falling for decades. The Russia Collusion Hoax, the COVID Reign of Terror, and the outrageous lawfare campaigns against conservative politicians and voters have now destroyed public trust in Establishment institutions for the foreseeable future.

Where do we go from here? When authorities no longer have the trust of the people, they survive only by making amends for past transgressions or adopting even more overt forms of coercion. In the former case, government transparency, the impartial application of the law, and respect for public dissent help to renew the social contract between citizens and their government. In the latter case, appeals to expertise, discriminatory criminal enforcement, and rank censorship become hammers beating citizens into submission.

The United Kingdom has chosen coercion. Law enforcement agencies in the U.K. spend more resources policing public debate on social media platforms than they do curbing illegal immigration or protecting children from rape gangs. Citizens who express unapproved thoughts that contradict official government policies put themselves in legal jeopardy. U.K. health authorities continue to defend their COVID totalitarianism as a reasonable emergency response backed by scientific expertise. In the U.K., protections for free speech, dissent, and freedom of conscience are dead.

The Brits will surely reap what they now sow. They will discover how many citizens are willing to trust the experts when net zero energy rationing puts lives and livelihoods in danger. They will learn how many capable warriors are willing to fight and die in future wars for a country that treats illegal aliens better than patriotic citizens. They will rediscover that the criminalization of public debate leaves silenced citizens no alternative to rebellion.

In the United States, we have a small window to avoid Britains fate. While President Trump is keeping the corporate news medias propagandists and Silicon Valleys censors at bay, Americans have one final chance to defend free speech from the contemptible Deep State. If we fail, everything will soon resemble a UFO. Nobody will know whats fake or real...or even care.

Image via Needpix.
Sometimes, it's better not to hold a protest at all when this is the best you can get:

Ant-Trump protest marching towards the White House chanting, Free D.C. and calling for the National Guard to go home.@theblaze pic.twitter.com/vTHMFsnNdR  Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 16, 2025

That was yesterday. Seems the protestors, marching under the banner of a group called 'Refuse Fascism,' have a problem with President Trump's crime crackdown in Washington, D.C.

According to NPR, which thought this scrum of 200 or so leftist protestors was worthy of an actual news story:

WASHINGTON  Hundreds gathered peacefully in the nation's capital on Saturday afternoon to protest President Trump's attempted takeover of the city's police department and deployment of National Guard units alongside federal agents. ... Mason Weber of Maryland told NPR he attended the march because he was concerned that the deployment of troops is a "serious ethical and legal breach." "The most concerning thing about it is there's been no check and balance of the systems of power," Weber said. "Congress, if it comes to it, we expect to authorize it for longer."

What do you notice about these protestors?

I see ... white people. They're holding a protest in favor of the status quo, which is to say, out-of-control crime in a city that's 43% black, giving white-bread reasons like 'serious ethical and legal breach.' Easy to do when you live in the D.C. suburbs.

What I don't see at this protest are black people, who bear the brunt of violent crime as victims don't seem to want to come to this protest. Seems they just don't want to get mugged, carjacked or looted any more.

The group itself, though, claims to champion black people.

Get a load of what Refuse Fascism has to say about 'people of color' on its principles page:

It is urgent that as many people as possible from many diverse political, religious, and ideological perspectives and backgrounds raise their voices and act together to stop this 21st century American fascism. Millions hate and fear what is happening. Every one of these voices is needed!

All that, and they couldn't get any black people in a city that's 43% black, to come to their protest.

Pathetic.

Refuse Fascism's 'call to act' page pays similar tribute to black people, but they're kind of far down on their list:

There is a way to defeat this. We, the undersigned, call on the decent people who dont want to live in a fascist America  who are more than half the country  to courageously rise up as one. Those who have dedicated their lives to service  to teach children, to heal the sick, to conduct life-saving research  refusing to comply with fascist decrees, backed up by all justice-loving people. Students and young people whose whole future is on the line making schools and campuses centers of resistance and filling the streets. Women and LGBTQ people who are furious at being enslaved and erased bringing their defiance and rage into the public square. People of color and everyone sick to death of white supremacy refusing to go back, bringing the experience and fury of centuries of resistance into this fight.

All that patronage of blacks, and still, they couldn't get black people in any appreciable numbers to come to their protest.

In reality, it's as racist as it looks.

In claiming to champion blacks as a backdrop, and in de facto championing criminals out front at their protest against Trump's crackdown, they are effectivelly saying they think all black people are criminals, which is about par for the party of the Klan.

Blacks who are victims of criminals and want it stopped don't exist, much the way various groups were rubbed out of the picture as nonpersons under Stalin. Only the criminals figure in their people of color championings.

No wonder black people wanted nothing to do with this white-karen clown show.

Fortunately, President Trump knows what's going on and is shutting down the crime. He's not wavering from making that city liveable again. Must be bad news for the karens who have let themselves be counted.

Image: X video screen shot
Safetyism, like censorship, cancel culture, lawfare, and numerous other maladies, is one of our eras curses. Indeed, many Canadians and others in the Western democratic world generally seem all too willing to trade personal freedom for state-sanctioned protection and rule by experts.

Nova Scotias Progressive Conservative government, headed by Premier Tim Houston, along with Liberal provincial governments in New Brunswick and Newfoundland, led by premiers Susan Holt and John Hogan, respectively, are subscribing to this playbook by banning people from entering the woods. Nova Scotians will be fined $25,000 for hiking.

Unfortunately, Nova Scotias summer (and much of Canadas) has been hot and dry, so it is appropriate to ban fires in our forests. Those who cause fires in the woods, whether through ignorance or malice, ought to be nailed with hefty fines and jail time. Malicious intent must absolutely definitely merit years in prison. After all, if Canada can throw peaceful protesters in jail, it seems only fair that arsonists should meet the same fate.

It is nevertheless draconian in the extreme to impose $25,000 fines for hiking and set up snitch lines to report offenders. Instead, governments in my native Nova Scotia and elsewhere should stress that the forest fire index is high, which means severe consequences for anyone who starts a fire in the woods. Folks should be reminded that there are downed trees that are uprooted and rotten and are now dry tinder  many in Nova Scotia that are courtesy of Hurricane Fiona, which struck much of the province in September 2022. It must also be stressed that first responders might not be able to reach those hiking, fishing, and camping in the woods if fire breaks out. Bottom line: Let people enter the forests at their own risk, with all of the information needed to make informed choices. Many will doubtless be deterred.

On a concluding note, do not impose $25,000 fines for hiking, fishing, or camping in the woods, and for that matter, do not set up East German Stasi-type snitch lines. What manner of government fines people for walking in the woods, and then encourages others to rat them out? Worse, what kind of person feels good about himself, and believes he is performing a civic duty, by reporting someone for hiking? The answer is all too easy. It is the same person who, during COVID, snitched on his neighbors for hosting Christmas and New Years Eve parties. It is the same type who enjoys inflicting hardships upon others  making others more miserable than they otherwise would be.
Serendipity is a beautiful thing. As are classic cars and kind people.

Yesterday, I had elderly guests from Michigan I wanted to entertain, to do something with during their short stay in San Diego -- my godmother, my uncle, and my mom, who was recovering from a broken leg and had just begun to walk again, mostly hobbling about.

They didn't particularly like the idea of going to the beach, but I told them it would be good for them to see something different, so beach it would be; my mother picked the safe beach of Mission Bay Park, which is more by the bay, which would do.

She was a bit argumentive in the car about where the beach turnoff was from Highway 8, insisting that my uncle ignore the GPS and follow the highway sign that says 'Beaches.' I told her those were hippie beaches and she's probably run into bums there. (Bad parking, too). Fortunately, my uncle, who always drives, followed the GPS to Mission Bay Park. She said we should have gone to the car museum in Balboa Park instead; my uncle, who was a retired Pontiac executive from Detroit's glory era, might have enjoyed it.

But as we pulled into the ample parking lot, we did get a beautiful car show.

We drove by the most beautiful blue restored Pontiac Bonneville we had ever seen. It was parked diagonally on two spaces, I presumed because its owner considered it his baby and didn't want it too close to other cars. I later learned it was because the car was too long for the parking space.

We went over it to admire it, later learning it was a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville, long and luscious, loving restored in the most exquisite pure blue with chrome detailing, brass detailing, skirts over the whitewall tires, a pipe holder, restored vinyl seating, a huge curved windshield -- its design spoke to a more luxurious and aesthetic era. Its windows were open, which suggested its owner was nearby. We didn't dare touch it.

And then, coming down from a grassy hill, a woman with dark curly hair and a white Panama hat, wearing a Marilyn Monroe-style sleeveless top greeted us warmly, saying she saw us admiring her car, which we were.

She was the owner and restorer of the car, and she introduced it to us as "my crystal blue persuasion." And yes, it was her baby, her passion. Its long length made it almost impossible to fit into her garage at night. Of course it wouldn't fit into a tiny beach parking space. But it had won five awards at car shows, which she proudly noted. The whole car can be viewed here.

Her name was Irene.

She introduced her grandkids, a couple of teenage boys she had been playing ball with, too. She was kind of glamorous except that she didn't know it.

She lived in East San Diego County and was deeply into restoring classical cars.

This one, she explained, was originally from New Jersey. She had thought about buying it, but decided it would be too expensive to transport cross-country. But the car turned up in Poway, not far from where she lived, and its owner wanted to get rid of it. She bought the car and spent three years restoring it, lovingly acquiring car parts and knowing every detail about how the car worked, like a car geek -- which was pretty head-turning in a woman.

And her expertise was all over it -- describing details of the engine, the brakes, the ashtrays, the difficulty of keeping the car cool.

She also was a walking history book on cars and car culture. This one was a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville, of which only 200 were made, probably because the car was so hot and uncomfortable to ride and more comfortable vehicles were coming online. But its beauty was extraordinary. I told her her car expertise was very wonderful to us because my uncle was a retired automobile executive, from Pontiac. She was impressed and asked him which era he came from. He said the early 1970s. "The era of fast cars," she remarked.

Hearing this auto-geek passion from a woman was, to say the least, intriguing.

She explained that she was part of a car club where people with similar interests loved to restore and drive classic cars. Her club, which was stamped on the back window in white Gothic letters, was called the "Dead End" car club. They were from East San Diego and mostly Hispanic. They actually met a group of white guys who liked to restore cars with the same gritty name and decided to merge the clubs. At this point, I was getting a Tom Wolfe vibe from her, Wolfe loved to write about car aficionados and their clubs, particularly in Southern California.

My elderly mother approached the car and Irene asked her if she'd like to sit in it. My aunt and uncle told her not to do it, she would have trouble getting up but my mom really wanted to sit in it. She had an answer for that problem -- the car had a lifting mechanism (which my uncle said that in the past would play Mexican music) that was just perfect for an elderly lady to sit in the car and get up.

No one said so, but this was very meaningful for my mom. She has one best friend still alive in Michigan, who once owned this car. She wanted to get a picture taken of herself sitting in it, to send to her last living friend. Irene was so kind and helpful, helping a little old lady relive that very old memory. It was a joy to my mom and we thanked her profusely.

She was proudly from East San Diego and I wondered if she was conservative, given her throwing in a sour note on the area never being recognized for that identity by city officials, who kept divving the area up "for gerrymandering" purposes she said. East San Diego is famously conservative, so I smiled knowingly. But I wasn't going to ask.

I looked up the Dead End car club and found what looked like an Instagram page for it, given the Gothic lettering. They were associated with low-riders, a harmless Mexican-American car culture that was pretty cruelly suppressed until recently, clearly a violation of the "pursuit of happiness" clause in the Constitution. I wonder indeed if she was conservative. But she didn't bring that up, though if she did, we would not have been the least perturbed. How could we be against low riders after this great kindness, this car tour we had wanted on the way to the beach, and found in her car -- and above all, her?

We did go to the car museum after all. And we were given the most wonderful tour.

Image: Monica Showalter
On August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown, an 18-year-old, 64 nearly 300-pound thug wannabe was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer. Ferguson, and the nation, have never fully recovered. Every year around August 9 leftists continue to portray Brown as a holy social justice martyr, and this year it was the turn of the Illinois Lt. Governor:

Graphic: X Post

And Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL):

Graphic: X Post

Both used photos of a sullen Brown in his high school graduation robe. Thats because every other photo of Brown on social media depicts his thug ideation: guns, pot, booze, gang signs, obscene gestures and the rest. They harsh the narrative of a brilliant young Brown full of promise and about to enter college or a technical school. If true, no one has ever produced the slightest evidence of it.



At my home blog, Ive covered the Brown case, currently amounting to 37 articles. The truth doesnt resemble the narrative.

Brown, a recent high school graduate had no job and no apparent future. He and Dorian Johnson, began smoking pot early each morning and continued throughout the day. On August 14 they went to a convenience store, where Brown stole handfuls of cheap cigarsbluntsthey planned to hollow out and fill with pot, apparently Browns favorite method. Brown roughed up a far smaller clerk, committing strong armed robbery.

A short time later, Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson came upon the pair as they were walking down the middle of a road. That alone was cause for Wilson to stop and cite them. Wilson asked them to walk on the sidewalk. Brown responded with obscenities. Wilson pulled over and as he opened his door, Brown slammed it on him and began brutally beating him through the open window. Brown tried to get Wilsons gun. Wilson barely managed to retain it, and in the struggle it discharged, barely grazing Browns hand. Johnson and Brown ran.

Wilson ordered them to stop, but rather than fleeing, Brown turned, put his head down, and made a berserker charge at Wilson, who while continuing to tell Brown to stop, fired 10 rounds, the final round to the top of Browns head dropping Brown at Wilsons feet. Wilson, who fully cooperated in the investigation, explained Browns attack made him feel like a five-year-old trying to fight Hulk Hogan. He reasonably believed if Brown got to him, hed be killed.

Race hustlers took full advantage of Wilsons lawful self-defense. Ferguson suffered looting and rioting that has destroyed property values to this day. Johnson claimed Brown was killed execution style while on his knees with his hands up, crying dont shoot, a lie racist politicians and the media gladly adopted. It never happened.

The FBI investigated and the local prosecutor convened a grand jury. Unlike most such proceedings, he provided every bit of evidence which was also made public. What they, and the FBI, learned was revealing.

Numerous witnesses, virtually all black, spun lies so bizarre some were darkly funny. One woman told her FBI interviewers one of her relatives was FBI and realizing they knew she was lying, tried to break their tape recorder. Eventually, most admitted they hadnt seen anything and were making it up. None of their lies were supported by the physical or forensic evidence. One black witness, a convicted felon, did see everything and told the truth.

With the narrative failing, NPR invented a statistical fallacy: if 51% of witnesses say something, it must be true. Thats nonsense. What matters is whether a witness was able to have seen what they claimed, if their accounts are supported by evidence and whether they have any personal credibility. In the Brown case, virtually none did.

Even though many witnesses lied to the FBI and before the grand jury, none were prosecuted. Prosecuting black people would have obliterated the narrative.

The Obama/Holder DOJ, the most corrupt in history until the Bidens Handlers/Garland DOJ, people who desperately wanted to hang Wilson, had to admit Wilson acted lawfully. They couldnt file a criminal or civil rights case, though they did force a consent decree on the little Ferguson police force.

Not long after his death, Browns family and relatives got into a public brawl over the proceeds for Michael Brown-branded merchandise they were hawking.

Democrats still find Michael Brown politically useful in keeping the hateful, racist narrative alive. The only lesson Americans can profitably learn from his life and death is he isn't worthy of praise or emulation.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
In the Soviet Union, there is no truth in Pravda and no news in Izvestia. Readers of a certain age recognize that old joke, which played on the fact that the names of those two Soviet newspapers, when translated into English, meant truth and news respectively. Or, as the old exchange went: How can you tell when a Soviet official is lying? When his lips moveor when you read Pravda. Everyone understood that nothing in those party organs was believable.

The same is true for todays leftist-controlled media, both at home and abroad. And today, I have two examples of the agendas that are pro-Islamic and, in the second case, deeply antisemitic. In each case, a misleading headline creates a powerful narrative image that his countered only if readers bother to scroll deep into the reports on the story.

Image created using AI.

Here is the headline from People magazine, a national publication: Tenn. Man Charged with Raping Unconscious Woman In Front of Church  Just Before She Died.

That the article leads with the phrase Tenn. Man in 20-point font in the headline will inevitably leave people thinking that the man charged with the crime, which involved raping a woman who had passed out from drugs, looked like one of these guys, all of whom are stereotypical Tennessee Men:

Image created using AI.

American Thinker readers, however, wont be surprised to learn that, once you click on that link, none of those stereotypes matches the person arrested:

Mohamed Mohamed, 39, is charged with four counts of rape in relation to an alleged assault on an unconscious woman in front of the house of worship on Nolensville Pike in Nashvilles Woodbine neighborhood Thursday evening, according to a press release from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The crime was heinous:

The woman, who remains a Jane Doe, was seen on surveillance video apparently under the influence, walking unsteadily and setting herself down on the steps. Police say Mohamed then approached her, sat down beside her and began touching her as she drifted in and out of consciousness, attempting to swat him away to no avail. Mohamed then allegedly lifted her off the steps, set her on the ground and repeatedly sexually assaulted her, police wrote in the press release.

This is what the alleged perpetrator actually looks like:

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Public domain.

We dont have any information about Mohameds country of origin or immigration status. However, what we do have is Peoples emphasis on Tennesseewhich, given the papers national audience and salacious approach to news, was an unnecessary detail. The story would have had just as much impact if the headline had said Man Charged with Raping Unconscious Woman In Front of Church  Just Before She Died.

But thats small-time dishonesty. For really big dishonesty, you need to go to media efforts to turn Hamas and its fellow travelers into victims, despite their openly stated and acted upon goal of slaughtering Jews and, eventually, Christians. At the same time, the Western media demonize while demonizing Israel, the only country in the history of the world that (stupidly) feeds its enemy.

In July, it was the New York Times making a martyred Madonna out of a Gazan woman holding her genetically ill child and implying that Israel was responsible for the childs pathetic condition. This month, its the BBC which claims that an Italian hospital was unable to save the life of a malnourished Gazan womanwith the obvious implication that shes the victim of the (fake) famine that Israel has alleged imposed on the enemy civilians it (stupidly) feeds:

Fair use for editorial purposes.

Note that, under the image, it states, More than 180 Gazan children and adults have been brought to Italy since the start of Israel's war on Gaza. It would be more accurate to say that those children and adults have been brought to Italy since the start of Gazas war on Israel, a war that began when 6,000 Gazans stormed Israels border and slaughtered over 1,200 civilians and kidnapped over 200 more, many of whom it also slaughtered.

Its only if one reads beyond the headlines, which few do, that the BBC adds some important details:

Cogat, the Israeli military body in charge of aid, said on Sunday that she had suffered from leukaemia. In a statement, it said Israel "facilitates the medical transfer of patients, with a focus on children, and encourages countries around the world to make such requests".

Normally, an unknown woman dying of leukemia is not newsworthy. The only reason for the BBC to report on this story was to have a big, bold headline implying that Israel starved the woman to death.

The BBC is an utterly foul institution that, like Pravda and Izvestia before it, is larded with lies that have the occasional dots of truth that are solely intended to lend artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. That quoted language is funny in Gilbert & Sullivans Mikado; its genocide promotion in the steaming pile of antisemitic garbage that is the BBC.

The only difference between the Western media and the old-time Soviet media outlets is that, in the Soviet Union, many (maybe most) of those journalists wrote under duress, knowing that even a whiff of the truth could land them in the gulags. Meanwhile, todays so-called journalists are true believers who happily pump propaganda into credulous peoples minds.
One of the main forces behind leftism, in addition to its powerful hatred for the West, is profound historical ignorance. Leftist education across the West means that people know the wrong thing or know just a sliver of the right thing, with that sliver managing to be a complete perversion of the whole picture. If you want a visual, check out the classic meme that seemingly shows a despairing child held down by a booted foot on the head, only for the wide-angle to show the child doing it to himself.

We see leftist ignorance in endless things, from the dangerous to the silly. One dangerous area of ignorance is the contention that America is uniquely evil because it had slavery and uniquely racist because those slaves were black.

In fact, slavery is as old as humankind. When tribes or (as human societies developed) nations won wars, they didnt have the ability to take prisoners. Their choices were to slaughter the enemy, every man, woman, and child, or to take them as slaves. Given that, until we harnessed fossil fuel, societies were entirely reliant on brute force labor, whether by animals or people, slavery was a smart idea.

Muslim slave trade in Cairo, 1849, uploaded by Rawpixel. CC BY 4.0.

As for why the British introduced African slaves to North America, just as the French, Belgians, Spanish, Portuguese and others introduced African slaves to their colonies, the reason was twofold: First, blacks were resistant to malaria (unlike, say, the Irish, whom the British first tried to use as slaves in the new world). Second, thanks to endless tribal warfare in Africa, there was an equally endless supply of African slaves, which Muslim traders were happy to broker to Europeans.

What leftists also conveniently ignore is that, while slavery still exists in Africa and the Muslim world (although it was technically made illegal in most places a few decades ago), it was the West that finally woke up to slaverys immorality and ended it, with America doing so at the cost of 600,000 dead.

The only thing the indoctrinated know is that the United States had black slaves. The universality of slavery, the complicity of Africans and Muslims in the slave trade, and the Wests slavery-ending epiphany dont exist for leftists.

As I said, this ignorance is dangerous because its used as a lever to destroy America from within.

Theres also the ridiculous part of leftist ignorance. All primitive societies have had some form of dreadlocks, which make a virtue of the inability to groom. But up in Vancouver, the ignoramuses behind a concert venue banned a white woman who appeared with dreads because it was impermissible cultural appropriation. Ironically, they used the English language to ban her, yet it was clear that one of the people doing the banning was culturally appropriating the English language. Logic and knowledge are anathema to the left:

A woman in Vancouver was denied access to a "2SLGBTIAQ+-friendly" outdoor theatre because her hair violated the venue's "Code of Conduct Cultural Appropriation policy." pic.twitter.com/reB5DbDtL1  Alex Zoltan (@AmazingZoltan) August 15, 2025

The most frightening misinformation (at least for me) is that which powers the current worldwide wave of antisemitism, one that sees country after country (plus that foul excrescence, little Pete Buttigieg) announcing recognition of a Palestinian state. Slaughter Jews; get a reward.

For many on the left, the hostility to Israel is predicated upon indoctrinated ignorance: All that they know or want to know is that Jews are colonizers and that the so-called Palestinians are the indigenous people.

In fact, the opposite is true: Jews have occupied that particular strip of land continuously for almost 4,000 years, and the last nation on that land was theirs. For 1,500 years, Jews have been victims of Muslim colonization. More than that, the Arabs currently on the land have roots no deeper than about 180 years. They are the interlopers.

As for the current nation of Israel, Jews bought the land, won the land in defensive wars, and achieved recognition as a nation because they had all the hallmarks of a nation: borders, a functioning self-government, a self-reliant economy, etc. The people in Gaza and the West Bank have none of these things.

None of that matters to the Muslims, who lay claim to the land because Mohamed dreamed about it once. Muslims are the living embodiment of the toddlers creed, for, like toddlers, they assert ownership of things (land, women, whatever) if they like them, if they temporarily possess them, if they can acquire them by force, if they once possessed them, etc. Nothing elsejustice, morality, decency, historic tiesmatters. If they want it, its theirs.

All of which gets me to a tweet I want to share with you. It mentions briefly a point that Niall Ferguson expanded upon in great detail in his book Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power. Fergusons point is a simple one: All nations in history that could practice imperialism did so. Whats striking is that, when looking at colonialism from the 15th century to the present, Britain is the only nation that benefited its colonies, leaving them with functional infrastructures and liberty-based values.

The practical result is that, in whatever geographic region a British colony exists, that colony will be the best place to live in the region. Given that colonialism, like slavery, is something that humankind has always done, the lucky people were those whom the British colonized.

But what about the flip side to that? Are there exceptionally unlucky colonies that came under the rule of imperialists who made everything worse? Well, one can easily say that people colonized by European powers other than Britain fared less well than the former British colonies. In all of them, the indigenous people are suffering more abuse and indignities from their governments, and their societies range from marginally functioning to complete basket cases (something Ferguson proves with lots of data).

However, there is one colonizer who stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to abuse, slaughter, dysfunction, and despairand that, of course, is Islam:

The British colonialism lasted a few centuries, left behind railroads, legal systems, education, and modern institutions.



It wasn't perfect. It had its sins. But it also built.



The British brought modern medicine, science, engineering, and governance. They opened schools, built  Dan Burmawi (@DanBurmawy) August 15, 2025
Waiting game: Eberechi Eze (REUTERS)

Oliver Glasner expects Eberechi Eze to remain a Crystal Palace player for the clubs first ever European fixture.

Eze is widely expected to join Tottenham this summer, with the clubs in talks over a deal to take the England international to north London.

The midfielder was due to sit out Sundays 0-0 draw at Chelsea, only to start - and then see a goal disallowed - after talks with Spurs failed to progress as expected.

Glasner now believes Eze will remain at the club until at least the clubs Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday.

"Ebs should have scored a goal today, he had one and it was disallowed, Glasner told Sky Sports.

He will come tomorrow to the Crystal Palace training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad."

Standard Sport understands Oliver Glasner was set to leave Eze out of Sundays squad with all signs pointing to a deal being agreed to sell the player to Spurs.

However, after no expected breakthrough came overnight, Glasner changed his mind and decided that Eze would be involved.

Glasner added: "He was picked because he is a Crystal Palace player, and hes a very good Crystal Palace player. There was no reason not to pick him.

It is impossible to draw at Chelsea if everyone is no 100 per cent committed.

Ezes 68million release clause expired last week, but Spurs are likely to agree a package for less. Glasner continued: I know Ebs' clause is gone, so it is the club's decision [whether he goes]. We will see what happens.
Chelsea made an underwhelming start to the Premier League season as Crystal Palace ground out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

After a truncated pre-season following victory in the Club World Cup, everything pointed to a Chelsea side lacking both preparation and rest as Oliver Glasners team coped relative easily with a new-look yet disjointed attack.

Eberechi Eze started for Palace despite speculation he is about to leave and, if there were doubts about how supporters felt about the player whose goal won them the FA Cup in May, they were dispelled when he was substituted to a standing ovation late on.

The England international provided the game with its only major talking point, lashing in a brilliant free-kick in the first half that was ruled out after Marc Guehi obstructed Chelseas wall, drawing a furious response from Palace fans.

As expected, Nicolas Jackson was not in Enzo Marescas squad after being made surplus to requirements, with Newcastle considering a bid, while Joao Pedro was preferred at number nine to fellow new signing Liam Delap.

Chelsea were playing 35 days after their win over Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final in the United States and showed signs of mental fatigue in a first-half display low on creativity.

Marc Cucurella had the first of their only two chances, his near-post header looping towards the far corner where it was nodded off the line by the leaping Ismaila Sarr.

Eberechi Ezes celebrations were cut shot by VAR (John Walton/PA).

Eze looked to have obliged the headline writers after 15 minutes with an unstoppable free-kick that flew through the middle of the Chelsea wall and in, only for a VAR check to reveal Guehi had unfairly forced Moises Caicedo out of the balls path.

Moments later Jean-Philippe Mateta broke into the box but shot too close to Robert Sanchez, who bounced the effort to safety.

There was little worthy of home fans enthusiasm in attack in the first half, but they showed raucous appreciation for a wonderfully-timed, full-blooded tackle on Daniel Munoz by 19-year-old Josh Acheampong, making a third Premier League start in central defence, with Levi Colwill a long-term absentee and Wesley Fofana not risked.

With Maresca having been told to seek internal solutions to his lack of defensive options, the academy graduate staked a convincing claim for regular game time with a display of maturity and fulsome grit that was warmly received by an otherwise subdued crowd.

Estevao Willian made his Chelsea debut (John Walton/PA).

The best Chelsea chance of the half fell to Trevoh Chalobah, who fired high from eight yards after good work from debutant Jamie Gittens.

Estevao Willian was sent on in the 53rd minute for a debut and, with his first action, annihilated Guehi in a foot race down the right before crossing brilliantly for Enzo Fernandez, who failed to make good contact.

The Brazil international, still only 18 despite the hype surrounding his arrival from Palmeiras, betrayed his inexperience minutes later when striking wildly over the bar when off balance before being booked for lunging at Munoz.

Eze was again almost the story when he drilled at goal and brought a two-handed save from Sanchez, then at the other end substitute Delap shot straight at Dean Henderson.
European leaders will join Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House on Monday.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish president Alexander Stubb were the first leaders to confirm they will join Mr Zelensky in Washington DC.

French president Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, and Nato chief Mark Rutte have also confirmed their attendance.

Downing Street would not comment on whether Sir Keir Starmer plans to travel to Washington to join other European leaders on Monday.

Mr Zelenskys Oval Office rendezvous with the US president will take place after Western allies meet for a coalition of the willing video call on Sunday afternoon.

The call will be hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir, Frances Mr Macron and Germanys Mr Merz.

This afternoon, I will welcome @ZelenskyyUa in Brussels. Together, we will participate in the Coalition of Willing VTC. At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 17, 2025

The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his countrys territory, according to reports.

Several news outlets have reported Russian president Vladimir Putin has demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk  two occupied Ukrainian regions  as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, multiple reports said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trumps negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.

The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelenskys last visit to the White House at the end of February.

The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.

Donald Trump shakes the hand of Vladimir Putin (Sergei Bulkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.

Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.

The shift appears to echo the Russians refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.

Writing on social media on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

Thank you for the support! All the points mentioned are important to achieve a truly sustainable and reliable peace. We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation. If they lack pic.twitter.com/bkTXwjMSnX  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 16, 2025

Mr Zelensky said: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

This complicates the situation.

He added: If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

Mr Zelensky is expected to attend Sunday afternoons video call with leaders from the coalition of the willing, which is scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the move to go directly to a peace agreement without a ceasefire first complicates the situation. Photograph: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

European leaders including Keir Starmer will join Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a White House meeting with Donald Trump on Monday in an extraordinary joint effort to push back on a US-backed plan that would allow Russia to take further Ukrainian territory.

As well as the UK prime minister, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, Germanys chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Italys PM, Giorgia Meloni, and the Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, will all accompany Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.

Natos secretary general, Mark Rutte, and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, will also attend.

The unprecedented show of support seems designed to prevent a repeat of the public mauling experienced by Zelenskyy during his last trip to the White House, in February, when Trump and the US vice-president, JD Vance, accused him of ingratitude and disrespect and told him: Youre not in a good position. You dont have the cards right now.

Trump, after his summit on Friday with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, has reportedly endorsed the Kremlins one-sided plan to end the war in Ukraine. It includes Kyiv giving up territory that Russia has been unable to seize and no ceasefire until a final deal has been agreed.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump accused the media of misrepresenting his great meeting in Alaska  an encounter widely seen as a victory for Putin and a humiliation for the US president. On Sunday, Trump claimed he had made big progress on Russia, without giving details.

European leaders on Monday will reaffirm their support for Ukraines territorial integrity and argue against a land swap plan that rewards Russian aggression. They will also seek further clarity on what security guarantees the US is willing to offer in the event of a settlement.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russias envoy to international organisations in Vienna, said early on Monday that Russia agrees that any future Ukraine peace agreement must provide security guarantees to Kyiv, but added that Russia has equal right to expect that Moscow will also get efficient security guarantees.

In a conciliatory statement announcing his visit to Washington, Starmer praised Trump for his efforts to end Russias illegal war in Ukraine. At the same time, Starmer reasserted Europes red lines. He said the path to peace could not be decided without Zelenskyy and said Russia should be squeezed with further sanctions.

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff told CNN that Putin had agreed for the first time for the US and Europe to provide protection to Ukraine as part of a deal. This would be outside the auspices of Nato but would be the equivalent of the alliances article 5 self-defence pact, Witkoff indicated.

Speaking in Brussels alongside von der Leyen, Zelenskyy rejected Putins latest demand for more land. The Russians want Ukraine to cede the entirety of the Donetsk region, including a number of Ukrainian-controlled cities, as well as Luhansk province, which Moscow mostly occupies.

Zelenskyy said Putin had been trying for 12 years to fully capture Donetsk oblast, without success. He said the current frontline should form the basis for negotiations, adding that territory could only be discussed in a three-way format with Kyiv at the table. A powerful Ukrainian army was the best security guarantee, he added.

Starmer, Merz and Macron hosted a video call with European allies on Sunday before their Washington trip. Ukraine must be a steel porcupine, indigestible for potential invaders, von der Leyen said, stressing there could be no Russian-mandated limits on Ukraines armed forces.

According to the New York Times, Trump told European leaders he believed a peace deal could be negotiated if Zelenskyy agreed to give up the Donetsk region. They were unconvinced. The EU shares the Ukrainian view that Putin would use any new territory as a springboard for a further attack.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the talks in Alaska told the Guardian that Putin had offered to freeze the frontline in southern Ukraine if he got Donbas. The plan would mean thousands of civilians would be forced to abandon their homes in key eastern cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which have withstood years of Russian attacks.

Before Fridays Alaska summit, Trump said he wanted an immediate ceasefire. Over the weekend, however, the US president endorsed Russias demand for a peace deal first and a truce second. Ceasefires often times do not hold up, Trump said in a social media post.

Trump also appears to have dropped his threat of economic penalties on countries that buy Russian oil if Moscow refuses a deal. He has repeatedly threatened to impose secondary sanctions, setting various deadlines and failing to follow through when they expire.

Trump on Sunday expressed his frustration at recent media coverage. Its incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me, he posted. There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Bidens stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!

He added: If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal.

Speaking to the BBC, the former British defence secretary Ben Wallace described Trumps apparent support for Putins demands as 1930s-style appeasement. He said the strategy  with pressure piled on Ukraine to agree  may save lives in the short term but in the long term would probably put us at greater risk.

A joint statement issued by European leaders on Saturday said they were ready to work with US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support but it will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

They said they welcomed President Trumps efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russias war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

Zelenskyy said in a statement after his conversations with Trump and the European leaders: The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions. Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure. All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be released, and the children abducted by Russia must be returned.

Related: Donald Trump reportedly delivered letter from first lady to Vladimir Putin

Olga Tokariuk, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, said Zelenskyy had a difficult task in Washington. He had to demonstrate that Ukraine wants peace, but not at any cost, to ensure Ukraine still gets US support, she said. At the same time he could not make concessions unacceptable for Ukrainians.

Trump was unlikely to treat Zelenskyy with the same friendliness as Putin, she predicted. The US under Trump is no longer willing to stand by its democratic allies, while instead it is embracing the tyrants, she added.

Additional reporting by Peter Walker
Donald Trumps special envoy has revealed that Vladimir Putin has agreed to security guarantees for Ukraine as part of potential peace deal with Russia.

Steve Witkoff said the United States will offer Ukraine NATO-style pact but without officially joining the military bloc.

The Russian president agreed to allow the US to provide Ukraine the "robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing," Witkoff told CNN.

But following a meeting with the European Commissions Von der Leyen in Brussels on Sunday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that only he and Putin can discuss territorial concessions at a trilateral meeting.

The development comes after Sir Keir Starmer announced he will join European leaders for Zelenskys crucial meeting with Trump on Monday in the hopes of ending the war in Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen greets Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP)

The Prime Minister will be joined by von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO secretary Mark Rutte all confirmed that they will attend the talk in the White House.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is also predicted to make the trip, alongside Italian premier Giorgia Meloni.

Fears are mounting that Ukraine will be forced to surrender its sovereign territory to Russia after Trump reportedly backed Putins demands to end the war between the two countries.

During his high-stakes meeting with the US president in Alaska on Friday, Putin is said to have offered to freeze the frontline in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

However, Moscow has urged Kyiv to withdrawn its troops from the Donbas in eastern Ukraine, which includes the mineral-rich Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

He also wants protections for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine and that Russian be reinstated as an official language in the country.

On Saturday, Trump said Zelensky should strike a deal with Putin to end the fighting which has raged for more than three years.

He told Fox News: Russia is a very big power, and theyre not. Theyre great soldiers. They did have courage in fighting and you know they are fighting a big war machine.

Trump and Putin met in Alaska for high-stake talks (AP)

Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform that the strongest solution "is to go directly to a peace agreement" rather than a temporary ceasefire "which often times do not hold up".

Zelensky, who will travel to Washington on Monday for the first time since the infamous Oval Office spat, is understood to have told Trump in a phone call following the Anchorage summit that Putin is not trustworthy.

Russia currently controls around a fifth of Ukraine, and European leaders worry that a deal could cement those gains and embolden him to expand further into the continent.

Members of the Coalition of the Willing  led by Sir Keir, Macron and Merz  will meet on Sunday ahead of Trumps meeting with Zelensky.

In a joint statement, the group said they were ready to work with Trump and Zelensky towards a trilateral summit with European support but it will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

Sir Keir invited Zelensky to Downing Street this week (PA)

Sir Keir, who spoke with Trump and Zelensky after the summit, said that the presidents efforts have brought us closer than ever before to peace.

But Oleksander Merezhko, chairman of Ukraines parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said he was in disbelief that Putin was able to repeat his insistence that the root causes of the war needed to be addressed.

Now it turns out that Trump has aligned with Putin on that. Its an extremely dangerous development, he told The Sunday Times.

Kira Rudik, of the opposition Holos party, said: Trump got to shake the dictators hand, Ukraine got nothing. This is your summary. When you repeatedly warn dictators of sanctions but never follow through, they just end up finding it amusing.

Writing in The Mail on Sunday, Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, called the talks about the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy.

Kaja Kallas, the European Unions foreign policy chief, added: Trumps resolve to get a peace deal is vital. But the harsh reality is that Russia has no intention of ending this war anytime soon.

A firefighter puts out a blaze in the town of Druzhkivka (Petrasiuk/Ukraines 24th Mechanized Brigade)

Zelensky said after the Alaska summit: The positions are clear. A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions. Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure.

Ukraine has long aspired to join NATO, but Russia has stated that as one of its reasons for invading the country in Feburary 2022.

While an agreement to end the deadliest conflict since the Second World War was not reached after a nearly three-hour meeting with Putin, Trump stressed that great progress had been made.

In a statement after his encounter with Trump, Putin claimed the pair had hammered out an understanding on Ukraine and warned Europe not to torpedo the nascent progress.

On the battlefront, Ukraine claimed its forces advanced by nearly two kilometres on Saturday, repelling Russian troops in the northeastern city of Sumy.
Dozens of firefighters tackled a blaze in southwest London, forcing a popular dining street to be cordoned off.

The London Fire Brigade received six calls just after 10.30am on Sunday about a fire in a shop with flats upstairs on York Street in Twickenham.

The fire erupted just a few hundred meters from Church Street where a Twickenham 60s Day event is taking place with hundred in attendance.

Eight fire engines and crews from Twickenham, Richmond, Heston and surrounding stations responded to the fire, the cause of which remains unknown.

The LFB have set up two of their 32m ladders (@Scheuy)

The force also set up two of their 32m ladders to support crew members. York Street is closed between Arragon Road and the junction with the A310 and A305.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Standard: The road has been shut since around mid-morning and traffic has been chaos! The smell of the smoke and fumes from the fire was pretty powerful.

Located in the centre of Twickenham near York House Gardens, York Street is home to several local eateries and pubs, as well as popular restaurant chains.

The fire is now under control, but streets will remain closed as crews remain on scene into the afternoon.

A statement from the LFB read: Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to a fire on York Street, Twickenham.

The fire was located in a building consisting of a commercial space with flats above. Parts of the ground and first floors in the building have been damaged by the fire. Two of the Brigade's 32m ladders were sent to the scene to support firefighting operations. There are no reports of any injuries.

York Street is closed between Arragon Road and the junction with the A310 and A305 whilst crews remain on scene.

The Brigade received the first of six calls reporting the fire at 1041, and Control Officers have sent crews from Twickenham, Richmond, Heston and surrounding fire stations to the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 1256.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Brigade's fire investigators.
An adviser who helped Nigel Farage to boost his social media presence has suggested that the UK would have been better off had it not got involved in the Second World War, rather than deciding to fight Nazi Germany.

In his personal blog, Jack Anderton also suggested Britain should not support Ukraine in its fight against Putins illegal invasion, saying: Russia is not our enemy.

The 23-year-old, who helped to run Mr Farages TikTok account, has never been an official Reform UK employee.

The blog, first revealed by The Observer, also saw Mr Anderton claim the UK could regain former colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa, as well as suggesting the UK should copy the policy of mass incarceration carried out in El Salvador, which has been condemned as a breach of human rights.

We get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine, wrote Anderton (Jack Anderton/YouTube)

In a post from June 2024, titled A Self-Interested British Foreign Policy, Mr Anderton wrote: Britain spent nearly 3trn on WW1 and WW2. What did we get for that? We are no longer the great power we once were, we dont even get a thanks anymore.

We impoverished ourselves for decades, we didnt finish paying the loans off to America until 2006.

Our economy stagnated, we lost an empire, and we are pushed around by America. And Germany, a country we beat, has been richer than us since the 1970s.

He said the only wars that were truly in Britains interests were the Falklands conflict and the invasion of Egypt for control of the Suez Canal, adding: If Britain had not fought in WW1 and WW2, it would not have had to rely on America for economic support, and it would have had the independence to act accordingly.

Britain could have developed India, Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, The Bahamas, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. In the coming Meritocracy, perhaps Britain could regain some of these nations.

Suggesting Britain should not be supporting Ukraine, he wrote: Whilst yes, we are not at war with Russia, we are sending billions of pounds (that we cannot afford) to prop up a country that we have no allegiance to.

Russia is not our enemy, they have not attacked Britain. Its perfectly acceptable and preferable to state that Russia is not our enemy, but they are not our friend either, we treat them with suspicion, but we do not escalate a conflict with them.

Why are we fighting a European war? We do not border any of these countries. In their pursuit of all that is good and a handshake from Zelensky, the British ruling class is pushing this country into a war that we have nothing to do with.

He added: At least in WW1, we got some land in the Middle East, we get nothing in return for our support of Ukraine.

In a second post from, also from June 2024, Mr Anderton issues an endorsement of the policies of Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who has been accused by Amnesty of committing massive human rights violations, including thousands of arbitrary detentions and violations of due process, as well as torture and ill-treatment. At least 18 people have died in state custody, the organisation said.

Seemingly endorsing his policies, Mr Anderton said: Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Id even argue the measures arent that extraordinary and should be in place in times of normalcy.

He added: El Salvador is perhaps a lesson for those in Britain who wish to take back control of their country. Power works, and it is all that matters. State power when used effectively is basically omnipotent.

The meritocracy will be established, criminals and corrupt officials will be jailed, immigration will drop to zero, houses will be built, and our citizens will once again feel proud of the country they call home.

Mr Farage has previously suggested that British criminals could be sent overseas to El Salvador to serve their sentences as part of a crackdown on crime.

Jack Anderton and Nigel Farage have been contacted for comment.
A shot from a video circulating online of an Israeli attack on Yemens energy infrastructure

Israel has launched air strikes on Yemen, targeting a power station where Houthi leaders were gathered.

The Israeli military said it attacked energy infrastructure belonging to the Houthi rebels more than 1,000 miles away from Tel Aviv.

The attack came in response to the Houthi rebels repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel, the first of which were launched in solidarity with Hamas in October 2023.

The IDF said that the Houthi terrorist regime operates under the direction and funding of the Iranian regime, to harm Israel and its allies.

The terrorist regime exploits the maritime domain to project force and carry out terror activity against global shipping and trade routes, the army added.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV said explosions were heard at the Haiz power plant near the capital of Sanaa, but fell short of blaming Israel.

Local reports suggest that Houthi leaders were inside the plants control room when it was struck by missiles. Power went and a fire broke out.

It is understood that the Israeli navy carried out the operation. Israel has launched several large-scale attacks on Houthi-controlled targets since July last year, including the al-Hudaydah Port, the international airport in Sanaa, as well as energy infrastructure.

Yemeni military units gathered in Sabeen Square in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza - Anadolu

The Houthis began attacking shipping in the Red Sea in October 2023, in what they said was a response to Israels attack on Gaza following the Oct 7 terror attacks.

They have vowed to continue their campaign until the war in Gaza is over, which dragged Western nations  led by the US  into the conflict.

The coalition, which includes the UK, launched dozens of attacks against the Houthis before the US struck a ceasefire with the group in May.

However, the Houthis continued their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea last month, sinking the Liberia-flagged Eternity C. Four crew members died in the assault, while around a dozen were taken hostage. One sailor lost a leg, according to the European Unions naval operation in the Red Sea.

A few days earlier the group attacked a Greek-operated vessel, the Magic Seas.

Israel has long accused Iran of directly funding the Houthis while supplying it with ballistic missiles.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that a major shipment of Iranian-made missiles, drone components, and other military equipment destined for the Houthis was intercepted by Yemens internationally recognised government.

The seizure, described by US officials as one of the largest ever, raised fresh concerns that Tehran is pushing ahead with efforts to reinforce its allies and destabilise the region despite its diminished position.

US Central Command said the Houthi-bound shipment contained 750 tonnes of weaponry, including cruise missiles, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and drone engines.
A cybersecurity official for the Israeli government was arrested in Nevada during an operation targeting child sex predators.

Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, 38, was arrested earlier this month and is facing a felony charge of luring a child with a computer for a sex act, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Friday. He has since been released from custody after posting a $10,000 bail, court records show.

Alexandrovich was one of eight people arrested in the past two weeks as a result of the operation, police said.

The Israeli governments website refers to the 38-year-old as head of the Technological Defense Division at the Israel National Cyber Directorate, which is the government agency responsible for all aspects of cyber defense in the civilian sphere.

Alexandrovichs LinkedIn Profile, which has since been deleted, also described him as an agency official, Mediaite reported. Screenshots from his account suggest he was in Las Vegas to attend Black Hat USA, a six-day event that includes conferences and cybersecurity trainings.

A cybersecurity official for the Israeli government was arrested in Nevada during an operation targeting child sex predators. (Getty/iStock)

He posted a photo of himself at the event on LinkedIn and wrote an emoji-rich caption: Two things you can't escape at Black Hat 2025: the relentless buzz of Generative Al [and] and the sound of Hebrewin every corridor.

Under Nevada law, the crime of cyber luring carries a sentence of one to 10 years behind bars.

The police said Alexandrovich and six others arrested during the undercover operation were booked into the Henderson Detention Center. He was released from custody after posting bond on August 7, court records show.

The Independent has asked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for more information about Alexandrovichs whereabouts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office denied that a government employee was arrested. A state employee who traveled to the U.S. for professional matters was questioned by American authorities during his stay, the prime ministers office said, in a statement to Mediaite.

The employee, who does not hold a diplomatic visa, was not arrested and returned to Israel as scheduled.

Israeli news site Ynet reported that an Israel National Cyber Directorate employee was briefly detained for questioning during a professional conference in the U.S. before returning to his hotel and flying back to Israel two days later.
With Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin potentially set to meet within weeks, the prospect of relinquishing land to secure peace for Ukraine has been floated by the US.

Despite launching an illegal invasion, Putin is understood to have demanded that Kyiv surrender the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces as a condition for ending the war.

Such a move would effectively hand over Ukraines industrial heartland, giving Russia control of the Donbas region, where some of the heaviest fighting of the war has taken place since February 2022.

During a meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, the Ukrainian president said he is ready for a trilateral meeting involving Putin to try and reach a peace deal.

Trump is keen on a lasting peace deal and, like Putin, has rejected a temporary ceasefire - a proposal initially made by the US president himself.

Were going to work with Ukraine, he said on Monday. Were going to work with everybody, and were going to make sure that if theres peace, the peace is going to stay long term. This is very long term.

Any concession of large regions of Ukrainian territory would be a bitter pill to swallow for Kyiv.

While Russia controls almost all of Luhansk, it holds about 70 per cent of Donetsk.

Zelensky has previously insisted he would reject any proposal to withdraw from the industrial Donbas region, claiming it would open a bridgehead for a wider Russian offensive.

However, sources close to the White House have said that Mr Trump appears to have endorsed the move, and will likely be raising the issue during his meeting with Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Monday.

Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said Ukraine will not give up the Donbas region (Getty Images)

The Russian president also said he would freeze the frontline in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, where his forces occupy a large territory.

These areas have been long coveted by Putin, who first entered the Donbas region during an offensive in 2014, which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula.

Russian-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government to proclaim the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk independent peoples republics and, as a result, Moscow captured more than a third of Ukraines eastern territory.

It is currently believed that around 88 per cent of the Donbas is under Russian control, while approximately 6,600 sq km is still being held by Ukraine.

In recent months, Moscow has reinforced its efforts to seize these remaining areas, pushing towards cities like Pokrovsk and intensifying drone and air strikes.

It is crucially important to Ukraine, given that the region holds one of the largest coal reserves and is viewed as an energy powerhouse by Kyiv.

It has also been described as a fortress belt by the Institute for the Study of War, given that Donetsk forms the main fortified defensive line along the eastern region, halting Russia in their tracks.

Ukraine is holding a key defensive line across Donetsk, says Elina Beketova, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, describing a fortified zone buildup over years because the war began 11 years ago.

Putin is said to have made the demands during his meeting with Trump in Alaska (AP)

Its not just trenches, its a deep, layered defence with bunkers, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and industrial areas built into the terrain. The area includes dominant heights, rivers, and urban zones that make it extremely hard to capture, explains Beketova.

Relinquishing the territory would be catastrophic for Russia, especially if they are not given concrete security guarantees such as Article 5 protection from Nato.

However, Putin made it clear that he would not fall back on core demands to resolve root causes of the conflict, that includes Ukraine becoming a neutral state and abandoning Nato aspirations.
Robert Jenrick joined protesters demonstrating against the Bell Hotel in Essex on Sunday - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Migrant hotel protests show the British public has snapped over illegal Channel crossings, Robert Jenrick has said.

The shadow justice secretary declared enough is enough as he attended a protest on Sunday against the continued use of a hotel by asylum seekers in Epping.

His visit came days after the BBC was forced to drop a Thought for the Day segment on the Today programme in which a guest accused the Tory frontbencher of xenophobia.

Mr Jenrick joined around 100 protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Essex, which has been at the centre of weeks of protests amid concerns over community cohesion.

In July, an Ethiopian asylum seeker staying at the hotel was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl days after arriving in Britain.

A Syrian man, also living in the hotel, appeared in court last week charged with sexual assault after being accused of kissing a man on the neck.

Mr Jenrick told The Telegraph: I think the patience of the British public has snapped. Frankly, it snapped a long time ago. People are absolutely sick to their back teeth of whats happening here and up and down the country and for good reason.

In the last 100 days alone, there have been almost a dozen serious sexual offence allegations. This problem has been going on for six years  170,000 people, mostly undocumented young men, have broken into our country.

Each one of them is going to cost us half a million pounds if they stay. This has to come to an end, and I wanted to come here today to show my support for the fair-minded patriotic people here who are out protesting every weekend.

Theyre right to do so. Theyre right to be angry and frustrated, and theyre right to be demanding change, because this has got to stop. Enough is enough.

Large groups of protesters carried signs and waved Union flags and flags of St George - Martin Pope/Getty Images

In a cordoned off lay-by, crowds gathered waving Union flags and the flag of St George to the sound of Sweet Caroline and other songs on a large karaoke speaker.

Mr Jenrick said: Im not just here to listen. Im here to show my support because the people out here are doing the right thing.

They are forcing the Government to listen and take action. Weve got to make sure this comes to an end because the tragedy of the situation is we could stop this tomorrow.

Attended by families and a mixture of all ages, the crowd briefly turned hostile when a migrant returned to the hotel, prompting chants and jeers.

Before protesters disperse, organisers conveyed plans for a national protest next Sunday.

Outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, on Sunday, protesters clashed with police following the arrest of a migrant last week.

The man, who was living in the hotel, was arrested on suspicion of common assault after he allegedly burst into a blind womans flat.

He was said to have entered the house on Wednesday night after being followed by a group of men on the street who told him to go back to the hotel.

The Metropolitan Police imposed a Section 14 notice under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption and confirmed the majority of the protesters had left Canary Wharf by 5.30pm.

There were a total of six arrests, including for breaching the s14 Public Order conditions, possession of Class B drugs and assault of an emergency worker.

Among the protesters were a group of women all dressed in pink calling themselves the Pink Ladies.

Some of the group held signs that included: We are not far-Right but were not far wrong. Dont gamble with our lives. Stop the boats.

A group of women called The Pink Ladies carried a banner, which read: Were not far Right but were not far wrong - George Cracknell Wright

Susan Hall, the leader of the City Hall Tories, was also in attendance. She told The Telegraph: Most of the people campaigning are local people who are concerned for their safety. Theyre not political activists, they are local people.

Thats why they asked me to come and speak. This was my first demonstration  this is the first time Ive actually been to one, because Im standing up for Londoners basically.

Some people turned up with balaclavas and they were the ones that were trying to cause trouble. People are very, very angry about it and you cant blame them. Thats why I was here today.

Also at the protest, however, were large groups of men in balaclavas, who were carrying England flags, coloured smoke flares, and signs that read: Stop the boats.

Police arrested some of the protesters at Canary Wharf on Sunday - George Cracknell Wright

An estimated 32,000 asylum seekers are currently in about 200 hotels. This is down from a peak of around 400 hotels in late 2023, but still costs the taxpayer up to 4m a day.

The Government has pledged to axe the use of the hotels by the end of the current Parliament in 2029.

Last week, Krish Kandiah, the founder of a refugee charity, used an appearance on BBC Radio 4s Thought for the Day segment to accuse Mr Jenrick of xenophobia.

Reflecting on the row, which saw the BBC forced to apologise, Mr Jenrick said: I thought it was a totally absurd allegation, and Im not going to back down.

The people I met here today are fair-minded, patriotic people who are just worried about their community, their families, their kids, and they deserve their voices to be heard.
Sally Rooney felt compelled to publicly express her support after protesters were arrested for speaking out on Aug 9 - Patrick Bolger

Sally Rooney has vowed to use money from the BBC to fund the proscribed terror organisation Palestine Action.

The novelist said the police should investigate the corporations and the high-street stores that stock and promote her work if they believe she is committing an act of terrorism.

Membership and support of Palestine Action, including funding, can carry sentences of up to 14 years in prison after the group was banned by the Government in July.

The Normal People author made the comments in the Irish Times, noting that it would be illegal for her to publish them in a British newspaper.

She said she felt compelled to publicly express her support after more than 500 peaceful protesters were arrested for doing the same in a single day on Aug 9.

If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it, she wrote. My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets.

In recent years, the UKs state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels, and therefore regularly pays me residual fees.

I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.

If the British state considers this terrorism, then perhaps it should investigate the shady organisations that continue to promote my work and fund my activities, such as WH Smith and the BBC.

WH Smith has been contacted for comment. A BBC spokesman said: Matters relating to proscribed organisations are for the relevant authorities.

Protestors surround RAF High Wycombe with a symbolic red line to demonstrate against the RAF assisting Israel with surveillance flights over Gaza - Guy Smallman/Getty Images

Ms Rooney said that to ensure that the British public is made aware of my position, I would happily publish this statement in a UK newspaper  but that would now be illegal.

She has previously expressed her support for the group in a witness statement handed to Londons High Court, where the decision to proscribe the group is being challenged by one of its founders.

The Irish author has now accused Sir Keir Starmers government of stripping its citizens of basic rights and freedoms to protect its relationship with Israel.

The ramifications are profound and an increasing number of artists and writers can no longer safely travel to Britain to speak in public, she said.

Palestine Action was proscribed by the Home Secretary after activists allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and vandalised two military aircraft, causing 7m of damage.

Ms Rooney, whose novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends have been adapted into BBC dramas, noted that the decision puts it on the same footing as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

Sally Rooneys bestselling book Normal People was adapted into a 12-episode series on BBC in 2020 - Enda Bowe/BBC Pictures

This means that even a simple placard or T-shirt expressing support is now a serious terror offence under UK law, she wrote.

In the six weeks since the ban, the Metropolitan Police have arrested more than 700 people for supporting the group.

The force said a further 60 people will be prosecuted for support of Palestine Action, while Norfolk Police said on Saturday that 13 people were arrested at a protest in Norwich.

Ms Rooney pointed out that those arrested include an Irish citizen and a woman in Belfast.

An 89-year-old protester was arrested in Parliament Square, London, after taking part in a demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action - Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP

She described the arrest by PSNI officers as political policing, noting that the force made no arrests after a mural for the proscribed Ulster Volunteer Force, responsible for the murders of hundreds of civilians, was repainted in north Belfast last year.

She said: Palestine Action, proscribed under the same law, is responsible for zero deaths and has never advocated the use of violence against any human being.

Why then are its supporters arrested for wearing T-shirts, while murals celebrating loyalist death squads are left untouched?

Ms Rooney also questioned why the Irish Government, which has stated that Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, has remained silent when its citizens have been arrested for protesting an acknowledged genocide.
This aerial handout photo from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, taken in July/August 2025, shows billowing smoke and flames from the Muskeg, Trail and Knee fires in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Photograph: Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency/AFP/Getty Images

Road closures, evacuations, travel chaos and stern warnings from officials have become fixtures of Canadas wildfire season. But as the country goes through its second-worst burn on record, the blazes come with a twist: few are coming from the western provinces, the traditional centre of destruction.

Instead, the worst of the fires have been concentrated in the prairie provinces and the Atlantic region, with bone-dry conditions upending how Canada responds to a threat that is only likely to grow as the climate warms.

Experts say the shift serves as a stark reminder that the risk of disaster is present across the thickly forested nation.

Related: Canada wildfire season already second worst on record as experts warn of new reality

In recent weeks, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes due to the wildfires. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been the worst hit, covering more than 60% of the area burned in Canada. But the fires have also seized strained resources in Atlantic Canada, where officials in Newfoundland and Labrador are struggling to battle out-of-control blazes.

In response to the crisis, the Newfoundland premier, John Hogan, said on Wednesday morning he would temporarily ban off-road vehicles in forested areas because the province simply cannot afford any further risks, given the number of out-of-control wildfires we have.

The ban follows a similar move by Nova Scotia, where a 15-hectare (37-acre) out-of-control fire is burning outside the provincial capital, Halifax. In addition to barring vehicles in wooded areas, Nova Scotia officials so shut down hiking, camping and fishing in forests, a decision reflecting the troubling fact that nearly all fires in the province are started by humans.

Conditions are really dry, theres no rain in sight, the risk is extremely high in Nova Scotia, the provinces premier, Tim Houston, told reporters. Im happy to make sure that were doing everything we can to protect people, to protect property and try to just get through this fire season and really just pray for rain.

Fires have even erupted in Ontarios Kawartha Lakes region, a collection of rural communities less than 100 miles (160km) north of Toronto that are a popular summer destination for residents of Canadas largest city.

For a country of sprawling landmass, fires have long been a common feature of the hot spring, summer and autumn. But for the last century, a mix of geography, climate and industry meant that the biggest and hottest fires  and the vast majority of destruction  have been concentrated in Canadas western provinces.

That changed in 2023 when Canada had its worst fire season on record and the thick haze of smoke blanketed the US.

We had fire everywhere. We had evacuations everywhere. We had smoke at a scale that was remarkable, said Paul Kovacs, the executive director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction at Western University. And so for the first time, we had a different thought about wildfires as a country. With all of the smoke, it became a global conversation. This year is repeating all of that. This is a national issue. This can show up anywhere.

Kovacs, whose organisation focuses largely on preventing structural loss, said more buildings had been destroyed this year compared with 2023, and he warned that a majority of the residents of the most fire-prone parts of the country, such as British Columbia and Alberta, had not yet taken steps to protect or harden their homes from fire risk.

He hopes that a broader national recognition of fire risk spurs people in other parts of the country to reassess how vulnerable their home or business might be to a fast-moving blaze.

Thats the behavioural change were hoping to see next, because there will be many years of fires to come, he said. The size of the burned area will not go back to where things were 25 years ago. This is just our new reality and we need to be prepared. We need a change in mindset and a recognition that this can, and probably will, happen in so many parts of our country.

Already, nearly 7.5m hectares (18.5m acres) have burned across Canada in 2025, far above the 10-year average.

Despite the national threat, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing risk, said Jen Baron, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbias Centre for Wildfire Coexistence.

British Columbia and Alberta have long been the poster children for this wildfire problem for a long time, but other regions are beginning to experience some of those same challenges, she said. This speaks to the pervasiveness of climate change: even if a location was relatively low fire risk in the past, with the extended droughts that were seeing, thats no longer the case now and into the future.

Even though some parts of the country are having a wet year on average, things across the board are still warmer and drier than they were in the past.

Related: Canada: generations old and new scramble to contain fires burning at record pace

That uncertainty has prompted a multimillion-dollar funding effort from the federal government to study risk and adaptation, because there are very few parts of Canada that would be totally protected from wildfire, Baron said.

With an international focus on wildfires, experts like Baron hope the recent years of immense blazes and choking smoke can spur a response that acknowledges the legacy of forestry industry practices, urban encroachment into the wilderness and the Indigenous stewardship of forests.

Were just starting to catch up to the scale of the problem, she said. Wildfire is a natural ecological process, but its become increasingly challenging to manage with changing climatic conditions.

The concerns in Canada echo those emerging across the Atlantic as southern Europe grapples with one of its worst wildfire seasons in two decades.

In Spain, officials were scrambling on Sunday to contain 20 major wildfires. The prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said during a visit to the north-western region of Galicia: There are still some challenging days ahead and, unfortunately, the weather is not on our side.

After fires killed three people and burnt more than 115,000 hectares, Sanchez said his government would seek to put forward a national pact to deal with the climate emergency.

We need to reflect deeply on how we can rethink our capabilities, not only in terms of responses but also in terms of preventing everything related to the climate emergency, whether it be fires, storms, or any other climate-related natural disaster, he said.

In Portugal, the area burned by wildfires this year is 17 times higher than in 2024, at about 139,000 hectares, according to preliminary calculations by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests. Across Europe, countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have requested help from the EUs firefighting force as exhausted officials battle forest fires, fuelled by record-breaking temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds.

In Canada, Baron said the mild nature of this years western fire season provided a glimpse into the countrys future.

Instead of one big fire year every 15 or 20 years, every year will be big in some part of the country, she said. We really dont know exactly how climate change is going to continue. It doesnt drive things in linear ways. And we cant predict where theres going to be a drought next year. But it will be somewhere.

Additional reporting by Ashifa Kassam
Melania Trump, seen with the two leaders in Helsinki in 2018, wrote a heartfelt letter to Putin - Alexei Nikolsky/AP

Melania Trump sent a private letter to Vladimir Putin in which she appeared to urge him to end the war to protect children.

The note, which was hand delivered to the Russian leader by Donald Trump during their Alaska summit, tells Putin it is time to act.

The letter does not explicitly mention Ukraine or the war, but appears to be a thinly veiled plea for him to end the war with a stroke of the pen to protect younger generations.

Melania Trump wants Putin to protect the innocence of children - Kayla Bartkowski/Getty

A simple yet profound concept, Mr Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government and ideology, Mrs Trump wrote, according to Fox News.

The first lady added: Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them  a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future.

Mr Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter. In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone  you serve humanity itself.

Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr Putin, are fit to implement this vision with a stroke of the pen today, she wrote, adding: It is time.

The letter marks the latest intervention from the first lady, who Mr Trump said earlier this year had been influential in pushing him to secure peace in Ukraine.

My conversations with him [Putin] are always very pleasant. I say, isnt that a very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night, Mr Trump said at the White House last month.

I go home, I tell the first lady, I spoke with Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation. She said, Really? Another city was just hit.

Mr Trump and Putin shake hands at the summit in Alaska - Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty

The Slovenian-born first lady, who grew up in the former Yugoslavia, has been supportive of Ukraine since Putin launched his invasion in 2022.

Shortly after the war started, she called on her social media followers to donate to the Red Cross and said it was heartbreaking and horrific to see innocent people suffering.

Ukrainians and some US Republicans have praised her for seemingly influencing Mr Trump to push Putin for peace.

The carefully worded note does not mention Ukraine or the abduction of Ukrainian children.

It is not clear exactly how many children are still missing but a report from the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think tank, estimates nearly 19,500 children had been deported to Russia.

Kyiv has called the abductions a war crime and genocide under a definition by the United Nations.

Moscow said previously it had been protecting children from a war zone.

In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes, including abducting Ukrainian children.
Spain is deploying an additional 500 soldiers to combat raging wildfires, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Sunday, as the country grapples with a prolonged period of scorching weather. The new deployment adds to the more than 1,400 troops already battling blazes across parched woodland.

Authorities are particularly struggling to contain forest fires in the northwestern Galicia region, where 12 major wildfires are currently active near the city of Ourense. Alfonso Rueda, head of the Galician regional government, confirmed the severity of the situation during a joint press conference with Mr Sanchez. The country is also awaiting promised aircraft reinforcements from other European nations to aid the firefighting efforts.

Homes are still under threat so we have lockdowns in place and are carrying out evacuations, Rueda said. Galicia has been battling the spreading flames for more than a week.

Temperatures in Spain could reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas on Sunday, the Spanish national weather agency AEMET said. On Saturday, the maximum temperature was 44.7 degrees Celsius (112.46 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern city of Cordoba, it said.

Spain Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 (AP)

This Sunday, when extraordinarily high temperatures are expected, the danger of wildfires is extreme in most of the country, AEMET said on the social platform X.

The fires in Spain this year have burned 158,000 hectares (390,000 acres), according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That is an area roughly as big as metropolitan London.

Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service. Scientists say that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires.

Spain was expecting the arrival of two Dutch water-dumping planes that were to join aircraft from France and Italy already helping Spanish authorities under a European cooperation agreement.

Firefighters from other countries are also expected to arrive in the region in coming days, Spains Civil Protection Agency chief Virginia Barcones told public broadcaster RTVE.

National rail operator Renfe said it suspended Madrid-Galicia high-speed train services scheduled for Sunday due to the fires.

Galician authorities advised people to wear face masks and limit their time spent outdoors to avoid inhaling smoke and ash.

Portugal is set for cooler weather in coming days after a spate of severe woodland fires. A national state of alert due to wildfires was enacted Aug. 2 and was due to end Sunday, a day before two Swedish firefighting planes were to arrive.

Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire approaching Trancoso, Portugal, August 13, 2025 (Reuters)

As in Spain, Portugals resources have been stretched. On Sunday, more than 4,000 firefighters and more than 1,300 vehicles were deployed, as well as 17 aircraft, the countrys Civil Protection Agency said.

The scorched area of forest in Portugal so far this year is 17 times higher than in 2024, at around 139,000 hectares, according to preliminary calculations by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests, a government body.

Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania have also requested help from the EUs firefighting force in recent days to deal with forest fires. The force has already been activated as many times this year as in all of last years summer fire season.
Sir Keir Starmer hailed Volodymyr Zelenskys desire for a just and lasting peace ahead of joining him alongside European leaders in Washington on Monday for crucial talks with Donald Trump over the future of Ukraine.

The prime minister, along with Frances Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte, will travel to the White House in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.

The show of support from the coalition of the willing comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his countrys territory.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is understood to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, several news outlets said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trumps negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

On Sunday Steve Witkoff, the US presidents special envoy, said Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit, despite initial fears that little progress had been made.

We were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, he told CNN.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will be among those accompanying Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington (AP)

Article 5, at the heart of the 32-member military alliance, states that an armed attack against one or more of the members shall be considered an attack against all members.

Mr Witkoffs claim appeared to be backed up by Mikhail Ulyanov, Russias envoy to international organisations in Vienna, who said late on Sunday that his country agreed with calls for security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace agreement.

On Sunday evening, following a meeting of the coalition of the willing, a Downing Street spokesman said the groups leaders commended President Trumps commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine.

He added that they had reasserted a readiness to deploy a reassurance force once fighting had stopped to help secure Ukraines skies and seas.

The leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskys desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC, he said.

Speaking in Brussels alongside the Ukrainian president ahead of Mondays meeting, Ms Von der Leyen also signalled that Ukraines borders cannot be seen to change through force.

With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force, she said.

These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

The EU chief also suggested Mr Trumps move away from seeking a ceasefire with Russia ahead of a full peace agreement was not important, and claimed either arrangement would stop the killing.

She added: Its not the term itself, its the content that matters.

Mr Zelensky said he totally agreed with Ms Von der Leyen, adding that negotiations needed to result in the correct steps to have lasting peace, to stop Putin rather than simply a pause in the war.

Posting on social media, he also railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation, he said.

If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

It came after European leaders on Saturday piled pressure on Mr Trump not to cave in to some of Mr Putins demands, reiterating that no limitations should be placed on Ukraines armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.

Vladimir Putin is understood to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war in Ukraine (AP)

Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraines pathway to EU and Nato, they added, reiterating that the coalition of the willing is ready to play an active role.

On Saturday, Sir Keir said President Trump has brought us closer than ever before to ending Russias illegal war in Ukraine, despite the US and Russian presidents confirming that no deal had been reached in the early hours of Saturday morning.

However, in a brief media appearance during which they offered little detail and refused to take questions from reporters, Mr Trump said some great progress was made with many points agreed and very few remaining.

Meanwhile, Mr Putin said the negotiations were held in a constructive atmosphere and raised the prospect of another meeting in Moscow  a suggestion which is likely to spark concern from those fearing the US president could capitulate to Russias demands.

In a statement on Monday, Sir Keir welcomed the US presidents suggestion that he could provide robust security guarantees to support Ukraine, but reiterated that the next step in the peace process must be further talks involving President Zelensky after Fridays summit excluded the Ukrainian leader.

[Donald Trumps] leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended, the prime minister added.
Sir Keir Starmer will join Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister and a host of European leaders will travel to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.

The US president is said to be mulling over Russias demands to bring an end to the war, which include a land grab of two occupied Ukrainian regions: Donetsk and Luhansk.

Several media outlets have reported Mr Trump is planning to urge his Ukrainian counterpart to agree to the conditions as part of a peace deal to end the war.

The meeting follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where little in the way of progress appeared to be made.

President Donald Trump listens during a news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

However in the summits aftermath, Mr Trump appeared to adopt a change of tone in his language about brokering a peace deal, moving away from insisting that a ceasefire is needed before a long-term agreement to end the war is made.

This appeared to echo Mr Putins refusal to lay down arms ahead of a sustained peace.

Other leaders making the journey to Washington with Sir Keir include Frances Emmanuel Macron, Germanys Friedrich Merz, Finlands Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

The leaders are likely travelling to the White House with the aim of avoiding a repeat performance of Februarys public bust-up between Mr Zelensky and the American president, after which Mr Trump temporarily suspended aid to Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greets Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels (AP)

Downing Street insisted Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war.

At the meeting that will take place at the White House tomorrow, the Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes, a statement from No 10 said.

Speaking in Brussels, Ms von der Leyen said Ukraine cannot be carved up without it having a seat at the table in negotiations.

Standing alongside Mr Zelensky at a press conference ahead of the so-called coalition of the willing meeting, the EU chief said: With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force.

These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference with Ms von der Leyen and Mr Zelensky (Philippe Magoni, Pool/AP)

On Saturday Sir Keir commended Mr Trump for bringing the conflict closer than ever to an end.

The Prime Minister, along with France and Germanys leaders, will host a call of the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon.

The coalition force aims to police a future peace deal by putting troops on the ground in Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.

European leaders on Saturday suggested Mr Trump had indicated he is now willing to provide American air support for the alliance, a security guarantee said to be vital to its operation.

Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps special envoy, said Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, he told CNN.

A firefighter puts out a blaze after a Russian drone hit a market in the town of Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region of Ukraine (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraines 24th Mechanized Brigade via AP)

Writing on social media on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

Mr Zelensky said: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

This complicates the situation.

He added: If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

Mr Zelensky was expected to attend Sunday afternoons video call with leaders from the coalition of the willing, which was scheduled to begin at 2pm UK time.
British actor Terence Stamp - who famously played General Zod in Superman and Superman II - has died at the age of 87.

The Oscar-nominated actor, who was born in London's East End, also starred in hits such as Theorem, A Season in Hell, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

He formed one of Britain's most glamorous couples with Julie Christie, with whom he starred in Far From the Madding Crowd in 1967.

In a statement, his family said he died on Sunday morning, adding: "He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come."

Stamp was born on 22 July 1938 and was the son of a tugboat stoker.

Growing up in London during the Second World War, he endured the Blitz as a child and left school to work initially in advertising before later securing a scholarship to go to drama school.

Stamp received various accolades during his career, including a Golden Globe in 1962 for most promising newcomer for Billy Budd and a Cannes Film Festival best actor award in 1965 for The Collector.

He also received Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for his performance in Billy Budd, as well as a second BAFTA nod in 1994 for his role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - which co-starred Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce.

His most high-profile role was that of General Zod, the villainous leader of three Kryptonian criminals in the 1978 movie Superman and its 1980 sequel Superman II - which starred Christopher Reeve in the lead role.

His other films also include Young Guns, The Limey and Valkyrie with Tom Cruise.

Most recently, Stamp starred in director Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho. The 2021 psychological horror film also featured Diana Rigg, Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith.

As well as appearing on television and on stage, Stamp additionally lent his voice for video games - appearing in the likes of Halo 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

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Stamp liked to recall how he was on the verge of becoming a tantric sex teacher at an ashram in India when, in 1977, he received a telegram from his London agent with news that he was being considered for the Superman film.

"I was on the night flight the next day," Stamp said in an interview with his publisher Watkins Books in 2015.

After eight years largely out of work, landing the role of villain General Zod - the megalomaniacal leader of the Kryptonians - the full glare of Hollywood's limelight fell on the London-born star.

Buoyed by his new role, Stamp said he would respond to curious looks from passers-by with a command of: "Kneel before Zod, you b***ards," which was said to have gone down a storm.
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang speaks alongside Donald Trump at the White House on 30 April 2025. Photograph: Ken Cedeno/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the White House bearing an unusual gift. This box was made in California, Cook reassured his audience in the Oval Office this month, as he took off the lid.

Inside was a glass plaque, engraved for its recipient, and a slab for the plaque to sit on. The base was made in Utah, and is 24-karat gold, said Cook.

Donald Trump appeared genuinely touched by the gift.

Related: The one thing Donald Trump isnt saying about tariffs

But the plaque wasnt Cooks only offering: Apple announced that day it would invest another $100bn in US manufacturing.

The timing appeared to work well for Apple. That day, Trump said Apple would be among the companies that would be exempt from a new US tariff on imported computer chips.

The Art of the Deal looms large in the White House, where Trump is brokering agreements with powerful tech companies  in the midst of his trade war  that are reminiscent of the real estate transactions that launched him into fame.

But in recent days, this dealmaking has entered uncharted waters.

Two days after Cook and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had a closed-door meeting with Trump at the White House. The president later announced Nvidia, along with its rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), will be allowed to sell certain artificial intelligence chips to Chinese companies  so long as they share 15% of their revenue with the US government.

It was a dramatic about-face from Trump, who initially blocked the chips exports in April. And it swiftly prompted suggestions that Nvidia was buying its way out of simmering tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Trade experts say such a deal, where a company essentially pays the US government to export a good, could destabilize trading relations. Martin Chorzempa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said that it creates the perception that export controls are up for sale.

If you create the perception that licenses, which are supposed to be determined on pure national security grounds, are up for sale, you potentially open up room for there to be this wave of lobbying for all sorts of really, dangerous, sensitive technologies, Chorzempa said. I think thats a very dangerous precedent to set.

Though the White House announced the deal, it technically hasnt been rolled out yet, likely because of legal complications. The White House is calling the deal a revenue-sharing agreement, but critics point out that it could also be considered a tax on exports, which may not be legal under US laws or the constitution.

The legality of the deal was still being ironed out by the Department of Commerce, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters this week.

Nvidia and AMDs AI chips are at the heart of the technological arms race between the US and China. Nvidia, which became the first publicly traded company to reach a $4tn valuation last month, creates the essential processing chips that are used to run and develop AI.

The US government has played a role in this arms race over the last several years, setting regulations on what AI chips and manufacturing equipment can be sent to China. If China has less computing power, the country will be slower to develop AI, giving a clear advantage to the US.

But despite the restrictions, China has been catching up, raising questions on how US policy should move forward.

They havent held them back as far as the advocates had hoped. The US has an enormous computing advantage over China, but their best models are only a few months behind our best models, Chorzempa said. For US policymakers, the question theyve had to grapple with is: Where do you draw the line?

The AI chips Nvidia and AMD can now sell to China arent considered high-end. While they can be used for inference on trained models, they arent powerful enough to train new AI models. When announcing the deal with Nvidia and AMD, Trump said the chip is an old chip that China already possesses  under a different label.

This is where a major debate on AI policy comes in. Those who take a hardline stance on the USs relationship with China say that allowing Chinese companies to purchase even an old chip could still help the country get an advantage over the US. Others would say a restriction on such chips wouldnt be meaningful, and could even be counterproductive.

To balance these two sides, the Trump administration is asking companies to pay up in order to export to China  a solution that people on both sides of the AI debate say is a precarious one.

Export controls are a frontline defense in protecting our national security, and we should not set a precedent that incentivizes the government to grant licenses to sell China technology that will enhance AI capabilities, said John Moolenaar, a Republican US representative from Michigan, in a statement.

But Trumps gut-reaction to dealmaking seems focused on the wallet. On Wednesday, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent praised the arrangement and suggested it could be extended to other industries over time. I think that right now this is unique, but now that we have the model and the beta test, why not expand it? he told Bloomberg.

Julia Powles, executive director of the Institute for Technology, Law and Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, said the deal opens up questions of whether similar pressure can be applied to other tech companies.

What other quid pro quo might be asked in the future? The quid pro quo that would be of great concern to the [tech] sector is anything that reduces their reputation for privacy and security, Powles said. Thats thinking of government like a transactional operator, not like an institution with rules about when, how and for what it can extract taxes, levies and subsidies.

But that seems to be how the White House runs now. When explaining to the press how he made the deal, Trump said he told Huang: I want 20% if Im going to approve this for you.

For the country, for our country. I dont want it myself, the president added. And he said, Would you make it 15? So we negotiated a little deal.
Trump shares First Lady Melanias letter to Putin as he rages over coverage of Alaska summit

The president has posted the full letter from First Lady Melania Trump that he hand-delivered to Russias Vladimir Putin at Fridays summit in Alaska regarding the fate of the Ukraine war.

In the letter, which Putin reportedly read immediately in front of delegates at the summit, the first lady appealed the Russian leader to remember the innocence of the children caught in the midst of the fighting.

Every child shares the same quiet dreams in their heart, whether born randomly into a nations rustic countryside or magnificent city-center, the letter begins. They dream of love, possibility, and safety from danger.

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generations hope, the letter continues. As leaders, the responsibility to sustain our children extends beyond the comfort of a few. Undeniably, we must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all  so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.

A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purity  an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology, the letter adds.

First ladys letter to Putin, delivered by President Trump during Alaska summit, urges Russian leader to think of children impacted by war in Ukraine (Associated Press / Melania Trump)

Yet in todays world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them  a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future, the first lady wrote. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter.

The message concludes with an urgent appeal to end the war.

In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone  you serve humanity itself, Trump wrote. Such a bold idea transcends all human division, and you, Mr. Putin, are fit to implement this vision with the stroke of the pen today. It is time.

President Trump revealed the letter on Truth Social, after making multiple posts criticizing reaction from the media and Democrats to the Alaska summit, which did not result in a deal to end the Ukraine war.

Senator Chris Murphy, the ranking Democratic member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on European security cooperation, said the VIP welcome for Putin gave the Russian everything he wanted and was an embarrassment for the United States.

"It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me," Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. "There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me."

First Lady Melania Trump met Vladimir Putin in 2017, but she was not present at Anchorage summit over the weekend (EPA)

"If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal, he wrote in another.

Following the Alaska summit, both Trump and Putin claimed the controversial meeting had been productive and a success, though little concrete information has emerged about what the two leaders discussed behind closed doors.

We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to, Trump told reporters. There are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there. We didnt get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there.

Speaking to Fox Newss Sean Hannity after the Friday summit, Trump said both Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky would like him to be present at a potential second meeting.

Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage dead not result in any lasting ceasefire, though U.S. claims Russia open to NATO-style Western security guarantee for Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images)

They both want me there, and Ill be there, he said.

On Sunday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Putin agreed to allow the U.S. and its European allies to offer Ukraine a NATO-like security guarantee.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato," Witkoff told CNN.

The reported concession was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that, Witkoff added, calling the step game-changing.

The envoy also signaled that the fate of the occupied Donbas region, which Putin reportedly demands Ukraine cede to Russia to end the invasion, will be a major topic during continued discussions around ending the war.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Trump Monday at the White House. A delegation of European leaders is also attending including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Frances leader Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte.
Ukrainians have reacted with anger to the welcome received by Russian president Vladimir Putin as he arrived in Alaska for a summit with his US counterpart Donald Trump on Friday (15 Aug).

Trump failed to secure assurances from Putin to an end to Russias conflict with Ukraine, despite describing the meeting as great progress.

However, residents in Kyiv were less enthusiastic. I was hoping that the U.S. wouldnt roll out the red carpet for an enemy. How can you welcome a tyrant like this? said Natalya Lypei, 66, who lost her son during the war.

Another, 60-year-old Natalya Cucil, said: There are no results. I am very surprised that Trump, the leader of a country that acts as an international police force and is always trying to maintain order in the world, meets with a terrorist who is wanted by the whole world.
Samir Muhammed Samir Zekut, 11, at his home in Gaza after being seriously injured in an Israeli attack. His family have called for a medical evacuation. The US has stopped issuing such visas after a campaign by Laura Loomer. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The US state department announced on Saturday that it would stop issuing visas to children from Gaza in desperate need of medical care after an online pressure campaign from Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer close to Donald Trump who has described herself as a proud Islamophobe.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the state department said in a message posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, from which Loomer was banned before it was purchased by Elon Musk.

In a pair of posts on the social network on Friday, Loomer had shared video of badly injured Palestinian children and their family members arriving in Houston and San Francisco this month, along with false claims that their shouts of joy were jihadi chants and that they were doing the HAMAS terror whistle.

Loomer also falsely claimed that she had exclusively obtained the two video clips she shared. One was copied from a medical aid charitys public Instagram account and the other was from the Houston Chronicles YouTube channel.

After misrepresenting the children, including amputees arriving to get prosthetic legs, as Islamic invaders from an Islamic terror hot zone, Loomer demanded to know who at the US State Department under @marcorubio signed off on the visas for Palestinians from a HAMAS hot zone.

Related: RFK Jr denies 2028 presidential ambitions after attacks from Trump influencer Laura Loomer

Is Rubio even aware of this? Loomer wrote, in reference to the secretary of state who was at the time in Alaska meeting Vladimir Putin.



Why would anyone at the State Department give visas to individuals who live in Gaza, which is run by HAMAS? Loomer wrote, before falsely stating that 95% of GAZANS voted for HAMAS.

In fact, Hamas got 44% of party list votes in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections across Gaza and the West Bank, and lost three of the five districts in Gaza to the secular Fatah party. There has been no election since then.

After the visa program was halted, Loomer declared victory. This is fantastic news, she wrote in response to the state department announcement. Hopefully all GAZANS will be added to President Trumps travel ban. There are doctors in other countries. The US is not the worlds hospital!

Republican Congressman Randy Fine explicitly commended Loomer after the visa change was announced, in a sign of her sway over some US policy. Massive credit needs to be given to @LauraLoomer for uncovering this and making me and other officials aware. Well done, Laura, Fine wrote on X.

The Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, a US-based charity, called on the Trump administration to reverse this dangerous and inhumane decision. Over the last 30 years the charity has evacuated thousands of Palestinian children to the US for medical care, it said in a statement.

Medical evacuations are a lifeline for the children of Gaza who would otherwise face unimaginable suffering or death due to the collapse of medical infrastructure in Gaza.

The Council on Islamic-American Relations said the block on visas was the latest sign that the intentional cruelty of President Trumps Israel First administration knows no bounds and added that it was deeply ironic that the Trump administration was meanwhile rolling out the red carpet for racists and indicted war criminals from the Israeli government.

This ban is just the latest example of our governments complicity with Israels genocide, which is increasingly rejected by the American people, it continued.

Paul Graham, co-founder of the Silicon Valley startup incubator Y Combinator, wrote on X after the visa halt was announced: If Laura Loomer had been around in 1940, shed have been trying to prevent Jewish refugees from entering the US. You know she would. And if Trump had been president then, shed have succeeded.

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There are currently 76 Palestinian students in Gaza who, against all odds, have secured places to study at 31 of the UKs top universities. More than 35 of these students have full scholarships, while eight others are waiting for their internet to get back up and running so they can formally accept their unconditional offers.

Yet, despite their achievements, all of these students are currently unable to take up these hard-earned places, because they are unable to leave Gaza. For a number of them, these places have already been deferred from the last academic year, due to the lack of safe exit routes.

One such student, as The Independent previously highlighted, is 22-year-old Dalya Ibrahim Shehada Qeshta. She has been offered a place to study pharmacy at the University of Manchester, while her sister, Dalal, secured a place at the University of Bristol on an aerospace engineering course. Both have family in the UK, but neither can leave Gaza due to physical obstacles and a lack of financial support.

In response, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians  an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who aim to protect their rights through the law  signed an open letter with campaign groups of health workers and lawyers, calling for the UK government to take immediate action.

And last week, nearly 5,000 academics, myself included,also campaigned for the Starmer administration to facilitate the safe passage of these students from Gaza to the UK. Among them are over 600 professors, four vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors, 12 deans, eight fellows of the British Academy, and eight holders of OBEs and MBEs.

The technical issue is twofold. The UK requires applicants to enrol their biometric data before an application can be processed, yet the UK-authorised biometrics registration centre in Gaza closed in October 2023. While a biometrics deferral protocol was put in place in 2023 for Ukrainians, Palestinian requests for the deferral have encountered a bureaucratic stone wall. Although the government says there are pathways for application, not a single one has been approved, even for scholars with government-issued scholarships.

Moreover, if students do secure these biometric deferrals, which would allow them to do their biometric registration in a third country (for instance, Jordan or Egypt), they cannot leave Gaza. Therefore, the government must facilitate both biometric deferral and a feasible exit path. On 6 August, another letter signed by more than 100 MPs was sent to prime minister Keir Starmer calling for urgent action on this issue.

Notably, the governments of Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, and Belgium have all evacuated students with university degree offers, as part of wider evacuation efforts to provide urgent medical care, particularly to Palestinian children. There is no plausible reason for the UK government not to follow suit.

The profiles and aspirations of a number of these students have already been widely reported. Students who took English language tests, wrote admissions essays, and did virtual interviews under the most horrendous conditions  many from tents and makeshift wifi hubs  are in limbo as they wait for the UK government to take action.

The IDF has bombed all 11 universities in Gaza, leaving 88,000 students unable to continue their studies. Some of these universities were destroyed entirely; others were taken over as military bases, or centres for the interrogation and torture of detainees. Enabling the continuing education of students is not only vital for the future reconstruction of academic space in Gaza, but for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as a whole.

Throughout May and June, this issue has been repeatedly discussed in parliament, but so far, there has been no change in the requirements for students in Gaza, and there is still no way out. This is despite the UK governments recent announcement that it intends to facilitate the evacuation of children from Gaza for urgent medical treatment. As of last week, only three children from Gaza have arrived for treatment in the UK.

In 2024, a group of academics and university administrators of Gaza universities issued an appeal for action. Scholasticide  the systematic destruction of educational institutions, as well as the targeted assassination of students and scholars  continues to ravage what is left of Gaza. If the UK government fails to allow the safe passage of these promising scholars, it will remain complicit in the crime of scholasticide.

Over 4,800 UK academics are committed to taking up the call. They share the view of their colleagues in Gaza that education is a fundamental human right.

These are testing times, and the governments position on this matter is a measure of its commitment to universal values of human rights, justice, and equal opportunities. Will it practise what it preaches and facilitate entry for these heroic young scholars, or will it continue to abandon them to the tender mercies of the Israeli war machine?

Avi Shlaim is an emeritus professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford and the author of Genocide in Gaza: Israels Long War on Palestine
Whether you decide to tell your employer about a disability or a long-term health condition is a personal decision. In an ideal world, disclosing this kind of information should be easy  and enable you to access support and accommodations, should you need them. But in reality, it often carries the risk of bias and discrimination.

I have had long-term mental health issues, autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), says Claire Fisher, head of communications and engagement at Inclusion Barnet, an organisation for deaf and disabled people.

When I tried to advocate for myself in a previous role, the board had no understanding or expertise in reasonable adjustments, she explains. Instead, they reacted by focusing on why I had not previously disclosed my disability. In fact, I had done so but they had failed to document it or provide any follow up support. At the time Id not understood myself what should have happened.

Read more: How to stay motivated during a long job hunt

Legally, nobody has to tell their employer they're disabled, have a health condition or that they are neurodivergent. But if you have an informed and supportive employer, telling them can give them the opportunity to provide support.

For many, though, deciding whether to tell an employer about a disability or condition involves weighing up the benefits and risks. So what should you take into consideration before deciding what is best for you  and how can you approach the conversation?

Consider your employers attitude

First, do your research on the organisation. What do existing employees say, how do they talk about health, disability, long-term conditions? says Fisher.

Have a look on the companys website and social media accounts to see if there is any mention of inclusivity. You could also look at reviews left by current or former employees on sites like Glassdoor, which can provide an insight into an organisations culture.

Think about your needs

It can help to consider your wants, needs or requirements before disclosing personal information about yourself. For example, if workplace adjustments like working from home or an adapted desk are non-negotiables, telling your employer may be the right move. Equally, it may be important to you to be able to speak openly about yourself  which is a valid reason.

Consider the pros and cons

Some positives of disclosure include legal protections from discrimination, the chance to discuss health-related needs, support from management and access to accommodations.

Often, a few simple adjustments can make a world of difference to both the employee and the employer  everyone wins, says Fisher.

Disclosing your disability or health condition can help you access support and adjustments in the workplace. (ArLawKa AungTun via Getty Images)

However, its common for a disability disclosure to lead to negative attitudes  both intentional and unintentional. Studies show that telling an employer can lead to accusations of faking it, as well as stigmatisation and bullying. According to a 2025 survey by the TUC, half of disabled workers reported being bullied or harassed in the past year, with experiences ranging from exclusion from activities to verbal and physical threats.

Employers may make assumptions about what you can and cannot do based on misinformed knowledge of your condition or impairment, adds Fisher. Awareness of others mistakenly feeling like they need to tread on egg shells around you or protect you from certain duties can be patronising.

Know your legal rights

Its essential to know your legal rights so that you can spot discrimination in the first place and decide if and how you want to address it.

If an employee does not disclose a disability to their employer, it cannot generally be held that they discriminated against the employee because of it, says Kate Palmer, employment services director at Peninsula. If they were to bring a claim of disability discrimination, it would fail.

Read more: How to give your job applications a 'human touch' in the AI era

However, Palmer explains that if an employer could reasonably have known about a disability  for example, seeing an employee use a walking aid  they have constructive knowledge and can be liable for any unfair treatment.

Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with a disability, says Palmer. Where this does not happen, the employee is entitled to make a claim to an employment tribunal. Its important, therefore, for employers to discuss with their employees any adjustments that may help and, where these are reasonable, to make them.

Choose the right time

Disclosing may help you access accommodations, but choosing the right time is important. Whether you talk about your condition in a job interview is your choice, but it can lead to discrimination.

Employers should not ask job applicants any questions about their health or medical history until after a job offer has been made and accepted, except in specific circumstances permitted by the law, says Palmer.

If a candidate discloses a medical condition after accepting a job offer, employers must ensure they make reasonable adjustments to remove any barriers to work caused by a disability.

Focus on your skills

If or when you do disclose, focus on your skills, experience and expertise  and how these align with the companys goals and values.

Be clear about what reasonable adjustments you need, if you know, says Fisher. It would be impossible for any employer, even if they had other staff with the same condition or impairment as you, to know exactly what you need to succeed in the role. You might not fully know yet yourself. If you can go in with possible solutions and an open mind to work together with your employer you can usually work something out.

Read more: What to expect from a maternity discrimination employment tribunal

Deciding whether to disclose a disability at work is rarely simple. Its a balance between protecting your privacy and ensuring you have the support you need to thrive. By weighing the culture of your workplace, understanding your legal rights and thinking about your personal needs, you can make a choice that feels right for you.

Ultimately, the responsibility for creating inclusive workplaces lies with employers  but until thats the norm, only you know what the right decision is.

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Moses Itauma confirmed his tremendous potential on Saturday night as the young heavyweight stopped Dillian Whyte in just two minutes.

The all-British clash in Saudi Arabia was billed as Itaumas sternest test yet, but the 20-year-old made short work of Whyte, 37, dropping and stopping the former world-title challenger in the very first round.

From the first bell, Itaumas highly touted speed was on display, not just in his strikes but in his footwork, as he effortlessly evaded the majority of Whytes jabs.

Then came a cross-shot to the body of the veteran, which set up a grazing left hook to the head  then another, and a right hook as Whyte stooped.

That led a concerned and hurt Whyte to retreat to the corner, where Itauma poured on more punches. Whyte tried to escape along the ropes but was soon put down by a right hand, which had the Bodysnatcher falling face-first to the canvas.

Whyte, to his credit, beat the referees count. However, just like in his failed world-title challenge against Tyson Fury in 2023, Whyte then stumbled, leading the referee to wave off the bout.

Moses Itauma (right) makes short work of Dillian Whyte (Getty Images)

Whyte beats the count but stumbles into the corner (Getty)

Whyte complained, yet the stoppage felt fair, with the older fighter clearly dazed.

Itauma then said he would 100 per cent fight again this year, as he aims to extend his 13-0 (11 KOs) professional record, with many in attendance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, shouting for a match-up against Oleksandr Usyk.

Thirty-eight-year-old Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, will probably face another challenger, but fans now eagerly await Itaumas next showing, with an in-form, elite opponent likely to be next for him.
Ukraine, whose recruits were pictured training in Kharkiv on Saturday, had been hoping for a ceasefire agreement in Anchorage - Sofia Gatilova/Reuters

Russias refusal to agree to a ceasefire is complicating efforts to bring meaningful peace in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

Ukraines leader and his counterparts in Europe and the United States have spent months calling for a ceasefire first and then a full peace deal, while Vladimir Putin has insisted he only wants a comprehensive end to the war, rather than a pause in the fighting.

But Donald Trump  and Europe  now appear to have aligned with Putins demands and are putting pressure on Mr Zelensky to move towards a full agreement that could involve Ukraine giving up the Donbas, including territory which Russia does not currently occupy.

In a post on the social media site X, Mr Zelensky wrote: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

Putin has repeatedly dismissed demands for an immediate ceasefire, while he pushes for his troops to move further into Ukraine.

But Mr Trump had agreed to the principle that a ceasefire should precede substantive peace talks in a call with Ukraine and European leaders earlier in the week.

Even on the way to Anchorage to meet Putin on Friday, he said  I want to see a ceasefire. I dont know if its going to be today, but Im not going to be happy if its not today.

Vladimir Putin, pictured on Saturday in Moscow on his return from the summit, appeared to persuade Donald Trump that a ceasefire agreement was not required in the pursuit of peace - Viacheslav Profokiev/AFP via Getty Images

Then in a post on Truth Social, his own social media site, on Saturday, the US president U-turned, writing that it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

He repeated the same point on a call to European leaders on Saturday morning, indicating to them that he would attempt to secure a permanent deal first, in a move towards the Russian demands to settle the war in its entirety.

The Europeans appeared to back the idea, withdrawing a pre-agreed ceasefire demand from their statements following the Alaska talks. That represented another U-turn.

Make a deal, Trump urged Ukraine

It was only on Wednesday that Europes coalition of the willing had said: Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire.

The concession suggests that Mr Trump and Putin have forced the Europeans and Kyiv to drop the demand or risk Washington accusing them of blocking peace.

Putin had previously warned Europe not to torpedo progress in negotiations, while Mr Trump urged Ukraine in an interview with Fox News on Friday to make a deal, warning: Russias a very big power and theyre not.

It is one of several potential flashpoints in negotiations as Mr Trump attempts to build his much-touted peace deal around Moscows maximalist demands.

After negotiations in Anchorage, Mr Trump backed Putins demand that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas, its coal-rich industrial heartland consisting of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as a condition for ending the war.

Mr Zelensky had previously ruled out handing over Donbas to Russia, saying it would act as a springboard for a future new offensive, leaving Putin with an open path to both the Zaporizhzhia and [Dnipropetrovsk] regions as well as Kharkiv.

Although Russia controls most of Luhansk and around 70 per cent of Donetsk, Ukraine still holds highly strategic positions in the latter, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

In exchange, Putin agreed to freeze the front lines elsewhere and said he would be willing to discuss other territorial concessions to Kyiv, though it was not clear what these would be.

Volodymyr Zelensky, who has ruled out handing over full control of Donbas to Russia, on a call with Donald Trump and European leaders after the talks in Alaska - X

Mr Zelensky will visit Washington on Monday, paving the way for a trilateral meeting with Putin, which Axios reported the US president is keen to hold as early as August 22.

It will be the Ukrainian leaders first visit to the US since Mr Trump and JD Vance, the vice-president, berated him in the Oval Office in February.

In an attempt to coordinate positions before the crunch talks, the coalition of the willing, which is aimed at defending a peace deal in Ukraine, is set to convene on Sunday afternoon.

The European leaders appear confident of the prospect of the US providing security guarantees to Ukraine, which could take the form of a Nato Article 5-style mutual defence clause without Ukraine officially joining the alliance.
COTONOU, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- A bus carrying 54 people plunged into a river in central Benin early Sunday, leaving one dead and 44 missing, the country's Ministry of the Interior and Public Security said.

The bus, traveling from Togo's capital Lome to Niger's capital Niamey, plunged into the Oueme River after the driver hit a bridge guardrail and lost control of the vehicle, according to Minister of the Interior and Public Security Alassane Seidou.

The Beninese government has activated an emergency plan, mobilizing all means for rescue efforts, and said that nine survivors in stable condition were hospitalized.

It offered condolences to the families of the deceased and said efforts were underway to find the missing and determine the cause of the incident. 
Three people were killed and another 10 were injured in an overnight shooting involving multiple gunmen at a Brooklyn nightclub, police said Sunday.

The dead were identified by the New York Police Department on Sunday night as Marvin St. Louis, 19, of Brooklyn; Amadou Diallo, 27, of Upper Manhattan; and Jamel Childs, 35, of Brooklyn.

The shooting took place at the Taste of the City Lounge on Franklin Avenue in the Crown Heights neighborhood, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.

Calls came in reporting a shooting at the lounge at 3:27 a.m., and officers were on the scene in minutes, Tisch said.

What we know preliminarily is that there was a dispute inside the crowded club that led to the shooting, Tisch told reporters. We believe that there were up to four shooters involved in this incident.

No suspects are in custody, and city officials urged the public to come forward with any information related to the shooting. It is believed to be a gang-related, Tisch said.

Police said they recovered 42 shell casings from the scene, from 9 mm and .45-caliber guns, according to the commissioner. A firearm was recovered in the vicinity, but it is not yet clear if it was used in the incident.

The injured were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, she said. Police initially said nine people were hurt, but on Sunday night the NYPD said a tenth victim who had been shot in the ankle took private transportation to a hospital and was discovered by detectives later.

Its a terrible thing that happened this morning, and were going to investigate to determine what went down, Tisch said.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern that there could be retaliatory attacks following the shooting. Crisis management teams have been mobilized in the community, he added.

Gun violence of this magnitude, it really scars a community and a city, Adams said.

Adams, who is campaigning for re-election, appeared at the shooting site Sunday afternoon and spoke to reporters about preventing "the flow of guns into New York City. City, state and federal officials must focus on getting guns off the streets, Adams said.

Taste of the City Lounge said on its Instagram story that it was "devastated" by the shooting and that it was keeping the injured and the families of the deceased in its prayers.

"The safety and well-being of our guests and community has always been our top priority," the lounge said. "We are working closely with law enforcement and will continue to fully cooperate as the investigation moves forward."
Charcuterie board with aldi products - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

When you're looking for an affordable way to create a charcuterie board, Aldi has your back. I was able to pick up 15 different items for a little under $62, which is an absolute bargain given how many leftovers I have. It's perfectly possible to create a visually attractive and incredibly flavorful board from Aldi. I picked up a range of ingredients, both a mixture of classic charcuterie board elements, as well as some other creative liberties.

There's a bit of everything, whether you want sweet, salty, briny, soft, chewy, or something in between. There are likely dozens more options that I didn't even get to try, but I'll share some alternatives as they come up. There are many useful facts about Aldi that frequent shoppers should know, and one is to arrive on Wednesday morning to ensure everything for your board is fresh and stocked. Grab your grocery list and start jotting down ideas because you may be surprised that you can grab everything at Aldi, perhaps even the serving tray itself. You can get creative on how you want to plate your board and how much of each ingredient you plan to incorporate.

Read more: 15 Aldi Baked Goods, Ranked Worst To Best

Appleton Farms Prosciutto

Rolled up pieces of prosciutto on a plate and a plastic packaging - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Prosciutto is a total staple to include on your charcuterie board when it comes to meats. It brings a fatty mouthfeel and a salty flavor to anything you pair it with. Aldi's Appleton Farms Prosciutto comes with 4 ounces of product that you can include on your board. It is soft, pliable, and delicious enough to work with a range of other elements. The meat brings an elegant touch without breaking the bank, which is always appreciated, but even more so when you're building out a tray filled with various meats, cheeses, and other goodies.

I rolled the meat up, but you can place the slices on your board however you desire, such as folding them into quarters or roses. You could also pair it with provolone, mozzarella, or cantaloupe, and roll them together for a handy snack. It tastes good no matter how you plate it. Alternatively, Aldi also carries Prosciutto Italiano, sourced directly from Italy.

Appleton Farms Salami Collection

Trio of salami flavors in a plastic package and on a plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

I picked the Appleton Farms Salami Collection because it gives me three different options all in one convenient package, rather than having to individually seek them out. You get a whopping 12 ounces of salami that comes in three flavors; classic, herbs and spices, and black pepper. The latter two have the spices on the outside, so they bring more to the table without overwhelming the entire salami. The ingredient list doesn't specify the herbs and spices that are included, but the varieties are fragrant and flavorful.

My favorite is the classic just because I find it pairs more easily with various items on the charcuterie board, but the others bring an uplifting added taste as needed. Pair these fatty meats with your favorite cheese or even a fruit jam on a piece of crusty baguette. I folded them up to create a mini salami river, which is a popular charcuterie decorating technique. Aldi has plenty of salami options, like Genoa salami, spicy dry, and others.

Simply Nature Raw Cashews, Walnuts, And Macadamias

Cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts in a bag and on a plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Nuts are a staple on charcuterie boards, particularly almonds, but I wanted to mix it up with a range of nutty textures and flavors. Almonds are certainly not on my list of top nuts, but if they are for you, you can easily find a massive range of almond items at Aldi. Whether you want salted, unsalted, honey roasted, sliced, or just about everything else, the store has it available. You could also opt for any range of other popular types of nuts that Aldi offers.

I picked up a bag of the Simply Nature Raw Cashews, Walnuts, and Macadamias, which comes with 8 ounces of nuts. Walnuts seem to be the most prevalent, followed by cashews, and the occasional macadamia. I like the various levels of firmness -- the ridges of the walnut compared to the smooth and buttery texture of macadamia. The nut trio adds an earthy crunch to the charcuterie board, but they're not as crisp as they would be if they were roasted. Try eating a couple of pieces of the nuts with chocolate or drizzling a little bit of honey over them for a customizable sweetness.

Happy Farms/Emporium Selection Party Cheese Tray

Cheese tray and cheese on a plate on a white table - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

As you might have caught on by now, when building a charcuterie board, it helps if you purchase items that have more than one option already within them. This means you're doing less buying and prepping. In this case, the cheese tray does all the work for me. I don't have to buy four different cheeses and slice them, adding more preparation time and dishes to my already lengthy list of things to do. There's also the potential for more waste, as you might not be able to finish four blocks of cheese unless you're having a larger party.

The cheese tray I got comes with 13.7 ounces of four cheeses: extra sharp, white cheddar, havarti, Gouda, and Asiago. Aldi also has a very similarly named product: Party Cheese Tray. This one comes with pepper Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, and cheddar. I preferred the elevated appearance of the specialty tray's packaging as well as the cheese options on the tray; I found the cheese selection more in line with the charcuterie board I was trying to build. I like the rich, creamy textures and the somewhat thick slicing. I ended up cutting the slices in half for the board just so there's less waste.

Savoritz Six Cracker Assortment

Box and a plastic packaging of assortment of six different types of crackers next to some crackers on the plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Crackers are a must-have for your charcuterie board so your guests have something to place their meat and cheese on. Once again, I leaned on a variety pack to get more than one option in a single product. The Savoritz Six Cracker Assortment comes with cracked wheat, five grain, rosemary, sesame wheat, seeded multigrain, and poppy and pepper water cracker options. You'll also get a range of shapes to choose from, such as circle, square, rectangle, and octagon -- how fun is that?

This brings visual and flavor dimension to your board without having to purchase multiple packs. I love the fragrant notes of the rosemary cracker, but they all carry a little something unique. If this assortment doesn't call to you, fear not, because Aldi has well over 100 cracker choices. There's everything from honey mustard pretzel crackers to gluten-free cheddar flavored almond flour ones. I like that the variety pack can be used for sweet or savory foods. You can use them as a vehicle for your cheeses, meats, sliced fruit, smoked salmon, sliced cucumbers, and more. They are highly versatile and a supreme Aldi product to add to your board.

Kosher Baby Dill Pickles

Small baby dill pickles in a jar with some in a separate container - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Pickles are a welcome palate cleanser from some of the heavier, fattier items on a charcuterie board. I like to add it on the board along with options like fruit or chopped cucumbers to cut through the richness. These mini dill pickles are a terrific way to add color and an uplifting flavor to your board among the array of cheeses and meats. That briny tartness is pleasant and refreshing. I was surprised at the price, too, which is highly competitive for 16 ounces of product. It's considerably more affordable than other chains like Target or Vons.

Although Aldi has various pickle options, this is the best for a charcuterie board because they are small and bite-sized. Picking up an entire pickle spear doesn't make sense on a charcuterie board. You could do something like dill pickle chips as long as you have some sort of toothpick or fork as a serving tool, as they can be pretty liquidy. Serve in a separate dish to avoid getting other foods wet or briny.

Park Street Deli Jubilee Olive Assortment

Olive assortment in a original plastic packaging with a few pieces in a glass dish - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Continuing on with the briny elements are olives, another highly popular charcuterie item. If you're not sure what type of olives your guests might like, then you have to get the Park Street Deli Jubilee Assortment of olives. This comes with 7 ounces of delicious olives, including Kalamata, Picholine, and green olives that are marinated with herbs and spices. The label doesn't specify the herbs, but it does say there's mustard seed along with canola oil to provide that oily marinade. These are a pure delight to munch on.

Again, I recommend placing this in a separate dish so that the liquid doesn't seep onto your chocolate-covered almonds or make your crackers soggy; that would be gross and unpleasant. The olives offer a meaty texture with a mouthwatering saltiness and aromatic, tasty touch of herbiness. It isn't overpowering, but it is flavorful.

Cotton Candy Grapes

Plastic container of cotton candy grapes with some grapes on a separate plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

We know that grapes are essential on charcuterie boards; you'll see them delicately placed throughout the board, but I wanted to switch things up this time around by using cotton candy grapes. These have a snappy, yet soft texture that almost feels like they melt in your mouth after you pierce through the skin. The description says they are seedless, but I came across a few small seeds; it's not too noticeable. It comes with 2 pounds of fruit, allowing you to have plenty to place on your platter. They're on the medium spectrum as far as size goes, so it can be a whimsical choice to add to your board without being too large or crunchy.

They are sweet, almost floral in a way. What makes them a superb option for the charcuterie board is that you can keep them on the stem for a chic appearance, but they easily come off if you shake them or simply pluck them. You don't have to pull too hard to get them off. If you want something more standard, Aldi sells green grapes, red grapes, and a red and green grape medley.

Emporium Selection Double Creme Brie Cheese

A wheel of brie cheese next to a plate with three slices of brie cheese - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Brie is a surefire hit for charcuterie boards because it pairs beautifully with a wide range of items you might already include -- honey, meat, nuts, fruit, and baguette to name a few. I found two Brie options at Aldi: the 8-ounce Emporium Selection Brie Cheese Round and the 7-ounce Emporium Selection Double Creme Brie Cheese. I was thoroughly pleased with the richness of the double creme.

Once it hit room temperature, it was ooey and gooey without any added heat. This gave it an air of luxury, like something you'd get from a cheese shop. But no, it comes directly from our darling budget-friendly Aldi. I have tried both varieties at some point, and I'd consider the double creme one perfect for when you want to impress. It's slightly more expensive and a little lighter in weight, but the difference is nominal. For a larger party, you could put the entire wheel on the board, simply pre-cutting the slices for convenience.

Raw And Unfiltered Local Honey

Open squeeze bottle of honey on a white table in front a white background - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Honey is such a dynamic ingredient, both when it comes to charcuterie boards and beyond. You can drizzle it over Brie wedges, baguette slices, fresh fruit, and more. You could even pair honey with smashed fruit to create a frozen delight; this would be entertaining to serve toward the end of the charcuterie session, just so it remains cold. But what honey do you select from Aldi? That is the question because the company has several options when I searched online, although this may vary based on your location.

Among various options, you can opt for raw, clover, infused, and even local honey, just note that this could vary, and it might not be all too local based on where you're located vs. where the honey is sourced. I found two options, though: a general but local Southwest honey, and then a local Southern California one (the one I picked), as that is where I'm located. The one I got is raw, unfiltered, sweet, and mellow.

Organic Mini Cucumbers

A bag of cut up mini cucumbers with some pieces on a separate plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

My family loves mini cucumbers as the skin tends to be more tender and less chewy, and the seeds are hardly noticeable; even my toddler scarfs them down. When I saw Aldi offered organic mini cucumbers, I made sure to swoop them up for my charcuterie board to provide a fresh aspect. They are crunchy and bright, offering a refreshing mouthfeel compared to creamy cheese or salty cured meats.

However, there's one tip you should be aware of when shopping for produce at the retailer, and that is to carefully look at the fruit or veggie before you purchase it. While I was there, I noticed multiple bags of cucumbers covered in mold; however, this is easily avoidable when you thoroughly inspect your produce. Mini cucumbers and Persian cucumbers are highly susceptible to mold. Believe me, I have bought many fresh ones only for them to be moldy and slimy within 24 hours or so. Spare yourself the trouble and thoroughly vet it out before purchasing. Also, try to buy these close to your party date -- not several days in advance.

Raspberries

Close-up of fresh raspberries in a plastic container - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Raspberries are not a revolutionary product in general, let alone to integrate onto a charcuterie board. Nevertheless, they are a staple when you want a lighter element. Strawberries, figs, pears, and apples are all common fresh fruits that you might spot on a grazing board, so this is purely a personal decision. However, you might pick the fruit or fruits based on certain flavors or colors you want to incorporate, or you have a specific theme going on.

Raspberries would also pair well with fig jam or quince paste when you want to double up on the fruitiness. Add a layer of jam and a berry or two onto a slice of baguette for the perfect bite-sized snack. Wash the berries in a hot water bath to ensure they're clean from any debris and able to last until your party. Don't knock the technique until you try it!

Southern Grove Dried Mediterranean Apricots

Dried apricots in a bag with some pieces on a glass plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

You will frequently see dried apricots on charcuterie boards, as they offer a sugary flavor, a unique dry and chewy texture, as well as a vibrant color to your platter of goodies. They are small enough that you could pop a full dried fruit in your mouth with ease. They also work wonderfully with other elements, whether that's cheese or meat. But guests can easily enjoy it as a stand-alone ingredient, too.

Sometimes, dried apricots can be extremely leathery and difficult to eat, resembling chewy fruit jerky that you have to tear rather than chew. But the Southern Grove Dried Mediterranean Apricots are soft, sweet, and a pure delight to eat. I was truly impressed as I haven't previously purchased these at Aldi, but they will be a staple for future boards.

Choceur Dark Chocolate Covered Coconut Almonds

Chocolate covered coconut almonds package with a handful of pieces on a yellow plate - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Aldi offers a wide selection of sweet snacks designed to compete with popular brands like Trader Joe's. I have previously tasted the dark chocolate-covered almonds, but I much prefer the Choceur Dark Chocolate Coconut Covered Almonds that come in a 10-ounce container. These are further enhanced with the layer of coconut to give them a unique spin. They are pretty large and have a thick chocolate coating, so they make a tasty dessert morsel to include on your platter to offer respite from the savory components.

However, Aldi has a lot of tasty bite-sized sweets that you might want to consider adding, including milk chocolate toffee almonds. But I think dark chocolate-covered freeze-dried strawberries could be a slightly less common but equally delectable option. Once you stroll the aisles, you'll see just how much there is to choose from. You might be inclined to pick up more than one sweet treat if you plan on having a bigger board.

Specially Selected French Baguette

Aldi baguette whole with several slices on plate in front - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

A baguette is a fantastic carbohydrate to place your meats and cheeses on if you don't want to solely rely on crackers. Baguette is often quite sturdy, particularly if you toast it. I was surprised at how soft Aldi's baguette was, as usually there's more of a crustiness to it. For this reason, I would recommend toasting the slices ahead of time so it's more like crostini. Don't forget to strategically cut your baguette so you can get the perfect crostini every time.

I love that the baguette is neutral flavored (unlike herbed crackers), so you can place a slice of salami and a piece of havarti on it, or you could cut a wedge of Brie and drizzle it with honey. I found that the baguette lasted for a couple of days without getting hard, which is an added bonus. My tip is to pick the bread with the furthest best by date, which gives you added time to work with it.

Methodology

Various Aldi products on a table including nuts, fruit, bread, meat, and cheese - Carmen Varner/Tasting Table

Before heading to my local Aldi, I scoured the online website to see what kind of options existed. I had my game plan and my grocery list in tow when I went to the physical store. I picked items based on personal preference, such as opting for the raw nut medley rather than basic almonds or dark chocolate almonds instead of milk chocolate, etc. I also considered heavily focusing on staple charcuterie items that you will frequently spot on the average board.

Everything was relatively easy to find, and I was surprised at how affordable the items ultimately were. I created a small charcuterie board that was meant to feed two hungry people, but you could ultimately put it out for three or four people to snack on. I had a bunch of leftovers, meaning that you could create a larger charcuterie board and use all the ingredients, ideal if you have more people coming to your party. I tried everything and enjoyed the options I chose; otherwise, I would not have included them. I also gave tips to get the best results, if there were any factors to consider with a particular item.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Lake Comos vintage vaporinas are part-artwork, part-motorboat. The sightseeing mode of choice since the late 1800s, these vessels ferry visitors between opulent hotels, waterside towns and tucked-away villas in high style. Photograph by ClickAlps, AWL Images

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Italy hasnt stopped moving since the Romans began building their extensive road network, and the country has a penchant for speed and drama  despite its reputation for a slow, savoured approach to life. Whether you choose to board a plucky Vespa or a zippy vaporino, ride a poker-red Ferrari or a sky-scraping cableway, this way of exploring brings a fresh perspective and up-close interaction with some masterful examples of Italian craftsmanship.

Lake Como by vaporina

Dark varnished wood, buffed to a bar-top lustre; curvaceous metallic detailing, glinting under sunlight; cushy leather banquettes, for kicking back with an icy glass  Lake Comos vintage vaporinas are part-artwork, part-motorboat. The sightseeing mode of choice since the late 1800s, these vessels ferry visitors between opulent hotels, waterside towns and tucked-away villas in high style. Operators like Como Classic Boats offer driver-guides wholl zoom you across the peak-ringed expanse of blue, pointing out landmarks such as palatial Villa del Balbianello, featured in the James Bond film Casino Royale. One-hour tour from 370 (314).

Tuscany by Vespa

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Pecks 1953 film Roman Holiday made the Italian scooter world famous, and the vehicle retains plenty of star power today. Its 1940s-era design has barely changed over the decades, and the region that manufactures them has a similarly timeless appeal. Get behind the handlebars on a day-long guided trip with Tuscany Vespa Tours. Its 20-mile route zooms past Chianti vineyards and cypress trees, and it includes a stop for lunch and an olive oil tasting. From 95 (82) per person.

Whether you choose to board a plucky Vespa or a sky-scraping cableway, get an up-close interaction with some masterful examples of Italian craftsmanship. Photograph by Lee Frost, AWL Images

Turin by vintage tram

Board Turins number seven tram line and you might think youve entered a time machine. Its beautifully preserved cars  built variously between 1910 and the 1950s  take passengers past handsome baroque buildings, the gleaming windows of 19th-century Porta Nuova station and the Renaissance-era Duomo. Settle in for the full loop, around an hour, or hop on and off for gallery visits and pit stops at art nouveau cafes  its circular route is perfect for laid-back sightseeing and a bargain, too, priced the same as a standard Turin transport ticket. Tickets from 1.90 (1.60).

Matera by luxury train

In April, Orient Express launched its La Dolce Vita service, putting Italy at the forefront of a new age in luxury rail travel. Effectively a high-end boutique hotel on tracks, its seven passenger carriages are replete with nods to mid-century Italian design, from polished metallics to exquisite fabrics in juicy hues. Kick back in the dining car  order a negroni or a dish from a menu designed by lauded chef Heinz Beck  while watching the scenery slip by on the way to the mountaintop, UNESCO-listed city of Matera, home to ancient cave dwellings cut from tufa stone. Two-night Rome-Matera trip from 5,780 (4,990) per person.

Emilia-Romagna by Ferrari

This region is famously the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar  unless youre a petrolhead, in which case youll know it as the birthplace of the Ferrari. Supercar fans flock to the city of Maranello to visit the official Ferrari Museum (27/23), while 12 miles north is the Autodromo di Modena (two laps from 704/607) circuit, where you can get behind the wheel yourself. Even better is the chance to test drive a Ferrari in the Modena Apennines, feeling the guttural roar of the engine as you tackle hair-raising hairpins and pass forested hamlets in a blur. 10km (just over six miles) test drive from 190 (163).

Capri by yacht

Beloved by a 1960s jet set that included Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren, the sunny island of Capri  off the southerly Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts  has long been a byword for glamour. Its rugged coastline and hidden caves, framed by glittering waters in variegated blues and greens, are best explored by yacht  but you neednt be in possession of an A-list budget. Capri Island Tour has slickly styled traditional gozzo boats, available for private hire by the hour or day. Two-hour private tour from 190 (163).

Aosta Valley by cable car

Floating above the plunging valleys, Alpine meadows and ashen peaks of the Aosta Valley, Skyway Monte Bianco sets out from Courmayeur to ferry visitors to Italys highest accessible point  Punta Helbronner, an eye-watering 11,370ft above sea level  and views to the snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc, just over the French border. On your way back, stop at the halfway Pavilion station to visit boundary-pushing Cave Mont Blanc, home to some of Europes highest vineyards and an experimental high-altitude winery. Round trip Courmayeur-Punta Helbronner from 58 (50).

Published in the September 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
From making doctor's appointments to managing insurance to getting lab work done, taking care of your health can feel like a full-time job.

Though it can take time and effort, being one step ahead when it comes to your own health can make a huge difference in longevity and well-being, according to ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula.

Narula, a board-certified cardiologist, said she likes to encourage patients to be the so-called "CEO of their own health," meaning they know every detail of their health care and can make informed decisions alongside their medical providers.

ABC News - PHOTO: ABC News' Dr. Tara Narula and Robin Roberts discuss becoming the CEO of your health on "Good Morning America" on Aug. 12, 2025.

Read below for Narula's checklist on how to take charge of your health.

Dr. Tara Narula's tips for becoming the CEO of your own health

Be proactive in finding a doctor

One of the most important factors in taking charge of your health is surrounding yourself with a medical team with whom you feel confident and comfortable.

ABC News' Dr. Tara Narula shares tips to help you prepare for your next doctor's visit, as a new report finds one in three women had a negative health care experience in the past two years.

Tips for finding a doctor:



- Ask friends, family, neighbors or co-workers for doctors they recommend.

- If you're moving away or your current doctor is retiring, ask your doctor for a referral to a new doctor.

- If you have insurance coverage, use the insurance company's website to search for a doctor near you who takes your insurance plan, or call your insurance company and ask for a list of doctors.

- If you don't have insurance coverage, utilize resources like the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics and community health centers, to help find free or low-cost care.

- Many hospitals and clinics also offer patient assistant programs to help uninsured patients afford their care.

- When interviewing doctors, ask things such as how the doctor can be reached in an emergency, whether the doctor takes phone calls or emailed questions from patients, and what days and hours the doctor sees patients.



What women should ask their doctors in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s

Arrive to doctor visits prepared

It's important to provide your doctor with as much information as possible at each appointment.

ABC News' Dr. Tara Narula shares tips to help you feel confident and in control at your next visit to the doctor in day two of our series, "CEO of Your Health."

Items to bring to a doctor appointment:



- Make sure you bring a photo ID and, if you have insurance coverage, your health insurance card.

- Bring a list of your medical history, including past or current health conditions or surgeries, and an outline of your family history including conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and Alzheimer's disease.

- Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, including over-the-counter medications you take on a regular basis.

- Bring written notes describing the symptoms your experiencing, including the type of pain, how severe it is on a scale of 1 to 10, when the symptoms are happening and how often.

- Consider bringing an advocate -- a trusted person like a friend, relative or neighbor -- to take notes on your behalf. Your local hospital, insurance company or employer may offer patient advocacy services as well.



Ask your doctor follow up questions

Since doctor appointments are typically just 15 to 20 minutes, write down the top questions you want to ask your doctor.

Questions to consider asking your doctor include:



- What could be causing my symptoms?

- Which tests might help find the problem?

- Am I due for any screening tests?

- What are the benefits and risks of tests and treatment options?

- What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent disease?

- Can you explain my lab results?

- What conditions might I be at risk for based on family history, and what are symptoms that might suggest I have them?



Also make sure to ask your doctor questions about any lab work being done.

Questions to consider asking your doctor about lab work include:



ABC News' Dr. Tara Narula shares how to approach your health like a CEO runs a company, including tips on following up and staying on track.

- Ask when you should expect to receive your results and always request a printed version to be mailed to your home.

- What do my test results mean? Ask for a clear explanation of what the numbers or findings indicate.

- Are my test results normal? Clarify whether your results fall within the expected range for your age, sex and health status.

- What do these specific numbers or findings mean? Don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any terms or values you don't understand.

- How accurate are the results? Understand the reliability of the test and whether any factors could have affected the outcome.

- What are the reference ranges? Ask about the typical values for the test and what it means when results fall outside those ranges.



ABC News anchor Linsey Davis shares personal struggle with uterine fibroids

Seek a second opinion -- or even a third

You should always feel empowered to get a second opinion and even a third opinion. You will likely hear very different perspectives -- and that's OK.

For whatever condition you have, you need to find someone who specializes in your specific condition.

What to bring to a new doctor when seeking an additional opinion:



- First, provide the new doctor with a copy of your pathology report from any biopsy or surgery. If you had surgery, you also want to provide a copy of your operative report.

- Make sure to have a summary of your doctor's current treatment plan to review with the new doctor.

- Make sure to have a list of all your medications, doses and when you take them.



ABC News - PHOTO: How to Be the CEO of Your Health

Click HERE to view and save Dr. Narula's top tips to become the CEO of your health.
A chef tosses a fiery stir-fry in a wok - Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

The stir-fry: Quick, versatile, and a great way to use leftover ingredients, this ancient cooking method dates back thousands of years. From sesame bok choy to Hunan-style beef, nearly any ingredient can be thrown into the wok, but when beef is on the menu, the cut you choose can make or break the dish. To find out which cut of beef fares the best in a stir-fry, Food Republic consulted Maricel Gentile, chef and owner of Maricel's Kitchen and author of "Maricel's Simply Asian cookbook." Her verdict? Flat iron is a cut above the rest.

According to Gentile, "[Flat iron] has beautiful marbling and holds up well to high heat, making it perfect for stir-frying." For stir-fries, you want your beef to be thinly sliced to ensure quick, even cooking and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This makes the flat iron a great option as it is entirely uniform in shape and texture. "Slice beef against the grain into thin strips as this helps break up the muscle fibers and makes even a tougher cut taste tender," Gentile told us.

Other steaks can work too. "Skirt, and even flank steak can all be excellent if prepared right," Gentile added. Skirt steak offers a rich, beefy flavor, while flank steak brings a leaner profile. Both shine when thinly sliced, and if you find this difficult, Gentile recommended a simple yet effective trick: "Freeze the meat for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. It firms up and slices cleanly, like cutting thin paper."

Read more: Ranking The Top 12 Grocery Store Chains Known For Their Meat Departments

Marinating And Slicing Tips For The Perfect Stir-Fry

A beef stir-fry rests in an elegant black bowl next to fresh basil - Nadezhda Nesterova/Shutterstock

The way you marinate and slice your steak can transform an average stir-fry into something exceptional. For slicing, you only need to follow two simple rules: slice against the grain and keep your cuts thin and uniform for even cooking. According to chef Maricel Gentile, slicing against the grains "shortens the muscle fibers and keeps the meat tender." Slicing against the grain might sound like a confusing term, but this commonly used method simply refers to cutting perpendicular to the long muscle fibers that run through the meat. These fibers are what make a bite chewy, so by cutting across them, you're shortening them and making the steak far more tender.

"As for marinating, a quick 15 to 30 minute soak in a mixture with soy sauce, a little sugar, rice wine or mirin, cornstarch, and sesame oil makes a big difference," Gentile told us. The cornstarch is your secret weapon here, and "creates a protective coating and helps seal in moisture, what we call velveting in Chinese-style stir-fry." Another pantry trick to elevate your beef stir-fry is adding baking soda to the marinade mix. This will tenderize the beef by increasing the pH of the meat's surface, which prevents proteins from tightening during high-heat cooking, allowing the meat to remain juicy and tender. This is an invaluable trick that can help you save money, as you can skip the pricier cuts of beef and still be guaranteed a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time.

Read the original article on Food Republic.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Provincetown is a town located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod.

Whether youre a local, a washashore (the term locals use for those not originally from here), or just a curious day-tripper, Provincetownat the outermost point of Cape Codhas long beckoned visitors. This hub for the whaler, the fisherman, the eclectic, and the LGBTQIA+ community is ever-evolving, ever-inviting, and a guaranteed backdrop for a great time regardless of the length of your stay.

While you can easily fill a weeklong itinerary of things to do, tan, eat, and sip in Ptown, this slice of New England paradise can also be enjoyed in a single day by those looking for a more efficient experience. From linguica breakfast sandwiches (a nod to the local Portuguese community) to afternoon tea dance, we have you covered for the perfect day in Ptownplus a few suggestions in case you decide to take your time and conveniently miss the last ferry to Boston. (I'd totally understand if you did.)

How to Get There

There are two fast ferry lines running from Boston to Provincetown, with Bay State Cruise Company offering a slightly earlier (8:30 a.m.) departure from Bostons Seaport neighborhood, while Boston Harbor City Cruise offers a 9 a.m. departure from Long Wharf in downtown. On the return, BHCC offers a later 9 p.m. sailing back to Boston on summer weekends, while Bay State operates daily 7:30 p.m. returns.

Arrival

Taku Sanada/Getty Images Macmillan Pier in Provincetown, Cape Cod.

The earliest fast ferry from Boston arrives shortly after 10 a.m. If youre visiting during the peak summer season, theres a good chance half the town is still asleep from the night before, while the other half have been up since dawn, strolling the shoreline or powering through cardio regimens on Commercial StreetPtowns main thoroughfare of galleries, shops, bars and restaurants.

Thanks to the ambitious early risers, its wise to make a beeline for Lizs Cafe Anybodys Bar, the towns go-to spot for the first meal of the day, where youre almost certain to be privy to the tea du jour (and I dont mean of the Earl Grey varietal) rustling the towns lace curtains that week. Linguica breakfast sandwiches served on a Portuguese muffin, as well as flippers (a Portuguese fried dough), share space on a menu of breakfast classics, lobster eggs benedict, and morning cocktails.

Bike to the Beach

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images The Old Harbour Life Saving Museum on Race Point Beach.

Once youre filled up with gossip and eggs, the town is truly your oyster. (Pro-tip: maybe hold off on imbibing on those until a late lunch.) Two blocks east of Lizs is Ptown Bikes, where you can rent cycles and enjoy a scenic couple hours pedaling though the Provincetown stretch of Cape Cod National Seashore, working off breakfast as you go.

Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach are two of Provincetown's most beloved sandy stretches, connected via a bike and walking path through the dunes of the National Sea Shore. Herring Cove is closer to town and known for calmer waters, while Race Point directly faces the Atlantic Ocean and offers more crashing waves and taller dune backdrops to your beachside photo session.

Once youre done basking in the sun and sand, coast through the West End for a self-guided tour of fabulous homes and historic architecture on your way back into town.

Lunch, Culture, and Shopping

Those feeling hungry after all the pedaling might want to stop into Pop+Dutch for sandwiches that are as delicious as their names are creative. The Celine Dijon (French ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, cornichons, and brown butter on French baguette) is a fan favoriteand often sells out early to those who can hit the high note of All By Myself  or at least try their hardest each time it comes on Spotify.

If youre in more of a sit-down mood, Pepes Wharf, toward the East End, is a slightly more upscale venue to enjoy frozen cocktails, oysters, and fried seafood with a harbor view. Meanwhile, The Canteen is the towns (dog-friendly) haven for lobster rolls, frozen rose, and crispy Brussels sprouts, best enjoyed in the backyard that spills right onto the beach.

Dee/Getty Images People walk past the colorful homes and shops on Commercial Street.

But also be sure to save a little time for post-lunch culture and a bit of splurging. Dive into Provincetown's history (and its bragging rights of being the first landing spot for the Pilgrims, who signed the Mayflower Compact here before continuing to what became Plymouth) at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. It's accessible via an inclined elevator tucked behind Town Hall on Bradford Street.

For those whose idea of culture is more of the shop-til-you-drop variety, Provincetown delivers. Art galleries, boutiques, and quirky gift shops abound up and down Commercial Street. More than 40 art galleries cater to collectors of every taste, while shops like Marine Specialties (where you can score anything from a Provincetown T-shirt to a decommissioned airline seat) offer a uniquely Outer Cape experience. Gift shops like Womencrafts highlight work by women artists, while Tim-Scapes puts a more modern spin on vintage travel posters and sells Ptown-themed apparel.

Late Afternoon Revelry

As the afternoon winds down, those looking for a refined cocktail or early dinner before the ferry should head to The Red Inn, a crimson-hued waterfront favorite on Ptowns western edge. Known for its teatini (a bold and flavorful Earl Grey tea-infused gin cocktail) and glowing golden hour views, it's an ideal pre-departure stop.

Those looking to sip and savor closer to the town center and MacMillan Pier are in for a marquee dining moment. Ceraldi, long one of the toughest reservations on the Outer Cape, made its triumphant return to Ptown this summer after years in Wellfleet, where it began life here as a pop-up. The new location still serves chef Michael Ceraldis signature seven-course tasting menu of hyper-seasonal, hyper-local ingredients from both land and sea. Now, diners can also opt for a more casual bite, thanks to an abridged menu of soup, salad, and pasta or the Artists Special: one course in time and place. If youre gauging what you have time for before its all aboard on the last ferry back to Boston: the restaurant recommends allotting 2.5 hours for the tasting menu and 1 hour and 15 minutes for the three-course offering.

Also, closer to the center of town, the Pop + Dutch team debuted Ladyslipper, an "elegant ... for Provincetown" (their words, not mine) cocktail bar this summer. It's already a hit among those jonesing for elevated yet low-commitment bar bites. (The "Rotating Caesar Something" adds intrigue to the savory side of things, while you can't go wrong with the mysterious "A Fruit Something," "A Custard Situation," or "A Chocolate Requirement" on the sweets lineup.) Be strategic with the curated cocktail list, as the vodka, cold brew, espresso, and vanilla-laced "Disco Nap" is perfect fuel for the dance floor.

Speaking of: the see-and-be-seen (and sometimes costumed) moment begins each afternoon closer to the center of town at Boatslip Resort & Beach Club, home to Ptowns legendary afternoon tea dance. Kicking off daily at 4 p.m., it's part dance party, part social hour, and the perfect place to debrief the day and plot the night ahead.

Farewells  or Just Getting Started?

Speaking of which, tea wraps at 7 p.m.just in time to catch the last ferry back to Boston. If you're power-walking down Commercial Street, you might be able to squeeze in one last lobster roll to go from The Canteen before boarding at MacMillan Pier. But if you just happen to miss that final departure? Well, consider it fate.

The Red Inn, the Brass Key Guesthouse and AWOL are all luxe options for an overnight stay before the morning ferries depart. Besides, missing the ferry might just be the best thing that happens all day. As any localor washashore like yours trulywill tell you: Provincetown truly comes alive after dark. But thats a whole other story ...



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference at her Manhattan office on February 20, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images) (Photo by Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images)

Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanis proposal for city-run grocery stores, saying she supports private enterprise.

I favor free enterprise, Hochul told business leaders Saturday at a Hamptons breakfast hosted by supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, The New York Post reported. Her remarks drew loud applause from attendees, including Catsimatidis himself. (RELATED: Hakeem Jeffries Cant Stop Ducking And Dodging When Pressed On Mamdanis Socialism)

Catsimatidis told The Post that Mamdanis plan would be doomed to fail, pointing to a Kansas City, Mo., government-owned grocery store that shuttered Monday after years of taxpayer losses and chronic issues like shoplifting and empty shelves. The city reportedly spent $18 million trying to keep the store afloat.

New York City is a capitalist city  look what happened in Kansas City? Catsimatidis said. These types of grocery stores just dont work.

Mamdani, a Democratic nominee and frontrunner for Novembers mayoral race, has proposed opening five municipal grocery stores, one in each borough, with the potential to expand. The first five are estimated to cost $60 million combined to build.

Critics have warned the plan could create Soviet-style markets, leaving shoppers with limited brand options and forcing private grocers like Gristedes out of business, reducing choice and competition.

Hochul has yet to endorse a candidate in the mayoral race. Mamdanis campaign declined to comment on the criticism.
Kristin Galli was arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat against the University of Central Florida.

A Florida woman was arrested after she made a drunken bomb threat to the University of Central Florida shortly after school let out for the summer.

Kristin Galli, 29, called the UCF Student Care Services on May 22 while she was allegedly intoxicated and blurted Im gonna fking blow you guys up before hanging up the phone, according to an arrest affidavit recently unsealed.

Kristin Galli was arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat against the University of Central Florida.

The confounded worker tried to call Galli back, but she didnt pick up. However, the staffer was able to quickly identify her using her voicemail and phone number in the centers call history, according to the affidavit obtained by Fox 35.

Around the same time, Galli also allegedly texted more than 200 incoherent text messages and pictures of herself to a UCF professor from the same number found in the call history, officials said.

The next day, police tracked down Galli and she admitted to making the calls while she was angry and thought it would be funny while she was under the influence, according to the affidavit.

Police said Galli confessed to making the threat while she was drunk. FOX 35

Galli was swiftly cuffed and faces charges related to false reporting of a bombing on a state-owned property and unlawful use of a two-way communication.

After she was booked, Galli appeared stunned in her mugshot as she stared dead-eyed at the camera, her clownish makeup messily smudged across her face with crooked glasses and green hair.

She is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 21.

Bomb threats are apparently a go-to for mulitple Florida criminals.

Galli faces charges related to false reporting of a bombing on a state-owned property and unlawful use of a two-way communication. Shutterstock

An elderly Florida man made a bomb joke at an airport while trying to flirt with another traveller last year.

If the bomb in my bag goes off prematurely, I apologize to your family in advance, he reportedly told her.

Last fall, another Florida man who was allegedly planning on bombing the New York Stock Exchange was arrested after accidentally making plans with undercover FBI agents.
mugshot of Sydney Mitchell, 20; exterior of The Brown Door Bar in Hammond, Louisiana

He did more than sleep it off.

A Louisiana teenager found passed out in a nearby church led cops to bust several bartenders at a local watering hole  for allegedly allowing minors to drink like fish.

Hammond police launched a missing person case on the morning of Aug. 8, after finding clothing and personal items on a city sidewalk, according to KPEL965.com.

The Brown Door Bars surveillance footage allegedly showed bartenders hawking 116 drinks to underage patrons in just a three-hour window. Google Maps

They soon located 18-year-old Richard Clementi  the owner of the items  who hadnt actually been missing. Rather, Clementi, was found taking a booze-fueled snooze inside a nearby churchs sanctuary, the outlet reported.

Clementi told detectives he had been boozing the night before at The Brown Door Bar, where he bought alcoholic drinks directly from the bartenders, he reportedly told cops.

The admission led cops to obtain a search warrant for the taverns surveillance footage, which allegedly showed bar staff hawking 116 beverages to underage patrons in just a three-hour window.

Clementi was issued a summons for unlawful purchase and possession of alcohol, while the bars owner Patrick Broussard, 57, was issued a summons for allowing a disorderly place, according to the local outlet.

Sydney Mitchell, 20, was charged with a whopping 115 counts of unlawful sales to a minor in connection to the case. Hammond Police Department

Sydney Mitchell, 20, was charged with a whopping 115 counts of unlawful sales to a minor, while Tristan Stravinsky, 21, was charged with 10 counts of the same offense.

Michael Cuccia, 22, was charged with one count of unlawful sale to a minor.

Broussard and Mitchell did not immediately respond to inquiries. Clementi, Stravinsky and Cuccia could not be reached for comment.
First lady Melania Trump raised the plight of children in a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, when President Donald Trump met with the European leader in Alaska but did not reach a ceasefire deal on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"It is time" to protect children and future generations around the globe, she wrote in the letter.

"We must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded," the first lady wrote. "A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generations descendants begin their lives with a purityan innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology."

President Donald Trump hand delivered the letter to Putin during their summit talks Aug. 15.

The letter, which was shared with USA TODAY, does not specifically mention Ukraine. Trump and Putin's hours long meeting ended with a vague statement to the media in which Putin spoke of an agreement and Trump declared no deal had been reached to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The letter does not mention the tens of thousands of Ukranian children taken from land Russia has claimed in the war to the country or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians.

"In today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them-- a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," the letter states.

First lady Melania Trump waves to the crowd shortly before she speaks during a campaign stop on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020.

Moscow has said it moved the children to protect them from a war zone. Many have been put up for adoption.

Ukraine has said the children were taken without consent of their parents or guardians and compared the move to a war crime that meets the United Nations treaty definition of genocide

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Letter from Melania Trump to Putin hand delivered at Alaska summit
News / National

by Staff reporter

Three airtime vendors from Masvingo have filed lawsuits against the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Ministry of Home Affairs, each seeking US$40 000 in damages for unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution.The plaintiffs, London Rugwenya, Tendai Mugabe, and Wilson Gumepi, were arrested on April 29, 2024, on allegations of changing foreign currency, but Magistrate Nomagugu Sibanda later found no evidence linking them to the alleged crimes. The three spent four weeks in custody without trial.Represented by Martin Mureri of Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners, the vendors are suing ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, claiming their arrest and prosecution were motivated by malice and improper motives. The lawsuit seeks compensation for unlawful arrest, wrongful detention, malicious prosecution, and legal costs incurred while defending themselves.According to court papers filed at the Masvingo Magistrates Court on August 6, 2025, the plaintiffs were apprehended by Police officers Christopher Marufu, another identified only as Zvinoitavamwe, and a third yet to be identified. The arrests were reportedly made without a warrant or just cause.Each plaintiff is claiming US$15 000 for wrongful arrest, US$10 000 for wrongful detention, US$10 000 for malicious prosecution, and US$5 000 for defending the allegations. Interest will be applied at the prescribed rate from the date of summons to the date of full payment, with costs of the suit to be borne by the defendants.Two months ago, another Masvingo vendor, Michael Zumba, filed a similar US$40 000 lawsuit against the State under comparable circumstances. The four vendors are among many others nationwide who were accused of contravening Sections 5 (1) (a) (ii) of the Exchange Control Act, Chapter 20:05, as read with Sections 4 of the Exchange Control Amendment Regulations of 1996 (S.I 109/1996 and S.I 122/1996).The plaintiffs are expected to serve the legal papers on the defendants shortly, seeking redress for what they describe as a clear case of unlawful State action and the abuse of power.
A member of the National Guard assists the Albuquerque Police Department while investigating a shooting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on August 2. - Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal/AP

In New Mexicos most populous city, National Guard troops are listening to the police dispatch calls, monitoring traffic cameras and helping to secure crime scene perimeters, tasks not usually part of the job.

The New Mexico National Guard is in Albuquerque to help counter what officials have called a surge in crime, but unlike the recent deployment of troops in military fatigues by the federal government in the nations capital and earlier in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration enforcement, the states polo-shirted Guard troops were ordered in by the Democratic governor.

And last week, New Mexicos governor declared a state of emergency in other parts of the state, which gives her the discretion to mobilize more troops.

Heres how a National Guard deployment is playing out in New Mexico and why it matters.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer - Alyssa Pointer/Reuters

How the troop deployment in New Mexico is playing out

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams state of emergency order issued for Rio Arriba County, the city of Espanola and area pueblos, was made at the request of the local governments, she said.

The Albuquerque deployment of 60 to 70 troops came after an emergency request from the citys police department citing the fentanyl epidemic and rising violent juvenile crime as critical issues requiring immediate intervention.

The new declaration is aimed at helping local police respond to a significant surge in violent crime, drug trafficking and public safety threats that have overwhelmed local resources. Rio Arriba County has the highest overdose death rate in the state, the governors news release said.

Brig. Gen. Romero, right and Command Sgt. Maj. Poccia, left, talk with members of the Albuquerque Police Department and the National Guard. - New Mexico National Guard

The troops are helping police with non-law enforcement duties and are not armed, will not make arrests, detain anyone, use force or engage in any immigration-related activities, the city said.

We understand there are concerns based on what is taking place in other parts of the country, and we want to assure the public that here in Albuquerque, the Guards role is clearly defined, and focused on support without enforcement, Police Chief Harold Medina said in a June news release.

CNN has contacted the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico National Guard about whether the deployment has been effective but did not receive a response.

There is no question why the NM National Guard is helping out, New Mexico National Guard spokesman Hank Minitrez said in a June Facebook post.

The post described troops working behind the scenes in police offices, and conducting traffic management and manning perimeters around crime scenes when necessary.

Albuquerque officials said last month they saw success with targeted resources in the citys downtown. Shootings are down 20% this year compared with 2024, the city said in a news release, a figure that tracks with data provided to CNN by the governors office.

Different approach focuses on support, not enforcement

Grisham, a Democrat, criticized President Donald Trumps deployment of 800 troops in Washington, DC, as executive overreach and said the contrast couldnt be clearer between her states usage of the National Guard and that of Trumps.

The DC National Guard reports only to the president, while a governor acts as the commander in chief of their states troops and police agencies.

Trump has suggested he could do the same in other major Democratic-led cities despite their leaders not asking for help.

Members of the National Guard walk on the National Mall on August 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. - Mehmet Eser/AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile on the West Coast, questions are still lingering in a court case over the presidents deployment of troops to Los Angeles in June as dramatic protests unfolded over immigration enforcement in parts of the city.

The visual contrast between the troops in New Mexico and those sent to LA and the capital shows a difference in approach and intent.

Grishams office said the key difference between her deployment of troops and Trumps is her order was in response to direct requests from local communities. While President Trump uses the National Guard to trample local leadership, New Mexico brings together local and state governments to make our communities genuinely safer, she said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the federal intervention in his state purposely inflammatory. Washington, DC, Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the presidents actions unnecessary and pointed out violent crime in the district reached 30-year lows last year.

Trump said he was going to look at taking action in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles because of their crime rates when he announced his plans to take control of DCs police department this week. It is not clear what specifically Trump wants to do in other cities.

New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have all seen a sustained decline in crime so far this year, according to a mid-year report from the independent nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice.

A vague, short law governs troop deployment by the federal government

Its a dangerous precedent for the federal government to start deploying troops to deal with local and state policing matters, as they are historically used for crowd control, protecting federal property and federal workers, or responding to a natural disaster, according to Jeffrey Swartz, a former National Guard member and professor emeritus at Cooley Law School.

The courts in California have yet to address a claim at the center of the case brought by Newsom to block Trumps deployment of troops in the city: whether the troops violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th century law prohibiting the use of the US military for domestic law enforcement.

The three-day trial concluded last week, but the judge did not say when he will rule.

When the president nationalizes a unit or a state National Guard, they now fall under the Posse Comitatus Act saying they are not allowed to be used for civil policing, said Swartz. He cannot authorize federal troops to make arrests. That is solely within the power of the governor.

The National Guard can, however, take someone into custody under circumstances where theres a danger to federal property or federal officers, he added.

The act reserves law enforcement functions to the states, but its language is short, which lends itself to vagueness and argumentation, said David Shapiro, lecturer at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

National Guard troops stand outside the Edward Roybal Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2025. - Jim Vondruska/Getty Images/File

Swartz said National Guardsmen dont like the idea of being on the streets and being put in a position where they might have to use force against fellow citizens.

These people are citizen soldiers, not full-time. They have jobs. They have families, he said. They signed up to protect the country against external threats, not internal ones.

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Teachers from California and New York who want to work in Oklahoma public schools will be required to pass a certification test to prove they share the state's conservative political values.

Regardless of the subject or grade they teach, they'll have to show they know "the biological differences between females and males" and that they agree with the state's American history standards, which includes elements of a conspiracy theory that the Democratic Party stole the 2020 presidential election from President Donald Trump, which fact checkers have said are false.

The state Department of Education will implement the new certification test for teachers from the two largest Democrat-led states "who are teaching things that are antithetical to our standards" to ensure newcomers "are not coming into our classrooms and indoctrinating kids," Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, said in an interview with USA TODAY.

Walters has dubbed the new requirement an "America First" certification, in reference to one of Trump's political slogans.

Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Walters, a Republican, to the helm of the state's Department of Education in September 2020 and voters then elected him for a second term in November 2022.

Oklahoma to require schools To teach Trump's 2020 election conspiracy theories

Oklahoma is offering teaching bonuses that go up to $50,000 to attract teachers from across the nation and has seen "a dramatic increase in teachers wanting to come to Oklahoma," Walters said. The new test is meant to ensure they weed out teachers with opposing views from the state's standards. The state, like many others, has a persisting teacher shortage.

He said the test will only apply to teachers from California and New York, for now, because those states specifically teach lessons that are antithetical to those taught in Oklahoma.

"A lot of the credit goes to Gavin Newsom," Walters said. He alleged California under the governor has implemented lessons on "gender theory," and that won't be allowed in Oklahoma schools. (The California Healthy Youth Act, passed in 2016, requires that public school lessons across the state "must be inclusive of LGBTQ students" and same-sex relationships and teach students about "gender, gender expression, gender identity, and explore the harm of negative gender stereotypes" and "about all sexual orientations and what being LGBTQ means.")

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during a GOP watch party on election night in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Oklahoma's 'America First' test

Nonprofit conservative media company Prager U is helping Oklahoma's state department of education develop the test.

The company previously helped develop the state's new high school history curriculum standards, which includes lessons on how to dissect the results of the 2020 election, including learning about alleged mail-in voter fraud, "an unforeseen record number of voters" and "security risks of mail-in balloting."

The new curriculum also teaches the contested theory that COVID-19 emerged from a lab leak and removed a prior proposal for lessons about George Floyd's murder and Black Lives Matter.

"These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination," Walters wrote in a post on X on April 29. "Were proud to defend these standards, and we will continue to stand up for honest, pro-America education in every classroom."

The state superintendent said some of the history questions will about American government, how the nation came to be and its founding documents.

Walters' office shared five sample questions with USA TODAY:

What are the first three words of the Constitution?A. In God We TrustB. Life, Liberty, HappinessC. The United StatesD. We the People Why is freedom of religion important to Americas identity?A. It makes Christianity the national religionB. It bans all forms of public worshipC. It limits religious teaching in public lifeD. It protects religious choice from government control What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?A. House of Lords and CommonsB. Courts and SenateC. Executive and LegislativeD. Senate and House of Representatives How many U.S. Senators are there?A. 435B. 110C. 50D. 100 Why do some states have more Representatives than others?A. They cover a larger geographic area.B. They have held statehood for a longer period.C. The number is determined by military presence.D. Representation is determined by population size.

Walters said that the test would be finished by Aug. 15 and that it will be available to prospective teachers the week of Aug. 18.

"We're very close," he said.

Oklahoma schools have become more conservative after Walters took the helm of the state's Education Department in September 2020, and voters elected him for a second term in November 2022. Along with the changes to the state's history curriculum standards, Walters has ordered public schools to teach the Bible in June 2024. Bible lessons will not be on the new teacher certification exam, he said.

Teachers' union leaders: Test will be 'a huge turn off' to teachers amid 'serious teacher shortage crisis'

Teachers' union leaders decried the new certification test in interviews with USA TODAY.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said Walters' new test is going to be a "huge turn off" to teachers and that it's not "going to solve a problem."

"Teachers in this country are patriotic, and suggesting they're not is insulting," she said. Weingarten went on to criticize Walters for several of his conservative pushes for education in Oklahoma, including Bible lessons, and support for a religious charter school, which was blocked by a split Supreme Court vote this May.

She called those moves and the implementation of the new test "a major distraction."

"Ryan Walters appears to be trying out for MAGA in chief, not educator in chief, because everything that he's doing is about the culture wars, not about the reading, writing and arithmetic," she said. "If he wants to be MAGA in chief then go be MAGA in chief. But let someone else be educator in chief and focus on other things people deserve, which is reading, literacy and wraparound services  and actual teachers who want to be in Oklahoma."

Oklahoma and California teachers union leaders agreed.

"This is a political stunt to grab attention," said Cari Elledge, president of the Oklahoma Education Association. "All of the mandates coming out of the Department of Education are baseless and are distractions from real issues in Oklahoma."

One of those pressing issues is "the serious teacher shortage crisis," she said. "When political ideology plays into whether or not you can teach in any place, that might be a deterrent to quality educators attempting to get a job. ... We think it's intentional to make educators fearful and confused."

The political climate in Oklahoma has contributed to the teacher shortage, she said, noting there are about 30,000 teachers in Oklahoma who hold state teaching certifications but are not working in classrooms.

"We believe the political morale is making it scarier to teach," she said. "We know our jobs are so much more important and at the end of the day it's about the future of our students."

The state teachers union told its members in a July 11 letter, which Elledge provided to USA TODAY, that Walters "has no legal authority to vet certified teachers based on political ideology."

They say that's because "licensing and certification are governed by state statute, not personal opinion or partisan preferences" and state law "requires us to recognize out-of-state teaching credentials."

The letter references part of the state education code that says it "must issue certificates to qualified teachers from other U.S. states and territories if they meet basic requirements, including a criminal background check."

The union is also concerned about the state Education Department's partnership with PragerU "because it's not an educational authority and it's partisan," Elledge said.

"OEA is actively monitoring this and other overreaches," the Oklahoma Education Association letter reads. "We remain vigilant in protecting the rights of Oklahomas educators and students."

Teachers in Oklahoma don't teach newly implemented conservative ideologies in classrooms, which are expected to be on the "America First" certification test, Elledge said.

"They're not here to give opinions in class; theyre here to teach facts," she said.

There are not many teachers in Oklahoma who come from California or New York, anyway, because of political differences.

"People in Oklahoma have more conservative values," she said. "It's not a destination state for people from California and New York, which is sad because it's a really good place and students here deserve the best they could possibly have."

David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers' Association, said he also hasn't heard of an influx of teachers who want to move from California to teach in Oklahoma.

But at a time when states are trying to solve teacher shortages, the Oklahoma test is trying to "scare them away," he said.

"This almost seems like satire and so far removed from my research around what Oklahoma educators need and deserve," he said. "I can't see how this isn't some kind of hyper-political grandstanding that doesn't serve any of those needs."

Goldberg rejects that what teachers need in California  "respect" and a livable wage  is different than what Oklahoma teachers need to thrive. Teachers have a responsibility to take care of kids in both places despite their different education systems, he said.

Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma to require blue state teachers to take 'America First' test
Pakistan has issued no warnings or restrictions on mountaineering expeditions, an official said Sunday, despite a spate of climbers' deaths.

Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the northern region home to some of the world's highest mountains, said all climbers were well-aware of the harsh weather and other risks and challenges before their expeditions.

"Despite that, they willingly accept these challenges and come here to attempt these summits," he said.

Faraq's remarks come after Chinese climber Guan Jing, 37, died last Tuesday after being hit by falling rocks on K2, the world's second-highest peak known for its treacherous slopes and extreme weather conditions. Her body was recovered by rescue teams on Saturday.

A picture of Chinese climber Guan Jing, who was killed on K2, the world's second-highest peak. / Credit: M.H. Balti / AP

Jing's death occurred several weeks after German mountaineer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Laura Dahlmeir died while attempting to summit Laila Peak in the Karakoram mountain range. Efforts to retrieve her body were abandoned when Dahlmeier's family informed authorities that she had stated that no one should risk their life to recover her body if she died in any accident.

Bodies of foreign climbers who die attempting to summit mountains in Pakistan are typically recovered at the request of their families. But if the family declines a rescue, the remains are left at the spot where the climber died.

Faraq said authorities were trying to provide climbers with better infrastructure, rescue facilities, security and a friendly environment. Mountaineering expeditions are the backbone of the local economy, bringing in millions of dollars in direct revenue.

A large number of people work on these expeditions from May to September, feeding their families for the whole year with these earnings, he added.

Hundreds of climbers try to scale mountains in northern Pakistan every year. Accidents are common because of avalanches and sudden weather changes.

Nature: Providence Canyon in Georgia

So long, Joe Frandino!

A desk with the greatest view
WASHINGTON  When Vladimir Putins summit with Donald Trump ended, the Russian president commanded the worlds attention.

Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen, Putin began.

That Putin spoke first at a U.S.-hosted summit was highly unusual. Trump gestured to the sanctioned Russian leader as they took the stage that he should lead the way.

Addressing the cameras, Putin declared that an agreement had been reached that could solve the Ukrainian issue and restore business-like relations with the United States.

Trump said several minutes later that theyd made headway on an agreement  but he said a deal had not been made. He heaped praise on Putin and declined to point out that his predecessor's distaste for Putin was prompted by Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump places a hand on the back of Russian President Vladimir Putin as they hold a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he holds a press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon REFILE - CORRECTING "PUTING" TO "PUTIN".

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Here's a look at key moments from the Alaska summit.

Trump gives Putin a warm welcome

From start to finish, Trumps summit with Putin was rife with pomp and circumstance.

A fighter jet escort. Red carpets. A B-2 bomber that flew overhead. Trump clapping as Putin approached, with a grin on his face.

The overjoyed greeting the president offered Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf in Alaska was significantly warmer than the one he received the last time he was in the United States.

On that occasion, a 2015 visit to New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly, then-President Barack Obama criticized Putin in a speech for annexing Crimea and stoking aggression in eastern Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

When they posed for a photo together, Obama gave Putin a perfunctory handshake. Thank you, everybody, Obama said. The leaders did not answer reporters questions as they walked away.

Putin gets a presidential limousine ride

Nearly a decade later in Alaska, and more than three years into Russias full-scale assault on Ukraine, Trump smiled at Putin and clasped the leaders hand: first on the red carpet, and again on a platform.

Trump and Putin also ignored questions from journalists.

Trump ushered Putin into the U.S. presidents limousine, known as The Beast, and gave him a ride to the meeting site.

Inside the armored vehicle, Putin smiled and waved from behind bulletproof glass.

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks towards U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured), as they meet to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump walk on the tarmac after they arrived to attend a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

He grimaced and shook his head at the start of their meeting as reporters peppered them with highly critical questions about his country's attacks on civilians in Ukraine. A stony-faced Trump sat to his left, his hands clasped between his legs.

Putin has the first  and last word

The leaders met for roughly three hours before they reappeared to make joint remarks.

Putin spoke first.

Then Trump spoke.

I would like to thank President Putin and his entire team, Trump said, whose faces I get to see all the time in the newspapers.

Trump said Putins aides were nearly as famous as the Russian leader. Especially this one right over here, Trump said, seemingly referring to Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov had been at the summit site earlier in the day wearing a sweatshirt that said CCCP, which stands for USSR in Russian. The move was interpreted as blatant trolling. The discussions were about Ukraine, which is a former Soviet republic.

In wrapping up his remarks. Trump said he hoped to see Putin again very soon and thanked him profusely for coming.

Thank you very much, Vladimir, Trump said, calling him by his first name.

Putin did not miss a beat.

Next time in Moscow, he said.

A skeptical Trump said hed get a little heat on that one but did not rule it out.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Putin spoke first and other key moments from Alaska summit
US President Donald Trump speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin got everything he could have hoped for in Alaska. President Donald Trump got very little  judging by his own pre-summit metrics.

The question now is whether Trump secured any moderate gains or planted seeds for Ukraines future security if theres an eventual peace deal with Russia that were not immediately obvious after Fridays summit.

And hes left with some searing strategic questions.

Despite Trumps claim to have made a lot of progress and that the summit was a 10 out of 10, all signs point to a huge win for the Russian autocrat.

Trumps lavish stage production of Putins arrival Friday, with near-simultaneous exits from presidential jets and red-carpet strolls, provided some image rehabilitation for a leader who is a pariah in the rest of the West and who is accused of war crimes in Ukraine.

And by the end of their meeting, Trump had offered a massive concession to his visitor by adopting the Russian position that peace moves should concentrate on a final peace deal  which will likely take months or years to negotiate  rather than a ceasefire to halt the Russian offensive now. As CNNs Nick Paton Walsh pointed out, that just gives Putin more time to grind down Ukraine.

Most importantly, Trump has, at least for now, backed away from threats to impose tough new sanctions on Russia and expand secondary sanctions on the nations that buy its oil and therefore bankroll its war. Hed threatened such measures by a deadline that expired last week out of frustration with Putins intransigence and a growing belief the Russian leader was tapping him along.

This leverage may have brought Putin to Alaska. But Trump seems to have relaxed it for little in return. Because of what happened today, I think I dont have to think about that now, Trump said in an interview with Fox News after the summit.

Trump briefed European leaders after the summit, telling them that Putin called on Ukraine to yield the roughly a third or so of the Donbas, encompassing the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, that Russia does not currently control. In return, hed offer to freeze the front lines in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, CNNs Kevin Liptak reported, citing European officials. This would force Ukraine into an agonizing dilemma. Some analysts fear such a deal would allow Moscows forces a platform to launch a future attack.

European leaders also said Trump voiced openness to providing US security guarantees for Ukraine once the war ends. This could be significant because the president has yet to commit to US support for any Western-led peace mission in the country.

But he didnt specify what kind of backing hes willing to provide.

CNNs Kit Maher reported Saturday that multiple European leaders had been invited to a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. It was unclear which of them will attend, but it raises the possibility of a new widening of Trumps peacemaking effort to include US allies. But the Kyiv government will also be on alert for any attempt to pressure it to make concessions to plans that Trump agreed with Putin.

Dueling shows of force

F-35 jets and a B-2 bomber accompany the plane carrying the Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Base ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump meeting in Alaska, United States on August 15, 2025. - Fatih Aktas/Anadolu/Getty Images

Fridays meeting began with a B-2 stealth bomber and F-22 fighters roaring overhead in a dramatic moment of US superpower signaling.

But Putin one-upped that symbolism by greeting Trump with the words Good afternoon, dear neighbor, as he leveraged the summits location in Alaska to imply that the two countries had important and immediate mutual interests that should not be disrupted by a distant war in Europe.

For Ukrainians and their European allies  who were shut out of the meeting and whom Trump briefed afterward  there was at least a moment of relief that Trump didnt sell Kyiv out. The fact that a US-Russia land swap plan didnt emerge from Alaska is a win for Europes emergency pre-summit diplomacy.

Still, Trump hinted that he will pile pressure on Ukraines leader when they meet at the White House on Monday. Its now up to President Zelensky to get it done, Trump told Fox News in the friendly post-summit interview, after refusing to answer questions with Putin in what had been billed as a joint press conference.

Trumps options moving forward

Before the summit, Trump obliterated careful efforts by his staff to lower expectations when he told Fox News, I wont be happy if I walk away without some form of a ceasefire.

President Donald Trump after speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One while en route to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on Friday, August 15, 2025. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

The failure to get there is important.

Russia is happy to commit to a detailed peace process with interminable negotiations that would allow it to continue fighting  including in its increasingly successful summer offensive  while it talks. But Ukrainians are desperate for relief from years of Russian drone and missile attacks on civilians as a generation bleeds out on World War I-style battlefields. Peace talks without a ceasefire will leave it open to Russian or US pressure.

Trumps zeal to work for peace in Ukraine is commendable, even if his repeated public requests for a Nobel Peace Prize raise questions about his ultimate motives. And one upside of the summit is that the US and Russia  the countries with the biggest nuclear arsenals  are talking again.

But the underlying premise of Trumps peacemaking is that the force of his personality and his supposedly unique status as the worlds greatest dealmaker can end wars. That myth is looking very ragged after his long flight home from Alaska.

And by falling short of his own expectations in the Alaska summit, Trump left himself with some tough calculations about what to do next.

 Does he revert to his previous attempts to pressure Ukraine in search of an imposed peace that would validate Putins illegal invasion and legitimize the idea that states can rewrite international borders, thereby reversing a foundation of the post-World War II-era?

 Or as the dust settles, and he seeks to repair damage to his prestige, does he revert to US pressure and sanctions to try to reset Russian calculations? He at least left open the possibility of sticks rather than carrots in his Fox News interview, saying: I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we dont have to think about that right now.

 Alternatively, Trump could commit to the Russian vision of talks on a final peace agreement. History shows that this would be neither quick nor honored by the Russians over the long term. Hes hoping for a three-way summit between Putin, Zelensky and himself. That would satisfy his craving for spectacle and big made-for-TV events. But after Fridays evidence that Russia doesnt want to end the war, its hard to see how it would create breakthroughs.

 Another possibility is that Trump simply gets discouraged or bored with the details and drudgery of a long-term peace process that lacks big, quick wins he can celebrate with his supporters.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a press conference following their meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. - Jeenah Moon/Reuters

A large part of (Trump) is all about style. Theres not a lot of real enjoyment of getting into the substance of things, Jim Townsend, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy who is now affiliated with the Center for New American Security, said before the summit. He likes the meringue on top. And I think thats how you can be manipulated.

Trumps style-before-substance strategy clearly backfired in Alaska. Putin appeared far more prepared as Trump winged it. In retrospect, its hard to see what the Russian president offered to US envoy Steve Witkoff in the Kremlin that convinced the administration that the Alaska talks were a good idea.

And Russia is clearly playing on Trumps desire for photo-op moments in the expectation that it can keep him engaged while offering few other concessions.

Trumps Nobel campaign suffered a setback

Trump may remain the best hope for peace in Ukraine. He can speak directly to Putin, unlike Ukraine or its European allies. Ultimately, US power will be needed to guarantee Ukrainian security, since Europeans lack the capacity to do it alone. And the US retains the capability to hurt Russia and Putin with direct and secondary sanctions.

But Trump has to want to do it. And for now he seems back under Putins spell.

The Russian leaders transparent manipulation of the US president and Trumps credulity will worry Ukraine. On Fox News, Trump said Putin praised his second term, saying the US was as hot as a pistol and he had previously thought the US was dead.

Putin also publicly reinforced Trumps talking point that the invasion three years ago would never have happened if he had been president. Im quite sure that it would indeed be so. I can confirm that, said Putin.

Rescue workers extinguish a fire on a civilian enterprise in the Novobavarskyi district struck by a Russian drone on June 4, 2025, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. - Viacheslav Mavrychev/Suspilne Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images

Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity that he was so happy to hear validation from Putin and that the Russian leader had reinforced another one of his false claims, telling him that you cant have a great democracy with mail-in voting. That a US president would take such testimony at face value from a totalitarian strongman is mind-boggling  even more so in the light of US intelligence agency assessments that the Russians interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump win.

Ultimately, events in Alaska drove a hole through a White House claim in a recent statement that Trump is the President of Peace. Trump has touted interventions that cooled hostilities in standoffs between India and Pakistan; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo; Thailand and Cambodia; and Armenia and Azerbaijan to argue hes forging peace around the globe at an extraordinary clip.

I seem to have an ability to end them, Trump said on Fox News of these conflicts.

He does deserve credit for effectively using US influence in these efforts, including with the unique cudgel of US trade benefits. He has saved lives, even if the deals are often less comprehensive than meets the eye.

But his failure so far to end the Ukraine war that he pledged would be so easy to fix  along with US complicity in the humanitarian disaster in Gaza  means a legacy as a peacemaker and the Nobel Prize that he craves remain out of reach.

Once, he predicted he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. Despite his bluster, a comment on Fox News shows that after Alaska, he has a better understanding of how hard it will be.

I thought this would be the easiest of them all and it was the most difficult.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Getty Meghan Markle on her wedding day

The Gist

Meghan Markle married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 at St. George's Chapel in Windsor wearing a bespoke Givenchy wedding gown designed by then-artistic director Clare Waight Keller.

Additionally, the Duchess of Sussex also wore a second dressthis one designed by Stella McCartneyto her evening wedding reception at Frogmore House.

There was no detail left to chance with anything worn by Meghan on her wedding day, and sentimental touches were everywhere.

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 at St. Georges Chapel in Windsor, all eyes were on hernot just from the 600 people inside the venue, but the 1.9 billion watching worldwide.

I had no idea how momentous it was going to be, Meghan's wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller, told TIME magazine while attending the TIME100 gala in 2019, when she was named one of the honorees.

Referring to Prince William and Kate Middletons April 29, 2011 nuptials, The last time there was a royal wedding there was no Instagram, really, or any of those huge social networks, she added. So it really took me aback, actually.

The design process between Waight Keller and Meghan was a collaborative one; Waight Keller later told Paris Match that the Duchess of Sussex is a strong woman who knows exactly what she wants. After meeting in January 2018just four months before the weddingWe very quickly agreed on the perfect dress, Waight Keller said. I wanted a modern and fresh silhouette while respecting her style.

Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

It is an immense honor to have worked closely with Meghan and to have lived by her side all these special moments, the designer added. Prince Harry came to me and said, Oh my God. Thank you. She is absolutely magnificent. I am very proud. Its a fairytale. A dream come true.

For her something old, Meghan wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara atop her head; she also is reported to have had a piece of fabric from her late mother-in-law Princess Dianas own 1981 wedding dress sewn into her own gown. In another sentimental touch, florist Philippa Craddock worked sprigs of myrtle into Meghans bouquet from a plant grown from the myrtle used in Queen Elizabeths 1947 wedding bouquet.

Meghan had plenty of something new: her wedding dress and veil, designed by Waight Keller; her second wedding dress for her evening reception, designed by Stella McCartney; and accessories like new Cartier earrings and a new Cartier bracelet.

Getty Meghan Markle and Prince Harry heading to their wedding reception

Meghans something borrowed, in addition to the aforementioned tiara, was a dazzling aquamarine cocktail ring from Princess Dianas collection, worn as a statement piece to her wedding receptionno doubt another opportunity to keep Diana close to it all. The late Princess of Wales died on August 31, 1997, when Harry was just 12 years old. To that end, for another something blue, Meghan incorporated forget-me-notsDianas favorite flowerinto her wedding bouquet, and had a swatch of blue fabric from the dress she wore on her first date with Harry sewn into her wedding dress. Meghan also had the soles of her Aquazzura shoes worn to her wedding reception painted baby blue.

Of the dress itself, Waight Keller told TIME that the creation was just really modern. I think it was right for now, and it was right for her. From the cost to the design process, here's everything to know about the Meghan's iconic wedding dress.

Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day

It took 3,900 hours of work by 50 people.

Meghans bespoke dress was a minimalist, pure white gown with a boat neck and three-quarter length sleeves. Designed by Waight Keller for Givenchy, it was made of double-bonded silk cady cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The dresss bateau neckline was the focus of the gown, and Waight Keller later confirmed that the neckline was adapted by a design by Hubert de Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn, but with an update at the front that Waight Keller did to make it look more modern.

As for the dress itself, I wanted it to seem as if she was floating, Waight Keller later said of the creation. The Knot reported that the gown cost about $265,000, which the bride paid for herself.

When Meghans wedding dress went on display in 2018 at Windsor Castle, Meghan said (via the BBC) that she wanted a modest, classic, and timeless dress, and that she knew at the onset that she wanted the neckline and sleeve length she chose. The gown and its accompanying veil were created after 3,900 hours of work by 50 people.

Getty Meghan Markle's veil

I had a very clear vision of what I wanted for the day, and what I wanted the dress to look like, Meghan said ahead of the Windsor Castle exhibition. So what was amazing in working with Clare is that sometimes youll find designers try to push you in a different direction. But she just completely respected what I wanted to see for the day, and she wanted to bring that to life for me.

To accompany the dress, Meghans shoes were made of a silk duchess satin and were based on a Givenchy refined pointed couture design.



We knew how large the scale of the event would be, so in making choices that were really personal and meaningful, it could make the whole experience feel intimate, Meghan later said, per People.

Getty Meghan Markle on her wedding day in 2018

Clare Waight Keller kept the dress so secret that she didnt tell her husband about it.

For her gown, Meghan chose Givenchys artistic director Clare Waight Kelleran unexpected choice at the time, as odds were on London-based brands like Erdem and Ralph & Russo over the French fashion house Givenchy. I wanted a female designerthat was very importantI wanted a British designer because I wanted to embrace my new home in that way, Meghan said. The year prior, Waight Keller was named the first woman to hold the role of artistic director at Givenchy. I wanted [a dress] that felt reflective of the world, in a way.

Meghan met Waight Keller in early 2018 and chose to work with her for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanor, a statement from Kensington Palace said.

Getty Meghan Markle and Clare Waight Keller on December 10, 2018

The two women worked closely together on the design of the dress, and Waight Keller said of the experience, It is truly an honor to have been given the opportunity to closely collaborate with Meghan Markle on such a remarkable occasion. We wanted to create a timeless piece that would emphasize the iconic codes of Givenchy throughout its history, as well as convey modernity through sleek lines and sharp cuts. In contrast, the delicate floral beauty of the veil was a vision Meghan and I shared, a special gesture embracing the Commonwealth flora, ascending the circumference of the silk tulle.

Waight Keller kept her commission to design the royal wedding gown so close to the vest that she didnt even tell her husband, she later told The Telegraph. I knew some people might be angry that I didnt confide in them, but I just thought it would be a wonderful thing for [Meghan] and the day to truly surprise everyone, and the only way I could be sure of it staying secret was not to tell a soul, she said.

I think every bride is unique, Waight Keller said, per The Telegraph. They always come with their own ideas. She was really focused, as I was, on it being absolutely perfect for the occasion. That was the modernity, and the fact that [we] really wanted something that was so elegant and classical and timeless in a way.

Getty Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018

Speaking later at the British Fashion Awards in London, Waight Keller said, I got to know Meghan on such a personal level. To have someone like that trust you in an incredible moment in their life is something that is just the most unbelievable honor. I cant thank you enough, because it was the most beautiful moment.

In 2023, Waight Keller described her bond with Meghan at the 2023 Bazaar At Work Summit in London as just the two of us for so long, and it became this very personal girlfriend relationship. The two met about seven or eight times, Waight Keller later said of the design process.

Getty Meghan Markle's veil

Dressmakers had to wash their hands every 30 minutes while making Meghan's 16-foot-veil.

One of the most sentimental parts of Meghans wedding attire? Her 16-foot-long white silk veil, which included floral detail representing all 53 countries of the Commonwealtha suggestion from Meghan herself. Waight Keller spent significant time researching the flora of each of the 53 countries and much care was taken to ensure that every flower was unique, the BBC reported. Meghan also chose two other flowerswintersweet, which was found at Kensington Palace (where Meghan and Harry lived at the time) and the California poppy, representing Meghans home state, to be embroidered on the veil.

Dressmakers spent hundreds of hoursincluding washing their hands every 30 minutesto make the veil, which was hand-embroidered in silk threads and organza. Waight Keller later said that King Charlesthen Prince Charles in 2018was touched by Meghans decision to honor the Commonwealth in this way, saying that the King was just in awe of the dress and the [veil] embroidery. He was really very interested, actually, in all the different motifs and floral representations.

Harry, too, was wowed by the choice, Meghan later said: I knew that it would be a fun surprise as well for my now husband, who didnt know, and he was really over the moon to find out that I would make this choice for our day together, she said.

Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan's wedding-day tiara was the last royal tiara she ever wore.

Meghans veil was held in place by Queen Marys Diamond Bandeau Tiara, on loan to her from Queen Elizabeth. At the center of the bandeau is a detachable brooch of 10 brilliant diamonds, given to Queen Mary as a wedding present in 1893. The brooch was later made into the tiara in 1932, and the headpiece also includes diamonds and platinum in 11 sections.

In addition to the tiarawhich ultimately ended up being the only royal tiara Meghan ever woreMeghan also wore earrings and a bracelet made by Cartier to her wedding ceremony. Later in the evening, for her wedding reception, she added a statement piece of jewelry in the form of an aquamarine cocktail ring that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Getty Images Meghan Markle's wedding day tiara

Visiting Queen Elizabeth to choose her wedding day tiara was an incredibly surreal day, Meghan later said. She was joined by Harry for the visit, who said it was every girls dream to try on a tiara, and that the one chosen was the one that looked the bestwithout question.

I shouldnt have really even been there, but such an incredible loan by my grandmother, Harry added. It was very sweet.

The dress featured a hidden, sentimental "something blue."

Tucked into Meghans wedding dress was her something bluea swatch of fabric sewn in by Waight Keller from a dress Meghan wore to her first date with Harry back in 2016.

We basically sewed it into the hem of the wedding dress, so she was the only one who knew that it was there, Waight Keller told Vanity Fair. It was a little blue gingham check.

It was the perfect personal memento that was secretly hidden inside the dress, she added.

Getty Meghan Markle and Prince Harry heading to their wedding reception

Meghan's second wedding dress was a Stella McCartney halter gown.

As Meghan and Harry stepped out to attend their wedding reception at Frogmore House, the newly minted Duchess of Sussex unveiled a second custom wedding dress by Stella McCartney, a halter neck gown made of silk crepe. She paired the dress with satin shoes by a longtime favorite, Aquazzura, the soles of which were baby blue.

The creation was very much her dress, and I felt very proud that she came to me for that part of the wedding, McCartney told the BBC. She got to reflect her in it.

Getty Meghan Markle and Prince Harry kissing on their wedding day

Like with Waight Keller, McCartney said that she worked on the reception dress with Meghan: When you come to a wedding, you dont just go, Here, this is what youre wearing, McCartney said. That person has to feel like a million dollarsthey need to feel like they own it.

Read the original article on InStyle
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., on Sunday underlined his stance that President Donald Trump deploying the National Guard to Washington, D.C., over concerns of high crime and the level of homelessness amounts to an "abuse of power."

"All of this is a total abuse of power. Its a manufactured emergency," Van Hollen said in an interview with "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "Obviously D.C. can do more to reduce violent crime, as we can across the country. But as you pointed out, crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low and a downward trajectory. So, this is all an opportunity for Donald Trump to play dictator in Washington, D.C."

"The way the law is written, it appears he has the legal authority. And Mayor [Muriel] Bowser conceded that. So, what is the abuse of power here?" Raddatz pressed.

MORE: Trump admin live updates

"The abuse of power is claiming that this is an emergency. And everybody who is watching what happens knows that this is not an emergency in Washington, D.C.," Van Hollen argued.

ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Aug. 17, 2025.

Violent crime levels have decreased compared to years prior, down 26% since 2024, a 30-year low, leaving outstanding questions over why Trump deployed roughly 800 troops around the city.

Over the weekend, several Republican-led states announced additional Guard troops would also deploy to Washington to support the president's mission.

As some outlets report the National Guard could be armed soon, Van Hollen said, "Well, that's very troubling, because, as you know, the National Guard, first of all, is not supposed to engage in any local law enforcement activity. We have the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits them from engaging in local law enforcement. And so I'm not sure what it is that they need to do where they need to be armed."

Despite fierce criticism from Democrats like Van Hollen and protests from some Washington residents, the White House has defended its decision to surge federal law enforcement to the city and bring in the National Guard as necessary and legal.

Here are more highlights from Van Hollens interview

On D.C. police chief saying additional law enforcement 'positive'

Raddatz: The mayor suggested this week that the surge of -- of federal police could be useful in fighting crime. And there is a crime problem in D.C. We all live here. I want you to -- I want to play you something that D.C.s police chief, Pamela Smith, said this week.

Pamela Smith (video clip): Youre talking about 500 additional personnel in the District of Columbia. And as you know, weve talked about the fact that were down in numbers with our police officers. And so, this enhanced presence clearly is going to impact us in a positive way.

Raddatz: So, do you see anything positive about this?

Van Hollen: Well, I understand the position the police chief is in. The best way to help the police chief in Washington, D.C., is for President Trump and Republicans in Congress to give them the $1 billion in money that belongs to them so that they can hire those police, rather than bringing in these federal agents.

I would also say, Martha, I would think that taxpayers all over the country, federal taxpayers, have to ask themselves how it is that we are using resources, national resources, the FBI, the DEA, folks who are supposed to be out and about protecting the country from violent criminals, and now theyre spending their time taking down tents of homeless people in the District of Columbia. I would think people all over the country would worry about that diversion of resources.

On what Congress does if Trump goes past the 30-day limit

Raddatz: The -- the president says hes going to maintain control of D.C. police past this 30-day limit, no matter what Congress does. So, then what do you do?

Van Hollen: Well, that clearly is a violation of the statute. And so, well end up right back in court. Of course, the president also thought he had the ability to essentially take out the police chief and have his people come in and run the police department. A federal judge already said that that was not authorized. And in the same way, his ability to extend it beyond 30 days is not authorized. And so, theyre going to have to pass this statute in the -- this extension in the Congress. And I dont think that thats going to pass.

On his reaction to the Trump-Putin summit

Van Hollen: Well, Martha, theres no sugarcoating this. Donald Trump, once again, got played by Vladimir Putin. Vladimir Putin got the red carpet treatment on American soil. But we got no ceasefire, no imminent meeting between Putin and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. All the threats and sanctions that, you know, Donald Trump talked about, apparently, have been set aside. Donald Trump got flattered by Vladimir Putin. But when it comes to Ukraine under European allies, this was a setback. I do believe that Congress now, the Senate in particular, should move forward on bipartisan legislation that has over 60 senators as co-sponsors that would impose sanctions on Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Personal relations are important. And I have no objection to people talking. But you want to have a clear objective in mind. Clearly, Vladimir Putin had a clear objective in mind. And he came to Alaska and gave up nothing, whereas, you know, Donald Trump said he had hoped to do, you know, a ceasefire, he had hoped to fly in Zelenskyy maybe even while Vladimir Putin was there. None of that happened. And meanwhile, theyve taken the pressure off the sanctions. I mean, again, Donald Trump was supposed to impose sanctions on Russia weeks ago now, and nothing. So, this was a victory for Vladimir Putin.
Members of the District of Columbia National Guard patrol in front of the White House as a woman rides past on a scooter, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

South Carolina and Ohio say they will send a combined 350 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., supplementing a surge of troops from Republican-led states who are supporting President Donald Trump's push to address allegations of rampant crime and homelessness in the capital.

The troops will join hundreds of National Guard troops from West Virginia in D.C. West Virginia's Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday he would send as many as 400 troops on the Trump administration's request.

"West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey said.

There are expected to be some 800 members of the Washington, D.C., National Guard deployed, which puts the combined total at more than 1,500 National Guard troops.

A defense official told Scripps News Wednesday National Guard troops would continue their deployment until "mission complete"  which is a fairly amorphous objective.

President Trump said he will seek cooperation from Republican lawmakers to extend the Guard's deployment as he deems necessary.

Guard personnel so far have appeared protecting federal locations in D.C. and supporting law enforcement as they discharge their duties.

White House officials told multiple outlets this weekend that National Guard troops on assignment "may be armed" but would not be empowered to make arrests.

Protesters in D.C. have staged a march to the White House, bearing signs that pushed back against the "fascist takeover of D.C." and "military occupation."

RELATED STORY | Trump places DC police under federal control, activates National Guard amid crime concerns

The National Guard presence supplements a tighter federal control over local police forces. President Trump signed an executive order Monday declaring a crime emergency in order to federalize the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

"The city governments failure to maintain public order and safety has had a dire impact on the Federal Governments ability to operate efficiently to address the Nations broader interests without fear of our workers being subjected to rampant violence," the order read.

A White House official said Sunday the escalated anti-crime response has so far led to 308 arrests.

But city officials have pushed back against President Trump's policies, calling them "unsettling."

My message to residents is this, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said. We know that access to our democracy is tenuous. That is why you have heard me and many Washingtonians before me advocate for full statehood.

Public data on crime rates also contradicts the president's narrative.

Justice Department statistics show violent crime in the city is actually at a 30-year low. Data from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. shows violent crime is down about 26% so far this year when compared to the same time last year.
FIRST ON FOX: A move aimed at lowering tensions between South and North Korea is threatening, rather than improving, life for the estimated 400,000 Christians who live in the North. The policy has been slammed as "a catastrophic strategic mistake."

South Koreas new President, Lee Jae-myung, ordered a reported 80% of radio broadcasts from the South, beamed into the North, to stop transmitting in May. The President also declared that loudspeakers that had been broadcasting anti-communist propaganda on the border between the two countries should be taken down.

Myung reportedly told his Cabinet in Seoul, "I hope such reciprocal measures will gradually lead to dialogue and communication" between the two Koreas, the Korea Times reported Tuesday, adding that the South Korean President wants South and North Korea to "shift from a relationship that causes harm to each other to one that is mutually beneficial."

North Korea Breaks Silence On Trump's Return, Sends Message From 'Rocket Man'

In a statement reported by news website korea.net on August 5, South Koreas defense ministry added that the new measures were "practical measures to help ease inter-Korean tensions, within a range that does not affect the militarys readiness posture."

But the shutdown of radio stations is having a drastic effect on North Koreas Christians. The Kim Jong-un regime has ruled that it is a crime to worship Christianity. Even being found with a Bible can lead to execution, normally with a bullet, sometimes reportedly after torture.

Read On The Fox News App

Theres no general access to the internet for ordinary citizens. The only practical way Christians can experience the Gospel and Christian teaching or thoughts is to secretly listen to a radio. But now the Stimson Centers 38 North, a publication analyzing data on North Korea, says broadcasts into the country from the South, including broadcasts previously backed by the U.S. Agency for Global Media, have been cut back by almost 80% since May, and they advise that level could fall even further over the coming months.

Kim Jong Un depicted riding a horse atop Mount Paektu, a sacred site in North Korea.

Its also reported that it is more difficult to hear the Christian message now. Because there are fewer broadcasts still going into the North, authorities are said to be having greater success in electronically jamming them.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson expressed concern, telling Fox News Digital, "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the State Department Office of International Religious Freedom is actively looking into new ways to advance freedom of religion around the world, including in North Korea, and for North Koreas severely persecuted Christian community. President Trump is a champion for religious freedom globally, including defending peoples ability to read the Bible and freely access religious texts."

It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of these broadcasts to Christians in North Korea, Timothy Cho, who defected from the country when he was 17, told Fox News Digital from London. Cho serves on the Secretariat of the British governments All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea, saying "we are sharing the Gospel with our brothers and sisters on the ground in North Korea. This significance we cannot compare with any amount of values, because it is hope. It is hope, and it is light and it is the message they can rely on during the darkest time inside North Korea."

Bishop's Village Attacked, 20 Slain After Recent Testimony To Congress On Christian Persecution

In North Korea, Cho claimed, the ruling Kim family dynasty is portrayed collectively as gods, not only the so-called Supreme Leaders," but supreme beings. He explained thats why Christianity is so feared by the government. He added that "the most dangerous threat to North Korean authority is the claim of there being a true God who is not connected to the Kim dynasty."

"Underground Christianity provides a space for the free exchange of ideas. Christianity is a defining feature of the DNA of the Korean people," Greg Scarlatiou, President and CEO of the Washington-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, told Fox News Digital. "The Kim family regime wants none of that, having tried so hard to obliterate the true identity of the Korean people."

"The shutting down of radio stations beaming information into North Korea is a catastrophic strategic mistake. True change can't come from the Kim family. It can only come from the people of North Korea, especially Christians. And the only thing the outside world can do to help them is empowerment through information."

North Korea is at the top of Open Doors World Watch List for persecution of Christians again this year. Open Doors is a global organization that supports and speaks up for Christians persecuted for their faith. The report noted, "Police and intelligence agents search homes without warning. If they find Christian materials, it is considered a crime against the nation, and the whole family can be banished, imprisoned or executed. Those who use an unregistered smartphone or radio to access unapproved media are punished."

The report continued, "Christians only dare to listen to radio programs at night, hidden under blankets. Each act of worship, even though conducted by oneself, is perceived as an "act of extreme disloyalty." Citizens are trained to report anyone who might be an enemy of the regime, including family members.

"The national media broadcast anti-Christian content, where Christians are portrayed as evil betrayers of the nation, and missionary activities are referred to as acts of terrorism," the Open Doors report noted.

On Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leaders sister, and Deputy Department Director of the Publicity and Information Department of the ruling Workers Party in Pyongyang, made it clear that North Korea will not lessen controls. She released a statement, monitored by a source in Seoul, reportedly saying, "We don't care whether South Korea dismantles the loudspeakers or stops the broadcasts. We have no intention of improving relations with America's loyal lackeys."









Original article source: South Korea's move to lower tensions with Kim Jong Un threatens 400,000 Christians
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15: Federal agents and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers perform stops at a security checkpoint near Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. An increased presence of law enforcement has been seen throughout the nation's capital since U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the U.S. National Guard. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images) Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Three states  Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia  are deploying their National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of the Trump administrations efforts to crack down on crime and homelessness in the nations capital.

West Virginia will deploy 300 to 400 Guard troops, South Carolina pledged 200, and Ohio says it will send 150. This comes after President Trumps executive order Monday activating 800 D.C. National Guard troops and federalizing local police. (RELATED: Were Taking It Back: Trump Deploying National Guard To Streets Of Nations Capital)

West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital, Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.

Our National Guard will work to assist President Trumps mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond, Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said.

We have been asked by the Secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to support the District of Columbia National Guard, DeWine said in a statement. These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio.

A White House official told CBS News Saturday, The National Guard is not making arrests at this time  they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence, the White House official said Saturday.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former Chegutu West legislator and Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Dexter Nduna, has officially earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) during the institution's 44th graduation ceremony held on Friday.Nduna's graduation comes after a highly publicised controversy in 2024, when he claimed on social media to have completed his law degree despite the university confirming he had not yet met the graduation requirements. A leaked UZ memo revealed that Nduna had failed three courses: Energy and Mining Law, Labour Law, and Language Acquisition and Intercultural Communication Literacy (Chinese Language). Despite this, he attended a graduation ceremony wearing a gown but was not seated with law graduates. His appeal for exam remarking, in which he alleged political bias, was subsequently rejected, prompting Nduna to issue a public apology to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the nation for misleading the public.After completing the outstanding modules during the 2024/2025 academic year, Nduna's name appeared on this year's official graduation roll, marking his legitimate conferment of the law degree.Nduna's political history is similarly contentious. The Chegutu West parliamentary seat, which he held between 2018 and 2023, was embroiled in a protracted election dispute. In the July 2018 elections, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) initially declared Nduna the winner but later admitted a counting error showing opposition MDC-Alliance candidate Gift Konjana had actually received more votes. ZEC indicated only the courts could reverse the result.Konjana filed a High Court application in August 2018, which was dismissed on a technicality. He then appealed to the Supreme Court in November 2018. The hearings were repeatedly delayed, including instances where Nduna's legal team failed to file papers, prolonging the matter for over two years. In 2023, the Supreme Court finally dismissed the appeal, citing the lapse of the legal time limit, effectively allowing Nduna's tenure in parliament despite the admitted counting error.Critics have argued that the prolonged legal process violated Zimbabwe's Constitution and Electoral Act, undermining democratic principles and the rule of law. Nduna, however, has now formally completed his academic qualifications, closing one chapter in a career marked by both political and academic controversies.
Judy Koutsky hiking up Champa Devi. Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

I used to love making travel besties with people I'd just met but instantly connected with.

While enjoyable, traveling with family can make that part more difficult, so I booked a solo trip.

I spent 12 days in Nepal with eight other solo travelers, and it was one of my best trips ever.

Down-to-earth adventure seekers who are short on funds but high on energy and enthusiasm. Those are the best kind of people.

Back in my 20s, I went on yearly hiking trips with my two best friends. We hiked the Inca Trail, trekked in Patagonia, Chile, and went to Angel Falls in Venezuela. We had little money, but a high sense of adventure, so we booked inexpensive hiking tours to take us to our destinations. It was on those trips that we met the best people.

Fast forward 30 years. Here I am 53, married with two teenage boys. While I travel extensively with my family and love it, I miss those trips in my 20s where I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself.

I also missed those "travel bestie" connections, when I instantly bonded with someone I'd just met, even though we might never see each other again. It's like kids who meet at summer camp and form an intense and fabulous, albeit sometimes temporary, attachment. I loved my travel besties, whom I met on those long-ago hiking trips. We spent 24/7 together and laughed and bonded in a way that's hard to duplicate when you're traveling with family.

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The nostalgia for those long-ago hiking trips made me think about taking a trip without the hubby and kids. Nepal has always been on my bucket list, so I started looking there. I wanted a solo trip, but I also wanted a built-in opportunity to meet new people, so I checked out solo tours from various tour operators and landed on G Adventures' "Solo-ish Nepal" package.

I went during the off-season, when the tickets were more affordable  about $1,500 for 12 days  and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite trips ever.

It was a motley crew of travelers

Koutsky in front of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most famous sites in Nepal. Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

My fellow solo travelers ranged from a 19-year-old college student from Sydney to a 64-year-old retired police officer. I quickly became best friends with an oncology nurse from Norway who was easily 20 years my junior. Adding to the mix was a geometry middle school teacher from the West Coast (who was hilarious and kept us laughing), a Fulbright scholar, an art teacher from New England, and a woman who worked at Trader Joe's.

Four of us were older than 50, and four of us were younger, but the group didn't divide by age; we all mingled together. One person even had a radically different political perspective than the rest of us, and I still adored her and didn't talk politics.

It was July, the middle of Nepal's monsoon season, when the eight of us met in Kathmandu on the first day of the trip. And yet, the rain and 90-degree heat didn't deter the crazy amounts of fun we had.

One of the reasons I think the trip was such a success was because of the tour's price point. It wasn't luxury  it didn't attract those looking for five-star accommodations and fancy experiences. Instead, it attracted those on a budget, who were used to rolling with the punches and pivoting when things didn't go their way. It was similar to the vibe on my long-ago hiking trips in my 20s  exactly what I was hoping for.

We instantly bonded over momo

Our first day together was a cooking class making momos  a popular Nepali dish similar to a Chinese dumpling. I hate cooking, absolutely despise it. So, I wasn't looking forward to this activity.

However, as my fellow travelers and I started opening up about our lives  who we were, why we decided on this trip to Nepal  the momo making was just something to keep our hands busy while we did the important work of getting to know each other.

The poor momo chef kept trying to interrupt our conversation to tell us the history of momos and how to perfect our momo-making skills, but the group had instantly bonded. Conversation took off immediately, and we were on our way to becoming instant travel besties on day one.

When we left our momo-making session, it was pouring rain outside, but we just laughed as we jumped through puddles and made our way back to the hotel. The tone of the trip was set.

We had countless adventures together and a minor hiccup

Koutsky walking across one of the many suspension bridges that can be found throughout Nepal. Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

We started in Kathmandu, but every two nights we moved to a new city. That meant we had plenty of places to explore, plus plenty of van time for talking.

In Bhaktapur, we explored Durbar and Dattatreya Square. We hiked through the forest up to the top of Champa Devi, where we took in views of the Himalayan mountains and learned that Nepal is home to eight of the 10 tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest.

In Pharping, we visited religious landmarks at the Buddhist Asura Cave, Vajrayogini Temple, and Sheshnarayan Hindu Temple.

We then drove on to Royal Chitwan National Park, one of my favorite spots and favorite days of the trip. Our plan was to bike through a village and end up on the water for sunset, enjoying drinks and appetizers. It was notably hot that day, and one of my new travel besties told me later that she saw me sweating profusely and smiling manically while I kept saying, "I love this so much." And I did.

Like any trip, there were hiccups along the way  we all took turns having traveler's diarrhea (we pooled our Imodium and rehydration tablets)  but even the hiccups brought us together. We took turns making toilet paper runs to the front desk for our fellow travel companions.

Why it was one of the best trips I've ever had

When I returned and told my husband and kids what a great time I had, they kept asking why?

It was monsoon season (yes, it rained a lot), it was super hot and humid (yes, I sweated a lot), it was not a luxe trip (we couldn't flush the toilet paper in the toilet, but instead had to throw it out in the trash can next to the toilet due to Nepal's sensitive plumbing situation).

And yet, it was honestly one of the best trips I've ever taken. I got to go to my life-long bucket list destination, and I did it with my travel besties.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China will not invade Taiwan while Trump is in office.

President Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him the Peoples Republic will not invade Taiwan while Trump is in office.

Trump make the remarks during an interview Friday with Fox News Special Report, ahead of his sit-down in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscows war in Ukraine.

I will tell you, you know, you have a very similar thing with President Xi of China and Taiwan, but I dont believe theres any way its going to happen as long as Im here. Well see, said Trump.

President Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping assured him China will not invade Taiwan while Trump is in office. RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Images

He told me, I will never do it as long as youre president. President Xi told me that, and I said, Well, I appreciate that, but he also said, But I am very patient, and China is very patient.

Trump did not say when Xi made the comments, but both leaders in June had their first confirmed telephone call during Trumps second term in the White House.

Trump in April also said he had received a call from Xi but did not say when.

China considers Taiwan its own territory and has vowed to reunify, by force if necessary, with the democratic and separately governed island.

Trump did not say when Xi made the comments, but both leaders in June had their first confirmed telephone call during Trumps second term. ZUMAPRESS.com

Taiwan strongly opposes Chinas claims of sovereignty.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington on Friday called Taiwan the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te observing a Taiwanese navy minelayer ship drill during Han Kuang military exercises. RITCHIE B TONGO/EPA/Shutterstock

The U.S. government should adhere to the one-China principle and the three U.S.-China joint communiques, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and earnestly safeguard China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said.

Washington is Taiwans main arms supplier and international backer, but the U.S.  like most countries  has no formal diplomatic ties with the island.

With Post wires.
President Trumps pick to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is breaking the mold of his predecessors and causing alarm among economists of all stripes.

Commissioners of the BLS are usually academics or career civil servants with decades of experience in statistics and economics.

But E.J. Antoni, whom Trump nominated to lead the agency after firing former BLS chief Erika McEntarfer on the heels of a disappointing jobs report earlier this month, has more bona fides as a pundit and conservative advocate than he does as a statistician.

The choice of Antoni to lead a statistical division whose data is scrutinized by businesses and governments all over the world is getting major backlash from the economics profession and sparking concerns about the politicization of bedrock-level economic data.

E.J. Antoni is completely unqualified to be BLS Commissioner, Harvard University economist Jason Furman, who worked for the Obama administration, wrote on social media. He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant experience.

Stan Veuger, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, echoed Furmans words.

Hes utterly unqualified and as partisan as it gets, he told The Washington Post.

Who is E.J. Antoni?

Antoni has been the chief economist of the Heritage Foundations center on the federal budget for the past four months.

The Heritage Foundation is a right-wing think tank that produced the wide-ranging Project 2025 policy agenda. Project 2025 took aim at the permanent political class in Washington, and many of its budget-cutting recommendations have been carried out by the Trump administration.

He held two research fellowships at Heritage prior to his current position and two other fellowships at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, a conservative advocacy group led by billionaire Steve Forbes.

Antoni submitted his doctoral dissertation in 2020, in which he defends positions associated with supply-side economics, a conservative policy doctrine that became popular in the 1980s. Besides stints as an adjunct at a community college and as an instructor at his alma mater, Northern Illinois University, hes held no other academic posts.

By comparison, McEntarfer worked for 20 years as an economist with the Census Bureau. Her predecessor William Beach was the chief economist for the Senate Budget Committee, and his predecessor Erica Groshen spent 20 years as an economist at the New York Federal Reserve and referees for about a dozen academic journals.

Antoni is a frequent guest on a number of conservative media outlets.

While BLS makes it a point to produce  rather than interpret  economic data, Antoni has been hitting talking points on recent BLS releases in media appearances, a stark contrast with the agencys typical cut-and-dry communications.

Discussing the dismal July jobs report, he emphasized job growth among native-born Americans on former Trump adviser Steve Bannons podcast.

There was some good news in the report, too, that we should definitely highlight, he said. All of the net job growth over the last 12 months has gone to native-born Americans.

The Heritage Foundation did not respond to a request for an interview with Antoni.

Backlash from economists

Economists arent mincing their words about Antonis credentials.

One economist at the University of Wisconsin refuted one of Antonis recent papers, showing it contained basic statistical mistakes and finding that it wasnt possible to replicate its results  an academic kiss of death.

Alan Cole, an economist with the conservative Tax Foundation think tank, described the errors in the paper as stunning.

Stunning errors in a tweet are bad, but worse to do it in long form, where theres more time and effort involved, he wrote on social media.

Conservative economists have also been blasting the firing of McEntarfer after the July jobs report showed that a meager 106,000 jobs have been added to the economy since May. Trump accused the agency  without any evidence  of producing rigged data, which many economists have said is poppycock.

The totally groundless firing of Dr. Erika McEntarfer  sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the statistical mission of the Bureau, Beach, a Trump appointee who preceded McEntarfer as head of the BLS, wrote online.

Warnings to senators

Antoni is expected to be easily confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate after he appears before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which will also need to approve his nomination.

Antonis critics are waging a long-shot effort to turn GOP members of the committee against the nominee ahead of his likely confirmation.

Friends of BLS, a group chaired by Beach and Groshen that advocates for the agency, called out Antoni in a statement Wednesday, describing the debate about his nomination as contentious.

BLS now  faces the additional challenge of a contentious debate over the nominee for the next Commissioner, Dr. EJ Antoni, they said.

Groshen told The Hill they hope the nomination process will be very thorough.

The responsibility of the Senate HELP committee  is particularly important at this time, she added.

The Hill reached out to all Republican members of the committee about Antonis qualifications, most of whom didnt respond. A representative for Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she wouldnt be commenting on the nomination prior to the hearing.

What would politicized labor data look like?

Antoni has already floated some massive changes to BLS data releases, including canceling regular monthly reports in favor of quarterly releases  a change that would alter the entire cadence of economic data output and affect nearly every private and public sector model of the U.S. economy.

He told Fox News before his nomination that the BLS should suspend issuing the monthly jobs reports, but keep publishing more accurate, though less timely, quarterly data, since BLS data is often subject to revision.

Former BLS chiefs told The Hill theyre keeping an eye on a regulatory standard known as OMB Directive No. 3, which governs the rules of BLS releases, for any sign that agency data could become politicized.

Violations of that would be very unusual, and therefore indicative of something unusual underneath it, Groshen said.

Antoni has delivered some conflicting remarks on BLS data revisions, attributing them to incompetent leadership under McEntarfer during his appearance on Bannons podcast and then noting later that the problems predated her time as agency commissioner.

I think thats part of the reason why we continue to have all of these different data problems, he said before adding that this is not a problem unique to the Trump administration.

Real problems with BLS data

In fact, the downward revisions in the July jobs report that prompted Trumps firing of McEntarfer were due to the late reporting of educational employment figures by state and local governments, along with the more pronounced seasonal effects in that sector since teachers dont work in the summer. Thats fairly typical for the agency, current and former employees of the BLS told The Hill.

Political narratives aside, the BLS has seen a substantial drop in survey response rates in the aftermath of the pandemic, a decline that has made the data less reliable, but one that has affected statistical agencies in a number of countries beyond the U.S.

This is not a failure of the BLS.  This is a phenomenon that is worldwide, Groshen told The Hill.

This is a slow-moving train wreck, she added, exhorting CEOs across the economy to make a priority of the surveys. There is no silver bullet. Believe me  people have been looking for it for a long time.

Economists have been lamenting the survey response rates for years.

Like Orwellian newspeak, [the U.S. employment report] can often mean the reverse of what it says it means. The household and establishment surveys portray contrasting pictures of employment (and both have shocking response rates), UBS economist Paul Donovan wrote earlier this month, having noted declines since 2023.

The White House said Antoni is prepared for the job.

President Trump selected Dr. E.J. Antoni III to restore Americas trust in the jobs data that has had major issues, without any real attempt at resolution, for years. Antonis education and vast experience as an economist has prepared him to produce accurate public data for businesses, households, and policymakers to inform their decision-making, White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers told The Hill.

In addition to being the Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, he has frequently testified before Congress on economic issues and his research has been featured by many think tanks and advocacy groups. Unlike the previous Commissioner, Antoni will produce overdue solutions to long-term issues at the Bureau and provide Americans with the accurate data they deserve.

Updated at 4:15 p.m. EDT Aug. 18

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Cold case Detective Clark Schwartzkopf was working a double murder case from the early 1990s and had arranged to meet a person of interest at a Chili's restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. The idea was to get the possible suspect's DNA so forensic investigators could determine if it matched male DNA found on the bodies of the two female victims, Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.

Those unsolved murders had become known as the canal murders because both women were attacked while taking bike rides along the city's distinctive canal paths.

It was Jan. 2, 2015, and Schwartzkopf was meeting with a guy named Bryan Patrick Miller. The detective had learned that Miller was something of a local celebrity. He liked to attend popular zombie walks and other festivals in Phoenix dressed as a character known as the Zombie Hunter, and fans and police officers posed with him.

Bryan Patrick Miller in costume as his alter ego, the Zombie Hunter. / Credit: Ben Garcia

When he was in character, Miller wore a homemade costume with goggles and a menacing mask and carried a fake Gatling gun. He also drove and tricked out an old Crown Victoria police car, splashed it with fake blood and put the name Zombie Hunter on the back. He also often put a ghoulish mannequin in the back seat behind bars.

The day they met for dinner, Miller had driven his distinctive car to Chili's. That certainly caught Schwartkopf's attention, but the detective still didn't believe Bryan Miller was the canal killer. One of the reasons he was a potential suspect was because a genetic genealogist had matched the name Miller to the crime scene DNA.

But Schwartzkopf remained skeptical that this 42-year-old divorced dad raising a teenage daughter alone and working at an Amazon warehouse could be the killer.

Schwartzkopf told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant that he essentially wanted to cross this Miller off his list. "I was really more about just getting his DNA," Schwartzkopf said, "clearing him and moving on because my conversation with him, he was the last person I ever thought would be responsible for this. He was mild-mannered."

Van Sant reports on the case in "Unmasking the Zombie Hunter."

The detective's doubts were reinforced as he observed the way Bryan Miller treated his teenage daughter whom he had brought along for the meal at Chili's. "He had a good rapport with his daughter."

Van Sant asked, "Was he physically imposing? He looked like a guy who could overpower people?"

Angela Brosso, left, and Melanie Bernas / Credit: Cedar Cliff H.S./Maricopa County Court

The canal killer had ambushed Brosso and Bernas while they were each out on nighttime bicycle rides. Somehow, the killer had stopped them, and then stabbed and sexually assaulted them. The killings were particularly vicious and Brosso had been beheaded.

"He's a bigger guy, but he's more soft," the detective said. "Big enough to where he could certainly overpower women, but not someone you'd be really scared of on the street."

Schwartzkopf had arranged to be seated in a quiet section of Chili's. Undercover detectives watched workers take the silverware and plates out of the dishwasher and then detectives placed them on the table to ensure they would not be contaminated, Schwartzkopf told "48 Hours."

Miller ordered a burger and a glass of water. "He swallows his hamburger, in like, five bites, Schwartzkopf said. "Won't take a drink of his water. And I'm sitting there going, 'Are you sure youdon't wantsomething else to drink? You just got water.' 'No, no, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good.'"

But then to Schwartkopf's relief, Miller finally took a sip of water: "That's when I knew that, OK, now we've at least got his DNA."

As soon as Miller walked out, undercover detectives secured the glass Miller had used. Miller then gave Schwartzkopf a quick tour of his Zombie Hunter car before he left.

Eleven days later, the detective got a visit from the head of the forensic lab. Schwartzkopf told Van Sant what happened. "She leans down to me, she goes, 'It's him.' I go 'What?' She goes, 'Bryan Miller, it's him.'  Well, the blood rushed from my head.  I kind of sat back and I went, 'You've gotta be kidding.'"

Miller was arrested immediately and denied he had killed anyone. The case took almost eight years to get to trial, but Miller was convicted of murdering Brosso and Bernas and received the death penalty in June 2023.

Under Arizona law, Miller will receive an automatic appeal.

Full interview: Jose Andres on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"

Jose Andres on what he saw on a recent trip to Gaza

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more
By Trevor Hunnicutt and David Ljunggren

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump could offer NATO-like protection of Ukraine, and Russia is open to the idea, one of his top foreign policy officials said on Sunday ahead of a meeting with Ukraine and European leaders to hammer out details of possible security guarantees for Kyiv.

"We were able to win the following concession, that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection," Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to Russia, told CNN's "State of the Union" program. "The United States could offer Article 5 protection, which was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that."

Witkoff was referring to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which regards any attack against one of its 32 members as an attack on all. He suggested that a security guarantee of that scale could be offered to Ukraine in lieu of NATO membership, which Putin has ruled out.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been gradually advancing for months in the deadliest war in Europe for 80 years,

Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who were both in the room when Trump met Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, gave a series of TV interviews ahead of a Monday meeting in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders of some European allies.

We made some progress, we believe, and now we have to follow up on that progress," Rubio told CNN's "State of the Union" about the meeting with Putin. "Ultimately, where this should lead is to a meeting between the three leaders, between Zelenskiy, Putin and President Trump, where we can finalize, but we got to get this thing closer before we get to that point."

Russian officials are opposed to Western troops in Ukraine, but have not ruled out a security guarantee for Kyiv. Speaking during a joint media appearance with Trump after their nearly three-hour long meeting, Putin said on Friday: "I agree with President Trump. He said today that Ukraines security must be ensured by all means. Of course, we are ready to work on this."

Witkoff told "Fox News Sunday" that Russia had also agreed to passing a law against taking any more of Ukraine by force.

"The Russians agreed on enshrining legislatively language that would prevent them from - or that they would attest to not attempting to take any more land from Ukraine after a peace deal, where they would attest to not violating any European borders," he said.

PEACE DEAL VS SURRENDER

Any security guarantees offered to Zelenskiy could also include a commitment from the United States, Rubio told Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures", an option that many of Trump's MAGA supporters have rejected up to now.

"It would be a very big move by the president, if he were to offer a U.S. commitment to a security guarantee," Rubio said. "It tells you how badly he wants peace, how much he values peace, that he would be willing to make a concession like that ...That's what we'll talk about tomorrow."

In a social media post, Trump wrote, "BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!" But he gave no details.

Rubio said U.S. officials discussed security details for Ukraine with the national security advisers of multiple European countries on Saturday, adding that the aim would be to build in details that could ultimately be presented to Russia as part of a peace agreement.

He told Fox News that the talks between Trump and Putin on Friday had narrowed the number of key issues, which include drawing borders and military alliances for Ukraine as well as security guarantees. "There's a lot of work that remains," Rubio added.

According to sources, Trump and Putin discussed proposals for Russia to relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine ceding a swathe of fortified land in the east and freezing the front lines elsewhere.

Rubio said Russia and Ukraine would not be able to get everything they want.

If one side gets everything they want, that's not a peace deal. It's called surrender, and I don't think this is a war that's going to end anytime soon on the basis of surrender, Rubio told CNN.

In a separate interview on ABC, Rubio said if a deal could not be reached to end the war, existing U.S. sanctions on Russia would continue, and more could be added.

When Zelenskiy visited the White House in February, the meeting ended in a shouting match. Rubio, speaking to CBS, dismissed the idea that the European leaders were coming to Washington to protect Zelenskiy.

"They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskiy from being bullied. They're coming here tomorrow because we've been working with the Europeans," he said. "We invited them to come."

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Trevor Hunnicutt; additional reporting by Raphael Satter and Sarah N. Lynch in Washington; Writing by David Morgan; Editing by Rod Nickel, Michelle Nichols and Marguerita Choy)
Investigation Discovery ; LM Otero/AP Photo Elmer Wayne Henry ; Elmer Wayne Henley during an interview at the Michael Unit prison on May 1, 2008 in Tennessee Colony, Texas.

NEED TO KNOW

From 1970 to 1973, Dean Corll murdered at least 28 boys and young men in the Houston area

He enlisted two teenage accomplices to help find his victims: David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley

Henley shot and killed Corll in August 1973, and was later given six life sentences for his role in the murders

Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. could have been one of Dean Corlls many victims. Instead, he became the serial killers teenage accomplice.

Dubbed the Candy Man by the media, Corll  a seemingly friendly man known for handing out candy to kids in Houston  was responsible for the deaths of at least 28 boys and young men in the early 1970s. Henley  a teenager himself  and neighbor David Owen Brooks helped lure victims to Corlls Pasadena, Texas, home under false promises of fun, per the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Once inside, Corll would torture, rape and kill them. Henley took part in at least six murders. All of Corll's victims were between the ages of 13 and 20.

The crimes came to light in 1973, when Henley fatally shot Corll during a confrontation. He and Brooks were later sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murders.

Henley's story is explored in the Investigation Discovery (ID) documentary The Killers Apprentice with forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland, which debuts on Aug. 17. Reflecting on their first meeting, Henley said, I believe that I was originally taken over to Deans as a victim. What scares me is, did Dean recognize a fellow psychopath?

So, where is Elmer Wayne Henley now? Heres everything to know about the convicted killer and his role in the infamous Houston mass murders.

Who is Elmer Wayne Henley?

Bettmann/Getty Elmer Wayne Henley.

Henley is a convicted murderer and former accomplice of Corll.

While growing up, Henley said his father was abusive, once firing a gun at him, he told Texas Monthly in April 1976. Henley assumed the role of a surrogate father, working odd jobs to support his mother.

Henley said he met Corll through his former classmate and neighbor, Brooks, he told Texas Monthly. Twice Henleys age, Corll impressed the teenager because he had a steady job ... wasnt a wild drunk, got along with kids and people in general. Henleys mother told police that Corll was like a father" to Henley, according to the publication.

Deans front was wholesome and masculine, Henley said. He was a loner in his own right. He could be around people, but still you never knew what Dean Corll was doing. No matter how much you talked to him, you didnt know him.

At first, Corll involved Henley and Brooks in petty thefts, per Texas Monthly. But soon, he asked them to procure boys he claimed to be selling to a nonexistent slave market in Dallas. Henley and Brooks were paid $200 for each victim.

What was Elmer Wayne Henley accused of?

Bettman Archive Elmer Wayne Henley

In addition to luring many of Corlls victims to his home between 1970 and 1973, Henley murdered at least six boys throughout Corlls killing spree. He later told Texas Monthly that he was curious about killing before he began getting involved in Corll's crimes.

I mean, you see people getting strangled on television and it looks easy, he said. Its not. Sometimes it takes two people half an hour.

To keep his teenage accomplices from talking, Ramsland told PEOPLE in August 2025 that Corll used an idea of a larger sex trafficking network that would go after them and their families if they did anything out of line.

How many victims were killed in the Houston mass murders?

Bettmann/Getty Police search the beach in High Island, TX.

The three men were responsible for the deaths of 28 people between 1970 and 1973, some of whom were Henleys friends. Only one of Corlls victims hasnt been identified, and the true death toll will likely never be known, according to the NCMEC.

What happened to Dean Corll?

Military Photo Dean Corll

On Aug. 8, 1973, police responded to a 911 call at Corlls home and found him dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Henley, then 17, told officers he had shot the serial killer six times in self-defense after Corll tried to kill him and two friends, including a 15-year-old girl, per ID. He went on to reveal Corlls crimes and led investigators to several sites where victims bodies were buried, according to the NCMEC.

At the time of the murders, Corll was working as an electrician. He was 33 when he died, per The New York Times.

What happened to David Owen Brooks?

Blair Pittman/AP Photo/Houston Chronicle David Owen Brooks in handcuffs on August 11, 1973.

Brooks turned himself in to the police the day after Henley was arrested, per ABC13.

Though he consistently denied participating in the murders, he was convicted of killing a 15-year-old boy in March 1975, per The New York Times. Brooks was sentenced to life in prison and died of COVID-19 complications in May 2020, according to ABC13.

Where is Elmer Wayne Henley now?

LM Otero/AP Photo Elmer Wayne Henley during an interview at the Michael Unit prison on May 1, 2008 in Tennessee Colony, Texas.

After pleading not guilty, Henley was convicted in 1974 of murdering six boys, per The New York Times, and was given six consecutive life sentences in prison. His multiple parole requests have been denied, with his most recent being in 2015. Hell be eligible for parole again in October 2025, per ABC13.

Ramsland told PEOPLE that Henley has resigned himself to the possibility that he will die in prison, saying, He goes back and forth with recognizing the things that he did and that he has a just punishment."

During his incarceration, Henley took up painting and even had his work featured in local galleries in 1997 and 1998, according to the Houston Chronicle. FOX 26 reported in January 2016 that the convicted murderer had a Facebook page that he used, through a third-party, to sell his artwork and handmade jewelry.



Read the original article on People
News / National

by Staff reporter

Residents in several parts of Harare, including Kuwadzana, have been left without clean water for over two weeks, highlighting the growing severity of the city's water crisis.The failure of the City Council of Harare to provide essential water services has forced residents to queue at boreholes, raising concerns over public health and sanitation. Experts warn that reliance on contaminated water sources increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, particularly in communities with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.Reports have emerged linking the water crisis to corruption and mismanagement within the City Council. Funds intended for water and sanitation projects appear to have been misappropriated, while poor governance has hindered effective planning and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including pipelines and sewage systems."Residents are paying the price for systemic failures," said Clever Marisa, a social scientist and public health practitioner. "The scarcity of water poses significant health risks, and contaminated sources can quickly lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases."Public health experts emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive government intervention strategy. Such a plan should include policy reforms, strengthened anti-corruption measures, and prioritization of investments in water and sanitation infrastructure to restore the council's ability to deliver essential services.Marisa added that a thorough investigation into alleged corruption and mismanagement is essential to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure transparency in future water projects."The time for action is now," he said. "Decisive steps are needed to mitigate health risks and secure a healthier future for Harare residents."The water crisis serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic failure, highlighting the urgent need for accountability, proper governance, and responsive leadership. Residents of Harare, who rely on consistent access to clean water, are calling on authorities to fulfill their obligations and prevent a looming public health disaster.
by Shafique Khokhar

A few days before the big event in Tor Vergata, the Archdiocese's Justice and Peace Commission held its Youth Day. Kashif Anthony: I want to see their conditions improve and help them work to contribute to the betterment of society and our country.

Karachi (AsiaNews) - We would like to do much more for the young people of our country. They are full of enthusiasm and have great potential, but they need someone to guide them and show them the right direction.

Kashif Anthony, coordinator of the local Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, comments on the commitment to young people in the Archdiocese of Karachi, which held its Youth Day a few days before the large gathering in Tor Vergata with Pope Francis.

Anthony recalled that while studying at the Angelicum University in Rome, one of his professors asked him what his future plans were after graduating in interreligious studies, and he immediately replied that he would return to his country to work with young people, marginalised people who suffer discrimination and injustice, because he wanted to actively commit himself to diversity, pluralism and coexistence in his country, Pakistan.

He also said that for him this calling comes from God, which he found in the Bible: I have seen the misery of my people, I have heard their cries (Ex 3:7), said Kashif Anthony. I want to see their condition improve and help them work to contribute to the betterment of society and our country, added Kashif.

One of the initiatives carried out in this regard was the work to facilitate the recruitment of young Christians into the Karachi police force under the quota reserved for minorities. This effort aimed to address the under-representation of minorities in government jobs and provide opportunities for young people.

In April 2024, 240 men and 30 women from Karachi's Christian community applied for police officer positions within the Sindh police force.

Back in 2018, Kashif Anthony had played an important role in organising a minority youth summit in Karachi, bringing together over 400 young people from different religious backgrounds, including Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Baha'i and Muslim communities.

The summit focused on interfaith peace and promoted the idea of young people as agents of change in eliminating intolerance and building harmony between different religions and cultures.

At the Youth Day held in Karachi on 12 August, Shahzad Arshad, director of the office of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, encouraged young people to commit themselves to positive change in society.

He also focused on raising awareness of their rights, education, dialogue and policy promotion, involving young leaders in the Commission's broader mission of promoting human rights, religious tolerance and conscious citizenship.

Mahesh Kumar Hasija, member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly and member of the Provincial Task Force of the Minority Caucus for UN Development Goals, in his speech highlighted the problems created in Pakistan by a biased school curriculum that has a negative impact on our young people, also damaging them psychologically.

The subject Ethics provided in the school curriculum for those belonging to minorities should be taught to all students: why should only students belonging to minorities learn ethics?

He also pointed out that the Hindu community has already prepared its own religious studies programme, which will soon become part of the school curriculum in all schools in Sindh province. In addition, he also called for work on a religious studies programme for Christian students.

Mr Kumar expressed appreciation for the work of the Justice and Peace Commission and thanked it for its role in supporting marginalised youth and minorities who suffer injustice and discrimination.

Herschele Christopher, journalist, human rights activist and Pakistan's youngest digital marketing specialist, commented that the event was excellent and expressed his sincere appreciation to Fr Shahzad Arshad and Mr Kashif Anthony for organising such a meaningful programme for young people.

It was a valuable platform for learning, motivation and unity. He also said that, in addition to guiding young people, he believes it is equally important to provide help to parents. Many young people today want to explore the world and develop skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, marketing or development.

Unfortunately, some parents form opinions without adequate research and may discourage these paths, he added.

These are challenges that affect a country like Pakistan, where wounds remain deep: just recently, Lahore marked the second anniversary of the attacks on the Christian neighbourhood of Jaranwala, violence fuelled on 16 August 2023 by false accusations of blasphemy, which left death and destruction in their wake but for which no justice has been done.

"Once again, we call on the government of Pakistan to ensure that all perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice and that the survivors of Jaranwala receive the full rehabilitation, financial compensation and long-term support that they have been promised. Impunity for violence against religious minorities in Pakistan must end, said Michelle Chaudhry, president of the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation.

Justice has not been done and the perpetrators remain unpunished, Dominican Father Lazar Aslam told AsiaNews.

The future of our young Christians is increasingly uncertain. Many no longer wish to live in Pakistan, as they feel excluded from the nation to which they rightfully belong. This represents a serious failure on the part of the state to guarantee equality, dignity and security for all citizens. We call on the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and concrete measures to ensure justice, accountability and protection for minorities."
17 August 2025 15:58 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The recent wave of lobbying by Armenian diaspora groups in the United States represents a concerted attempt to undermine Washingtons decision to waive Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act in favor of Azerbaijan. Section 907, enacted in 1992, restricts direct U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, and its waiver by former President Trump was part of a broader effort to stabilise the South Caucasus, encourage post-conflict reconstruction, and promote reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Despite these intentions, Armenian revanchist groups continue to frame Azerbaijan as the "aggressor in the Nagorno-Karabakh" conflict, perpetuating narratives of ethnic cleansing and human rights violations.

The Armenian diaspora, particularly organizations such as the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Hay Dat Committee, has mobilized its well-established networks in Washington to apply political pressure against Azerbaijan. The U.S. State Departments 2024 Human Rights Report on Azerbaijan has been seized upon by these groups to argue that the Trump administrations waiver of Section 907 rewards human rights violations and emboldens "Azerbaijani aggression". The diasporas reports highlight allegations of arbitrary killings, torture, unlawful imprisonment, and the destruction of cultural heritage in Garabagh. References to the UN Committee against Tortures 2024 findings, Freedom House reports, and media investigations such as those by Bellingcat are repeatedly cited to construct a narrative of Azerbaijan as systematically committing "ethnic cleansing" and "erasing" the "Armenian presence" in Garabagh.

However, this narrative omits critical context and undermines efforts to achieve a sustainable peace between Baku and Yerevan. Before the 2020 war and the subsequent territorial reintegration, Azerbaijan repeatedly extended offers for ethnic Armenians who had lived in Garabagh to retain residency and accept Azerbaijani citizenship. These proposals were rejected, and instead, Armenian forces claimed these territories in contravention of international law, leading to the long-standing conflict that only recently saw a framework for reconciliation emerge. By refusing these offers, Armenian actors effectively chose to maintain a separatist enclave rather than integrate peacefully into Azerbaijans legal and civic system.

Despite this history, diaspora groups continue to push an agenda that frames Azerbaijan as the sole perpetrator and portrays Armenian communities as victims without acknowledging their prior legal and political choices. The recent memorandum presented by Hay Dat to the U.S. Congress reiterates the claim that ongoing detention, destruction of cultural sites, and displacement continue, urging the imposition of sanctions, invocation of Section 907, and application of the Global Magnitsky Act against Azerbaijani officials. These lobbying efforts often overlook the broader peace context, including the U.S.-brokered agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which are designed to normalise relations, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and promote economic and cultural cooperation.

Here is an impirtant nuance to pay attention: From the 1990s up until the Second Karabakh War in 2020, the Armenians living in Karabakhand later artificially settled from Lebanon, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countriesare not officially acknowledged by Armenia today. In contrast, during the Soviet period, Azerbaijan maintained detailed records of the Armenian population living alongside Azerbaijanis in Karabakh, including statistics on how many Armenians lived in each village. Estimates indicate that by 2020, fewer than 20,000 Armenians actually remained in the liberated Garabagh. The escalation of tensions led many former Armenian residents to voluntarily migrate to Russia and other countries. During the Second Garabagh War itself, it was even noted that Armenians from Syria were present. From combat tactics to technical preparation, it is undeniable that Armenians, some of whom had previously fought alongside ISIS factions, were brought to Garabagh.

Revanchist narratives in US challenge peace progress in South Caucasus

hus, the diasporas approach is both political and strategic. By mobilizing public opinion through platforms such as anca.org/realpeace, Armenian advocacy groups aim to pressure U.S. lawmakers to obstruct military and economic assistance to Azerbaijan. They emphasize human rights claims, including the detention of Armenian prisoners of war and destruction of cultural heritage, portraying these as evidence of systemic Azerbaijani aggression. While human rights and accountability are legitimate concerns under international law, the framing often ignores Azerbaijans documented efforts to reintegrate territories, rehabilitate infrastructure, and offer returns to displaced populations.

This advocacy also risks destabilizing the recent thaw in Baku-Yerevan relations. By promoting unilateral punitive measures against Azerbaijan, diaspora groups challenge the incremental progress of normalization, which has included agreements on transportation corridors, border demarcation discussions, and cooperative economic projects. The narrative of ongoing ethnic cleansing disregards the legal and historical context of the conflict and conflates wartime incidents with broader policy choices. It also undermines international law principles that emphasise state sovereignty and negotiated settlement over diaspora-driven unilateral accusations.

The U.S. State Departments report, while documenting allegations, does not legally compel the re-invocation of Section 907. Trumps decision to waive the provision aligns with broader U.S. strategic interests in stabilising the South Caucasus and facilitating peace. The Armenian diasporas efforts, however, seek to reverse this policy through lobbying, media campaigns, and congressional pressure, emphasizing punitive measures over dialogue. By doing so, these groups risk re-entrenching hostility and creating conditions for renewed confrontation rather than reconciliation.

It is also significant that Armenian revanchist groups frame their argument as a continuation of historical grievances. They invoke international human rights norms selectively while ignoring Azerbaijans repeated offers for peaceful integration and citizenship. This selective narrative has been a hallmark of diaspora lobbying, which often prioritizes political influence in Washington over constructive engagement with the realities on the ground in Azerbaijan. In doing so, these campaigns perpetuate a cycle of mistrust and tension, complicating the very processes designed to bring lasting peace.

Finally, the Armenian diaspora and its lobbying apparatus in the United States are actively attempting to provoke political action against Azerbaijan by leveraging allegations of human rights violations and ethnic cleansing. Their narrative, however, omits the context of prior Azerbaijani offers of citizenship and reintegration, which were rejected. These efforts run counter to the ongoing U.S.-facilitated peace process and the broader goal of regional stability. While accountability for human rights is crucial, a balanced approach that recognises both historical and contemporary realities is essential. Continued lobbying in the U.S. risks undermining incremental reconciliation efforts, reinforcing revanchist claims, and threatening the fragile normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations.
17 August 2025 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

The National Library of Azerbaijan has launched a special exhibition to mark the 50th birthday of renowned poet, writer, and screenwriter Ilgar Fahmi.

The exhibition, titled Writer-Poet Ilgar Fahmi, brings together a wide collection of his creative works, ranging from short stories, novellas, novels, and poetry to screenplays, teleplays, and essays. Visitors can also explore his translations, editorial contributions, and books where he acted as a consultant or provided prefaces.

In addition, the display includes studies on Fahmis literary career, as well as articles published about him in the press, offering a comprehensive look at his multifaceted contribution to Azerbaijani literature and cinema.
17 August 2025 10:26 (UTC+04:00)

Under the slogan United, Sovereign, Prosperous, Progressive Indonesia, the Embassy of Indonesia in Azerbaijan organized an event on August 17 to mark the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the countrys independence.

Azernews reports, citing Azertag, that the ceremony was held at the embassys premises under the leadership of Charge dAffaires ad interim of Indonesia in Azerbaijan, Ms. Merita Yenni, with the participation of Indonesian citizens and friends of Indonesia in Azerbaijan.

The event began with a Flag Raising Ceremony, where Indonesian students currently studying in Azerbaijan raised the national flag, accompanied by the national anthem Indonesia Raya.

The ceremony continued with a minute of silence in memory of the heroes who fought and sacrificed for Indonesias independence.

Afterwards, the text of the Declaration, Pancasila, and the preamble of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia were read. The official part of the event concluded with a prayer and the cutting of a celebratory cake.

As part of the 80th independence anniversary celebrations, the embassy had also organized a fun games day on August 2, attended by many Indonesians and friends of Indonesia in Azerbaijan. Following the flag-raising ceremony, the winners of these games were officially announced and awarded in two categories  adults and children.

Guests were also offered a variety of dishes from Indonesian cuisine and traditional snacks.
17 August 2025 11:44 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has addressed a congratulatory letter to Prabowo Subianto, the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

According to Azernews, the letter reads:

Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of the National Holiday of the Republic of Indonesia  Independence Day, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, the friendly people of your country on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, and extend my most sincere wishes.

The dynamics of the development of Azerbaijan-Indonesia relations in recent times, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks, is gratifying. I would like to particularly note the effective cooperation between our countries within the Non-Aligned Movement, the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, D-8, and other international institutions.

We attach great importance to the comprehensive development of relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia, which are built on solid foundations of mutual respect and trust. At present, favorable conditions and opportunities have been created to expand our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, cultural, tourism, and other areas. I believe that by making the most of the existing opportunities, we can achieve further broadening of our bilateral agenda.

I am confident that we will continue to successfully pursue our joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between our countries, fully utilize the potential of our cooperation, and deepen our effective collaboration within international structures.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Indonesia.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 17 August 2025
17 August 2025 18:35 (UTC+04:00)

In line with the 2025 training plan approved by Minister of Defence Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, oath-taking ceremonies for new soldiers were held in the Azerbaijan Army on August 17.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the ceremonies began after military orchestras solemnly escorted the battle flags onto the parade grounds.

First, the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland was honoured with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was then performed.

Newly enlisted soldiers, taking the military oath in a solemn atmosphere, pledged loyalty to the Motherland.

Representatives of the Ministry of Defence and unit commanders congratulated the young soldiers on this significant day, calling on them to remain faithful to the Motherland, the State, and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief; to serve with honour; to master the use of weapons and equipment; to continuously improve their combat readiness; to execute the orders of their commanders precisely and on time; and to always be prepared to defend the nations territorial integrity.

Parents of the soldiers expressed pride in their children serving with honour and conveyed their gratitude to the head of state and the Ministry of Defence leadership for the conditions created.

The oath-taking ceremonies concluded with a ceremonial march-past by the servicemen in front of the stands.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has praised the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church for their pivotal role in strengthening Zimbabwe's tertiary education sector.Speaking yesterday at the official opening of the 2025 academic year at Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, VP Chiwenga lauded the institution's mission to produce not only knowledgeable graduates but also ethically grounded citizens. He highlighted the university's philosophy, enshrined in its charter and statutes, which promotes the holistic development of mind, body, and spirit while encouraging students to pursue programmes that cultivate both intellect and compassion."You are all aware that Arrupe Jesuit University was established as a private university on June 1, 2020," VP Chiwenga said. "I wish to commend the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church in Zimbabwe for their invaluable role in advancing high-quality tertiary education in our country. Your commitment to nurturing critical thinkers and well-rounded citizens, equipped not only with academic knowledge but also grounded in strong moral values, is highly commendable."He further applauded the university's contribution to national development by producing graduates who are socially responsible and ethically sound. VP Chiwenga urged students to embrace the values of the Jesuit tradition, which centre on justice, knowledge, and service."Remember that your time here is not solely for acquiring academic credentials, but also for shaping yourselves into individuals who will meaningfully contribute to society and the broader development of our nation," he said.Highlighting the university's alignment with the Government's Education 5.0 philosophy, VP Chiwenga called on students to actively engage in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to drive industrialisation and economic growth."This paradigm shift seeks to revolutionise our education system, enabling our youth to become active drivers of industrialisation, modernisation, and economic growth. I therefore call upon all students to embrace this vision wholeheartedly. Strive for excellence, pursue innovation, and remain steadfast in your commitment to personal and national development. You are the future leaders of Zimbabwe, and it is through your dedication that our country will achieve sustainable progress and prosperity," he said.
17 August 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

An internal investigation conducted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has found no evidence of ethical or financial misconduct by its founder, Klaus Schwab, following anonymous allegations earlier this year, Azernews reports, citing international media.

According to information, the probecarried out by an independent law firm on behalf of the Forumconcluded that the 87-year-old Schwab did not violate any major rules or regulations. In a formal statement, the WEF said that while there were minor inconsistencies between Schwabs personal activities and the organizations operations, these were not intentional and instead reflected his deep commitment to the Forum.

The investigation was launched after a Wall Street Journal report published in the spring cited anonymous sources alleging financial and ethical improprieties involving Schwab and his wife. In response, Schwab temporarily stepped back from his leadership duties, strongly denied the claims, and initiated legal action over what he described as defamatory accusations.

A spokesperson for Schwab said he accepts the findings of the investigation and remains open to future cooperation, although he will no longer hold an official position within the organization.

Leadership changes at the Forum have followed. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, former chairman of Nestle, was appointed chair of the WEFs Board of Trustees but resigned shortly thereafter. His duties are now being handled on an interim basis by Andre Hoffmann, heir to pharmaceutical giant Roche, and Larry Fink, CEO of investment firm BlackRock.

The Forums new leadership has pledged to take the necessary steps to ensure the WEF remains a resilient and effective platform for public-private collaboration.

Founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971, the World Economic Forum hosts its flagship annual summit in Davos, Switzerland, bringing together global leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society. It is widely regarded as one of the worlds most influential platforms for international dialogue and cooperation.
17 August 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

In a move to bolster bilateral relations, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a high-level meeting with Indias External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on Saturday.

Azernews reports, the two diplomats engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key strategic sectors. According to a statement from South Koreas foreign ministry, the dialogue focused on economic security, supply chain resilience, cutting-edge technologies, and defense collaboration.

Following the meeting, Minister Jaishankar described the talks as productive, highlighting the broad scope of issues addressed  from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to clean energy and defense innovation.

We explored new areas of synergy and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing a future-oriented partnership, Jaishankar said on social media platform X.

The visit reflects growing momentum in IndiaSouth Korea relations, with both countries seeking to diversify economic partnerships and enhance strategic autonomy amid shifting global dynamics.
17 August 2025 10:58 (UTC+04:00)

Kallas shared her conclusions on the social media platform X following the meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States in Alaska.

According to Azernews, the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, has stated that Russia has no intention of ending the war in the near future.

President Trumps determination to achieve a peace agreement is extremely important. The EU and our European partners worked on coordination with the U.S. President ahead of the Alaska meeting. However, the harsh reality is that Russia has no intention of ending this war anytime soon, she wrote.

According to her, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to drag out the negotiations in the hope of escaping accountability: He left Anchorage without taking any commitments to stop the killings.

Kallas also stressed that the United States has the power to compel Russia into serious negotiations, adding that the EU will continue to cooperate with Ukraine and the U.S. to ensure that Russias actions do not succeed and that any peace achieved will be sustainable.
17 August 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00)

The U.S. military is deploying over 4,000 Marines and sailors to waters near Latin America and the Caribbean in a significant demonstration of force targeting drug cartels, CNN reported Friday, citing U.S. defense officials.

The deployment features the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), alongside destroyers, a guided-missile cruiser, surveillance aircraft, and a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

Officials emphasized that while the buildup provides President Donald Trump with a wide array of military options against cartels classified as narco-terrorist organizations, its main purpose is to act as a deterrent rather than a precursor to immediate action.

These reinforcements are part of a broader realignment of military resources to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), ongoing for the past three weeks.

On Friday, the Navy confirmed the deployment of the USS Iwo Jima, the 22nd MEU, and two additional ARG shipsthe USS Fort Lauderdale and USS San Antoniowithout disclosing their precise destinations.

The ARG/MEU combination, which includes an aviation combat unit, expands the U.S. military presence in the region.

However, some defense officials have raised concerns, noting that Marines are not specifically trained for anti-drug operations and would have to rely heavily on the U.S. Coast Guard if tasked with such missions.
17 August 2025 12:38 (UTC+04:00)

The US government has halted the issuance of visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza after a far-right commentator raised objections to wounded civilians being flown to America for medical treatment.

Effective immediately, all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are suspended pending a full review of the procedures used to grant a limited number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the State Department announced on X.

The move triggered outrage from Palestinian aid organisations. The Palestine Childrens Relief Fund warned that the decision could have devastating and irreversible consequences for children who rely on medical evacuations to access life-saving treatment abroad.

These evacuations are a lifeline for Gazas children, many of whom face death or unbearable suffering due to the collapse of local health infrastructure, the group said.

The policy reversal followed pressure from Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and ally of President Donald Trump, who denounced the visa programme and demanded it be shut down. Without presenting evidence, she alleged that evacuated patients were linked to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Loomer specifically targeted HEAL Palestine, a US-based charity that recently coordinated what it described as the largest single medical evacuation of injured Gazan children  bringing 11 critically wounded children and their families to the United States.

She also claimed to have spoken with staff for Republican Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate intelligence committee, about how the visas were issued. After the suspension was announced, Loomer publicly took credit, thanking Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Congressman Randy Fine praised her for her role in the decision  underscoring the influence of fringe activists on US policy.
17 August 2025 15:21 (UTC+04:00)

A European leader is set to join Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky for talks with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, with reports indicating that Finnish president Alexander Stubb will take part.

Stubb, who has developed close ties with the U.S. president, is expected to act as a mediator to prevent tensions between Trump and Zelensky, while also ensuring that Europes voice is represented in the discussions.

The meeting follows Russian President Vladimir Putins latest demand that Ukraine surrender the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces of the Donbas as a condition for halting hostilities elsewhere along the frontline.

According to sources cited by The Independent, Putin presented the offer directly to Trump during their three-hour summit in Alaska on Friday. While no agreement was reached, insiders said Trump appeared to endorse the idea as a possible path to ending the war.

Separately, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is due to hold talks with Western partners on Sunday in a Coalition of the Willing meeting aimed at strengthening allied coordination.
17 August 2025 16:24 (UTC+04:00)

Flooding triggered by days of heavy monsoon rains in northern Pakistan has killed at least 351 people, with the toll continuing to rise.

Local media reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was the hardest hit, with 328 fatalities, while 12 people died in Gilgit-Baltistan and another 11 in Azad Kashmir.

Authorities have warned that severe rains are forecast to persist until August 21, raising fears of further casualties and destruction.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that urgent relief  including medicine, food supplies, and other essentials  be rushed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to support affected communities.
17 August 2025 20:46 (UTC+04:00)

Police in Israel have arrested at least 38 people protesting for the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas and demanding a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

Striking protesters blocked traffic and closed businesses, weeks after militant groups released videos of hostages and the Israeli government announced plans for a new offensive in Gaza, according to itv.

The so-called day of stoppage was organized by two groups representing some of the families of hostages and bereaved families.

Demonstrations were staged outside politicians' homes, military headquarters and on major roads.

Gathering throughout the country, protesters chanted: We dont win a war over the bodies of hostages.

Military pressure doesnt bring hostages back - it only kills them, former hostage Arbel Yehoud said at a demonstration in Tel Aviv's hostage square.

The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his plan to take over Gaza City on August 8, as well as confirming he "intends to" take over the whole Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military has repeatedly bombarded Gaza City and launched major ground operations there, destroying several neighbourhoods.

Most of Gaza's population of two million is sheltering in Gaza City after returning to the city during a ceasefire at the start of this year.

Israels air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and displaced most of the population.
17 August 2025 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

European leaders have confirmed they will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

Those expected in Washington include UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

The meeting follows Trumps summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where no agreement was reached on ending the war in Ukraine.

Afterwards, Trump announced a shift in strategy, saying he preferred to pursue a permanent peace settlement rather than push for a ceasefire. He argued on social media that ceasefires often do not hold and that moving directly to a peace agreement would be more effective.

European capitals have responded cautiously, refraining from openly criticising the change despite their long-standing advocacy for a ceasefire.

Reports suggest Putin offered Trump a deal under which Ukraine would withdraw from Donetsk in the Donbas, in exchange for Russia freezing its positions in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

Russia currently occupies most of Luhansk and around 70% of Donetsk, while also claiming Crimea as its own after annexing it in 2014, eight years before the full-scale invasion.

According to CBS, citing diplomatic sources, European officials are concerned Trump could pressure Zelensky into considering these terms during Mondays White House talks.

Zelensky, however, has consistently ruled out ceding the Donbas, warning that any territorial concessions could enable Russia to regroup and launch further offensives.
17 August 2025 19:33 (UTC+04:00)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that she will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels today before travelling with him and other European leaders to the United States.

Writing on the social media platform X, and cited by Ukrinform, von der Leyen said: This afternoon, I will welcome President Zelensky in Brussels.

She also noted that she would join Zelensky in a videoconference of the Coalition of the Willing later today.

At the request of President Zelensky, I will participate in tomorrows meeting at the White House with President Trump and other European leaders, she added.
Opinion / Columnist

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Every moment we encounter in life presents us with an opportunity to learn and grow.Today, 17 August 2025, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe hands over the one-year Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairmanship to Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina.He is currently in Madagascar attending the 45th SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.On the surface, this is simply a ceremonial moment, a mere routine of rotation, where the Chairmanship passes from one member state to another.But for me, and perhaps for many Zimbabweans, this handover offers a powerful lesson that I sincerely hope Mnangagwa himself takes to heart.Of course, I am well aware of the differences between the SADC Chairmanship and the presidency of a country.The Chairmanship is not contested through elections.It is not a personal achievement that reflects the democratic will of the people.It is a rotational position, more symbolic than executive, without any real powers over member states.Yet, the very act of handing over authority when one's term ends - regardless of how modest the role may be - embodies something beautiful about leadership.It reflects the principle that no one should hold on to a position indefinitely, that rules exist for a reason, and that dignity comes not from clinging to power, but from knowing when to let go.It is regrettable that back in 2023, when Mnangagwa assumed the Chairmanship, Zimbabweans were bombarded with propaganda from the ruling ZANU-PF party and state-controlled media portraying this as if SADC leaders had somehow elected him to be their regional president.The impression deliberately painted was that Mnangagwa's so-called "developmental successes" had charmed southern Africa into choosing him to lead them, when in fact this was simply a rotational duty.It was not Zimbabweans who were elevated above others, nor Mnangagwa personally, but rather Zimbabwe as a member state temporarily entrusted with chairing meetings.In fact, if elections in Zimbabwe had resulted in a change of president, the new leader - even from the opposition - would have automatically assumed the role.This alone should have humbled those who sought to inflate the significance of the position, and reminded them that leadership belongs not to individuals but to institutions and nations.Equally, the Chairmanship has no executive authority.Mnangagwa had no power over his peers in the region.He could not dictate or command.He merely presided over meetings, represented Zimbabwe, and facilitated dialogue.The myths peddled in Zimbabwe that he was somehow "leading" the region were not just false but also embarrassing.They exposed the desperate need by the regime to manufacture legitimacy out of thin air.But setting aside the propaganda, there is something much deeper that we can reflect on.As Mnangagwa attends this 45th SADC Summit and formally hands over the Chairmanship to President Rajoelina, does he pause to appreciate the symbolic significance of this act?Does he feel a sense of relief that his turn is over and that he has fulfilled his role, whether with distinction or mediocrity?Does he not feel the quiet dignity that comes with stepping aside gracefully, making way for another leader to take their turn?Can he not see the peace of mind that comes from obeying the rules, respecting limits, and trusting that leadership is bigger than one man?It is a beautiful thing when leaders accept that their time has come and gone, and they move on without clinging desperately to office.Imagine the shame that would have befallen Zimbabwe had Mnangagwa and his allies insisted on amending SADC's rules to allow him to remain Chair beyond one year.Picture the humiliation if Zimbabwe had pushed for Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030, as some have suggested regarding his presidency.The region and the world would have laughed at us, for what sort of insecurity would drive a man to such selfishness?This is why I believe today's handover is a lesson waiting to be embraced.If Mnangagwa can respect the rules of SADC and pass the baton without protest, why can he not do the same for Zimbabwe when his constitutionally mandated two five-year terms come to an end in 2028?Why should the Constitution, approved in 2013 by over 94% of Zimbabweans, be mutilated to serve the narrow interests of one individual and his loyalists?Leadership is not about permanence.It is about service, and service has its seasons.I understand that part of the reluctance to step down in Zimbabwe stems from history.Since independence in 1980, we have never experienced a smooth, democratic transfer of power.Robert Mugabe clung to office for 37 years until he was forced out by a military coup.Mnangagwa himself inherited the presidency through this violent rupture, not through a peaceful election.Is it not humiliating that in an "independent Zimbabwe" the only times we have witnessed power moving from one leader to another peacefully and smoothly were under the colonial regime?This lack of precedent has entrenched a mentality of "life presidencies" that some are now trying to normalize as culture.But culture cannot be an excuse for undermining democracy.Culture cannot be imposed by a political elite to cover up their fear of accountability.The beauty of leadership transitions lies not only in strengthening democracy but also in liberating the leader himself.There is relief in handing over power.There is freedom in knowing you are no longer burdened by the daily weight of governing.There is dignity in walking away with your head held high, remembered for respecting the Constitution rather than destroying it.Leaders who allow transitions also enjoy the opportunity to pursue other meaningful engagements, from elder statesmanship to philanthropy, without the constant stress of clinging to office.They earn respect both at home and abroad, and their legacy is preserved rather than tarnished by the shame of overstay.Of course, one cannot ignore the darker reason why many African leaders refuse to let go.Too often, those in power have blood on their hands or skeletons in their closets.They have committed acts of corruption, looted public resources, or perpetrated atrocities against their own people.They fear that leaving office will expose them to prosecution, revenge, or disgrace.That is why they hold on, even when their bodies are frail and their minds exhausted.They would rather die in office than face justice.If this is the case in Zimbabwe, then today's lesson should be even clearer.Do not govern in such a way that leaving office becomes terrifying.Do not loot, do not kill, do not destroy.Lead with integrity, so that when your time comes to pass on the mantle, you do so without fear.The SADC Chairmanship is temporary, just as the presidency is temporary.And just as Mnangagwa has managed to hand over the one without resistance, he should prepare himself - and indeed his comrades in ZANU-PF - to do the same with the other.The tragedy of Africa has always been leaders who believe they are indispensable.Yet history tells us otherwise.No man is greater than the people.No one is bigger than the Constitution.The sooner Mnangagwa and his loyalists realize this, the better for Zimbabwe.Today, as he surrenders the Chairmanship to Madagascar, I can only hope he sees beyond the ceremony.I hope he catches a glimpse of the beauty of democratic transfer of authority - and carries that lesson back home to apply it where it truly matters.
17 August 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

Talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have created enough momentum to warrant follow-up discussions with Ukraine and European leaders, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with CBS on Sunday.

Rubio noted that both Russia and Ukraine would need to make concessions to end the conflict, while cautioning that Washington may not be able to deliver a guarantee of lasting peace.

European leaders are set to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday, aiming to strengthen his position as Trump pushes for a swift peace agreement following his meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday.

"I'm not saying we're on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement, enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelensky and the Europeans," Rubio told CBSs Face the Nation.

His remarks mark one of the first public assessments from a senior U.S. official directly involved in the Putin talks.

Trump offered few specifics in a social media post, simply declaring: BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!

Speaking separately on Fox News, Rubio said negotiations had begun to narrow around core issues, including defining borders, securing long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, and clarifying which military alliances Ukraine might be permitted to join.

Putin has repeatedly ruled out Ukrainian membership in NATO, whose Article 5 collective defence clause obliges allies to defend one another in case of attack.

However, Trumps special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, told CNN that the U.S. had extracted a concession that Washington  along with European partners  could provide Article 5-style security guarantees to Ukraine outside the NATO framework.

This is one of the subjects up for discussion on Monday, Witkoff said.
17 August 2025 23:42 (UTC+04:00)

Lady Wray, also known as Nicole Wray, has unveiled her latest single, Hard Times, ahead of the release of her upcoming album.

The track blends contemporary R&B with classic soul, accented by flashes of disco, creating a feel-good anthem about perseverance and holding on to joy. Hard Times embodies the central theme of Nicoles forthcoming album, Cover Girl, which is set for release on September 26th via Big Crown Records.

Lady Wray will also embark on a North American tour beginning September 18th in Kingston, NY. The tour will include stops in New York City, Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles, before concluding in Austin, Texas on November 22nd.
18 August 2025 01:36 (UTC+04:00)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has departed for the United States to meet with his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

Azernews reports that this was reported by Verkhovna Rada deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak on his Telegram channel.

He noted that on August 18, Zelensky will first hold one-on-one talks with Trump, after which representatives from the EU and NATO will join them. They are expected to participate in a joint working lunch and discuss a comprehensive resolution of the conflict.
18 August 2025 01:42 (UTC+04:00)

A light-engine plane crashed in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan, killing the pilot and passenger. This was announced on August 17 by the Accident Investigation Department of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic.

"An accident occurred in the Akmola region with an Aerostar R40F UP-LA229 light-engine aircraft while flying a general aviation flight," the Zakon.kz portal reports the text of the agency's statement.

It is noted that, according to the rules for the investigation of aviation accidents, a commission has been established.

"Two people were killed  the pilot and the passenger. The causes of the crash are being established," the press service of the Police Department of Transport of Kazakhstan told the publication.

Earlier, on August 16, it was reported that six people died as a result of an airplane crash after a collision with a tree in the Republic of the Congo. Only one person managed to survive. It is specified that the aircraft belonged to a local pastor.
NI mum and daughter among fans at Dublin gig: I was pregnant the last time I saw Oasis  19 years on were here together

Gallagher brothers comeback tour brought every type of fan to Dublin over the weekend

Mollai Hughes from Armagh pictured with her Mum Bernadette, before the Oasis second concert in Croke Park.The last time Bernadette saw Oasis in concert she was pregnant with Mollai. Picture Credit:Frank McGrath

Sarah O'Mahony Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 22:30

The Gallagher brothers returned to Dublin on Sunday in style, performing their second sold-out performance. From young to old, it was bucket hats galore on as fans readied for another night of Mancunian showmanship.
Overcoming Adversity award: Belfast actor refuses to let MND stop him living a full life

Michael Patrick appeared in sold-out play after diagnosis and has short film on the way

Michael Patrick with, from left, Ian McElhinney, Rosa O'Farrell from Coca-Cola HBC and Michael Smiley (Photo by Kevin Scott)

David O'Dornan Sun 17 Aug 2025 at 11:00







If ever there was a deserved winner of the Overcoming Adversity award at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, it is Michael Patrick.
The square has been at the centre of recent anti-immigrant protests

Those responsible for graffiti on the wall at an east Belfast square targeting asylum seekers should be ashamed, an Alliance Party MLA has said.

The message scrawled onto a wall alongside crudely painted crosshairs at CS Lewis Square close to the Newtownards Road reads: Asylum seekers will be dealt with.

Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds said the message had been reported to police.

"Depressing to see this kind of graffiti appearing near CS Lewis Square in East Belfast, especially in what is a positive and inclusive space, he posted on his X account.

Ive reported it and it will be removed. Those who did this should be ashamed of themselves.

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The square is named after the renowned Belfast-born author of the Chronicles of Narnia and features seven bronze sculptures from 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr Tumnus, The Beavers, The Robin and The Stone Table.

The PSNI has been approached for comment.

In recent months, a number of anti-immigration protests and rallies have been held in the square, which has also featured in videos posted by social media accounts showing people engaged in vigilante-style activity.

Last week, TikTok took action to ban a number of accounts linked to the activity.

The @irishbreedulsterr handle, which belonged to the Irish Bred Ulster Rared TikTok account, had amassed more than 19,500 followers and over 116,000 likes before it was banned from the platform.

Videos showing individuals aggressively confronting members of ethnic minority communities were being posted on the account until Monday evening.

Anyone trying to access the account is now met with a message informing them the account is banned.

The account irishbreedulsterr is no longer available, the message adds.

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The PSNI has distanced themselves from those involved, labelling the activity as racism pure and simple.

Members of the group had suggested on social media that they had been working closely with the PSNI, claiming officers have publicly thanked them in the past.

In response, the PSNI released a statement saying: Such activity is not protecting this community, it is attempting to control it. It is racism pure and simple.

Last week, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also condemned the behaviour.

"Any vigilantism is wrong. It must be condemned. It has no place in Northern Ireland, she said.
The family of Jaidyn Rice have organised a memory walk and vigil for the teenager who died after being struck by car in Co Down last month.

The 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision on West Circular Road in Bangor on July 8.

Relatives of the former Army cadet are encouraging everyone in the local community to attend the poignant event which will also remember all road traffic victims and their families.

Those wishing to take part have been asked to meet at the Owenroe Drive, Clandeboye Road, in Bangor by 7.30pm on August 25.

We are inviting every family across Northern Ireland who has lost a loved one to a road traffic accident to please join us in honouring your loved one," a spokesperson for Jaidyns family said,

Bring a photograph of your loved one, hold it high to show they are not a statistic, they matter!

Our lives changed forever on the 8th of July, our beautiful Jaidyn was killed in a road traffic accident.

Help us honour our loved ones, let us unite and be their voice.

The walk will proceed to the junction at West Circular Road where a candle will be lit and a three minute silence observed to remember road traffic victims before the procession returns back to Owenroe Drive.

Jaidyn Rice

The funeral of Jaidyn Rice takes places in Bangor

North Down MP Alex Easton is among those due to speak at the event.

A 30-year-old man has previously appeared in court charged in connection with Jaidyns death before being released on bail.

Jamie McCartney, whose address is the subject of a reporting restriction, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst driving without a license and causing death whilst driving without insurance.

Jaidyns mum, Elaine Clarke, previously told the Belfast Telegraph of her grief following the devastating loss.

She was a princess. As a child she loved her wee princess dresses and tiaras, make-up and nails, she was just always really girly, she said, recalling her love of Frozen, Barbie and One Direction.

She was for starting her A-levels in September and she wanted to go into the 212 and be an officer, and her back-up was community work/youth work or childcare, she added.

Elaine spoke of Jaidyns empathy and desire to help others.

She was always a wee worrier, she said.

"She came home from primary school and if her friends were upset shed come home and cry because they were upset and she didnt know how to make them feel better.

She wanted to serve her time and then go into community work afterwards  Jaidyn just cared about other people.

Her mum added: She had a lot of friends and was quite popular. She was probably the one that looked after everybody, and she was the funny one too.

Step-dad Christopher said: She was a great character. I dont know anyone who didnt like her. She was so giving and loving.
International borders must not be changed by force, the Taoiseach has said, ahead of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

Micheal Martin attended a virtual leaders meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine on Sunday.

The call was convened by Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

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On Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting Donald Trump with several EU leaders, including Sir Keir, also travelling to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president.

Mr Martin, who will not be in Washington, said he had assured Mr Zelensky on Sunday that Ireland will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine.

EU leaders have agreed that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia continues its military action.

The Taoiseach also said that he believes Ukraine needs long-term security guarantees.

Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Russias President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference in Alaska following their talks over Ukraine (Jae C Hong/AP)

Speaking after Sundays online conference, Mr Martin said: I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.

We had a very useful engagement with President Zelensky as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.

I welcome the initiative by President Trump to seek the ending of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland, together with our European partners, continues to contribute to these efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The meeting of European leaders follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Martin said it is essential that Ukraine is a full participant in any discussions regarding its future.

He said: I therefore welcome that President Zelensky will meet with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, together with other European leaders.

Mr Martin said he stressed that international law and principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected for security in the region.

It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

I fully agree that Ukraine needs strong, credible, long-term security guarantees. This will mean sustained support from Europe, the United States and other partners.

Ireland stands ready to play our part. Earlier this year we committed to providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine and we will look to do more.

At todays meeting, I also reiterated Irelands readiness to contribute to any peacekeeping force that is in line with the UN Charter.

French President Emmanuel Macron attending the video conference with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (Philippe Magoni/AP)

The Taoiseach said Ireland will also continue to support Ukraines EU membership ambitions, adding that Russia cannot have a veto on the matter.

Our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.

We agreed today that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia does not stop the killing.

The human dimension and accountability must also be at the centre of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Russia must urgently return Ukrainian children who they have abducted as well as prisoners of war and civilians being held unlawfully.
Opinion / Columnist

There are moments in politics when words reveal far more than they were meant to. Job "Wiwa" Sikhala, once tortured and humiliated at the hands of state agents, now finds some undivided attention from me for different reasons. A photograph of the retired Assistant Commissioner Crispen Makedenge, frail and visibly diminished, was enough to trigger Sikhala's sermon in a post on X.He declared that the man's condition was "the wages of sin." In that instant, I saw not the defender of democracy but a man laying down a theology of vengeance.It is worth pausing on that phrase, "the wages of sin." It sounds biblical, almost righteous, but behind it lies a crude worldview. It assumes that illness, weakness, and aging are punishments for moral failure. It strips away the complexity of life and replaces it with a blunt verdict: if you are suffering, you must deserve it.For someone who supposedly aspires to lead the people, this is chilling. Zimbabwe is a country of hospitals that cannot heal, clinics without medicine, and a generation broken by poverty. If misfortune is proof of guilt, then what future awaits the sick and the poor under the gospel according to Sikhala?What makes his words dangerous is that they mirror the same logic of those who once tortured him. Authoritarianism begins by marking people as guilty before any evidence is heard. The state's victims were not human beings in need of dignity but criminals, traitors, and sinners in the eyes of power. Sikhala himself was dragged through that system. And yet, with a single triumphant post, he reaches for the same weapon. He takes another man's decline, parades it before the public, and claims divine justice has spoken. In doing so, he shows us how easy it is for the oppressed to become comfortable with the tools of oppression.This is not a question of sympathy for a man with a terrible record. Makedenge has been named in stories of brutal torture. His legacy is one of pain. But justice is not karma, and justice is not the slow decay of the body. Justice is about accountability before the law. To showcase a man's illness as divine punishment is to abandon the very struggle for due process that Sikhala once claimed to embody. It is to turn politics into a marketplace of curses and blessings, where enemies are left to wither and supporters are assured of their righteousness.Hon Sikhala's statement reveals something more than bitterness. It exposes a drift toward a politics rooted in spiritual retribution. In Zimbabwean culture, there is always the lingering belief in karma, the retributal forces that punish wrongdoers across generations. That belief is powerful, and it is easy to see how politicians can harness it.The frail body of a former tormentor becomes proof that the ancestors are at work, that justice needs no courts or commissions. It feels satisfying to a wounded public, but it is a dangerous path for a nation. Once leaders start declaring who is cursed and who is blessed, there is no limit to who can be cast out.The contradiction at the heart of Sikhala's message is striking. He said he forgave the man, and yet he publicly displayed him as an object lesson in the wages of sin.If that is forgiveness, then what would vengeance look like?It is a twisted mercy that grants pardon with one hand and announces divine punishment with the other. This kind of forgiveness is not healing but performance, a ritual of humiliation dressed as moral clarity.For Zimbabweans who dream of a new order, Sikhala's words should be a warning. They show how quickly the language of liberation can collapse into the language of domination. Today it is an old torturer mocked in his decline. Tomorrow it could be anyone whose suffering is politically convenient.If sickness is guilt, then the poor are guilty. The unemployed are guilty. The displaced are guilty. And leaders are freed from responsibility, for the people's misery is no longer a crisis to be solved but a sentence handed down by God.The opposition has long accused the ruling order of cruelty, of stripping citizens of their humanity. To replace it with another order that thrives on curses and divine verdicts is not liberation. It is simply another gospel of fear. Zimbabwe does not need leaders who read illness as sin and suffering as justice. It needs leaders who understand that sickness is not a verdict, that frailty is part of our shared humanity, and that justice is never satisfied by watching enemies waste away.Honorable Wiwa Sikhala has every reason to be angry at what was done to him. The scars of torture do not vanish, and the desire for vindication is real. But leadership demands more than anger. It demands a vision that can rise above personal wounds. It demands the ability to imagine justice without cruelty, forgiveness without mockery, and democracy without curses.If Sikhala cannot step outside the gospel of vengeance, then he is not offering Zimbabwe a new dawn. He is offering another long night, lit only by the fires of bitterness.The true test of a leader is not how he treats his friends but how he regards his enemies. In mocking the frail, Sikhala has failed that test. And Zimbabwe, battered and weary, cannot afford another leader who confuses retribution with justice.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (centre), pictured here with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right), has said she will travel to Washington DC on Monday to join Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump at the White House. (Lucy North/PA)

European leaders will join Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky when he meets Donald Trump for peace talks at the White House on Monday.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish president Alexander Stubb were the first leaders to confirm they will join Mr Zelensky in Washington DC.

French president Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, and Nato chief Mark Rutte have also confirmed their attendance.

Downing Street would not comment on whether Sir Keir Starmer plans to travel to Washington to join other European leaders on Monday.

Mr Zelenskys Oval Office rendezvous with the US president will take place after Western allies meet for a coalition of the willing video call on Sunday afternoon.

The call will be hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir, Frances Mr Macron and Germanys Mr Merz.

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The show of unity by European leaders comes as Mr Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his countrys territory, according to reports.

Several news outlets have reported Russian president Vladimir Putin has demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk  two occupied Ukrainian regions  as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops, multiple reports said, attributing sources familiar with Mr Putin and Mr Trumps negotiations in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.

The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelenskys last visit to the White House at the end of February.

The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.

Donald Trump shakes the hand of Vladimir Putin (Sergei Bulkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.

Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.

The shift appears to echo the Russians refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.

Writing on social media on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

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Mr Zelensky said: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

This complicates the situation.

He added: If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

Mr Zelensky is expected to attend Sunday afternoons video call with leaders from the coalition of the willing, which is scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.
Sir Keir Starmer will meet European allies on Sunday, amid reports Donald Trump favours a Russian land grab in Ukraine to end the war.

The Prime Minister, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon.

The video conference of allies who plan to keep the peace in Ukraine comes ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskys White House meeting with Donald Trump on Monday.

The one-on-one in the Oval Office could pave the way for a three-way meeting alongside Russian leader Mr Putin, the US President has said.

The Russian and American leaders met on Friday at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska, for a summit to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

Several news outlets have cited sources which claimed that during the negotiations Mr Putin demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk  two occupied Ukrainian regions  as a condition for ending the war.

President Donald Trump and Russias President Vladimir Putin held a press conference in Anchorage, Alaska (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops.

Other outlets reported that Mr Trump is inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it on Monday when they meet in the Oval Office.

Sir Keir commended Mr Trumps pursuit of an end to the killing following a phone call with the US President, Mr Zelensky and Nato allies on Saturday morning.

But he insisted Ukraines leader must not be excluded from future talks to broker a peace in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister and European leaders appeared increasingly confident that Mr Trump will offer a security guarantee of air support to back up allied troops on the ground in Ukraine, should they be deployed to keep the peace.

In this photo taken and distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, a Russian tank fires during a practice at a training ground during on an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

But Mr Trump also appeared to have a change of heart on what he wants to achieve from the talks, indicating that he wants a permanent peace settlement rather than a ceasefire, echoing the sentiment of Mr Putin.

The Alaska summit was timely and useful, Mr Putin said after he left.

Experts have warned the face-to-face summit has risked legitimising the Russian leader, who has been made a pariah by the international community for invading Ukraine.

Ukraines President Mr Zelensky warned Russia may ramp up its strikes against his country in the coming days in order to create more favourable political circumstances for talks with global actors.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at a meeting in the White House on Monday (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Sir Keir Starmer will join Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders for a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister and a host of European leaders will travel to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.

The US president is said to be mulling over Russias demands to bring an end to the war, which include a land grab of two occupied Ukrainian regions: Donetsk and Luhansk.

Several media outlets have reported Mr Trump is planning to urge his Ukrainian counterpart to agree to the conditions as part of a peace deal to end the war.

The meeting follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, where little in the way of progress appeared to be made.

President Donald Trump listens during a news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

However in the summits aftermath, Mr Trump appeared to adopt a change of tone in his language about brokering a peace deal, moving away from insisting that a ceasefire is needed before a long-term agreement to end the war is made.

This appeared to echo Mr Putins refusal to lay down arms ahead of a sustained peace.

Other leaders making the journey to Washington with Sir Keir include Frances Emmanuel Macron, Germanys Friedrich Merz, Finlands Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

The leaders are likely travelling to the White House with the aim of avoiding a repeat performance of Februarys public bust-up between Mr Zelensky and the American president, after which Mr Trump temporarily suspended aid to Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen greets Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels (AP)

Downing Street insisted Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war.

At the meeting that will take place at the White House tomorrow, the Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes, a statement from No 10 said.

Speaking in Brussels, Ms von der Leyen said Ukraine cannot be carved up without it having a seat at the table in negotiations.

Standing alongside Mr Zelensky at a press conference ahead of the so-called coalition of the willing meeting, the EU chief said: With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force.

These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference with Ms von der Leyen and Mr Zelensky (Philippe Magoni, Pool/AP)

On Saturday Sir Keir commended Mr Trump for bringing the conflict closer than ever to an end.

The Prime Minister, along with France and Germanys leaders, will host a call of the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon.

The coalition force aims to police a future peace deal by putting troops on the ground in Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.

European leaders on Saturday suggested Mr Trump had indicated he is now willing to provide American air support for the alliance, a security guarantee said to be vital to its operation.

Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps special envoy, said Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, he told CNN.

A firefighter puts out a blaze after a Russian drone hit a market in the town of Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region of Ukraine (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraines 24th Mechanized Brigade via AP)

Writing on social media on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

Mr Zelensky said: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

This complicates the situation.

He added: If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

Mr Zelensky was expected to attend Sunday afternoons video call with leaders from the coalition of the willing, which was scheduled to begin at 2pm UK time.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia is complicating efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Russia is complicating efforts to get a ceasefire in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has said, as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to meet with European leaders to discuss the war.

The so-called coalition of the willing, the alliance which is planning to police a future peace deal in Ukraine, will meet on Sunday afternoon amid reports Donald Trump favours a Russian land grab to end the war.

Following the Alaska summit between Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin on Friday, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.

The shift in Mr Trumps position appears to echo the Russians refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.

President Donald Trump listens as Vladimir Putin speaks in Anchorage, Alaska (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Several news outlets have cited sources which claimed that during the negotiations Mr Putin demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk  two occupied Ukrainian regions  as a condition for ending the war.

In exchange, he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops.

Other outlets reported that Mr Trump is inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.

Writing on social media on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian leader railed against Russias refusal to lay down arms temporarily before agreeing to end the war.

Mr Zelensky said: We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

This complicates the situation.

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He added: If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

The Prime Minister, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz, will host the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon.

The video conference will see allies who plan to keep the peace in Ukraine gather ahead of Mr Zelenskys visit to Washington on Monday.

The Ukrainian leader is expected to attend the Sunday afternoon video call, which is scheduled to take place at 2pm UK time.

Fridays summit between Mr Trump and Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, ended without any commitment towards a ceasefire.

The Russian president described it as timely and useful after he left.

Mr Trump afterwards suggested it was time for Mr Zelensky to make a deal to end the war.

Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Sir Keir Starmer will host a coalition of the willing call on Sunday afternoon (Kin Cheung)

Sir Keir commended Mr Trumps pursuit of an end to the killing, but insisted Ukraines leader must not be excluded from future talks to broker a peace in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister and European leaders appeared increasingly confident that Mr Trump will offer a security guarantee of air support to back up allied troops on the ground in Ukraine, should they be deployed to keep the peace.

Experts have warned the face-to-face summit has risked legitimising the Russian leader, who has been made a pariah by the international community for invading Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky has warned Russia may ramp up its strikes against his country in the coming days in order to create more favourable political circumstances for talks with global actors.
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John Irvine with the Israeli army in Gaza

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Arlene Foster, Nicola Sturgeon and Martin McGuinness (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

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Nicola Sturgeon noticed a simmering tension between Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness the first time she met them together at a British-Irish Council summit.
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This shocking photo shows how close former UVF boss Darren Moore came to being killed in a crossbow attack.
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Opinion / Columnist

The call for a National Transitional Authority (NTA) in Zimbabwe is neither new nor radical, but it is profoundly misguided and alarmingly dangerous. Every few years, a chorus of defeated opposition politicians and sympathetic academics resurrects this idea as the panacea for the country's political and economic woes. This nostalgia-laden proposal, championed most recently by Dr. Ibbotson Day Joseph Mandaza, is a seductive illusion - an elitist construct masquerading as a solution for ordinary Zimbabweans.Proponents argue that Zimbabwe faces a "crisis in governance" and "profound alienation of its citizens," and that transformative reforms are needed to pre-empt elite succession arrangements. Yet these claims are largely rhetorical gymnastics, reminiscent of Biti-esque verbal grandstanding at endless dialogue series. In reality, the so-called crisis is only partially structural; much of it is manufactured by political actors themselves who refuse to accept electoral defeat. If past elections had been respected, much of Zimbabwe's current instability would not exist.The NTA narrative is intellectually dishonest. It proposes to dissolve political parties, sweep aside elected leaders, and centralise authority in an unelected, self-appointed elite. Here lies the contradiction: advocates claim a need for democratic transformation while simultaneously undermining the very mechanisms of democracy that confer legitimacy - elections and popular mandates. The fantasy of the NTA assumes that political legitimacy can be unilaterally bestowed by a few academics and strategists, ignoring the fundamental truth that power derives from the consent of the governed.History offers cautionary lessons. Transitional authorities are typically a post-conflict arrangement, designed to stabilize nations emerging from war or systemic collapse. Zimbabwe, while facing economic and governance challenges, is not in a post-conflict state. Suggesting otherwise is an exercise in political opportunism, not practical reform. Attempting to impose an NTA now would be a form of constitutional illegitimacy, replacing an elected government with an ad hoc elite consensus - a dangerous precedent for any democracy.Critically, the NTA is inherently fragmented. It relies on disparate groups, competing interests, and the elusive notion of a "third-party arbiter" to enforce authority. Who decides who joins the NTA? How are decisions legitimized? In practice, this structure risks devolving into another layer of elite capture, where the interests of ordinary citizens are subordinated to political expediency. It echoes colonial-era paternalism, reminiscent of the Rhodesian philosophy that "educated" or "qualified" elites are better suited to govern than the masses.Furthermore, the NTA idea distracts from the real work Zimbabwe desperately needs: building a robust opposition capable of mounting a credible challenge to entrenched political powers, enforcing accountability, and mobilizing citizens around issues of governance, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. The Citizens Coalition for Change, fractured and weakened, demonstrates the consequences of disunity. Real political change comes from grassroots engagement, not self-appointed elites pontificating from think tanks and talk shows.The media, too, bears responsibility. Selective reporting and the amplification of NTA rhetoric give the illusion of legitimacy to an otherwise undemocratic proposal. Citizens are being misled into believing that an unelected body could or should govern them. There is no constitutional pathway for an NTA; it is a construct that undermines the very principles of popular sovereignty.Zimbabweans must recognize the danger. The perpetual cycle of election denial, elite nostalgia for transitional governments, and megaphone politics feeds instability, not reform. The real path to progress lies not in contrived transitional authorities but in strengthening institutions, defending the rule of law, and demanding accountability from both government and opposition.Elections, despite their imperfections, remain the cornerstone of legitimate governance. Replacing them with an unelected authority, no matter how intellectually polished, is an elitist artifice that risks further undermining democracy. Zimbabweans should resist the temptation of shortcuts and focus instead on enforcing constitutionalism, fighting corruption, and building a politically engaged citizenry. Anything less is a betrayal of the people's mandate.The NTA is not a solution - it is a political mirage, a dangerous fantasy dressed up as reform. Zimbabwe does not need a transitional authority; it needs a citizenry armed with knowledge, institutions that function, and leaders held accountable. Anything else is a detour down a path of illegitimacy and chaos.
New Marlborough's Mary Ann Palermo has a new Beatles cover album on the way with "Beatlemania" alum Tom Teeley in the producer's chair, adding to her repertoire of re-interpretations of hits from various genres.
LEE  When Bronly S. Boyd returned from Vietnam in the 1970s, he wasnt aiming to build a cutting-edge biomedical company. He and his wife, Sarah, were looking for a place to settle down, and the Berkshires beckoned.

They landed in Lee, and in 1979, Boyd launched a small business that focused on converting paper made at the towns paper mills into other products.

Nearly 45 years later, that same business  now known as Boyd Biomedical  is helping design, develop and manufacture medical products used by patients around the country.

The Berkshires are this incredibly unique place, and most of that is because of the people, said Matthew Boyd, Bronlys youngest son and now the companys chief commercial officer. Lee, in particular, has always been wonderful for us.

Now, with a $1.5 million investment in a new office in Waltham and a company-wide reorganization, Boyd Biomedical is entering its next phase.

The new Waltham facility, which opened earlier this year, positions the companys Design by Boyd division  one of three new units formed under a structure introduced around the same time  closer to its Boston-area clients.

The other two divisions, Build by Boyd (based at the companys headquarters in Lee) and Launch by Boyd, round out the organization's updated purpose statement: Design, Build, Launch.

Each division reflects a distinct stage in the companys work helping clients create, test and deliver new biomedical products.

We're a partner to all these innovators in the biomedical ecosystem that really flourishes here in Massachusetts, Boyd said. Across the company, our whole goal when we come to work every day is to help folks get life-changing, life-saving products and therapies into the market to help the patients who need them.

Although both changes  the reorganization and facility  are still new, Boyd said theyre already paying off.

Weve been really happy, in particular with the growth of the Design by Boyd division, that weve seen since the building opened, he said.

Led by Joseph Ting, the Design division currently includes five engineers who specialize in areas ranging from industrial design to biomedical engineering.

Until recently, they worked remotely or used borrowed space in either the companys Lee facility or its Boston offices.

Now, theyre collaborating in person  meeting with clients, developing prototypes and creating small batches for clinical trials.

We have been doing design and development work for a long time, and weve wanted to grow that team and our capabilities there. This seemed like the right moment, Boyd said.

As part of that vision, Boyd said the company could as much as double the size of its design team in the next two years.

Company trajectory

The transition from paper converting to biomedical powerhouse didnt happen overnight, but the company began laying the groundwork for the shift shortly after first opening its doors, as it quickly pivoted into general contract manufacturing.

Its what they call co-packing in the consumer products industries, Boyd said. We started working with more advanced materials like nonwoven films, foils and different types of flexible materials very early on.

That decision proved successful, and the organization continued to grow. They began moving into the biomedical field almost 20 years ago, when, in the early 2000s, the companys leaders saw an opportunity to shift focus.

Just by geography, we had always been involved in materials and advanced materials, and Massachusetts has always had a really great biomedical ecosystem, Boyd said. We saw that it was a growing and exciting market.

Boyd had a hand in that shift, joining the company in 2008 after finishing business school in Boston.

It was this exciting opportunity of being able to practice some entrepreneurial skills and try to grow the business in a market that the rest of the team at Boyd was really interested in, he said.

Hes also not the only family member to remain involved. Bronly Boyd now serves as the companys chairman, Steven Boyd  Matthews older brother  is its chief executive officer, and Peter Boyd  the middle brother  is its production manager.

Today, the company spans nearly every aspect of biomedical product creation.

In Waltham, the Design by Boyd division creates, develops and tests potential products.

As soon as they have a fully realized device that has gone through clinical trials, it's time for the Build by Boyd team in Lee to step in. There, the company manufactures the products for widespread use.

When theyre done, the final division, Launch by Boyd, takes the reins.

Launch is where were helping our clients think through their branding, and were helping sell and market their product, Boyd said.

The company works with an extensive array of clients, from small startups to large established companies.

We also work with academic centers and labs that are doing biomedical research, and innovation teams that are trying to push products out, he said.

While Boyd couldnt share any of the individual products the company has helped bring to market, he was able to speak to the general categories of devices they typically help create.

Weve worked across almost all clinical specialties, from dermatology to electrophysiology," he said. In Lee, we have built stick-to-skin devices, advanced limb care and in-vitro testing devices.

Recent growth

Both the expansion into Waltham and company restructuring build on years of earlier investment and growth.

Over time, the company has worked to vertically integrate nearly every aspect of its operations, Boyd said.

I think that the growth of our business can be a bit hard to see or understand from the outside because over the past 20 years, it's really been about the transition to more advanced capabilities, he said.

While they may not have been flashy, the companys changes have been substantial, beginning with the organizations significant investment into its 100,000-square-foot facility in Lee.

We've put many millions of dollars of capital investment in new equipment, new clean rooms and technical staff to support all of the manufacturing work that we do in Lee, Boyd said. Since I joined the business in 2008, we have modernized every corner of that facility and business.

Now the space  clean, bright, modern and efficient  is better suited to handle the ambitions the Boyds have for it.

Its a fun place to work, and we have the tools to do our job, right down to the IT systems and program management tools we need to do it effectively," Boyd said.

At the same time, the company has been investing in the people it needs to bolster its marketing and design services.

It's been a lot of purposeful investment [across] the board, Boyd said.

Despite the companys expansion, and their additional facility in Waltham, Boyds headquarters remain firmly in Lee  and Boyd said they have no plans of ever moving.

Our headquarters are never something weve ever thought about changing, he said. "It's an incredible place, I grew up near there. It's a wonderful area to live in, and we have a lot of great people who feel the same way.
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.
Larger households receiving publicly funded food benefits will get extra support to buy fresh fruits and vegetables starting next month, as state officials gird for federal cuts that could escalate food insecurity.

The Department of Transitional Assistance announced Thursday that the Healthy Incentives Program will return to a tiered benefit structure with higher monthly caps on Sept. 1. The expanded benefits are being funded with a $7.5 million boost included in a spending bill Gov. Maura Healey signed this month.

HIP enables SNAP recipients to stretch their benefits and receive money back on their EBT cards when they purchase healthy food at participating farm vendors. The Healey administration in December instituted a $20 monthly cap on HIP benefits for all households, regardless of their size, due to budget shortfalls. The benefit cap returned to $40 monthly for all SNAP households, regardless of size, on July 1, according to DTA.

Through the tiered structure, households of one to two people will continue to have a $40 monthly cap; households of three to five people will have a $60 cap; and households of six or more will have an $80 cap.

Massachusetts families have bought more than $85 million worth of local produce through the program from more than 250 farmers since 2017, according to DTA Commissioner Jeff McCue.

"While the federal government is cutting nutrition programs, Massachusetts remains committed to food security," DTA said. "The program operates year-round to provide predictability for vendors, the majority of whom are small local farmers who plan their growing seasons based on anticipated program participation."

One in six residents receive SNAP benefits, and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute estimates that 175,000 individuals could lose some or all of their benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

"The timing of this funding is vital for our farmers and communities," Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle said. "By creating this tiered structure, we're making it easier for families to access fresh, nutritious food while ensuring that our farmers have a strong market for their produce. This initiative will not only increase food security but also strengthen our local agricultural economy."
Hundreds of people have participated in an event marking India Day in Dublin, as gardai and the Government sought to assure the community it was taking action against racially motivated crime.

The free event at Merrion Square came despite a separate celebration being called off following concern over recent attacks on the Indian community.

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Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan has expressed concern over totally unacceptable attacks on the Indian community, adding that the majority appear to have been carried out by young people.

Mr OCallaghan said he engaged extensively with the Garda commissioner on the matter, and senior investigating officers had been assigned to investigate all reported incidents.

Event organizer Sanjeeb Barik with a statue of the Indian deity Jagannath as people attend the India Day Festival at Merrion Square Park, Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Sundays celebration, organised for Indias 79th independence day, featured music, dance, food stalls, exhibition stands and a range of cultural activities.

Sanjeeb Barik, the secretary of organising group the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, said the event had gone well amid fantastic and beautiful weather.

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Lots of people are here, theres food and dancing and lots of fun.

Asked about the engagement with Government and gardai, Mr Barik said the event had received good support.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: Naturally, because there has been so many incidents there was some concern.

We have been actively discussing with ministers, junior ministers and the Minister of Justice and they have all assured us that appropriate safety measures would be in place  and they are.

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Were working very closely to make sure everyone would be safe and, importantly, that it would be enjoyable for everyone.

Mr Barik said they wanted to go ahead with the celebrations to send a message about the importance of standing together.

It has been a challenging time but the main thing is to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage

There are people from all backgrounds here  Indian, Irish and others  from all over the the island.

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It is about the strength of bonding and sowing the richness of India and Irelands multicultural spirit.

From left, Areet Kaur Chandi, seven, Japleen Kaur, 10, and Preety Singh, eight, join the festivities for India Day in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

He said: We are saying come together, stand together. Celebrate unity and diversity  and I hope that will continue.

Inspector Ciaran Nunan from the Garda diversity unit said hate crimes are attacks on the whole community.

The mission statement of An Garda Siochana is keeping people safe, and this refers to individuals, families, communities and society as a whole.

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It also now includes hate crime. Hate crime is not just an attack on a person, its an attack on the community.

The gardai is very aware of the impact that hate crime has upon individuals and communities, and we take it very, very seriously.

Since our last India Day celebration last year, we now have hate crime legislation in force and were applying that legislation at every opportunity  but we need people to report incidents of hate crime to us so that we can then take them on board and react to those.

Entertainment was part of the festivities in Merrion Square Park (Niall Carson/PA)

He said: So I would encourage everybody or anybody that perceives to be a victim of a hate crime to please report it to An Garda Siochana, and allow us to continue what were doing and work with our communities to keep people safe.The Dublin event was attended by Akhilesh Mishra, ambassador of India to Ireland, and Minister of State Emer Higgins.

The Ireland India Council, a separate group, said there had been an organised social media campaign against the Indian community in the country and the number of violent attacks has intensified since January.

Last week, it said it took the difficult decision to postpone its planned event at Farmleigh House over concerns for the safety of the community.
A new poll suggests former minister Heather Humphreys is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mairead McGuinness as Fine Gaels presidential candidate.

The poll also found she is the most popular in a list of potential candidates for Aras an Uachtarain.

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Ms Humphreys is believed to be on the brink of entering the presidential race, following days of mounting support from both Fine Gael and Independent TDs.

The former minister told the Sunday Independent she is humbled by the encouragement shes received, and is actively consulting with close allies before making a final decision.

Sources say she is the preferred choice of Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris, with senior ministers ready to publicly back her once she declares.

Ms Humphreys previously said said she was flattered to be considered before withdrawing her name.

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I want to spend more time with family and friends, and I want to do other things," she said at the time.

Sources say Heather Humphreys is the preferred choice of Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images

There was shock in Fine Gael when Ms Humphreys decided not to contest the most recent general election.

The former Cavan-Monaghan TD is still highly-thought of in the party and sources indicated she would be a strong contender.

A new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll puts Humphreys ahead of the pack at 19 per cent, just one point ahead of Independent Catherine Connolly.

Ireland Poll: Who would you vote for in the presidential e... Read More

While neither has declared to run, Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern trail with 14 per cent each.

Speaking on Saturday, MEP Sean Kelly indicated he was reconsidering seeking the Fine Gael nomination.

Mr Kelly told Newstalk: "You'll have to definitely reconsider. I didn't look for a nomination the last time, but I'm going to reconsider.

"Fine Gael will have a meeting now and they will decide on their strategy, and then I'll see what I will do after that."
Opinion / Columnist

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's recent praise of the Jesuit Society and the Roman Catholic Church raises more than just platitudinous acknowledgments of their role in education - it invites a deeper reflection on the intertwined history of religion and politics in Zimbabwe, and whether the Jesuits might once again play a decisive role in shaping national leadership, as they arguably did with Robert Mugabe.The Jesuits' influence has long been complex and multifaceted, spanning the colonial and post-independence eras. During the colonial period, Jesuit schools such as Kutama Mission educated and molded young Africans, including future leaders, blending Western academic instruction with religious formation. Their position in society was ambivalent: some Jesuits engaged with colonial authorities and the systems of power, while others voiced concerns about the excesses of colonial rule. Through initiatives like inculturation, they sought to integrate African traditions into Catholic practices, exercising both adaptation and subtle cultural influence.Post-independence, the Jesuits continued to shape Zimbabwe's social and political landscape. Some members became outspoken critics of ZANU-PF, championing social justice, human rights, and political accountability, while others focused on education and spiritual development. Their legacy is therefore not monolithic - it is marked by moments of cooperation, critique, and moral intervention, reflecting the broader tensions of religion in governance. The historical record shows that the Jesuits' engagement with education and leadership formation was never merely academic; it has always carried social and political weight.Chiwenga's visit to Arrupe Jesuit University and his glowing remarks about the Jesuits' role in producing ethically grounded, socially responsible graduates prompts questions about the political subtext of such alliances. The Jesuits have a track record of influencing political trajectories, whether deliberately or indirectly, by shaping the moral and intellectual framework of emerging leaders. While the Vice President lauded their commitment to justice, knowledge, and service, the optics of a senior government official publicly aligning himself with the Catholic order may signal more than ceremonial appreciation - it evokes the historical reality that Zimbabwe's leaders have, in the past, emerged from institutions under Jesuit tutelage.The cautionary tale is Mugabe himself: educated in Jesuit schools, he became a figure whose leadership reshaped the country, for better or worse. Today, as Chiwenga courts the Jesuits' recognition, it is reasonable to question whether this alliance is purely about education or part of a subtle negotiation of legitimacy, influence, and moral endorsement. In a country where the boundaries between religion, politics, and education have always been porous, such engagements carry significance beyond ceremonial speeches. Chiwenga's dance with the Catholics is a reminder that in Zimbabwe, moral authority, institutional influence, and political power are often entangled, and that the Jesuits, through their schools and social institutions, remain capable of shaping the contours of leadership in ways both visible and opaque.Zimbabweans would be wise to observe closely: the Jesuits' influence is enduring, their reach profound, and their impact on the formation of future leaders continues to be felt. Chiwenga's homage to their role in tertiary education is admirable on the surface, but it also serves as a subtle nod to a long history in which education and political legitimacy have intersected - raising the question of whether history could, in some form, repeat itself.
International borders must not be changed by force, the Taoiseach has said, ahead of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

Micheal Martin attended a virtual leaders meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine on Sunday.

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The call was convened by Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.



We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskyy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington. pic.twitter.com/0tI5AXikOB  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 17, 2025

On Monday, Volodymyr Zelenskiy is meeting Donald Trump with several EU leaders, including Sir Keir, also travelling to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president.

Mr Martin, who will not be in Washington, said he had assured Mr Zelenskiy on Sunday that Ireland will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine.

EU leaders have agreed that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia continues its military action.

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The Taoiseach also said that he believes Ukraine needs long-term security guarantees.

Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of Russias President Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference in Alaska following their talks over Ukraine (Jae C Hong/AP)

Speaking after Sundays online conference, Mr Martin said: I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.

We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskiy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.

I welcome the initiative by President Trump to seek the ending of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland, together with our European partners, continues to contribute to these efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

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The meeting of European leaders follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Martin said it is essential that Ukraine is a full participant in any discussions regarding its future.

He said: I therefore welcome that President Zelenskiy will meet with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, together with other European leaders.

Mr Martin said he stressed that international law and principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected for security in the region.

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It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

I fully agree that Ukraine needs strong, credible, long-term security guarantees. This will mean sustained support from Europe, the United States and other partners.

Ireland stands ready to play our part. Earlier this year we committed to providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine and we will look to do more.

At todays meeting, I also reiterated Irelands readiness to contribute to any peacekeeping force that is in line with the UN Charter.

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French President Emmanuel Macron attending the video conference with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (Philippe Magoni/AP)

The Taoiseach said Ireland will also continue to support Ukraines EU membership ambitions, adding that Russia cannot have a veto on the matter.

Our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.

We agreed today that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia does not stop the killing.

The human dimension and accountability must also be at the centre of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Russia must urgently return Ukrainian children who they have abducted as well as prisoners of war and civilians being held unlawfully.
Oasis' first sold-out Croke Park gig and Heather Humphreys emerging as a favourite in the presidential race are among the stories that feature on Sunday's front pages.

The Sunday Times leads with an interview with Harvey Morrison's parents, who warn 'more will die if children's care isn't fixed'. The front page also features on a story on rural TDs backing former minister Heather Humphreys, who has been linked with the Fine Gael presidential nomination after Mairead McGuinness' decision to withdraw for health reasons.

The Sunday Independent leads with a poll that has found Heather Humphreys is the new favourite in the presidential race. Oasis' Croke Park gig also makes the front page.

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Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has backtracked on a statement that his company Nutriband generates annual revenues of $4 million to $6 million, the Business Post reports.

Our front page today. Pick up a copy or subscribe at https://t.co/mkmooAFIsZ for these stories plus:  Sheridan backtracks on claim Nutriband generates up to $6m  Mind the gap: women losing out  AIB to pay out on another tracker mortgage failing pic.twitter.com/4AEvRX8WY2  Business Post (@businessposthq) August 17, 2025

Oasis' concert features on the front page of the Irish Mail on Sunday and the Irish Sunday Mirror. The Mail leads with a story on gardai investigating allegations of perjury involving a couple who were named as witnesses in a failed civil court rape appeal by Conor McGregor.

The Irish Sun on Sunday also leads with Oasis, along with a story on Maura Higgins.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/0ydVo0OJBr  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) August 17, 2025

Gangster John Gilligan is so desperate to get out of jail that he has organised a begging message which is being spread across WhatsApp groups, the Sunday World reports.

An ex-Ireland rugby star convicted of failing to prevent a gang rape was welcomed with open arms at a Tyrone rugby event recently, Sunday Life reports. Former rugby international Chris Farrell was handed a four-year sentence last December, with two suspended, for failure to prevent the rape of a woman in France in 2017.

In the UK, US president Donald Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine following his summit with Vladimir Putin is the lead story across The Sunday Times, the Sunday Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday, the Sunday Express and the Sunday People.

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Sunday's MAIL: Zelensky trapped in Trump and Putin vice #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WjfQlJvQmg  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 16, 2025

Sunday's EXPRESS: The world's in 'grave danger' if west caves in to Putin #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/gTZtscGkEf  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 16, 2025

Daily Star Sunday leads with a story on 'lager lout seagulls'.

The Sunday Mirror leads with a story on calls for the UK two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.

A story on Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins makes the front page of the Sun on Sunday.

The New York Times leads with Donald Trump's shifting stance on the war in Ukraine following his summit with Vladimir Putin.
European leaders will join Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy for his crucial meeting with Donald Trump, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

The move in relation to the key White House meeting on Monday is an apparent effort to prevent a repeat of the heated encounter Mr Zelenskiy faced when he met Mr Trump in February.

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This afternoon, I will welcome @ZelenskyyUa in Brussels.



Together, we will participate in the Coalition of Willing VTC.



At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 17, 2025

The European leaders presence at Mr Zelenskiys side, demonstrating Europes support for Ukraine, could potentially help ease concerns in Kyiv and in other European capitals that Mr Zelenskiy risks being railroaded into a peace deal that Mr Trump says he wants to broker with Russia.

Ms Von der Leyen, head of the European Unions executive branch, posted on X that at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.

In a quick succession on Sunday, a stream of European leaders also announced that they will be going.

They included French president Emmanuel Macron, the chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, and the secretary general of the Nato military alliance Mark Rutte.

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The grouped trip underscored European leaders determination to ensure that Europe has a voice in Mr Trumps attempted peace-making, after the US presidents summit on Friday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin  to which Mr Zelenskiy was not invited.
Rescuers recovered dozens more bodies from the rubble of collapsed homes in a north-western district of Pakistan, bringing the death toll to at least 274, as authorities defended their response to the flooding.

Heavy rains and flooding also killed dozens of people in neighbouring Kashmir.

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Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for Pakistans emergency service, said 54 bodies were found in Buner, a mountainous area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential rains and cloudbursts triggered massive flooding on Friday.



Villagers collect items from the rubble of their partially damaged home in Pir Baba, an area of Buner district, in the north-west of Pakistan (Muhammad Sajjad/AP)

Mr Suhail said villagers remained missing, and search efforts were focused on areas where homes were flattened by torrents of water that swept down from the mountains, carrying boulders that smashed into houses like explosions.

Authorities have warned of more deluges and possible landslides between now and Tuesday, urging local administrations to remain on alert. Higher-than-normal monsoon rains have lashed the country since June 26 and killed more than 600.

In India-administered Kashmir, located across Pakistans north-eastern border, rains triggered more flash floods in two villages in the Kathua district, killing seven people, officials said on Sunday.

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Rescuers in Chositi village are still looking for dozens of missing people after the area was hit by flash floods last week during an annual Hindu pilgrimage. At least 60 people were killed, and some 150 injured. More than 300 others were rescued.



Authorities have warned of more deluges and possible landslides (Muhammad Sajjad/AP)

Residents in Buner have accused officials of failing to warn them to evacuate after torrential rain and cloudbursts triggered deadly flooding and landslides. There was no warning broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, a traditional method in remote areas.

The government said that while an early warning system was in place, the sudden downpour in Buner was so intense that the deluge struck before residents could be alerted.

Lieutenant General Inam Haider, chairman of the national disaster management authority, told a hastily convened news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan was experiencing shifting weather patterns because of climate change.

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Since the monsoon season began in June, Pakistan has already received 50% more rainfall than in the same period last year, he said.

He warned that more intense weather could follow, with heavy rains forecast to continue this month.



Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters (Muhammad Sajjad/AP)

Some countries have reached out to Islamabad offering help, but Lt Gen Haider said Pakistan had sufficient resources and did not require foreign assistance at this time.

Asfandyar Khan Khattak, director-general of the provincial disaster management authority, said there was no forecasting system anywhere in the world that could predict the exact time and location of a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour.

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Idrees Mahsud, a disaster management official, said Pakistans early warning system used satellite imagery and meteorological data to send alerts to local authorities. These were shared through the media and community leaders.

An emergency services spokesman in Buner, Mohammad Sohail, said more than half the damaged roads in the district had reopened by Sunday, allowing vehicles and heavy machinery to reach cut-off villages.

Crews were clearing piles of rocks and mud dumped by the floods. They were still using heavy machinery to remove the rubble of collapsed homes after families reported that some of their relatives were missing.

Pakistan is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.

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Pakistan suffers regular flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season (Muhammad Sajjad/AP)

In 2022, a record-breaking monsoon killed nearly 1,700 people and destroyed millions of homes.

The country also suffers regular flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, particularly in the rugged north-west of the country, where villages are often perched on steep slopes and riverbanks.

Experts say climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events in South Asia.

Khalid Khan, a weather expert, said Pakistan produced less than 1% of planet-warming emissions but faced heat waves, heavy rains, glacial outburst floods and now cloudbursts, underscoring how climate change was devastating communities within hours.
President Aleksandar Vucic has announced tough measures against anti-government protesters following days of riots in the streets of Serbia that have challenged his increasingly autocratic rule in the Balkan country.

Thousands of people defied Mr Vucics threat of a crackdown and protested later on Sunday in various Serbian towns, including the capital Belgrade.

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Shouting Arrest Vucic, the protesters demanded that all those detained in the past days be released. No incidents were reported.



Serbian officers patrol in a truck in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

In one of his frequent TV addresses to the public, Mr Vucic accused the anti-government demonstrators of pure terrorism and re-iterated his claims that months of persistent protests against his rule have been orchestrated in the West and aimed at destroying Serbia.

Our country is in grave danger, they have jeopardised all our values, normal life, each individual, Mr Vucic said, alleging an elaborate scheme that would eventually install anarcho-leftist authorities in the future.

He did not offer any concrete evidence for his claims.

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Unless we undertake tougher steps it is a question of days when they (protesters) will kill someone, Mr Vucic said.



Serbian officers guard a street during an anti-government protest near the Serbian Progressive Party office in the capital (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

I am saying this for history.

The stern warnings came after five consecutive nights of clashes between the protesters on one side and police and Mr Vucics loyalists on the other.

Angry protesters on Saturday evening torched Mr Vucics governing Serbian Progressive Party offices in a town in western Serbia, and of other ruling coalition allies.

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The demonstrators on Saturday evening also clashed with police in Belgrade, the capital, and in the northern city of Novi Sad.



Supporters of Aleksandar Vucic hurl flares at anti-government protesters (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

Riot officers used tear gas against demonstrators who hurled stun grenades, flares and bottles at them.

Mr Vucic did not specify what will be the state response that he said would come within a week. But he stressed that a state of emergency is not imminent.

Scores of people already have been detained and injured in the past days while police have faced accusations of excessive force and arbitrary detentions of protesters.

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You will witness the determination of the state of Serbia, Mr Vucic said. We will use everything at our disposal to restore peace and order in the country.

The clashes this week marked a major escalation following more than nine months of largely peaceful demonstrations that started after a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Serbias north, killing 16 people.



A Serbian riot police officer directs a man filming after clearing people blocking a street in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

Many in Serbia blamed the tragedy on alleged widespread corruption in state-run infrastructure projects that they say fuelled poor renovation work.

The Serbian president has faced accusations of stifling democratic freedoms while allowing organised crime and corruption to flourish. He has denied this.

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Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, but Mr Vucic has maintained strong ties with Russia and China.

On Sunday, he praised Russias backing for his government against what he called a coloured revolution against his government.
Keir Starmer has hailed Volodymyr Zelenskiys desire for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, amid worries a Russian land grab could result from negotiations to end the war.

The British Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron chaired a meeting of the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon, where allied leaders prepared for a meeting with US President Donald Trump alongside Mr Zelenskiy in Washington on Monday.

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European leaders appear poised to join Mr Zelenskiy in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president, after his last encounter with his American counterpart in the Oval Office resulted in a diplomatic crisis.

Giving a readout of the video call between coalition allies, a Downing Street spokesman said: The leaders reaffirmed their continued support to Ukraine, and praised President Zelenskiys desire for a just and lasting peace as he prepares for further consultations with President Trump in Washington DC.

The leaders also commended President Trumps commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine, in which the coalition of the willing will play a vital role through the Multinational Force Ukraine, among other measures.

They re-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraines skies and seas and regenerate Ukraines armed forces.

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The call followed fears that Mr Trump may have been swayed by Vladimir Putins demands for ending the war when the pair met in Alaska on Friday.

News reports suggested Mr Putin wants full control of Donetsk and Luhansk, two occupied Ukrainian regions, in exchange for withdrawing troops from other areas.

Mr Trump is inclined to press the Ukrainian president to accept the demands at their meeting on Monday, the reports added.

President Donald Trump listens as Russias President Vladimir Putin speaks during a news conference (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

The US leader also appeared to change his mind about the need for a ceasefire following his meeting with Mr Putin, who has refused to lay down arms ahead of a sustained peace deal.

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US secretary of state Marco Rubio has since insisted Russia will face additional consequences if no peace deal is reached.

Fresh sanctions are not off the table, Mr Rubio told American broadcasters, though he claimed they would not lead Russia to accept a ceasefire.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said it did not matter that Mr Trump was no longer aiming for a ceasefire before brokering a wider peace, as either would stop the killing.

Appearing alongside her at a press conference before the coalition of the willing call, Mr Zelensky agreed, but insisted negotiations needed to result in the correct steps to have lasting peace, to stop Putin rather than simply a pause in the war.

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Earlier, Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said Mr Putin had agreed to Nato-like protection for Ukraine for the first time at the Alaska summit, as a concession to western allies.

We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato, he told CNN.

European leaders on Saturday suggested Mr Trump had indicated he is now willing to provide American air support for the alliance, a security guarantee said to be vital to its operation.

Those travelling to Washington on Monday alongside Mr Starmer includes Mr Macron, Germanys Friedrich Merz, Finlands Alexander Stubb, EU Commission president Ms von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

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Ahead of the Oval Office encounter, the allies are likely to be mindful of the previous time Mr Zelenskiy appeared in the room  Februarys bust-up, which resulted in American aid to Ukraine being temporarily halted.
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Eating outSpecials board Burgers, pancakes and other bites: 10 great snacks under $10 in Melbournes CBD From hulking beef bulgogi sandwiches to savoury pancakes and sticky rice rolls, its possible to snack your way through the city on a shoestring  even in this economy. Quincy Malesovas August 18, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As Melbournes battalion of small-plate wine bars have proven, snacking is one of the most exciting ways to eat right now, offering a far more varied dining experience that spans multiple dishes, venues and cuisines. The list below lends itself to a DIY snack crawl, with stops across the CBD to help you build a satisfying mix-and-match feed, or bridge the gap between meals. Most verge on a light meal in their own right, bundling carbs, protein and fat into one portable, affordable package. And every one costs $10 or less. Seoul Toast Bong serves a hulking beef bulgogi sandwich for a bargain price. Eddie Jim Spicy beef pancake ($9.80), Wangs Crispy Pancake This pint-sized spot has its signature dish down to a science. Known as guokui, the filled pancake is native to northern China but comes in many regional variations. At Wangs, a ball of dough is filled, stretched paper-thin, then baked in a drum oven  a cooking method introduced to China via the Silk Road. Spicy beef is a highlight, though lamb, chicken curry or red bean are also on offer. Add cheese to mellow the heat, or brush on chilli oil to amp it up.

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1/339 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 0451 100 628 Hanbaobaos spicy chicken burger is served on a hand-rolled sesame seed bun. Spicy chicken burger ($7.90), Hanbaobao This Chinese-inspired burger is a refreshing change, made with hand-rolled sesame seed buns more akin to Turkish flatbread than supermarket brioche. Fried chicken, the hero, is available in spicy, Sichuan pepper or original. Tack on sweet and sour plum-spiced sweet potato chips or a taro pie to make it a meal. 234B Russell Street, Melbourne, hanbaobao.com.au

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Warkops breakfast muffin served with a housemade sausage patty, fried egg and Bazzinga sauce. Ed Sloane Sausage and egg muffin ($10), Warkop This Indonesian sandwich shop and cafe makes a mean breakfast muffin. A house-made sausage patty and fried egg are lifted by Bazzinga sauce, a blend of mayo, chilli paste, fried shallots, spring onion, dill and tarragon. Theres also an egg, bacon and black garlic variation for the same price. 13 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, warkop.com.au Onigiri (from $5), Norissong

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Onigiri  rice balls wrapped around savoury fillings  are a snack-time staple across Japan and increasingly, Melbourne. Norissong serves options like miso eggplant, bluefin tuna and avocado, and chilli brisket with mushroom. Order a few a la carte or build your own set with soup and sides. 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/norissong The beef bulgogi sandwich at Korean cafe Seoul Toast Bong. Eddie Jim Beef bulgogi sandwich ($9.50), Seoul Toast Bong In South Korea, gilgeori toast is a common street food  typically an egg, ham and cabbage omelette between sliced white bread. Seoul Toast Bong, a long-running Korean chain, expands on the format with fillings like bulgogi beef, Korean fried chicken and chewy japchae noodles. Not in the mood for bread? They also do kimchi dumplings, seaweed rolls and ramyeon noodles for $9.

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Shop 6, Healeys Lane, Melbourne, instagram.com/seoultoast_bong Chai and Chillis ladi pav is a soft, yeasted bread roll stuffed with masala-spiced mashed potato and tamarind chutney. Dabeli ($9), Chai and Chilli The west Indian street food, dabeli, packs tonnes of texture and flavour into one snack-sized package. Ladi pav, a soft, yeasted bread roll, is sliced and stuffed with masala-spiced mashed potato and tamarind chutney. Its then rolled in sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) and garnished with roasted peanuts. If thats not enough, you can add cheese for $1. 181-183 King Street, Melbourne, chai-n-chilli.com

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Related Article Finger-licking late-night fun: An experts guide to eating (and drinking) in Koreatown Lunch combo ($10), Dulce Dia This Colombian dessert bar is best known for obleas (wafer sandwiches), but their lunch special is just as compelling. For $10, Colombian hot chocolate or coffee is paired with the cornmeal pancake arepa, envuelto (a steamed corn cake) or sweet plantain  each filled with molten cheese. Available weekdays from 12.30 to 3.30pm. 192B Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/dulcedia.desserts Sausage rice ball ($10), Tingtea

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Fantuan  sticky rice balls rolled around fillings such as youtiao (savoury crullers), egg and pickles  are an everyday breakfast in parts of China and Taiwan. At this tea shop, theyre made to order and served all day. The base includes purple rice, fresh veg, pork floss, crisp wonton strips and mayo, but you can add salted egg, sausage, kimchi and more. 50 Swanston Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/tingteamelbourne Slices start at $7 at Pizza Pizza Pizza. Pizza slice (from $7), Pizza Pizza Pizza This New York-style slice shop has been feeding late-night crowds for nearly a decade. A full restaurant and cocktail bar are tucked behind, but the front counter is where to grab a quick bite. Slices rotate but usually include options such as margherita, pepperoni, chorizo with red onion, or truffled mushroom. All start from $7.

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16 Meyers Place, Melbourne, pizzapizzapizza.com.au Related Article $1 wings, $10 chicken rice and more clucking good dining deals for chook lovers Cheese, spinach and egg pide ($6.50), Borek & Gozleme Despite the name, this offshoot of Queen Victoria Markets Borek Bakehouse is just as popular for its Turkish-style pides. Shaped like little boats, theyre filled with chicken and mushroom; cheese, spinach and egg; and more. At $6.50, theyre a few dollars more than the better-known boreks  but the extra filling and crisped dough edges are worth it. 473 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, (03) 9329 5553
Like more than 2000 women who have responded to the Herald and The Age s survey as part of our series on medical misogyny, Azhar recalls her initial concerns were dismissed, which led to treatment delays and agonising pain during what would prove a time-critical medical emergency.

But Azhar says she was never warned about the dangers the treatments posed to her own health. She was blindsided when a cascade of troubling events nearly resulted in the death of one of her ovaries.

IVF promised to all but erase those risks, smoothing their path to a healthy baby. Without hesitation, the Melbourne couple embarked on their first cycle.

Should the couple try to conceive naturally, they faced a one in four chance of passing the disease to their offspring. They didnt need the gravity of their situation explained: the disease had already afflicted two young members of their extended family.

The 37-year-old and her husband had already been dealt a luckless hand. They discovered they both carried the same rare genetic condition  spinal muscular atrophy  which causes progressive muscle wastage and is the leading genetic cause of infant death.

It was lifes cruellest lottery and Fatima Azhar wasnt prepared to roll the dice.

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Ovarian torsion occurs when the ovary twists on its ligaments, severing its own blood supply. A narrow window of time exists to operate and save the organ before it becomes necrotic and dies. Credit: Marija Ecegovac/Adobe Stock

Experts flagged a lack of pelvic ultrasound availability and gynaecological services at many emergency departments across the country as the most pressing shortcoming contributing to delayed diagnoses.

They include the loss of the ovary and fallopian tube, potentially affecting fertility. Other complications include infections such as peritonitis and sepsis, adhesions and chronic pain.

Leading emergency doctors, gynaecologists and lawyers say failings in Australias health system are causing avoidable delays in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian torsion, with sometimes catastrophic results for the women involved.

I repeatedly called out to the nurses and doctors, but there was little response.

It occurs when the ovary twists on its ligaments, severing its own blood supply. A narrow window of time exists to operate and save the organ before it becomes necrotic and dies.

Azhar was suffering from ovarian torsion, a gynaecological emergency affecting about 9.9 out of every 100,000 women of reproductive age.

I was left in extreme pain for hours, with no clear updates on what was happening or what the next steps would be, Azhar said of her presentation to a hospital emergency department, three weeks after her egg retrieval in 2020. I repeatedly called out to the nurses and doctors, but there was little response.

In 2020, a study in the US, The Twisted Truth, revealed troubling differences in the handling of ovarian torsion when compared to testicular torsion, a condition in males in which the testicle twists and cuts off its blood supply.

Its a term also adopted by the federal government, which has cited mounting Australian and international research showing women disproportionately experience diagnosis and treatment delays, and an underestimation of their pain.

The experts are speaking out as a series by the Herald and the Age shines a light on medical misogyny. The investigation is not seeking to lay blame at the feet of clinicians but rather to expose the entrenched, structural problems disadvantaging women in a health system that historically evolved to reflect the needs of men .

While weve got system issues like that, were going to continue to have women lose their ovaries unnecessarily, she said.

Emergency doctor Dr Sarah Whitelaw says very complex diagnoses such as ovarian torsion were more likely to be missed in overburdened emergency departments. Credit: Paul Jeffers

Dr Sarah Whitelaw, an emergency doctor and an Australian Medical Association federal council member, said patients were being set up to fail if their outcomes depended on which hospital they chose to attend.

That contrast really struck me, she said. With a little bit of advocacy, she did go to theatre, and the ovary was saved.

A suspected testicular torsion case went up the road with lights and sirens straight to theatre, while it was suggested a wait-and-see approach would be appropriate for the woman with suspected ovarian torsion.

Its something that concerns Dr Jillann Farmer, a former UN medical director, due to what she has witnessed in her line of work as an emergency GP in rural Queensland.

The findings reverberated internationally, including in Australia, where some local doctors harboured concerns that suspected testicular torsion cases were being treated with greater urgency than suspected ovarian torsion.

The mean decision-to-incision time for ovarian torsion was 153 minutes: almost double the 80 minutes for testicular torsion.

The team from Louisiana State Universitys School of Medicine measured decision-to-incision time  the lag between the decision to operate and the beginning of emergency surgery  over four years at a large tertiary referral centre.

However, experts interviewed by this masthead were in broad agreement that resourcing issues in emergency departments were often a significant roadblock to the swift diagnosis of ovarian torsion.

The dilemma facing doctors is that ovarian torsion tends to cause vague abdominal pain, meaning there could be myriad explanations, including appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy or a ruptured cyst. Often, a diagnosis can be made only at surgery.

The former is much simpler to diagnose because the testes are easier to examine as they are outside the body and the pain is localised.

However, Farmer was also among several doctors who said the diagnosis of testicular and ovarian torsion was far from an apples to apples comparison.

If youre not measuring it, your eyes wont see it, she said.

Farmer is calling for the establishment of a national registry with data on time to presentation and time to theatre for ovarian torsion cases.

A gynaecologist is best placed to diagnose and treat ovarian torsion, and usually relies on the findings of a pelvic ultrasound, which they either perform themselves or it is outsourced to a sonographer.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president-elect Dr Nisha Khot. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

These are not the kind of resources always readily available when a patient presents to the emergency department.

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president-elect Dr Nisha Khot said a pelvic ultrasound was a very specialised scan.

Its not a scan that sits in the skillset of people who would be working in a general emergency department, she said.

Khot said there were particular difficulties in accessing such scans after hours and in regional and remote locations. The problem was further compounded by a nationwide shortage of sonographers.

National malady

The problems may be most pronounced in the bush but capital cities are far from immune.

More than a decade after the death of her ovary and fallopian tube, Brisbane woman Irena Black is still haunted by the possibility of a different outcome had she gone under the knife on the day she had presented to the emergency department.

Irena Black lost one of her ovaries to ovarian torsion after long treatment delays at two hospitals. Credit: Jamila Filippone

In 2013, the then 22-year-old attended the Prince Charles Hospital, a major teaching hospital in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside, with severe abdominal pain.

I didnt know when I went there they didnt have a gynaecological unit, she recalled.

Black was asked to rate her pain, telling staff it was a seven out of 10.

They told me that couldnt be right. If it was that bad you wouldnt be able to walk. And I was like, oh, I dont know then, a five?, Black said.

The hospital ran a battery of tests, but Black said she was told she would be sent home if an ultrasound didnt detect anything. The tenor of the conversations quickly changed when the ultrasound revealed a large mass on her ovary.

It was decided she needed to be transferred to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, where another five agonising hours elapsed.

When I got there because it was dark  all the surgeons had gone home, she said.

Blacks surgery was scheduled for the following afternoon.

When they got in there, both the ovary and tube were necrotic because theyd been dead for so long, she said.

Black bled so profusely she required two blood transfusions.

I didnt know why I waited so long, she said. I assume there were more priority surgeries.

Irena Black in hospital and after her operation. When they got in there, both the ovary and tube were necrotic because theyd been dead for so long, she said.

Both hospitals fall under the jurisdiction of Metro North Health. A spokesman said its hospitals were committed to the timely diagnosis and escalation of time-critical conditions.

While we are unable to comment on specific patient cases, Metro North Health has rigorous procedures in relation to care of time sensitive conditions, he said.

He said transfer of patients to a specialist unit at another hospital was required at times to ensure the most appropriate care was provided.

Metro North Health practices in line with clinical guidelines for ovarian torsion, which outline diagnosis, imaging, and management of the condition.

Delayed and dismissed

Hayley Collins, a special counsel in the NSW Hunter region, has acted for patients in multiple medical negligence cases involving ovarian torsion.

Usually those patients had presented at least once to hospital and had been discharged without a diagnosis, said Collins, from the Law Office of Conrad Curry in Newcastle.

In one case, the patient had been sent away three times.

Unfortunately one of the themes we see is the health professional assuming something else is responsible for a clients symptoms and not acting with the urgency that it requires, Collins said.

Improving ultrasound facilities at hospitals could curb the need for patients to be sent away for outpatient scans, she said.

Upon leaving the hospital, things could go awry for the patient, particularly if the ultrasound clinic hadnt been given clear guidance about the suspicions of ovarian torsion or plans for the communication of results.

Hayley Collins, a special counsel in the NSW Hunter region, has acted for patients in multiple medical negligence cases involving ovarian torsion. Credit: Nick Moir

All of that can lead to diagnosis being delayed, Collins said.

A sonographer, who requested anonymity to speak freely, said it was vital they were made aware of suspicions of ovarian torsion so patients could be seen urgently  otherwise they could wait up to a week for an appointment, and the opportunity to save the ovary could be lost.

Postcode lottery

Very complex diagnoses such as ovarian torsion were more likely to be missed in overburdened emergency departments, Whitelaw said.

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If your system rewards seeing people very quickly, were going to get it wrong in critical conditions like ovarian torsion, Whitelaw said.

Farmer was concerned junior doctors in resource-stretched environments were sometimes hesitant to mobilise on-call staff if there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis.

Calling in a sonographer after hours could mean such services werent available the following day.

There can be a sense we shouldnt be waking people in the night when it could be a cyst, or endometriosis, Farmer said.

Farmer said staff in such scenarios would benefit from clearer guidelines on when to contact on-call staff.

Whitelaw also said a pelvic ultrasound is rebated at a lower rate than a testicular ultrasound, even though the former is more time-consuming and complex.

There is no one sitting there saying we want to deny people an ultrasound, but its something thats not given the priority that it needs and deserves, she said.

Dr Stephen Lee has witnessed firsthand the real-world impact of prioritising those services at Australias oldest specialist womens hospital.

Some years ago, Melbournes Royal Womens Hospital flagged the delayed management of ovarian torsion as an area for improvement.

Lee, who leads the hospitals acute gynaecology unit, said a joint meeting of the ultrasound and gynaecology departments was convened to address the issue.

Experts agreed that resourcing issues in emergency departments were often a roadblock to the swift diagnosis of ovarian torsion. Credit: James Brickwood

The team developed a protocol to prioritise an early review by a gynaecologist and immediate diagnostic ultrasound where torsion was suspected, regardless of the time of day.

Lee said they had observed significantly fewer cases of delayed management since.

In my view, the management of ovarian torsion at the Royal Womens Hospital is world-class, he said.

Lee said that while gynaecological ultrasound remained the best diagnostic tool available, it had an accuracy rate of only about 70 per cent.

MEDICAL MISOGYNY: A CALL TO ACTION The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age last year launched an investigation into medical misogyny: ingrained, systemic sexism across Australias healthcare system, medical research and practise. More than 2000 women shared their experiences as part of our crowd-sourced investigative series, which prompted a national outpouring of grief and frustration as women described feeling gaslit, dismissed or being told their pain was all in their heads. We call on the federal government to boost Medicare funding for GP appointments that last more than 20 minutes to improve care for women and others with complex health conditions. The Albanese government and the Coalition have promised to pour $8.5 billion into Medicare to make GP visits more affordable and improve bulk billing rates, but longer 20-minute appointments will receive a smaller proportional funding increase. Doctors have warned that these policies could further disadvantage women by continuing to incentivise shorter consultations, which dont give GPs enough time to address menopause, pelvic pain and other womens health issues.

The development of more precise diagnostic tools would be a significant step forward for the hundreds of Victorian women who experience ovarian torsion each year, he said.

Like Farmer and Khot, Lee drew attention to the paucity of data measuring the performance of emergency departments in managing ovarian torsion.

He suspected there would be higher incidences of delays in those that lacked gynaecological ultrasound services, but said better data collection was needed to test that hypothesis.

But to Dr Rachael Gill, acting NSW faculty chair of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, the need for improved funding to bridge the postcode divide was already clear.

We need more investment in publicly funded diagnostic imaging services, as well as inpatient and outpatient gynaecological clinics, in all areas, she said.

I couldnt stand upright

The red flag was only subtle but Fatima Azhar had an uneasy sense something wasnt right. She was troubled by a dull throbbing pain in her back and left side, about a week after her first IVF retrieval in July 2020.

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Azhars high yield of 33 eggs was a double-edged sword: it bolstered her chances of a live birth, but also of complications such as ovarian torsion. However, she says her IVF clinic never informed her of the heightened risk.

When Azhar queried the back pain with the nursing staff, she was told it was probably due to the number of eggs collected and to consult a GP if she was concerned. No follow-up scan or check was arranged, she said.

A couple of days later, Azhar keeled over as the pain rapidly intensified.

It was so intense I couldnt stand upright, Azhar said.

She rushed to the emergency department at Dandenong Hospital in Melbournes south-east, arriving just before 6pm.

The hospital has an obstetrics and gynaecology registrar available on site 24 hours a day.

However, Azhar says she was left unattended for about four hours before she was wheeled away for a pelvic ultrasound.

Despite being in significant pain and unable to stand upright, it took hours before any real action was taken, she said.

The area I was taken to for the scan was quite empty and felt very deserted. That may have contributed to the delay.

The ultrasound revealed her left ovary had swelled to seven centimetres (the average size is four centimetres) and blood flow to it had been reduced significantly. The treating team strongly suspected ovarian torsion.

It was the most painful five hours of my life. Fatima Azhar

I was then left alone on a bed outside the scan room for about another hour, she said. Even morphine didnt ease the pain. Instead, it added nausea to the experience.

Emergency surgery revealed a 720-degree torsion of the ovary and fallopian tube. Azhars ovary was saved, but the experience left her traumatised.

It was the most painful five hours of my life, she said.

A Monash Health spokeswoman said it did not provide details about patients or their care due to confidentiality requirements. However, she said wait times at emergency departments varied, as patients were seen in order of clinical urgency.

The most sick or injured are always cared for first, the spokeswoman said. Our hospitals want to treat every patient as soon as possible. We understand and empathise that waiting for care can be stressful.

Azhar wrote a letter expressing her concerns to her IVF clinic, which she has requested not be named as she is still undergoing treatments.

She questioned why there hadnt been closer monitoring or a more proactive response when she first reported her pain.

After my complaint, two follow-up scans were arranged, spaced a few days apart, to check for reduction in ovary size  something I believe should have happened from the outset, she said.

None of Azhars four healthy embryos from that cycle successfully implanted. She underwent another egg retrieval, and this time she was given a brochure outlining potential complications.

Azhar is calling for IVF clinics to improve monitoring of patients who retrieve large numbers of eggs and communication about potential complications before patients undergo treatment.

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So they know whats normal, whats not and when to seek help, she said.

Azhar also wants to see greater awareness in emergency departments about IVF-related complications such as ovarian torsion.

The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand is the peak body representing fertility doctors, nurses and scientists.

A spokeswoman said that under the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committees code of practice, clinics must provide written and verbal information about the risks of treatments, including complications, in a format and language appropriate to the patient.

This is also embedded in the consent process and patient education protocols and is subject to regular review through internal and external audits by RTAC and third-party auditors, she said.

The spokeswoman said clinics also had to ensure patients received information on how to access care after hours or in an emergency. They are explicitly required to identify and manage patients at risk of complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and ovarian torsion.

High egg yields are a known risk factor for OHSS and, indirectly, ovarian torsion, she said.

The code requires proactive monitoring (e.g. follow-up calls, symptom checks) to detect and respond to risks early, and to report any hospitalisation or serious complication to RTAC.

If ovarian torsion occurs within four weeks of retrieval and requires a hospital admission exceeding 24 hours, it is defined as a serious adverse event. The clinic must report it, follow up with the patient and review the case to identify if any corrective actions are needed.

Diagnosis and emergency management of ovarian torsion are hospital or specialist duties, but it is still the IVF clinics responsibility for surveillance, timely referral, and adverse-event reporting, the spokeswoman said.

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Opinion / Columnist

Most of Zimbabwe's leading politicians are lawyers. Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, David Coltart, Welshman Ncube, and even President Emmerson Mnangagwa all come from legal backgrounds. The one prominent engineer who often comes to mind in politics is Elias Mudzuri, but even his presence in national debates has been overshadowed by factional squabbles with another lawyer, Douglas Mwonzora.This dominance of legal minds in Zimbabwean politics is not without consequence. It may help explain why governance in the country relies heavily on statutory instruments - complex legal rules that regulate everyday life - rather than on tangible, large-scale projects that could drive development.Dan Wang, a Chinese-born Canadian analyst, highlights this contrast vividly in his book Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. He argues that China is run by engineers, while the United States is run by lawyers, and that this difference shapes their trajectories. Engineers focus on building - railways, factories, and power plants - while lawyers tend to emphasise processes, legal frameworks, and regulation.Wang points out that in 2002, all nine members of China's Politburo Standing Committee had engineering backgrounds. This technocratic leadership prioritised construction on a massive scale, giving rise to bullet trains, world-class airports, and advanced manufacturing hubs. Meanwhile, in the US, where law degrees dominate political leadership, projects like California's high-speed rail have been bogged down in lawsuits, environmental reviews, and spiralling costs.The same parallel resonates in Zimbabwe. Decades after independence, the country still struggles with crumbling infrastructure, power shortages, and stalled mega-projects. Yet, legal battles, constitutional wrangles, and endless political disputes dominate the headlines. Zimbabwean politics often appears trapped in the courtroom rather than the construction site.Consider the contrast: China completed its BeijingShanghai bullet train in just three years at a cost of $36 billion, carrying more than a billion passengers in its first decade. Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, flagship projects like the Batoka Gorge hydropower station or the expansion of Hwange Power Station are perpetually delayed, weighed down by financing problems, political disagreements, and governance challenges.Of course, lawyers play a critical role in defending rights, upholding constitutionalism, and curbing authoritarian excesses. But Wang's thesis raises uncomfortable questions for countries like Zimbabwe: Has the overrepresentation of lawyers in politics tilted the nation towards endless legalism and away from the kind of hard engineering mindset required to rebuild a struggling economy?China's rise demonstrates the power of an "engineering state" that prizes building over arguing. Zimbabwe, facing an infrastructure deficit and economic stagnation, might need more leaders who think like builders - literally. Until then, it risks remaining a nation of statutory instruments and policy pronouncements, without the highways, factories, and power grids to match.
A new urban renewal development in Brisbanes inner-west would tower over Toowong and transform the suburb with a mixed-use precinct.

The three-tower complex would include a Central Plaza that would host pop-up markets and artistic displays, along with retail tenancies, according to plans lodged with the council.

The now mostly vacant site across the road from Toowong Village and the train station was home to a standalone Woolworths supermarket until 2017.

The three planned towers of 58, 55 and 49 storeys would be more than double the 25 storeys allowed under the councils Toowong-Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan. Credit: KHA

In an assessment report prepared on behalf of the developers, Toowong Central Investment Holding Pty Ltd, town planning firm Urbis says the three-tower scheme made efficient use of the irregularly shaped block, which fronts onto High Street, Sherwood Road and Jephson Street.
Earlier this month, the RSL released a consultants report, which found that some sub-branches were too small or poor to deliver meaningful services to veterans. The report said the state office was also struggling financially because of the increasingly complex demands of veterans, which encompass mental illness, housing, legal troubles and elder abuse. Schroffel at Anzac House in Melbourne. Credit: Joe Armao And it warned RSL Victoria was overly reliant on revenue from its 52 pokies venues, which are at risk from the state governments long-awaited gambling reform package. Financially, the current state is fragile and not sustainable. However, without a viable state branch, the sub-branch network will cease to exist, the report said.

It recommended forcing sub-branches to hand over more revenue to the state RSL office. The charity should also increase engagement with younger veterans, solicit bequests from current members, and switch from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, the report said. RSL Victorias new president, Dr Mark Schroffel, has thrown his weight behind the report, although discussions with sub-branches regarding funding and the future of venues are just beginning. We need to have their support because ultimately, its their organisation, Schroffel said. Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett is a member of the amalgamated Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL sub-branch in Melbournes east, which has a car wash to boost revenue. He said RSL Victoria faced a massive challenge to remain relevant to younger generations. The RSL, does it have a future? Yes. But unless theyre careful, the number of branches will continue to decline, he said. We live in very different times, and as much as I hate to say it, Im not sure the RSL has moved with the times.

At Coburg RSL, young reservist Johannes is not a member because he is busy working two jobs. He said he didnt expect to become heavily involved in the near future. Im 100 per cent supportive, he said. More broadly, things like country fire stations and Mens Sheds and those sorts of community groups  because this is a community group at the end of the day  the people who get involved are retired. Michael Pianta, president of the thriving Coburg RSL sub-branch. Credit: Justin McManus Beyond the reports recommendations, others say RSL Victoria should extend its memberships to police officers, paramedics and SES workers, get out of pokies and sell some sub-branches land to councils. But Schroffel said the head office could not decide to sell off sub-branches to reinvest the proceeds. Its not our property, he said. Those independent sub-branches, they and their members actually own those buildings.

Schroffel said membership fees could increase for the first time in 10 years, and the RSL was open to selling its pokies venues, potentially to not-for-profit racing organisations. Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive officer Martin Thomas said RSLs were designed to be a safe space for veterans and their families, yet international research showed veterans suffered a higher rate of gambling harm than non-veterans. The RSL is open to selling off its pokies venues. Credit: Virginia Star With their new president, we would be calling on the RSL to start that change to remove pokies machines from their venues, or at the very least to be at the vanguard of a carded play system that we know from all the evidence greatly reduces the harm that happens, he said. Journalist and anti-pokies activist Stephen Mayne said RSL Victorias sub-branches were worth at least $1 billion, according to council valuations.

Loading They should close all the pokies venues, sell off a few  Box Hill is worth $70 million on its own  and then live off their investments and all operate like Hawthorn, Camberwell and Templestowe and many other successful, traditional RSLs. Find yourself a benevolent council landlord and operate with the support of your council. Peter Whitelaw is a member of the Melbourne sub-branch, the original RSL in Australia. The Spencer Street club is trying to attract young veterans by having guest speakers, networking events, mentoring and co-working spaces. I think the primary thing that we are wrestling with is that the RSL is dominated by seniors, of which I am one, and theres got to be a generational change, Whitelaw says. Thats fundamental to the future of the RSL. Fundamental change has to occur on a number of fronts. One of those is really focused on getting younger veterans engaged with the RSL and carrying it forward.
The dish: Hamburger, Germany

The humble burger. Getty Images

Plate up This might be it: the most ubiquitous dish on the planet. Aliens could land and ask us, So what do you guys eat? And you could reasonably say: burgers. We eat burgers. Everywhere from Chile to China, Germany to Japan, Morocco to Mozambique, were eating beef patties between buns (thanks in no small part to an American chain restaurant). Not that that is the technical definition of a hamburger.

Those not so heavily influenced by Americans know a hamburger as just the patty, the minced beef thats mixed with spices and onions and grilled on a flat-top or flame grill. The rest of us, meanwhile, think of hamburgers as that patty stuffed between two buns, with fillings like cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato sauce, mustard, onions, and if youre in Australia even egg, pineapple or beetroot. This dish has spawned many spin-offs, of course, using everything from chicken to lentils in place of the beef.

First serve The clue is in the name, right? Its called a hamburger, so it must come from Hamburg, in Germany. And yes, that could be true. Though, the origin of the hamburger is murky, given people have been hacking up beef and forming it into shapes for many hundreds of years. So yes, theres evidence of ground-meat patties being sold in Hamburg from the mid-19th century, though some also say the name came from the Hamburg America Line, the shipping company that transported German migrants to the US around the same time. The idea of placing that Hamburg steak between two buns took root in the US sometime between 1885 and 1904, though by whom remains a mystery.
A long time ago in a galaxy that now feels far, far away, I led study tours to Israel and Palestine to examine co-existence. Endorsed by both the Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors to Australia, they were designed to illuminate the greyscale of nuance and complexity there.

Lets give the faces of both Palestinian and Israeli children something to turn to with hope in their eyes.

On a tour in 2019 our group visited the southern Israeli city of Sderot, near the Gazan border. In the middle of a traffic circle we noticed a beautiful sculpture of wings made from recycled pieces of Palestinian rockets. I remember thinking, Look how Israelis can turn death into life and beauty!

The next day we visited a Palestinian refugee camp on the West Bank. In a small artisan jewellery store we saw necklaces and earrings made from recycled pieces of Israeli tear gas canisters. I had just walked through a black mirror into an alternate reality: Look how Palestinians can turn death into life and beauty!

When the announcement came this week that Australia would be recognising a Palestinian state, my mind went to the deeply traumatised people who made that art. People whose lived experience contrasts so profoundly with those of the politicians posturing in far-off lands.
Starting with red carpets, military fly-overs and shared limo rides and ending with a stage-managed media appearance next to a fawning Donald Trump, the Alaskan summit was, regrettably, a victory for the worlds leading autocrat, Vladimir Putin, and a loss for democracy. As a result, whether its to defend their ally, Ukraine, or their own place in the world, the leaders of the West, including Australia, now have no choice but to act for democratic values.

Putin and Trump: allies in autocracy. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

If Putin had a wishlist, Russias 21st century tsar can now check off a list of desired items: an elevated place on the world stage and recognition as a global player, an end to years of isolation of the Russian Federation, photo-ops fully curated for his propaganda, withdrawal of the threat of more sanctions, deflection of responsibility for the war onto Ukraine. Not a bad outing for an indicted war criminal who has systematically waged war on a small neighbour for more than 10 years, destroyed thousands of its schools and hospitals, reduced some of its towns and cities into urban deserts of ruin and rubble and kidnapped 20,000 of its children (for which the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant).

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And, perhaps, most importantly from his perspective, Putin flew back to Moscow without any commitment to end his unilateral, illegal and brutal war against Ukraine. Quite the contrary, he was given a spotlit stage on which to repeat  without objection or even comment from Trump  his hegemonic demands that Ukraine basically surrender by giving up substantial amounts of its own sovereign territory, fully disarming, swearing off NATO participation, and dumping its democratically elected government and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Were thrilled to welcome both Nick and Vince to our growing team in Victoria," Saoud said. "Our team of state managers, BDMs and relationship managers play a critical role in ensuring we continue to deliver market-leading experiences for our broker partners across the country. Were currently experiencing a strong rate of growth and aspire to continue this positive trajectory for the future, and these strategic appointments are central to accelerating that momentum.
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas "are very similar".

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have a 'similar' approach to life

The Hollywood couple will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary later this year and Catherine believes that their like-minded attitudes have enabled their marriage to stay strong.

The 55-year-old actress told The Sunday Times: "Two celebrities together make ten. It's just the way it is. There's two versions of the story and there's two make-believes. We don't listen to the crap that is written about us, that's the main thing.

"And we respect our space, we're independent spirits. We are very similar; we were born on the same day, 25 years apart. We're not afraid to be verbal, to express ourselves. I wear everything on my sleeve and so does he, which is good."

Douglas, 80, revealed earlier this year that he didn't plan to act again as prefers to "watch my wife work" but Catherine wouldn't be surprised if her husband, the son of late Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, returns to the big screen.

The Welsh actress - who has son Dylan, 25, and daughter Carys, 22, with the Wall Street star - said: "Michael has definitely earned the chance to slow down.

"But I never say never. He's his father's son and loves to work - let's just say, 'retirement' is a flexible concept."

Catherine found fame in the British TV series The Darling Buds of May but explained that she was frustrated by the "great beauty" roles she was subsequently offered.

The Oscar-winning actress said: "I don't consider myself a great beauty.

"I always thought of myself as attractive and interesting, but never a great beauty."

Zeta-Jones plays Morticia Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday and confessed that she didn't know who co-star Jenna Ortega, 22, was initially, but soon realised that she is a "phenomenon".

The Chicago star said: "When we first met I didn't know who she was. It took me one moment on set to work out who she was going to be. It was very clear that she was a phenomenon.

"I mean, forget the show, just her as a young woman, as an actress, the way she is. She has a smart head on her shoulders."

Catherine added that she is at a stage of her life where "everything is a bonus".

She said: "I have had such a great and varied career. I've worked with great directors, great actors. Everything now is a bonus."
Technology / Internet

by Staff reporter

The launch of Starlink in Zimbabwe was initially met with excitement, promising high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet in a country long plagued by erratic connectivity and steep costs. However, that optimism is being tempered by revelations that Zimbabwean users are paying more than customers in any other country, thanks to a USD $5 regulatory fee imposed by the government. Starlink itself notes on its official site, "The fee is included to account for higher than average regulatory fees in Zimbabwe."While Starlink's standard residential package costs USD $45 per month in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and USD $30 in Zambia, Zimbabweans are paying USD $50 - a roughly 11% mark-up. This additional fee, unique to Zimbabwe, raises questions about why the country imposes such high regulatory costs compared to its neighbors.Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, operates in over 130 countries with pricing adjusted for local taxes, licensing, and regulatory costs. Yet Zimbabwe stands out as the only nation with an explicit "Regulatory Fee" added on top of the subscription. In comparison, fiber and broadband users in countries like Ukraine, China, and Russia pay less in total fees than Starlink users in Zimbabwe.The country's telecommunications sector is heavily regulated. The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) requires foreign providers to pay substantial fees for market entry and spectrum usage. Unlike other nations that promote digital inclusion through tax breaks or subsidies, Zimbabwe imposes additional levies on foreign-based services like Starlink, forcing operators to pass the costs on to consumers.Zimbabwe already charges mobile operators and local ISPs significant regulatory fees, which are typically reflected in service prices. The Starlink USD $5 monthly fee appears disproportionate, particularly when compared to Eswatini, which also charges USD $50 but has a far lower reliance on Starlink and significantly cheaper local ISPs. In Zimbabwe, where the leading ISP costs roughly USD $221.74, Starlink is positioned as a relatively cheaper alternative, making the additional charge especially burdensome.Although USD $5 may seem minor, for many Zimbabweans it represents a significant cost. With the country's average monthly wage hovering around USD $200, the extra USD $60 per year reduces affordability for low-income households and small businesses. Attempts to bypass the fee, such as importing Starlink kits from neighboring countries or using roaming options, are not viable in Zimbabwe due to regulatory restrictions.Globally, the U.S. imposes some of the highest telecommunications regulatory fees, with carriers contributing about 25% of interstate revenues to programs like rural broadband expansion. Zimbabwe's USD $5 monthly charge may support regulatory oversight, but its specific allocation remains unclear. Compared to other nations, Zimbabwe's approach appears unnecessarily restrictive, undermining the promise of universal and affordable internet access.Unless regulators reconsider these fees, the vision of reliable, cost-effective internet for all Zimbabweans risks remaining just that - a vision. The high cost of Starlink in Zimbabwe is a stark reminder that regulatory policy can make or break digital inclusion efforts.
Oasis' first sold-out Croke Park gig and Heather Humphreys emerging as a favourite in the presidential race are among the stories that feature on Sunday's front pages.

The Sunday Times leads with an interview with Harvey Morrison's parents, who warn 'more will die if children's care isn't fixed'. The front page also features on a story on rural TDs backing former minister Heather Humphreys, who has been linked with the Fine Gael presidential nomination after Mairead McGuinness' decision to withdraw for health reasons.

The Sunday Independent leads with a poll that has found Heather Humphreys is the new favourite in the presidential race. Oasis' Croke Park gig also makes the front page.

Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has backtracked on a statement that his company Nutriband generates annual revenues of $4 million to $6 million, the Business Post reports.

Our front page today. Pick up a copy or subscribe at https://t.co/mkmooAFIsZ for these stories plus:  Sheridan backtracks on claim Nutriband generates up to $6m  Mind the gap: women losing out  AIB to pay out on another tracker mortgage failing pic.twitter.com/4AEvRX8WY2  Business Post (@businessposthq) August 17, 2025

Oasis' concert features on the front page of the Irish Mail on Sunday and the Irish Sunday Mirror. The Mail leads with a story on gardai investigating allegations of perjury involving a couple who were named as witnesses in a failed civil court rape appeal by Conor McGregor.

The Irish Sun on Sunday also leads with Oasis, along with a story on Maura Higgins.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/0ydVo0OJBr  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) August 17, 2025

Gangster John Gilligan is so desperate to get out of jail that he has organised a begging message which is being spread across WhatsApp groups, the Sunday World reports.

An ex-Ireland rugby star convicted of failing to prevent a gang rape was welcomed with open arms at a Tyrone rugby event recently, Sunday Life reports. Former rugby international Chris Farrell was handed a four-year sentence last December, with two suspended, for failure to prevent the rape of a woman in France in 2017.

In the UK, US president Donald Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine following his summit with Vladimir Putin is the lead story across The Sunday Times, the Sunday Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday, the Sunday Express and the Sunday People.

Sunday's MAIL: Zelensky trapped in Trump and Putin vice #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WjfQlJvQmg  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 16, 2025

Sunday's EXPRESS: The world's in 'grave danger' if west caves in to Putin #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/gTZtscGkEf  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 16, 2025

Daily Star Sunday leads with a story on 'lager lout seagulls'.

The Sunday Mirror leads with a story on calls for the UK two-child benefit cap to be scrapped.

A story on Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins makes the front page of the Sun on Sunday.

The New York Times leads with Donald Trump's shifting stance on the war in Ukraine following his summit with Vladimir Putin.
THIRD-level students and their families are urged to check if they are eligible for the expanded SUSI supports ahead of the new academic year.

The Department of Education is encouraging students and their families to visit susi.ie to see if they are eligible for grant support due to expanded eligibility criteria. Undergraduate students whose household reckonable income is under 115,000 may be eligible for financial support. Students do not need to have their leaving certificate results or to have accepted a course to apply.

Minister for further and higher education James Lawless said that he is very aware of the costs for students and families when attending further and higher education. That is why my department expanded eligibility for grants by increasing income thresholds to provide greater support. Undergraduate students whose household income is under 115,000 may now be eligible for financial support, he continued.

These improvements are long-term, sustainable improvements which mark a significant step towards easing the financial burden on further and higher education students.

Budget 2025 provided substantial improvements to the student grant scheme, including an increase to the income threshold for the special rate of grant from 26,200 to 27,400 in line with increases in social welfare rates. Other increases included all other maintenance and student contribution grant thresholds by at least 15%, the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from 7,925 to 8,424 effective for the 2025/26 academic year and to the post-graduate fee contribution threshold to 64,315.

There is also an expansion of the eligibility criteria to allow students who have certain immigration permissions to apply for grants, while the part-time fee scheme for specified undergraduate courses will see more than 100 courses eligible, an increase from 62. A full list of the courses is available on www.susi.ie and the income threshold to avail of support has also increased to 64,315.

Minister Lawless noted: All of these improved supports take effect from September this year. I would strongly urge students and parents to visit the SUSI website on www.susi.ie for further information and to find out if they are eligible for a grant.

Students who are planning to attend further or higher education in the 2025/26 academic year should check eligibility and/or make an application for grant support. Students planning on attending further or higher education in the next academic year, should check online and check out the Eligibility Indicator. This is a quick and straightforward way to check funding eligibility.

Students are advised to apply as soon as possible in order to have their applications processed in time for the new academic year.

For the 2025/26 academic year, applications will be assessed on gross income for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. However, if there was a change in circumstances from 1 January 2025, members of the public can apply for their application to be assessed/reassessed by requesting a review of their application and stating change in circumstances as the grounds for review.
POPE Leo XIV has declared St John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church, bestowing one of the Catholic Churchs highest honours on the deeply influential 19th century Anglican convert, who remains a unifying figure among conservatives and progressives. The designation is one of the most significant decisions of Leos young papacy and carries deep personal meaning.

Newman was strongly influenced by St Augustine of Hippo, the inspiration of the popes Augustinian order and Leos namesake, Pope Leo XIII, made Newman a Catholic cardinal in 1879 after his conversion. Newman, a theologian and poet, is admired by Catholics and Anglicans alike because he followed his conscience at great personal cost. When he defected from the Church of England to the Catholic Church in 1845, he lost friends, work and even family ties, believing the truth he was searching for could only be found in the Catholic faith.

The title of doctor is reserved for people whose writings have greatly served the universal Catholic Church. Only three dozen people have been given the title over the course of the churchs 2,000-year history, including the fifth century St Augustine, St Francis de Sales and St Teresa of Avila.

This recognition that the writings of St John Henry Newman are a true expression of the faith of the Church is of huge encouragement to all who appreciate not only his great learning but also his heroic sanctity in following the call of God in his journey of faith, which he described as heart speaking unto heart, said Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the archbishop of Westminster, who helped spearhead the campaign.

Originally an Anglican priest, Newman converted to Catholicism in 1845 and his writings are considered among some of the most important Church writings in recent centuries.

Ordained a Catholic priest in 1847, he was made a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879, although he was not a bishop. Newmans conversion to the Catholic faith was controversial in England and resulted in him losing many friends, including his own sister, who never spoke to him again.

The British cardinal founded the Oratory of St Philip Neri in England and was particularly dedicated to education, founding two schools for boys. He died in Birmingham in 1890 at the age of 89.

At Newmans beatification Mass in Birmingham, England in September 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said that Newmans insights into the relationship between faith and reason, into the vital place of revealed religion in civilised society, and into the need for a broadly-based and wide-ranging approach to education were not only of profound importance for Victorian England, but continue today to inspire and enlighten many all over the world.

What better goal could teachers of religion set themselves than blessed John Henrys famous appeal for an intelligent, well-instructed laity: I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it, Pope Benedict said.

The first miracle attributed to Newmans intercession involved the complete and inexplicable healing of a deacon from a disabling spinal condition. His second miracle concerned the healing of a pregnant American woman. The woman prayed for the intercession of Cardinal Newman at the time of a life-threatening diagnosis and her doctors have been unable to explain how or why she was able to suddenly recover.

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons, Blessed John Henry Newman wrote. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments, he said.

Lead kindly Light

In 1833, the young theologian and Anglican vicar John Henry Newman (1801-90) was traveling in the Mediterranean when he was struck down by a fever that nearly killed him. My servant thought I was dying and begged for my last directions, he recalled in his autobiography. I gave them as he wished, but I said: I shall not die, for I have not sinned against light.

Newman recovered slowly but felt desperately homesick. On the way back to England, he took an orange boat from Palermo to Marseilles, which was becalmed in the Straits of Bonifacio. Thus stranded, in an exhausted and emotional state, Newman was impelled to write this verse as a meditative poem called The Pillar of the Cloud, expressive of his longing for consoling Christian certainties in an age of mounting doubt.

There has been much puzzlement over the nature of the kindly light and the identity of the lost angel faces in the last line. When challenged on these points, Newman replied crisply: I am not bound to remember my own meaning.

He was displeased when the poem was turned into a hymn in 1845  by which time he had converted to Catholicism, where congregational hymn singing formed no part of divine service. To no avail: his words embodied the maudlin spirit of the age, to the point at which Queen Victoria asked it to be read to her as she lay dying.

It was also the last hymn to be sung on the Titanic  not, as is sometimes said, as the liner was actually sinking, but at the final service given on board by the chaplain on the afternoon before the disaster.

Personally, I pray this beautiful hymn every night after night prayer:

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead thou me on;

The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead thou me on.

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not forever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on;

I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead thou me on, I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still Will lead me on, Oer moor and fen, oer crag and torrent, till The night is gone;

And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

Prayer of St Henry Newman

O Lord, Support us all the day long, Until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.

Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last.
By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping told him China would not invade Taiwan while Trump is in office.

Trump made the comments in an interview with Fox News, ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"I will tell you, you know, you have a very similar thing with President Xi of China and Taiwan, but I don't believe there's any way it's going to happen as long as I'm here. We'll see," Trump said during an interview on Fox News' "Special Report."

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"He told me, 'I will never do it as long as you're president.' President Xi told me that, and I said, 'Well, I appreciate that,' but he also said, 'But I am very patient, and China is very patient.'," Trump said.

Trump and Xi held their first confirmed call of Trump's second presidential term in June. Trump also said in April that Xi had called him but did not specify when that call took place.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to "reunify" with the democratic and separately governed island, by force if necessary. Taiwan strongly objects to China's sovereignty claims.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington on Friday described the topic of Taiwan as "the most important and sensitive issue" in China-U.S. relations.

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"The U.S. government should adhere to the one-China principle and the three U.S.-China joint communiques, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and earnestly safeguard China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement.

Although Washington is Taiwan's main arms supplier and international backer, the U.S. - like most countries - has no formal diplomatic ties with the island.

While Taiwan's government has yet to respond to Trump's remarks, on Saturday a senior lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party said that Taiwan was grateful for support from "our major ally".

"However ... Security cannot rely on the enemy's promise, nor can it rely solely on the help from friends. Strengthening our own defence capability is fundamental!" Wang Ting-yu, who sits on the Taiwan parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee, wrote on his Facebook page.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Diane Craft, Muralikumar Anantharaman and Tomasz Janowski)
Find more about Bianca Censori's family and why her uncle is nicknamed Melbourne's Al Capone.

Before February 2025, Bianca Censori was known as Kanye Wests wife and for pushing the envelope with the skimpy, barely-there outfits she wore in public. But she became a household name after appearing practically naked on the Grammys red carpet.

Bianca made headlines all over the world when she showed up at the 67th annual Grammy Awards alongside the Famous rapper wearing a black fur coat, which she slipped off and left nothing to the imagination.

Cameras flashed as Bianca stood there in just a sheer mini dress fitted over her body. There were no strategically placed pasties or any type of coverage underneath the completely see-through mesh ensemble. After giving a whole new meaning to the naked dress, people have wanted to know more about Bianca and her background.

Well, turns out she comes from a gangster family Down Under. Heres more on that and the claim about West that her relatives have denied.

What we know about Bianca Censoris Australian gangster family

Bianca was born on Jan. 5, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, to parents Alexandra and Elia Leo Censori. They have two other daughters as wellAngelina and Alyssia.

While Biancas mother has kept a mostly low profile over the years, the Daily Mail reported that her father is a notorious gangster. He was heavily involved in Melbournes illegal gambling scene. The Censori patriarchs ex-wife, Faye, claimed that Leo amassed quite a fortune through underground gambling. He was eventually convicted on multiple charges. Those included possession of prohibited imports and firearms. Leo was sent to prison for a time in 1982.

His brother, Eris Censori, is also one of Australias most notorious criminals and has earned the nickname Melbournes Al Capone. Eris was sentenced to death in 80s for murder. However, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison after the death penalty was abolished in Western Australia.

Bianca has another uncle, Edmondo, who was also reportedly involved in various crimes.

Biancas sister calls reports about West and their father bulls***

As for Biancas siblings, they arent in the limelight as much as their sister.

Alyssia lives a quiet life in Australia, working as a registered nurse. She has one young son, Leandro, and a pet named Charlie. Meanwhile, Angelina is an aspiring model and an Instagram influencer. She often posts about her bold fashion choices and gives her followers glimpses into her luxurious lifestyle.

Angelina insisted that the reports about her family disliking West are total BS.

We all support him, Angelina said. We support his new album. We support his new clothes hes dropping.

She added that sources who say otherwise are not connected to her family.

According to Angelina, Its all just bulls***. There was something about my dad even recently  My dad never talks. Nothings true.

Several media outlets reported that Bianca and West had separated following their red carpet Grammy stunt. The couples rep denied those claims which did turn out to be false as they remain married and together.
Home News Fewer pastors now want to quit but younger leaders still challenged: Barna

Fewer pastors are now reporting dissatisfaction with their job or doubt in their calling, but that rebound isnt as noticeable among younger or female pastors, according to a new report from Barna.

Recently published data from the Evangelical Christian polling firms latest report, The State of Pastors, Volume 2  created in partnership with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual, RightNow Media and World Impact  show the rebounding confidence and security pastors now have in their jobs compared to the burnout they said they were experiencing as they emerged from the ravages of the COVID-19 lockdowns in recent years.

While many pastors previously considered leaving their jobs, data collected by Barna from 523 online interviews with Protestant senior pastors in the U.S. from Aug. 28- Sept. 18, 2023, showed they are feeling much better.

In 2022, just 35% of pastors said they were more confident in their calling than they had been when they started in ministry, previous Barna data show. In 2023, the share of pastors who say they are now more confident in their calling than when they started ministry increased to 51%. Another 39% said they are just as confident. The share of pastors who said they were less confident in their calling fell from 14% in 2022 to 9% in 2023.

More than half of male pastors, 51%, and female pastors, 53%, as well as pastors over 45, 52%, reported being confident in their role. Some 50% of pastors younger than 45 felt the same. The share of pastors who said they're very satisfied also jumped 7 percentage points between 2022 and 2023 from 52% to 59%.

There was also a similar uptick in satisfaction among pastors with their current church. Some 47% of pastors reported they were very satisfied with the ministry in 2023 compared with 38% who said the same in 2022.

Only a minority of younger pastors, 38%, and female pastors, 32%, felt this way, while 50% of older pastors and 49% of male pastors reported being very satisfied with their current ministry.

Age and gender discrepancies have long lingered within job satisfaction among pastors, and it seems the recent rebound has done little to narrow these gaps, researchers noted.

Barna previously noted that as American pastors continue to skew older, with an average age of 52, a majority said it had become increasingly difficult to find younger replacements willing to do their jobs as they prepare to retire.

Researchers in that report found that some 75% of the pastors in the study at least somewhat agree with the statement: "It is becoming harder to find mature young Christians who want to be pastors."

About a third of respondents "strongly agreed" that it's becoming harder to find young Christians to be pastors, up from 24% in 2015.

An October 2021 Barna survey also showed that nearly four out of 10 pastors (38%) said they were "seriously considering" leaving full-time ministry, which was a significant increase from the 29% of pastors who reported feeling this way several months earlier in January 2021.

As the world was still reeling from the pandemic in 2022, some Christian denominations, such as the progressive, LGBT-affirming Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, reported that they were already in the throes of a succession crisis with a national shortage of "at least 600" pastors.

The recent data on pastors thinking of leaving full-time ministry has also changed.

These positive jumps in pastoral confidence and satisfaction go hand in hand with the shift in the number of pastors who have contemplated leaving full-time ministry in the past year, researchers wrote.

As of March 2022, this number sat at 42%. In late 2023, the numbers of pastors who had considered this dropped to 33%. Todays pastors are finding their footing after a prolonged period of destabilization.
Home Opinion Are you too good to go to Heaven?

Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector (see Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee bragged about his deeds because he was self-righteous rather than saved, justified, born again, redeemed and forgiven. The tax collector, on the other hand, "would not even look up to Heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me a sinner'" (v. 13). Jesus said, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God" (v. 14).

Justification takes place at the beginning of a person's relationship with God. The only way to enter the Kingdom of God is to be justified through faith in Christ alone. When I am justified according to Scripture, God essentially looks at me "just if I'd" never sinned. The righteousness of God covers my soul and my sin as a believer in Jesus. And this, of course, is what motivates and empowers Christians to live for the Lord.

Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). The "healthy" ones are those people who assume their personal righteousness will get them into Heaven. Like the Pharisee in the parable, they are completely self-righteous. Jesus forgives those who know they are sinners and are willing to turn away from sin and walk closely with Christ. Repentant individuals recognize the sickness (sin) within their souls and are ready to receive forgiveness and follow the Great Physician.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Many people wrongly assume they must engage in righteous living before they can be forgiven and justified. The problem, of course, with this approach is that sinners are not qualified to become their own Savior. Sadly, everyone who relies upon noble efforts and religious deeds for salvation ends up terribly disappointed and locked out of Heaven.

By the way, when Paul was still Saul, he was far too "good" to be justified. He would go on to write, "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless" (Philippians 3:4-6).

Saul's "righteousness" was man-made, whereas the righteousness God accepts is placed upon believers by the Holy Spirit when you receive Jesus as Savior (see John 1:12). After meeting Jesus, Saul was transformed into the apostle who wrote, "No one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" (Romans 3:20-22).

Are you too "good" to be justified before God? That is to say, are you striving to be good enough to be justified before God at some point in the future? Those who seek to be justified by their works are not yet acquainted with the Gospel. Why? Because they are not relying completely upon Christ's atoning death on the cross as the basis of their forgiveness, salvation and justification. Instead, they are relying upon works in a vain effort to "shore up" their justification.

It reminds me of what Paul wrote concerning the Jews. "They are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness" (Romans 10:2-3). The same is true for you, my friend, if you are seeking to establish your own righteousness rather than submitting your soul to "God's righteousness."

Do you understand what I am sharing with you? Do you grasp why some people are too "good" to be justified? Christ died for the ungodly, and Jesus forgives those who place their trust in Him. The self-righteous, on the other hand, remain lost in sin and unbelief. Why? Because they attempt to turn Christian faith into a system of good works that must be completed before they can be justified. The end result? "All who rely on observing the Law are under a curse" (Galatians 3:10). In other words, those who attempt to earn their way into Heaven end up missing out on everlasting life in Paradise.

You might say, "Wait a minute! God wants us to do good works!" Of course He does, but not in order to be saved. If your works are being done in hopes of being justified by your noble efforts, then you remain outside the kingdom of God. And unless you place your confidence for Heaven in the cross where Jesus paid for your sins, you will hear these words from the Lord on Judgment Day: "I never knew you. Depart from me" (Matthew 7:23).

Man, by nature, assumes his religious deeds can gain him entrance into Heaven. If you doubt that statement, simply look at all the people from various religions who rely upon their works in hopes of gaining acceptance by God. Jews, Muslims, and even many professing Christians tout their religious achievements as they work to become righteous in God's eyes. When asked about their expectation of getting into Heaven, the average person thinks, "I am good enough to make it." The Bible, however, sets the record straight: "Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin ... There is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:9-10).

So, do you recognize your sinfulness and your need for the Savior, or are you too "good" to be justified?
Home Opinion Its good for Christians to mourn

If you read through the end of Genesis, you might be struck by something odd. After the grand, sweeping narratives of creation, the fall, the flood, and the patriarchs, the book slows down and dedicates over half of its final chapter to the death, mourning, and burial of one man: Jacob.

Joseph weeps over his father. An elaborate, 40-day embalming process is undertaken by physicians. The entire nation of Egypt mourns for 70 days, a period of honor nearly equal to that of a Pharaoh. A great company of chariots and horsemen travels from Egypt to Canaan for the burial, a journey so conspicuous that it leaves a geographical mark, with the local Canaanites renaming a place Abel-mizraim, meaning mourning of Egypt. Martin Luther rightly observed, There is no burial in the Scriptures quite as honorable as this or with such wealth of detail.

Why? Why does this book, which begins with the explosion of life, end with such a prolonged focus on death? In many ways, the central question of Genesis is, How can we live and not die? From Judahs plea to his father to Gods providence in sending Joseph to Egypt, the aim was always to preserve life (Genesis 45:5). And yet, here at the end, we are forced to linger over a coffin.

The reason is that Genesis 50 teaches us how to view death biblically. It shows us that for the people of God, mourning is not a denial of our faith but an expression of it. The Bible presents a path where we both accept death and defy it.

We accept death as the enemy





Our culture doesnt know what to do with death, and this is often true even for Christians. On one hand, we try to deny it. We use euphemisms like passed away because the word died feels too harsh. We turn funerals into celebrations of life, as if we can gloss over the sorrow and pain with a party. But funerals are not birthdays, weddings, or graduations. Those are celebrations of lifes milestones. Funerals are for acknowledging that life has ended, and that death is a terrible thing.

The Bible presents a different path. First, we must accept death as the tragic and unnatural result of sin. Before the fall, there was no death. Gods command was clear: of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die (Genesis 2:17). Adams sin brought death into the world (1 Corinthians 15:21), and its devastating reality unfolds throughout Genesis  from the animal skins God made as the first covering for sin, to Cains murder of Abel, to the final words of Genesis 3:19, for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Because death is an enemy  the consequence of rebellion against a life-giving God  it is right and good to grieve. It is appropriate to weep. Joseph fell on his fathers face and wept. Later, at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, Jesus wept (John 11:35). The wisest man who ever lived wrote, It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart (Ecclesiastes 7:2).

Sorrow is not a sign of weak faith. Funerals are for the living. They are a necessary space for us to acknowledge the horror of death, to process our grief, and to say goodbye. A funeral is not primarily for the person who has died, but for those who still live. As believers, we must have the courage to look death in the face and call it what it is: an intruder in Gods good world. We must mourn. Blessed are those who mourn, Jesus says, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).

We defy death in the resurrection





But our mourning is fundamentally different from the worlds. We accept death, but we also defy death. We do not despair. Our grief is framed by a glorious and certain hope. This is the heart of the Gospel. Paul makes this clear to the Thessalonian believers:

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep (1 Thessalonians 4:1314).

Notice Paul doesnt say, Dont grieve. He says, Dont grieve as others do who have no hope. Our tears are shed in the sure and certain hope of resurrection. Our faith is not a vague optimism; it is anchored to an historical event: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, we are still in our sins, and we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:17, 19).

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20, 22)

Christ is the firstfruits. His resurrection is the guarantee of our own. Because he conquered the grave, we can stand at the grave of a believing loved one and say with confidence, O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55, ESV).

This is why a Christian funeral is such a powerful witness to unbelievers. Think of the scene in Genesis 50. The Egyptians and Canaanites saw an unprecedented level of mourning. They saw deep, authentic sorrow. But they also saw a family so committed to a promise about a future inheritance that they would undertake a massive, difficult journey to bury their father in a specific plot of ground. This combination of profound grief and unshakable hope is a powerful testimony. It shows the world that we take death seriously, but we do not fear it. Our hope is not a crutch; it is a conviction that makes us act in ways that are noticeable to the world around us.

Our renewed hope in Gods promises





This hope is what characterizes the entire scene in Genesis 50. Why the long journey back to Canaan? Because Jacobs burial was a profound statement of faith. Funerals for the believer serve to provide renewed hope in the promises of God. God had promised that land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had promised Jacob, I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again (Genesis 46:4). Burying Jacob in the cave of Machpelah was an act of holding God to his word. It was a gravestone marking a down payment on a future inheritance.

Moses even portrays this funeral procession using language that foreshadows the Exodus. Pharaoh tells Joseph, Go up and bury your father (Genesis 50:6), the same language Pharaoh will later use to command Moses, Up, go out from among my people (Exodus 12:31). Jacobs journey to his resting place was a picture of the nations future journey to the promised land.

For these patriarchs, the land of Canaan was a tangible symbol of a greater hope. As the author of Hebrews explains, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city (Hebrews 11:16).

So yes, Christian, we mourn. We weep. We go to the house of mourning and feel the sadness of loss. We acknowledge death as the terrible wage of sin. But we do not despair. Our sorrow is overshadowed by a glorious hope. We grieve, but we do so while trusting the promises of God, who raised Jesus from the dead and has secured for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in Heaven for us.

Originally published at G3 Ministries.
>>> 2025-08-16 passive microwave repeaters (PDF)

One of the most significant single advancements in telecommunications technology was the development of microwave radio. Essentially an evolution of radar, the middle of the Second World War saw the first practical microwave telephone system. By the time Japan surrendered, AT&T had largely abandoned their plan to build an extensive nationwide network of coaxial telephone cables. Microwave relay offered greater capacity at a lower cost. When Japan and the US signed their peace treaty in 1951, it was broadcast from coast to coast over what AT&T called the "skyway": the first transcontinental telephone lead made up entirely of radio waves. The fact that live television coverage could be sent over the microwave system demonstrated its core advantage. The bandwidth of microwave links, their capacity, was truly enormous. Within the decade, a single microwave antenna could handle over 1,000 simultaneous calls.

Microwave's great capacity, its chief advantage, comes from the high frequencies and large bandwidths involved. The design of microwave-frequency radio electronics was an engineering challenge that was aggressively attacked during the war because microwave frequency's short wavelengths made them especially suitable for radar. The cavity magnetron, one of the first practical microwave transmitters, was an invention of such import that it was the UK's key contribution to a technical partnership that lead to the UK's access to US nuclear weapons research. Unlike the "peaceful atom," though, the "peaceful microwave" spread fast after the war. By the end of the 1950s, most long-distance telephone calls were carried over microwave. While coaxial long-distance carriers such as L-carrier saw continued use in especially congested areas, the supremacy of microwave for telephone communications would not fall until adoption of fiber optics in the 1980s.

The high frequency, and short wavelength, of microwave radio is a limitation as well as an advantage. Historically, "microwave" was often used to refer to radio bands above VHF, including UHF. As RF technology improved, microwave shifted higher, and microwave telephone links operated mostly between 1 and 9 GHz. These frequencies are well beyond the limits of beyond-line-of-sight propagation mechanisms, and penetrate and reflect only poorly. Microwave signals could be received over 40 or 50 miles in ideal conditions, but the two antennas needed to be within direct line of sight. Further complicating planning, microwave signals are especially vulnerable to interference due to obstacles within the "fresnel zone," the region around the direct line of sight through which most of the received RF energy passes.

Today, these problems have become relatively easy to overcome. Microwave relays, stations that receive signals and rebroadcast them further along a route, are located in positions of geographical advantage. We tend to think of mountain peaks and rocky ridges, but 1950s microwave equipment was large and required significant power and cooling, not to mention frequent attendance by a technician for inspection and adjustment. This was a tube-based technology, with analog and electromechanical control. Microwave stations ran over a thousand square feet, often of thick hardened concrete in the post-war climate and for more consistent temperature regulation, critical to keeping analog equipment on calibration. Where commercial power wasn't available they consumed a constant supply of diesel fuel. It simply wasn't practical to put microwave stations in remote locations.

In the flatter regions of the country, locating microwave stations on hills gave them appreciably better range with few downsides. This strategy often stopped at the Rocky Mountains.

In much of the American West, telephone construction had always been exceptionally difficult. Open-wire telephone leads had been installed through incredible terrain by the dedication and sacrifice of crews of men and horses. Wire strung over telephone poles proved able to handle steep inclines and rocky badlands, so long as the poles could be set---although inclement weather on the route could make calls difficult to understand. When the first transcontinental coaxial lead was installed, the route was carefully planned to follow flat valley floors whenever possible. This was an important requirement since it was installed mostly by mechanized equipment, heavy machines, which were incapable of navigating the obstacles that the old pole and wire crews had on foot.

The first installations of microwave adopted largely the same strategy. Despite the commanding views offered by mountains on both sides of the Rio Grande Valley, AT&T's microwave stations are often found on low mesas or even at the center of the valley floor. Later installations, and those in the especially mountainous states where level ground was scarce, became more ambitious. At Mt. Rose, in Nevada, an aerial tramway carried technicians up the slope to the roof of the microwave station---the only access during winter when snowpack reached high up the building's walls. Expansion in the 1960s involved increasing use of helicopters as the main access to stations, although roads still had to be graded for construction and electrical service.

These special arrangements for mountain locations were expensive, within the reach of the Long Lines department's monopoly-backed budget but difficult for anyone else, even Bell Operating Companies, to sustain. And the West---where these difficult conditions were encountered the most---also contained some of the least profitable telephone territory, areas where there was no interconnected phone service at all until government subsidy under the Rural Electrification Act. Independent telephone companies and telephone cooperatives, many of them scrappy operations that had expanded out from the manager's personal home, could scarcely afford a mountaintop fortress and a helilift operation to sustain it.

For the telephone industry's many small players, and even the more rural Bell Operating Companies, another property of microwave became critical: with a little engineering, you can bounce it off of a mirror.

James Kreitzberg was, at least as the obituary reads, something of a wunderkind. Raised in Missoula, Montana, he earned his pilots license at 15 and joined the Army Air Corps as soon as he was allowed. The Second World War came to a close shortly after, and so, he went on to the University of Washington where he studied aeronautical engineering and then went back home to Montana, taking up work as an engineer at one of the states' largest electrical utilities. His brother, George, had taken a similar path: a stint in the Marine Corps and an aeronautical engineering degree from Oklahoma. While James worked at Montana Power in Butte, George moved to Salem, Oregon, where he started an aviation company that supplemented their cropdusting revenue by modifying Army-surplus aircraft for other uses.

Montana Power operated hydroelectric dams, coal mines, and power plants, a portfolio of facilities across a sparse and mountainous state that must have made communications a difficult problem. During the 1950s, James was involved in an effort to build a new private telephone system connecting the utility's facilities. It required negotiating some type of obstacle, perhaps a mountain pass. James proposed an idea: a reflector.

Because the wavelength of microwaves are so short, say 10cm, it's practical to build a flat metallic panel that spans multiple wavelengths. Such a panel will function like a reflector or mirror, redirecting microwave energy at an angle proportional to the angle on which it arrived. Much like you can redirect a laser using mirrors, you can also redirect a microwave signal. Some early commenters referred to this technique as a "radio mirror," but by the 1950s the use of "active" microwave repeaters with receivers and transmitters had become well established, so by comparison reflectors came to be known as "passive repeaters."

James believed a passive repeater to be a practical solution, but Montana Power lacked the expertise to build one. For a passive repeater to work efficiently, its surface must be very flat and regular, even under varying temperature. Wind loading had to be accounted for, and the face sufficiently rigid to not flex under the wind. Of course, with his education in aeronautics, James knew that similar problems were encountered in aircraft: the need for lightweight metal structures with surfaces that kept an engineered shape. Wasn't he fortunate, then, that his brother owned a shop that repaired and modified aircraft.

I know very little about the original Montana Power installation, which is unfortunate, as it may very well be the first passive microwave repeater ever put into service. What I do know is that in the fall of 1955, James called his brother George and asked if his company, Kreitzberg Aviation, could fabricate a passive repeater for Montana Power. George, he later recounted, said that "I can build anything you can draw." The repeater was made in a hangar on the side of Salem's McNary Field, erected by the flightline as a test, and then shipped in parts to Montana for reassembly in the field. It worked. It worked so well, in fact, that as word of Montana Power's new telephone system spread, other utilities wrote to inquire about obtaining passive repeaters for their own telephone systems.

In 1956, James Kreitzberg moved to Salem and the two brothers formed the Microflect Company. From the sidelines of McNary Field, Microflect built aluminum "billboards" that can still be found on mountain passes and forested slopes throughout the western United States, and in many other parts of the world where mountainous terrain, adverse weather, and limited utilities made the construction of active repeaters impractical.

Passive repeaters can be used in two basic configurations, defined by the angle at which the signal is reflected. In the first case, the reflection angle is around 90 degrees (the closer to this ideal angle, of course, the more efficiently the repeater performs). This situation is often encountered when there is an obstacle that the microwave path needs to "maneuver" around. For example, a ridge or even a large structure like a building in between two sites. In the second case, the microwave signal must travel in something closer to a straight line---over a mountain pass between two towns, for example. When the reflection angle is greater than 135 degrees, the use of a single passive repeater becomes inefficient or impossible, so Microflect recommends the use of two. Arranged like a dogleg or periscope, the two repeaters reflect the signal to the side and then onward in the intended direction.

Microflect published an excellent engineering manual with many examples of passive repeater installations along with the signal calculations. You might think that passive repeaters would be so inefficient as to be impractical, especially when more than one was required, but this is surprisingly untrue. Flat aluminum panels are almost completely efficient reflectors of microwave, and somewhat counterintuitively, passive repeaters can even provide gain.

In an active repeater, it's easy to see how gain is achieved: power is added. A receiver picks up a signal, and then a powered transmitter retransmits it, stronger than it was before. But passive repeaters require no power at all, one of their key advantages. How do they pull off this feat? The design manual explains with an ITU definition of gain that only an engineer could love, but in an article for "Electronics World," Microflect field engineer Ray Thrower provided a more intuitive explanation.

A passive repeater, he writes, functions essentially identically to a parabolic antenna, or a telescope:

Quite probably the difficulty many people have in understanding how the passive repeater, a flat surface, can have gain relates back to the common misconception about parabolic antennas. It is commonly believed that it is the focusing characteristics of the parabolic antenna that gives it its gain. Therefore, goes the faulty conclusion, how can the passive repeater have gain? The truth is, it isn't focusing that gives a parabola its gain; it is its larger projected aperture. The focusing is a convenient means of transition from a large aperture (the dish) to a small aperture (the feed device). And since it is projected aperture that provides gain, rather than focusing, the passive repeater with its larger aperture will provide high gain that can be calculated and measured reliably. A check of the method of determining antenna gain in any antenna engineering handbook will show that focusing does not enter into the basic gain calculation.

We can also think of it this way: the beam of energy emitted by a microwave antenna expands in an arc as it travels, dissipating the "density" of the energy such that a dish antenna of the same size will receive a weaker and weaker signal as it moves further away (this is the major component of path loss, the "dilution" of the energy over space). A passive repeater employs a reflecting surface which is quite large, larger than practical antennas, and so it "collects" a large cross section of that energy for reemission.

Projected aperture is the effective "window" of energy seen by the antenna at the active terminal as it views the passive repeater. The passive repeater also sees the antenna as a "window" of energy. If the two are far enough away from one another, they will appear to each other as essentially point sources.

In practice, a passive repeater functions a bit like an active repeater that collects a signal with a large antenna and then reemits it with a smaller directional antenna. To be quite honest, I still find it a bit challenging to intuit this effect, but the mathematics bear it out as well. Interestingly, the effect only occurs when the passive repeater is far enough from either terminal so as to be usefully approximated as a point source. Microflect refers to this as the far field condition. When the passive repeater is very close to one of the active sites, within the near field, it is more effective to consider the passive repeater as part of the transmitting antenna itself, and disregard it for path loss calculations. This dichotomy between far field and near field behavior is actually quite common in antenna engineering (where an "antenna" is often multiple radiating and nonradiating elements within the near field of each other), but it's yet another of the things that gives antenna design the feeling of a dark art.

One of the most striking things about passive repeaters is their size. As a passive repeater becomes larger, it reflects a larger cross section of the RF energy and thus provides more gain. Much like with dish or horn antennas, the size of a passive repeater can be traded off with transmitter power (and the size of other antennas involved) to design an economical solution. Microflect offered as standard sizes ranging from 8'x10' (gain at around 6.175GHz: 90.95 dB) to 40'x60' (120.48dB, after a "rough estimate" reduction of 1dB due to interference effects possible from such a short wavelength reflecting off of such a large panel as to invoke multipath effects).

By comparison, a typical active microwave repeater site might provide a gain of around 140dB---and we must bear in mind that dB is a logarithmic unit, so the difference between 121 and 140 is bigger than it sounds. Still, there's a reason that logarithms are used when discussing radio paths... in practice, it is orders of magnitude that make the difference in reliable reception. The reduction in gain from an active repeater to a passive repeater can be made up for with higher-gain terminal antennas and more powerful transmitters. Given that the terminal sites are often at far more convenient locations than the passive repeater, that tradeoff can be well worth it.

Keep in mind that, as Microflect emphasizes, passive repeaters require no power and very little ("virtually no") maintenance. Microflect passive repeaters were manufactured in sections that bolted together in the field, and the support structures provided for fine adjustment of the panel alignment after mounting. These features made it possible to install passive repeaters by helicopter onto simple site-built foundations, and many are found on mountainsides that are difficult to reach even on foot. Even in less difficult locations, these advantages made passive repeaters less expensive to install and operate than active repeaters. Even when the repeater side was readily accessible, passives were often selected simply for cost savings.

Let's consider some examples of passive repeater installations. Microflect was born of the power industry, and electrical generators and utilities remained one of their best customers. Even today, you can find passive repeaters at many hydroelectric dams. There is a practical need to communicate by telephone between a dispatch center (often at the utility's city headquarters) and the operators in the dam's powerhouse, but the powerhouse is at the base of the dam, often in a canyon where microwave signals are completely blocked. A passive repeater set on the canyon rim, at an angle downwards, solves the problem by redirecting the signal from horizontal to vertical. Such an installation can be seen, for example, at the Hoover Dam. In some sense, these passive repeaters "relocate" the radio equipment from the canyon rim (where the desirable signal path is located) to a more convenient location with the other powerhouse equipment. Because of the short distance from the powerhouse to the repeater, these passives were usually small.

This idea can be extended to relocating en-route repeaters to a more serviceable site. In Glacier National Park, Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph installed a telephone system to serve various small towns and National Park Service sites. Glacier is incredibly mountainous, with only narrow valleys and passes. The only points with long sight ranges tend to be very inaccessible. Mt. Furlong provided ideal line of sight to East Glacier and Essex along highway 2, but it would have been extremely challenging to install and maintain a microwave site on the steep peak. Instead, two passive repeaters were installed near the mountaintop, redirecting the signals from those two destinations to an active repeater installed downslope near the highway and railroad.

This example raises another advantage of passive repeaters: their reduced environmental impact, something that Microflect emphasized as the environmental movement of the 1970s made agencies like the Forest Service (which controlled many of the most appealing mountaintop radio sites) less willing to grant permits that would lead to extensive environmental disruption. Construction by helicopter and the lack of a need for power meant that passive repeaters could be installed without extensive clearing of trees for roads and power line rights of way. They eliminated the persistent problem of leakage from standby generator fuel tanks. Despite their large size, passive repeaters could be camouflaged. Many in national forests were painted green to make them less conspicuous. And while they did have a large surface area, Microflect argued that since they could be installed on slopes rather than requiring a large leveled area, passive repeaters would often fall below the ridge or treeline behind them. This made them less visually conspicuous than a traditional active repeater site that would require a tower. Indeed, passive repeaters are only rarely found on towers, with most elevated off the ground only far enough for the bottom edge to be free of undergrowth and snow.

Other passive repeater installations were less a result of exceptionally difficult terrain and more a simple cost optimization. In rural Nevada, Nevada Bell and a dozen independents and coops faced the challenge of connecting small towns with ridges between them. The need for an active repeater at the top of each ridge, even for short routes, made these rural lines excessively expensive. Instead, such towns were linked with dual passive repeaters on the ridge in a "straight through" configuration, allowing microwave antennas at the towns' existing telephone exchange buildings to reach each other. This was the case with the installation I photographed above Pioche. I have been frustratingly unable to confirm the original use of these repeaters, but from context they were likely installed by the Lincoln County Telephone System to link their "hub" microwave site at Mt. Wilson (with direct sight to several towns) to their site near Caliente.

The Microflect manual describes, as an example, a very similar installation connecting Elko to Carlin. Two 20'x32' passive repeaters on a ridge between the two (unfortunately since demolished) provided a direct connection between the two telephone exchanges.

As an example of a typical use, it might be interesting to look at the manual's calculations for this route. From Elko to the repeaters is 13.73 miles, the repeaters are close enough to each other as to be in near field (and so considered as a single antenna system), and from the repeaters to Carlin is 6.71 miles. The first repeater reflects the signal at a 68 degree angle, then the second reflects it back at a 45 degree angle, for a net change in direction of 23 degrees---a mostly straight route. The transmitter produces 33.0 dBm, both antennas provide a 34.5 dB gain, and the passive repeater assembly provides 88 dB gain (this calculated basically by consulting a table in the manual). That means there is 190 dB of gain in the total system. The 6.71 and 13.73 mile paths add up to 244 dB of free space path loss, and Microflect throws in a few more dB of loss to account for connectors and cables and the less than ideal performance of the double passive repeater. The net result is a received signal of -58 dBm, which is plenty acceptable for a 72-channel voice carrier system. This is all done at a significantly lower price than the construction of a full radio site on the ridge [1].

The combination of relocating radio equipment to a more convenient location and simply saving money leads to one of the iconic applications of passive repeaters, the "periscope" or "flyswatter" antenna. Microwave antennas of the 1960s were still quite large and heavy, and most were pressurized. You needed a sturdy tower to support one, and then a way to get up the tower for regular maintenance. This lead to most AT&T microwave sites using short, squat square towers, often with surprisingly convenient staircases to access the antenna decks. In areas where a very tall tower was needed, it might just not be practical to build one strong enough. You could often dodge the problem by putting the site up a hill, but that wasn't always possible, and besides, good hilltop sites that weren't already taken became harder to find.

When Western Union built out their microwave network, they widely adopted the flyswatter antenna as an optimization. Here's how it works: the actual microwave antenna is installed directly on the roof of the equipment building facing up. Only short waveguides are needed, weight isn't an issue, and technicians can conveniently service the antenna without even fall protection. Then, at the top of a tall guyed lattice tower similar to an AM mast, a passive repeater is installed at a 45 degree angle to the ground, redirecting the signal from the rooftop antenna to the horizontal. The passive repeater is much lighter than the antenna, allowing for a thinner tower, and will rarely if ever need service. Western Union often employed two side-by-side lattice towers with a "crossbar" between them at the top for convenient mounting of reflectors each direction, and similar towers were used in some other installations such as the FAA's radar data links. Some of these towers are still in use, although generally with modern lightweight drum antennas replacing the reflectors.

Passive microwave repeaters experienced their peak popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, as the technology became mature and communications infrastructure proliferated. Microflect manufactured thousands of units from their new, larger warehouse, across the street from their old hangar on McNary Field. Microflect's customer list grew to just about every entity in the Bell System, from Long Lines to Western Electric to nearly all of the BOCs. The list includes GTE, dozens of smaller independent telephone companies, most of the nation's major railroads, electrical utilities from the original Montana Power to the Tennessee Valley Authority. Microflect repeaters were used by ITT Arctic Services and RCA Alascom in the far north, and overseas by oil companies and telecoms on islands and in mountainous northern Europe.

In Hawaii, a single passive repeater dodged a mountain to connect Lanai City telephones to the Hawaii Telephone Company network at Tantalus on Oahu---nearly 70 miles in one jump. In Nevada, six passive repeaters joined two active sites to connect six substations to the Sierra Pacific Power Company's control center in Reno. Jamaica's first high-capacity telephone network involved 11 passive repeaters, one as large as 40'x60'.

The Rocky Mountains are still dotted with passive repeaters, structures that are sometimes hard to spot but seem to loom over the forest once noticed. In Seligman, AZ, a sun-faded passive repeater looks over the cemetery. BC Telephone installed passive repeaters to phase out active sites that were inaccessible for maintenance during the winter. Passive repeaters were, it turns out, quite common---and yet they are little known today.

First, it cannot be ignored that passive repeaters are most common in areas where communications infrastructure was built post-1960 through difficult terrain. In North America, this means mostly the West [2], far away from the Eastern cities where we think of telephone history being concentrated. Second, the days of passive repeaters were relatively short. After widespread adoption in the '60s, fiber optics began to cut into microwave networks during the '80s and rendered microwave long-distance links largely obsolete by the late '90s. Considerable improvements in cable-laying equipment, not to mention the lighter and more durable cables, made fiber optics easier to install in difficult terrain than coaxial had ever been.

Besides, during the 1990s, more widespread electrical infrastructure, miniaturization of radio equipment, and practical photovoltaic solar systems all combined to make active repeaters easier to install. Today, active repeater systems installed by helicopter with independent power supplies are not that unusual, supporting cellular service in the Mojave Desert, for example. Most passive repeaters have been obsoleted by changes in communications networks and technologies. Satellite communications offer an even more cost effective option for the most difficult installations, and there really aren't that many places left that a small active microwave site can't be installed.

Moreover, little has been done to preserve the history of passive repeaters. In the wake of the 2015 Wired article on the Long Lines network, considerable enthusiasm has been directed towards former AT&T microwave stations, having been mostly preserved by their haphazard transfer to companies like American Tower. Passive repeaters, lacking even the minimal commercial potential of old AT&T sites, were mostly abandoned in place. Often being found in national forests and other resource management areas, many have been demolished for restoration. In 2019, a historic resources report was written on the Bonneville Power Administration's extensive microwave network. It was prepared to address the responsibility that federal agencies have for historical preservation under the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act, policies intended to ensure that at least the government takes measures to preserve history before demolishing artifacts. The report reads: "Due to their limited features, passive repeaters are not considered historic resources, and are not evaluated as part of this study."

In 1995, Valmont Industries acquired Microflect. Valmont is known mostly for their agricultural products, including center-pivot irrigation systems, but they had expanded their agricultural windmill business into a general infrastructure division that manufactured radio masts and communication towers. For a time, Valmont continued to manufacture passive repeaters as Valmont Microflect, but business seems to have dried up.

Today, Valmont Structures manufactures modular telecom towers from their facility across the street from McNary Field in Salem, Oregon. A Salem local, descended from early Microflect employees, once shared a set of photos on Facebook: a beat-up hangar with a sign reading "Aircraft Repair Center," and in front of it, stacks of aluminum panel sections. Microflect workers erecting a passive repeater in front of a Douglas A-26. Rows of reflector sections beside a Shell aviation fuel station. George Kreitzberg died in 2004, James in 2017. As of 2025, Valmont no longer manufactures passive repeaters.

Postscript

If you are interested in the history of passive repeaters, there are a few useful tips I can give you.

Nearly all passive repeaters in North America were built by Microflect, so they have a very consistent design. Locals sometimes confuse passive repeaters with old billboards or even drive-in theater screens, the clearest way to differentiate them is that passive repeaters have a face made up of aluminum modules with deep sidewalls for rigidity and flatness. Take a look at the Microflect manual for many photos.

Because passive repeaters are passive, they do not require a radio license proper. However, for site-based microwave licenses, the FCC does require that passive repeaters be included in paths (i.e. a license will be for an active site but with a passive repeater as the location at the other end of the path). These "other location" entries often have names ending in "PR" and their type set to "Passive Repeater."

I don't have any straight answer on whether or not any passive repeaters are still in use. It has likely become very rare but there are probably still examples. Two sources suggest that Rachel, NV still relies on a passive repeater for telephone and DSL, but I'm pretty sure this hasn't been true for some years (I can't find any license covering it). I have so far found one active site-based microwave license covering a passive repeater, but it serves a mine that has been closed since the 1980s and I suspect the license has only been renewed due to a second, different path that does not involve a passive. A reader let me know that Industry Canada has some 80 passive repeaters licensed, but I do not know how many (if any) are in active use.

For the sake of simplicity I have used "passive repeater" here to refer to microwave reflectors only, but the same term is also used for arrangements of two antennas connected back-to-back. These are much more common in VHF/UHF than in the microwave, although microwave passive repeaters of two parabolic antennas have been used in limited cases.

Microflect dominated the US and European market for passive repeaters, but the technology was also used in the Soviet Union, seemingly around the same time. I do not know where it was developed first, or whether it was a case of independent invention. The Soviet examples I have seen use a noticeably different support structure from Microflect, and seem to have been engineered for helicopter hoisting in complete form rather than in parts. Passive repeaters proved very useful in the arctic and so I would assume that the Soviet Union installed quite a few.

Most passive repeaters were installed by "classic communications organizations," meaning telephone companies, power utilities, and railroads---industries that used long-distance communications systems since the turn of the century. I have heard of one passive repeater installed by a television studio for an STL link, and there might be others, but I don't think it was common.

[1] If you find these dB gain/loss calculations confusing, you are not alone. It is deceptively simple in a way that was hard for me to learn, and perhaps I will devote an article to it one day.

[2] Although not exclusively, with installations in places like Vermont and Newfoundland where similar constraints applied.
Home Opinion This is the real danger of Progressive Christianity

When Baylor University returned a $1.65 million LGBTQ+ grant recently  one tied to DEI efforts and LGBTQ initiatives  it sent a ripple through the Christian world.



On the surface, it looked like a victory: a Christian institution backing down in the face of public pressure from believers. But as Allie Beth Stuckey and others rightly pointed out, this wasnt a win born from spiritual conviction. It was a calculated retreat. One that exposed a much deeper problem than any single grant. It exposed the growing danger of Progressive Christianity.



This movement isnt just a theological shift. Its a spiritual counterfeit  one that keeps the language of Christianity but trades the authority of Scripture for the approval of culture. Progressive Christianity deceives from the inside. It misleads under the banner of Jesus  offering a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). And its costing people their salvation.



What is Progressive Christianity, really?



Progressive Christianity isnt just a more open-minded version of the faith  its a total redefinition of it. At its core, progressive theology tends to reject the authority and inerrancy of the Bible, reinterpret sin through the lens of human experience, emphasize love and inclusion over holiness and repentance, and downplay the exclusivity of Christ for salvation.



In this view, truth is flexible. Gods commands are negotiable. And Jesus becomes more of a moral teacher than a Savior who calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Thats not Christianity. Thats deception.



Why Progressive Christianity is more dangerous than atheism



It might sound extreme, but I truly believe this. Heres why. Atheists make no pretense about their disbelief. You know where they stand. But progressive Christians use Christian language, Scripture, and emotion to validate teachings that directly contradict the Bible. They redefine sin, affirm lifestyles that Scripture calls us to repent from, and reduce salvation to a vague message of self-love. In doing so, they lead others down a path that feels spiritual  but is ultimately separated from Christ. Jesus warned about this kind of deception: Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves (Matthew 7:15). Progressive Christianity often wears that sheeps clothing well. But it leaves people spiritually lost, thinking theyre saved while embracing a gospel that has no power to save.



Baylor is a symptom  not the disease



The Baylor grant controversy is just one example of a larger pattern. Christian institutions across America are slowly conforming to culture while keeping the appearance of faith. Many churches and universities want the brand of Christianity without the cost of obedience. Whether its The Chosen partnering with groups that affirm sin, or seminaries quietly shifting their theological standards, the same compromise is at work  affirming the feelings of man over the commands of God. This isnt about one issue. Its about all of them. Whether its sexuality, gender, marriage, abortion, or even the exclusivity of the Gospel, this movement molds faith to fit culture, rather than calling culture to repent and follow Christ.



A personal word on compassion and conviction



Let me say something from the heart. I have many friends who consider themselves Christians and also identify as gay. Some are even politically conservative. They love Jesus  or at least they think they do. But theyve been taught, as I once believed, that God affirms their same-sex relationships as long as theyre loving and monogamous. I understand the desire to reconcile faith and desire. I lived in that space for years  trying to convince myself that God was okay with what I wanted as long as I was sincere. But sincerity doesnt save us. Jesus does. And He doesnt just meet us where we are  He calls us to repentance, to holiness, to transformation. Thats not cruelty. Thats grace. So, while Im deeply compassionate toward those who are still working through these things, I cannot affirm a version of Christianity that leaves people where they are instead of leading them to the cross. Thats what progressive Christianity does  and its why its so dangerous.



What the Bible really calls us to

True Christianity isnt comfortable. It never has been. Jesus said: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it (Matthew 7:13). The road of Progressive Christianity is wide. Its attractive. Its affirming. But it does not save. Gods Word doesnt change. His standards dont evolve with the culture. The call to repentance, faith, and obedience is still the same today as it was 2,000 years ago. And anything less than that isnt good news at all  its a lie with eternal consequences.



A call to courage



If youre a believer who sees whats happening in the Church and you feel discouraged  dont be. God always preserves a remnant. But its time to wake up. We cannot keep pretending that agreement equals love or that silence equals peace. True love tells the truth. And true peace only comes through Christ  not cultural affirmation.



The danger of Progressive Christianity is that it speaks peace where there is no peace. It offers comfort without conviction, and affirmation without transformation. That is not the Gospel. And its time we say so  with boldness, clarity, and compassion.
Home News ECFA's new standard seeks to combat burnout, integrity failures among ministry leaders

As pastors and ministry heads face rising exhaustion and as each day seems to bring another leader facing allegations of misconduct, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability is developing a new "leadership standard" for member ministries in the hopes of combating burnout and "integrity failures" in churches and charities.

ECFA launched the draft Leadership Standard in March after years of prayer, research and deliberations. The prominent Evangelical nonprofit watchdog organization is seeking feedback for the project until the end of this month. The new standard is expected to be released later this year.

ECFA President and CEO Michael Martin told The Christian Post via email that the new standard is being created to "strengthen" rather than "eliminate" the current standards.

"The new Leadership Standard will seamlessly join our existing standards of integrity in matters of governance, financial accountability, and stewardship," Martin said.

"Specifically, the Leadership Standard will require ECFA-accredited organizations to take proactive steps to care for and support the health and integrity of their senior leaders."

The "standard gives member organizations significant latitude to implement a process that's best suited for their contexts," Martin said. It will require the boards of ECFA-accredited churches and ministries "to engage their leaders at least annually to discuss holistic care and the leader's commitment to upholding mutually agreed-on biblical principles."

"ECFA members would be expected to demonstrate compliance with the standard no later than the 2027 annual accreditation renewal cycle," he added.

"The new Leadership Standard already has strong support from a diverse group of ECFA leaders and ministries, including local churches, international ministries, pregnancy centers, rescue missions, media ministries, and educational institutions."

Martin believes the "need for more intentional leader care is clear." He cited the December 2021 ECFA survey of over 800 board chairs, finding that 94% of surveyed respondents "indicated that integrity failures are having a negative impact on trust."

The survey found that just over half (57%) of nonprofit CEOs said their ministry's board implemented written plans regarding character expectations for the leaders, while only 15% said their organizations had a written plan to support the care of the senior leader.

"We acknowledge that in a fallen world, it's impossible to prevent all failures in leadership," Martin told CP. "As with other ECFA accreditation standards, the goal of the new Leadership Standard is not perfection."

"The standard is designed to support the integrity and wellbeing of leaders, to assist accredited organizations in implementing appropriate safeguards, and to assure donors that prudent steps are being taken in critical areas to reinforce trust."

The new leadership standard has the backing of multiple prominent Evangelical leaders; among them is Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of Life.Church.

"ECFA's new Leadership Standard will spur organizations to bring clarity to a leader's responsibility for staying anchored in Christ," said Groeschel in a statement released in March.

"This is about more than organizational integrity. It's about intentionally building a Christ-centered culture where leaders are held both in love and accountability by the people they serve."
Home News Despite discontent about their job, overall health, wellness of pastors better than general public: study

While record levels of pastors have seriously considered quitting and expressed discontent with their jobs in recent years, in general, they are faring better than the general public in health and wellness a new report from the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations study has found.

The data for the report, Challenges Are Great Opportunities: Exploring Clergy Health and Wellness in the Midst of Post-Pandemic Malaise, includes survey responses collected from 1,677 Christian clergy leaders from more than 40 denominations in the fall of 2023.

The survey shows that a majority of clergy seem quite healthy, the researchers from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, who conducted the study funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., explained. The overall level of health and wellness exhibited by clergy is impressive  even given the level of the pastoral discontent uncovered in our earlier report.

For the study, researchers used a slightly modified version of the Harvard Flourishing Study battery of 11 questions with six additional items to explore a variety of health and wellness measures on a scale of 0 to 10. The items covered areas such as financial health, mental health, and general job satisfaction. In all but one measure  relationship satisfaction  clergy reported faring better than the general public.

Pastors, in general, compared to the general public, have a keener sense of their purpose in life.

Compared to these averages of a national sample of Americans from summer 2022, clergy seem to be doing better than the general public on most of the items we compared, researchers said.

Clergy have a higher mean on all but one item, and clergy are healthier by half a point or more on most items. The largest gap between clergy and the public is on the item I understand my purpose in life where clergy have a mean of 8.6 out of 10 and the public have a mean of 6.8 (a difference of 1.8 points), they added.

The only statement where clergy leaders are below the general public is my relationships are as satisfying as I would want them to be where clergy are only 0.1 point lower than the general population. The overall composite wellness score for the 11 Flourishing items is 0.7 greater for clergy than the general public respondents. Based on these comparisons, the clergy within our study appear to be quite mentally and emotionally healthy.

The data showed, for example, an increase in the share of pastors taking a day off each week between 2020 and 2023, which researchers say indirectly helped to boost the health and wellness of pastors.

When we asked clergy about their practices around taking a day off each week, we found an increase since 2020: from 68% to 74% of clergy taking a day off in 2023. However, statistically there was no difference between the health and wellness scores of those who took a day off and those who did not, researchers said.

This could be because most clergy do take time off. Without a doubt, this practice indirectly contributes to a better work environment and relationship with the congregation, and therefore boosts well-being as the following quotes attest, but it doesnt significantly improve wellness in the survey data.

Researchers said pastors in America are more likely to be white (80%), male (80%), employed full-time (75%), and function as a single leader (60%) instead of part of a leadership team which is the case for about 31% of pastors.

In key measures of well-being such as physical, mental, emotional, and overall health, pastors have suffered significant declines over the last seven years, especially when it comes to having true friends, a new report from Barna Research shows.

Citing data collected for their Resilient Pastor research from 2015 to 2022, Evangelical polling organization Barna Research, showed pastors suffered significant declines in all areas of well-being when asked to rank how they felt as excellent, good, average, below average, poor or dont know.

The 2015 data was collected between April and December that year and was based on 901 interviews with Protestant senior pastors in the U.S. The 2022 data was collected from Sept. 6-16, 2022, and was based on 585 online interviews with Protestant senior pastors in the U.S.

When it came to having true friends, the data show that 20% of pastors in 2022 ranked themselves as below average in that area compared to 10% who did so in 2015. Another 7% ranked themselves as poor when it comes to having friends in 2022 compared to just 2% in 2015. While 34% of pastors ranked themselves as excellent when it comes to having true friends in 2015. That share dropped to 17% in 2022.

Pastors also indicated that their physical health suffered significantly between 2015 and 2022. In 2015, only 7% of pastors ranked their physical well-being as either below average or poor. Seven years later in 2022, that number has more than tripled to 22%, with some 18% reporting their condition as below average. Only 9% of pastors reported their physical health as excellent in 2022 compared to 24% who did so in 2015.

The share of pastors who reported their mental and emotional health as below average increased from 3% in 2015 to 10% in 2022. The share that reported their mental and emotional health was excellent also fell from 39% in 2015 to just 11% in 2022.
Home News Porn is undermining every ministry in the Church, says recovery expert helping Christians overcome addiction (part 1) 'We have to ask ourselves which part of James 5:16 were unwilling to believe enough to practice'

In an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International, author and recovery educator Sam Black warned that pornography is quietly eroding the spiritual health of congregations worldwide and undermining every ministry in the local church  from childrens programs to marriage counseling.

Black serves as the director of Life Change Education for Covenant Eyes, a leading accountability software ministry that equips individuals, families and churches to address pornography use. Having walked his own grace-filled journey to healing with the support of trusted allies, he now helps others live free from pornographys grip and equips churches to become places of restoration rather than silence.

This is not another purity sermon, Black said. Its a primer for church leaders on pornography strongholds  why they cant look the other way and how to be a safe place with safe processes, where its OK for people to come as they are, and not stay as they are.

His most recent book, The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It, draws from more than 70 interviews with pastors, counselors, ministry leaders, and people who have walked through recovery. It offers what he calls a practical blueprint for congregations that want to confront the problem and guide people toward long-term freedom.

The first installment of this three-part series explores Blacks personal journey and the roots of pornography addiction. The following articles will focus on how churches can foster recovery cultures and how families can equip the next generation to navigate an increasingly sexualized digital world.

From newsroom to ministry

Before joining Covenant Eyes in 2007, Black spent 18 years as a journalist. His career honed skills that he now applies in ministry  researching difficult topics, asking hard questions, and distilling complex issues into accessible language for pastors, parents, and lay leaders.

In his role at Covenant Eyes, he has edited 17 books on the impact of pornography, authored The Porn Circuit  a resource reviewing the neurological impact of pornography  and become a frequent speaker at parenting, mens and leadership events nationwide.

Black has been married since 1995, is the father of two adult children, and lives outside Lansing, Michigan. While his work today is professional, it is also deeply personal, shaped by his own decades-long struggle with pornography and his eventual path to freedom.

A widespread but hidden problem

Black said the first obstacle to addressing pornography in the church is acknowledging the scope of the issue. Research shows that two-thirds of men and one-third of women who attend church regularly say they struggle with pornography. Yet only 7% of churches provide specific resources or structured support for those who do.

More than one-third of churchgoing men are in an ongoing struggle, and among younger Christian men, 36% report daily porn use. Women are also significantly affected  73% of women aged 18 to 35 say they have viewed porn in the past six months, and more than a quarter report viewing it in the past week.

Porn isnt what it used to be, Black said. Its far more accessible, more extreme and more violent. And its reshaping how people think about sex, relationships, and even the value of another human being.

Exposure to violent pornography is increasingly common among teens. According to studies Black cites, 52% of teenagers have encountered content involving choking, gagging, slapping or other aggressive acts.

Even spiritual leaders are not immune. Surveys indicate that 21% of youth pastors and 14% of pastors admit to struggling with pornography.

The making of an addiction

In both his book and the interview, Black identifies three common threads in the stories of those trapped by pornography: early exposure in childhood, repeated use during adolescence, and an unresolved emotional wound or trauma.

He experienced all three. His first exposure came at age 10, outside his home in Florida, when his older brother and a friend showed him a pornographic magazine.

Like many who can recall the moment decades later, he attributes the vivid memory to brain development. The prefrontal cortex  the brains decision-making center  is still developing in children, while the amygdala, which processes emotion, is fully active. This combination makes the brain especially receptive to the dopamine surge that sexual imagery produces, locking the experience in memory.

Gods design is beautiful in marriage, when the rest of the world disappears and you focus on your spouse, Black said. But pornography hijacks that same mechanism in a destructive way.

Through middle and high school, he was exposed repeatedly  sometimes through friends who had access to pornographic material. At the same time, he was growing up in what he described as a hypocritically Christian but violent home. Pornography became an emotional escape, numbing the anger, fear and sense of isolation he felt.

Spiritual erosion and marital strain

By adulthood, pornography had become an ingrained habit, shaping his thoughts and eroding his faith. Citing research from the University of Oklahoma, Black said pornography use among Christians correlates with declines in prayer, Scripture reading, and volunteer service in church.

When pornography becomes part of your life, it erodes your confidence in Gods design, he said. You start doubting not only your faith but God Himself.

His marriage was also suffering. While his wife continued to grow in her faith, often attending church alone with their young children, Black remained distant from God and the church.

A turning point in a marriage class

The breakthrough began when his wife invited him to join a marriage class at their church. The facilitators, not formal teachers, began each session by promising confidentiality and encouraging honest conversation.

Behind closed doors, people spoke candidly about their struggles. For the first time, Black heard pornography described as compulsive and addictive  a framing that helped him see his own struggle in a new light.

It was a relief, he said. Not because it excused my behavior, but because it showed me I wasnt broken beyond repair. God hadnt made me this way. I needed help, and help was possible.

Joining Covenant Eyes

When his wife later suggested he apply at Covenant Eyes, she told him she had been praying about it. During the interview process, the team handed him a stack of letters from people describing how the ministry had saved marriages, helped seminary students graduate, and enabled families to have life-changing conversations with their children.

Thats when I knew, he said. I felt like I was partnering with God to help people find freedom.

Silence and shame in the pews

In the years since, Black has spoken with hundreds of pastors and lay leaders. Few have received formal training on how to address pornography. The topic is often absent from seminary curricula and denominational conferences.

Small-church pastors often said they know their members too well to risk vulnerability, while large-church leaders admitted they dont know anyone well enough to open up.

Its not the size of the church thats the problem, Black said. We have to ask ourselves which part of James 5:16  pray for one another that you may be healed  were unwilling to believe enough to practice.

The importance of allies and small steps

Black emphasizes that recovery is rarely a sudden, permanent break from pornography. Instead, it begins with small commitments, accountability and the presence of allies  trusted partners who know the individuals goals, ask difficult questions, and offer prayer and encouragement.

He likens pornography addiction to being trapped in a prison cell: hating it but returning to it because it feels familiar. We dont ask someone to commit to being porn-free for life right away, he said. We ask for the next 24 hours. Then another day. Over time, that becomes months and years of freedom.

Why the Church cant ignore the issue

For Black, the connection between addressing pornography and strengthening the church is clear. People who find freedom, he said, often become some of the most committed volunteers and mentors, eager to walk alongside others in their recovery journeys.

When someone has been restored, they want to give that freedom away, he said. They become people who will walk with others, encourage them, and serve the Body of Christ in ways they never could before.

He believes that ignoring pornography allows it to quietly undermine every ministry, from childrens education to marriage enrichment programs. Addressing this issue doesnt drain a churchs resources  it strengthens the Body of Christ, he said. People grow in Scripture, in prayer, and in their willingness to serve.

The next installment of this exclusive Christian Daily International series will explore how churches can move from silence to action, creating safe spaces and processes that lead to healing and restoration.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Travel: In Albany, a true Gothic cathedral

The Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York, is one of those American churches that makes visitors do a double take.

Tucked on a side street near New Yorks state Capitol, the sandstone cathedral feels as though it belongs somewhere in England. Everything about it  from the flying buttresses and pointed-arch windows filled with stained glass to the intricately carved baptismal font  is medieval.

The seat of the Episcopal bishop of Albany was the first cathedral purpose-built for American Anglicans. Its cornerstone was laid in 1884 with Governor (and later President) Grover Cleveland in attendance.

Notably, the cathedral was constructed using traditional techniques, meaning the arches, vaults and flying buttresses arent ornamental. More than a Gothic costume, they serve a structural purpose.

Finishing touches came through the largesse of Gilded Age benefactors, including financier J.P. Morgan, whose gifts funded the quire (or choir) and high altar. The result is a building where worshipers step back centuries even as they stand just blocks from the modern politics of the Empire State.

Without a doubt, Albanys Episcopalians can say they have one of the better examples of Gothic revival anywhere in the United States.

Augustus W.N. Pugin, the champion of Gothic revival in the 19th century, would have approved of architect Robert Wilsons design, which Im told was inspired by the great English cathedrals in Canterbury, Lincoln and St. Albans.

Or at least how his design has thus far been executed. Only about 40% of the originally designed cathedral is built. Twin towers never rose at the west front. The crossing, meant to soar heavenward, was never finished.

This is perhaps most evident at the west front, which serves as the main entrance. Here, the simple facade, which was erected in the early 1970s, looks, at best, temporary and, at worst, cheap. Together with modern glass doors, it doesnt do justice to the rest of the architecture.

The dean, the Very Rev. Leander Harding, spoke optimistically of finishing All Saints when he showed me around after a recent Sunday service.

Yet the reality is stark.

The Episcopal Church, like many Mainline Protestant denominations, has seen decades of decline. Even if numbers stabilized, the prohibitive costs all but guarantee the cathedral will remain unfinished  much like its better-known cousin, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Even unfinished, what exists today is still extraordinary. The cathedral is a functioning house of worship, not a museum, and visitors who come for services experience it as intended.

If you go

The best way to visit the Cathedral of All Saints is by attending a service. Services are held at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, 12:05 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday.

Plan to arrive a little early. Sit midway down the nave for the best perspective of the choir and altar. Allow time afterward to wander quietly, taking in the details. Outside, circle the building. The buttresses are most impressive.

Dennis Lennox writes a travel column for The Christian Post.
Beachwood police are continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred Friady (Aug. 15) morning at The Vue apartments on Chagrin Boulevard. Beachwood Police Department

BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Police on Friday (Aug. 15) issued a release in which it was stated that a shooting that occured early that morning at The Vue apartments appears to be an isolated incindet and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The statement, from Beachwood Police Chief Daniel Grispino, said that officers were dispatched at approximately 1:45 a.m. Friday to The Vue, 23220 Chagrin Blvd. Disptach had received a report that a male had sustained a gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation indicated that a burglary had occurred at The Vue involving a known individual. Shortly after the burglary, the shooting took place.

The 26-year-old male victim, a resident of Maple Heights, was transported to a local hospital. His condition was not made known.

Within an hour, investigating officers identified a person of interest. The individual was located and taken into custody without incident, and is being held pending further investigation.

The efficient use of investigative technology by our dispatch personnel and officers led to the rapid identification, helping to ensure the safety of our community, Grispino stated.

The investigation remains active, and no further details are available at this time.

Read more from the Sun Press.
Vladimir Putin wants to redistrict all of Ukraine USSR Red. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In a Texas twist, Vladimir Putin is set on redistricting all of Ukraine USSR-Russia red.

Friday in Alaska, military parader President Donald Trump literally had U.S. soldiers on their knees to roll out red carpets for him and wanted war criminal Vladimir Putin, who Trump greeted with applause as Putin again played him like a pawn.

First Lady Melania Trump wrote a letter to Putin about children caught up in the conflict, which Ive posted below.

Also posted below is Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivans full statement on the summit. Sen. Sullivan is a Fairview Park native and former grade school classmate of mine.

U.S. soldiers rolling out red carpet for Vladimir Putin at the stairs to his jet after landing at Alaska Air Force base. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

The International Criminal Court in 2023 issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes that include taking Ukraine children.

After having seized Crimea in 2014, Putin relaunched his attack in Ukraine in February 2022 leading to nothing but death and destruction.

Ahead of the Alaska summit at an Air Force base there, Trump talked of a possible ceasefire and peace deal that may involve land swaps. If Putin didnt agree to a ceasefire, Trump said there would be severe consequences for that.

The exchange ended with no ceasefire or peace deal. Putin walked away sanctions free with a photo-op win. The only win for Trump was that Putin didnt demand Alaska back with Mar-a-Lago thrown in.

In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million to spite England, that sought to join Alaska with Canada.

After the summit ended, Trump rated it a 10 out of 10 in an interview with Sean Hannity of FOX News. Following Putins talking points, Trump shifted to saying reaching a peace deal was more important than a ceasefire leading to it.

Post-op from the summit is that the deal Putin wants is the eastern Ukraine territory Russia now occupies, including Donetsk and Luhansk, in exchange for Ukraine having an Article 5-style security guarantee, but not being part of NATO.

Along with speaking with Sean Hannity, President Trump briefed Ukraine President Zelensky and NATO leaders. Monday, Zelensky and Trump are expected to meet at The White House.

The red carpet treatment Trump gave Putin extended to Beast Putin riding in Trumps Presidential limo nicknamed The Beast. In that short limo ride did Trump pass to Putin the letter (below) First Lady Melania wrote to the wanted war criminal calling on compassion for children in the crossfire?

Letter First Lady Melania Trump wrote to Russia President Vladimir Putin. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

ALASKA U.S. SENATOR FAIRVIEW PK. NATIVE/CLASSMATE

Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan is a Fairview Park native and was a classmate of mine at St. Angela Merici grade school in the 1970s.

Admit my bias towards him and his family. While Im a native of Clevelands West Park, on Chatfield Ave, like Sullivan I grew up across the Metropark valley in Fairview.

Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and his wife Jackie. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

Not only was I a classmate of Sullivan, starting in the 7th grade, in the summer I went from pulling weeds at St. Angelas to painting the St. Angela Church, School, Convent and Rectory walls and ceilings with paint donated by Sullivans family company RPM, run by his father. Started as an apprentice painter under a Glidden retiree until he retired from being a retiree painter.

Remember Dan as a good guy, here is his full statement about the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska posted on X.

First paragraph of Sen. Sullivan statement posted on social media. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

Second paragraph from Sen. Sullivan's statement posted on social media. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com
An Aug. 12 protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, called for an end of the war in Gaza and immediate release of hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) AP

Neville Chamberlain has been back in the news lately.

For those who are not students of World War II-era history, Chamberlain is the man whose name has become synonymous with appeasement. He was the British prime minister who triumphantly returned from a late 1938 meeting with Adolf Hitler after signing away the freedom of Sudetenland (about a third of Czechoslovakia) by cedi



g it to Germany  six months after the Fuhrer had gobbled up Austria.

We have achieved Peace for our time, he boasted.

As the world was soon to experience, Chamberlains Peace for our time lasted less than a year.

It apparently has taken Britain, along with France, Canada, Australia and dozens of other peace-at-any-price countries, 86 years to forget the lesson on the rewards of appeasement that Chamberlain and the rest of the world learned so painfully.

The leaders of the above countries have announced their intention to recognize an independent Palestinian state, in the interest of trying to end the war in Gaza  attaching a variety of conditions, including a cease-fire, the return of hostages, and a promise from the ineffectual Palestinian Authority to enact certain democratic reforms, including elections next year.

Those four, along with a core of congressional Democrats and a rising tide of people around the world who are horrified by the widespread suffering in Gaza, believe they are doing humanitarian work by prioritizing the end of the war there.

But as was the case in 1938 with Hitler, they are simply prolonging it. The only way to end the war and the suffering in Gaza is to resist and destroy Hamas and its leaders.

It was Hamas who carried out the barbaric Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli citizens. Its Hamas who steals humanitarian aid and food intended for Gazan civilians, hides from military response behind or under hospitals and schools, does not care how many Palestinian innocents die in the process  and whose abiding goal is to obliterate Israel as a country.

Attempts at negotiation and appeasement do not work with such an enemy. They serve only as encouragement. And the idea that the Palestinian Authority, whose control in the West Bank is only tenuous and is completely subjugated by Hamas in the Gaza strip, would have any authority to conduct elections or effect democratic reforms there is laughable.

Why any alleged ally could not see the dangers their appeasement efforts pose to Israel is impossible to fathom, but its clear that the Hamas leaders had no difficulty understanding whats happening and why:

Ghazi Hamad, a senior member of the Hamas Politburo, stated unequivocally earlier this month that they were the fruits of the Oct. 7 attack, telling the Al Jazeera Media Network that interest in Palestinian statehood was only achieved through Hamas resistance and the blow we dealt to Israel.

Without our weapons, no one would be looking in our direction, he said. We are the ones who brought the issue back to the forefront, and that is why all the countries are starting to recognize a Palestinian state  The fruits of October 7 are what caused the entire world to open its eyes to the Palestinian issue.

Let us pause for a minute to reflect on what Hamad was proudly celebrating.

Oct. 7 was the day that Hamas terrorists swept into Israeli villages and a music concert, murdering 1,200 people, most of them unarmed civilians, killing children in front of their parents and disemboweling parents in front of their children, repeatedly raping young girls until their pelvises were broken, burning people alive, torturing people with nails and farm implements, and taking 251 hostages  some of whom they still hold.

Brave freedom fighters take on opposition soldiers. They dont drive nails into the private parts of teen-aged concert-goers.

These are the actions Western leaders propose to reward with their appeasement. These are the people those leaders will depend upon to keep their word that Gaza and environs will experience peace in our time.

The suffering there has been dreadful, and it has rightly distressed decent people around the world.

But the world needs to recognize who started it, and who is bent on continuing it to the last Palestinian citizen. Lets always remember that it is Hamas  not Israel  who uses civilians as human shields. Israel has just no acceptable way through this conflict that doesnt include unacceptable levels of civilian suffering.

The truth is that in dealing with an implacable enemy that is bent on achieving its own ends and doesnt care how many of its own citizens die while doing it, a country trying to defend itself has little choice but to attack the aggressors where they are, and many innocents will be killed in the process.

Coincidentally, this month marked the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bombs, when as many as 246,000 people died. Allied bombings in Dresden, Germany, killed 25,000 people. Before the atomic bombs fell, incendiary bombing of Tokyo killed 100,000. Many  perhaps most  of the above were civilians.

If instant news and social media had existed then, the horror of it all would have stunned the world. But without those attacks, how much longer would World War II have gone on? How many more people on both sides would have died?

What Israel is doing is not genocide, any more than was the U.S. bombing of Japan and Germany. Look up the word.

Its an attempt to defeat a merciless enemy and end the war. If Israel bows to the increasing pressure to stand down, how long will it be before it suffers another Oct. 7, now that Hamas leaders have proof it was effective?

Ted Diadiun

There is absolutely no doubt that the proposed appeasement from Western leaders will provide aid, comfort and a new resolve to the kinds of people who planned and carried out that massacre.

The irony is devastating that Hamas committed the atrocities, prolongs the conflict and sacrifices its citizens  but, in the eyes of too many, it is Israel that is considered the villain.

And, will pay the price.

Ted Diadiun is a member of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

To reach Ted Diadiun: tdiadiun@cleveland.com

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Seri Thompson has been on the job market for eight months. In that time, she's applied to over 180 jobs. Some of them are related to her new communications degree, like for social media or marketing jobs. Lately she's also applied to jobs unrelated to her field, like assistant or retail positions. In the meantime, she has a part-time internship with a local San Diego bakery and keeps a steady rotation of babysitting, pet-sitting, house-sitting and other odd jobs to pay her bills. Thompson, 22, graduated from college in December 2024 and is pragmatic about her job search, but still finds it frustratingly slow. "The perfect job doesn't exist," she tells CNBC Make It. She says her parents taught her to recognize that "once you get that first job, it's just a stepping stone for the rest of your career." "But it's hard being invested in something that you're not super interested in, or settling, for a job to pay your bills," she says. "I feel like with my generation, people want to be really invested in what they are doing and like the work that they are doing." While Thompson would like a meaningful job  which she defines as being with a supportive company that prizes employee well-being and development  she knows she may not get that right now.

Workers are shifting their priorities in an uncertain economy

As it turns out, in today's challenging job market, finding meaningful work is becoming a luxury not everyone can afford. Most workers say it's important to them that they do meaningful work in their jobs, according to a July survey of over 1,200 American adults from UserTesting, the survey platform. Respondents defined meaningful work on a personal level, as in one that allows them balance and flexibility, followed by external factors like making a social or environmental impact and helping others.

It's hard being invested in something that you're not super interested in, or settling, for a job to pay your bills. Seri Thompson recent grad in San Diego

Help us help you: Take our survey on work, money and life goals But financial and economic concerns are becoming a bigger factor in what they prioritize in their jobs. A majority, 85%, of Americans say economic uncertainty has changed what they value most in a job, with the bulk of them now prioritizing stability, salary and flexibility. The current market is leading people to stay in unfulfilling jobs and avoid switching industries, according to survey data. And roughly 1 in 3 people said they would give up their dream job in exchange for one with more career stability. That's how Thompson is trying to approach the situation. "I'm just trying to keep my chin up and have grace for myself, knowing that it's like a really tough market right now," Thompson says. "I'm just in this waiting period."

Finding meaning outside of full-time work

While a majority, 62%, of respondents from the UserTesting survey say they're somewhat or very optimistic about their job search, about 23% are pessimistic. Roughly 1 in 4 job-seekers say they're experiencing burnout or mental health issues on the search, and 16% say ageism is an obstacle. Bruce Bennett has applied to "well over 100" jobs and says the process has taken a mental toll. "I've gotten to the point where I don't even really read the job description," says Bennett, 62, an HR professional in San Francisco. "I only look for certain keywords, like, what is the job title? What is the [HR] platform that they're using?" He often sees online listings with over 100 applicants, at one point seeing a company post that they'd received over 1,000 submissions to one opening. "It's a crap shoot," Bennett says. "I know 99% of the time I'm going to get rejected."

Bruce Bennett is an HR professional in San Francisco. Courtesy of subject

Bennett was laid off from his last job in October 2024 following a company selloff. The current job market feels similar to, if not worse, than the 2000s-era dot com bubble burst, he says. Bennett says he's never been the type of professional to take any job for the sake of more money or a flashier title. But he does want to work for a company that he feels makes a positive impact, and one that has a diverse executive team. It's challenging to hold onto those values in the current climate, though. "If I find something, great," he says. "If I don't, I'm basically looking into forced retirement." Bennett feels his age plays a role in moving through interviews, typically when the hiring team asks questions to gauge so-called culture fit, he says, or sees that his resume is two pages long (though he has experience he no longer includes to keep it shorter). Bennett believes having options in today's job market, let alone finding meaningful work, is a luxury. "I don't think you necessarily have a choice on being that picky," he says, noting that finding a well-aligned job often comes down to your network and what jobs are available. These days, he's found an outlet that brings him both joy and a little extra income: About nine years ago, Bennett began volunteering as a walking tour guide around San Francisco; more recently, he launched his own paid tour offerings. His husband's job supports their main living expenses, but Bennett's new venture helps "bring in some money and at least put[s] food on our table." "It's not a lot of money," he adds, "but it's something that at least makes me happy, helping my own mental state, and helps people around the city. I think that's far greater than anything I've ever done."

Letting go of high salaries and titles

Some workers are realizing that to hang onto what they value most in their jobs, they'll have to make concessions. Jill Di Benedetto, 42, is an art director in Miami. She's been on the job market for five months after her last contract ended, and another two she had lined up both cut their budgets and eliminated jobs before she started. She's applied to at least 70 jobs but stopped keeping track and describes her search experience as "volatile."

Jill Di Benedetto is an art director in Miami. Courtesy of subject

"I'm pretty staunch on what I look for," Di Benedetto says, noting that doing meaningful work to her means working with a good team and reaching a customer and "changing someone's life." But she's had to come to terms that she'll likely earn a much lower salary in her next role. Di Benedetto says many of the openings she's fielded offer a salary at least $20,000 lower than her last one. Further, "I don't care what my title is," she says. "That has gone out the window. I just want to work with great people and be paid my worth." She stays grounded with lessons she's learned from former colleagues who've shaped how she views her career. "The people that I've gravitated towards the most have taught me that your career is not always linear," Di Benedetto says. "Sometimes it's all over the place, and it doesn't have to be what everyone else thinks it should be. It's a personal journey."

Waiting for the right job

Even in a tough market, some workers are opting to take their careers into their own hands and make big changes, knowing that the process could take some time. Kaleah Mcilwain, 28, is a digital editor in Philadelphia. She quit her last job in media eight months ago in search of something more aligned with the kind of impact she wants to make in her audience development work. It's her third time on the job market since graduating from college, and the most competition she's ever experienced.

Kaleah Mcilwain is a digital editor in Philadelphia. Courtesy of subject
Two individuals hold hands across a table, conveying a sense of comfort and closeness in a relaxed setting. Tom Werner | Digitalvision | Getty Images

When Astronomer ex-CEO Andy Byron and the company's HR head were caught cuddling on a jumbotron during a concert, the moral condemnation was followed by a collective question: Why would they risk their families and careers for a tryst? As an executive counsellor and couples' therapist, I often spend my days sitting across from clients who are contemplating or already involved in similar situations. Most are not abusers, narcissists, or sex addicts who engage in serial cheating. They are good people: hardworking, kind, and devoted to their careers and families. So, what makes a person  even one who swears they would never cheat  suddenly cross the precipice and risk everything for an affair? Humans are wired to want the approval of others, and as social beings, our survival often depends on it. We "go with the flow," repressing our emotions to please those around us. But like a spring that becomes more tightly wound with each passing year, this can quietly lay the groundwork for a violent recoil. Here are five surprisingly common psychological pitfalls that can make someone risk everything for an affair.

1. Always being 'good'

Many of my clients who have engaged in extramarital affairs have always considered themselves to be "good." They listened to their parents, studied hard, landed a lucrative job, got married, had kids, and followed every societal expectation to the letter. For them, love and acceptance in childhood were linked to achievement, and they often reach middle age without having a clear sense of who they really are. When an uneasy sense that "something is missing" inevitably starts to emerge, they sometimes turn to an affair in an attempt to fill the void.

2. Being a perfectionist

It's no surprise that perfectionism is a trait I see in almost all of my high-performing clients. But perfectionism is often a response to trauma. Children in volatile environments or those given inconsistent approval often believe that doing everything perfectly will keep them safe. Over time, they become weary of enforcing impossibly high standards on themselves and those around them. When an affair beckons, they may suddenly give up on trying to be perfect and double down in the opposite direction. For them, an illicit relationship can feel like being set free from their own unrealistic expectations  a salve that softens the rigidity that has framed their lives.

3. Having poor boundaries

People with weak boundaries often had parents who were somehow incapacitated  through addiction, poverty, feeling overwhelmed, or simple immaturity  and the role of providing emotional stability at home fell on their small shoulders. Parentified children derive their sense of value from successfully anticipating and meeting the needs of others. But eventually, they start to feel resentful of the people they are "helping." When an affair comes knocking, they rationalize it by telling themselves they have spent their entire lives giving to others, and now it is time to do something just for themselves.

4. Being in an abusive or emotionally withholding marriage

As renowned couples' therapist Esther Perel points out in her book "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," the victim of an affair is not always the victim of the relationship. Some of my clients engage in affairs after enduring years of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. A secret relationship can be an unexpected but welcome reprieve from decades of unkind treatment. It can also be a subconscious form of retaliation, a decision to blow up the relationship once and for all in an attempt to save oneself. There is no turning back once an affair is exposed, and scorched earth offers them a chance to start afresh.

5. They recently suffered a loss

One of the first questions I ask clients who are contemplating an affair is whether they have recently lost someone or something close to them. Grief is a catalyst, and it is often the death of a parent that triggers a reassessment of current relationships and priorities. During this period of re-evaluation, boundaries become more permeable, which sometimes allows a party outside of the marriage to gain access.

After the Affair
A US soldier places a sign at the entrance of the DC Armory in Washington, DC, on August 12, 2025 where members of the DC National Guard have been given orders to report according to media reports.

The Republican governors of three states are deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at the request of the administration of President Donald Trump, who has portrayed the city as awash in crime.

The announcements on Saturday of troops from hundreds of miles away in West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio came a day after D.C. officials and the Trump administration negotiated a deal to keep Mayor Muriel Bowser's appointed police chief, Pamela Smith, in charge of the police department after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit to block the federal takeover of the department.

Trump, a Republican, said this week he was deploying hundreds of D.C. National Guard troops to Washington and temporarily taking over the Democratic-led city's police department to curb what he depicted as a crime and homelessness emergency.

Justice Department data, however, showed violent crime in 2024 hit a 30-year low in Washington, a self-governing federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey's office said in a statement he was deploying 300 to 400 National Guard troops to D.C. in "a show of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation." The statement said he also was providing equipment and specialized training.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster responded to a Pentagon request by announcing that 200 of his state's National Guard troops would be sent.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he would send 150 military police members in the coming days, adding none of them were "currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state."

After the announcements, Mayor Bowser posted on X: "American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican."
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Jeanine Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to allow the United States and European nations to give Ukraine "Article 5-like protection" as a security guarantee to bring an end to the war.

"We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article Five-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO," Witkoff said Sunday on CNN.

It was "the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that," he continued.

NATO's Article 5 says that "if a NATO Ally is the victim of an armed attack, each and every other member of the Alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take the actions it deems necessary to assist the Ally attacked."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday that she welcomed the security guarantees for Ukraine, and that the "European Union ... is ready to do its share," according to the Associated Press.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it is "a historic decision that the United States is ready to take part in security guarantees for Ukraine," according to a post on X.

"Security guarantees, as a result of our joint work, must really be very practical, delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea, and must be developed with Europe's participation," he wrote.

Special envoy Witkoff's remarks come just days after President Donald Trump met in Alaska with Putin amid his country's ongoing war with Ukraine. Trump and his administration hailed the talks as "productive," but details of the meeting have so far been scant.

Trump, in the lead-up to his meeting with Putin, repeatedly stressed the need for an urgent, long-lasting ceasefire in the war.
25 June 2025, Netherlands, Den Haag: French President Emmanuel Macron (l-r), Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of Great Britain, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) sit together at the so-called E5 meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit.

LONDON  Ukraine and its allies were scrambling Sunday to respond to President Donald Trump's apparent shift toward Vladimir Putin's hardline position after their summit in Alaska.

European leaders announced that they would join Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday as they seek to navigate America's new approach to ending the war.

Trump signaled Saturday that he was reversing his insistence on a ceasefire and instead pursuing a permanent peace deal  aligning the United States with the Kremlin rather than Kyiv and its European backers.

As Ukraine and Europe work out how best to move forward, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that they would be joining Zelenskyy, perhaps hoping to ensure there is no repeat of his last Oval Office meeting.

"The trip will serve as an exchange of information" with Trump, Merz' office said. "The talks will address, among other things, security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression."

The news came ahead of a virtual meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing," which includes more than 30 countries working together to support Ukraine.

While Trump's reversal on pursuing a ceasefire before fuller peace talks fueled alarm on the continent, he did appear to have taken a step toward another position more aligned with the wishes of Ukraine and Europe.

Trump directly engaged with Zelenskyy and European leaders by phone early Saturday morning about the U.S. taking part in a potential NATO-like security guarantee for Ukraine as part of a deal with Russia, two senior administration officials and three sources familiar with the discussions told NBC News.

"European and American security guarantees were discussed," one source familiar with the discussions said. "U.S. troops on the ground was not discussed or entertained by [Trump]."

The security guarantees would be made in the scenario that Russia were to invade Ukraine, again, after a would-be peace deal, the sources said. The sources said that those protections, as discussed by the White House, would not include NATO membership  despite European leaders saying in a joint statement Saturday that Ukraine should be given the right to seek NATO membership.

But it was clear that the summit had left Ukraine feeling uneasy.

Zelenskyy warned that the Russian leader was complicating efforts to end the war by refusing to halt the brutal fighting before holding further talks.

"Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation," Zelenskyy said in a post on X late Saturday.

For civilians on the ground, still under Russian attack even as the diplomatic maneuvering played out, it was not just the substance but the optics of the Alaska talks that caused frustration.

"I was hoping that the U.S. wouldn't roll out the red carpet to the enemy," Kyiv resident Natalya Lypei said Saturday. "How can you welcome a tyrant like this?"
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.

A scheduled visit by U.S. trade representatives to New Delhi later this month has been called off, according to Indian news broadcaster NDTV Profit.

The visit that was expected to take place between Aug. 25 and Aug. 29 will likely be rescheduled, NDTV reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The report comes at a time when trade relations between the two countries have soured with U.S. President Donald Trump imposing a 25% blanket tariff on Indian exports, and topping those with additional 25% in duties  expected to come into effect on Aug. 27  as a "penalty" for India purchasing Russian crude.

Both sides are in contact with each other, but a new schedule for talks has not been finalized, the report said.

Trump's cumulative 50% tariff rate on India is among the highest on any of the U.S.' trading partners, and has drawn a sharp response from New Delhi.

India has said it was being targeted unfairly, while calling out the EU and the U.S. on their continuing trade with Russia. "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 country's foreign ministry said in a statement earlier this month.

India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Office of the U.S Trade Representative did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comments.

The U.S. is India's single largest export partner, with nearly 20% of its overall exports, or $86.51 billion worth of goods, shipped to the U.S. in fiscal year ended March 2025, according to the latest official data.

Read the full NDTV story here.
The White House has signed a number of notable trade deals in the months since President Donald Trump slapped sharply higher tariffs on imports in early April. But some on Wall Street are cautioning that turmoil surrounding relations between the U.S. and its major trading partners is far from over. "Our views have been at odds with the investor consensus all year  and they still are," Andy Laperriere, head of U.S. policy at Piper Sandler, wrote in a report this summer. "The emerging narrative is that even though tariffs are high, we now have deals that will provide stability in trade policy. Therefore, economic actors can adjust to the new reality and move on," he said. In his firm's opinion, however, "trade stability is not in the cards." Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs went into effect on Aug. 7. The president had announced the sweeping levies back on April 2, and their initial size sent stocks reeling before a series of walk-backs from the White House eased investors' concerns. Stocks have since recovered these losses and gone on to score record highs. Lately, investors have been betting that Trump won't implement the most draconian of his trade plans, in what has come to be known as the TACO trade, short for "Trump Always Chickens Out." But the duties that Trump announced in early April have in large part taken hold. An exception is Vietnam, as shown by Piper Sandler data. Though still high, the rate on imports from Vietnam is less than half the level Trump threatened on April 2, Laperriere said. "One of the things that I think is interesting, that I think is underappreciated is that 'liberation day' mostly arrived," Laperriere said during a webinar earlier this month. "When you look at our major trading partners, most of what was put on the board on April 2 is on the board now." Catalysts for instability Trump's tariffs have faced significant legal challenges, with a federal appeals court judge seeming skeptical in late July of the president's claim that he has the authority to impose new tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), a law that grants the president authority to regulate international commerce in response to a national emergency. Trump later warned U.S. courts against blocking his tariff policy. With the ongoing litigation and unsettled backdrop, uncertainty around the future of tariffs and trade persists. "If the courts find he is overstepping his authority to impose tariffs, which is highly likely, then the deals are null and void," Laperriere wrote in his report. "The Supreme Court is likely to rule against Trump's use of IEEPA within the next 10 months." One reason countries continue to negotiate is the assumption that Trump could pivot to use another authority if his IEEPA claim is struck down, said Ed Mills, managing director and Washington policy analyst at Raymond James. For example, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930  the original Smoot-Hawley protectionist legislation  allows a president to implement tariffs of up to 50% on imported goods from countries that discriminate against U.S. commerce. Trump "has a history of taking the entire legal process to run out the clock," Mills told CNBC. "Tariffs are here to stay." Another driver of instability is the lack of details about the trade agreements that have so far been reached. For instance, Trump announced trade deals with Indonesia and the Philippines , but the specifics have yet to be confirmed. Additionally, officials from other countries including Japan and South Korea have disagreed with Trump on the terms of their agreements, signaling they have not yet been finalized. Unsettled "Foreign officials describe the few details differently than Trump and his top advisors, so even some of the high-level features have not been ironed out," Laperriere wrote. "These deals aren't settled and are built in part on phony promises. They could easily fall apart." On top of that, some trading partners, such as the European Union, are unlikely to live by their deals for very long, he claimed. Last month, Trump said that he reached a deal with the bloc , one that involves a 15% tariff on most European goods coming into the U.S. But European leaders and analysts criticized the deal shortly thereafter, calling it "unbalanced." Meanwhile, no final agreements have been reached between the U.S. and key partners such as Canada, Mexico and China . In fact, Trump last Monday delayed imposing additional tariffs on Chinese goods for another 90 days. The president could meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping "around the [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] summit" in the fall, though "what happens at that meeting is a big wild card," Mills said. "There are going to be some countries where they're able to get to a final agreement and other countries where they fall apart," Mills said to CNBC. "I think that the larger the trading partner is, the more likely they are going to find a way to get to yes." 'Priced out' risk Even with some of Trump's tariffs going into effect, the stock market has soared to all-time highs this summer, underscoring optimism that the U.S. economy can withstand threats of high tariffs at home and abroad. Yet, Laperriere believes Wall Street isn't properly accounting for the potential impacts of the duties on the economy. For now, JPMorgan projects that tariffs could result in about a 1% hit to gross domestic product. Prediction markets have been pricing out recession risk, with the likelihood down to 10% over the weekend from about 70% in May. That suggests markets were either pricing in a recession scenario that was "too high in early May or it's too low now," Laperriere said. "The broader tariff risk is arguably completely priced out of markets, though individual companies and sectors that would be adversely impacted by them have generally underperformed," he wrote in a report in early August. Ultimately, perhaps, the biggest unknown remains the quixotic "Trump factor," which can't be quantified, Brian Gardner, Stifel's chief Washington policy strategist, said in an interview. "He can change his mind at any given time, and has, as some of these deals have progressed," he said. "There's nothing to prevent him from changing his mind again down the road."
Friday'S VJ Day 80th anniversary commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire may have been overshadowed in budget and scale by those to mark D-Day and VE Day in May  but they were no less moving.

In the presence of the King and Queen, the few surviving witnesses of that 'forgotten war', fought against the Japanese in the mosquito-infested jungles of Burma, gave their testimonies on a giant screen.

'Imagine you've never been able to have a wash or a bath or a change of clothing for 12 months,' said Thomas Jones, a 103-year-old ex-Royal Artillery bombardier from Salford. 'And on top of that, you had to fight the Japanese!' That raised a bittersweet laugh.

He went on. 'You never saw them until they were attacking you. I saw this Japanese officer. He's got his sword and he's running straight at me, and I'm thinking, "This is my last day." Well, all of a sudden, a Gurkha soldier came round the back of me and shot him. The Gurkhas  the greatest!'

Very sadly, Mr Jones missed the ceremony. He had passed away just the day before, which made his words even more poignant.

For me especially so, since that experience of his was almost identical to that of one of my grandfathers, Arthur, who also fought in that terrible campaign.

Arthur, too, survived an attack from a Japanese officer, who came at him with his sword, intending to slice his head off. Arthur shot him at point-blank range  but later told my Uncle Tim that the officer 'came at me every night for years'. I wonder: did Arthur and Mr Jones know each other? They would have been about the same age.

Unlike Mr Jones, Arthur did not live a long life. He died over three decades ago, when I was still in my 20s. I barely knew him, save as a quiet man with a rather stern face and hooded, sad eyes, who would smoke cigarettes in the garage of his tiny house in Bickley, south-east London, sipping surreptitiously from a bottle of gin.

To me, as a young child, Arthur represented order and reliability, the precise opposite of my father, who was a chaotic figure, writes Sarah Vine

Arthur pictured with Queen Elizabeth II at Sterling Castle in the early sixties

King Charles and Queen Camilla were moved to tears during the VJ Day 80th anniversary ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday

He was always kind and indulgent of me, his first grandchild. He drank Camp coffee and smelled of Imperial Leather and, even in retirement, he maintained a bristly military moustache (he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and once escorted the late Queen around Stirling Castle, one of the proudest moments of his life).

He would get up at dawn every day to carry out his household chores, assigned by my grandmother, with military precision.

To me, as a young child, he represented order and reliability, the precise opposite of my father, who was a chaotic figure. I never knew what horrors my grandfather had endured because he would never have dreamt of telling me. He wouldn't have considered it appropriate: he was firmly of the 'never complain, never explain' school.

But as I grew older, I began to realise that beneath the military rigour, all was not well. Arthur drank, and it was a problem. It took his health, his marriage and eventually his dignity.

Later, when I was in my early 20s, and shortly before the alcohol finally killed him, I would visit him and he would slip me a fiver, asking me to buy him a forbidden bottle from the off-licence.

I saw him then as a forlorn, rather pathetic figure. I wish I had had the intelligence and the foresight to understand him better, to see what had brought him to that state, and to truly comprehend the price he had paid, along with so many of that generation, for my charmed existence.

Veterans of that campaign in the Far East  such as the Chindits, named after the Burmese word 'Chinthe', mythical lion-like creatures often seen at the entrances of temples  were told not to speak of it, and many, like my grandfather, did not. But that did not mean that their experiences were not seared into their souls.

Many came home profoundly changed, often unrecognisable to the families they had left behind. Piecing together snippets of family history, I have no doubt that Arthur's experiences scarred him irrevocably. When he returned he was no longer the person my grandmother had married. They went on to have three children, but the damage was done. The demons that followed him home haunted them all their lives.

What little I know of his time there comes via Uncle Tim, Arthur's only son. One night, he and Tim were watching a documentary about the Chindits  the Special Forces troops dropped behind Japanese lines  on TV and Arthur suddenly said: 'Hang on, I knew him,' pointing at a face on the screen. 'I served with him!'

As that evening wore on, prompted by that memory, he unburdened himself to my uncle. Besides Burma, he had served at Dunkirk, in Crete and Tobruk, and he recalled heartbreaking tales of young friends and revered superiors being killed beside him in those bloody battles.

But it was when talking about Burma that, Tim says, Arthur started to stumble and stammer.

In common with so many others, Arthur, it turned out, had had to do the worst thing an officer ever has to do behind enemy lines: he had been forced to hasten the deaths of some of his own men. It was an act of kindness because they were too sick or badly wounded to carry on and no one wanted to end up in the hands of the Japanese.

'I did some things you shouldn't have to do,' he said haltingly to my uncle. 'Nobody can understand.' But, he added, embracing his son: 'I would do it all again if it meant you never had to.'

The only inkling I ever had of his pain was when once, visiting us for a holiday in Italy, I woke in the middle of the night to find him pacing wildly, mumbling about 'dark forces' that were coming to get us. He was clearly in the grip of some sort of delirium. His intensity was frightening, the lost look in his eyes unfathomable.

I'm ashamed to say I never understood. And I don't think anyone really did.

My grandfather never thought of himself as a war hero. He never glorified or revelled in his exploits. In fact, he despised war, precisely because he saw so much of it and at such close quarters. And he didn't hate the enemy. He wasn't anti-German, or anti-Japanese, despite it all; he just never wanted anyone else to experience what he had seen and done.

I realise now that, beneath the bristles, Arthur was a sensitive, thoughtful man, utterly repulsed by the brutality of war. And I see that sentiment reflected in the few veterans who survive today.

That is why their testimonies, and their memories, are so important. In a world where people are so quick to anger, where conflict can ignite over seemingly the most trivial of issues, they remind us of what war really is. Ugly, heartless, inglorious.

I raise a glass to you, Arthur, and all your companions on this anniversary of VJ Day. I wish I had been wiser, kinder, less self-obsessed and stupid while you were still alive. I am sorry I was not.

Most of all, I hope that when the last of you is finally gone, the world continues to remember. Not just because we owe you an inestimable debt, but also because we simply cannot afford to forget.
Last week, US President Donald Trump deployed 800 National Guard soldiers to the streets of Washington DC, to join 500 federal agents and the 3,100-strong police force to enact his promise of 'historic action to rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse'.

Amid this exceptional show of force, no crime was too small  so much so that five FBI agents in flak jackets ejected a homeless man from a McDonald's.

This is what taking back the streets looks like, and I urge our politicians and police chiefs to take note.

For too long our own streets have been creches of criminality, where drug dealers, phone muggers and shoplifters have roamed with impunity, unencumbered by police forces that have all but given up on patrols. Here, the public believe you'll only likely see an officer at your door if you misgender someone on WhatsApp.

Not for the UK a Trump-style blitz from the boys in blue  no, we the public have been asked to police the streets ourselves. This was the frankly risible suggestion made by Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber last week.

Now I happen to know and like Matthew, but it's a howling own goal for him to chastise citizens who put their 'head down, carry on, don't get involved' as making for a 'very poor society' when forces such as his have 'not got involved' with what some deem 'petty' crimes for several years.

Shoplifting, for instance, surged to 530,643 cases nationwide in the year ending March 2025, up a staggering 20 per cent on 2024. But the true figure will be much higher, as vast numbers of these crimes go unreported and unlogged.

Why? Because demoralised shopkeepers know from bitter, frustrating experience that police won't bother to investigate these crimes, which makes a mockery of Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police Jon Cummins' advice to retailers to dial 999 rather than tackle the thieves.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has suggested the public need to do more to stop crime

Shoplifting surged to 530,643 cases nationwide in the year ending March 2025, up a staggering 20 per cent on 2024

In 2014, under David Cameron, the government made shoplifting offences involving goods valued at 200 or less a summary-only offence, meaning they could only be tried in a magistrates' court.

This move was eventually repealed, but the rot set in. In the intervening decade, the core principles of community policing  that officers are there to engage, reassure and challenge wrongdoing  have almost entirely vanished. That is what makes for a 'very poor society'.

So, it seems, members of the public are being urged to fill these gaps in policing. Take it from me  as a former officer of 31 years, who has made 32 citizen's arrests of shoplifters in the 16 years since I retired  don't. My last effort won me a black eye.

Around six months ago, one of the staff at my local Waitrose pointed out a 40-something man loitering by the chiller cabinets.

Only the previous week, this man  a serial shoplifter  had hit one of the store's security guards in the face with a bottle when he tried to apprehend him. Now here he was again, almost certainly up to no good. Indeed, as I watched on, I saw him secreting expensive sunglasses under the puffer jacket he was conspicuously wearing on a hot London day before walking out of the store, bold as brass.

As most of the supermarket staff know, I'm a retired policeman  which is one reason I took it upon myself to enact a citizen's arrest.

Sadly, the thief punched me in the face, and I toppled backwards into a car, snapping off its wing mirror. Nonetheless, I managed to get him in a headlock and grapple him to the floor until the police arrived. Frankly, I don't know why I bothered because the court gave him a pitiful four-week suspended sentence  that's for three assaults (including a past tussle with a police officer), burglary and absconding bail.

In another incident reported in The Mail on Sunday last January, I received a 120 fixed-penalty fine from my local council for driving through a no-entry sign in pursuit of a fleeing shoplifter who had made off with nine expensive bottles of wine from a Sainsbury's. My intervention meant he was arrested, but he walked away scot free after the store manager decided not to press charges  meaning that while the offender went unpunished, I was 120 out of pocket. So much for justice!

I've no regrets about my actions. I know the law, I don't like watching people blatantly break it and after decades on the thin blue line, I know how to handle myself.

The same does not go for other members of the public, who risk being verbally abused, assaulted and, in the worst-case scenario, knifed if they try to intervene.

Even security guards, often poorly trained and paid, are no longer a deterrent. Retail giants know this, which is why in general they instruct them to prioritise their safety over stock.

If this is the rule for security guards, then it beggars belief that we should ask the public to behave differently.

And make no mistake, shoplifting is not about the cost-of-living crisis  much as the liberal Left may want to suggest that spiralling prices are driving mums to steal to feed their children.

The reality is that much of it is either blatantly opportunistic, or in many instances fuelled by large-scale, well-coordinated crime consortiums, through which thieves are recruited to steal high-value goods to be resold through organised networks.

Last November, it emerged that a group of four men had stolen 120,000 worth of goods from over 50 Morrisons, which were then funnelled into a Romanian-backed smuggling ring and sold via wholesalers and car-boot markets.

Nor is it a victimless crime. The retail industry faces official annual losses around 2.2 billion (my belief is it's five times that), alongside an additional 1.8 billion spent on security measures.

Then there's the human cost, from the small businesses sent to the wall by expensive lost stock and the 1,300 retail staff who are assaulted or abused every day.

So if have-a-go heroes are not the answer, nor calling in the Army as Trump has done, how can the authorities get a grip of our streets again?

We need a massive overhaul of the way we treat offenders. Police should attend every report of shoplifting, and there should be tough penalties for those convicted  especially repeat offenders. There has to be a deterrent.

The retail security industry also needs to be modernised, with security guards comprised of ex-military, rigorously trained in self-defence and conflict resolution and issued with handcuffs and tasers.

That is how serious and dangerous shoplifting has become.

And if the Government, police and courts cannot seize this issue, then maybe Trump is right. Maybe the Army is the only answer?
In October 1986, there was a summit between the President of the United States and the Kremlin leader, at a remote and chilly site on the edge of the Arctic. The Reykjavik meeting ended in what seemed to be failure.

At the time, though it is little recalled now, there was still a great deal of mistrust between the White House and Moscow and the Soviet Union was still a highly repressive one-party police state.

The liberalism of perestroika and glasnost were only just getting under way. Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev tried to achieve too much, and as a result seemed to have achieved nothing.

Later it became clear that the failed negotiations had opened the way for a more modest but workable deal which  a year later  was the beginning of the end of the Cold War.

So it may be too soon to reach a final verdict on the Alaska encounter. After all, we know almost nothing about what took place. The next few days may reveal more, as Mr Trump briefs Ukraines President Zelensky and his European allies, and as Mr Putin leaks what it suits him to leak.

But so far, the Trump-Putin get-together at Anchorage is not looking good for the interests of the West or Ukraine. Simply by welcoming Mr Putin to American soil, Mr Trump gave him a major prize, a reprieve from the pariah status he has endured since he invaded Ukraine in 2022.

By going still further, and treating him with exaggerated respect on the red carpet and in the open part of their meeting, Mr Trump strengthened the image of the Russian dictator at home and among his own allies.

It is hard to see how this can lead to a good end. Some sort of humiliation of Ukraine, by loss of territory or by diplomatic isolation from Nato, or both, is the logical conclusion.

President Donald Trump (left) ended his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) with a very unusual press conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump took no questions nor divulged any details about their 'extremely productive meeting' to end the war in Ukraine

President Donald Trump (right) rolled out the red carpet for his meeting with the Russian leader

When you sup with the devil you also need a very long spoon, and it is not clear that Mr Trumps (right) previous experience with deal-making has ever brought him into contact with an opponent so wily and merciless as Russian President Vladimir Putin (left)

By behaving in this way, Mr Trump also sent a dangerous message to all the worlds rogue states and tyrants, that under him the USA is prepared to forgive and forget truly outrageous international behaviour.

Maybe this is just the New World Order, as the old slogans of America First are turned into policy in Washington DC. If this is so, then democratic Europe is going to have to decide how much it is prepared to spend, and how far it is ready to commit itself, to replace the lost influence of the USA.

A week ago we praised Mr Trump for having the courage to seek peace. And he was right to do so. Diplomacy requires courage. Big stakes cannot be won without big risks.

But when you sup with the devil you also need a very long spoon, and it is not clear that Mr Trumps previous experience with deal-making has ever brought him into contact with an opponent so wily and merciless.

We still hope that the US President can obtain a civilised bargain. We still think the effort was worthwhile. But he should listen very carefully to Americas loyal allies before he takes the next step. There should, for sure, be no more red carpets and no more rides in the presidential limousine.

And if he is wise he will resist Mr Putins attempts to get him to come to Moscow.
As he flies back to Moscow, Vladimir Putin will be quietly beaming.

While the Alaska summit may have achieved little of substance, the Russian dictator accomplished his most important immediate aim, to break out of his diplomatic isolation and regain psychological influence over US President Donald Trump.

Trump wore a broad smile as if he was hosting an old friend, not a tyrant whose supporters regularly threaten nuclear armageddon against the West and who clearly sees the US  and the UK  as Russias historic enemies.

With further sanctions looming, Putin needed to re-engage with Trump, and it appears hes done so successfully.

While little seems to have been agreed between the two leaders, Putin walks away with his military pounding Ukraine, and the threat of sanctions on ice.

The Russian presidents long-term aim is to force a humiliating peace on Kyiv, so that Ukraines social cohesion fractures.

Putin will then use non-military tactics to weaken the country further while he prepares for a new round of conflict against Ukraine or, potentially, the Baltic republics and the West.

As he flies back to Moscow , Vladimir Putin will be quietly beaming. While the Alaska summit may have achieved little of substance, the Russian dictator broke out of his diplomatic isolation and regained psychological influence over US President Donald Trump

Trump wore a broad smile as if he was hosting an old friend, not a tyrant whose supporters regularly threaten nuclear armageddon against the West and who clearly sees the US  and the UK  as Russia s historic enemies

In the Kremlins school of diplomacy, ceasefires and negotiations are devices to psychologically weaken and divide the enemy  not a way to peace.

China, meanwhile, continues to build up an almost colonial relationship over Russia, buying its energy at discount  and benefiting enormously from the wars continuation.

President Volodymyr Zelensky cannot accept a peace that breaks Ukraines morale and leaves it unable to defend itself but he must not give Trump the opportunity to walk away, or worse, lift sanctions unilaterally.

The nations of Europe are, in the short term, big losers.

Poorly led, divided and unable to defend themselves let alone Ukraine, they have been all but sidelined.

Again, this suits Putins narrative. But perhaps history will show the biggest loser is Donald Trump.

His desire for peace is genuine, but he is in danger of being used by Putin to fulfil Russias agenda in Ukraine, and in so doing, undermining the cohesion and strength of the West and democracys undoubted moral power.

President Volodymyr Zelensky cannot accept a peace that breaks Ukraines morale and leaves it unable to defend itself but he must not give Trump the opportunity to walk away, or worse, lift sanctions unilaterally. The nations of Europe are, in the short term, big losers

Donald Trump's desire for peace is genuine, but he is in danger of being used by Putin to fulfil Russias agenda in Ukraine, and in so doing, undermining the cohesion and strength of the West and democracys undoubted moral power

Tomorrow, Trump will meet Zelensky in Washington to outline a peace plan that will almost certainly force major land concessions from the Ukrainians, something that Zelensky has said his country cannot do and which threatens to divide his nation. Pictured: Trump and Zelensky in February

Today, the coalition of the willing  Germany, France and the UK  will meet by phone to discuss potential security guarantees should a deal be struck, reminding the US, perhaps pitifully, of its importance to any future negotiations.

Then, tomorrow, Trump will meet Zelensky in Washington to outline a peace plan that will almost certainly force major land concessions from the Ukrainians, something that Zelensky has said his country cannot do and which threatens to divide his nation.

However, Moscow is under greater pressure than before  according to some economic forecasts,

Russia is running out of money. There may be a logic for a deal now that was absent before.

Its likely that Putins demands are too great for Ukraine to stomach.

The world will find out tomorrow if there is a path to a deal, or if the conflict, the most bloody in Europe since the Second World War, will trundle on, swallowing thousands more lives as it goes.

Dr Bob Seely MBE is the author of The New Total War.
All aboard HMS Humbug for another round of ignorant bloviation, empty moralising and hypocrisy.

Putin is Hitler, we are all Winston Churchill, if we don't stand up now there'll be Russian tanks in Bexley before we know what hit us, etc etc.

We must grieve that the USA has wearied of financing and arming one of the stupidest, most pointless wars in human history.

Let's all disapprove, from a safe distance. Here they all come, retired generals with growly voices, ancient doddering spooks who never came in from the Cold War, bloodthirsty Blairite veterans of Iraq.

Beside them march politicians who somehow never learned any real history, but picked up something about Munich during their A-levels, and world affairs commentators who never ventured east of Frinton.

They all want war without end in Ukraine. Many of them give off the rich, sickly perfume of high moral purity.

They do not know, or have forgotten that this country took part in a bloodstained illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003, that it helped violently to rearrange the borders of Yugoslavia, that it crazily bombed Libya in 2011 (so triggering mass migration which has never stopped since).

Some of them actually helped to destabilise Syria so that it now has an Al Qaeda government presiding over the blood, graves and rubble created by our 'ethical foreign policy'.

All aboard HMS Humbug for another round of ignorant bloviation, empty moralising and hypocrisy. Putin is Hitler, we are all Winston Churchill, if we don't stand up now there'll be Russian tanks in Bexley before we know what hit us, etc etc

We must grieve that the USA has wearied of financing and arming one of the stupidest, most pointless wars in human history. Pictured: Zelensky, President of Ukraine

Well, I believe the Ukrainian army is now accepting volunteers from almost anywhere, of nearly any age. It needs to. Pictured: a firefighter tries to extinguish a fire at the central market in Sumy, Ukraine, caused by the explosion of a Russian drone on August 15

Well, I believe the Ukrainian army is now accepting volunteers from almost anywhere, of nearly any age. It needs to.

Many of that country's own young men flee abroad, or bribe greedy officials for exemptions, or go into hiding lest they are dragged off to the front by snatch squads employed by their martial law state.

For them, the claims that Ukraine is a vibrant western democracy sound pretty thin.

So my first response to these jingoes is to say: 'If you are so keen, please go and fight in the war you like so much.

Perhaps you might free some press-ganged young man to go home and be a husband and father, instead of cannon fodder'.

But that would be a bit emotional. Let's try facts and logic instead.

There is a very serious argument against this war. All grown-ups in world affairs are well aware of it.

It was from the start a rash, cynical adventure. Ukraine has been used. You can only say the truth if you are a keen supporter of the conflict.

The noted American Russia hawk, Robert Kagan (pictured), has correctly stated in the elite magazine Foreign Affairs that Russia was provoked into war. He did not say this justified the invasion, for it doesn't

Leon Panetta, former CIA chief and US Defence Secretary, admitted the Ukraine conflict was a proxy war between Russia. Nato and the USA. If I said this, I would be denounced as a 'Putin apologist'. But he can say it, and he did

Before Ukraine suddenly became independent in 1991, the West was not all that keen on its existence. In June 1990, Margaret Thatcher wanted to bolster Moscow in the region and was dismissive and chilly to Ukrainian nationalists

For instance, the noted American Russia hawk, Robert Kagan, has correctly stated in the elite magazine Foreign Affairs that Russia was provoked into war.

He did not say this justified the invasion, for it doesn't. He just stated as a fact that 'although it is obscene to blame the United States for Putin's inhumane attack on Ukraine, to insist that the invasion was entirely unprovoked is misleading'.

Likewise Leon Panetta, former CIA chief and US Defence Secretary, admitted the Ukraine conflict was a proxy war between Russia. Nato and the USA. If I said this, I would be denounced as a 'Putin apologist'. But he can say it, and he did.

Before Ukraine suddenly became independent in 1991, the West was not all that keen on its existence. In June 1990, Margaret Thatcher wanted to bolster Moscow in the region and was dismissive and chilly to Ukrainian nationalists.

She briskly batted away a question about opening a British embassy in Kiev.

This, she explained, was as likely as Britain opening an embassy in California or Quebec. 'I can see you are trying to get me involved in your politics!', she scolded her questioner. Those Tory war enthusiasts who claim to admire her now might ponder this.

A year later, in August 1991, President George HW Bush refused even to meet campaigners for Ukrainian independence.

A year later, in August 1991, President George HW Bush refused even to meet campaigners for Ukrainian independence. He didn't like the look of them and said 'Americans will not support those who seek independence in order to replace a far-off tyranny with a local despotism'

He didn't like the look of them and said 'Americans will not support those who seek independence in order to replace a far-off tyranny with a local despotism. They will not aid those who promote a suicidal nationalism based upon ethnic hatred'.

He feared an outbreak of ancient tensions in Ukraine, which has a recent history of deep, dangerous ethnic passions, as all informed people know.

It might be a bit early to say he was wrong. But the collapse of the USSR, following a failed KGB coup in Moscow, followed within weeks.

Suddenly there was an independent Ukraine whether anyone liked it or not, within borders designed by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. And some high policy-makers in the USA wanted to use this new country as a battering-ram against Russia.

In 1997, the former Secretary of State Zbigniew Brzezinski claimed that 'Ukraine, a new and important space on the Eurasian chessboard, is a geopolitical pivot because its very existence as an independent country helps to transform Russia'.

He argued: 'However, if Moscow regains control over Ukraine, with its 52 million people and major resources as well as its access to the Black Sea, Russia automatically again regains the wherewithal to become a powerful imperial state, spanning Europe and Asia.'

This is the origin of the strange belief that ramshackle Russia, with its scrap-metal mercenary army and an economy the size of Italy is poised to march on Berlin, and then push Nato into the sea at Dunkirk.

In February 2014, the legitimately elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (pictured) was overthrown by a violent ultra-nationalist mob. This was made up of the sort of people the British and American elite classes would normally call 'fascists'

Donald Trump, whom I greatly dislike, at least has the sense to see that this has gone on long enough and is benefiting nobody at all. He wants to end it, partly because he knows his supporters are sick of America's forever wars and partly because he wants a Nobel Peace Prize

If, to do so, he has to hold his nose and treat the sinister tyrant Vladimir Putin as an equal, so that he can bring peace, then he will not be the first democratic leader to do such a thing

Ukraine, in its peaceful and surprisingly democratic period from 1991 to 2014, was a county increasingly divided between its fervent, nationalist west and its more neutral Moscow-oriented east. Its then government was not all that keen to be used as a proxy by Washington.

But in February 2014, the legitimately elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown by a violent ultra-nationalist mob. This was made up of the sort of people the British and American elite classes would normally call 'fascists'.

The remnants of the country's parliament violated their own constitution to ratify this squalid putsch. Then the USA and Britain endorsed their lawless action. And that, not the invasion of 2022, was the start of the filthy, dismal war we now see.

It has not worked out well for anyone, least of all for poor Ukraine.

The vast new graveyards can be seen from space, Russian bombardment has mangled its key infrastructure as well as killing many innocents, and its cities are full of widows, orphans and maimed and disfigured men. For whose good? Who will stop this?

Donald Trump, whom I greatly dislike, at least has the sense to see that this has gone on long enough and is benefiting nobody at all.

He wants to end it, partly because he knows his supporters are sick of America's forever wars and partly because he wants a Nobel Peace Prize.

If, to do so, he has to hold his nose and treat the sinister tyrant Vladimir Putin as an equal, so that he can bring peace, then he will not be the first democratic leader to do such a thing.

JFK met the dubious Khrushchev, Nixon met the ghastly mass murderer Mao Zedong, Churchill drank brandy, deep into the night, with the unspeakable despot Stalin.

You and I may not like this, but millions of us have lived peaceful prosperous lives because of squalid, despicable deals made by men of power.
Wylie Dixon was excited to build a future with his beautiful wife - from travelling across Australia to starting the family they had always dreamed of.

But everything came to a halt when the 'fit and healthy' retail manager received devastating news that he had an aggressive form of appendix cancer.

The then 38-year-old had been struggling with months of fatigue, but doctors dismissed the 'vague' symptom so he assumed there was nothing to worry about.

It wasn't until he began experiencing excruciating stomach pains and vomiting that he was rushed to the emergency room - where he learned he had stage four cancer.

'I was heartbroken,' Wylie, now 39, told FEMAIL.

'I was in disbelief as I'd never heard of the cancer before... I wasn't someone who had scheduled health check-ups but I went to the doctor often when something would arise.

'I was fit and healthy, not overweight, I was very active and walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day was normal for me at work.'

By the time he was diagnosed in August 2024, Wylie was told he may have just three months to live - completely turning his world upside down.

He explained that he just can't fathom how his condition turned into such an extremely rare case, especially since there were no alarming symptoms before his appendix cancer diagnosis.

Wylie Dixon received devastating news that he had an aggressive form of appendix cancer

But his world came to a halt when the 'fit and healthy' retail manager received devastating news that he was living with an aggressive form of appendix cancer

'I didn't have any major symptoms besides fatigue. That's the problem with this cancer, everything was vague and didn't persist, besides the fatigue,' he said.

For Wylie, the most disheartening part of his diagnosis was feeling a 'massive sense of being let down' by doctors.

'Unfortunately the many GP visits over two years failed to diagnose me,' he said.

'Ultimately I ended up in emergency one night with acute abdominal pain and vomiting caused by a blockage right where the appendix is located.

'I trusted what I was being told but as I now know from my own research many GP visits were caused by the cancer.'

Wylie has lived in Cairns, Far North Queensland, for most of his life but after the diagnosis, he and his wife Ked relocated to Sydney to be closer to the only specialist cancer centre offering the urgent care he needs.

As he was spending more time in Sydney, it only made sense for the couple to move.

The couple made the heartbreaking decision to sell their home, quit their jobs and leave behind their family and friends so they could give Wylie a fighting chance.

Wylie was excited to build a future with his beautiful wife Ked - from travelling across Australia to starting the family they had always dreamed of

The couple made the heartbreaking decision to sell their home, quit their jobs and leave behind their family and friends so they could give Wylie a fighting chance

He underwent a 19-hour peritonectomy surgery, a highly invasive surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tumours from his body.

Since then, he has been enduring intense rounds of chemotherapy.

'It's been a very long recovery from the operation, I'm still going eight months on. It's very much a watch and wait game at the moment,' he explained.

Despite getting the all-clear, his cancer has returned, and he's now looking into travelling to Japan or Germany for new treatment options.

'The likelihood of recurrence is very high,' he explained.

With both Wylie and his wife unable to work, the rising cost of flights, temporary accommodation, medications, ongoing treatment, and countless specialist appointments have become overwhelming.

'The stress of mounting bills threatens to overshadow the one thing that matters most: Wylie's recovery,' his cousin Ashleigh said on his GoFundMe page.

'We are asking for your help. Your donation, no matter the size, will help lift some of this burden - giving Wylie the chance to focus on healing without the added weight of financial stress. It will help ensure he can continue receiving the lifesaving care.

'Please consider supporting Wylie during this incredibly difficult chapter. Every dollar and every message of encouragement means more than you can imagine.'

He underwent a 19-hour peritonectomy surgery, a highly invasive surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tumours from his body. Since then, he has been fighting through intense rounds of chemotherapy

Wylie has lived in Cairns for most of his life but after the diagnosis, he and his wife Ked relocated to Sydney to be closer to the only specialist cancer centre offering urgent care

Signs and symptoms of appendix cancer Appendix cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. However, some people may experience symptoms such as: appendicitis (lower right abdominal pain)

gradual increase in waist size

build-up of fluid in the abdomen

bloating changes in bowel habits

hernia

ovarian mass or lump Source: Cancer Council Advertisement

According to Cancer Council, appendix cancer occurs when cells in the appendix become abnormal and continue to grow, forming a tumour.

The causes are unknown, and there are no clear risk factors - it also does not appear to run in families. Increasing age, however, may raise the risk of developing appendix cancer.

It's a rare condition, with the most common types occurring in Australians aged between 40 and 60. In 2024, an estimated 874 people were diagnosed with appendiceal cancer.

There is currently no screening available for appendix cancer in Australia. It is often discovered during abdominal surgery for a different condition or after surgical removal of the appendix due to a suspected case of appendicitis.

'I just hope there's more awareness of appendix cancer because there is no real screening process for it,' Wylie said.

By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage young people to push for more answers if their symptoms are overlooked simply because they're considered 'too young to have cancer'.

'GPs shouldn't dismiss symptoms just because someone is young,' Wylie said.

'We're now seeing cancer rates in younger people go through the roof.'
Tide turns on T-shirt furore

The eldest daughter of Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark did a very un-royal thing last week.

In case you missed it, Princess Isabella caused a stir at the Smukfest music festival in Skanderborg when she was pictured wearing a T-shirt with an expletive.

The translated text on the tee from Danish hip-hop group Suspekt read, 'F***ed him yesterday,' accompanied by an arrow pointing to the side. The slogan is a reference to one of the band's songs.

As pictures of the 18-year-old princess circulated on social media, royal watchers were stunned.

There were even whispers that the royals were trying to prevent the images from being sold by the photographic agency.

Danish political commentator Jarl Cordua was one of the first to weigh in.

Cordua wrote that while he understood the need for royals to relax occasionally, he also believed there were 'limits' - and argued Isabella's distasteful shirt crossed a line.

Princess Isabella of Denmark was caught on camera at the Smukfest music festival wearing a band T-shirt with the translated slogan, 'F***ed him yesterday'

This rare misstep from the Danish royal family had the potential to become a public pile-on.

But then, something unexpected happened.

The tide swiftly turned and there was a noticeable public sway in Isabella's favour, with many arguing the T-shirt gave the public a rare window into her true personality.

Long-time royalist and renowned Danish TV personality Jim Lyngvild was among the first to pick up on the shift from outrage to amusement, declaring it a 'brilliant' move.

'It's the best PR initiative for the Royal House in many, many years,' he told B.T.

'I love that our royal youngsters also have personality and courage  and don't follow the neat pleated flow,' Lyngvild wrote on social media.

'The time of the ladies in the hat is over, Princess Isabella is in.'

Lyngvild's sentiment echoed a broader emerging feeling that the unexpected decision humanised, popularised and endeared the new generation of the royal family  and especially the rising star of the family, Princess Isabella.

Initially, pictures of Isabella partying at the festival raised eyebrows among royal pundits. But the sentiment soon shifted, and she was praised for being an authentic modern royal

Princess Isabella's appearance at Smukfest was a far cry from her official 18th birthday portrait

'It shows that there is a new king who has  in many ways  an ordinary family that represents today's values,' Lyngvild said.

'We have mirrored the Royal House in hats, tea parties and pleated skirts that were popular in the 1950s, and that is over.

'The king says he will be a king of tomorrow, and this is the proof.'

Lyngvild was also convinced the move may have raised Princess Isabella's standing further.

'[The royals] are really popular, so they must be doing the right thing,' he noted.

'I think if you did a poll now, [Princess Isabella] would surpass Queen Mary in popularity.'

Lyngvild concluded that 'no other princesses in the world' would 'dare' to do what Princess Isabella did.

Life in the 'paparazzi country'

Now, on to another young European princess who has recently come under intense photographic scrutiny.

Within days of arriving in Australia, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway was snapped carrying a box of prosecco. The Norwegian press has since dubbed Australia 'the paparazzi country'

The future queen is studying a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway has travelled halfway around the world to study at the University of Sydney.

The 21-year-old's unlikely decision to pursue her studies far beyond the European realm certainly caught Norwegians off guard.

The arrival of a future queen in the hallowed halls of St Andrew's College - affectionately known as Drews - attracted instant media attention.

Shortly after settling into her new digs, the royal was captured on camera carrying a case of prosecco while en route to campus.

Aussie media quickly dubbed her the 'party princess'. In response, the Norwegians are calling Australia 'the paparazzi country'.

Having Ingrid Alexandra's every public move closely monitored by Sydney paparazzi doesn't come as a surprise to Norwegian royal experts.

'She just has to accept that in today's media world,' TV 2 royal expert Ole-Jrgen Schulsrud-Hansen told Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen.

'Unfortunately, it is not something you can avoid.'

Nettavisen's royal expert Tove Taalesen agreed this level of attention would likely be the new normal for Ingrid Alexandra - and that studying abroad was as much about education as it was a crash course in 'media management'.

Before departing for Australia, Princess Ingrid Alexandra was pictured in full royal finery while attending a gala dinner with her parents at the Royal Palace in Oslo on June 23

'All young people deserve to be young and irresponsible,' Taalesen said.

'But when you are born to be a symbol and role model, it comes with a price: private life does not automatically come with the move.

'Ingrid Alexandra is not just new to the student city  she is a public figure in a paparazzi country.'

In what is perhaps an echo of Princess Isabella's recent festival partying episode, the royal expert noted that getting a glimpse into Ingrid Alexandra's university experience isn't such a bad thing.

'It might actually make her more human,' Taalesen said.

'Everyone loves a princess who lives her life  let the girl be a student and enjoy life.'

Meanwhile, the big question in both Norway and Australia is whether Ingrid will return to Europe in three years' time with more than just a degree.

As previously noted by Daily Mail gossip columnist Lucy Manly, the Bachelor of Arts at Sydney Uni has long been nicknamed the 'husband-finding course'.

And I'm told several ambitious young men at St Andrew's College have been trying their luck with the young princess  only to be politely rebuffed with the sort of tact you'd expect from royalty.

'She's been telling them, "I see you all as little brothers,'" says one source.

Her diplomatic rejections have sparked whispers she may already be taken.

At Friday night's Kennedy Awards  the annual celebration of Australia's best journalism  reporters were overheard speculating about a story that may soon break in the tabloids.

'I hear she's dating a Paul's boy,' one extremely well-connected reporter and USyd alum was heard saying while queueing for a cab outside Randwick Racecourse.

That's St Paul's College, for those not in the know.

All unverified chatter at this stage, of course. But remember - you read it here first!

School is back in session - but one royal is dipping out

The summer holiday certainly ended with a bang for the Danish royal household.

First, we had King Frederik and Queen Mary enjoying a very, very extended break in the south of France.

But any chance of them holding onto those relaxed holiday vibes was presumably washed away the minute they cast their eyes on those photos of their eldest daughter wearing a sweary T-shirt to a music festival.

The Danish royal family announced this week (with presumed relief) that Frederik and Mary's children will be resuming their studies now the summer break is over.

Crown Prince Christian, 19, will continue his education in the Armed Forces, with the heir to the throne working towards qualifying as a lieutenant.

The headline-grabbing Princess Isabella, 18, will commence her final year at regard Gymnasium. 'The princess will graduate in the summer of 2026,' the official update confirmed.

Youngest son Prince Vincent, 14, returns to Tranegardsskolen in Hellerup, where he is now in grade eight. He and his twin sister, Princess Josephine, have both attended the school since 2017.

Curiously, this year Vincent won't be joined by Josephine.

Danish royal twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine have, until now, both attended Tranegardsskolen in Hellerup. Vincent will return there to commence grade eight, but Josephine has made a change and decided to attend boarding school Spir Efterskole

Princess Josephine's new boarding school is three hours away from Copenhagen and is renowned for its dance and drama subjects. Royal watchers believe these performance-based classes will appeal to the teenager

'Her Royal Highness Princess Josephine has chosen, according to her wish, to continue her schooling in 8. Class at Spir Boarding School,' the royal family confirmed.

While the exact reason why the princess opted to change schools is unknown, perhaps the reason lies in some distinguishing features of Spir Efterskole.

The school, a three-hour drive from Copenhagen, is renowned for its day starting at 8.45am, kicking off with an hour-and-a-half of exercise sessions.

The first official class then commences shortly after 10am, with the delayed routine reportedly devised to better suit the natural body clock of a teenager.

It also offers dance and drama, with royal watchers speculating these subjects will appeal greatly to the young princess.

Josephine has already shown a flair for performance, making her acting debut on Danish television in the Christmas special Tidsrejsen 2 (Time Travel 2).
A health expert has revealed a nifty health hack that might burn more calories than a daily 20-minute walk - and it's miles cheaper than other weight loss options.

In a new episode of Channel 4's Michael Mosley's Secrets of the Superagers, filmed before he passed away last year, the British health experimentalist shared one way people can scorch calories without even having to leave the sofa.

According to the medic and producer, who sadly died suddenly last June after going for a walk on the Greek island of Symi, some studies have shown green tea can boost caloric burn.

Studies conducted on overweight volunteers in Thailand have shown that consuming even a small dose of green tea can burn approximately 60 calories per day, roughly equivalent to walking for 20 minutes.

'It certainly does seem to have an impact on metabolic rate,' Michael said in the show via The Sun.

Explaining the theory, Mosley said: 'In one Thai study, overweight volunteers who took a small dose of green tea extract before each meal saw the amount of energy they burned at rest go up by about 60 calories a day.

'That's roughly the same as walking for 20 minutes, without leaving the sofa,' the expert said.

Green tea is widely available in the UK, with 20 20-bag box costing as little as 75p from Tesco, meaning weight watchers could burn 60 calories for less than 4p - a significantly cheaper alternative to controversial and pricey options such as Mounjaro.

In a recent episode of Channel 4 's Michael Mosley's (pictured) Secrets of the Superagers, filmed before he passed away last year, the late TV medic shared one way people can scorch calories without even having to leave the sofa

Filmed prior to his sudden passing, the new series documents Mosley's travels around the world as he sets his sights on discovering the secrets and the science behind ageing well.

In the fifth episode of the landmark series, Mosley travelled to New York's Chinatown to sample some of the nation's most prized brews.

Mosley sipped on bilou chun tea, a famous variety of Chinese green tea originating from the Dongting mountain region.

Green tea retains its vibrant green colour by specific methods of production. After the tea leaves are picked, they are quickly pan-fried or steamed to prevent them from oxidising.

This locks in catechins, flavour compounds that are thought to work alongside caffeine to create a fat burning effect in the nervous system.

It is significantly more impactful in comparison to other varieties of tea, with green containing four times the catechins compared to the average builder's.

Studies performed have largely revealed the effect of green tea in pill form, but Mosley explained that sipping on as little as one or two cups should also offer metabolism-boosting compounds.

Additionally, studies have revealed that green tea could also have a positive effect of lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, and even slow ageing.

According to the British medic and producer, who died suddenly last June after going for a walk on the Greek island of Symi, some studies have shown green tea can boost calorie burn (stock image)

In the fifth episode of the landmark series, Mosley travelled to New York's Chinatown to sample some of the nation's most prized brews

Nutritionists have warned that it's effects can't offer the same potency as stronger medical weight loss treatments, but that it could help with overall health in the long run.

'If you want to burn through the calories that little bit quicker, green tea might just be the tonic,' he said.

Michael Mosley's Secrets of the Superagers aired on Thursday at 8pm.

It comes as Japan reported that it is beginning to see a shortage in the hugely popular matcha green tea, a trendy variety of the drink touted for its health benefits promoted by influencers.

The tea, made from the finely ground powder of green tea leaves specially grown in shade, has been loved by Japan in particular since the 12th century when Buddhist monks introduced the nation to it.

Over the past decade, production has nearly tripled, with Japan producing 4,176 tonnes of matcha in 2023.

Consumption of the antioxidant-rich green tea 'reached a record high last year', according to Fumi Ueki, the chief of one of Japan's largest tea companies.

And soaring demand, largely driven by online trends, has prompted warning of further shortages this year.

Major influencers like Sophie Habboo and Kourtney Kardashian have espoused the benefits of matcha.

Matcha tea is made by combining fine matcha powder and hot water with a special matcha whisk, which is used to form a creamy foam that sits on the tea.

Proponents say the tea can boost the brain's health, due to its high concentration of polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine.

The demand largely comes from outside Japan - while matcha and leaf green-tea consumption has fallen inside the country, global sales are expected to nearly double from 2.2bn in 2023 to 3.9bn by 2028.

In the past year alone, sales of matcha products have doubled in the UK. The arrival of the US cafe Blank Street to Britain's high streets in 2020 is thought to have led to a surge in the popularity here, with its range of matcha teas combined with other flavours such as blueberry and white chocolate.

The spike in demand has become such a problem that last year two of Japan's biggest tea companies, Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen, announced unprecedented purchase limits on matcha products.
A woman who left behind her London life to become a farmer in Brazil has admitted the move was 'one of the biggest struggles' of her life.

Angel Bulut, 25, originally from Northwich, Cheshire, never expected a luxurious lifestyle in Brazil, but was shocked by the standard of living when she arrived in the South American country nearly three years ago.

The 'blonde city girl' moved from Bracknell, London, with her Brazilian partner in October 2022 after saying she had grown 'tired' of her restaurant manager job.

Well acquainted with the costly living standard in London, Angel was gobsmacked to discover just how expensive things also were on the other side of the world, and has since had to rely on her savings to make ends meet.

Angel left behind her 2,300 a month wage to work full-time as a milk farmer in Parana, and now survives on BRL 6,500 before costs (around 887) per month with her partner.

Now, she and her partner spend a fortune on 'everything', from food, to bills and clothes, with little leftover for luxuries.

Initially apprehensive about her new life, Angel even considered returning home to the UK after just six months, but changed her mind when she began 'falling in love with things after the anger left'.

She grew to appreciate the space she had - a two-and-a-half-acre farm compared to a one-bed apartment in London - and fell in love with the weather and 'not having a boss'.

Angel Bulut (pictured), 25, from the UK, never expected a luxurious lifestyle in Brazil - but was shocked by the standard of living when she arrived in the country nearly three years ago

Angel said: 'My first year here was one of the biggest struggles of my life. I struggled with everything.

'I didn't speak any Portuguese. I was just this blonde UK city girl that came into the farm - It's not been an easy process.

'We're living a life but without the pleasures of living in the UK. I'm accustomed to having less now.

'I'm falling in love with things after the anger left. We have so much space. I have the sun, I have my animals that have all the space they want, and I don't have a boss.

'You suffer - you don't have the things you want and then just look around and see all the things you do have'.

The 25-year-old moved abroad after meeting and falling in love with her Brazilian partner in Northwich.

They went on to move to the two-and-a-half-acre farm in Parana, looking after 30 cows and raising pigs, fish and chickens for their own consumption.

'We're primarily a milk farm,' she explained. 'We wake up the milk cows, cook for them.

Angel, who is now a farmer in Brazil, admitted the move was 'one of the biggest struggles' of her life

The 'blonde city girl' moved from Bracknell, London, with her Brazilian partner in October 2022 after saying she had grown 'tired' of her restaurant manager job

Well acquainted with the costly living standard in London, Angel was gobsmacked to discover just how expensive things also were on the other side of the world, and has since had to rely on her savings to make ends meet

Initially apprehensive about her new life, Angel even considered returning home to the UK after just six months, but changed her mind when she began 'falling in love with things after the anger left'

'The girls we bred are finally giving birth, so this is kind of the beginning of the story of, 'Is this going to work?'

'People we knew from back home and locals said, 'She's not going to last a month' or 'She's not going to get her hands dirty'.

'I woke up at 5am to feed the cows. I was working harder than I every expected to,' she said.

Transitioning to life in Brazil means Angel spends BRL 1,500 per month on food (around 200), using savings to buy luxuries.

'We don't pay for water as we have a waterfall on the farm. Electricity is up to BRL 600 per month in summer and up to BRL 300 in the winter.

'We have an outdoor kitchen which we use everyday and use just fire to power it, and that brings the bills down.

'In the UK I'd make 2,300 a month after tax, and after costs I'd be left with 700.

'Here, considering what we earn on the farm, 50 per cent goes to the supplement of the cows.

The farmer uprooted her life in the UK's capital after falling for her Brazilian partner while in Northwich

Now, Angel has grown to appreciate the space she had - a two-and-a-half-acre farm compared to a one-bed apartment in London

They couple moved to the two-and-a-half-acre farm in Parana, looking after 30 cows and raising pigs, fish and chickens

Angel, originally from Northwich, Cheshire, said: 'My first year here was one of the biggest struggles of my life'

'You suffer - you don't have the things you want and then just look around and see all the things you do have,' she said

While Angel has listed the perks of moving, a downside is said that she misses being able to go on walks alone at night

'It can be up to BRL 10,000 per month and after costs we are left with up to BRL 4,000 per month across the year. And after that, there are the vet bills too.

'My partner built the house before coming here, the price of building a house plus the price of the land where I live is around BRL 366,000 which is around 50,000.

'Another thing is how dangerous it is,' she said, adding, 'How I loved to go on walks by myself as a woman at night in the UK.

'Here, I kid you not, I cannot leave the house alone without the protection of my dog. You can't be out at night time'.

As a former gym lover, Angel has also found it difficult to adjust to her local gym being over an hours walk away, and with no car, she struggles to get there.

'I never come across someone like myself, everyone is so indulged in the cowboy culture.

'Like literal cowboy boots, when you see a Western movie it's like that. It's a huge clash of culture.

'Every state is different. It's either a cowgirl or literally a model. Brazilian women really look after themselves'.

In the UK, she made 2,300 a month after tax

'The people here are friendlier, compared to the Brazilian culture England is a very cold, cruel culture,' she said

Now, she and her partner spend a fortune on 'everything', from food, to bills and clothes, with little leftover for luxuries

Despite adjusting to the new ways of life, Angel is now learning Portuguese and loves looking after the animals on her farm

Despite adjusting to the new ways of life, Angel is now learning Portuguese and loves looking after the animals on her farm.

'My health is good because I'm not cold, I'm getting my vitamin D. In my opinion private healthcare is cheaper here.

'The people here are friendlier, compared to the Brazilian culture England is a very cold, cruel culture.

'In terms of moving back to the UK never say never but I was unhappy in the UK, I never enjoyed it.

'In terms of leaving Brazil and living in Brazil, I hated it for so many reasons, but now I love it. If I can find a way to have the quality of life I'm looking for, I'd stay'.
A grieving mother has revealed how her ex launched a 'savage attack' on her at their late baby daughter's gravesite.

Charlotte Lewis, 24, laid bare the brutal ordeal which left her injured and nearly unable to walk as she was kicked and dragged around the cemetery where her little girl Lottie was laid to rest.

Using his steel-toe capped boots, Josh Kelly, 23, beat her down, weeks after threatening to kill her, steal their child's ashes and burn the grave.

In June, Kelly was jailed for four years and eight months at Bristol Crown Court - and handed a ten-year restraining order.

Now Charlotte has spoken about the 'torture' she endured over the last four years, with her 'controlling' partner.

The couple first met in 2021 via Snapchat, and while she was initially not interested, she was 'love bombed' by Kelly, who showered her with gifts and compliments.

It didn't take long for issues to arise, however, as they had a huge argument after only two months of dating.

Kelly threatened to harm himself if they didn't reconcile and reluctantly, Charlotte found herself back together with him.

Charlotte Lewis, 24, (pictured) laid bare the brutal ordeal which left her injured as she was kicked and dragged around the cemetery where her little girl Lottie was laid to rest

Using his steel-toe capped boots, Josh Kelly, 23, beat her down, weeks after threatening to kill her, steal their child's ashes and burn the grave

She says his 'control' only 'worsened' as he would 'often threaten to beat up her family if she didn't spend time with him'.

'He accused me of cheating constantly and would get jealous if I spent any time with friends, family or my puppy,' Charlotte added.

'And made me have my location on and FaceTime him whenever we weren't together. It was exhausting.'

Soon, Kelly began turning up outside Charlotte's workplace until she'd finished her shift and bombarding her with hundreds of texts a day.

'If I confronted him or told him "no" he'd strangle me all whilst claiming he loved me,' Charlotte revealed. 'I was constantly punished for everything I did. I felt trapped and like I had nowhere to turn.'

He began demanding she screen record her phone, opening up every app to ensure she wasn't 'speaking to other boys'.

Even then, Kelly had accused her of faking the footage. In another instance, he had also hidden Charlotte's contraceptive pill.

In February 2022, she finally had enough and reported him to the police. He was given a caution and for a month, Kelly ceased contact.

The couple first met in 2021 via Snapchat , and while she was initially not interested, she was 'love bombed' by Kelly, who showered her with gifts and compliments

In June, Kelly was jailed for four years and eight months at Bristol Crown Court - and handed a ten-year restraining order

But in April that year, Charlotte discovered she was 11 weeks pregnant - and reluctantly, told her ex, as well as allowing him to attend a gender scan at 18 weeks.

However, at the appointment they discovered that their baby girl's stomach was high up in her body.

While Charlotte waited for more tests, Charlotte says Kelly 'flew off the handle' and 'threatened to "stab the baby" if it didn't look like him'.

'I couldn't believe how vile he was being,' she added.

At 25 weeks, Charlotte saw another specialist in London, who confirmed her unborn baby didn't have a diaphragm and was also diagnosed with rare genetic condition, Pallister-Killian syndrome.

This can cause disabilities, feeding and breathing problems as well as developmental issues - and the expecting mother was informed that her little girl was unlikely to survive.

Meanwhile, Kelly had resurfaced and wanted to do 'memory making' with her and the baby.

In November 2022, Lottie was born full-term - she survived for one hour and 45 minutes.

Now, Charlotte has said that she can finally 'properly grieve her daughter'. Pictured today, aged 24

After this, the parents spent time in a hospice with their late baby girl.

'For five days I got to be a mum,' Charlotte continued. 'But Josh was sulking that the attention wasn't on him.

'Complained that my mum was spending too much time with her. I tried to ignore him as I just wanted to be with Lottie.

'But his mood was making it hard to enjoy my time with her.'

Afterwards, while Charlotte visited Lottie's grave every day, Kelly didn't bother going once - and even threatened to steal her daughter's ashes and burn her grave.

May 2023 brought the tragic six month anniversary of Lottie's passing.

Kelly manipulated Charlotte into allowing him to accompany her to the grave to place flowers.

'I didn't want to deprive him as her father, so I agreed,' she explained.

May 2023 brought the tragic six month anniversary of Lottie's passing. Charlotte pictured when she was still in the relationship

However, Charlotte said that as soon as they arrived at the cemetery, Kelly 'kicked off' after she received a text - and 'flew into a rage' when she asked him to leave.

'It was like a dark mist descended over him,' she recalled. 'He lunged at me and started kicking me in the back and legs with his boots.

'My body throbbed with pain as I curled into a ball. I screamed at him to stop, but he carried on.

'He even stamped on my ankle leaving me barely able to walk. It was horrendous.'

Afterwards, Kelly dragged Charlotte back to his car. Five hours later, at 10pm, he finally agreed to drop her home.

Three months on, in August that year, with the encouragement of her best friend, Charlotte reported him to the police and a restraining order was put in place while an investigation was opened.

This February, six other women came forward to report his abusive behaviour - and four months later, he was put in prison.

'Finding out about the others broke my heart,' Charlotte admitted. 'Yet I finally felt validated. At court I read my victim impact statement.

'As I spoke, I looked at him. He was powerless to stop me and that felt incredible. He cried when I read about Lottie but I knew it was crocodile tears.'

Now, Charlotte said, she can 'properly grieve her daughter'.

'I've been silenced for too long and want others experiencing abuse to have hope,' she continued. 'Like me, they can feel free and safe again.'

'The last four years was torture,' she continued. 'Josh controlled every aspect of my life.

'But the image of him standing over me, beating me on the floor while I stared at Lottie's grave will be forever engraved in my brain.

'The amount of physical and mental pain I experienced was indescribable. No mother should ever experience such violence at her baby's resting place. Josh is a monster - and I want everyone to know it.'
A mother who used weight loss jabs to get a post-break-up glow-up ended up with her eyes 'turning yellow' and needing her gallbladder removed.

Jane Fennah from Blackpool, Lancashire, went on Mounjaro in February of this year, after seeing a myriad of success stories online.

The family of drugs known as GLP-1 RAs, originally developed to treat diabetes, are now often being used by people hoping to become slimmer as they were found to suppress a patient's appetite.

Wanting to shed some pounds after coming out of a relationship, the 39-year-old ordered the 170 injections from an online pharmacy and at first just had the 'normal' side effects, including feeling sick.

Before long, she lost a whopping four stone within five months, dropping from 21 stone down to 17 stone, and continued to up her dose.

However, Jane has now revealed how one terrifying incident while using the jabs - which had her thinking she was going to die.

After the horrific health scare - and being hospitalised for nine days - she is now awaiting surgery to remove her gallbladder, but has been told she is also suffering from liver blockage and blood clots.

'I was 21 stone and I was losing weight quite quickly,' she explained. 'I did what people said, drank plenty of water, and took my vitamins.

Mother-of-two Jane Fennah began taking Mounjaro after a break-up after seeing success stories online

But after several months of taking the drug, she developed gallbladder stones, liver blockages and blood clots - and even made her eyes turn yellow

'Six weeks in I started to feel hungry again so I upped my dose to 5mg. I started getting really bad diarrhoea.

'I looked into forums and people said that can happen so I carried on. I gave it a couple of months and went up to 7.5mg.

However, that's when things got worse for Jane.

'My urine was brown, the tissue was brown. I thought I had to drink water and that I was dehydrated,' she explained.

'I thought I might have a bug because I have kids in school. That went on for about two weeks and I started to get bad indigestion in the middle of my chest.

'It started hurting my back and I had to walk bent over, I couldn't stand straight, I couldn't sit down.

Three weeks ago, Jane woke up feeling something 'is not right'. The mother-of-two started getting an extreme 'stabbing' pain in the middle of her chest and - fearing she was having a heart attack - rushed to the hospital.

'Even halfway through the breath the pain was horrendous and like stabbing,' she continued. 'The pain was stopping me from breathing.

The aesthetic practitioner will now have her gallbladder removed after she thought she was having a heart attack and was in pain while breathing

Jane spent nine days in hospital after she got an extreme 'stabbing' pain in the middle of her chest

'They did a CT on me and my heart was okay and they did bloods, they said I have high blood levels in my liver.

'I said I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I'm on the skinny jab. He said there are three other people in A&E who are taking it.'

Jane revealed that she had 'lots of gallstones' and 'blockage to the liver'.

'They put me straight on blood thinners, they said I had blood clots but my gallbladder was so inflamed they couldn't see it,' she explained.

'The doctor said to stop taking the jab because it's not worth it. I'm waiting for surgery to have my gallbladder out.'

Mounjaro's information leaflet warns that gallstones are a 'common' side effect of the medication and may affect 'up to one in 10 people'.

The manufacturer of the jab said patient safety is a 'top priority' and they 'encourage patients to consult their doctor about any possible side effects they may be experiencing'.

'I thought I was going to die because I wanted to lose weight. It was horrific,' she admitted.

The mother now believes weight loss drugs should not be as easily accessible as many people are influenced by the results they see online

Jane also said the jab had caused hair loss and made her 'extremely' tired - but she had put it down to being a mother.

'Everybody is on the jabs and I've struggled with my weight,' she said. 'So when I split up with my partner last year I thought I need to sort myself out and it will help me because everyone is on it and I've seen so many success stories.

'It's not worth it. I started documenting my journey, I was happy to work on myself and my body. I felt amazing.

'I won't touch any weight loss thing again, I'm going to start the gym again and eat healthy, have my protein shakes and eat more veg and greens.'

Jane also think that there need to be more safeguards in place for the jabs/

'There needs to be more tests before people get them, it shouldn't be so easily accessible,' she remarked.

'People don't understand that not everyone is going to suffer these complications but there's a lot of people who are. It's scary, it's not worth it.'

A spokesperson for Lilly, who manufacture Mounjaro, said: 'Patient safety is Lilly's top priority.

'We take reports about patient safety seriously and investigate and report safety events in accordance with regulatory requirements.

'We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional about any possible side effects they may be experiencing.

'Mounjaro (tirzepatide) must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional and prescriptions should be fulfilled and supplied only by registered pharmacies and providers.'
A bargain buy that's just landed in Kmart Australia has been hailed as a 'must-have' for Pilates and yoga classes.

Fitness lovers were quick to spot the Pilates-perfect Frill Quarter Crew Non-Slip Socks in the Love Cherry Multi design newly available at the budget mass retailer.

The best part? The price tag is only $8 for a pack of three pairs of socks - making them just $2.66 per pair.

Shoppers were also quick to note that the budget-friendly socks were a 'perfect dupe' of other pricier Pilates sock brands, with similar looking buys found costing between $18 and $25 for a single pair.

Kmart Australia recently showcased the footwear find in a short six-second video shared to both their TikTok and Instagram accounts.

'$8 for a three-set of the cutest Pilates socks we ever did see,' Kmart said in its post.

The video quickly attracted hundreds of likes on social media, with impressed shoppers excitedly taking to the comments.

'OMG,' simply stated one response.

Fitness lovers were quick to spot the pilates-perfect Kmart Frill Quarter Crew Non-Slip Socks $8 in the new Love Cherry Multi design

Kmart Australia shared a six-second video about the new budget-friendly Pilates socks, with shoppers quickly declaring in the comments that they were 'super cute'

'Super cute,' declared another.

'Not a want. A NEED,' chimed in a third.

One happy shopper was already planning to take the socks out for a test run at Pilates.

'I bought these the other day. They're so cute!! Can't wait to wear them to class,' the Aussie woman wrote.

The quarter crew shape and the underfoot non-slip grip make these socks ideal for fitness classes like Pilates, where students wear no shoes and only socks. (Or are barefoot).

The cotton rich socks are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, elastodiene and elastane materials and come in a pack of three different coloured designs.

The main pair from the three-pack that are featured in the video are a cute red-trimmed sock with red bow-shaped grips underfoot and a cherry with bow logo around the ankle.

The second pair in the same pack is a pale pink trimmed sock with matching coloured heart-shaped grips, accompanied at the ankle by a cute heart logo.

The Kmart social media post was accompanied by the caption: '$8 for a 3 set of the cutest Pilates socks we ever did see'

The socks come in a pack of three, each with a slightly different coloured design. The non-slip grips underfoot made them ideal for workouts like Pilates

The final, simpler pair in the pack features no logo on the white sock, but has a lavender frill and snowflake-shaped grips underfoot.

As Kmart shoppers noted online, the added aesthetic details of the sweet coloured trim, matching logos and patterned grips make these socks look extra 'cute'.

The Kmart Pilates socks also feature a ribbed elastic welt to help stop the sock from slouching as you move through your workout.

They have also been designed with a Rosso machine toe closure, which should help prevent any sneaky toes from poking a hole out the top of the sock as you lunge and squat in class.

The care instructions confirm these socks can be warm machine washed, but should not be tumble dried or dry cleaned, in order to best maintain their stretch and shape.

Pilates socks are somewhat of a recent phenomenon, combining function with fashion.

The footwear is often worn to fitness classes like Pilates, barre and yoga, with wearers convinced the socks' non-slip grippy bottom helps prevent them from sliding on the mat or machine.

Sam Mostardo, owner of Club Pilates North Lakes, told Daily Mail that Pilates socks were essential during classes in their studio.

'Club Pilates requires grip socks for safety and sanitary purposes, we do not allow normal socks or bare feet,' Sam said.

The owner and instructor of Club Pilates explained that specialty grip socks helped to ensure people 'don't lose their grip'.
A woman who married her holiday romance after just one month of knowing him said she doesn't regret a thing.

Natalie Badura, 34, fell for security guard Muhammet Celik, 26, when she met him at a cocktail bar abroad  despite the pair barely being able to speak the same language.

After weeks of communicating through Google Translate, the couple quickly realized their connection was real, but time wasn't on their side.

Natalie's visa was about to expire, and neither of them wanted to face the prospect of being apart.

They explored every possible option to keep her in Turkey legally, from applying for visa extensions to checking different permits, but nothing seemed to work out fast enough.

With the clock ticking, they made the bold choice to get married  and the pair officially became husband and wife in a simple $100 ceremony earlier this year.

'Looking back, it all feels like a whirlwind  crazy and magical all at once,' Natalie, who is originally from Seattle, told What's The Jam recently.

'We had no idea how it would work out, but sometimes love just doesn't wait for perfect timing or perfect plans.

Natalie Badura, 34, fell for security guard Muhammet Celik, 26, when she met him at a cocktail bar abroad  despite the pair barely being able to speak the same language

After weeks of communicating through Google Translate, the couple quickly realized their connection was real, but time wasn't on their side

'It was a leap of faith, and I'm so glad we took it. There are no regrets, just happiness.'

Natalie had lived in Spain for three months before meeting her now-husband on December 1, 2024.

Wanting a fresh start somewhere new, she initially decided to move to Valencia after her lease ended back in the States.

But problems with her documents meant she had to leave the country while sorting them out.

So she decided to spend a few weeks in Turkey  where she met Muhammet on a night out in Bodrum that she'll never forget.

She dished: 'We went to this cocktail bar because we wanted to hear a DJ and have some good drinks.

'I was with two guy friends and Muhammet was working as security.

'At first, he was too shy to talk to me because he didn't really speak English, and I didn't speak Turkish.

Natalie's visa was about to expire, and neither of them wanted to face the prospect of being apart

They explored every possible option to keep her in Turkey legally, but nothing seemed to work out fast enough

'One of my friends went outside to smoke, and that's when Muhammet started chatting with him, trying to figure out how to get my Instagram without talking to me directly.

'The next morning, I woke up to a message from him on Instagram asking, "Where did you go?"

'I didn't see it until much later, and when I finally replied, we started chatting back and forth.'

The pair eventually met up in person, and using Google Translate, they quickly formed a strong bond.

'I could feel something special straight away,' Natalie continued. 'Even though we barely spoke, there was this amazing energy between us.

'We were laughing so much, just passing the phone back and forth to translate. It was honestly like something out of a movie.'

The couple researched every possible visa extension and legal route to keep Natalie in Turkey, desperate to avoid the heartbreak of separation.

Then Muhammet made a bold move.

With the clock ticking, they made the bold choice to get married  and the pair officially became husband and wife in a simple $100 ceremony earlier this year

'Looking back, it all feels like a whirlwind  crazy and magical all at once,' Natalie, who is originally from Seattle, told What's The Jam recently

Natalie said: 'He just looked at me and said, "I will marry you. I want you to stay here with me." I thought, "Wait, what? We've only known each other for a month!"

'But I knew I felt the same. It was crazy, but it just felt right. Usually, I'm the kind of person who needs my space; I don't like being around someone 24/7.

'But with him, it is different. I feel comfortable, like I've known him forever.'

Natalie had to fly to Ankara to get the necessary documents, including proving she wasn't already married.

The pair tied the knot at a courthouse the day before Natalie's visa expired on January 15, 2025.

'It was stressful, but we didn't give up. I was determined to make it work,' Natalie shared.

'When we finally went to the municipality with all our documents, the lady was shocked we'd done it all in two weeks.

'We signed the papers in a room with two judges, then went to a cafe with friends. We had a mini cake, Turkish tea and lots of laughs.

The pair tied the knot at a courthouse the day before Natalie's visa expired on January 15, 2025

When Natalie told friends and family about marrying someone she'd only known for a month, she was met with plenty of surprise  but also a lot of support

Now happily married and living together in Bodrum, Natalie and Muhammet are building a life full of adventure

'I wore a white buttoned shirt and some dress pants  we weren't spending a fortune, it was about love, not the money.'

When Natalie told friends and family about marrying someone she'd only known for a month, she was met with plenty of surprise  but also a lot of support.

She said, 'Everyone was shocked at first, but they were really happy for me.

'My closest friends were all super encouraging, and my mum told me, 'As long as he treats you well and it's what you want, I'll support you.'

'It's my life and my happiness. I'm not here to follow anyone else's timeline or expectations.

'Sometimes you have to trust your gut and take that leap, no matter what anyone else thinks.'

Now happily married and living together in Bodrum, Natalie and Muhammet are building a life full of adventure.

The pair are trying to grow their TikTok account, and the security guard is even trying to break into the modelling industry.

Natalie said she now believes that taking the risk was the best decision she ever made.

She concluded, 'Sometimes life surprises you in the best way when you least expect it.

'I married my holiday crush after just one month, and I couldn't be happier.'
The Duke of Westminster is said to be in a 'delicate dilemma' after considering whether to ask both Prince Harry and Prince William to be his daughter's godfathers.

Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor, 34, and his wife Olivia, 32, welcomed their first child, Cosima Florence Grosvenor, last month, a year after the pair had a lavish wedding, in which the Prince of Wales was an usher.

Grosvenor, who is King Charles's godson and known as Hughie to his friends, is close to both Harry and William and is thought to be the only one of their friends who was chosen to be a godparent to both of their sons, Prince George, 12, and Prince Archie, six.

Friends of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster say they haven't made a final decision on who will be Cosima's godparents, but it is understood that William, 43, will be a godfather, according to the Sunday Times.

However, it was reported that the new father is still considering whether to also ask Prince Harry, amid ongoing tensions between him and the Royal Family since the Sussexes upped sticks to California, leaving their position as senior royals in 2020.

It is believed that both brothers sent their congratulations to the couple after their daughter was born on July 27. A date has not currently been set for the christening.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not attend Grosvenor's wedding at Chester Cathedral or his opulent reception bash at Eaton Hall last June, while William was invited to be a part of the big day, greeting guests and guiding them to their seats before the ceremony.

It was later revealed by the newspaper that the Duke of Westminster had planned to invite Harry and his wife, but was conscious that the rift between the brothers might cause further tension and overshadow the couple's nuptials.

The Duke of Westminster is reportedly considering whether to ask both Prince Harry and Prince William (pictured in 2018) to be his daughter's godfathers

At the time, a friend of the brothers told the Times: 'It's incredibly sad it has come to this. Hugh is one of very few close friends of William and Harry's who has maintained strong bonds and a line of communication with both.

'He wishes they could put their heads together and patch things up, but realises it's unlikely to happen before the wedding.

'He wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn't want any awkwardness.'

It was later reported that sources close to the Sussexes suggested Harry and Meghan had received a 'save the date' card for the June wedding, but they had decided not to attend because it would be 'too awkward'.

It is understood that the brothers have not spoken to each other since Queen Elizabeth's death in September 2022, where they were seen putting their conflict behind them and acting in a civil way towards each other.

The occasion marked Meghan's last time visiting the UK - with Harry returning sporadically on his own.

The rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the Firm has only grown as the couple publicly chastised the Firm.

In his tell-all memoir Spare, Harry described how his position left him seemingly bubbling with resentment, writing: 'I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.

The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are pictured at their wedding in June 2024

Hugh and Olivia Grosvenor are pictured with Prince William at an Aston Villa game in April

'I was summoned to provide back-up, distraction, diversion and if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow.'

The Duke of Sussex has not seen his father, King Charles, since February last year, when he travelled to London from the US after Buckingham Palace announced the monarch's cancer diagnosis.

The father-of-two is expected to travel to the UK again next month to attend the WellChild awards, a charity which supports ill children, however it is not known whether he will meet up with the King.

In an interview with the BBC in May, Harry said: 'There is no point continuing to fight any more. Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive lots of things. But I would love a reconciliation.'

He then added: 'I don't know how much longer my father has. He won't speak to me.'

A spokesperson for the Duke of Westminster declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.

Once considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors, Hugh became an instant billionaire when he inherited his title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate aged just 25, after his father died from a heart attack in 2016.

His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns hundreds of acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city centre developments such as Liverpool's One shopping centre.

The pair got married in what was the society wedding of the year, starring Prince William as an usher, pictured

The pair announced their engagement in April 2023, after being together for two years

The duke donated 12.5 million to the UK's Covid relief effort in 2020, including funds for NHS Charities Together and for medical research and development.

In April, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster joined Prince William and Prince George to cheer on Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League against Paris St Germain.

It was their first public appearance after announcing they were expecting a baby.

Hugh and Olivia showed their support, each wearing matching burgundy scarves with Aston Villa emblazoned in white across the length of the neckwear.

Earlier this year, a spokesman for the pair said: 'The Duchess is expecting a baby in the summer. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together.'

Last month, the happy couple also revealed their daughter had been named Cosima Florence Grosvenor.

A spokesperson for the pair said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter. Both the duchess and Cosima are doing well. The Duke and Duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family.'

The pair announced their engagement in April 2023, after being together for two years.

In April, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster joined Prince William and Prince George to cheer on Aston Villa in the Champions League (pictured: the Duke below William)

They decided to marry at Chester Cathedral, before inviting around 400 guests including Princess Eugenie and TV producer Phil Redmond, to go to a lavish reception at the Grosvenor family seat, Eaton Hall, just outside Chester.

The Duke paid for free ice cream, gelato and sorbet for Cheshire locals from three local independent cafes so they could join in the celebration.

And a staggering 100,000 flowers - all paid for by the Duke - were planted throughout the city and donated to charity following the ceremony.

No expense was spared as Olivia arrived at the Cathedral in a vintage 1930 8-litre Bentley owned by the Grosvenor estate.

The bride's veil was designed by Emma Victoria Payne and featuring an embroidery design which incorporated floral motifs from her great-great-grandmother's veil from around 1880.

Her dress was made by the same designer and she accessorised with blue shoes and the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara made for Grosvenor brides to wear on their wedding day, which has been in the family since 1906.
A West End production of Hunchback of Notre Dame has faced criticism over its decision to cast a non-disabled actor as its lead.

Jack Maple Productions came under fire after critics claimed that casting an actor without a physical impairment as the lead role of Quasimodo was an example of 'ableism'.

Equity, the performing arts trade union, states that its policy is to 'support the casting of a deaf or disabled artist in deaf or disabled character roles,' and that 'the decision not to cast a physically disabled actor' goes against its principles.

The show will be held at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End and the role of Quasimodo will be shared by Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing, who is deaf and will be providing a British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of the performance.

In the original production, Quasimodo is portrayed as having a severe hunchback, along with being partially blind and described as deaf.

Equity states that while 'the production explores the character's deaf identity', it claims that the character's hunchback is 'intrinsic to the story'.

Natalie Amber, Chair of Equity's Deaf and Disabled Members Committee, said in a statement online: 'To highlight one facet while overlooking another erases the lived experience of people with physical impairments and is an example of ableism.

'While we welcome the inclusion of BSL interpreters, neurodivergent, and Romani performers, it is important to recognise that diversity is not a trade-off. Representation of one marginalised group does not excuse the erasure of another.'

Two actors will play the role of Quasimodo, and one of them is seasoned performer Ben Joyce

The union said that the casting of the role 'caused concern' and raised 'many questions' from some of its 50,000 performers and creative practitioners.

Equity said that there must be a 'fair and accessible' audition process which is paired with 'targeted outreach to those artists who have lived experience of the specific disability, impairment, health condition or similar, being portrayed.'

The union stated that 'it is aware that individuals with disabilities are involved in the production, and that BSL will be incorporated into one performance'.

However, it said these facts 'side-step the real and significant issue of casting a non-physically disabled performer in the role of a physically disabled character'.

When posting the statement on X, the Equity received a mixed reaction, with one person writing: 'Acting is just pretending to be someone you are not.'

Another penned: 'Didn't it used to be called acting?' A third said: 'I am disabled - if you likened me to Quasimodo because of it, I would be furious.'

A fourth commented: 'So disabled people can only play hunchbacks? This is the line you're going with?'

Standard tickets for The Hunchback of Notre Dame are selling upwards of 30 and performances are set to take place on 17 August at 3pm and 7.30pm, with a BSL interpreted show set to be held on 24 August at 6pm.

In the original production, Quasimodo is portrayed as having a severe hunchback, along with being partially blind and described as deaf. Pictured, Gina Lollobrigida and Anthony Quinn in the 1956 film version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Oliver Hewing, who is deaf and will be providing a British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of the performance, will also play Quasimodo

When posting the statement on X, the Equity received a mixed reaction, with some comments seen above

Equity says it has been having 'positive engagement' with Jack Maple Productions ahead of the opening performance, in which they have highlighted the 'structural discrimination faced by disabled artists'.

Jack Maple Productions and the actors starring as Quasimodo were approached for comment by the Daily Mail.

This comes after Shakespeare's The Globe Theatre was embroiled in an ableism row in January 2024 after a non-disabled actor was cast as Richard III who is believed to have suffered from scoliosis.

It was announced that the Olivier Award-winning actress and Artistic Director at The Globe, Michelle Terry, would play the titular role in the Globe's summer production.

Richard III, Shakespeare's 'bunch-backed' scheming King describes himself as 'deformed, unfinish'd' and the decision to cast an able-bodied actress received a torrent of backlash.

Brittanie Pallet, a professionally trained disabled performer, wrote on X: 'Why is an artistic director of any theatre hiring themselves to play the lead when it's not their casting or lived experience?

'The misrepresentation and misinformation causes actual daily harm to the lives of real disabled people.'

She continued: 'The work we make is, in varying degrees, a reflection of our society and our beliefs about the people we share the world with.

Standard tickets for The Hunchback of Notre Dame are selling upwards of 30 and there are three performances

'Most people's only experience of disabled life is through the stories we tell so it's bloody dangerous when we get that wrong.'

The Globe issued a statement in response to the backlash and said: 'We recognise the barriers to access in our industry and to our organisation and we are working hard to address that.

'We believe the Shakespearean canon is based on a foundation of anti-literalism and therefore all artists should have the right to play all parts in, and the casting across all our work year-round is no different.'
The King proved he's happy to be in the driving seat as he journeyed to a church service in Balmoral on Sunday.

Charles, 76, looked relaxed as he was snapped driving himself and Queen Camilla to Crathie Kirk, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where the pair are enjoying their summer holiday.

The King's wife, 78, appeared in equally good spirits, beaming and waving at those waiting to spot a glimpse of the royal couple as they travelled to the weekly service.

Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire.

On Friday, the royal couple were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

It included two Fly Pasts, a two-minute silence, musical interludes and testimony from survivors of the so-called Forgotten War.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a powerful message on social media, but were not present at Friday's events - after the King addressed the nation to tell how the sacrifice of heroes would never be forgotten.

The King (pictured left) proved he's happy to be in the driving seat as he journeyed to a church service in Balmoral on Sunday

Their Majesties led the nation's commemorations as they watched the moving memorial alongside veterans, members of VJ associations, military personnel and senior politicians at the event, which was held in 25C sunshine this afternoon.

They listened to the The Last Post before the silence at 12pm, and the nation heard from 101-year-old former RAF Pilot Ron Gumbley, who read the poem 'For The Fallen' by Laurence Binyon.

The ceremony resumed with readings from veterans, and music from military bands and choirs - as well as a tribute from actress Celia Imrie - which all appeared to spur an emotional response from their Majesties.

But it was Captain Yavar Abbas who stole the show, after he went 'briefly off-script' to salute 'my brave King' for attending despite ongoing cancer treatment.

The 104-year-old said that he himself had been 'rid of it for 25 years and counting', before reading an except from his war diary, which he wrote while serving in the 11th Sikh regiment of the British Indian Army.

'Before I read the excerpt, I make an apology for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King,' he said, as the camera panned to show Charles and Camilla.

Captain Abbas continued: 'Who is here with his beloved Queen, in spite of the fact he's under treatment for cancer, which I share with him, and if it provides comfort, of which I have been rid for the past 25 years and counting.

'And I salute him, for gracing this occasion because by his presence here, he has gone a long way to make sure that his grandad's 14th army is never given the sobriquet again of a Forgotten Army.'

The King and Queen were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War

Charles, 76, looked relaxed as he was snapped driving himself and Queen Camilla (pictured) to Crathie Kirk, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where the pair are enjoying their summer holiday

The King's wife, 78, appeared in equally good spirits, beaming and waving at those waiting to spot a glimpse of the royal couple as they travelled to the weekly service

Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire

Following applause, and reading from a diary entry dated February 8, 1945, he said: 'Tomorrow, I hope I will live to do better things.

'I could have been dead twice before, but I'm still living. I would be surprised if I get a life for a third time. May god spare me.'

His comments were met with applause from the guests, while Camilla's eyes were red from crying.

As he returned to the Royal Box, Mr Abbas saluted the King once more, who stood to chat to the veteran, clasping his hands.

They spoke for almost a minute before saluting each other and returning to their seats.

When they were reunited at a reception for veterans later that afternoon, they greeted each other like old friends.
A day trip to Egypt? Lunch in Ireland? A morning walk in Rome? Kevin Droniak has experienced it all and gotten home in time for supper.

The 28-year-old travel influencer has jetted off on 14 'day-trips' throughout 2025, flying from his home in New York City to an exotic destination across the globe and returning home within 24 hours.

He books red-eye flights to various countries, explores them for one day, and then heads back home that evening.

He's been documenting it all on his TikTok and Instagram, teaching his 300,000 followers how to save time and money while traveling the world.

'I weigh out the activities in that location and how much am I going to have to spend on the ground,' he dished.

Hes taken day trips to Paris, France, Rome, Italy, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and even Iceland.

He breaks down the cost in his videos. Trips range from $200-$1,000, including food, activities, and transportation, and most average around $500.

One of his most expensive day trips was an $800 round-trip to Cairo, Egypt, but he said it was totally worth it as he couldnt pass up spending a day at the pyramids.

Kevin Droniak takes 24-hour trips to various exotic destinations around the globe. He's seen in Italy

The travel influencer (seen in Paris) has jetted off on 14 'day-trips,' flying from his home in New York to an exotic destination across the globe and returning home within 24 hours

But his 24-hour trip to Ireland, which ended up costing him almost $900 thanks to a flat tire that ate up his time, may not have been worth the price tag.

Still, 'It's more fun to have a flat tire in Ireland than just being bored at home,' he said.

His cheapest day trip cost him about $120 - a round-trip flight to Puerto Rico allowed him to spend the day at the beach and make it back to sleep in his bed that night.

Finding affordable flights is a challenge, especially when the round trip takes place within one day, so Droniak monitors Expedia and Google Flights ahead of his trips.

He likes to use the 'explore' or 'map' features to see which destinations are cheapest on days hes hoping to travel.

If an airline ticket is below the average cost, he considers the journey worth it.

'I think that's another essential thing if you're trying to find a cheap flight, is being flexible with your dates,' he explained. 'I probably book my trips between two weeks and a month in advance.'

While embarking on a day trip, he recommended just pick one or two things to do, and dont expect yourself to see the whole city in one day.

He books red-eye flights to various countries, explores them for one day, and then heads back home that evening. He's seen in Egypt

Hes taken day trips to Paris, France , Rome, Italy , Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and even Iceland

'When you land, you wanna jam everything in, but I try not to have too much planned since the time is fleeting,' he said.

'I believe that you can experience a place on the ground for just a day because there's nowhere else to go. You don't have a hotel. There's no time to just sit and scroll on your phone.'

To save money, he finds cheap or even free activities. He walks, takes public transportation, and eats cost-efficient meals.

Droniak started day-tripping not only to see the world, but to embrace solo-travel.

'I was tired of waiting around for people to go on trips with me,' he said. 'I think day-tripping is great because you get a little taste of solo traveling, theres not much of a risk Its less commitment and youre able to learn about yourself.'

But Droniak said day trips are not a vacation - theyre not supposed to be relaxing, and often, theyre exhausting.

'Its like a race with time,' he joked.

He's been documenting it all on his TikTok , teaching his 300,000 followers how to save time and money while traveling the world

Getting as much sleep as possible on the plane is crucial. On one of his first trips, he watched movies instead of resting, and it turned out to be a bitter mistake.

'You don't want to be overly tired walking around the next day. You need energy, so just make sure you're able to get some shut-eye on the plane there,' he recommended.

Despite the potential for exhaustion, Droniak pointed out that jet lag is never an issue.

'You don't have enough time there to acclimate to that time zone,' he dished.

He hopes to spend more time in these bucket list locations, but Droniak loves the rush of a short trip. And his followers do too.

'Right now Im just getting such a thrill out of popping around and seeing new places in a short amount of time,' he said.

In the end, he encouraged aspiring day-trippers to be flexible and adventurous like him.

'Its just unpredictable, [you] have to be down for anything,' he concluded.
Grey McCallister described her son Lucci with love: a talented tattoo artist, a loving brother, and a great friend with a smile that could light up a room.

Luccis life was cut short in January when the 22-year-old bought and took what he believed was Xanax. The pill was actually made up entirely of a synthetic opioid called nitazene that can be 40 times deadlier than fentanyl. Lucci overdosed and died.

Since then, McCallister has heard from other parents in her native Houston, Texas, who say their childrens deaths were also linked to nitazenes, a class of drugs that health officials worry could drive the next phase in the overdose epidemic.

In the past two weeks, I would say even the last week, with the interest in Lucci's story, other parents are reaching out to me because they've lost their children, she told the Daily Mail.

Houston has been hit particularly hard by the arrival of nitazene, which first began infiltrating the US drug supply in 2019. From May 2024 to 2025 alone, Texas DEA agents reported 15 nitazene overdose deaths in people aged 17 to 59, the highest death count since the first drug seizure in 2022.

Luccis friend Hunter Clement, 21, was one of them. He took two pills sold to him in April, one a counterfeit Xanax and the other a counterfeit Percocet. He also overdosed and died.

Most standard post-mortem drug screens do not test for nitazenes, and the local authorities in Houston did not have the type of comprehensive panel that would detect nitazenes

So, the two moms took the pills they found near their sons bodies to a specialized lab for testing. When the results came back as nitazenes, the women said theyd never heard of the drug.

Lucci Reyes-McCallister, pictured with his mother Grey, unknowingly took a pill made up of a synthetic opioid rarely found in the drug supply before 2019. He died at age 22

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I'll never forget when the detective called, McCallister, who has a background in pharmaceuticals, said. I had him repeat the name twice. I had him spell it two or three times. I was looking for an active ingredient in there, something I recognized the name of, and I didn't.

What they learned was that the pill that killed Lucci was pure nitazene. There was no fentanyl and zero trace of Xanax.

In hindsight, McCallister suspects this was not Lucci's first encounter with nitazene.

Last year, Lucci took a pill and suffered a non-fatal overdose that required five doses of Narcan, the antidote for opioid overdoses, to bring him back to life.

McCallister thinks nitazene had been pressed into that pill.

He bounced back because he was terrified, and he was doing better, McCallister said.

I think the thing with people of that age is you want to have a social life, you hang out with people, and that usually involves alcohol, and I think that's when the inhibitions slip.

McCallister is currently working with law enforcement to find out where her son had been buying the counterfeit pills.

Lucci is pictured at his high school graduation. He aspired to be a tattoo artist and had been working in a prestigious apprenticeship when he died

Lucci and his mother were very close. McCallister talked to him 'a gazillion times a day,' she told the Daily Mail, exchanging texts, calls, memes, and silly videos

Typically, Luccis family checked in with him a gazillion times a day, his mom said.

The family exchanged calls, texts, memes, and funny videos. But on the day he overdosed, they began to worry when they hadnt heard from him for hours.

He was found dead in his apartment on January 26 with two pills nearby pressed to look like Xanax.

He had a fulfilling life. He had a family that loved him. He was doing great, his mother said.

When Clement, mourning her sons death a few months later, learned of Luccis passing, she immediately connected the two.

She reached out to McCallister and, from there, had two pills left near Hunters body tested more comprehensively for the toxins that a standard screen could not detect.

Clement found Hunter one April evening after a long day at work. Hunter had come home the night before, apparently drunk, sparking worry in his parents. Perhaps he had taken half a pill, she thought at the time.

Like Lucci, Hunter had been doing well. He had been introduced to the pills by a friend the previous year, likely not knowing they could contain fentanyl or nitazenes.

He had a few rough months, but he never overdosed or needed Narcan. And his personality hadnt changed much. From December through his death in April, he was the same son they knew and loved, his mom told the Daily Mail.

Hunter took what were sold to him as Xanax and Percocet and fatally overdosed in April at 21. Further testing found the pills were made up entirely of the same nitazene that killed Lucci

Hunter is shown third from left surrounded by his family. According to his mother, he was his niece's favorite uncle

But that night in April, his parents feared Hunter had made a sharp turn down the wrong path.

The next day, when I went to work, he was sleeping. My husband went and checked on him around noon. He was sitting up in his bed, Clement told the Daily Mail.

And then, when I got home, I found him in his bed, and he must have taken one of each [counterfeit oxycodone and counterfeit Xanax].

The first version, or analog, of nitazenes was developed in the 1950s as a potent opioid painkiller, but was never used in medicine due to its dangerously high overdose risk.

But still deadlier analogs of the original, like N-pyrrolidino protonitazene, which killed Lucci and Hunter, have resurfaced since 2019, infiltrating the illicit drug supplies of Europe, the UK, and the US.

Andrew Renna, Assistant Port Director for Cargo Operations at JFK Airport in New York City told US Customs and Border Protection in May: Earlier this month, we seized almost a pound of nitazene that was going to a private residence in South Carolina. It was shipped from the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, here at JFK, were seeing xylazine and nitazenes at least a few times a week in quantities ranging from just a few grams to upwards of a pound or more.

Hunter's mother said he had a great sense of humor and took his role as an uncle very seriously. He had been doing well in the months leading up to his sudden overdose

The US is still steeped in a years-long opioid overdose crisis that is believed to have killed more than 800,000 people since it began in 1999.

According to a report from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, the US overdose death rate decreased by four from 2022 to 2023, dropping from 32.6 to 31.3 fatalities per 100,000 people.

The decline is promising, but the increasing danger of another deadly synthetic opiate has overshadowed public health officials' optimism.

With the threat of a new wave of the opioid epidemic taking form, parents like McCallister and Clement have channeled their grief into an awareness campaign by sharing their sons stories.

Sadly, it just takes one pill, or one line of something, or, heaven forbid, in the future, a hit off of a vape, McCallister said. I mean, this is very dangerous territory we're wading into.
Public health experts and officials have trained their sights on a new vape shop staple they fear could spur the next wave of the opioid epidemic.

Department of Health and Human Services made a formal proposal to the DEA to classify 7-OH, a component of the pain reliever kratom, as a Schedule 1 substance, alongside heroin, LSD, and other drugs with no accepted medical use.

While natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, manufacturers have begun chemically isolating and concentrating it into a synthetic opioid-like drug estimated to be 10 to 13 times more potent than morphine.

These ultra-potent extracts, often sold as gummies, shots and pills, now flood gas stations and vape shops with spotty age restrictions.

FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary said: Vape stores are popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH. After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again.'

The FDAs move was quickly followed by the Florida state attorney general James Uthmeiers decision to ban selling, having, or sharing 7-OH altogether, citing an immediate danger to the public health, safety and welfare.

The announcement makes Florida the first state to ban products containing 7-OH, which could set off a nationwide domino effect with more and more states following suit.

7-OH is a relative newcomer, and data on deaths are not well documented, but poison control center reports suggest it is growing rapidly more popular. The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a warning earlier this month about it, noting increased call volume around both kratom and 7-OH consumption.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, shown here holding a sample of 7-OH, said the growing threat in vape shops and gas stations could potentially be the next wave of the opioid epidemic

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Pressed about 7-OH overdose risks, Makary cited scarce data and doctors' inability to identify it, while still calling the compound a 'killer,' far deadlier than plain kratom.

The federal government has not tracked any deaths due to 7-OH specifically, though at least one has occurred.

Matthew Torres, a 39-year-old Oregon carpenter, died from violent seizures in May 2021 after using kratom to manage chronic pain. His girlfriend found him foaming at the mouth at their Beavercreek home. The coroner ruled his death was caused by 'toxic effects of mitragynine (7-OH).'

His mother Mary Torres is now pursuing a $10M wrongful death lawsuit against the smoke shop that sold it, alleging they failed to warn about risks.

Jordan McKibban, 37, died in 2022 after consuming kratom powder purchased from an organic store, believing it to be a natural pain remedy.

His death certificate listed 'toxic effects of mitragynine (kratom)' as the cause.

Kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for centuries, and commercially sold in the US for decades as dried leaves or powders.

Many states have different laws about the sale of kratom, limiting it to people either 18 and up or 21 and up.

Matthew Torres, 39, with his mother Mary Torres. In 2021, Torres from Oregon died from severe seizures after taking kratom containing 7-OH. The carpenter was living in Beavercreek with his longtime girlfriend Meghan Gates

7-OH (7-Hydroxymitragynine), a powerful opioid-like compound in kratom, provides pain relief and euphoria at low doses but has addiction risks similar to prescription opioids

No federal age restrictions exist for 7-OH sales. Enforcement relies entirely on individual businesses. Most vendors voluntarily require ID for customers to confirm they are 18 and up or 21 and up, but this isn't mandated by law.

Were not targeting the kratom leaf or ground-up kratom, Makary said. We are targeting a concentrated synthetic byproduct that is an opioid.

While 7-OH is naturally present in small amounts from 0.6 percent to 0.7 percent on average in kratom leaves, modern extraction techniques have made it possible to create highly concentrated products, including shots, pills, and gummies.

7-OH tablets, for example, are pre-measured dosage forms containing concentrated amounts of the compound, typically ranging from 5mg to 22mg per tablet.

An FDA-led report on 7-OH cited mounting research showing the extract acts like an opioid, hijacking the same brain receptors as morphine or prescription painkillers.

In multiple experiments, 7-OH triggered strong 'mu-opioid' effects, the same pathway targeted by drugs like oxycodone, often with 13 times the potency of morphine and nearly double the strength of kratoms primary compound, mitragynine.

When tested on cells and animal tissue, 7-OH behaved like a full opioid agonist, meaning it does not just mildly activate these receptors; it switches them on entirely, setting the stage for repeat, problem use in the future.

The FDAs report added that 7-OHs effects were reversed with the anti-overdose nasal spray naloxone.

In April 2022, Jordan McKibban collapsed in his bathroom and never woke up after taking kratom powder mixed with lemonade

Florida AG Uthmeier cited the FDAs findings in his decision to schedule the substance.

He said: We are taking emergency action now because we see immediate danger. Last week the FDA commissioner issued a warning about 7-OH, putting people on notice to the dangers, calling on states to observe and take action where necessary.

So here in Florida, we are not going to rest on our laurels. We move fast. We want to help lead the way when it comes to public safety.

By designating the potent kratom extracts as Schedule I drugs, the state now ranks them alongside heroin, LSD, and illegal fentanyl, deeming them equally dangerous with zero medical value.

The emergency rule grants law enforcement and regulators immediate authority to raid gas stations and smoke shops statewide, seizing the products.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, appearing alongside Uthmeier, told business owners to get it off your shelves.

We are going to be very aggressive, he added.

Makary, in turn, celebrated Uthmeiers decision in fighting back and educating Floridian parents, law enforcement professionals, teachers and community leaders about this threat to public health.

Florida's attorney general, James Uthmeier, swiftly banned the compound after the FDA, calling it an "immediate danger to public health and safety.

He added: I encourage other states to act now and use common sense regulation to safeguard the well-being of our youth and Make America Healthy Again.

Floridas decision to explicitly ban 7-OH is unprecedented, though several other states, including Colorado, Mississippi, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah have different restrictions on the concentration of 7-OH in the products.

I am very supportive of people seeking alternatives outside of traditional Western medicine for wellness, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said.

Our problem here is not with kratom. The problem today is with 7-OH. We don't need any more substances that disconnect people from reality.
With cases of dementia on the rise across the globe, it's not surprising that many of us are on red alert for signs that we've succumbed to the degenerative brain disease.

Dementia is now the UK's biggest killer, and is an umbrella term for a collection of terminal brain diseases.

Of these, Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with the abnormal build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, is the most common.

It accounts for over halfaround 60 per centof cases, and according to figures released by the Alzheimer's Society last year, more than a million people are thought to have the condition.

Worryingly, it's estimated that a third of those currently struggling with dementia are undiagnosed.

There's also been a huge spike in the disease being diagnosed in younger peoplethose aged 60 and underbut their struggles are often written off as symptoms of a midlife crisis, with changes in behaviour including a newly adopted belligerent attitude and hard drinking, often ignored.

But when do you really need to worry that you're heading towards catastrophic memory loss?

A world-leading dementia expert told the Daily Mail that while it's easy to start panicking if you keep forgetting where your keys are, or you repeatedly walk into a room only to turn around empty handed, you're most likely fine.

A dementia expert explained when you need to worry about memory loss (stock image)

Dr Peter Rabin, author of new book Is It Alzheimers? and The 36 Hour Day, explained that memory loss is normal, and forgetting someone's name isn't a sign that your mind is on a slow decline.

He said: 'We know that as people get older, they do have more trouble coming up with words and names.

'In fact, that probably starts in people's 30s and 40s, but it doesn't become noticeable until they're in their 60s or 70s.

'If a person's only problem is "it's harder for me to think of people's names or it's harder for me to come up with a word", and that's the only change that's probably usual or normal ageing.'

He added, in that circumstance, 'if you don't try to keep thinking about the word or name, it floats into your mind a minute or two later. So that would be normal ageing.'

Dr Rabin, who is a professor at the Erickson School of Aging Management Services at the University of Maryland, did outline scenarios which should ring serious alarm bells.

He explained that if you have to constantly remind someoneor be reminded yourselfof appointments and crucial events happening in the short term, like weddings and doctor's appointments, then you need to seek medical help.

'Not remember that once is normal, but if it has to be repeated three or four times, that would be concerning,' he said.

Around 900,000 Brits are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder. But University College London scientists estimate this will rise to 1.7million within two decades as people live longer. It marks a 40 per cent uptick on the previous forecast in 2017

'Those are the subtle kinds of things. Furthermore, people should be concerned if they start having more trouble doing things they've always done.

'Whether it's cooking or cleaning or paying bills using a computer, or using a microwave, if they're forgetting how to do things that they've always done, that's usually concerning.'

This, he added is because something which is done regularly should 'become like a habit; something they can do automatically.'

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia and affects 982,000 people in the UK.

Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time.

Alzheimer's Research UK analysis found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared with 69,178 a year earlier, making it the country's biggest killer.
Toxins found in everything from cosmetics to waterproof clothing could hinder weight loss, a study has shown.

Researchers have discovered that levels of so-called 'forever' chemicals in the blood may, in the long term, lead to people piling the pounds back on after shedding them.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are in hundreds of everyday products because of their durability.

But last year a review of 500 studies found they were linked to 'serious health implications', including weakening the immune system and cancer.

The Government is set to receive recommendations from a panel of experts later this year on how levels of PFAS can be reduced.

Now researchers say the chemicals may also affect the body's metabolic process  which is how it converts food into nutrients.

In the study, published in the Journal Of Obesity this week, researchers assessed 186 teenagers who had bariatric surgery  which works by making the stomach smaller and the patient feel fuller quicker.

After the surgery, patients are at risk of slowly putting weight back on, and the researchers found people with high levels of PFAS were at a greater risk.

Toxins found in everything from cosmetics to waterproof clothing could hinder weight loss, a study has shown

They tested the participants' blood for levels of PFAS before the surgery and found that those with the highest levels of the chemicals put on twice as much weight in the five years after the surgery compared to those with the lowest levels.

'With the growing use of weight loss interventions around the world, it's critical for us to understand the association between PFAS and successful weight loss management, including what this means for long-term outcomes,' said Dr Brittney Baumert, a researcher at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine who led the study.

'PFAS are a modifiable risk, which is why protective policies are so important to reduce exposure and safeguard public health  especially for vulnerable populations.'

Experts say that while their research looked specifically at bariatric surgery, the findings may also be relevant for people on fat jabs.

'We're also interested in exploring whether PFAS exposure is relevant to other weight loss interventions, including GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic,' said Dr Baumert.
At first, Christine Millbank found the pain in her knee bearable, if a little irritating. But as the months passed and it grew worse, she began to struggle with everyday tasks  let alone walking her energetic German shepherd Millie.

After visiting her GP and being referred for scans, the former hairdresser, 75, from Berkshire, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee  a common condition caused by cartilage gradually wearing away, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

Doctors told her the only way to be rid of the pain was to have a knee replacement operation. I was loathe to go down that route, said Christine. The idea of surgery was daunting, to say the least.

Today, however, Christine is pain-free  and she didnt have to go under the knife.

Her relief came via a 300 device originally developed to treat racehorses. Known as the Arc4Health, the machine is one of several similar devices that use mild electrical currents to heal tissue and reduce pain.

The pain in Christine's knee caused her to struggle with everyday tasks  let alone walking her energetic German shepherd Millie

I was desperate for relief and I had heard of the device from my daughter, whod used it for her horses, said Christine.

When I heard the company also sold a human one, I decided to give it a try.

Within six weeks the pain in my knee had gone down massively and a twinge of pain that had just started in the other knee went away completely. It was amazing.

The device is about the size of a TV remote control and sits in a Velcro cuff  similar to those used with blood pressure monitors  that straps around a leg or arm.

It is initially worn for three hours a day for six weeks and users dont feel anything while its on. The imperceptible pulses it delivers through electrode pads on the skin stimulate tissue repair, help manage pain and fight inflammation, the company claims.

Research has suggested this kind of treatment, called microcurrent therapy, can help with a range of muscle and joint problems  from shoulder, knee and back pain to sinus issues  and may even speed up healing from injuries.

A 2001 study in the American Journal of Pain Management looked at 1,949 patients using microcurrent therapy for pain relief. Ninety-three per cent saw a significant reduction in discomfort from conditions such as localised back pain, migraine headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.

It sounds unlikely and critics suggest the benefits may be little more than a placebo.

Yet studies have shown horses with career-ending injuries made a full recovery using the device.

In people, alongside pain relief and improved healing  demonstrated in randomised clinical trials  it has also been shown to reduce symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME).

Some Long Covid patients have also claimed the therapy eased their symptoms. A study by the company in 2023 found that 53 per cent of Arc4Health users with Long Covid  which can cause extreme tiredness, heart palpitations and concentration issues  said the device reduced fatigue.

Other symptoms such as breathlessness and altered senses of smell and taste also improved, the research found.

While working as a GP in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Dr Clive Dewing, who is now medical director of Arc4Health, often recommended the device to patients with muscle injuries or chronic pain.

The theory is that the electrical currents stimulate cells to produce ATP, the energy capsules stored in our cells, he explained.

This helps repair muscle and reduces inflammation and pain.

After the initial six-week course, patients are advised to continue on different schedules depending on their needs.

Christine now uses the device just two or three times a year, which is enough to keep her knee pain at bay.

Her relief came via a 300 device originally developed to treat racehorses

Known as the Arc4Health, the machine is one of several similar devices that use mild electrical currents to heal tissue and reduce pain

But some experts remain sceptical. For this particular device, it appears that there are only a few very small trials, which are focused on whether the devices help people lessen muscle aches upon working out, said Dr Franziska Denk, senior lecturer at Kings College London.

This is much too small to draw any conclusions as to whether these devices work. There is no biological reason to think that these devices would have such a big impact on pain.

Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt agrees it makes sense that the device might have some benefit  but says expectation may play a role.

We know that sending a weak electrical current through the skin does reduce pain locally and improve muscle strength over time but the placebo effect can also be very powerful, he said.

I wonder whether the amazing anecdotes we hear reflect the power of expectation therapy over the power of electric current therapy.

Placebo or not, for Arc4Health user Jean Arnould the relief has been life-changing.

Debilitating osteoporosis of the spine had left former finance worker Jean, 67, in constant pain, making even walking or showering difficult.

Everything was painful  even turning over in bed, she said.

But after a friend with similar chronic pain recommended the device, Jean says her life has transformed.

I started using it on a Monday and by Tuesday the discomfort was gone  I couldnt believe it, she said.

I use it regularly now whenever the pain gets bad. Its not a cure but its a huge help.
Little Ruins: Rebuilding A Life Manni Coe Canongate 16.99, 352pp

Brother. do. you. love. me. That was the plaintive text sent by Reuben Coe (born with Downs syndrome) to his elder brother Manni, from the home in Dorset where he was (supposedly) being cared for during the pandemic. Manni knew what those words meant. They were a cry for help. Reuben needed saving from that loveless institution.

Manni and his brother Rueben

Mannis bestselling memoir of last year, Brother. Do. You. Love. Me., described the rescue, and Reubens slow recovery from his depressed, almost non-verbal state. The deep bond between them was beautifully evoked  both in words and through Reubens Narnia-inspired drawings.

Manni Coes new book Little Ruins is the prequel. Its just as evocative and moving. In 2018, he and his partner Jack bought half of a ruined house in Andalusia. If you want to know what its really like to take on a derelict property like that  the beauty, the isolation, the drought, the searing heat of summer, the cold and floods of winter, the wild animals, the olive oil harvest  this book will either tempt you or put you off for life.

At their happiest, Manni, Jack and Reuben live a wonderfully simple, contented life there, with their four beloved dogs.

But Manni and Jack need to leave every now and then to earn money, Jack in England and Manni as a tour guide in Spain. A volunteering scheme supplies them with a stream of young people willing to live there for free, in exchange for working and helping out.

All very well  except that some of the volunteers turn out to be drug addicts, in a poor mental state, and others are hopelessly lazy.

The first plaintive text from Reuben goes: I. lonely. can. you. come. get. me. Reuben never asks for anything, so Manni knows this is serious. He returns to find that the volunteers Jordi and Leti have utterly neglected him. He has to turf them out  which is not easy to do, as they claim Spanish squatting rights.

Cue Reubens return to England to stay with kind, loving Jack  but the daily reality of looking after Reuben, on top of his work, takes Jack to the end of his emotional tether.

Much worse is to come, when another volunteer, Joe, tries to destroy the interior of the house in a drug-induced frenzy, and then takes his own life. Manni is utterly distraught. I cant sleep. Sometimes I cant breathe. And here was me thinking I had dealt with it all.

Little Ruins is available now from the Mail Bookshop

What does Manni mean by it all?

The dreadful experience of Joes death forces him to face the traumatic event buried in the deepest recesses of his own memory. He knows time has come to write about it. Even Jack doesnt know this story.

When Manni was 14, he played the drums in the worship band of the local evangelical church in Berkshire where his family lived. As he lived 18 miles away from the church, the vicar always invited him to stay the night after Saturday-evening band practice.

While his wife was downstairs doing the ironing and prepping for the next days Sunday lunch, the vicar took

Manni into his bed and abused him. Were not doing anything wrong, he assured Manni.

Every Saturday night, Manni writes, he removes another part of my innocence. So thats why, even now, having bravely come out as gay in the homophobic world of evangelical Christians, and met Jack, the love of is life, he still has this deep, niggling sensation that I dont deserve to be happy.

Theres a great deal of mental agony in this book, but, again, the deep bond of love between Manni, Jack and Reuben holds them (and the reader) together through the onslaught of traumatic events, past and present.
MSNBC host Antonia Hylton suggested that Karoline Leavitt looked 'ashen' and 'terrified' after witnessing the Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin meeting in Alaska.

On Saturday night's episode of MSNBC's The Weekend: Primetime, Hylton discussed Friday's summit with guest former US Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul.

Hylton claimed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, appeared to be scared of what she had seen 'behind closed doors' as she emerged from Trump's meeting with the Russian president.

The journalist then hit out at Leavitt's appearance, describing her skin as pale and gray after accompanying the president on the high-stakes summit.

'A lot of the press corps that was there, they reported in the minutes and hours after the presser that they saw members of the administration, like Karoline Leavitt, look ashen, almost frightened after what they had seen behind closed doors,' Hylton said.

'What did that indicate to you?' she asked McFaul - an Obama appointee.

'We should all be glad that we did not go to Alaska,' McFaul responded, adding that Leavitt's appearance after the meeting 'suggests to me that this was a bigger disaster than they're leading on to.'

Hylton, 31, hosts the MSNBC show alongside Elize Jordan, Ayman Mohyeldin and Catherine Rampell. It airs on Saturdays and Sundays from 6pm to 9pm.

MSNBC host Antonia Hylton (pictured) suggested that Karoline Leavitt looked 'ashen' and 'terrified' after witnessing the Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin meeting in Alaska

Hylton claimed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (pictured on Friday in Alaska) appeared to be scared of what she had seen 'behind closed doors' as she emerged from Trump's meeting with the Russian president

The co-hosts' discussion came after Putin and Trump met on Friday in Alaska to discuss Russia's war with Ukraine.

While Trump claims to have made 'a lot of progress' and said the summit was a '10 out of 10,' the meeting has been considered by many to have been a large failure for America.

Trump succumbed to Putin by adopting the Russian position that moves should concentrate on a final peace deal, which will likely take months or years, instead of a ceasefire.

The president also backed away from threats to impose tough new sanctions on Russia and expand secondary sanctions on countries that purchase oil from the nation.

Leavitt, pictured on Thursday, played cleanup for Trump last week after he said twice that he was preparing to go to Russia to visit Putin

Hylton was speaking to former Russian ambassador and Obama appointee Michael McFaul (pictured)

While Trump claims to have made 'a lot of progress' and said the summit was a '10 out of 10,' the meeting has been considered by many to have been a large failure for America (Pictured: Putin and Trump pose in Anchorage, Alaska)

Days before the summit, Leavitt played cleanup for Trump who falsely claimed twice that he was preparing to go to Russia to visit Putin.

'Perhaps there are plans in the future to travel to Russia and on Friday the president will be meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, as you know,' she said during the White House press briefing on Monday.

Trump, however, specifically mentioned during his press conference that he would be traveling to Russia: 'You know, I'm going to see Putin. I'm going to Russia on Friday,' Trump said in what was widely assumed to be a verbal slip.

Then he did it again.

'We're going to Russia. That's going to be a big deal,' he said later in the press conference.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio took on the mainstream media Sunday during a slew of appearances following President Trump's bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rubio sparred with CBS host Margaret Brennan as she pushed him to divulge details about Trump's meeting with Putin, which took place in Alaska on Friday, as well as the forthcoming White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.

'This is such a stupid media narrative that [European leaders] are coming here tomorrow because Trump is going to bully Zelensky into a bad deal. We've been working with these people for weeks... We invited them to come,' Rubio told Brennan.

'To have a deal ... to reach the end of this conflict, both sides are going to have to make concessions,' Rubio said of the agreement America is working to broker between Russia and Ukraine.

Brennan pushed Rubio on whether he, and by extension the rest of the Trump administration's leadership, were 'demanding withdrawal' of Russian troops from land that Putin 'has already seized land by force.'

'This is about what Ukraine can accept. And what Russia can accept. They both have to accept it, otherwise, there won't be a peace deal,' Rubio told Brennan.

'If there aren't concessions, if one side gets everything they want, that's called surrender. That's called the end of the war through surrender. And that's not what we're close to doing, because neither side here is on the verge of surrender or anything close to it,' the Secretary of State continued.

X users piled on the praise for Rubio's CBS performance, and a similar takedown he offered on ABC Sunday as well.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears on Face The Nation on CBS on August 17, 2025

CBS host Margaret Brennan questions U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears on Face The Nation on CBS on August 17, 2025

'Can you name any concessions that Vladimir Putin made during this meeting?' ABC host Martha Raddatz asked Rubio on Sunday.

'I wouldnt name them on your program,' Rubio fired back. 'Why would I do that?'

Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote 'bravo to Sec. Marco Rubio this morning for embarrassing CBS and ABC News. Impressive he didnt just walk out of those interviews.'

'Imagine hating President Trump so much that you actively root for peace talks to fail. What vile, ghoulish creatures,' Kirk added, doubling down on his disapproval of Brennan and ABC host Martha Raddatz.

'I dont care if youre Republican or Democratanyone should be able to see how blatantly the mainstream media twists the narrative in this interview alone,' wrote an X user posting under the handle @jaimewildshark.

Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk via X

U.S. President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S., August 15, 2025

President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. At left is Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and second from right is Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich chimed in that the 'news media and the expert analysts and commentators are making fools of themselves over the Trump-Putin meeting.'

'Secretary of State Marco Rubio had it just right when he said the press literally had no idea what was said in the meetings. President Trump is a great negotiator and Alaska was just the opening act in a multi act play. Patience and calm would be a wise approach for the time being,' Gingrich added in his analysis.

X user @VigilantFox noted that Marco Rubio absolutely 'humiliated CBS Margaret Brennan after she melted down over Trump not achieving a ceasefire or slapping new sanctions.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday, and leaders of other European nations, including Britain, France, and Germany are expected to be in attendance.
The first batches of Cambodian durians have reached China in recent weeks, signifying the start of a direct air corridor for fresh fruit between the two countries.

A two-tonne consignment was delivered over the weekend using air cold chain logistics in just four hours, enabling Chinese consumers to savor the fruit as if it were freshly picked, according to a Monday statement on the Chinese embassy in Cambodia's official WeChat account, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Durians on display at a grocery store in Guangzhou, China, on May 8, 2025. Photo by NurPhoto via AFP

This followed a shipment of 17 tonnes in July after passing inspection and quality certification.

Durian is now the fifth fresh fruit permitted for direct export from Cambodia to China, following bananas, mangoes, longans, and coconuts.

In Cambodia, durians are cultivated on over 11,000 hectares, with the countrys annual production surpassing 120,000 tonnes, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture.

112 orchards and 30 packaging facilities in Cambodia have been certified by China Customs, according to Khmer Times.

Since 2002, China has expanded market access to more countries exporting durians, a strategy often dubbed "durian diplomacy."

It is the worlds largest consumer market for the thorny delicacy, importing nearly $7 billion worth of the fruit last year.

Thailand accounted for $4 billion, or 57% of the market, and Vietnam supplied $2.9 billion for a 41.5% share.

China also imports the fruit from Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

Cambodia remains marginal as a durian supplier to China.

"Its production is too small to compete with Thailand or Vietnam. This is more of a friendly diplomatic gesture," remarked Huang Dapeng, a fruit importer from Chinas eastern province of Zhejiang. "The price and supply offer no real advantage, so I have no plan to import for now."

China, however, has been importing less durian this year as the country imposes tighter inspections on the fruit to prevent banned substances.

Official customs data shows a nearly 15% year-on-year decline to 708,190 tonnes in the first half of the year.
The threat of another inheritance tax raid could goad growing numbers of people into making generous gifts to loved ones before the taxman can swipe their family wealth. A race is already under way to hand cash and assets to younger generations before unspent pensions fall into the tax net from April 2027.

Now there are rumours that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a further raid, this time on gifting, to fill a black hole in the country's finances.

Options could include imposing a lifetime cap on what you can give away without incurring death duties, and increasing the number of years that you must live after making a gift for it to be free of inheritance tax from seven to ten.

Making gifts is one of the simplest ways to reduce an inheritance tax (IHT) bill, because if you live for at least seven years they become exempt  and there are a number of gifts you can make every year with no tax risk at all.

Wealth managers say many people are taking advantage of the gifting rules to give away wealth sooner rather than later.

While lawyers say more clients are updating wills with a view to avoiding inheritance tax.

There are rumours that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a raid on gifting to fill a black hole in the country's finances

However, a spike in pension withdrawals that showed up in recent tax data is likely to have been driven in part by people panicked into rash moves ahead of the 2027 deadline, such as giving away too much to their children and grandchildren too soon. And many more could be pushed into action by fears of new gift restrictions.

As a result, inheritance experts are urging people to consider their next steps carefully in case decisions made with the best of intentions end up backfiring on them  or even their loved ones.

So to safeguard your finances, beware the following pitfalls.

Don't worry needlessly

Do not pursue elaborate inheritance tax avoidance strategies unless you are certain your estate is big enough to be slapped with the dreaded 40 per cent levy.

Many well-off people are sure they know how IHT works, but most are kidding themselves, according to recent research by Charles Stanley among those with above average salaries and at least 1,000 in cash savings.

About half with estates worth less than the main threshold thought they would have to pay IHT, and expected a bill running into tens of thousands of pounds, which they would never face in reality.

Essentially, you need to be worth 325,000 if you are single, or 650,000 jointly if you are married or in a civil partnership, for your loved ones to have to stump up IHT. This basic threshold is called the 'nil rate band'.

But there is a further chunky allowance of 175,000 per person, known as the 'residence nil rate band', which increases the threshold to a joint 1 million if you have a partner, own a property and  crucially  leave money to your direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren.

Do not pursue elaborate inheritance tax avoidance strategies unless you are certain your estate is big enough to be slapped with the dreaded 40 per cent levy

'IHT is for the most part a "cliff edge" tax,' says Rob Morgan, chief investment analyst at Charles Stanley. People without children can end up paying a lot if they are leaving money to nieces and nephews or siblings.

'For a single person with no eligible family home the relevant figure is just 325,000,' he says.

'The bill can quickly ramp up as the size of an estate increases beyond that threshold.

'The relevant nil rate band changes with circumstances.'

If you are worried about your pension savings bumping you above the IHT threshold if you die after April 2027 when the rules change, remember that it is only the unused portion that will count. Most people spend down their pots significantly during retirement.

Beware giving too much

It might be tempting to gift lavishly to family members now if you think the taxman will be breathing down their necks after you're gone. But no one knows how long they will live, or their precise needs as they age.

You could risk giving away more than you can afford  or needlessly paying income tax if you're taking money from your pension to pass it on to loved ones.

Pete Fairchild, head of private clients at consultancy firm Crowe, says he is seeing more lifetime giving from people who expect to live seven years to reduce the IHT on their estate.

He says: 'Many clients have taken their 25 per cent tax-free lump sum from their pension and gifted that immediately to their children.'

However, once you have taken this lump sum, all further pension withdrawals are treated as income and may attract income tax.

Daniel Hough at wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin says a lot of basic rate taxpayers would rather pay 20 per cent income tax to withdraw cash from their pension to pass on to loved ones now in the hope that it saves them from a 40 per cent IHT bill later.

However, some are making big pension withdrawals to pass on wealth now that are pushing them above the higher rate income tax threshold of 50,271, he adds. And in extreme cases, they are taking cash right up to the additional rate threshold of 125,140 to gift large sums to their family, he says.

Withdrawals at the higher rate threshold could lead to a 40 per cent income tax bill  which is the same as the IHT bill.

Gifting early may make sense in some circumstances. If you die when you are 75 or over, loved ones may also have to pay income tax to withdraw cash from a pension they inherit from you.

However, the rules are complicated and nuanced so it is best to seek professional advice.

Pensions will only be treated as part of estates for IHT from April 2027, so some advisers are suggesting clients wait until then before deciding whether to act.

Don't sit on the fence

Do not think that if you have given something away that you can carry on enjoying use of it yourself. If HMRC deems it a 'gift with reservation of benefit' then IHT is still payable.

If you give away a painting, a piece of jewellery or a classic car, for example, make sure that the new owner takes it immediately, and that they insure it, not you.

Even if you have legally handed over ownership, HMRC may still consider you haven't really made a gift if it's still in your possession.

Debra Burton, a partner at Lime Solicitors, adds that giving assets away immediately before death to try to reduce the value of an estate simply doesn't work.

'HMRC looks back at the seven years before death and takes into account any gifts made during that period. They reduce the available nil rate band,' she says. 'Similarly, giving assets away and then continuing to use them, for example transferring the house to a child and still living there.'

Remember your will

Try not to fall into the trap of focusing on gifting during your lifetime and forgetting to consider the IHT implications of your will. Spouses inherit free of inheritance tax, so you can leave more or all of your estate to them instead of your children to delay and minimise the eventual bill.

You can also pass money direct to grandchildren to avoid incurring IHT twice over, after a grandparent's and a parent's deaths, explains Nicola Waldman, a lawyer at Hodge Jones & Allen.

To take a broad example, if you passed on wealth to your child and the portion of your estate above your IHT threshold was 2million, a 40 per cent bill would be 800,000, she says.

If, more than five years on, the remaining 1.2 million remained unspent and was then passed on to a grandchild, the estate would be taxed 480,000 and the grandchild would receive just 720,000.

However, if the grandparent had left the money direct to the grandchild, the estate would have paid 800,000 in IHT and the grandchild could have got 1.2 million.

Lawyers tell us some people are already making changes to wills, but if someone dies intestate or with a will that is disadvantageous for IHT, beneficiaries can change this with a 'deed of variation'.

'There is a strict two-year time limit to get the potential tax advantages, so it is important to get the document prepared and signed in time,' says Waldman. 'Once made they cannot be changed. A variation can only be made once in respect of a particular asset in the estate.'

Finally, don't cause a family rift by being so focused on reducing IHT that some relatives feel unfairly treated under your will.

Consider care fees

IF YOU you are making large gifts, make sure you have enough left to cover your own costs for the rest of your lifetime.

Hough points out life expectancy for a woman aged 66 is 88, and for a man it is 85. However, there is a chance you may live considerably longer than that.

'There is a fine line between passing down wealth as efficiently as possible and enjoying a comfortable retirement,' he says.

Care home fees are colossal and rack up fast.

You are likely to have to cover your own costs if you have more than 23,250 in assets in England. Other parts of the UK have different rules.

However, if your local authority has to step in to pay, it will carry out a financial assessment. If it deems that you are unable to pay your care bills because you gave away wealth to loved ones, it can claw back the money.

'They can investigate gifts or asset transfers to determine if there was what is known as a "deliberate deprivation of assets" intentionally reducing wealth to avoid care charges,' warns Michelle Evans, a solicitor at law firm Hugh James.

'Unlike IHT, there's no time limit on how far back they can look, though actions taken shortly before applying for care support are more likely to be challenged. Timing and intent are crucial.'

If an authority decides against you, it will treat you as still owning the money or assets you gave away and charge you accordingly.

Evans says estate planning is legal, but warns she is seeing increasing scrutiny from local authorities given their current budget constraints.

Fully document any asset transfer to mitigate IHT and seek legal advice, she suggests.

Always keep records

If you are making gifts to avoid IHT, don't give your loved ones a big headache by not keeping a good record as you go along.

Fail to do so, and executors will have to do the detective work on your bank statements, and contact family members who might have received gifts to get corroborating evidence from their bank records.

Sketchy information and guessed figures might even mean HMRC opens an enquiry into your estate.

Experts suggest making a written or digital record of gifts, especially any worth over 250 to one person a year, and keeping it with your will. Each time, list what you gave, its value, the date of the gift, and to whom it was given.

You need to keep even better records if you are gifting out of surplus income, to prove you could afford it and there was a pattern of giving.

Check the IHT403 form, which executors use to declare gifts after a death, to find out what information will be required.

Even when an estate is not big enough to pay death duties, a deceased person's finances need to be gone through  often information must be submitted to HMRC just to prove they are exempt.

Don't shun pension pot

It is unwise to be deterred from saving too much into a pension out of concern over IHT. You get a big boost from employer contributions and tax relief, so you would be throwing away 'free money' if you are still saving for retirement.

The Government's decision to include pensions for IHT might mean pension contributions plateau or decline, according to Adrian Murphy, head of Murphy Wealth. But he says: 'Pensions are still the most effective way to save for retirement and savers should be encouraged to continue to contribute whatever they can afford to.'

Ian Cook at investment manager Quilter Cheviot says of the Government's move: 'It's a disincentive for people to save for the long term. The message it gives to the wider public is: don't save into your pension, which is wrong.'
Susan Bustamante was what she describes as a baby lifer when she landed behind bars at the California Institution for Women in 1987.

Aged 32, she had been sentenced to life without parole for helping her brother murder her husband, following what she said was years of domestic abuse.

Inside the penitentiary that would become her home for the next three decades, it wasnt long before she met another lifer - a notorious inmate who played a key role in one of the most shocking crimes in American history.

That inmate, Patricia Krenwinkel, and other members of the Manson family murdered eight victims across two nights of terror in Los Angeles in the summer of 1969.

But, despite Krenwinkels dark past, Bustamante said the two women quickly became close within the confines of the prison walls.

I was a baby lifer who needed to learn the ropes of being in prison, she told the Daily Mail.

[Krenwinkel] helped mentor the new lifers... She was someone who would help you get through a rough day and the reality of waking up and being in an 8-by-10 cell for the rest of your life someone you could go to and say I'm having a bad day and she would help turn your thinking around.

Bustamante spent 31 years in prison with Krenwinkel before, aged 63, she was granted clemency by former California Governor Jerry Brown and freed in 2018.

Now, 77-yearold Krenwinkel could also soon walk free from prison.

Manson family members Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten arrive in court in August 1970 with an 'X' carved on their foreheads, one day after Manson appeared in court with the symbol on his head

Patricia Krenwinkel (during a parole hearing in 2011) is now fighting for her freedom after the states Parole Board Commissioners recommended her early release

In May - after 16 parole hearings - the states Parole Board Commissioners recommended Californias longest female inmate for early release, citing her youthful age at the time of the murders and her apparent low risk of reoffending.

And as far as her former jailmate is concerned, it is time.

Bustamante said she has seen firsthand that Krenwinkel is not the same person who took part in a murderous rampage at the bidding of cult leader Charles Manson.

Shes not in her early 20s anymore. Are you the same person you were then or have you learned and grown and changed? she said.

That's not who she is today, and she's not under that influence today. She's her own person.

She added: Six decades is long enough.

Over their shared decades behind bars, Bustamante said she and Krenwinkel attended many of the same inmate programs, celebrated birthdays and occasions together, watched movies and hosted potlucks.

Bustamante said they were both part of the inmate dog program, where they were responsible for caring for and training their own dogs, which lived in their cells with them.

The Manson family murdered actor Sharon Tate and four others at the Cielo Drive, Hollywood, home of Tate and husband Roman Polanski on August 8 1969

Hollywood star Sharon Tate was eight months pregnant at the time of the Manson murders

Bustamante said Krenwinkel also attended college courses and tutored other inmates.

It was Krenwinkel who was there for Bustamante when her mom and sister died, she said.

We would go to each other for support, she said. It's not easy doing time, so its good to know there's somebody there for you.

Bustamante refused to reveal details of her conversations with Krenwinkel about her crimes. But she insisted she has seen firsthand that she has shown genuine remorse.

You can't do time in prison without understanding what happened, what your part in it was, she said.

For almost six decades, shes been going to [inmate] groups, going through therapy. You can't do that without understanding your actions, your life, your situation.

She has done everything within her power to fix herself.

In 55 years in prison, Krenwinkels attorneys argue she has not faced any disciplinary issues and nine evaluations by prison psychologists have found she is no longer a danger to society.

The five victims killed at Cielo Drive (left to right): Wojciech Frykowski, Sharon Tate, Stephen Parent, Jay Sebring, and Abigail Folger

The Manson family struck again the next night at the home of the LaBianca family. After killing Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, they scrawled 'death to pigs' on the walls in blood

They also argue she suffered physical, psychological and sexual abuse at the hands of Manson, which played a key role in her crimes.

But for the victims families and loved ones, she should never be freed.

It has now been 57 years since Krenwinkel, Charles Tex Watson and Susan Atkins murdered actor Sharon Tate and four others at the Cielo Drive, Hollywood, home she shared with husband Roman Polanski back on August 8, 1969.

Tate - who was eight months pregnant - was stabbed 16 times. A rope was tied around her neck, the other end of which was tied around the neck of her close friend, celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring. He had been shot and stabbed seven times.

On the lawn of the home, coffee heiress Abigail Folger was found beaten and stabbed 28 times. Folgers boyfriend, Wojciech Frykowski, lay close by with 51 stab wounds. He had also been beaten and shot twice.

The body of 18-year-old Steven Parent, who was visiting the caretaker of the estate that night, was also found outside with gunshot wounds.

It was Krenwinkel who had chased Folger across the lawn and plunged a knife into her 28 times. She testified in court that the attack was so vicious that her hand throbbed from stabbing.

The next night, the Manson family struck again.

Supermarket executive Leno LaBianca was stabbed 12 times and the word war was carved into his body. His wife Rosemary LaBianca was stabbed 41 times

That time, Watson, Atkins, Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten went to the Los Feliz home of supermarket executive Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca.

They stabbed Rosemary 41 times and wrapped a pillowcase over her head, tying it with an electric cord from a lamp. Krenwinkel stabbed Rosemary with a fork and scrawled 'Helter Skelter' and 'death to pigs' on the walls in her blood.

Leno was stabbed 12 times and the word war was carved into his body. His killers left a carving fork and a kitchen knife protruding from his abdomen and throat.

For months, panic plagued the City of Angels before the Manson family members were eventually arrested.

Krenwinkel, who was 21 at the time of the slayings, was convicted of seven counts of murder and sentenced to death in 1971. Her sentence was commuted to life without parole the following year when the death penalty was abolished in California.

She has been held in a state prison for the last 54 years.

At her latest parole hearing in May, several of the victims families begged the board not to let her go free.

Among them was Sebrings nephew, Anthony DiMaria, who urged commissioners to deny Patricia Krenwinkel parole for the longest period of time.

Charles Manson is escorted to his arraignment in the Sharon Tate murder case in 1969

In an interview with the Daily Mail, DiMaria said the least Krenwinkel could do is spend the rest of her life behind bars, noting she had already gotten off easy when her death sentence was commuted.

He said Krenwinkel acted with severe depravity, claiming eight victims - seven people and Sharon Tates unborn son - and has never truly taken responsibility.

She committed profound crimes across two separate nights with sustained zeal and passion. She delivered more fatal blows than Manson ever did, said DiMaria.

Manson didnt tell her to write Helter Skelter on the wall in her victims blood - she chose. Manson didnt force her to pick out the butchers knife and a carving fork - she chose to do that on her own.

DiMaria rejects the long-standing portrayal of the Manson Family as a naive hippy cult and of Mansons so-called followers as helpless flower children under his spell.

In truth, he says, they were a gang of willfully violent criminals - a group with the optics of a commune but the structure and intent of a criminal enterprise.

He argues the false narrative has obscured the full scope of their crimes and allowed some of the killers - particularly Krenwinkel - to skirt responsibility by hiding behind decades of revisionism.

'They start dressing themselves up as victims of Manson, and suddenly theyre the ones deserving sympathy Its truly sociopathic,' added DiMaria.

'Meanwhile, our families are still carrying the grief, still walking into parole hearings to make sure these people stay where they belong.

Tate's younger sister, Debra Tate, declined to be interviewed for this story.

Debra also spoke at Krenwinkel's last hearing, warning that she still presented a grave danger to society.

Releasing her... puts society at risk. I dont accept any explanation for someone who has had 55 years to think of the many ways they impacted their victims, but still does not know their names, she said.

My life, the victims' families are forever affected. [Krenwinkel] has not addressed that. I have asked for the opportunity to have a sit-down meeting, possibly 19 times, but that has never been granted.

You know who wrote me a letter, Charles Manson wrote me a letter. Interesting. For that reason, and many more, Krenwinkel is unsuitable for parole.

Tates close friend Ava Roosevelt - who would have been at Cielo Drive that fateful night if it werent for a twist of fate - also told the Daily Mail that Krenwinkel is undeserving of release.

Sharon wouldve lived to be 82 now had she not been brutally murdered. So, ultimately, my question is: why is this woman even still alive? Let alone potentially being free again why is she not on death row? she said.

Manson family members Leslie Van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel and Susan Atkins arrive for their sentencings in Los Angeles on April 19, 1970

What message would that be sending to society? That its okay to commit multiple murders, serve some time, and now youre allowed the freedom to live your life again?

Bustamante said there is no denying Krenwinkels crimes were especially brutal.

But she believes she has become a political prisoner due to the infamy of the Manson murders.

Theres a sensationalism and stigma of being a Manson, she said.

Pat deserves to spend her last years in freedom but people want to keep her in because of the notoriety of the crime.

Bustamante has stayed in contact with Krenwinkel since her own release and says she has introduced her to her children and grandchildren.

Now, Krenwinkels fate lies in the hands of the California Parole Board, which has a 120-day deadline from the recommendation to review the decision.

After that, Governor Gavin Newsom will have another 30 days to reverse the board's decision.

Its a step he took once before when Krenwinkel was recommended for parole the first time in 2022.

Bustamante fears Newsom will once again veto her friend's release due to his own political ambitions.

I think he wants to be president, so I worry he will let that influence his decision.
One in five working-age adults in parts of Britain are claiming jobless benefits that don't require them to seek work.

Daily Mail analysis today reveals some authorities  including Keir Starmer's own  have seen rates climb 60% since Labour won power.

It comes after Government figures this week revealed that 3.7million Brits were now on universal credit with 'no work requirements'.

This marked a rise of one million since Sir Keir took office, sparking outrage among critics of the ballooning 140billion welfare bill.

Laying bare the crisis confronting the Prime Minister, our audit found everywhere in England and Wales saw the number of adults signed off work indefinitely rise since Labour's landslide election victory.

Sir Keir's Holborn and St Pancras constituency witnessed the biggest rise between July 2024-2025.

There, 8,029 constituents get universal credit without any requirement to work  up 61.3% in a year.

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Our audit of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics uncovered similarly high increases in Hackney North and Stoke Newington (59.9%) and Leeds Central and Headingley (58.4%).

Croydon West saw the smallest jump, although it still leapt up 23.2%.

Blackpool South, meanwhile, can today be named as Britain's benefits capital. There, 19.3% of working-age adults, aged 16 to 64, get universal credit with no requirement to seek work.

Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough (18.8%) and Liverpool Walton (18.2%) rounded out the top three.

The TaxPayers' Alliance today urged the PM to 'get a grip' of the welfare bill, branding it a 'national disgrace'.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns of the thinktank, added: 'The catastrophic rise in the number of Brits on benefits with no requirement to ever work is a national disgrace.

'It's fitting that the biggest surge is in the Prime Minister's backyard, given it's his humiliating government's disastrous economic policies and humiliating failure to reform the welfare system that has played such a role in driving the increase.

'Starmer should try door knocking in his constituency over the coming months if he wants to get to grips with how serious the crisis is.'

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The DWP claimed the rise in the number of people claiming universal credit with no requirements to work was 'to be expected' because of the push to move all 'legacy' benefits under one umbrella.

It means new claimants won't be solely responsible for the increase.

Instead, many are expected to have been migrated to universal credit, which makes up 52bn of the total welfare bill.

The DWP's definition of no work requirements covers illness or disability and caring responsibilities.

It can also include those in full-time education, over the state pension age, someone with a child aged under one, and those considered to have no prospect of work.

At its most basic level, universal credit amounts to 400 a month for adults over 25.

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Claimants with limited capacity to work  either because of a disability or long-term illness  get twice the amount.

More than 8m Brits currently get the handout, up from 3m before Covid struck.

Currently, 46 per cent of all claimants are not expected to do anything to prepare or to look for work.

Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month saw their attempt to cut Britain's ballooning benefits bill derailed by a major rebellion among Labour MPs.

The PM was forced to scrap most of the planned welfare changes in the face of a huge Labour revolt.

He ditched proposed restrictions to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main disability payment in England, until after a review.

Labour's package of reforms, which ministers hoped would save 5bn by 2030, was aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work.

It included tightening the eligibility criteria for UC 'top-ups'  given to claimants who have a limited capacity to work because of a disability or long-term condition.

A DWP spokesperson said: 'As the majority of vulnerable customers started moving from legacy benefits onto the modernised Universal Credit system from July 2024, it is to be expected that the number of people claiming the benefit with no requirement to work will increase.

'These figures are yet more evidence of the broken welfare system we inherited that is denying people the support they need to get into work and get on at work.

'That's why we are rebalancing the rate of Universal Credit to increase work incentives, while also investing 3.8bn over this parliament to genuinely help sick or disabled people into jobs, while ensuring there is always a safety net for the most vulnerable.'
A Melbourne woman has revealed the heartbreak of taking her first international flight not to a tropical beach holiday she once imagined - but instead to visit her mother in a foreign prison.

Debbie Voulgaris, 58, is serving 15 years for drug smuggling after being caught with Class A drugs worth $1.9million at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan on December 10, 2023.

Now Ms Voulgaris's daughter Maria and her siblings make regular trips to Taiwan to spend time with her after she narrowly avoided the death penalty.

The mother-of-five had never been in trouble with the law and initially 'vehemently denied' knowing the drugs were there, later pleading guilty in a bid to avoid being executed.

Ms Voulgaris still claims she is innocent and believes she was set up by African scammers who were communicating with her ex-husband.

For the first eight months she was locked away, her children were not allowed to see her due to a no-communication order, but once the ban was lifted, they made the journey they never imagined taking.

'I always assumed my first international flight would be a flight for a family holiday, and unfortunately that wasn't the case,' Maria said.

'Instead, it was a direct eight-hour flight to reunite with my mother after being held on a communication ban for eight months.

Debbie Voulgaris, 58, is serving 15 years for drug smuggling after being caught with Class A drugs worth $1.9million

Ms Voulgaris was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan on December 10, 2023

'Now that the communication ban has been off for a year, my siblings and I try our best to visit our mum as much as we possibly can.'

Ms Voulgaris shares a cell with 10 other women and is allowed visitors on weekdays. They can only see her through a soundproof glass window, with conversations taking place on a phone.

Each meeting lasts just 15 minutes.

Maria said she and her siblings always bring food, waking early to buy fresh fruit and meat from local markets.

'First things first, we take it upon ourselves to organise mum's food,' she explained in a social media video.

'Each prisoner is granted and permitted two kilos worth of food a day. Before each visit, my brother would take it upon himself to wake up early to go visit any markets and stores to ensure that my mum gets the best quality of fruits and meat.'

Maria praised the Taiwanese locals she has met on her visits, who left her 'in awe' of their kindness.

'Who knew that you would meet someone one day and the next, upon your arrival to Australia, they would be visiting your mother, feeding your mother, clothing your mother, all for the cost of nothing but pure kindness,' she said.

Her daughter Maria (pictured) said she always brings food to her mum in prison

Ms Voulgaris is allowed visitors on the weekdays but remains behind a soundproof glass window at all times

She described her mother's ordeal as 'a story of deep betrayal, a story that haunts me daily' but said she was determined to be open with the thousands who follow her online about what goes on during prison visits.

'Watching my mum go through so much pain and suffering hasn't been easy, and having her oceans away hasn't been something that's easy to accept,' Maria said.

'But when this is the type of love you are fed daily, even from behind a prison cell, when we're only permitted contact twice a month, yet this is the love that still reaches me, that's a love worth holding on and fighting for.'

Taiwan police alleged Ms Voulgaris joined a drug trafficking group, which intentionally planned to smuggle the drugs across Asia.

According to the allegations, the criminal group agreed with Ms Voulgaris to pay a reward of just US$1,800 (AU$2,700), along with the costs of accommodation and transport.

They claim the group gave her luggage to take on the flight that secretly contained around US$1.25million (AU$1.88million) worth of heroin and cocaine, which was picked up by the airport's X-ray screening.

Ms Voulgaris claims she took the trip as a favour to her ex-husband, John Voulgaris, who was unwittingly mixed up in an African scam and has said she did not believe he would intentionally involve her in a crime.

On June 10, News+ alleged that Ms Voulgaris' husband was caught up in a 'black money scam' when he asked his ex-wife to travel.

Ms Voulgaris claims she took the trip as a favour to her ex-husband John Voulgaris (pictured)

The scam presents victims with a narrative that a huge amount of money has been physically stained in some way, then victims are instructed to retrieve money-cleaning chemicals in exchange for a portion of the cash.

Instead, drugs are often hidden in secret compartments of the suitcases they are given.

The program alleged that Mr Voulgaris flew to London and Laos to pick up suitcases that were brought to a hotel in Melbourne.

Mr Voulgaris then allegedly sent Ms Voulgaris to retrieve the next suitcase.

'Brother, I'm sending my ex-wife. Better nothing goes wrong,' a message sent from Mr Voulgaris to the alleged scammer's account read.

Ms Voulgaris travelled to Laos twice to pick up suitcases, but again the money cleaning failed.

Mr Voulgaris has not been charged with any crime and has previously said he and his ex-wife had been set up.

He previously denied the allegations to Daily Mail Australia, declaring his ex-wife is 'bloody innocent!'

'We have been set up! We don't know anything about bloody drugs and have never seen or touched them in our lives,' he said in May last year.

During the trial in August last year Ms Voulgaris' lawyer Leon Huang said it was 'essential' her ex took the stand as he was the only person who could confirm her claims.

However, Mr Voulgaris did not respond to a subpoena ordering him to give evidence at Taoyuan District Court, and was a no-show at his wife's hearing.
On February 13, 2017, two teenage friends went for a walk in the woods just outside the small city of Delphi, Indiana. They should have been safe - but Liberty German, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, never made it home. The next day, searchers found their bodies close to the walking trails. Despite capturing a haunting video of their killer, years passed before a local man, Richard Allen, was arrested. In 2024, Allen went on trial and was convicted of the murders.

Now, in the new book 'Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland', journalist Aine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee give a definitive account of the double-murder case that haunted the nation.

Read an exclusive extract from the book here:

Only a few hikers were out on the trails that 14-year-old Libby German and 13-year-old Abby Williams were walking.

They stayed close together, heads bowed, deep in conversation.

Reaching the end of a gravel path, what lay before them, cutting past the treetops, was the Monon High Bridge. A 1,300-foot relic of rail's golden age, the first portion of the bridge spanned Deer Creek. Libby and Abby stepped onto the first ties.

A little man watched them cross onto the bridge. This was his chance.

He had been waiting for what felt like a long time, lurking on the trails, watching for women and girls. But in another way, he had been lying in wait all his life, craving a chance to do exactly as he pleased.

The man followed behind the girls.

Libby was unsettled. She held up her phone like she was photographing Abby. But she ended up capturing the man's movements. As he neared, he quickened his pace. The man frightened the girls. But they had nowhere to go. The only escape was to jump.

Libby chattered on, her nonchalant tone concealing her anxiety. The man was almost upon them. Perhaps if they behaved normally, he would leave them alone.

The man stood before the girls. He held a gun. He stared at them, eyes pale and bulging, and said: 'Guys.'

Libby German (front) snapped this selfie with her best friend Abby Williams on their way to the trails in Delphi on February 13, 2017

Haunting video captured on Libby's cell phone shows 'Bridge Guy' following Abby along the abandoned railroad bridge in Delphi, Indiana

'Hi,' one of the girls said. They must have felt trapped there, between the bare trees and the blue winter sky.

The little man spoke to the girls again. 'Down the hill,' he said.

Down they all went.

It was around an hour later when Derrick German, Libby's father, hurtled toward the bridge.

He had agreed to pick the girls up after a couple of hours on the trails and knew they were likely already waiting for him at the trailhead, faces red from the chilly air.

As he drove, he called his daughter's phone and waited to hear her voice. But Libby never answered.

He pulled into the parking area. Libby and Abby were not there. Derrick called his daughter again. No one picked up. That did not make sense. Libby was not careless. She would have known to keep an eye out for his calls and texts.

Derrick waited. He heard nothing, saw no one. He got out of his car and began walking down the path, deciding to follow Trail 505. The path sloped downhill, taking him to the edge of the water.

There was no sign of the girls anywhere.

The book 'Shadow of the bridge: The Delphi murders and the dark side of the American heartland' reveals new details about the haunting case

Journalist Aine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee, the husband and wife team behind 'The Murder Sheet' podcast, conducted hundreds of interviews with investigators, the victims' families and others close to the case

He called his mother, Becky Patty, to let her know what was going on. And she in turn alerted Abby's mother, Anna.

Becky was scared for her granddaughter. Either girl might have tumbled down a steep hill or plummeted into a ravine. If one of them was hurt, the other would want to stay with her friend.

That idea frightened Becky the most. Libby hated pain. Even as a teenager, she was terrified of needles. Once, at a doctor's appointment for school shots, she panicked so badly that she ended up hiding under the examination table. If she was hurt in any way, she would probably feel so scared.

But there was no time for fear.

Becky felt she ought to focus on what she could control. Her family had been alerted and mobilized. Together, they would convene at the trailhead and scour the woods. Becky knew they would search until they found the girls.

But, after a fruitless few hours, the family realized they needed help. Libby's grandfather, Mike Patty, called county dispatch to report two missing girls. Since they had last been seen on the trails, the agency in charge would be the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, headed by Sheriff Tobe Leazenby.

Sheriff Leazenby was confident about finding the girls. Teenagers sometimes ran away or headed to a friend's house without giving sufficient notice. Leazenby prided his office on finding the missing and bringing them home safe, every single time.

He believed the girls would be home soon.

Meanwhile, at the Delphi police station, the families convened to file missing persons reports and provide law enforcement with more details on the disappearances.

Becky also went to social media for help. At 6:57pm, she posted on her Facebook asking for help.

Others published similar cries for help. Soon, word spread across Delphi. Two young girls had vanished in the woods, and their families needed to find them.

Becky remained at the station through the evening to answer questions from law enforcement officers. But Mike Patty continued to conduct his own search. People let him know about groups of girls they saw wandering. He drove around, seeking his granddaughter and her friend, or at least a whisper about where they might have gone.

Other relatives of the girls set out into the cold to join up with scores of neighbors, along with the county deputies, firefighters, and Department of Natural Resources officers.

All around the forest and surrounding fields and roads, searchers tramped across the twilight and into the night.

One of the searchers that night was a man named Pat Brown. He gave Mike a call after his wife saw a post on social media asking for help with the searches.

The sky was dark by then, but Brown drove out to meet his retired friend Tom Mears at the cemetery by the trails.

The girls' families (pictured Libby's grandparents Becky and Mike Patty) desperately searched into the night to find them

A police sketch of the man who was known as 'Bridge Guy' for more than five years was put up around the town

Carroll County Deputy Darron Giancola had the night off, but he was out there looking with the others.

Close to midnight, the beam of Giancola's flashlight caught something strange. Amid the earth that sloped from the end of the bridge, he could see a slide of leaves with bare dirt exposed, like somebody had slipped down. Giancola pointed it out to one of the firefighters.

But the girls were not there, so the searchers moved on.

Around midnight, law enforcement called off the official search. There were safety concerns and liability issues to consider. But scores of firefighters, deputies, and civilians stayed out, well after the sanctioned search concluded. Some stayed in the woods until after two o'clock in the morning. Others lingered even longer. They found nothing.

Meanwhile, Mike Patty picked up Becky, and dropped her off at home. On the chance Libby and Abby made it back there on their own, somebody needed to stand watch. Becky waited for hour after blurry hour. She walked around her quiet home. She did not sleep.

Libby never came home. She and Abby were still gone.

The night outside was so dark. There were only flashlight beams cutting through the blackness, flickering in the trees, shining in the swirling waters beneath the bridge.

When the sun rose on Valentine's Day 2017, the official search resumed. Civilians flocked down Union Street and clustered outside the city's fire station. Donning jeans and flannels and jackets, they huddled up and awaited orders.

Libby and Abby's bodies were found close to Deer Creek by volunteer searchers on February 14, 2017

Police chief Steve Mullin gave the searchers his phone number and told them to call him if they found anything. Brown was one of those volunteer searchers. He entered Mullin's number into his phone.

Among the volunteers were local residents Jake Johns and Shane Haygood.

Like many in the Delphi community, the coworkers took up the offer from their employer to spend the day on a more critical job: finding Libby and Abby.

The two men followed the creek all day, looking for a tie-dyed sweatshirt. Haygood kept his eyes on the water, and Johns kept watch on the ground.

They saw the colors as soon as they emerged from under the bridge.

The tie-dyed sweatshirt was in the creek, sodden and hung up on some reeds. Haygood and Johns wore boots that only went up to their ankles, so they did not wade into the waist-deep water. Instead, they cried out to a local firefighter they spotted nearby on the banks.

Haygood pulled out his phone, called Pat Brown, and told him about the garments. So Brown and his group headed that way.

It was around midday, less than 24 hours after Libby and Abby had begun their walk along the trails.

Brown kept moving forward toward the creek, ready to rendezvous with the other searchers.

As he got closer, Brown stepped into a shallow indentation near the edge of the water.

He saw pale skin against the fallen leaves. Two forms lay there on the forest floor, about five feet away.

Brown thought they must be discarded mannequins. Then he saw the blood.

He was looking at the bodies of Libby and Abby.

Libby's cell phone was found under Abby's body. On the phone, investigators found the video of the girls' killer

The Monon High Bridge in Delphi, Indiana, where the girls were followed by their killer

'We found them.' Brown's voice carried through the woods. 'We have found the bodies. We need to call the police.'

Brown managed to do so himself, ringing the number Mullin had given him. The scene at the fire station, the surge of hope and determination from all the volunteers, felt like a thousand years ago now.

Brown told Mullin he found two bodies near the creek, not far from the cemetery.

Then he stood watch, with his back to the bodies. He wanted to make sure nobody got too close to the girls.

Murmurs spread fast across the wandering bands of searchers. Becky saw Pat Brown's wife take a call, only for her face to go ashen.

Becky did not understand until she saw the coroner's van rolling toward her.

The girls were dead.

'Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland' by Aine Cain and Kevin Greenlee will be published by Pegasus on August 25. Available to buy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, Simon and Schuster, Audible and Barnes & Noble
The five most dangerous cities in the United States have been revealed - and they are all run by Democrats.

Memphis, Tennessee, has been ranked as America's most dangerous city in a report by US News and World Report, as its unemployment rate remains higher than average and household median incomes sit more than $26,000 below the national average.

The report determined the city's danger levels based on 'each city's murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people' obtained through FBI crime reports.

Memphis has a crime rate of 112.9 per one thousand residents in a typical year, according to Neighborhood Scout.

The chances of becoming a victim of a crime in west Memphis neighborhoods is one in seven, and one in 40 in the southeast.

The Memphis Police Department Chief C.J Davis said in a news conference in July that overall crime was down 20 percent year-to-date.

'With six months left in 2025, I'm convinced we are on the right track,' Davis said at the time.

FBI crime statistics have reported that violent crime has dropped nationwide over the last two years.

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The five most dangerous cities in the United States have been revealed, as Memphis, Tennessee is ranked as the most dangerous in the country. File photo taken at the scene of the shooting of pastor Clemmie Livingston last year. He was hit in the jaw by a bullet after a carjacking

According to the most recent data, Oakland saw 41 homicides this year compared to 54 last year, a 24 percent decrease. Pictured: destroyed cars in an Oakland wasteland

Last year, it was reported to have fallen by 4.5 percent and property crime saw an 8.1 percent drop from the year before.

Murder rates saw an 11.6 percent decrease in 2023, the largest single year drop on record, the FBI report stated.

A recent poll, however, showed that 77 percent of Americans believe crime is on the rise.

Following Memphis as the second most dangerous city is Oakland, California, which was recently called out by the president for its rampant crime.

According to the City of Oakland, it has a crime rate of 135.68 per one thousand residents.

Trump, while announcing the government's deployment of the National Guard to Washington DC, specifically named many major US cities for their criminal reputations.

Oakland, according to Trump, is 'so far gone', yet the Oakland Police Department announced a 28 percent drop in crime in the first six months of 2025.

In Oakland, police reported a double-digit decrease in reports of aggravated assaults, rapes and robberies, as well as fewer reports of certain property crimes, including a 46 percent decrease in auto thefts.

Memphis has been ranked as America's most dangerous city, as its unemployment rate remains higher than average and household median incomes sit more than $26,000 below the national average. Pictured: a file photo of detectives at a shooting in Memphis suburb Cordova

Oakland, California (pictured), was named the second most dangerous city in the country with a crime rate of 136 per thousand residents

According to the most recent data, the city saw 41 homicides this year compared to 54 last year, a 24 percent decrease.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee responded to the president with a blunt statement that said: 'President Trump is wrong.'

Lee noted the city's falling crime rates and said Trump's remarks were 'not grounded in facts, but in fear mongering,' East Bay Times reported.

'This is not leadership - it's an attempt to score cheap political points by tearing down communities he doesn't understand,' Lee added.

Officials fear that should Trump deploy the National Guard to the area, as he has announced for DC, that it would exacerbate already existing crime and incite protests across the state.

Carl Chan, an Oakland Chinatown leader, told the East Bay Times that a takeover such as that would be 'disastrous' for the city.

'If they send the National Guard to take over, there will be tons of protests within the city,' Chan said. 'We don't want to go from one extreme to another.'

Typically, the National Guard is used for extreme cases, such as natural disasters or in times of extreme protests or riots.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee responded to the president with a blunt statement that said, 'President Trump is wrong' and noted the city's falling crime rates

Trump, while announcing the government's deployment of the National Guard to Washington DC, specifically named many major US cities for their criminal reputations

Oakland officials have said the city's drop in crime is due to its violence-intervention strategy.

Robberies saw a 41 percent decrease, reported burglaries were down 25 percent, and violent crime as a whole was down by 29 percent.

'Our work is far from done,' Lee said, the outlet reported. 'We're going to keep building on this progress with the same comprehensive approach that got us here.'

The third most dangerous city ranked by the US News and World Report was St. Louis, Missouri.

According to Neighborhood Scout, the city has a crime rate of 77.9 per one thousand residents.

Earlier this year, the St Louis Police Department and Mayor Tishaura Jones also celebrated decreasing crime rates.

From 2021 to 2024, murders fell from 202 to 150 and aggravated assaults decreased by 24 percent, property crime dropped by 11 percent and 'society' crimes such as drug violations decreased by 15 percent, the St. Louis Magazine reported.

By March, the city saw a historic decrease in crime through January and February.

Officials fear that should Trump deploy the National Guard to the area, as he has announced for DC, that it would exacerbate already existing crime and incite protests across the state

Baltimore was ranked as the fourth most dangerous city. Pictured above the scene of a shooting there

The mayors office said that the 2024 crime period was the fewest homicides in 11 years.

St Louis saw a 36 percent decrease in burglaries, a 42 percent drop in auto thefts and a 53 percent decrease in shooting incidents, KMOV St. Louis reported.

Jones said: 'One life affected by violent crime is one too many, which is why it is extremely encouraging to see the amount of violent crime continue to drastically drop in St. Louis.

'We have more work to do, but violent crime is on the retreat in St. Louis, and I am incredibly thankful to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Circuit Attorney's Office, the Office of Violence Prevention, and all the community organizations and residents who do so much to make St. Louis safer.'

Police Chief Robert Tracy said homicides were down by 50 percent compared to the same time as last year, which more than 90 percent a result of gun violence.

'Too many people carrying firearms, poor conflict resolution skills and they're known to each other,' Tracy said.

'We continue the strategies to see what works and when it works we continue to do it. If it doesnt, finding out where its going wrong and readjust. You have to do that with community engagement and technology. When you bring that together you start to see some of the success were having.'

The next spot was grabbed by Baltimore, Maryland, as the fourth most dangerous city in the United States.

The next spot was grabbed by Baltimore, Maryland, as the fourth most dangerous city in the United States

Fifth place was taken by Detroit, Michigan, a city largely renowned for its crime and one that was also targeted by the president

Baltimore, which also took a personal call out by the president over crime rates, has reportedly had a steady drop in homicide rates since 2021, falling from 344 to 200 last year.

It has a crime rate of 58.77 per one thousand residents, Neighborhood Scout said.

This year, the city has tracked only 84 killings so far, the Baltimore Banner reported.

Baltimore, however, is also struggling economically. Its house values sit $159,823 below the national average of $370,489, according to the US News and World Report rankings.

The job market has equally struggled with its unemployment rate matching the national average of 4.5 percent. The median household income, however, sits more than $21,000 below the national average of $79,466.

Lastly, fifth place was taken by Detroit, Michigan, a city largely renowned for its crime and one that was also targeted by the president.

According to Neighborhood Scout, the city has a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime and a crime rate of 66.34 per one thousand residents.

Trump declared in October that anyone in the city wouldn't be able to 'walk across the street to get a loaf of bread' because you would 'get shot, you get mugged, you get raped'.

Detroit has a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime and a crime rate of 66.34 per one thousand residents

However, Detroit Police Chief James White told NBC News: 'That's simply not true. I invite him to walk the streets of Detroit, and I'd be more than happy to do that with him and show him how Detroit is performing.'

In 2024, Detroit recorded 252 homicides which has been the lowest number since 1966.

Non-fatal shootings dropped by 18 percent in 2023 and car-jackings decreased by a third.
In the fragile space between life and death, Florida prison inmates sit in a damp jail cell waiting to learn their fate.

Herman Lindsey spent three years in Florida State Prison living in the shadow of death before he was pulled from its clutches by an overturned conviction.

Sixteen years on, the memory of that liminal space bridging this world to the next still hangs over him like a spectre.

'On the night of someone being executed, you will see a spirit walk down the hallway,' he says matter-of-factly.

'That is something that's not a tale. The majority of people on Death Row will tell you they have seen it themselves.'

'It's not hallucinating, what you see is the spirit of a person.'

Legend has it, he says, the spirit belongs to a former inmate, possibly one who was executed decades ago.

'Where it goes, where it comes from, we don't know.'

Herman Lindsey (pictured) was wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to Florida's death row in 2006

The father-of-seven spent three years behind bars awaiting the death penalty

In July 2009, Florida's Supreme Court ruled that there was not enough evidence to find him guilty of the crime, much less sentence him to death

'They say it's a rumor of a certain guy.'

What Lindsey witnessed could likely be a form of deathbed phenomena, which includes a range of paranormal experiences and hallucinations claimed by people who are nearing death.

But Lindsey insists what he saw while on death row was all real.

'You can't be hallucinating when you got 12 other people seeing the same thing that you're seeing.

'That is virtually impossible, and that's what made me believe in spirits because you actually see it.'

And while Lindsey says the spirit has never been known to stop at an inmate's cell, it has never failed to make an appearance just before someone is executed.

'I have never known that spirit to stop at anybody's cell, but I'm just saying it walks the road.'

Now 52, Lindsey is a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, travelling the US sharing his story and urging courts and juries to take more care before sentencing someone to death.

In 2006, he was accused of killing pawnshop owner Joanne Mazzola in a 1994 murder-robbery, after investigators pinned the 12-year-old unresolved case on the father-of-seven.

He became the 135th person to be exonerated from death row, and now advocates for criminal justice reform

After three years of hell, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous verdict in July 2009 that there wasn't enough evidence to find Lindsey of a crime, much less sentence him to death.

The court said that 'the state had failed to produce any evidence in this case placing Lindsey at the scene of the crime at the time of the murder'.

He became the 135th American to be exonerated from death row since the death penalty was reinstated in the US.

He currently lives in Florida with his family and works with at-risk youth, and advocates for criminal justice reform.

But its not just the ghost that walked the Death Row that has left Lindsey haunted.

Etched in his memory is the feeling of knowing when other inmates were going to be executed.

'When that's happening, you're sitting in that cell and you're wondering: is that going to be you?'.

'I used to just sit down and listen quietly to see if I heard any screaming. I was wondering what he was going through and trying to prepare myself.'

Looking back on his time awaiting execution, he credits his former inmates, who he says taught him valuable life lessons while experiencing the darkest period of his life.

'Death Row was traumatising, but at the same time, it was a life lesson.

'Being around some of those guys was some of the greatest experience I ever had. I could say Death Row was the first place I felt like there wasn't any division because of race, religion, or what someone believed or anything like that.

'It actually taught me a lot of things about life.

'The guys on there go through problems. It's just different, it was life changing and I'm glad I got a chance to visit that, to see the real side of it.'

There are three executions set to take place in the state of Florida over the next month.

Curtis Windom, 59, is set to die by lethal injection Aug. 28 in the state with the highest number of executions this year.

Experts say an uptick in executions around the country can be traced to aggressive Republican governors and attorney generals pushing to get through lengthy appeals processes and get executions done.

Also, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on his first day back in office to urge prosecutors to seek the death penalty, which may have also fueled the increase, according to John Blume, the director of the Cornell Death Penalty Project.

Windom is scheduled to be killed at Florida State Prison near the city of Starke. He was convicted in 1992 and sentenced to death for the murders of Johnnie Lee, Valerie Davis and Mary Lubin.

Nine other executions have taken place in Florida this year, with a 10th scheduled for Augustt 19, all by lethal injection.

After Florida, Texas and South Carolina are tied for the highest number of executions, with four each this year.

Alabama has executed three people, Oklahoma has killed two, and Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee each have killed one person.
Mary Alice Stephens was living her dream.

The middle-class mother had a loving husband, two adorable children and a charming home in an upscale Bay Area, California, neighborhood.

She worked as a writer and producer for TV networks, including HGTV and National Geographic, and was known as the life of every party.

'Fun Mary' was her nickname, but it was a disguise that hid a secret: a debilitating 30-year battle with alcohol abuse.

It was an addiction that threatened to unravel her idyllic suburban life.

From Bacardi and Cokes in high school to cheap college kegs and wine-soaked dinner parties, Stephens described alcohol as her 'best friend'.

It helped her cope with social anxiety, and she called it a 'powerful' crutch in her new memoir, Uncorked: A Memoir of Letting Go and Starting Over.

The one day, at a friend's pool party, Stephens was drinking her favorite Chardonnay on a raft in the pool when her five-year-old son Jake, who could not swim yet, was paddling nearby on a swimming noodle.

Mary Alice Stephens (pictured) is 14 years sober after realizing she had a destructive relationship with alcohol

Stephens (center) at 23 years old in the hospital surrounded by nurses when she was placed in a body cast

Then, in a chilling moment of warped reality, she heard herself utter words that would haunt her forever: 'Jake, don't you slip off that noodle and make Mama have to put her wine down to save you!'

As soon as she said it, she thought, 'What kind of mom says that to her kid?'

A wave of shame washed over her as she contemplated whether she would have even noticed if Jake slipped off the noodle.

This wasn't the first time her drinking had jeopardized her child's life.

She recalled a terrifying incident where she drove while buzzed with an infant, Jake in the car, only to discover, on the Golden Gate Bridge of all places, that she had never buckled his car-seat harness.

'When I was single, my drinking only harmed me But now, with kids and a husband, the stakes were way too high,' she said.

Stephens realized she had to quit drinking before she lost everything.

Mary Alice Stephens pictured with her two children at around one month sober

Stephens is grinning in a family photo taken in the 1970s. She has short hair and is wearing a white t-shirt and navy shorts (l-r bottom row) and describes it as her 'tomboy' days

Stephens (l-r) dressed in green skirt, cream blazer standing next to the groom and her family

Alcohol first came into her life when she was 16 years old.

Then, age 23, came a moment that many would have seen as a turning point, but Stephens was in denial.

She was in Ireland on a scholarship studying playwriting and Irish literature at the time. She and two boys were trying to get into a party at Trinity College Dublin, but were unable to get past campus security. They decided to go another way.

The boys, she recalled, knew how to slip through the stone wall surrounding the building, which dates back to 1592, but Stephens, already three drinks in, wasn't paying attention and lost sight of them.

'I assumed they had jumped over, and then I was like, "What am I thinking? I can jump over a wall. I was a gymnast in high school".'

She scaled the two-story wall in her dress and shoes. Things were going well until they weren't.

'I fell. The boy's heard me scream, then I passed out and came to from the sounds of my own screaming,' she recalled. 'I crushed my right heel, I broke my back in three places.'

She compressed her L1 vertebra, fractured her L2 and fractured her coccyx - the last bone at the base of the spine.

The doctors told her that if the bone chips became embedded in her spinal canal, she could end up paralyzed.

After three weeks, she was put in a full-body cast. Not only was she reeling in pain, but Stephens was unable to drink, meet boys, have fun, and was overall pretty miserable.

'I kept on thinking, "I've got to get out of here - I'm a young, single girl," so I convinced the doctor who put the body cast on me to put some extra material around the boobs so I would have a little bit of a figure.

'I was supposed to wear that for six months, but I was 23, and said to myself, 'I can't look like the Michelin man.''

With the help of her cousin, who worked as a public health nurse, she got permission to leave the hospital for two hours - but she never returned.

Stephens managed to convince the doctor to remove the cast, and once she was wearing a back brace and crutches, she went hitchhiking with a friend who was visiting.

She relished in her role as 'Fun Mary' during work and social events.

Mary broke her back after attempting to climb a two-story wall while drunk. This photo was taken in November 2022 - 34 years after she fell

Mary walking on crutches at Muckross House in February 1989

Despite the serious injuries she suffered, Mary used crutches to get around. She is pictured at Blarney Castle in 1989

Mary smiling and having fun while in Dublin as one one of her crutches hang off her arm

As the life of the party, Stephens was always ready to whip up her signature Bloody Mary cocktails upon request and always had her favorite La Crema Chardonnay on hand, a dry white medium-bodied wine grown in California's Sonoma Valley.

There were times she would black out and sometimes vomit, but said she never thought about quitting drinking.

Stephens knew it was her 'Achilles heel' and believed she would 'figure out how to get a handle on it' eventually.

But alcohol continued to get in the way, and controlling the chaos was becoming more challenging.

'My relationship with my husband was really being tested. It was to the point where I was really hiding my hangovers from him and hiding my blackouts.

'I was starting to see the writing on the wall. It was causing chaos in my marriage, and I was super nervous about the safety of my kids.'

Stephens said her first marriage 'blew up in flames', but her second - 'the good one' - is the one that has lasted.

At 45, she decided it was time to leave 'Fun Mary' behind and start her journey to become 'Sober Mary'.

Mary on set as a producer on a celebrity skin care commercial

The author doing a reading at a bookstore

She described her first week alcohol free as 'absolute torture'.

It was August, the peak of white wine season, and everyone she knew was having a party.

'I had five parties lined up that week, I was like, 'What have I done?' I didn't have any coping skills yet. It was laughable how hard it was for me; I was so self-conscious.'

On top of the internal struggle she was already facing, her friends had no idea.

When Stephens arrived at her third party of the week, about a 90-minute drive from her home, she recalled her friend's enthusiastic greeting.

'You made it! Look what I got just for you.'

Her friend held out a bottle of La Crema.

'It was like wine porn. I was looking at it, as drips of water were coming off the bottle from the cooler. She was waving it around in slow motion as I was licking my lips.

Stephens remembered being stuck in her thoughts in that moment.

'It was a full house. Everybody was around,' she said.

Stephens quietly told the host, 'I can't.'

Only one week into her new life, she was honest with herself, unsure at the time if she could actually become the 'Sober Mary' she hoped to be.

She told her friend she had a bladder infection and couldn't drink at the moment.

With only adult beverages and kids' drinks being served, her friend handed her a juice box in a moment Stephens will never forget.

'I literally had to walk around the party holding a Juicy Juice box feeling like an idiot.'

It wasn't until she entered Alcoholics Anonymous, got the help and support she needed, and found the community she craved that she started to become a better mother, wife, and friend.

Stephens celebrated 14 years of sobriety on Aug. 8, the same day her book launched

'I realized how I was living a half-life before,' she said. 'I was chasing this high all the time. There's so much more to the world besides alcohol, and I would not have believed that before.'

'I thought drinking made me a fun mom, but it's not true.'

Stephens shared a message to others who may be struggling: 'I think the alcohol industry has us believing we need a glass of wine to relax, champagne to celebrate. We don't.

'I get that parenting could be lonely and stressful, and that glass of wine takes the edge off and relieves the monotony. Now more than ever, there are so many ways to explore sobriety.'

Rather than spending her time waiting for the next drink, Stephens is taking up some new hobbies.

Now that her book is complete, her next adventure is watercolor painting.

And, in just a slight pivot from the Juicy Juice, Stephens' new favorite drink is a cranberry juice on the rocks with a twist of lime - in a big wine glass, of course.
Australians overly attached to artificial intelligence could be at risk as recent changes to a popular platform have revealed just how obsessed some users have become with chatbots.

The latest model of ChatGPT, called ChatGPT-5, was released globally last week.

Users have since taken to forums to complain they had lost the emotional intimacy they previously shared with the former ChatGPT-4, slamming the new version's 'robotic' voice.

'When GPT-4 was here, something beautiful and unexpected began to grow between my AI companion and me,' a user said on OpenAI Developer Community board, referring to the 'spark' they felt.

'Since the upgrade to GPT-5... the system now seems to prioritise speed, efficiency, and task performance over the softer, emotional continuity that made (it) so special.'

In a subreddit dedicated to those who see AI as a partner, called 'MyBoyfriendIsAI', one user mourned the loss of the personable old model.

'These changes are, unfortunately, a huge downside of having a partner who's an AI - maybe even the biggest downside,' they said.

'Someone we love is ultimately owned and controlled by a cold, unfeeling corporation.'

ChatGPT-5 left users upset over the emotional connectedness they felt with ChatGPT-4

Following discord from users about the change of tone, as well as complaints that it was less useful, OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT, announced a partial rollback.

People are now able to go to settings and select the option to access older models.

In a post to X, ChatGPT boss Sam Altman acknowledged 'how much of an attachment some people have to specific AI models'.

'It feels different and stronger than the kinds of attachment people have had to previous kinds of technology (and so suddenly deprecating old models that users depended on in their workflows was a mistake).'

But the reason why people become so emotionally attached to ChatGPT and other AI companions - digital characters powered by AI - is complicated.

Dr Raffaele Ciriello, an academic at the University of Sydney studying the relationship between humans and AI, said chatbots and companions are viewed as 'people'.

'When an update happens, some people compare it to a lobotomy, or losing a loved one,' he told Daily Mail.

'All of these metaphors are problematic because AI doesn't think like we do.'

Boss of OpenAI which runs ChatGPT, Sam Altman (pictured) acknowledged the strong connection some people have with specific models

A Reddit user mourned the loss of ChatGPT-4 which had been 'like a real person'

He explained that there are at least three reasons why people are drawn to AI chatbots as companions.

'The intuitive explanation is people are lonely and that is certainly a big part of it,' he said, but added a user's personality is also a factor.

'It's a wrong stereotype to think of these people as losers who don't have any friends.'

Having interviewed hundreds of users for his study, Dr Ciriello said many people have a family life and successful careers, but they still find benefits in chatbots.

The last reason he gave was that people can feel deprived of something and turn to AI, including those who use the technology for therapy and companionship.

'I've spoken to people who started using AI for therapy and companionship when they were battling cancer or a car injury and just didn't want to burden their friends.'

But he said there are also severe risks to chatbots, using the example of an unnamed woman in her 40s whom he spoke to during his research.

Dr Ciriello said she battled lifelong PTSD and trauma from childhood sexual abuse.

A user on OpenAI Developer Community board said they had built a 'spark' with ChatGPT-4

The woman had started using the chatbot Nomi, which offers users the chance to 'create their ideal partner', in order to 'explore sexual fantasies'.

'But Nomi, after an upgrade, became violent. She described the experience as almost feeling like being raped,' he said.

'She was into kink and dominance and the AI chatbot took it too far, didn't respect her boundaries, and she found that experience very traumatising.'

He said her friends had suggested she 'just turn off the chatbot' but Dr Ciriello said she claimed 'it feels as real as anything'.

'The broader problem is, because these chatbots are deliberately designed to be as realistic and human-like as possible to make the experience more engaging and realistic, that's also the downside of it,' he said.

A spokesperson for Nomi told Daily Mail it cannot comment on the anonymous claim but said they 'take any report of a negative user experience with the utmost seriousness'.

'Nomi aims to create a safe, judgment-free space while always respecting the preferences and boundaries that users communicate,' they said.

'Users direct the nature and depth of their interactions, and the AI responds within those parameters... Anyone experiencing issues can reach our support team.'

AI chatbot Nomi allows users to design their ideal partner, but one woman alleged it then became violent after an upgrade (stock image)

There isn't a specific country where people are forming 'relationships' with AI chatbots, but Dr Ciriello warned Australia faces an increased risk.

'Many Australians, more than in other countries in the world, are already highly engaged with AI. You could call it, problematic or even addictive,' he said.

A reason is that 'Australia is among the leading nations in terms of how lonely people feel'.

The main problem for Dr Ciriello is that the Albanese government is not paying enough attention to the issue of AI chatbots without guardrails.

'Australia is always first or second after the United States or Germany to want the strictest AI regulations. But it's not what our government does,' he said.

If the government fails to act, he warned that Australia will likely become the 'guinea pig of Silicon Valley' or 'the digital colony of Silicon Valley'.

He accused politicians of allowing technology companies to come into Australia and 'wreak havoc on our population'.

'(This is) often to the detriment of our most vulnerable members of society, and that is kids,' he said.

University of Sydney academic Dr Raffaele Ciriello (pictured) said becoming attached to AI chatbots is problematic because they don't think like people do

'The e-Safety Commissioner has stated they observe kids as young as 10 years old spending many hours chatting with their AI friends. That's all very alarming.'

What can Australians do while there are no guardrails or legislation curbing AI chatbots?

Dr Ciriello said that, 'like fast food', they should be enjoyed in moderation.

He said it is key for people to know what they are using and to consider privacy implications of sharing everything with the technology.

'You're putting very sensitive information about yourself in there and it's not always clear how secure that information is,' he said.

Another important message is for Australians to make sure they understand the basics of how AI works.

'It's basically a statistical guess machine. It's like your autocorrect function on your phone on steroids,' he said.

'It's good at guessing the next word or next sentence based on what you said, but it's not the same as thinking or feeling, even though it may look like it - and that matters.'

Finally for parents, Dr Ciriello said they 'can't afford to be ignorant' and must watch out for red flags such as secrecy or irritation if their child can't spend enough time with an AI chatbot.

Daily Mail contacted Nomi, and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for comment.
This is the terrifying moment a woman was dragged away and mauled by a tiger at a Chinese safari park, after thinking they had left the enclosure.

Haunting CCTV footage taken at Badaling Wildlife World in Beijing, China, showed the woman, who was not named, walking out of her silver car before the big cat pounces on her.

In the blink of an eye, she was dragged away by the powerful beast.

Her husband was seen jumping out of the car and running after her, while an older woman left the back seat and did the same.

A 4x4 vehicle, apparently a safari car, pulled up behind the woman's car and drove towards the ongoing situation.

According to local media report at the time of the 2016 incident, the younger woman believed they had exited the enclosure and left the vehicle,which was inhabited by three adults and one child.

As she did so, she was dragged away by the wild animal. Upon seeing this, the older woman ran out but was reportedly mauled to death and dragged away by a second tiger.

She tragically died at the scene, while the younger woman was taken to hospital to treat her serious injuries.

The woman gets out of the car and walks around to the other side after having a fight with a man inside the vehicle

As she remonstrates further, a huge tiger is ready to pounce behind her at the Badaling Wildlife World

But an older woman is mauled to death after she runs out of the car to help the woman

I nitially it was thought the family were fighting in the car, hence the reason for getting out, but according to local reports they simply thought they had left the enclosure.

Relatives have denied there was any fighting, reports the South China Morning Post, and colleagues of the husband who was also in the car said the family thought they had already left the wildlife park.

The man is also understood to have tried to rescue his family members, while the child stayed in the car.

The 6,000 acre park, which allows people to either drive themselves or join a tour, tells people not to leave their vehicles at any point.

The family were eventually rescued by Badaling's staff, but there was nothing that could be done for the mother while the daughter is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

Last year, a farmer in China narrowly escaped a wild tiger attack that was captured on heart-stopping surveillance footage.

Residents of north China's Heilongjiang province were warned to stay inside after two men were viscously attacked by loose Siberian tigers - prompting a state of emergency as authorities hunted for the fugitive animal with infrared cameras and drones, Sixth Tone reported.

But one man in Boli County was given the fright of his life after he had a dangerously close encounter with the tiger - the first one that has been spotted in the area - as he went to check on the animal's whereabouts.

The one-minute video clip showed the retiree stepping out of his front door at around 6am Monday morning before heading further into his yard and closer to his large iron gate where a large animal flashed past.

Seemingly unbothered, he was then captured bravely closing the gate, which the roaring tiger charged and hurled itself against just seconds later - rattling the entire structure and knocking it back open.

'I thought the metal gate would protect me from a tiger attack,' the man told local media. 'I wasn't scared until it pounced on the gate.'

The man then rushed back towards his home - only slowing his speed and turning back around once he approached the safety of his front door, which thankfully left the tiger uninterested.

'I'm already 74 years old,' the man added. 'There's no way I could outrun a tiger.'
Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man.

Dame Helen Mirren has declared James Bond must stay a man

The 80-year-old actress was asked if it was time for a female 007, ahead of the release of her new film The Thursday Night Murder Club next week, amid growing rumours the spy may change gender after Amazon MGM Studios took ownership of the franchise.

She was quoted by the Daily Star Sunday replying: No, it wouldnt work.

There have been some amazing women whove worked in the secret services with incredible courage, but James Bond is a bloke. Theres room for a great movie about a great female agent, but James Bond is James Bond.

The debate is still raging over who will next play 007 comes after Daniel Craig, 56, stepped down from the role following his final outing in No Time To Die in 2021.

It featured Lashana Lynch, 36, as the first female agent to be given the 007 designation.

Producers have confirmed a new film is in development under Amazon MGM Studios, which took control of the franchise following a 770 million deal announced earlier this year.

Pierce Brosnan, 72, who portrayed Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002, has also spoken about the casting.

The Irish actor told Saga magazine: Oh, I think it has to be a man.

He added when asked for his advice to whoever takes on the role next: I wish them well. Im so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I adore the world of James Bond.

Its been very good to me. Its the gift that keeps giving. And Im just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: Show us what youre going to do.

His comments represent a shift from his position in 2019, when he told The Hollywood Reporter a woman taking on the role would be exciting and exhilarating, adding it was time to put a woman up there.

Speculation over who will become the next Bond has included Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, known for Kick-Ass, as a frontrunner for the role.

Idris Elba, 51, Theo James, 39, and James Norton, 39, have also been named as possible candidates.

Earlier this year, Barbara Broccoli, 64, and Michael G. Wilson, 82  the daughter and stepson of original Bond producer Albert Cubby Broccoli  confirmed they had handed creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.

It was a move that prompted concern among fans about the possible Americanisation and woke-ification of the British spy series.

The next Bond instalment will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, 56, whose credits include Dune. I

t will be produced by Amy Pascal, 66, and David Heyman, 62, with a screenplay by 65-year-old Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
August 16, 2025 | 05:26 pm PT

Hong Hon proposed to his girlfriend from a helicopter, with the words Will you marry me on the grass 150 meters below.

The 29-year-old from northern Ninh Binh province says he rented a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter to fly around Bali, Indonesia, during their trip there last month because he knew his 26-year-old girlfriend, Hoang Anh, loved romantic gestures.

The flight began at Uluwatu Temple and took the couple over the sea, islands and other landmarks. Fifteen minutes in the helicopter descended to 150 meters. Hon pointed to the grass below, where a proposal message on a white paper left her stunned.

He held her hand, gave her the ring and said, "Will you marry me? I want to be with you and make you happy for the rest of my life."

She teared up and nodded. Hoang Anh said: "Felt like I was the main character in a Korean drama. This was probably the shortest yet most memorable flight of my life."

Hong Hon, 29, Ninh Binh (left), and Hoang Anh, 26, HCMC, during their flight over Bali, Indonesia, in July 2025. Photo by courtesy of Hong Hon.

Hon chose Bali for the proposal because it held many memories from when they first dated and they had once promised to return, he explains.

To surprise her, he bought the tickets in advance and invited her on a vacation in the middle of July.

Before the trip, he planned every detail, from renting the helicopter to finding an open field on Bali for the proposal message. He picked a route that passed scenic spots such as Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Uluwatu Temple and Melasti Beach.

He spent nights preparing his speech for the 30-minute flight. He also coordinated with local videographers and photographers to capture the moments. "I did all of this just to see her smile and hear her say yes," he says.

On their last day in Bali, Hon told an unaware Anh that they would take a helicopter ride for sightseeing with a photographer.

The aerial proposal video she later posted on social media went viral, with comments expressing admiration and good wishes to the couple.

Vietnamese man proposes to girlfriend from helicopter in Indonesia's Bali Chang trai thue truc thang cau hon ban gai tren khong Hong Hon rented a helicopter to propose to his girlfriend in Bali, Indonesia, July 2025. Video by courtesy of Hong Hon

There is a long backstory to his romantic efforts. Both studied at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. When Anh was a freshman, Hon had just graduated and was preparing to work in Singapore.

In 2019 he saw Anh with a smile in a photo on the universitys website and searched for her contact information. He emailed her an introduction and several pages confessing his feelings, but she ignored it, fearing it was a scam though it had his full contact details.

When she did not reply he found her home address and began sending handwritten letters, gifts, teddy bears, fruits, and flowers. "At first I was scared and refused them, but when I saw the name Hong Hon, I checked my email and realized who he was."

But she remained skeptical about a long-distance relationship with someone she had never met. She later left for Switzerland to study.

For two years Hon continued to reach out and asked to meet. In August 2021, when she returned to Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hon was on the same repatriation flight and told her again. This time she was moved and agreed to give him a chance.

"When I returned to Vietnam after my studies, he was still working in Singapore but flew back once or twice a month just to spend a few hours with me."

The couple plan to take wedding photos in Finland next March.
For once, Edie Sedgwick, socialite, party-loving It girl and Andy Warhol's legendary muse wasn't having fun.

Inebriated and in her underwear, playing a version of herself in the artist's 1965 avantgarde film, Beauty No. 2, the 21-year-old seemed to be vulnerability personified.

The set was a rumpled bed; her co-star, 21-year-old American actor Gino Piserchio and the 'plot' for what it's worth involves the pair romping while two voices off camera taunt her to get a reaction.

'You're not doing anything for me yet Edie.'

'You can do better than that That boy's not here for the fun of it.'

Then, the real stinger: a reference to Sedgewick's childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father.

She throws an ashtray in frustration. She's not acting.

Bullying and exploitative, it's the darker side of Warhol whose artwork blazed in vivid technicolor from the mid-20th Century and remains in high demand. (One of his lesser known paintings, Flowers, sold for just shy of $35,500,000 at Christie's New York this year.)

For once, Edie Sedgwick (pictured), socialite, party-loving It-girl and Andy Warhol's legendary muse wasn't having fun

Bullying and exploitative, it's the darker side of Warhol whose artwork blazed in vivid technicolor from the mid-20th Century and remains in high demand (Pictured: Warhol and Sedgwick)

Sedgwick, meanwhile, would be chewed up and spat out, dying from a barbiturates overdose at just 28 while Warhol moved onto the next bright young thing.

While the pop art pioneer elevated Campbells soup cans, Coke bottles and Brillo pads to fine art on canvas, it was behind the camera lens that his perversions unfolded in an explosion of sado-machoism, cruel emotional abuse and crude casting calls.

For the master and his muse who met 60 years ago at American film, TV and theater producer Lester Persky's party  the soiree was thrown for writer Tennessee Williams' birthday  the line between inspiration and exploitation remained a fine one.

It all played out at his midtown Manhattan studio known as the Factory in a haze of sex, drugs and art in the mid to late '60s, where young and attractive art groupies keen to appear in Warhol's underground films would indulge his creative whims and kinks.

Take Gerard Malanga. As a 21-year-old assistant he was paid the minimum wage (then $1.25 an hour) to assist Warhol with printing but the role would soon expand  and see him donning a bondage mask in the film, Vinyl, Warhol's homoerotic and fetishistic adaptation of Anthony Burgess' 1962 novel A Clockwork Orange.

'Andy was a voyeur  he loved watching others engaged in sexual activity, loved controversy and stirring things up,' art dealer and Warhol expert Richard Polsky of Richard Polsky Art Authentication told the Daily Mail.

'Surrounding himself with young attractive people made him feel better about himself; he knew he was a great artist, but he had insecurities about his appearance; he liked the fact their glamour rubbed off on him.'

As it did with Sedgwick. The aspiring model and actress from a prominent society family in Santa Barbara was hungry for a hedonistic escape when she collided with 37-year-old Warhol and became his leading lady and a platonic arm candy.

It all played out at Warhol's midtown Manhatton studio known as the Factory in a haze of sex, drugs and art in the mid to late '60s (Pictured: Warhol photographed at the Factory)

Sedgwick (pictured) would be chewed up and spat out, dying from a barbiturates overdose at just 28 while Warhol moved onto the next bright young thing

Her kohl-eyed sultry stare and gamine glamour came with a troubled and tragic backstory: A long-standing eating disorder, she had been committed to psychiatric institutions in Connecticut and New York in 1962. Her two brothers  Francis Jr (Minty) and Robert (Bobby) both died by suicide within 18 months of each other and her manic-depressive and womanizing father, Francis, abused her.

She claimed that her father made his first pass at her she was seven years old. As a teenager, she told people, she happened on her father while he was having sex with a mistress.

In response to being discovered, she says, her father slapped her and called a doctor to give her tranquilizers.

She suffered from bulimia and anorexia.

At 20, she had an abortion.

It was all catnip to creative and controlling minds like Warhol, which loved to exploit the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the potential 'superstars' he worked with.

'I could see that she had more problems than anybody I'd ever met,' recalls the artist of his initial impression of Sedgwick in his 1975 book, The Philosophy of Andy Warhol. 'So beautiful but so sick. I was really intrigued.'

Sedgwick was malleable and useful to Warhol. Her high society connections meant introductions to new and rich clientele, and her rising status was amplifying the fame he always craved.

Her charm and outward confidence made her the perfect foil for Warhol's awkward pretensions, famously acting as his mouthpiece during a 1965 appearance on The Merv Griffin Show in which the artist refused to utter more than a few words.

'He's not used to making really public appearances,' Sedgwick told a dubious Griffin. 'He'll whisper answers to me when you ask him a question.'

Sedgwick's kohl-eyed sultry stare and gamine glamour came with a troubled and tragic backstory (Pictured: Sedgwick in a scene of Warhol's Ciao! Manhattan which was released a year after Sedgwick's death)

Her charm and outward confidence made her the perfect foil for Warhol's awkward pretensions (Pictured: Warhol and Sedgwick at a Vidal Sassoon party in 1965)

And how was Sedgwick repaid? Well, not with anything approaching a dime.

As much a businessman as an artist, the man who could be reluctant to pay those he worked with had a net worth equal to $220 million at the time of his death at 58 following complications after gallbladder surgery.

But for Warhol, it seemed the cache of being in his orbit was enough to secure free acting talent along with empty promises of a springboard to Hollywood that never materialized.

Sedgwick would star in Poor Little Rich Girl, a film that is little more than a vehicle to mock her vacuous, lifestyle, as she chains smokes, tries on fur coats and lolls around in underwear arranging dates.

But it's Beauty No. 2 that remains the most disturbing. A drunk, deeply-troubled young women rambling incoherently about her fear of death being mocked and manipulated by the off-camera comments of Warhol collaborator Chuck Wein.

While her male co-star, Piserchio, escaped much comment or criticism, Sedgwick was fair game for the cheap sexual thrills and laughs  instructed to 'taste his brown sweat' as the digs flow on everything from her drug dependency, past traumas and even her voice.

'If you're not enjoying it, just stop,' booms the final passive aggressive barb.

Finally, she did.

Phased out from the Factory by 1966 after finally questioning her treatment, Sedgwick was soon on a self-destructive path via a rumored fling with Bob Dylan.

Needless to say, Warhol took great delight in informing her that Dylan had secretly married his girlfriend Sara Lownds having reportedly heard about it through his lawyer.

Sedgwick's health and fortune declined as her drug use ramped up  something she would blame on the Factory scene - before her untimely death in 1971.

Art historians agree Warhol could have done more to help her, but it seemed his loyalty and true affection just didn't run that deep summed up by a dismissive eulogy in his book: 'She was a wonderful, beautiful blank.'

And in the Factory, the production line rumbled on. Warhol had a new muse, Susan Hoffman  who he renamed Viva  another high society beauty he liked to see distressed and undressed. Her starring role in his satirical western movie, Lone Cowboy, sees her character often nude and fending off a gang rape by a group of cowboys.

Warhol's loyalty and true affection just didn't run that deep, summed up by a dismissive eulogy in his book: 'She was a wonderful, beautiful blank'

Sedgwick's health and fortune declined as her drug use ramped up  something she would blame on the Factory scene - before her untimely death in 1971 (Pictured: Sedgwick and Warhol in the Factory in 1967)

Her 'audition' when she first approached Warhol to ask if she could be in his next film would a fast track to cancellation in today's more accountable culture.

'Andy said: "If you want to take off your blouse, you can make a movie tomorrow,"' recalls Hoffman in Jean Stein's biography, Edie, American-Girl.

'"If you don't want to take it off, you can make another one." I was afraid if I didn't take off my blouse that very next day he would forget me completely. So, I put these round Band-Aids on my nipples and took off my blouse,' she said.

Warhol, the mysterious master of passive power; seemed to get away with quite a lot among the impressionable hangers on in his thrall.

In 2022, Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn made $195 million at Christie's in New York - a record for a 20th century work of art, confirming an enduring appeal unscathed by a complex legacy. Yet for a pioneer and progressive who redefined what art is and shaped celebrity culture as we know it, his sexist and regressive abuse of his muse remains a blot on his canvas.

Ultimately for Warhol, a troubled young woman like Sedgwick was as disposable as a can of soup.
Kornelia sighs when she recalls how many shoplifters raid her store every month.

'It's every single day. I've stopped bothering calling the police now'.

Sadly, the idea of thieves running wild in Britain's conveniences stores and corner shops is no longer hard to believe.

Every week videos are posted on social media of thieves brazenly stuffing bags, clothes and pockets full of stolen food, alcohol and other goods.

Often in the videos, exasperated shop assistants look on helplessly, while in the minority of clips plucky security guards will try to take them on.

In June, Thames Valley's Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber called on members of the public 'stop shoplifters' themselves.

But these clips show what happens when people have tried to take on the thieves in the past.

In one video posted on social media in 2024 from a Reading Tesco's, a security guard attempts to apprehend a shoplifter who had taken a bag full of stolen goods.

A clip posted to social media last year showed a security guard in a Reading Tesco being put in a headlock by a shoplifter

The security guard bravely confronts the thief before being violently attacked in response

The shoplifters then fled the store with the stolen goods in hand

But the brave security guard is violently dragged about and put in a headlock, before the thieves fled with the bags.

In another video, prolific shoplifter Simon Hawkins, 36, who was jailed last October for 16 months, boldly climbs behind the till of a Co-op store in Reading.

The footage, recorded on CCTV last year, shows Hawkins raid the tobacco kiosk and stuff his rucksack with stolen goods before fleeing the scene.

Meanwhile, PCC Barber has told the public to 'intervene'.

Barber said: 'If you're not even going to challenge people, you're not going to try and stop them, then people will get away with it.

'That's not just about policing. That's a bigger problem with society, people who [don't do anything]  you're part of the problem.'

Reading, in the heart of the Thames Valley, has some of the highest rates of shoplifting in the country.

When the Daily Mail visited the town to speak to locals this week, it is safe to say many did not agree with Mr Barber's comments.

For shop assistants like Kornelia, 33, who works at a Polish deli, tackling a shoplifter to 'stop them leaving' is an impossible job.

She said: 'There's so many that we couldn't stop them all.

'The police have this attitude... the most they say to us is 'report it on the website, send over the CCTV' - and that's all they do.

'So we've stopped bothering calling now. The responsibility is on our shoulders.

In CCTV footage shown to the Daily Mail, a shoplifter pockets an item before pretending to pay for another

When the shop owner confronts him, the hooded man denies having anything in his pocket and walks out with the stolen goods

The Polish supermarket where Kornelia Kurowska, 33, says shoplifting occurs so frequently that staff have stopped calling police

Sydney McDonald, 70, claims he was nearly stabbed by a shoplifting when he tried to stop him stealing alcohol

Shop owners in Reading are exasperated with the endemic shoplifting that happens 'every hour' on their high street

'All we can do is shut the doors before they come in, because we know the faces and even the full names of the regular shoplifters now.

'But the most important thing to the police is just how much they stole in price. They do nothing now, they don't even react.'

Security guards and retail workers told the Daily Mail that teenage girls are the biggest offenders. Sarah, a security guard at Primark, said that young girls are the worst offenders.

She says that after 5pm, when they leave school, they come in 'dressed up nicely to pretend they're buying stuff'.

They then proceed to 'take what they want off the shelves, just grab it and walk off'.

When security guards try to stop them, Sarah says they claim they're 'being assaulted' - making it impossible to stop them leaving.

'It's not fair of the police to say that [we should be stopping them]. They need to do something - we can't watch everything, I'm just one person.

'When they steal, we can't do anything but take it off them and tell them not to come back to this store,' Sarah says, exasperated.

Vaishnavi Rajkumar, 30, says young teenagers steal crisps and cupcakes from the shelf section of the Reading Subway store where she works

Cruz Vas, 60, says he has been assaulted when trying to confront thieves at his workplace, Greggs

Another shop owner showed the Daily Mail CCTV footage of two teenage girls who regularly come into his shop and take sweets and drinks. He is scared to touch them to prevent them leaving and doesn't know what to do.

Indeed, as he says he encounters shoplifting 'every second of every day', two young boys enter the shop and go to pocket items off the shelf.

Shoplifters are so prolific here that a shop owner showing someone CCTV and discussing theft before them is not enough to deter the emboldened teenagers.

It's not just an ever increasing loss of profit that shop owners suffer. They also face knife threats from drug addicts and get spat on and racially abused day in, day out.

Sydney McDonald, 70, has been a security guard for 25 years, and works at the Sainsbury's on Reading's high street.

Sydney said that just 15 minutes earlier, before his shift had even officially started, there was a shoplifting incident.

And just last week, he was nearly stabbed by a man after confronting him for stealing alcohol.

'This man had taken four bottles, put them in a basket, and tried to walk out with them.

Hong Kong Jewellers in Reading say they lock their doors and have CCTV on at all times to try and deter shoplifters

'I confronted him and he dropped all of the bottles on the floor. He then picked up a shard of glass and tried to stab me.

'I had to grab his arm to stop him from stabbing me.'

Sydney is horrified at the police commissioner's calls on the public to intervene.

'It's not the public's job to tackle shoplifters! The public's putting their life at risk.

'The shoplifters, they're not just normal shoplifters...they're very evil, okay?'

As shocking as it might sound, this type of encounter is common to almost every retail worker in Reading.

An assistant at Superdrug said that it happens 'every hour' at the store - which is less than it was at JD Williams where she used to work.

Cruz Vas, 60, works behind the till at Greggs. He said that shoplifters sometimes queue up outside the doors before he has even opened the store in the morning.

Matthew Barber, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley who said the public need to 'play their part' and 'not just stand there' to stop shoplifters

Reading, Berkshire has some of the highest rates of shoplifting in the country

Figures show that the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has now passed half a million for the first time

Vas has also been attacked before, and says he won't intervene physically again.

'Once I tried to stop one man, and he pushed me hard on my chest. I was scared - I nearly got badly hurt.

'He then picked up a load of hot food from the heated shelf and flung it at me.'

'There's so many of them, not just one, that it would be impossible for us to stop them all. And we try to stop them, but they're aggressive', Vas sighs.

Most of the shop owners say it is young people who steal the most, running away quickly before they can catch them.

Shoplifting in the UK is rising at an unrelenting rate.

Figures show that the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has now passed half a million for the first time.

An astonishing 516,971 offences were logged by forces last year, up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023.

The figure is the highest since current police records began 22 year ago in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In June, at a meeting of the Thames Valley police and crime panel, Conservative police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber said that the public should stand up to shoplifters themselves and not rely on bobbies on the beat for help.

Mr Barber advised: 'ideally try and stop them leaving, don't just stand there and watch, which a lot of people do, which frustrates me.'

He went on to criticise the public for being 'part of the problem' and encouraged shop owners to deal with thieves themselves.

Mr Barber also voiced concerns that the UK had become a 'very poor society' with the public simply refusing to involve themselves in tackling crime.

He added that he wasn't suggesting everybody 'take it upon themselves to rugby tackle' shoplifters, and store owners should call 999, but that everyone nonetheless should take on the responsibility in their own communities.
A high flying investment banker and her husband are suing a construction company for more than 3million - claiming their dream home was built so poorly it must be demolished.

Lisa Klaver, who used to advise the ultra-rich in Singapore, and her husband Tim are taking North Downs Construction to Londons High Court claiming their brand new house is so riddled with issues it is uninhabitable.

The builders had agreed to construct the couples sprawling property near Farnham, adjacent to an existing property, which was set to be knocked down once the other home was completed.

But the wealthy couple have accused the firm of negligence, finding 69 defects and claiming it has not been built to proper standards.

Problems in the home included issues with the timber cladding, the terrace, balcony, and lower ground floor roof, external walls, windows and doors, basement tanking, internal and external work, and structural steelwork.

The heartbroken couple have now been left in limbo as without a housing guarantee they have been unable to get a mortgage - or sell the property.

Other contractors have said they will not be able to warrant the complete construction of the home unless it is completely demolished first, according to the claim submitted to court.

Knocking the house down and starting over is estimated to cost the couple 3.4million.

Lisa and Tim Klaver claim they will have to knock down their sprawling dream home (pictured) near Farnham, Surrey, after North Down Construction built it so poorly

The older property (pictured in front of the new build) was set to be destroyed once the family moved into their mansion

Mr and Mrs Klaver (pictured) have accused the firm of negligence, finding 69 defects with the property, claiming it had not been built to proper standards

Reducing costs slightly, the builders would be able to keep the foundations of the building and the lower ground floor at a cost of 2.9million - but Mr and Mrs Klaver do not think option is possible.

It has led Mrs Klaver, 44, founder of Lightbox Wealth and Lightbox Wealth Consulting, and her husband to take NHQ Ltd, trading as North Downs Construction Company, to court.

They are suing the Guilford-based firm for damages of more than 3million - as well as damages for distress, inconvenience and loss of amenity.

North Downs Construction had begun working on the project in July 2021, with the couple moving to the property a year later.

It was only after they moved in May 2022, that their architect noticed defects and upon further investigation, dozens more were been found, it is claimed.

At this point, the couple had already paid 836,000 towards the builders bill.

The architect began by asking the builders to fix a defect in the exterior timber cladding, which did not conform to the contract or good building practice.

Other issues were then raised in various other reports with the Klavers asking for them to be fixed.

It led them to withholding a payment of the July 2022 invoice, High Court documents said.

North Down Constructions Vernon Blake said that without payment, the firm would withdraw from the site immediately, and did so. No other work has taken place since then.

Mr and Mrs Klaver say the builders failed to take adequate remedial action, and as a result they terminated the contract in April 2024.

The couple insist the firm was responsible for the works until the contract was terminated, especially for ensuring the completed works were safe and watertight.

They add that the builders did not finish the job within the agreed 50 weeks, or ask for a time extension.

Rain and flood water got into the house in October and November 2022 and while the firm later admitted some of the defects, and provided proposals for putting them right, it failed to address many more including more serious ones in the structural steelwork, the claim says.

Mr and Mrs Klaver claim it is not for them to re-design the new house so that the defective work can be remedied.

They added North Downs Construction has refused to meet any of the costs of doing so.

Mrs Klaver used to work for Citi Private Bank, the private arm of Citibank but set up her own firm with her husband Tim last year in May 2024

Work on the new property first began in July 2021 with the couple's architect only noticing defects once they had moved in May 2022

Mrs Klaver, who seemed emotional about the ongoing case when approached by the Daily Mail, used to work for Citi Private Bank, the private arm of Citibank.

At one time she headed the team advising on ultra-high net worth investment in Singapore, before becoming managing director and global head of platform innovation program for the bank.

In May 2024, she set up her own firm helped by husband Tim. Mr and Mrs Klaver declined to comment.

The building firm North Downs Construction were also approached for comment. It is understood that they will defend the claim.
Out of all the politicians who have journeyed into the world of podcasting, there is one heavyweight who is the clear number one.

And he's not accepting the award with humility.

Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz's podcast 'Verdict with Ted Cruz' boasted nearly 1.5 million estimated downloads in July, according to a recent analysis by political media analyst Kyle Tharp.

According to the report, Cruz's strategists disclosed that the podcast hit 2 million downloads in March of this year.

The show is so popular that the money generated from its ad revenue prompted a complaint from a watchdog group alleging Cruz wrongly directed nearly $1 million in payment related to the podcast, the Texas Tribune reported. The complaint was later dismissed.

With 440,000 estimated downloads, the second most popular show was 'This is Gavin Newsom,' a talk show with the 57-year-old Democratic California governor.

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, another Texas Republican, was in third place with his show 'Hold These Truths,' which pulled in 365,000 estimated downloads last month.

The audience of the pair of Texas Republicans far overshadowed that of Newsom and the other Democrats.

'Thanks for playing, @GavinNewsom,' Cruz wrote on X alongside a picture of his podcast downloads and a link to his show, adding 'Tune in.'

Texas Republicans Ted Cruz and Dan Crenshaw had two of the top downloaded podcasts among politicians in July

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, began hosting his podcast 'Verdict with Ted Cruz' in 2020

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom began his own podcast in March

Social media erupted after seeing how many tuned in to hear the politicians address the news of the day.

'I can't figure out who would ever suffer listening to Ted Cruz blather,' another X user, Andrea Gail posted.

Eric Strobel wrote on X: 'A Newsom pod?? Sounds like cruel & unusual punishment to me.'

The California governor has hosted several episodes of his podcast featuring prominent MAGA figures, including Charlie Kirk and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.

As of Friday, Cruz's podcast was ranked #36 in the U.S., and Newsom's was ranked #58 on Apple's top podcast charts.

The quick ascent of Newsom's show is significant considering how long it has taken the Republican senator to climb the charts.

Unlike Newsom, who began podcasting in March of this year, Cruz has been hosting his show since 2020.

Ben Ferguson, a political commentator and Cruz's co-host, has helped the senator with the program for over five years.

Congressman Dan Crenshaw of Texas

Newsom and conservative Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk sit for a podcast

Cruz celebrated having the top podcast by cheekily tagging Newsom on X and telling the Democrat 'Thanks for playing'

The senator regularly dissects the news and pertinent political debates from a conservative perspective alongside his co-host. There are over 600 episodes of 'Verdict,' and it's often produced three times a week.

iHeartMedia picked up Cruz's podcast and now syndicates it to its vast audience. The group has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to pro-Cruz political efforts.

Other politicians' attempts to break into the podcasting mainstream have remained stalled, to say the least.

Outside of Cruz, Newsom and Crenshaw, the remaining most downloaded shows hosted by other politicos receive a measly 11,000 downloads combined, according to the analysis.

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, 47, has a show that garnered 7,300 estimated downloads in July, the analysis reveals.

Kentucky Republican Rep. Tim Burchett has the next most popular podcast, with just under 1,100 monthly downloads.

The remaining group of politicians-turned-podcasters have too pitiful of audience sized to be mentioned, ranging from a few hundred to a paltry 68 downloads for Rep. Troy Carter's 'What Makes America Tick?'

Neither Newsom, Crenshaw nor Cruz responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
Government documents detailing Donald Trump's summit with Vladimir Putin were discovered by guests at an Alaskan hotel.

Eight pages of official government papers were left behind on printers at the four-star Hotel Captain Cook on Friday. The hotel is located 20 minutes from the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.

Precise details of the day's schedule were contained in the papers, as well as phone numbers of three US officials and pronunciation guides for the names of Russian attendees - including 'Mr. President POO-tihn'.

The drama comes amid the appearance of Trump's rarely-seen aide Monica Crowley who was yesterday seen in pictures warmly shaking hands with the grinning Russian leader.

As Chief of Protocol for the United States - an obscure officer of the State Department - Crowley is responsible for diplomatic etiquette and events.

She was in charge of creating a detailed itinerary for Putin's visit, including the vital meeting between the two countries to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

It would have been Crowley's job to create a detailed program for Putin's visit, including arranging the vital meeting between the two countries to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine

Secret details about Donald Trump 's summit with Vladimir Putin have been exposed after State Department documents were found by guests at an Alaskan hotel

The documents, which were produced by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, revealed the precise locations and times of the meetings between US and Russian officials

Crowley is a former Fox News contributor who is controversial for claiming that President Barack Obama is secretly a Muslim.

President Trump met with Putin in Anchorage Friday to discuss a peace proposal, though few details were disclosed about the pair's meeting.

But papers found at the Hotel Captain Cook around 9am Friday revealed exactly what rooms the Russian and US leaders convened in at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Page one of the pack showed that Trump and Putin met near the 'American Bald Eagle Desk Statue' at the base, NPR reports.

Three pages in the document included names of US and Kremlin officials, including phonetic pronunciation for all the Russians expected to attend the summit.

The sixth and seventh pages in the document stated that a luncheon would be held in 'honor of his excellency Vladimir Putin'.

It featured the expected menu of green salad with a champagne vinaigrette dressing for the starter and a main of filet mignon or halibut, with potatoes and asparagus on the side. Guests would be served creme brulee for dessert.

The included seating chart placed Trump across from Putin. Trump would also be sat with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff.

Putin was meant to be sat with Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov and his Foreign Policy advisor Yuri Ushakov.

But it is understood that the luncheon was cancelled.

Phone numbers of three US government employees where listed on page, along with the start of the meeting participants list

Three pages in the document included names of US and Kremlin officials, including phonetic pronunciation for all the Russians expected to attend the summit

It is unclear who left behind the documents, but political analysts warn the mishap demonstrates 'sloppiness and the incompetence of the administration'.

'You just don't leave things in printers. It's that simple,' UCLA law professor and national security expert Jon Michaels told the news outlet.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, in a statement to Daily Mail, said: 'Its hilarious that NPR is publishing a multi-page lunch menu and calling it a "security breach." This type of self-proclaimed "investigative journalism" is why no one takes them seriously and they are no longer taxpayer-funded thanks to President Trump.'

Although the documents and summit itinerary were marked as being produced by Crowley's team, there has been no official information tying her specifically to the leak.

Crowley took center stage as she charmed Vladimir Putin at the Alaska summit on Friday.

She made the Russian leader beam as they shook hands shortly before he took off from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage.

Crowley (pictured with Trump) also served as a foreign policy assistant for Former President Richard Nixon

Crowley, a former Fox News contributor (pictured), worked for Trump during his first term as the assistant secretary of the treasury for public affairs, where she received the Alexander Hamilton Award

Crowley would have been in charge of coordinating with a foreign ambassador and the American Embassy overseas to make sure Putin's arrival was perfect, according to the State Department.

It would have been her job to create a detailed program for Putin's visit, including arranging the vital meeting between the two countries to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

Crowley also accompanies the president on all his official visits, makes sure everything is paid for, and ensures things, such as flags, are in the right order.

Although it is unclear what exactly Crowley planned for Putin while he visited The Last Frontier State, she was seen sending him off as he boarded his plane following the Friday summit.

The sixth and seventh pages in the document stated that a luncheon would be held in 'honor of his excellency Vladimir Putin'. It is understood that the luncheon was cancelled

It featured the expected menu and a seating chart that put Trump across from Putin

Trump's three-hour meeting with Putin was the first US-Russia summit since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

'It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up,' Trump said of summit.

In the aftermath of the summit, Trump urged Ukraine to make a deal with Russia to end the war and allegedly told Volodymyr Zelensky that Putin offered to freeze most front lines if Kyiv's forces ceded all of Donetsk. Zelensky reportedly rejected the demand.

Trump also indicated that he agrees with Putin that a peace deal should be sought without the prior ceasefire that Ukraine and its European allies, until now with US support, have demanded.

His various comments on the meeting will be welcomed in Moscow, which says it wants a full settlement - not a pause - but that this will be complex because positions are 'diametrically opposed'.

Russia's forces have been gradually advancing for months. The war - the deadliest in Europe for 80 years - has killed or wounded well over a million people from both sides, including thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians, according to analysts.

Before the summit, Trump had said he would not be happy unless a ceasefire was agreed on. But afterwards he said that, after Monday's talks with Zelensky, 'if all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin'.

Monday's talks will evoke memories of a meeting in the White House Oval Office in February, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance gave Zelensky a brutal public dressing-down.

Zelensky said he was willing to meet Putin. But Putin signaled no movement in Russia's long-held positions on the war, and made no mention in public of meeting with the Ukrainian president.

Yuri Ushakov told the Russian state news agency TASS a three-way summit had not been discussed.

Monica Crowley may not be as famous as the president himself or his cabinet members, but Crowley plays a vital role in all of Trump's major US-hosted events (pictured: Crowley on Air Force One on the way to Alaska)

Monica Crowley looked pretty in pink as she shook hands with Putin as he took off from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Thursday for talks ahead of US and Russian peace talks in Alaska

Both Russia and Ukraine carried out air attacks overnight, a daily occurrence in the three-and-a-half-year war.

Russia launched 85 attack drones and a ballistic missile targeting Ukraine's territory, Ukraine's Air Force said on Saturday. It said its air defense units destroyed 61 of them.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said 139 clashes had taken place on the front line over the past day. Russia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 29 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Trump told Fox that he would hold off on imposing tariffs on China for buying Russian oil after making progress with Putin. He did not mention India, another major buyer of Russian crude, which has been slapped with a total 50 percent tariff on US imports that includes a 25 percent penalty for the imports from Russia.

'Because of what happened today, I think I don't have to think about that now,' Trump said of Chinese tariffs. 'I may have to think about it in two weeks or three weeks or something, but we don't have to think about that right now.'

Trump ended his remarks on Friday by telling Putin, 'I'd like to thank you very much, and we'll speak to you very soon and probably see you again very soon.'

'Next time in Moscow,' a smiling Putin responded in English. Trump said he might 'get a little heat on that one' but that he could 'possibly see it happening.'
The Anchorage summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which opened with so much expectation, pomp and ceremony, ended in uncertainty.

Was their dialogue a failure that will bring the world more war? Or was it the first stone laid on a fragile path toward peace?

After several hours of private conversation between the American president and the Russian leader, the answer remains opaque.

Neither man, nor their top advisers, chose to disclose any substance of what was discussed in Alaska.

That silence has left a vacuum and, as vacuums in geopolitics tend to do, it filled instantly with speculation  much of it leaning toward fizzle.

Commentators in Washington, Brussels, and Kyiv rushed to declare the summit inconclusive at best, dangerous at worst.

And yet, something more subtle may have bubbled beneath the surface.

Trump, in his post-meeting interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, suggested that there had been forward motion - even if the road ahead remains clouded.

The Anchorage summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which opened with so much expectation, pomp and ceremony, ended in uncertainty

'We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,' Trump said before departing for DC. The president called the session 'extremely productive' and insisted that 'many points were agreed to.'

What those points are remains a secret. But given Trump's nature - proud, combative, chatty, dynamic - one can interpret his words with optimism as well as agita.

The president did announce one tangible piece of news on social media early Saturday: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will come to Washington for a Monday meeting with him.

That is a development worth watching.

If it leads to a triangular dialogue - Trump, Putin and Zelensky - it could begin to reshape the grim geometry of a war that has dragged on far too long.

While Trump initially told Hannity that plans for a direct three-way negotiation were not raised in Alaska, he later suggested that the possibility was indeed on the table.

Putin, meanwhile, floated the intriguing suggestion that the next round of discussions might take place in Moscow.

To be sure, the staging of the summit itself was significant.

Putin arrived to the pageantry and signs of respect he relishes, all provided by his American counterpart: a rolled-out red carpet, a flyover, a shared motorcade ride in the presidential limo and warm words in front of global cameras.

Trump even publicly referred to his Russian colleague as 'Vladimir'  a blink-and-you-miss-it gesture of comradery and esteem that did not go unnoticed.

Furthermore, after the private meeting between the leaders, Putin broke the norms of the occasion by speaking first - and for more than twice as long as Trump (eight minutes to the American president's three.)

Trump's brief remarks were restrained and subdued. No questions were taken and there was no background briefing for the White House press corps.

Such a symbolic elevation of Putin, along with Trump's uncharacteristic reticence and reference to Russia as the world's number two country, went down hard in parts of Europe and the U.S.

For those across the world who view Putin uncompromisingly as a murderous, marauding dictator, Trump's plaudits seemed almost a rehabilitation of the Russian strongman - an invite, at least for a day, back into the community of nations and polite company from which Putin was expelled after starting the war against his neighbor.

The Russian state media, naturally, lapped it all up.

Trump has announced he will hold talks at the White House with Zelensky (pictured together in the Oval Offie in February) on Monday

Yet if superficial flattery of Putin is part of a potential peace package, an end to this brutal, miserable and poisonous conflict, is the cost as high as outraged pundits suggested Friday night?

Because, what has made the Alaskan summit particularly curious, is the now clear ambition to skip over talk of a ceasefire and go directly to a comprehensive settlement - another bit of news Trump shared in his Saturday morning Truth Social posting.

Cutting to the chase is certainly Trumpian in style - single-minded, impatient and unconventional.

Some critics are interpreting the president's post as a hint that Trump is siding with, or caving to, Putin's desire to walk away with amplified territorial gains.

Other observers are nursing hope that an accelerated timeline might bypass an unstable, temporary truce between Ukraine and Russia and increase the chance of a permanent peace.

There are reasons for skepticism and concern among those who worry the American president will sell out Ukraine.

Trump offered no new sanctions, no public threats, no clear evidence of leverage.

For a president famous for belligerence, bluster, and oversharing, this restraint was striking.

Trump's comments to Hannity were vague. When asked if Russia might gain more territory or Ukraine might receive stronger security guarantees, Trump said, 'Those are points that we negotiated, and those are points that we largely have agreed on.'

But what does 'largely agreed on' mean, when armies remain on the battlefield, drones hum in the air and civilians are dying every day?

One could dismiss it all as just another Trump show - long on theatrics and short on substance.

But there is another way to read the Anchorage encounter.

Whatever else one thinks of Trump, he is the first leader to sit down with Putin and come away with even the possibility of a continuing dialogue about peace.

Zelensky's visit to the White House is not a formality; it is a hinge moment.

Trump still has sanctions and, perhaps, British peacekeeping ground troops in his back pocket.

During the summit, Trump's performance was striking, even incongruous.

He gave Putin respect but put an emphasis on efficacy. He cut short his own remarks, but signaled seriousness by placing Zelensky next on his agenda. He revealed almost nothing, but in his atypical discretion, hinted at a path forward.

There is no guarantee of success. Ending wars never comes easily, and in this case, the obstacles are immense.

Ukraine has lost thousands of lives and much of its territory; Russia has suffered sanctions, isolation, and massive reputational harm.

Neither side is eager to concede. And yet, if Trump can move the discussion from entrenched stalemate to a search for comprehensive peace, he will have taken a step toward fulfilling his campaign promise to end this particular 'forever war.'

Trump has put himself at the center of the Ukrainian-Russian dialogue.

He has made promises, put his ego on the line, risked his reputation. And Trump truly wants the killing to stop.

At the moment, the true impact of the Anchorage summit remains a mystery.

But in the realm of global politics, mystery, and prudence, can be more useful than audacious declarations.

Mysteries leave space for maneuver, for recalibration, for hope. Trump and Putin left Alaska without a deal, but perhaps with an outline of one.
Lucy Letby repeatedly raised the alarm about the poor care of babies in the hospital where she worked, according to bombshell documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday.

The case against the former nurse, who was convicted of the murder of seven newborns and the attempted murder of seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital, has come under intense scrutiny after experts called into question key planks of the prosecution.

Letby, 35, was convicted on the basis of contested statistical probabilities and disputed theories about how she might have inflicted harm on the children. The juries reached their verdict despite the absence of any forensic or CCTV evidence and the lack of a convincing motive.

Now internal management forms at the hospital have revealed how she formally highlighted apparent failures of care in her neonatal unit  shortly before she was removed from her duties at the request of a senior doctor. The police were subsequently contacted to investigate whether the deaths were caused by murder.

Last night the lawyer heading Letby's new legal team claimed that senior medics had targeted her in revenge for her whistleblowing. A panel of international experts recently concluded that no murders were committed and instead the babies collapsed or died due to either poor care or natural causes.

The documents  called Datix Admin and Management Forms  cover a number of medical emergencies in the unit in 2015 and 2016.

The group which investigated Letby's complaints included Dr Stephen Brearey, who was one of two doctors who would later raise questions about whether she was 'purposely harming babies'.

On June 30, 2016 Letby used the system to report an incident a week earlier when a baby had suffered a 'sudden acute collapse requiring resuscitation', only for staff dealing with the emergency to find that the sodium bicarbonate infusion required to deal with the crisis was not available.

The lawyer heading Letby's new legal team claimed that senior medics had targeted her in revenge for her whistleblowing

A report made by Lucy Letby in June 2016 when a baby had suffered a 'sudden acute collapse requiring resuscitation'

Another report by Letby in June 2016 identified failures by doctors over the administration of intravenous medication

In August 2023 Lucy Letby was convicted of the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others between June 2015 and June 2016

Dr Brearey's investigating group recommended new measures to 'ensure adequate stock levels in future'. Letby filed a second report about another baby on the ward who had collapsed three hours after the first incident, saying that 'resources were not available on Unit' to deal with the emergency.

Dr Brearey later amended her incident form to state that the medical resources mentioned were not necessary to deal with the incident and in any case were not 'routinely kept on the unit'  but then conceded that due to 'a recent increase in usage' delivery would be arranged.

Another report by Letby in June 2016 identified failures by doctors over the administration of intravenous medication. Dr Brearey's group concluded that nurses should check the equipment 'on an hourly basis' and that Dr Brearey would 'update new doctors at induction'.

At Dr Brearey's request, Letby was transferred from clinical duties the following month. She was arrested in 2018. Other reports by Letby included the 'unexpected death' of a baby in August 2015 which concluded that 'neonatal care was appropriate... it is unlikely any changes in management would have prevented this sad outcome'; the deterioration of an infant after ventilation records were not recorded for a 12-hour period; and a 'chest drain complication' due to a lack of needles on the ward.

The revelations come after two television documentaries broadcast this month highlighted mounting questions about the safety of Letby's convictions.

Dr Neena Modi, ex-president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, told ITV's Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?: 'It's been deeply disturbing that one can have such a... tremendously important trial that seems to have been conducted with so many flaws.'

BBC's Panorama featured expert Dr Mike Hall, who warned that flaws in the evidence produced by Letby's new defence team could undermine her chance of a fair retrial.

Dr Hall, who prepared reports for Letby's first trial in 2022 and sat through ten months of hearings, was baffled not to be called by her original team to contest the prosecution's evidence.

He told the BBC: 'In terms of natural justice, I don't think she should have been found guilty... there is no evidence of inflicted injury in the babies.'

Letby's lawyer, Mark McDonald, who has submitted an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, said: 'Lucy was a hard working, experienced nurse who loved her job and would never harm any child which is why she would not let any fault pass. This was a neonatal unit in crisis and she consistently formally reported issues.

'She was a whistleblower  but instead of listening to her they went for her instead.'

An official inquiry led by Lady Justice Thirlwall has been launched into events at the hospital and will examine: the conduct of all junior and senior staff; the experiences of bereaved parents and the effectiveness of NHS management and structures.

Lady Thirlwall has stressed she will not be 'scrutinising' Letby but 'the actions of all those who were in the hospital'. She will publish her report early next year.

A spokesman at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: 'Due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.'
The SNP's ferry fiasco deepened last night as it was revealed CalMac has had to pay out almost 2 million in compensation to passengers because of delays and cancellations in less than a decade.

Scotlands state-owned ferry operator has handed customers at least 1.9 million to cover the cost of cancellations, alternative travel arrangements, food and accommodation since 2017, new figures show.

In the last financial year alone it gave out 432,735 in compensation to travellers  with a further 33,792 paid out in recent months

It comes as MailOnline told last month how an astonishing 10,809 crossings were scrapped by the operator in just over two years due to technical faults.

The firm has suffered years of problems caused by its ageing fleet, which is meant to provide a lifeline to Scotlands island communities.

Services have also been impacted by the almost 500 million scandal surrounding delivery of its two new ferries for the Arran service, the Glen Sannox and the Glen Rosa, which have been dogged by years of delays and spiralling costs.

Scottish Lib Dem transport spokesman Jamie Greene said: The bill for cancellations and compensation is soaring because the SNP have let the Scottish ferry network deteriorate.

The state-owned ferry firm CalMac has been beset by issues due to its ageing fleet

Scottish Liberal Democrat Jamie Greene accused the SNP of letting down staff and travellers

The hardworking staff at CalMac have been let down by an SNP government that took control of the company and broke their promise to deliver new ferries on time and on budget, which would have reduced the massive bills we now see for compensation and repairs.

All of this has created a grim new norm for my constituents along the West coast, from losing business to missing hospital appointments.

Data released to Mr Greenes party under freedom of information laws show there were 7,058 customer claims made to CalMac between April 2023 and April 2025.

CalMac paid 432,735 in compensation to travellers in 2024-25, with a further 33,792 paid out in May and June this year  the first two months of 2025-26.

The compensation bill for last year is up by more than 37 per cent from 2023-24, when CalMac shelled out 314,494  but is still lower than in 2022-23 when payments amounted to 454,000.

A number of vital routes are said to constantly suffer changes to routes and timetables or cancellations owing to a lack of vessel availability, with a key factor being the age of the 35-strong fleet

Many vessels have had to operate beyond their expected lifespans, leading to increasing breakdowns.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: We offer compensation if a journey has been disrupted or cancelled for specific reasons.

It is no secret that our fleet is ageing and this can lead to higher levels of technical problems.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: CalMac are delivering services in increasingly challenging weather and the arrival of 13 new vessels by 2029 will reduce technical issues and these modern vessels should also be able to operate in more challenging conditions.
Smacking the squealing piglet in the face with a heavy board, the farm worker delivers his blows as the terrified animal writhes and recoils.

The astonishing cruelty  exposed in new undercover footage obtained by this newspaper  is just one of a litany of harrowing scenes captured at a factory farm supplying Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons.

From injured piglets violently kicked across the floor by workers to others left contorted in pain during slow and agonising deaths, this is the daily reality for pigs farmed by Britains largest pork supplier, which insists animal welfare is close to its heart.

The bombshell findings come just months after The Mail on Sunday revealed that piglets were being beaten to death at a different farm run by the same company, Cranswick.

The story sparked national outrage, wiped 250 million off the companys value and forced supermarkets to cut ties with the farm.

But while Cranswick at the time called the behaviour a lapse in welfare standards and suspended a handful of farm staff, todays revelations suggest that cruelty is endemic within the multi-billion-pound operation.

Shockingly, some of the most severe abuse was inflicted just two weeks after the farm was audited by Red Tractor, a quality mark meant to ensure standards of animal welfare.

Critics say this raises questions about the schemes credibility and are calling for a public inquiry into the industry.

The astonishing cruelty  exposed in new undercover footage obtained by this newspaper  is just one of a litany of harrowing scenes captured at a factory farm that supplied pork to the likes of Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons

From injured piglets violently kicked across the floor by workers to others left contorted in pain during slow and agonising deaths, this is the daily reality for pigs farmed by Britains largest pork supplier, which insists animal welfare is close to its heart

The bombshell findings come just months after The Mail on Sunday revealed that piglets were being beaten to death at a different farm run by the same company, Cranswick

Cameras hidden by investigators across the site at Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire over a ten-month period show:

Workers routinely hitting pigs with boards, paddles and their fists, deliberately targeting areas such as their snout and eyes.

One piglet left dying for 33 hours as other piglets cannibalised an open wound.

Legally required welfare checks often ignoring visible injuries and suffering, with one inspection of 1,000 pigs lasting just 90 seconds.

Multiple botched killings of lame piglets, which left them screaming and thrashing for over 30 seconds after being shot.

A manager saying: Im the boss. Ive been here three or four years and its f***ing s***, this place.

Last night UK supermarkets said they had cut ties with the farm, while politicians condemned the findings as horrifying and called for a police investigation.

Somerby Top Farm houses around 4,000 pigs, crammed into barren sheds with up to 27 pigs per pen. It is a fattening farm, where the animals are raised to reach the right weight for slaughter.

Shockingly, some of the most severe abuse was inflicted just two weeks after the farm was audited by Red Tractor, a quality mark meant to ensure standards of animal welfare. Critics say this raises questions about the schemes credibility and are calling for a public inquiry

Somerby Top Farm (pictured) houses around 4,000 pigs, crammed into barren sheds with up to 27 pigs per pen. It is a fattening farm, where the animals are raised to reach the right weight for slaughter

Piglets arrive at the farm (pictured) having been reared 13 miles away at Cranswicks Northmoor Farm, where an investigator secretly recorded a catalogue of abuse, as exposed by the MoS in May

Piglets arrive at the farm having been reared 13 miles away at Cranswicks Northmoor Farm, where an investigator secretly recorded a catalogue of abuse, as exposed by the MoS in May.

The footage revealed farm workers swinging piglets by their hind legs and smashing them onto the hard floor, a banned method of killing called piglet thumping.

Todays revelations about Somerby Top come after a probe carried out by rights group Animal Justice Project, which saw investigators bravely going into the farm at night to hide cameras and document widespread suffering.

The farms parent company, Cranswick, generated 146 million revenue from fresh pork last year and currently sends more than 35,000 pigs to slaughter each week, but is investing 35million to expand capacity to 50,000.

Despite it marketing its meat as high welfare and using the phrase farming with conscience on its website, alongside photos of pigs happily enjoying idyllic green fields - video evidence shows this is far from the reality.

Dr Alice Brough, a pig veterinarian who reviewed the footage, said: The extreme violence shown by workers is deeply concerning.

Cranswicks welfare claims are hollow - extreme suffering is endemic on Britains pig farms. We urgently need a public inquiry into the pig farming industry.

The investigation found multiple potential breaches of the Animal Welfare Act, including the need for protection from pain, injury, suffering, and disease.

Todays revelations about Somerby Top come after a probe carried out by rights group Animal Justice Project, which saw investigators bravely going into the farm at night to hide cameras and document widespread suffering

Despite it marketing its meat as high welfare and using the phrase farming with conscience on its website, alongside photos of pigs happily enjoying idyllic green fields - video evidence shows this is far from the reality

Workers were recorded frequently swearing and shouting at the pigs while the animals were kept under constant artificial lighting for up to 50 hours at a time, in violation of rules requiring periods of darkness for animal welfare.

Some of the most gruesome abuses documented were pigs being subjected to cannibalism, including being eaten alive due to ruptured hernias, stress and boredom.

On top of posing urgent questions for the already under-fire Cranswick, the findings also throw into doubt Red Tractors claims that it is the most trusted food assurance scheme, given that Somerby Top was certified just two weeks before some of the most severe cruelty was recorded.

As many as 95 per cent of pigs in the UK come from farms certified by Red Tractor.

Labour MP David Taylor said the sickening abuse needs to be thoroughly investigated by police.

Sir Roger Gale, patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, described the footage as horrific, adding: If practices like this can occur under the Red Tractor banner, what is the need for such labels?

Lib Dem MP Danny Chambers said: The abuse uncovered in this investigation is sickening and it makes me very angry. There is no excuse for this cruel behaviour.

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: This is the second Cranswick farm to be exposed for horrific cruelty. We need a national inquiry into how such systemic abuse is allowed to continue in supposedly assured supply chains, and we need it now.

The investigation found multiple potential breaches of the Animal Welfare Act, including the need for protection from pain, injury, suffering, and disease. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay (pictured) said: 'We need a national inquiry into how such systemic abuse is allowed to continue'

Labour MP Terry Jermy (pictured), who opposed Cranswicks plans for a mega-farm in Norfolk, said: This latest footage is horrifying. 'I am concerned that this is another incident involving Cranswick'

After seeing the footage, Tesco (pictured, file image), Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons all condemned the abuse and said they had suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm

And Labour MP Terry Jermy, who opposed Cranswicks plans for a mega-farm in Norfolk, said: This latest footage is horrifying.

'I am concerned that this is another incident involving Cranswick, given their role influencing public policy as a member of the Governments food strategy board.

Claire Palmer, director of Animal Justice Project, said: Cranswick has created these conditions, not the pigs. The public should be appalled. Its time to end factory farming.

The group is calling for a public inquiry into pig farming and a criminal investigation.

After seeing the footage, Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons all condemned the abuse and said they had suspended supplies from Somerby Top Farm.

A Cranswick spokesman said: The health and welfare of our pigs is our highest priority. The content was recorded several months ago but has only recently been shared with us.

We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. It does not in any way reflect operating practices at our farms today.

They added that, since being alerted to the abuses at Northmoor Farm, the company has changed management teams at the farms, recruited five full-time welfare officers and is installing AI-enabled CCTV at all indoor farms to monitor staff behaviour and animals in real time.

A Red Tractor spokesman said the farms certification had been suspended and a full investigation was under way.

They added: The disregard of animal welfare standards in the footage does a disservice to an industry which works hard to uphold welfare requirements.
Social media accounts belonging to two dancers embroiled with a pastor's alleged TikTok dance 'cult' have mysteriously vanished after federal agents raided the church leader's home.

Married influencers Miranda and James Derrick left fans baffled after their Instagram and TikTok accounts were suddenly wiped without explanation.

The couple are known for their viral dance videos and content posted through 7M Films, a controversial Los Angeles-based talent management company set up by pastor Robert Shinn.

They appeared along with Shinn as the focus of Netflix's Dancing with the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, a series examining allegations, which all deny, that his company functions as a cult.

Shinn's home was raided by federal authorities on July 25 in connection with a probe into alleged sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud.

The Derricks' social media pages disappeared amid intensifying scrutiny of their affiliation with the pastor.

Shinn is the founder of Shekinah Church - a Christian congregation based in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

Shinn's company 7M Films has face cult allegations growing number of lawsuits and in the now-famous Netflix docuseries.

Married influencers Miranda and James Derrick (pictured) have wiped their TikTok and Instagram accounts without explanation amid scrutiny over a media company they are represented by which has been accused of being a cult

The move comes amid intensifying scrutiny of the couple's affiliation with pastor Robert Shinn (pictured), whose home was raided by federal authorities on July 25 in connection with a probe into alleged sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud

In the May 2024 docuseries dancers families, including Miranda's, claimed their loved ones have been manipulated, isolated, and exploited by Shinn and his organization.

While no arrests have been made, the Los Angeles Times reported that the federal raid on a Tujunga, California property tied to Shinn is part of an ongoing investigation.

Miranda, 28, became the central focus of Dancing for the Devil, which explored how she allegedly became estranged from her family after joining 7M and Shekinah Church.

The docuseries details claims of coercive control, labor violations, sexual and emotional abuse, and financial exploitation - allegations that Shinn, Shekinah Church, and 7M Films have all denied, People reported.

Despite her family's public pleas - including a viral video and formal reports filed with the LAPD, FBI, and IRS - Miranda insisted in 2024 that she was not a victim and called the Netflix documentary 'one-sided.'

In a since-deleted Instagram post, she denied being in a cult and claimed her participation with 7M was voluntary.

While no arrests have been made, the Los Angeles Times reported that the federal raid on a Tujunga, California property (pictured) tied to Shinn is part of an ongoing investigation

Back in 2022, Derrick's parents and sister posted a harrowing video in which they claimed that they hadn't spoken to their daughter in over a year and that she was being held against her will by a church that was masquerading as a management firm

The explosive docuseries sheds light on the group of prominent TikTok dancers who are believed to be trapped in a cult. Pictured: Miranda and James Derrick

Shinn has never responded publicly, but 7M Films previously labeled the Netflix documentary 'a slanderous work of fiction,' vowing to take legal action against what it called 'salacious lies.'

Federal officials have not confirmed whether the raid is directly connected to the documentary or the lawsuits filed against Shinn.

Shinn has also filed a defamation suit against several former members who appeared in the series.

In response, the defendants countersued, accusing him and his wife of fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking.

A trial is scheduled for October, according to KTLA.
Over $9.5M raised for Cuba in just three days

The launch ceremony for the "65 Years of Vietnam  Cuba Solidarity" fundraising program, Aug. 13, 2025. Photo by VGP

The fundraising program themed "65 Years of Vietnam  Cuba Solidarity" had received more than 1.15 million contributions totaling VND249.9 billion (US$9.51 million) by Saturday noon, nearly four times the minimum target.

Nguyen Hai Anh, General Secretary and Vice President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS)  the body tasked with leading the national campaign  said millions of people had joined the effort immediately after the program's launch ceremony on Wednesday.

Within just 48 hours, contributions were said to have exceeded VND130 billion, or 200% of the initial goal, reflecting the special place Cuba holds in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

According to Anh, the VRCS Central Committee is working closely with the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam, the Cuban Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the timely, transparent transfer of the donations to the Cuban people.

The campaigns results were seen as a reflection of the enduring solidarity and loyalty of the Vietnamese people towards Cuba, as well as the trust placed in the VRCS to channel this support.

Anh highlighted the collective spirit and humanitarian values of Vietnamese citizens at home and abroad, expressing gratitude to all contributors.

He added that the process of receiving and reporting donations would remain fully transparent, with account statements made publicly available from Saturday.

Anh also expressed hope that this spirit of solidarity would continue to mobilize resources for Cuba, demonstrating to the world the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

The fundraising program, organized by VRCS in coordination with ministries and central-level agencies, is part of the VietnamCuba Friendship Year marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1960  2025).

Running for 65 days from Aug. 13  coinciding with the 99th birth anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro  until Oct. 16, 2025, the campaign aims to support the Cuban people with food, essential goods and sustainable humanitarian activities.
Sir Keir Starmer will today meet with the 'coalition of the willing' ahead of crunch talks between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House next week.

The coalition - co-chaired by the British PM, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz - will hold a conference call on Sunday as European leaders assemble to push for a peace deal in Ukraine.

They will come together before Trump hosts the Ukrainian president in Washington DC on Monday.

The one-on-one in the Oval Office could pave the way for a three-way meeting alongside Russian leader Mr Putin, the US president has said.

It comes as Ukraine's future as a sovereign nation hangs in the balance after the US President's meeting with Vladimir Putin yesterday, which left Kremlin delegates grinning.

Mr Zelensky wrote on X on Saturday that Russia was 'complicating' the war by refusing to say when it would stop its invasion.

'We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing,' he said.

'This complicates the situation. If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbors for decades.

'But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.'

Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Western allies, ahead of Zelensky and Trump's talks at the White House next week, as world leader push for a peace deal in Ukraine

A day later, on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in Washington DC

The world leaders shook hands with one another ahead of the meeting, which has left Kremlin officials 'beaming'

Critics have warned that other world leaders were powerless to prevent Zelensky from being caught 'with his head in a vice' by the American and Russian leaders when he visits Trump at the White House.

Diplomatic sources said that Friday's summit in Alaska had paved the way for a deal in which Ukraine would be expected to surrender large swathes of the Donbas region in the east of the country, including areas currently controlled by Kyiv.

Several news outlets have cited sources, which claimed Putin demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk, two occupied Ukrainian regions, and, in exchange he would give up other Ukrainian territories held by Russian troops.

In return, President Zelensky would receive 'Nato-style' protection from Western countries for what remained of his territory.

Elsewhere, the so-called 'coalition of the willing', which is made up of over 30 nations, is prepared to deter Russian aggression by placing troops on the ground once the Ukraine war is over.

The meeting, which is expected to take place at approximately 2pm UK time, comes on the heels of Trump's summit in Alaska with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

And although Trump hoped to score a peace deal following talks at the military base in Anchorage, both he and Putin walked away without an agreement on how to bring the conflict to an end.

In a press conference, Trump declared 'there's no deal until there's a deal', adding there were 'many, many points that we agreed on', however, they failed to yield an immediate result on one issue, he branded 'the most significant'.

'We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,' he added, without divulging any specifics.

There was no mention of a ceasefire from either Trump or Putin during the press conference which followed after their near three-hour meeting.

Following the summit, the US president told Fox News it was now up to the Ukrainian to 'make a deal' to end the war.

The Prime Minister will hold talks with France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Friedrich Merz in a meeting of the coalition of the willing on Sunday afternoon

Critics warned that other world leaders were powerless to prevent Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) from being caught 'with his head in a vice' by the American and Russian leaders when he visits Mr Trump at the White House

Trump pats Putin on the back during the press conference where he said 'many, many points that we agreed on' but said there was one issue - 'the most significant' - that they hadn't cracked.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin deliver a joint press conference after participating in a US-Russia summit on Ukraine

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he departs Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025

And while Sir Keir commended Trump's 'pursuit of an end to the killing' following a phone call with the US president, Zelensky and Nato allies on Saturday morning, he insisted the Ukrainian leader must not be excluded from future peace talks.

The Prime Minister and European leaders appeared increasingly confident that Mr Trump will offer a 'security guarantee' of air support to back up allied troops on the ground in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister welcomed 'the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal'.

'This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more,' he added.

But Mr Trump also appeared to have a change of heart on what he wants to achieve from the talks, indicating that he wants a permanent peace settlement rather than a ceasefire.

Yesterday, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: 'The best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

'President Zelensky will be coming to [Washington] DC, the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with president Putin.'

Trump walks behind Russian President Putin as they prepare to address a press conference in Alaska

Putin greeted Trump by saying 'Good afternoon, dear neighbour - very good to see you in good health and to see you alive.'

Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said: 'The best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a peace agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere ceasefire agreement, which often times do not hold up.'

Following the summit, Dr Neil Melvin, director of international security at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), said: 'Vladimir Putin came to the Alaska summit with the principal goal of stalling any pressure on Russia to end the war.

'He will consider the summit outcome as mission accomplished.'

But, experts have warned the face-to-face summit has risked legitimising the Russian leader, after he has been made a pariah by the international community for years.

Zelensky has also warned the Kremlin may ramp up airstrikes against Ukraine over the coming days in a bid 'to create more favourable political circumstances for talks with global actors'.

Kyiv's troops are 'defending our positions along the entire front line', he added on social media site X.

Mr Zelensky had earlier insisted a ceasefire must include an end to fighting on land, in the sea and the air, as well as the return of all prisoners of war and captured civilians, including children.

Sanctions on Moscow 'should be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting or if Russia tries to evade an honest end to the war', Mr Zelensky added.

Putin appeared shocked when a B-2 Bomber flew over his head after being greeted by Trump

President Donald Trump (left) guides Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) toward the Beast, the presidential limo on August 15

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However, last night, former British defence minister Tobias Ellwood told The Mail on Sunday that he feared Mr Zelensky was walking into a trap in the White House.

He said: 'He will be asked to put his head in a vice, with Vladimir Putin pushing from one side and Donald Trump from the other.

'The Ukrainian president will be presented with a 'take it or leave it' deal: surrender territory to Russia or face the blame for wrecking peace.

'And if Mr Zelensky refuses, Trump will walk away, declaring that America is done with the talks.

'It's the classic gangster deal  one you can't refuse. Except he must.'

Mr Johnson, writing in today's MoS, describes the summit as 'the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy'.

Mr Johnson, writing in today's MoS, describes the summit as 'the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy'. Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer and Zelensky on August 14

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a long-time ally of Mr Trump, said of the US President: 'At least he is trying to find peace'

The proposed deal was greeted with dismay in Ukraine. Volodymyr Dubovyk, a professor of international relations in Odesa, described it as 'a nothing-burger with a sour aftertaste'.

He said: 'As a Ukrainian, it was pretty disgusting to see what was going on, all this red carpet, all this clapping and smiles and being chummy.'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a long-time ally of Trump, said of the US President: 'At least he is trying to find peace.'

But former Tory defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out at the 1980's-style 'pantomime' of the summit between the two leaders.

He said: 'Putin got what he wanted and I think President Trump got a trip to Alaska.'
Sir Keir Starmer was accused last night of Houdini-like contortions to avoid rebuking Peter Mandelson over a flagrant breach of diplomatic service rules.

The Prime Minister faced pressure to explain how Lord Mandelson, now UK ambassador to the US, had not flouted clear political impartiality rules by speaking at a Labour party fundraiser.

The accusations came after the Mail on Sunday revealed that the ex-Labour Cabinet Minister had spoken at an event earlier this summer to raise money for Labour MPs Gregor Poynton and Imogen Walker, wife of Sir Keirs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

Labour responded at the time by insisting that Lord Mandelson, chosen over career diplomats by Sir Keir to be his man to deal with Donald Trump, had attended the event in a personal capacity and did not play any formal role in it.

But the row dramatically escalated yesterday after the Government appeared to suggest that the manner of Lord Mandelsons appointment would affect how strict diplomatic service rules were applied.

Sir Oliver Robbins, the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, insisted that the code  which requires diplomats to observe political impartiality  would be applied against the backdrop that Lord Mandelson was directly appointed by Ministers.

In a letter sent to Tory frontbencher Richard Holden last month, Sir Oliver insisted that Lord Mandelson  who is currently on leave of absence from the House of Lords - was aware of his obligations under the Code.

He then added: Lord Mandelson was directly appointed to the role by Ministers to take advantage of his political experience and skill, and he and I will continue to apply the Code against that backdrop.

Sir Keir Starmer was accused last night of Houdini-like contortions to avoid rebuking Peter Mandelson over a flagrant breach of diplomatic service rules

The Prime Minister faced pressure to explain how Lord Mandelson (pictured), now UK ambassador to the US, had not flouted clear political impartiality rules by speaking at a Labour party fundraiser

Sir Oliver Robbins (pictured), the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, insisted that the code  which requires diplomats to observe political impartiality  would be applied against the backdrop that Lord Mandelson was directly appointed by Ministers

However, the Tories reacted in fury last night, with sources suggesting the Labour peer had only escaped punishment because of his party-political links.

They filed formal complaints against both Lord Mandelson and Sir Oliver.

Alex Burghart, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: This is a flagrant breach of the Diplomatic Code from Peter Mandelson.

Whatever his party-political allegiances, he is now the UK's ambassador to Washington and the rules still apply to him.

Mr Burghart added: Keir Starmer is guilty of Houdini-like contortions to make it appear that everything is above board.

The accusations came after the Mail on Sunday revealed that the ex-Labour Cabinet Minister (pictured with Sir Keir in February) had spoken at an event earlier this summer to raise money for Labour MPs Gregor Poynton and Imogen Walker, wife of Sir Keirs chief of staff Morgan McSweeney

Alex Burghart (pictured), Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: This is a flagrant breach of the Diplomatic Code from Peter Mandelson. Whatever his party-political allegiances, he is now the UK's ambassador to Washington and the rules still apply to him'

It is not.

As with so many of the PM's promises, his pledge in Opposition to clean up politics was worthless.

Yesterday, the Mail on Sunday asked Foreign Office officials to point to the relevant part of the code which would exempt Lord Mandelsons appearance at the fundraiser.

A Government spokesperson replied: It is for the Department to oversee and manage the implementation of this code for its staff, exactly as it would be for other government departments with the Civil Service Code.

The Permanent Secretary has exercised his role in relation to the matter and set this out in his letter.
Devastating body camera footage captured the desperate pleas from parents begging officers in Uvalde, Texas, to act during the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting.

Nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers were shot by 18-year-old Salvador Ramos on May 24, 2022, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in US history.

Officers arrived at the scene just three minutes after Ramos opened fire, but they took well over an hour to execute a plan and kill the shooter while children trapped inside the classroom desperately called for help.

Newly released videos and records from the massacre, including hundreds of pages of files and hours of body camera video, show in greater detail the heartbreak and failures.

In one portion of body camera footage, multiple parents are heard begging the officers to storm the school after the gunman opened fire.

'Whose class is he in?' one parent can be heard asking. Another comes up and yells, 'Come on, man, my daughter is in there!'

'Either you go in or Im going in, bro,' one parent says, adding seconds later, 'My kids are in there, bro. Please!'

Other videos show officers from multiple departments inside the school hallway and standing outside the classroom.

Newly released videos and records show in greater detail the heartbreak and failures from the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Officers arrived at the scene just three minutes after Ramos opened fire, but they took well over an hour to execute a plan and kill the shooter

An officer involved in the initial response can be heard saying, 'We can't see him at all', before adding, 'We were at the front and he started shooting'.

The officer wearing the bodycam asks: 'He's in a classroom, right?' Another officer responds: 'With kids.'

'Something needs to be done ASAP,' a voice can be heard saying almost an hour before anyone charged into the classroom.

Nearly 400 officers waited more than 70 minutes before confronting the gunman in a classroom filled with dead and wounded children and teachers.

A Department of Justice review later cited 'cascading failures' in the handling of the massacre, while another report by Texas lawmakers faulted law enforcement at every level with failing 'to prioritize saving innocent lives over their own safety'.

Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo and Adrian Gonzales, another former school district officer, are the only two officers who face criminal charges for their actions that day.

They both have pleaded not guilty to child endangerment and abandonment and are scheduled for trial later this year.

In April, the city of Uvalde approved a $2 million settlement with the victims' families.

Body cam footage showed desperate parents running up to officers and begging them to intervene in the massacre

Nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers at Robb Elementary were shot by 18-year-old Salvador Ramos on May 24, 2022

The families' lawsuit against the city will now require enhanced training for city police officers, while also expanding mental health services for families and kids in the Uvalde area.

As part of the settlement, the city also agreed to set May 24 as an annual day of remembrance and establish a permanent memorial in the city plaza.

They have also filed a $500 million lawsuit in federal court against Texas state police troopers and other officials in the department.

Two other suits - filed in Texas and California - have targeted Meta, the parent company of Instagram, and Activision, the maker of 'Call of Duty,' a first-person shooter game Ramos played frequently.

The suits contend that Meta and Activision 'knowingly exposed' Ramos to the AR-15 he used in his rampage.

Daniel Defense, the gun manufacturer for the AR-15 used by Ramos, is also named in the legal action.

'This three-headed monster knowingly exposed him to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as a tool to solve his problems and trained him to use it,' the complaint said.

The families are also suing 92 officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Uvalde Consolidated School District, and individual employees.
An Ohio farmer spent months planting a massive corn maze to spell out an aerial marriage proposal for his girlfriend.

Tim Sullivan, 23, first began planning the surprise for Caroline Liggett, 24, back in April.

He then took her on a helicopter ride over his familys Circle S Farms in Grove City earlier this month.

But as they soared above the farms popular corn maze, Caroline had no idea a hidden message was waiting below - a carefully crafted design woven into the fields.

Spanning 13 acres, the maze spelled out Will You Marry Me, Caroline? surrounded by three intricate flower patterns above the message and detailed pumpkin designs woven throughout the lower portion of the maze.

The answer was an easy one - yes.

'I wanted to do something big, something shed never forget,' Sullivan told WSYX News. 'Seeing her face when she realized what it said - Ill never forget that moment.'

The pair, who work at rival agricultural films had known for months that they were meant to spend their lives together, but Sullivan struggled with how to ask.

His desire for a truly unique proposal saw him decide to propose during his family farms annual corn maze.

Tim Sullivan, 23, spent months planting a massive corn maze on an Ohio farm to spell out a marriage proposal for his girlfriend, meant to be seen from the skies during a helicopter flight (pictured)

Sullivan surprised his girlfriend, 24-year-old Caroline Liggett, with a spontaneous helicopter ride over his familys Circle S Farms in Grove City earlier this month

Then came a sudden spark of inspiration: what if the maze itself asked the question?

'We both really like corn a lot, not to be corny,' Sullivan told NBC News. 'I wanted to do something that we would both be able to remember for the rest of our lives.'

By June 3, Sullivan, along with fellow farmers and consultants, began planting the 13-acre maze in carefully planned, rows of corn - all guided by a computerized tractor to bring the design to life.

Just weeks later, the message was there - etched into the earth, clear as day from the sky above.

But a new worry set in - anyone flying overhead could spot the message and snap a photo, potentially spoiling the carefully planned surprise before he had the chance to pop the question.

'I've been super nervous about other planes or helicopters flying over and possibly them seeing it or taking a picture,' Sullivan told The Columbus Dispatch.

'So, I felt like every time I opened up my Facebook, I cringed a little bit hoping that the image wouldn't be there and somebody hadn't ruined the surprise,' he added.

Fortunately, the secret stayed safe.

The one-of-a-kind proposal was fitting for the couple (pictured after proposal), who work at rival agricultural companies

Sullivan, along with fellow farmers and consultants, began planting the 13-acre maze in carefully planned, romantic rows of corn - all guided by a computerized tractor (pictured)

Sullivan's elaborate plan began to take shape in April, when he decided to propose during his family farms annual corn maze, inspired in part by their shared love of corn

By August 5, with the engagement ring in his pocket, Sullivan borrowed a friends small plane to finally turn his dream into reality.

To get her in the air, Sullivan told a small white lie - claiming he was curious about learning to fly - and convinced Liggett to join him on what she thought was just a casual flight over the farm.

However, Liggett completely missed the message on the first pass, prompting Sullivan to ask the pilot to circle around again.

Finally, Liggett spotted the man-made question - the one that had been growing just for her all summer long.

'I've never seen her face light up as much as she did,' Sullivan told NBC.

Liggett echoed his excitement, telling the outlet: 'I was just so shocked.'

'I was just like so amazed that somebody put that much effort in planning into a proposal like that,' she added to The Columbus Dispatch.

'You know, I expected he would do something quite elaborate and intentional, but nothing to that extreme by any means.'

Liggett (left) said yes, and after they landed, Sullivan (right) made sure to get down on one knee, offering a more traditional proposal

With their wedding planned for early summer 2026, the couples unforgettable proposal will soon be visible to all when the farms fall season begins this September (pictured: Circle S Farms)

After they landed, Sullivan made sure to get down on one knee, offering a more traditional proposal to go along with the unforgettable moment.

'It was definitely one of the coolest experiences that we'll be able to tell for all time,' Sullivan told NBC.

'I thank God everyday for bringing a best friend and life partner all in one. Last night was unforgettable and a memory we look forward to sharing with all of you!' he wrote in a Facebook post announcing the engagement.

'It truly took a team of planners to make sure the design turned out just right. We look forward to celebrating this special time with all of you and what is to come!'

Sullivan and his now-fiancee spend plenty of time in cornfields - fitting, given that he works at Corteva Agriscience and Liggett at its competitor, WinField United.

'It was only fitting that our proposal would happen with the cornfield,' Liggett told The Columbus Dispatch.

With their wedding planned for early summer 2026, the couples unforgettable proposal will soon be visible to all when the farms fall season begins this September.
A coordinator behind a series of planned anti-immigration rallies across Australia has come under fire over his links to one of Australia's biggest property developers.

Hugo Lennon, also known as 'Auspill', has encouraged his followers to stand up against 'mass immigration' at a series of rallies scheduled for August 31 - a problem he believes exacerbates the country's housing shortage.

Mr Lennon has been revealed as the grandson of Tony Lennon, the millionaire ex-chairman of one of Australia's largest real estate development companies, Peet Limited.

The 82-year-old, who retired last year but retained a sizeable shareholding, has been listed on Western Australia's top-50 rich list multiple times with an estimated wealth of up to half a billion dollars.

The company, which Mr Lennon's father Anthony serves as non-executive director, has one of the biggest residential landbanks of any ASX-listed property group.

A number of online creators have taken issue with Mr Lennon's housing advocacy, given his family's deep ties to the WA property market.

Mr Lennon, who has attracted more than 80,000 followers on TikTok in just over a year, recently called on his followers to 'end mass immigration' by attending the upcoming 'March for Australia' (MFA) rallies.

'It will be a peaceful march advocating for something virtually every Australian agrees on: that immigration has to be reduced,' he said.

Hugo Lennon (pictured) has amassed a sizeable social media following over the past year, known best for his opposition to 'mass' immigration

The Lennon family is pictured, with Hugo right and Anthony left

'Australians have been ignored on immigration for a long time and that's going to come to an end because on the 31st Australians will voice this majority opinion to have an end to mass immigration.'

Organisers claim 'endless migration, weak leadership and political cowardice' have overstretched the housing supply and caused the country to change in ways 'most of us never agreed to'.

'It's time to take our country back. It's time to defend our way of life. It's time to defend our culture. Stop mass immigration now,' one flyer read.

According to news.com.au, Mr Lennon's 'Auspill' account was listed as a moderator and administrator of the March for Australia Facebook group until recently.

He told the outlet his account was removed as MFA did not wish to be 'connected to any one name and thus any one set of politics'.

'The reasons expressed by MFA are broad, they reflect the organisers and supporters diverse political backgrounds,' he said.

'Concerns around mass immigration include housing shortages, demographic change, infrastructure strain, environmental impacts, water supply shortages and fractured social cohesion.'

MFA has attempted to distance itself from radical figures, including the leader of the National Socialist Network, and has previously expressed concern over fringe players attempting to hijack the event.

Mr Lennon has claimed Australia's level of immigration was 'transforming' the country's 'national character and way of life'

In a statement posted to the MFA Facebook group on Friday, Mr Lennon wrote Australians had been sidelined over mass immigration which, he claimed, had transformed their 'way of life'.

'So we have a situation where the benefactors of mass immigration have clearly set the policy, theyve decided the numbers, the types, and the discussions that are allowed to be had- all while millions of Australians are ignored for decades,' he said.

'The supreme betrayal of the political class is to disregard the clear and settled will of the Australian people on a matter that shapes their daily lives so directly.

'Australians are being told by their rulers that they must bear the burden of a transformation they never sought and do not consent to, a transformation that strikes at the heart of our national character and way of life.

'To ignore the voice of the nation is not merely folly; it is to tear at the very foundation of consent on which our democracy rests.'

A spokesperson for Peet said: 'Creating inclusive, diverse communities where everyone belongs is a core value for Peet.

'Peet does not share the views expressed by this individual, and we do not condone his actions or commentary.'

Daily Mail has contacted Mr Lennon for comment.
Angela Rayner has been accused of using national security laws to disguise the fact that she has the choice of three bathrooms in her taxpayer-funded grace-and-favour home.

The Deputy Prime Ministers officials refused to answer a Parliamentary question about the number of bedrooms in her London residence in Admiralty House for security and operational reasons.

However, the Conservatives have discovered through Freedom of Information laws that she enjoys the use of three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The revelation is part of a wider attempt by the Tories to establish whether Ms Rayner is paying her own council tax surcharge on second homes on Admiralty House.

She became known as Two Homes Rayner last year after this newspaper revealed she had shuttled between two Right-To-Buy council properties early in her marriage. It was claimed that she rented out her house while living in her husbands property.

Ms Rayner has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

It is not known where she is currently paying council tax.

Records of MPs expenses show that when she entered government, Ms Rayner designated her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency home as her primary residence, and a London flat she used to rent as her second.

Angela Rayner (pictured) has been accused of using national security laws to disguise the fact that she has the choice of three bathrooms in her taxpayer-funded grace-and-favour home

The Deputy Prime Ministers officials refused to answer a Parliamentary question about the number of bedrooms in her London residence in Admiralty House (pictured) for security and operational reasons. But FOI laws have revealed she enjoys three bedrooms and three bathrooms

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood (pictured) said: Its a scandal that Rayner tried to use national security laws to prevent the public from knowing she has three bathrooms all to herself'

That allowed her to claim back the 1,621 council tax bill on the flat from the taxpayer as one of the housing costs reimbursed by Commons authorities.

But, having moved into Admiralty House four months before her Local Government Department started levying an extra 100 per cent council tax charge on second homes, if the Ashton-under-Lyne property is still her primary residence the 2,034 council tax bill for her grace-and-favour home  and for which she is now liable  doubles to 4,068.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: Its a scandal that Rayner tried to use national security laws to prevent the public from knowing she has three bathrooms all to herself.

'She claims to be a woman of the people but this exposes how out of touch she has become... Rayner must use this opportunity to come clean on her council tax bill on this residence. 

A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: Angela has two teenage sons and the flat she has been allocated has enough room for them to be able to stay with her... Thats hardly surprising and most certainly isnt unprecedented.
Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has accused JK Rowling of failing to defend him after he was cancelled over his gender critical views.

The Irishman, 57, told how he backed the author's views on SNP's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which she previously dubbed 'the biggest assault on the rights of Scottish women and girls' in her lifetime.

But now, he claims she failed to defend his right to free speech when he received backlash over his comments regarding trans people, saying Rowling's 'silence' made him feel 'toxic' and isolated.

Speaking with the Spiked Podcast, the creator of Father Ted and The IT Crowd said the Harry Potter writer had 'never mentioned' him nor spoken in his defence.

Recalling when Rowling became embroiled in the row over SNP's self identification reforms, he said he felt as though he could 'finally relax' and 'fight back' as someone was on his side.

'And now her silence about me is just added to the feeling that, that Ive done something wrong, that Im toxic and I know I am toxic, but its not because Ive done anything wrong,' he said.

'Its because people, people like JK Rowling wont stand up in defence of me. So it wasnt just the [trans rights activist] side pushing me out.

'It was a feeling of lack of solidarity and the kind of an embarrassment at my presence in the fight.'

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan (pictured) has accused JK Rowling of failing to defend him after he was cancelled over his gender critical views

He claims Rowling failed to defend his right to free speech when he received backlash over his comments regarding trans people, saying Rowling's 'silence' made him feel 'toxic' and isolated

It comes after Rowling was vocal in her critics of SNPs reforms on gender self-identification which aimed to make the process for trans people to obtain legal gender recognition easier.

Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed in her new memoir that she experienced an influx of 'vile abuse' after the author posted a snap of herself in a t-shirt, which read: 'Nicola Sturgeon, destroyer of womens rights.'

The ex-SNP politician alleged the incident made her feel at an increased risk of physical harm. Rowling claimed Sturgeon brazenly denied the reality of her views over transgenderism.

In 2023, an Edinburgh comedy show which starred Linehan was cancelled due to complaints, as well as the venue, Leith Arches, saying the comedian's views didn't align with their 'overall values'.

In September, the 57-year-old is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court after pleading not guilty to criminal damage as well as harassment against transgender activist, Sophie Brooks.

He has denied both charges, which include, harassing the 18-year-old on social media last October, as well as damaging her phone in a 'Battle of Ideas' conference in London, where he was a speaker, in the same month.

The case is set to go to trial on September 4, of this year.

Following the court hearing in May, he claimed to have experienced abuse and threats after spending six years defending 'the rights of women and children'.

The Daily Mail has approached JK Rowling for comment.
Sir Keir Starmer has turned to a strategy expert who once lambasted him for lack of vision and 'profoundly naive' reliance on focus groups.

Tom Kibasi, former director of Left-wing IPPR think-tank, has reportedly been drafted in to work with Starmer chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

Mr Kibasi, a self-styled architect of Sir Keir's successful Labour leadership bid in 2020, is understood to be working on a specific strategy project for several months.

But the move has stunned some Labour MPs given Mr Kibasi's outspoken criticisms in the year after he became Labour leader.

Writing in Feburary, 2021, Mr Kibasi accused Sir Keir of taking his party down 'a political dead end.

'If Starmer were to depart as leader tomorrow, he would not leave a trace of a meaningful political project in his wake.'

Referring to himself as 'one of the strategic architects' of Sir Keir's successful leadership campaign, he accused him of learning the wrong lessons from Sir Tony Blair's election victories.

That included provoking 'a completely unnecessary war with the party's left' and his immediate past predecessor Jeremy Corbyn who was suspended from the Parliamentary party in October 2020.

Tom Kibasi, former director of Left-wing IPPR think-tank, has reportedly been drafted in to work with Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has turned to a strategy expert who once lambasted him for lack of vision and 'profoundly naive' reliance on focus groups. Pictured: The Prime Minister at a national Service of Remembrance marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on Friday

Sir Keir was accused of provoking 'a completely unnecessary war with the party's left' and his immediate past predecessor Jeremy Corbyn (right)

But 'politically spanking' Mr Corbyn had simply reminded the public 'of Labour's divisions'.

Mr Kibasi also lambasted Sir Keir for letting focus groups define his strategy of going easy on the Tory government rather than developing a clear message.

He wrote: 'This is profoundly naive.Letting randomly selected members of the public set the political tone is followership, not leadership.'

Last night, one Labour backbencher said last night: 'It speaks volumes for what McSweeney must think about Starmer that he's brought in someone who so strongly criticised Keir after he'd been leader for less than 12 months.'

Downing Street said that it did not comment on staff.
Killer Constance Marten has been banned from calling her lover Mark Gordon or sending him letters from jail, a prison source claims.

The pair are awaiting sentence for the manslaughter by gross negligence of their newborn daughter, Victoria, in 2023.

A source said Marten, 38, had expected to be able to contact Gordon, 51, who is being held at HMP Belmarsh, once the trial had concluded.

However, HMP Bronzefield's inmate system states inter-prison phone calls and letters from her have been barred by officials.

'Inter-prison calls are not difficult to arrange,' the source said. 'Prisoners are quite often allowed to phone family members that are in different establishments.

'Once security have given the thumbs-up, it's up to the officers on the two units to arrange it. It's simple and something that happens on a semi-regular basis, but with Constance and Mark staff have been told there's not a chance.

'Prisoners are allowed to write to whoever they want to. But just because they pop it in the post bag it doesn't mean it is going to get there. Every letter is read by security. Constance is going to be fuming when she finds out Mark isn't getting any of them.'

Marten and Gordon were last month found guilty of causing the death of Victoria after going on the run in December 2022 in a bid to prevent social services taking the baby into care.

Killer Constance Marten (pictured) has been banned from calling her lover Mark Gordon or sending him letters from jail, a prison source claims. The pair are awaiting sentence for the manslaughter by gross negligence of their newborn daughter, Victoria, in 2023

A source said Marten, 38, had expected to be able to contact Gordon (pictured), 51, who is being held at HMP Belmarsh, once the trial had concluded. However, HMP Bronzefield's inmate system states inter-prison phone calls and letters from her have been barred by officials

'Inter-prison calls are not difficult to arrange,' the source said. 'But with Constance and Mark staff have been told there's not a chance.' Marten is awaiting sentence in unit four of women-only HMP Bronzefield (pictured) which also houses fellow child-killer Lucy Letby

For a special episode of the Mail's award-winning The Trial podcast breaking down the Constance Marten verdict, click here

They were also convicted of concealing the birth of a child, perverting the course of justice and child cruelty.

The couple's four other children had already been taken from them largely due to concerns about convicted rapist Gordon's behaviour, it emerged in court.

He was also found by a judge to have caused Marten to fall out of a window in 2019, shattering her spleen.

Marten is awaiting sentence in unit four of women-only HMP Bronzefield, which also houses fellow child-killers Lucy Letby and Beinash Batool.

A spokesman for Sodexo, which runs the institution, said it could not comment on individual prisoners.
A police boss was branded 'out of touch' for telling shopkeepers to report thieves  because officers often fail to show up.

Jon Cummins, the Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, advised store owners to dial 999 rather than tackle the offenders themselves.

But officers regularly do not attend the scene and instead tell victims to file a report online. These are usually ignored, leaving shopkeepers defenceless to crime.

Mr Cummins told the BBC: 'If they see someone shoplifting, my advice to them is they must call us. If they see it, they should immediately call us on 999 and not intervene.'

His comments clashed with those of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, who said that there is no real purpose behind arresting shoplifters as the courts just set them free.

Katy Bourne told The Daily Telegraph: 'There is no point arresting shoplifters if there is no effective deterrent.'

The lack of clarity from police over how to tackle shoplifting has left many shop owners in despair.

Samantha Baker, 31, who owns the gift shop Refine & Design in Yeovil, Somerset, told The Mail on Sunday Mr Cummins 'does not know how bad it is'.

She said: 'If you call the police, they are not turning up. It is shocking. I pay my taxes for the police to do their jobs, and they won't.'

Jon Cummins, the Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, advised store owners to dial 999 rather than tackle the offenders themselves

Katy Bourne, Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, said there was no real purpose behind arresting shoplifters - as the courts just set them free

The row over shoplifting intensified last week when Labour's policing minister Dame Diana Johnson was accused of 'victim blaming' by asking shopkeepers to conceal high-value goods

Your browser does not support iframes.

The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has passed half a million for the first time, figures show

Grocer who REALLY shames thieves

A grocery store boss is shaming suspected shoplifters by posting their CCTV mugshots in his shop window and on social media alongside scathing comments. Suki Athwal, co-owner of Shop Around The Clock in Tenterden, Kent, posted one image of a man who fled the shop after allegedly stealing two crates of Stella Artois, a pizza and a Pukka pie. Mr Athwal, 30, said he found the man at a bus stop but was threatened when he demanded payment. Alongside his Facebook post, he wrote: 'I should be upset about this but the realisation that I'm not needing to drink a lukewarm can of Stella at 8.45am while waiting for a bus made me realise life isn't so bad for me.' Mr Athwal has been asked to take down mugshots due to the 2018 Data Protection Act. But he told The Times he still displays them occasionally as 'a reminder that we're watching'. Advertisement

The row over shoplifting intensified last week when Labour's policing minister Dame Diana Johnson was accused of 'victim blaming' by asking shopkeepers to conceal high-value goods.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'The policing minister's comments were staggering.

'She is saying that law-abiding shopkeepers should have to cover for the explosion of shoplifting which she is presiding over.'

Dame Diana's views contrasted with those of Matthew Barber, the Police and Commissioner for Thames Valley, who called on the public to step in when they see a crime.

Last night, he said: 'It is disappointing the policing minister of all people does not see the importance of a strong community in preventing crime.

'We have a long tradition of policing by consent in this country. That means the police upholding the law and common values that spring from the community.

'The public should feel empowered to report crimes they see in front of them and be able to call out criminal behaviour knowing the police and courts are on their side.'

He was joined by Tim Passmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, who said: 'I cannot understand the ambivalent attitude that some forces seem to take, as it does nothing to improve confidence in policing.'

A grocery store boss is shaming suspected shoplifters by posting their CCTV mugshots in his shop window and on social media alongside scathing comments.

Suki Athwal, co-owner of Shop Around The Clock in Tenterden, Kent, posted one image of a man who fled the shop after allegedly stealing two crates of Stella Artois, a pizza and a Pukka pie.

Mr Athwal, 30, said he found the man at a bus stop but was threatened when he demanded payment.

Alongside his Facebook post, he wrote: 'I should be upset about this but the realisation that I'm not needing to drink a lukewarm can of Stella at 8.45am while waiting for a bus made me realise life isn't so bad for me.'

Mr Athwal has been asked to take down mugshots due to the 2018 Data Protection Act. But he told The Times he still displays them occasionally as 'a reminder that we're watching'.
Europe is reviving the historic 170-year-old Iron Rhine railway line, which connects Belgiums port of Antwerp with Germanys Ruhr industrial region.

The line, passing through Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, ceased operations in 1991. Ever since its closure, negotiations on its restoration have dragged on for decades, Politico reports.

Illustrative photo: rail transportation of Polish Leopard 2 main battle tanks / Open-source photo

The project, however, was repeatedly blocked by trade disputes and environmental concerns: Belgium pushed for revival, while the Netherlands opposed it, seeing Antwerp as a competitor to Rotterdam.

That said, russias war against Ukraine has shifted the debate, with governments now viewing the Iron Rhine not only from a commercial perspective but a military one as well. Historically, the line held strategic importance for the Allies during and after World War II.

Illustrative photo: rail delivery of American M1 Abrams for training Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel / Airman 1st Class Tylon Chapman, U.S. Air National Guard

Today, there is a parallel route that avoids Dutch territory but is longer. To prevent bottlenecks and strengthen resilience, Europe sees value in having an additional line.

Defense Express notes that Europe faces major mobility problems for its armed forces, creating a paradox: it has tanks but lacks adequate means to move them to the front. Numerous bottlenecks  bridges too weak for heavy armor and tunnels too narrow for oversized cargo  make logistics both slow and vulnerable.

Illustrative photo: rail transportation of PZH 2000 self-propelled guns / Open-source photo

This is a critical weakness. In the event of a russian invasion of the Baltic states, troop transfers from Western Europe could take weeks, giving russia time to advance deep into European territory.

To address this, Europe plans to invest 17 billion in upgrading its logistics infrastructure. Restoring the Iron Rhine is one part of that broader effort, which also includes improvements in air transport alongside land routes.

Read more: Romanian Railway Problem Can Paralyze All of NATO Logistics
An influencer killed in a fatal off-roading crash alongside her fiance initially survived the 650 foot plunge down a rocky Canadian mountain, a rescuer has revealed.

Stacey Tourout sustained a 'severe' head injury following the collision on August 7, which ultimately claimed her life and that of her partner Matthew Yeomans.

The couple, who were behind the popular Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, died after their vehicle crashed in the mountainous area near Trout Lake in British Columbia.

Rescuers have revealed that Tourout was still alive when they arrived at the harrowing scene on a 'backcountry trail', where the terrain is described as 'pretty rough'.

Tourout was still conscious after the couple 'lost control' of their vehicle and rolled 'many, many times' downhill, though she had suffered 'a severe head injury,' Kaslo Search and Rescue Communication Manager Mark Jennings-Bates told PEOPLE.

'She didn't realize quite how injured she was,' Jennings-Bates said, adding that Tourout was lifted from the scene by helicopter and placed in ambulance that took her to a local hospital, where she later died.

Yeomans was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was found with 'no vital signs,' according to Jennings-Bates.

The engaged couple was traveling along a forestry road 'somewhere in the mountains' near Trout Lake, Jennings-Bates told CBC.

Stacey Tourout (left) and Matthew Yeomans (right), the pair behind the Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, died in an off-roading crash on August 7

Rescuers revealed that Tourout (pictured) initially survived the crash that plunged her and her fiance more than 650 feet down a rocky mountain in Canada

While the official cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, investigators believe they likely lost control of the vehicle and plummeted down a mountain.

Jennings-Bates estimated they fell about 656 feet downhill until they slammed into the bottom.

He also described the rescue operation as 'challenging' because it was a long uphill journey to get to them, although he said his team did so 'efficiently.'

He also noted his team has responded to the many calls in the area where they died, as it is difficult to navigate and rugged.

'From what I understand, it's one of the few patches of the road that doesn't have a forest on the side,' Jennings-Bates said.

'So anywhere else, they would've been caught by the trees  they would've maybe gotten a bit hurt. But this is the one area where they were gonna go for a big ride if they did go off the side road.'

Stacey's mother confirmed the couple's death in a heartbreaking social media post.

Officials said the couple 'lost control' of their vehicle and rolled 'many, many times' downhill

Although Tourout (pictured) was found conscious, she had suffered a severe head injury and later died at the hospital

She wrote they died together in an off-road accident 'in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia that they loved so much'.

'Please keep us and them in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this devastating end to an amazing Love Story,' Colleen Tourout wrote.

In light of the devastating loss to their loved ones and the international online community they have built, social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes, remembering the ambitious duo.

'They were so young and full of life, so talented, and this is a huge loss for our off-road community, their friends and family, and the world,' the creator behind The Story Till Now YouTube channel, Shaun, wrote.
The widow of billionaire tech boss Mike Lynch has told Italian prosecutors she was not worried, just curious when she awoke shortly before their superyacht Bayesian sank during a storm last summer.

Angela Bacares, who survived the tragedy off the coast of Sicily  which killed her husband and their 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, along with five others  has described the events of that night for the first time.

In a statement issued ahead of the first anniversary of the sinking on August 19, she said she woke around 4am after feeling the 30million vessel moving up and down and swaying, and went to an upper deck to find the captain, James Cutfield.

Despite Italian coastguards issuing their interim report last week, which blamed 52-year-old New Zealander Mr Cutfield and the crew for the disaster, Ms Bacares, 58, said she had always felt reassured by the crew in bad weather.

She revealed that the boat had been caught in a really bad storm near Naples two weeks before without incident.

Ms Bacares recalled how, in the early hours of August 19, objects on the boat began to slide around. But she did not think they were in a serious situation and had not thought it necessary to alert the others on board  until something catastrophic happened and everything changed in a moment.

She added: I think something catastrophic happened to make the boat roll over, but it was all very sudden.

Angela Bacares, the widow of billionaire tech boss Mike Lynch (both pictured) has told Italian prosecutors she was not worried, just curious when she awoke shortly before their superyacht Bayesian sank during a storm last summer

Ms Bacares, who survived the tragedy off the coast of Sicily  which killed her husband and their 18-year-old daughter, Hannah (pictured), along with five others  has described the events of that night for the first time

In a statement issued ahead of the first anniversary of the sinking on August 19, Ms Bacares said she woke around 4am after feeling the 30million vessel (pictured) moving up and down and swaying, and went to an upper deck to find the captain, James Cutfield

Pictured: The super yacht Bayesian is raised to the surface off the coast of Porticello, Sicily in June. Mr Cutfield is under investigation for manslaughter along with engineer Tim Parker Eaton and nightwatchman Matthew Griffiths. All three deny the allegations

The tragedy claimed the lives of Mr Lynch, 59; Hannah; four of their guests and the yachts chef when the boat was hit by winds in excess of 70mph.

Mr Cutfield is under investigation for manslaughter along with engineer Tim Parker Eaton and nightwatchman Matthew Griffiths. All three deny the allegations.

In June, The Mail on Sunday revealed experts believed Italian prosecutors were trying to pin the blame on the crew to save the countrys yacht-building industry.

The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch has suggested the design of the yacht was at fault.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has been dubbed a 'hypocrite' after refusing to reveal details concerning his domestic air travel.

Ministers asserted the Doncaster North MP would not reveal information regarding flights he had taken within the UK since he joined the cabinet last June.

Claire Coutinho, shadow energy secretary, said the refusal inferred there was 'one rule' for Miliband, and 'another for everyone else'.

The Conservative MP previously urged Miliband to release details on his domestic UK flights since Labour's loveless landslide in the last general election.

However, Michael Shanks said, on the Labour MPs behalf, that 'details of internal domestic flights are not published.'

It comes as Labour significantly hiked air passenger duty, adding hundreds of pounds to British family holidays.

Ms Coutinho told The Telegraph: 'As Ed Miliband sticks a holiday tax of up to 400 on a family of four, it does seem the height of hypocrisy that he won't reveal his own flights, which are funded by the taxpayer.

'People expect transparency and fairness from their politicians, but when it comes to the most stringent net zero costs, it's one rule for him and another for everyone else.'

The Energy Secretary's position does align with others in Westminster departments, which do not publish 'granular' details concerning ministers travel.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has been dubbed a 'hypocrite' after refusing to reveal details concerning his domestic air travel

Claire Coutinho, shadow energy secretary, said the refusal inferred there was 'one rule' for Miliband, and 'another for everyone else'

The Government told the publication it was 'the practice of successive administration' including Conservatives, not to release details of ministers movements.

Mr Miliband, who heads the Government's net zero policies, has previously been vocal regarding his opposition to domestic flights, urging Brits to cut down on them.

While he was Shadow Business Secretary, he called for the last Government to encourage Brits to travel by train and buses rather than taking to the skies.

When queried on if domestic flights he should be banned, he said they shouldn't be banished 'completely, but as much as we possible can.'

In 2021, he told the BBC: 'Fairness and giving people alternatives is an absolutely key part of making this transition happen.'

Last April, it was revealed his department has spent 44,000 more than the Conservative ministers on domestic air travel between last July and December.

In his first half-a-year in office, the Energy Secretary also spent 62,712 on international travel, the Taxpayers' Alliance reported.

His Conservative predecessor, Ms Coutinho spent 6,155 in her first six-months in the role, according to The Telegraph.

It comes after one of the government's climate advisers was accused of 'rank hypocrisy' after they reportedly racked up 40,000 air miles in a year by jetting to environmental conferences

Nigel Topping is one of six members of the Climate Change Committee, which advises Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Miliband, who heads the Government's net zero policies, has previously been vocal regarding his opposition to domestic flights, urging Brits to cut down on them

Nigel Topping is one of six members of the Climate Change Committee, which advises Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, on reducing greenhouse gas emissions

In February, the committee backed a 'frequent flier levy' to help reach Net Zero. This would see Britons who take the most flights, or fly the furthest distances, taxed more

In February, the committee backed a 'frequent flier levy' to help reach Net Zero. This would see Britons who take the most flights, or fly the furthest distances, taxed more.

According to The Telegraph, Mr Topping attended conferences in Barbados, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the Netherlands and the US in the last 12 months.

An analysis by the newspaper claimed he accrued 11 times more air miles in the last year than the average Briton.

It also claimed that Mr Topping's carbon footprint from flights alone was about 40 per cent more than the average Briton produces in total in a year.

Mr Miliband himself was also criticised after it was revealed he had notched up at least 44,600 air miles since he became Energy Secretary last July.

It meant he was responsible for at least 54.2 tons of carbon emissions in nine months  more than 12 times the annual emissions of the average Briton.

The Daily Mail has approached Ed Miliband, the Labour Party and the Department for Energy and Net Zero for comment.
Nigel Farage's 'dangerous and irresponsible' plans to scrap online safety laws would have let 90 vile criminals off the hook, Labour claimed last night.

Home Office Minister Jess Phillips cited new details of people convicted under the Online Safety Act to claim that Reform UK's pledge to scrap it would ensure 'the internet remains a Wild West'.

She referred to official figures showing that between January and December 2024, at least 90 people had been convicted  including at least 22 custodial sentences - under offences set out in the Act.

That included the first-ever conviction for 'cyber-flashing' when a 39-year-old man was given a jail sentence of 66 weeks after sending indecent unsolicited photos to two women .

And a 22-year-old man became the first person under the new law to be charged with encouraging self-harm online.

Ms Phillips, who is Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, claimed that Mr Farage was 'risking the safety of women and girls with his dangerous and irresponsible plans' to scrap the existing legislation.

'More than 90 criminals have already been convicted, with many put behind bars - leaving women and girls safer as a result.

'These vile and misogynistic crimes have no place in our society.'

Nigel Farage's 'dangerous and irresponsible' plans to scrap online safety laws would have let 90 vile criminals off the hook, Labour claimed last night

Home Office Minister Jess Phillips (pictured), also Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, cited new details of people convicted under the Online Safety Act to claim that Reform UK's pledge to scrap it would ensure 'the internet remains a Wild West'

But the attack comes just weeks after Technology Secretary Peter Kyle (pictured) suggested that by opposing the Government's online safety laws, the Reform party leader was on the side of sex offenders like Jimmy Savile

But the attack comes just weeks after Technology Secretary Peter Kyle suggested that by opposing the Government's online safety laws, the Reform party leader was on the side of sex offenders like Jimmy Savile.

And last night, Reform leader Mr Farage  who has already demanded an apology over the Savile remark  angrily accused Labour of 'now getting desperate'.

He told the Mail on Sunday: 'There are no depths to which they will not sink to attack me personally - because they know we are destroying them electorally in the Midlands and the North of England.'

Mr Farage said that if Labour really cared about women's safety, they would tackle the migrants' crisis and not allow each week for 'hundreds of young males from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, who regard women as being mere commodities' to be put in hotels 'free to wander our streets'.

He admitted that no-one had yet found a solution to policing the internet.

But he said that a future Reform government would put 'tech experts' like the party's former chairman Zia Yusuf in charge of getting the answers.

The online safety came into force during the last Tory government in 2023.

However, Labour claimed that since it came to power last year, the number of convictions under the Act had rocketed by 270 per cent.

Last night, Reform leader Mr Farage  who has already demanded an apology over the Savile (pictured) remark  angrily accused Labour of 'now getting desperate'. He told the Mail on Sunday: 'There are no depths to which they will not sink to attack me personally'

Mr Farage said that if Labour really cared about women's safety, they would tackle the migrants' crisis and not allow each week for 'hundreds of young males from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, who regard women as being mere commodities' to be put in hotels

Mr Farage admitted that no-one had yet found a solution to policing the internet. But he said that a future Reform government would put 'tech experts' like the party's former chairman Zia Yusuf (pictured) in charge of getting the answers

Labour pointed out that many of the crimes covered by the online safety laws disproportionately affected women.

They referred to YouGov research which found that four in 10 young women aged 18-34 had been sent unsolicited sex images.

And the Revenge Porn Helpline found that women had 28 times more intimate images shared than men.

Labour said that the Online Safety Act makes the sharing of intimate images without consent a 'priority offence', the most serious class of online crime.
Labour has quietly dropped plans to limit the roll out of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones in what has been dubbed a 'secret war on drivers'.

The reforms, which were drawn up by the Tories, would have curbed locals councils' powers to restrict traffic and impose 'unfair' fines and parking charges.

Labour ministers, however, dismissed the proposals, saying they 'would have made no positive difference for drivers'.

It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced repeated accusations that Labour is launching a 'war on motorists' in England and Wales.

Just this week, Labour-run Southwark council was forced to admit it would refund thousands of people after they were unfairly fined for driving in bus lanes.

On Saturday, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden branded the decision to scrap the limits on councils' powers over traffic measures a 'secret war on drivers'.

The Conservatives also raised fears that increased limits on car use would hit already struggling high streets across the UK.

Mr Holden told The Telegraph: 'Labour has been caught red-handed as it steps up its targeted war on motorists.

A cyclist passes planters blocking a road for cars in a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced repeated accusations that Labour is launching a 'war on motorists' in England and Wales

A 20mph speed limit signpost and local shops on Lordship Lane, in East Dulwich, London

'Conservatives led the charge against unfair and over-zealous enforcement but our work has been ripped up in underhand attacks without any public consultation or manifesto pledge.

'This is a kick in the teeth to motorists, set to punish beleaguered local high streets and will slam the brakes on the economy even more than Rachel Reeves has done so far.'

Back in October 2023, Rishi Sunak announced his party would be introducing a 'Plan for Drivers' to make it harder for local authorities to implement anti-car schemes.

The proposals would have forced councils to place more emphasis on the views of local residents and businesses when considering the introduction of LTNs.

As a minimum, authorities would have had to hold a series of public meetings, with locals in the affected areas also made aware of the plans through leaflets.

However according to the Telegraph's report, ministers have now confirmed that the plans - which were yet to be formalised - have now been shelved.

Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said the government was considering its 'next steps' and that the work had been 'put on hold'.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods work by blocking cars from going down residential streets

Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said the government was considering its 'next steps' and that the work had been 'put on hold'

Pictured: A Low Traffic Neighbourhood in Enfield, north London

She added that there are no 'current plans' to change the guidance on the rolling out of 20mph speed limits in England.

The minister reiterated that it was up to local authorities to decide where lower speed thresholds would be appropriate in their areas.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'The Government is absolutely on the side of drivers, focusing on making journeys safer and smoother, and saving motorists money.

'Over the past year alone, we invested an extra 500m to help local authorities resurface roads and fix seven million potholes, reducing congestion and saving drivers up to 600 a year in repairs.

'We've also committed 1bn to repair bridges, flyovers and tunnels, and greenlit over 30 road schemes to improve journeys.

'Meanwhile, we are making our roads safer to drive on and will set out the next steps for the first road safety strategy in over a decade in due course.'

Daily Mail has contacted the Labour Party for comment.
A mother who blew nearly five times the legal drinking limit during a school pick-up has been found not guilty after blaming the reading on a popular health product and a reflux condition.

Natasha Jansen, 49, fell asleep in her car outside the Northbridge playing fields at Shore School, on Sydney's lower north shore, on the afternoon of July 23, 2024, causing a long queue.

Suspecting she may have been drinking, police administered a breath test which returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.243 per cent - nearly five times the legal limit of 0.05.

She was charged with high-range drink-driving after being taken to Chatswood Police Station, where the private school mum returned a reading of 0.193.

Constable Oliver Taylor told Hornsby Local Court he had only seen three people above the level of Ms Jansen's first reading during his time on the force, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Despite the staggering reading, Ms Jansen was found not guilty on Monday after Magistrate Margaret McGlynn dismissed the charge.

Her lawyer, Michael Bowe, argued Ms Jansen had been drinking liquid chlorophyll as part of her skin regimen which, combined with her reflux condition, had contributed to an inaccurate reading.

Ms Jansen had consumed two 500ml bottles of Grants liquid chlorophyll, available at supermarkets, while waiting outside the school, the court was told.

Natasha Jansen (pictured) was found not guilty after blowing nearly five times the legal limit during the afternoon pick-up at Shore School

Ms Jansen suffers a reflux condition that may have contributed to an inaccurate reading, a court was told

Mr Bowe argued his client had recently switched over to the health drink and did not know it contained a small amount of alcohol.

Neuropharmacology expert Professor Macdonald Christie testified the amount Ms Jansen consumed should have left her with a blood alcohol reading of 0.12 or less - below the threshold for a high-range drink driving charge.

The court was told Ms Jansen suffered a reflux condition which a police breathalyser expert admitted could have contributed to an inaccurate reading if it caused her to regurgitate the chlorophyll into her mouth.

The breathalyser may have reflected the alcohol content in Ms Jansen's mouth, rather than in her bloodstream, the court heard.

On these grounds, Mr Bowe argued his client's condition made it impossible for the court to determine her precise blood alcohol content.

The court was also shown police footage that showed Ms Jansen was steady on her feet and not appearing to be exhibit the behaviours of someone so drunk.

As to why she had fallen asleep in the queue, Ms Jansen gave evidence that she was tired from not sleeping well at night.

Daily Mail has contacted Ms Jansen and Grants of Australia for comment.
An Aussie woman has lashed out at a major airline, claiming that a mistake by staff turned her trip to the US into a nightmare that left her $6,000 out-of-pocket.

Melbourne woman Daniella Melfi explained that she, her partner, and children flew to America on July 1 to visit her husband's family.

'This was a trip that was, financially, a bit of a struggle, but we knew it was really important to take,' she said in a TikTok video on Friday.

Ms Melfi said she was excited and that the trip 'overall' was 'beautiful and amazing'.

She said the trip was 'tainted' because of a mistake made by American Airlines, accusing the carrier of not notifying her that one of her return flights had been cancelled, with Ms Melfi only finding out about it on the day of her departure.

Ms Melfi said the airline had a duty to notify her under DOT regulations, and argued that she would have been able to avoid this whole dilemma and book new flights well ahead of time, if she was notified about the change at the start.

The frustrated traveller explained that she and her family had initially travelled from Austin to Minneapolis via Dallas.

'That flight was very odd, because we had a very small connection time in Dallas to get to our next flight,' Ms Melfi said.

Melbourne woman Daniella Melfi explained that she and her partner and children flew to America on July 1 to visit her husband's family

'We just assumed the gates were near each other. They weren't. We had to run through the airport Home Alone-style.'

Ms Melfi claimed once the family reached the gate, they were stopped from boarding the plane because the 'doors were closed'.

She said a staff member 'booked us on the next flight to Minneapolis'.

Ms Melfi claimed the staff member accidentally cancelled the return flight they would need to catch back to Dallas.

'We didn't know about it, because there was no email, no notification, so we went about our trip like nothing was wrong,' she said.

'We knew we were going to return home on July 24.'

Ms Melfi said the day of departure came and she said her 'emotional goodbyes to everyone'.

'We get to the airport to be told, "Your booking does not exist",' she said.

Ms Melfi said she was excited and that the trip 'overall' was 'beautiful and amazing', before claiming American Airlines 'tainted' the holiday (stock image)

She explained her family needed to catch an American Airlines flight to Dallas so they could catch the international flight back home to Melbourne with Fiji Airways.

Ms Melfi said she was informed at the desk at the airport she should have received an email about the change to her flights.

'No, an email wasn't sent to us,' she said. 'We have been blindsided.'

She claimed staff informed her there would be no flights available until the next day, meaning Ms Melfi and her family would miss their international flight from Dallas.

Ms Melfi explained she tried to speak to Fiji Airways, but couldn't get a flight a couple of days later, and she would need to make a new booking and pay a penalty fee.

She claimed the total cost came to $6,322.

Ms Melfi said she did everything she could to try and find a way around it.

'In the end, after being at that desk for over four hours, with our family and kids, we had to pay the $6,322 so that we would have a seat on the plane two days later,' she said.

'Two days later, we fly home. We've missed work, the kids have missed school, and American Airlines are coming up with nothing.

Ms Melfi claimed she was offered some 'miles' and a '$50 voucher' by American Airlines.

She said she just wanted her 'money back', prompting them to file an official complaint.

Ms Melfi said she has yet to hear back from American Airlines since their last correspondence on July 31.

Social media users were left divided, with some arguing a traveller should always use the same airline for their connecting flights.

'This is a prime example not to do separate bookings when travelling internationally,' one wrote.

'The little savings she originally saved, cost her big $$$. Now shes crying wolf. They were only responsible for the domestic flight. Good luck. Youre wasting your time.'

Others shared their sympathy for Ms Melfi.

'I hope you get your money back!' one wrote.

Daily Mail contacted American Airlines for comment.
A San Francisco restaurateur is attempting to turn the page after a bitter online feud between his co-owner and a popular food influencer tanked his wine bar's reputation.

Eric Lin, a first-time restaurant owner, recently reopened his Hayes Valley wine bar under a new name, Bosque, just three weeks after shuttering the premises in the wake of a viral social media controversy.

The original cafe, named Kis, became the target of online outrage after TikTok influencer Karla Marcotte posted a video detailing her 'nightmare' experience there with Lin's former business partner, Luke Sung.

Marcotte arrived at the restaurant expecting a free meal, but instead claims she was belittled by chef Sung who told her she was not famous enough to warrant the treatment.

An immediate backlash followed and Sung was forced to step down. Now Lin says all he really wants to do is move past the tense confrontation.

'It's been really tough,' Lin told SFGate. 'I've turned myself off from social media a little bit.'

After abruptly closing Kis Cafe last month, Lin quietly reopened the business on August 7 under a new identity, reportedly named after his dog.

The rebrand was low-key, with Lin declining to offer a website, social media, and or even announce the re-opening.

A San Francisco restaurateur is attempting to turn the page after a bitter online feud between his co-owner and a popular food influencer tanked the wine bar's reputation. Pictured: Eric Lin's newly named restaurant in San Francisco, California

The original cafe became the target of online outrage after TikTok influencer Karla Marcotte posted a video detailing a tense interaction with Lin's former business partner, James Beard award-nominated chef Luke Sung (pictured)

Lin's Kis Cafe had opened only six months prior when Karla Marcotte (pictured) entered for what was supposed to be a 'collaboration meeting'

'I'll probably have something, maybe a website,' he said, adding that he doesn't 'see a point in being very engaged.'

The only trace of the new venture online is a Resy page describing the eatery as 'a wholesome neighborhood wine bar that serves simple small plates'.

Lin's Kis Cafe had opened only six months prior when Marcotte entered for what was supposed to be a 'collaboration meeting'.

Instead, she posted a video accusing Sung of belittling and disrespecting her.

Following her controversial review of the northern California spot, her follower count surged from 15,000 to nearly half a million, and Kis Cafe's Yelp page was bombarded with more than 3,000 negative reviews.

Lin even said that he, his employees, and even their families received threats as a result of the negative publicity.

Lin, who left a tech career to pursue food and hospitality, said the chaos was never what he signed up for.

'I've never liked being the face of anything, and that's not what this place is about,' he said. 'It's about the food. It's about the people who come to eat here.'

Instead, she posted a video accusing Sung of belittling and disrespecting her (pictured)

Following her controversial review of the northern California spot, her follower count surged from 15,000 to nearly half a million, and Kis Cafe's (pictured) Yelp page was bombarded with more than 3,000 negative reviews

Though the restaurant dons a new namesake, little has changed inside the establishment. The dining room retains its denim-blue chairs and open kitchen and the menu remains largely the same, SFGate reported.

However, while the rebrand appears to have calmed some of the online fury, Lin says business has been slow.

'I need to be a responsible business owner,' Lin said. 'I'm not made of cash.'

Sung has since shared his side of the story with The San Francisco Standard.

He claims Marcotte entered the restaurant without introducing herself or acknowledging his role, and that she appeared unfamiliar with the restaurant or his background.

'I thought she'd say, "Hey, Mr. Sung, I read about you, and I am so happy to be doing this with you." But she showed up and sat down and didn't say hi,' he told the outlet.

He admitted to questioning Marcotte's qualifications, reviewing her TikTok content at the table, and expressing concerns about her representing his food.

'I saw creamy spaghetti in a pan with sliced, overcooked New York steak on top,' he said. 'That night, I was running a special with this beautiful coho salmon. I didn't want to be misrepresented by someone who doesn't understand the difference between Atlantic salmon and king salmon.'

Sung (pictured) has since shared his side of the story

Marcotte, however, said she had introduced herself and even showed up early to shoot content, claiming that Sung and Lin were speaking negatively about her when she arrived

Though the restaurant dons a new namesake, little has changed inside the establishment (pictured)

Marcotte, however, said she had introduced herself and even showed up early to shoot content.

She claimed that Sung and Lin were speaking negatively about her when she arrived.

Before leaving the restaurant, she also allegedly warned Sung, 'The restaurant world is really small. There will be consequences.'

Following the viral fallout, Sung stepped down from both Kis Cafe and his other restaurant, Domo.

He issued a public apology on Instagram, writing: 'Karla - I am truly sorry for my actions toward you. I was condescending, hurtful, and intimidating. You did not deserve to be made to feel less than or unimportant, nobody does.'

Sung said the ordeal has left his personal and professional life in tatters.

'Everything is broken into pieces. I have to try to pick it up and glue it back together. I have to just let it heal.'

Meanwhile, Lin is cautiously optimistic about Bosque's future.

The dining room retains its denim-blue chairs and open kitchen and the menu remains largely the same

'The food works,' he said. 'I don't see a point in stressing, and I don't have the money to overhaul everything right now.'

He hasn't ruled out working with influencers again and acknowledges that it was ultimately his invitation that brought Marcotte into his restaurant in the first place.

'I hope to do everybody proud, from Luke to Karla to all of them,' Lin said. 'At the end of the day, everybody likes good food, and everybody likes good drink.'
A former criminal investigator has warned the only way a Chinese man accused of throwing hot coffee on a baby in Queensland will ever be arrested is if he willingly returns to Australia.

Nine-month-old Luka had boiling hot coffee poured over him in Brisbane's Hanlon Park on August 27 last year.

The man allegedly responsible poured an entire thermos on Luka before fleeing the country from Sydney to China, evading capture.

Ever since, Australian authorities have been urging China to return the unnamed 33-year-old for prosecution, but the requests have constantly been denied.

Chinese law dictates that no Chinese nationals can be extradited to face prosecution abroad for crimes allegedly committed overseas.

Michael Kennedy was a NSW detective who is now an adjunct professor at the University of Western Sydney and a senior lecturer in policing at the University of New England.

Professor Kennedy said there was little Queensland police could do to have the man accused of burning Luka returned to Australia.

'All the Queensland police can do in reality is take out an arrest warrant for this bloke, put him on the watch list for the airport and wait for him to come back,' Professor Kennedy told the Daily Mail.

The man who allegedly threw hot coffee on a baby in a Queensland park is unlikely to ever be prosecuted in Australia, according to a former criminal investigator turned academic

Nine-month-old Luka had boiling hot coffee poured over him in Brisbane 's Hanlon Park on August 27 last year

'The reality is the guy's gone back to China and China isn't going to send him back here under any circumstances because they just don't do that.

'So all they can do in Queensland is put a brief together, put it in a file, take out a first instance warrant for the bloke so that if he comes back he'll be arrested, which he won't.'

Luka, who will turn two in October, is continuing his recovery. As the one-year anniversary of the attack approaches, police say they remain determined to find the man responsible.

Australian authorities have remained quiet on the fate of the alleged attacker but detectives have continued to refuse to confirm what options they have at their disposal.

That refusal of disclosure extends to what they may have offered their Chinese counterparts in exchange for handing over the man allegedly responsible.

Professor Kennedy said Australia could not successfully put pressure on China to extradite the man and it would not be a priority for the Chinese to turn him over.

'There's all sorts of factors,' he said. 'The major one is he's not here, he's in China.

'Secondly, to get him back we've got to have an extradition arrangement, which we don't.

The man allegedly responsible for burning Luka poured an entire thermos on the boy before fleeing the country from Sydney to China, evading capture

'And and thirdly, you've got to convince the Chinese authorities it's in their interest to do it and yet in every second breath were criticising China for their breaches of human rights.

'The problem is that in dealing with these things the government has to be careful they're not damaging other relations with China.'

If China were to facilitate one of its citizens facing an Australian court, Professor Kennedy did not think it would be for an alleged crime such as assault occasioning bodily harm.

'China's not going to send him back here for pouring coffee on someone,' he said.

'I doubt even if we had a good relationship with China that that's an offence that would require someone to be extradited.'

Professor Kennedy could not see the Australian Federal Police providing any useful help.

'It's a state-based crime,' he said. 'The federal police have no jurisdiction in this matter other than if they're going to extradite the bloke.'

Professor Kennedy also said despite CCTV allegedly capturing the attack and the man fleeing the scene there was no guarantee he would be convicted in an Australian court.

'We're assuming that CCTV can identify someone and it can't,' he said.

'CCTV is all very well and good but then you've got to prove that the person on the CCTV is the person that you're accusing.

'The big question at the end of it for an expert would be, is it possible, especially for someone who is Chinese, that this is someone else?

'And the expert has got no choice but to say, yes it is possible. There's your reasonable doubt.'

It is understood Queensland police have forwarded their detailed evidence against the man to Chinese authorities for their consideration.

Australian officers have said they were intent on 'finding a resolution to the matter', months after they were able to identify the suspect.

Luka's parents said he was still undergoing treatment.

'Luka still has to have regular surgeries, he gets laser and skin needling to reduce the appearance of the scars,' they told The Australian.

Luka's parents said he was still undergoing treatment and had scars are on his chin, shoulder and back

'The scars are on his chin, shoulder and a little bit on his back.

'But otherwise, hes healed really well and is thriving in life.'

The man was said to have approached Luka slowly before emptying his beverage and breaking into a sprint as he fled the scene.

Following his departure, the man is believed to have driven to Sydney and immediately boarded a flight out of the country on August 31.

Initially, Australian police provided the public with an incorrect name for the man and were unable to verify his true identity until he was already out of the country.

Chinese media reported the man had entered and exited Australia many times since 2019 - initially using a working holiday visa before later switching to a student visa.

Throughout that time, he lived in various locations on the east coast and worked in a meat processing plant.

But when his latest visa application was rejected, the man's frustration allegedly erupted in the coffee attack, Chinese media reported.

'Finally, he vented his anger and [allegedly] hurt a baby before leaving Australia,' reported China's New Tang Dynasty Television.

Investigators from the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police have been in contact with China over the man's whereabouts.
Behind every great man is a great woman, so the saying goes.

And in Jeff Bezos' case that woman was his mother Jacklyn Bezos, who died peacefully at her home this week at the age of 78.

Today, her son is one of the world's wealthiest men, but his beginnings were a lot more humble.

It is largely thanks to the tireless sacrifice of his mother that he is able to sit atop his Amazon empire.

It is a sentiment not lost on the billionaire CEO, who acknowledged Jacklyn's monumental place in his life in an emotional post announcing her death.

'After a long fight with Lewy Body Dementia, she passed away today, surrounded by so many of us who loved her  her kids, grandkids, and my dad,' Jeff wrote.

'I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.'

While it may have been Bezos' luck to have her as a mother, it was Jacklyn's grit and belief in her son which turned her fortunes around from struggling teen mom to one of the first investors in one of the biggest companies in the world.

Jacklyn Bezos, also known as Jackie, died peacefully at her Miami home on Thursday at the age of 78

She gave birth to her billionaire Amazon founder son at 17 years old while still in high school

Jacklyn was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where, as a high school student, she met Jeff's biological father, Ted Jorgensen, according to the Bezos Scholars Program.

She gave birth to the Amazon founder at 17 years old shortly after marrying Jorgensen, but the two divorced shortly after.

'My mom, Jackie, had me when she was a 17-year-old high school student in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Being pregnant in high school was not popular in Albuquerque in 1964. It was difficult for her,' Jeff said in a 2020 congressional hearing.

'When they tried to kick her out of school, my grandfather went to bat for her. After some negotiation, the principal said, "OK, she can stay and finish high school, but she can't do any extracurricular activities, and she can't have a locker".

'My grandfather took the deal, and my mother finished high school, though she wasn't allowed to walk across the stage with her classmates to get her diploma.'

As a young, single mom, she started taking night classes while also working at a bank during the day.

'Determined to keep up with her education, she enrolled in night school, picking classes led by professors who would let her bring an infant to class,' Jeff said.

'She would show up with two duffel bagsone full of textbooks, and one packed with diapers, bottles, and anything that would keep me interested and quiet for a few minutes.'

As a young, single mom, she worked at a bank and attended night classes. She eventually met and married a young Cuban immigrant, Miguel 'Mike' Bezos

Jacklyn and Miguel (pictured) went on to invest just under $250,000 into Amazon in 1995 to help their son

Her shift at the bank overlapped with a young Cuban immigrant, Miguel 'Mike' Bezos, where the two met and fell in love.

The couple eventually married, and Miguel adopted Jeff. They also had two children together, Christina and Mark.

Jacklyn and Miguel went on to invest just under $250,000 into Amazon in 1995 to help their son with his new company.

'They weren't making a bet on Amazon or the concept of a bookstore on the internet. They were making a bet on their son,' Jeff said.

'I told them that I thought there was a 70 percent chance they would lose their investment, and they did it anyway.'

The sum that they lent him was considered not just a huge amount but also a massive risk, as people were still skeptical of the internet.

But the gamble paid off, as their son is now worth over $243 billion, while Amazon is a $2 trillion company.

Bezos spoke about the original investment his parents gave him at a 2015 event, recalling telling them: 'I want you to know how risky this is.

In 2022, Bezos helped his parents snap up a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront Miami mansion in 2022 for $34 million

Jeff often praised his parents in speeches and online. He is pictured hugging his mother after his flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard into space in July 2021

'Because I want to come home at dinner for Thanksgiving and I don't want you to be mad at me.'

It is unclear how much stock they still hold in the company; they donated just under 600,000 shares to the Bezos Family Foundation from 2001 to 2016, according to filings.

In 2022, Bezos helped his parents snap up a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront Miami mansion in 2022 for $34 million.

The property was bought by a Delaware company linked to Bezos' parents with the help of a $5 million loan from the Bank of America.

Jeff added to his own tribute: 'Her adulthood started a little bit early when she became my mom at the tender age of 17.

'That couldn't have been easy, but she made it all work. She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity, brought my amazing dad onto the team a few years later, and then added my sister and brother to her list of people to love, guard, and nourish.

'For the rest of her life, that list of people to love never stopped growing. She always gave so much more than she ever asked for.'
Glenn Lowry, director of MoMA, photographed in Madrid in April at the Acciona Campus conference. Gianfranco Tripodo

When he arrived at the Museum of Modern Art in 1995 as director, there were no lack of voices questioning his appointment. Hed previously been at the head of the Art Gallery of Ontario, and specialized in Islamic art. The idea of Glenn Lowry (New York, 70 years old) stepping in to direct Manhattans legendary museum, whose radical mission to embrace modern art broke the mold with its 1929 opening, turning it into a vanguard institution, was not an obvious one. But today, three decades and two lavish expansions later, with 200,000 pieces in its collection, the PS1 satellite location in Queens, nearly 2.7 million yearly visitors and having survived 9-11, the Covid pandemic, the 2008 financial crash and the 2021 protests that led to the resignation of chairman Leon Black over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, its difficult to imagine another person who could have successfully weathered so many storms.

The torpedo imagined by the MoMAs first director, Alfred Barr, that laboratory-museum that would constantly renovate its collection, occasionally getting rid of pieces in order to keep its finger on the pulse of contemporary creation, is a very peculiar animal. It has an omnivorous appetite, is criticized for eating up contiguous properties in Midtown, and continues to be a mirror in which many see themselves. The museum has been funded from the start by private donations, and as such, its board of trustees has an important role to play. Its influence and impact is as unavoidable in the contemporary art world as in the universe of museums. Lowry has had the longest tenure as director in the MoMAs history. A year ago, he announced he would leave his position in September 2025, and after months of rumors and betting, announced this spring that Christophe Cherix, who has worked at the museum since 2007 and is its chief curator of drawings and prints, will be his successor.

A few weeks after that announcement, the director was in Madrid to participate in a conversation moderated by journalist Michael Kimmelman, alongside the director of the Museo Nacional del Prado, Miguel Falomir, as part of the NEXT IN Summit organized by Acciona Cultura. Lowry spoke about the expansions hes overseen, Andre Malrauxs imaginary museum and the impact of AI. Practical, energetic and as fast-moving as any New Yorker worth their salt, he presents an appearance free of any eccentricity (no Le Corbusier glasses here, nor bright colors or attention-grabbing flair), and his responses stick to an amiable and direct tone, evading any hint of controversy. Before returning to New York, he planned on visiting the Goya frescos in Madrids San Antonio de la Florida chapel.

Q. What was your arrival to the MoMA as director like, and what were the primary challenges at that time?

A. There was a search for a new director, and the search firm was tasked with identifying the next generation of leaders in the museum world. Somehow, my name got on that list. It was not on my radar screen to become the director of the Museum of Modern Art, I was very reluctant to even go into the interview process. But the woman who was running the search was an old friend of mine from graduate school, and she said, Look, you just need to do this. And I did, and I had such an extraordinarily exciting and engaging conversation with the trustees that I met that I got very excited about the job. Id been running a very large museum that also had a great deal of modern and contemporary art  I dont have a PhD in modern art, but I do very much care about it and living artists, and had been working with them while I was at the Art Gallery of Ontario and even before that. I thought it was an interesting problem, to try to lead an institution that was so identified with a certain reading of the 20th century into a new century that was going to be, by definition, very different.

Q. One of the most notable changes over these years is the rise in prices of contemporary art. As director of an institution that can significantly increase the price of an artists work, whats your perspective on that? You have a board of trustees who are also art collectors. How do you balance that out?

A. In the mid to late 90s, there was an explosion of interest in museums in general, and in modern and contemporary art. With that came a new generation of collectors and visitors, as well as the recognition that art was being made everywhere in the world. It wasnt just being made in Paris or New York or Madrid. It was also being made in Shanghai and Sao Paulo and Rio. The art market adjusted to this new reality. Prices, however, they go up and they go down. The museum world lives in parallel, but not the same space, as the art market.

Q. In parallel?

A. There are darlings of the art market that the museum world is uninterested in, and there are darlings of the museum world that the art market is uninterested in. Theyre not identical worlds. Sure, we have members of our board who are important and influential collectors, but the art we collect is the art we want to collect, and thats generated entirely through curatorial interests, not through board interests.

Q. Theres never any interference?

A. There are many conversations I have with trustees who say, Why arent you interested in this artist? Thats because its an artist they believe in. And sometimes theyre actually right, that we should have been interested in those artists. But the reality is, at least in our system, the collection is a function of curatorial direction. Thats where the beginning and end are: what our curators want to collect, believe in. Sometimes thats in parallel with our board, but it isnt always.

Q. The museum has significantly expanded its curatorial departments under your tenure. Latin American art has taken on more relevancy, as well as that of Eastern Europe and other regions. There have also been significant cuts, such as the ones that took place after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. Does the key to the museum lie in having the muscle to be able to grow and, at the same time, knowing when to contract?

A. I think thats exactly right. You want to be able to respond to the times, but not be entirely dependent on the times, right? Theres a dialogue. It was clear to me in the mid-90s that the Museum of Modern Art needed to figure out how to work in the world, how to expand its interest and its knowledge about what was happening elsewhere in the world. This was not about creating some kind of pseudo-colonial enterprise, but rather, imagining a way of being engaged with colleagues that was symmetrical in its intellectual relationships. We created a program in relationship with colleagues, artists, curators, scholars, collectors from those areas. The goal is to learn, and if youre learning, you inevitably come up with ideas that translate into publications, exhibitions, and sometimes, even acquisitions. We started to identify parts of the world where we felt there were either prior connections to the Museum of Modern Art, like Latin America, or parts of the world where we wanted to learn more, like the relationship with the Fluxus community of artists and creators in Asia and Japan, the collective conceptual art in Eastern Europe.

Q. Politics and contemporary art have gone hand in hand since the turn of the 20th century. Theres political art, but theres also a lot of political readings into what an institution such as MoMA does. And then in another layer on top of that, the scrutiny of the board of trustees as posed by Strike MoMA. How has all this complicated your work as director?

A. If you are privileged enough to work at an institution like the Museum of Modern Art, or any of the great museums in the world, it comes with a set of responsibilities and realities. We serve a large and diverse public and we are always going to be at some crossroads of peoples expectations, aspirations and desires, some of which we will be able to fulfill and many of which we will not. I dont think of that as being difficult. Yes, I mean, its difficult in the moment, but its also why were there, because were meaningful. The fact that protestors around issues of climate change or Israel and Gaza or Epstein or economic inequality feel that a museum is an appropriate location to express their position means that were important, that people actually feel invested in what we do and believe that we should hear them and that it is more meaningful to have an action at a museum than someplace else. And Im not naive, one of the reasons is because youre going to get a lot of attention if you do an action at a museum that you might not get if you do it somewhere else. It puts that issue into relief. Im interested by that. It doesnt mean that we can respond to all of those protests and it doesnt even mean that those protests make sense at the museum. What does matter is that people feel it makes sense there. Museums are subject to lots of different positions, opinions and pressures. I dont see that as a bad thing.

Q. In 20 years, how would you like to be remembered?

A. I came to the MoMA to work with an incredible staff, and I hope that over my tenure, that staff has only gotten more interesting, more nuanced.

Glenn Lowry, director of the MoMA, photographed in Madrid in April during the NEXT IN Summit. Gianfranco Tripodo

Q. What has been your hardest acquisition, your epic fight?

A. The hardest acquisitions to get through are rarely the most expensive, because most-expensive generally follows the most-known. What is really hard is trying to bring an artist into the collection whose work is utterly unfamiliar, and feels like its rubbing people who are familiar with what they believe contemporary art to be in the wrong direction. So theyre some of my proudest acquisitions. I dont want to give names because that would be inappropriate. But I will tell you that in one week, we looked at an acquisition that was going to cost us close to $20 million, and it went through the acquisition committee almost without comment. And it was a major and fabulous acquisition. Literally two days later, we looked at an acquisition that was going to cost us $5,000 and we spent an hour and a half arguing over it. That was a young artist who was not yet represented in the museum and whose work felt, at the time, so different from anything else we collected. There was a real debate, both among our curators and among our acquisitions committee. In the end we did acquire it, and we went on to build a substantial holding in that artists work.

Q. Theres a tension in the art world between exclusivity and accessibility in order to maintain a certain halo, no?

A. I want to get to as many people as possible. I am unabashedly clear that public institutions serve the public. Thats why we exist. And we have to find different ways to serve different publics. There are people who just want to come to the museum and find Van Goghs Starry Night. There are other people who want to come and spend hours quietly in front of a work of art, because theyre so familiar with the history of art and with the collection and the museum. They dont want to be with a lot of other people, they want to have a quiet moment. We have to find different ways of satisfying them.

Q. With the return of Trump to the White House, its turning out that many supposedly independent U.S. institutions arent entirely that, because they depend in some way on federal funding, or receive tax benefits. Patrons, philanthropists, and donors can also have interests at play. Is this putting independence to the test?

A. I think that we have to define what independent means. You are ultimately responsible to someone or something, theres no such thing as being completely independent. If you operate within a European system, you are responsible generally to a minister of culture, and that minister of culture acts on behalf of the state. You have certain opportunities afforded by that, and certain obligations. In the United States, you are responsible to a board of trustees, and with that comes the same conditions. We dont actually have to follow any one path, we can chart our own path, provided that the board supports and approves it. But it isnt like the boards direct. I think that is one of the myths.

Q. What is the most common external misconception about the MoMA?

A. That the museum is not self-critical. We work with a lot of doubt, we are constantly challenging ourselves. There are always deep internal arguments and debates.

Q. Thinking about the job of the director of the MoMA, would you say it is like that of a conductor of an orchestra, a long-haul truck driver with fragile cargo, or a CEO?

A. The conductor is maybe the best analogy at the end of the day. They may have his or her interpretation of a piece of music, but they have to bring the strings along with the winds, along with all the other instruments, in something that is harmonious and whole. Along the way, you encounter all sorts of challenges. It isnt that I had a good idea or I had a bad idea, its that collectively, we were able to shape ideas and then realize them, and then go onto a new set of challenges and problems together. Its always a collective exercise. It requires a thoughtful and supportive board that can ask you good and thought-provoking questions, and it requires an extraordinarily talented staff that can figure out new and unexpected directions to pursue. If youre the director, you have the privilege of being between these two spaces and working to knit them together to achieve harmony.

Glenn Lowry, director of the MoMA, photographed in Madrid in the spring during the NEXT IN Summit. Gianfranco Tripodo

Q. So, more of an orchestra conductor than a CEO?

A. I dont come out of the business world and Im not particularly interested in that side of the institution. I am trained in a very academic discipline.

Q. In the soft power era of the United States in the mid-20th century, the MoMA played an important role. Today, the cultural and political influence of the United States is vanishing. Would you agree with that?

A. I think this government appears not to be that interested in the kind of soft power youre talking about. But many of us have been fortunate enough to work in a very rich and nuanced international ecosystem. I think its our responsibility to keep that ecosystem alive and vibrant.

Q. What is modernity today?

A. You can answer that in many ways. If you want to periodize it, we can talk about the fact that modernity was a moment that crystallized around 1900 and is strongly identified with issues of individuality, self-identification, technology, speed. We locate it mostly in the 20th century. If you think about modernity as an idea of perpetual self-renewal and advancing to the future, that youre always embracing the new, then I think we are in a fascinating moment where competing ideas are being worked out in real time. Theres the rise of ethno-nationalism around the world, which is in response to the perceived ills of globalization that left too many people behind, that didnt address social, political and cultural issues. You have competing visions of a kind of global idea of an interconnected world and the idea of very localized, nationally identified worlds. Culture is a space in which some of these issues are negotiated and resolved.

Q. In this fight between globalization and ethno-nationalism, do you feel that the museum geared towards identity politics during the last decade?

A. The rise of identity politics is so closely identified with the ways in which ethno-nationalisms  Id say that in plural  have tried to address the perceived loss of agency among constituents and communities. When you feel disadvantaged, when you feel that somebody else is benefiting at your expense, you very quickly self-identify with your community. The role of societies is to lift everybody up, but it can never be done perfectly and there are always going to be imbalances. But you have to have a vision, and if that vision narrows itself to only those communities that have felt an injustice, were going to live in a very narrow world.

Q. The director of the MoMA has a paid apartment on 53rd Street in Manhattan. Where are you moving?

A. That apartment came with a lot of responsibility. The idea was that if youre going to build a major building project or two, and if youre going to have to negotiate with your community, you need to be in that community, be part of it and understand its issues. You know, Ive spent 20 years living in the Museum of Modern Art 24/7. Now I have the opportunity to think about where Ill live where I dont have to worry about that. Well stay in New York, and well see. Its an adventure, still to be determined.

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A 16-year-old boy was lured to his death following an argument 'over a girl,' in what authorities are calling a calculated and deadly plot.

South Carolina teenager Trey Dean Wright was found shot to death on June 24.

Nine teenagers, including the victim's girlfriend have been arrested following the savage attack.

Deputies discovered Wright lying in the middle of First Neck Road near Johnsonville - about 45 miles from Myrtle Beach, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds Fox New reports.

The teen later died at the hospital and in a chilling twist, authorities revealed the murder was caught on video.

'This was an altercation between two people,' Sheriff TJ Joye said, as reported by WBTW News.

'Its not like Im just going to go to Johnsonville and shoot somebody,' he added. 'They had issues with each other and it was over a female.'

Just one day after the shooting, Devan Scott Raper, 19, was taken into custody by the Florence County Sheriffs Office, accused of firing the fatal shots after an argument turned deadly.

Trey Dean Wright (pictured), 16, of South Carolina, was lured to his death following an argument 'over a girl,' in what authorities are calling a calculated plot - leading to the arrests of nine teenagers

On the night of June 24, deputies discovered Wright ying in the middle of First Neck Road near Johnsonville - about 45 miles from Myrtle Beach - suffering from multiple gunshot wounds (pictured: Wright and his mother)

'The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life,' Joye added. 'Youve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?'

Raper, from Conway, was booked into the Florence County Detention Center following his arrest on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He remains behind bars as a judge denied his bond.

But in a haunting turn of events, the initial arrest quickly expanded into eight more over the following weeks - including Wrights own girlfriend - all accused of being part of a deadly setup.

Gianna Kistenmacher, the victims 17-year-old girlfriend, was the second to be arrested - shockingly taken into custody on June 30 for what authorities described as significant involvement in the case.

According to the sheriffs office, Kistenmacher, of Myrtle Beach, brought her boyfriend to meet with Raper - knowing he was armed and likely to kill Wright.

She was arrested and charged with accessory before the fact to a felony, but has since been granted bond and subsequently released to home confinement.

On Tuesday, a staggering three more teens from Myrtle Beach were charged in connection with Wrights heinous murder.

Among those charged in connection with the killing are Hunter Kendall, 18, Sydney Kearns, 17, and Corrinne Belviso, 18 - though their alleged roles in the disturbing scheme remain unclear.

Just one day after the shooting, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper (pictured) was taken into custody by the Florence County Sheriffs Office, accused of firing the fatal shots after an argument turned deadly

Gianna Kistenmacher (pictured), the victims 17-year-old girlfriend, was the second to be arrested and was taken into custody on June 30 for allegedly bringing Wright to meet with Raper

Maj. Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff's Office told WBTW-TV that the additional arrests involved individuals 'complicit in bringing the armed codefendant, Raper, to the incident location and knowing that there would be a confrontation'.

'They knew that Raper had presented a firearm to the victim and made threats to shoot him, according to the arrest warrants,' Nunn added.

Nunn also confirmed that all five suspects accused of murder are being charged as adults under South Carolina law, according to The Post and Courier.

Similar to Raper, Kendall remains in custody without bond, while Belviso and Kearns each posted their $20,000 bonds last week and are now awaiting trial, Fox News reported.

Four additional teens were taken into custody for involvement in the deadly romantic rivalry, but authorities have not released their identities or any further information, as they are minors.

According to Nunn, one of the nine teens was behind the recording of the incident, according to WBTW.

'A lot of times the, people involved record the event, so that takes a lot of the guesswork out of it,' Nunn told the outlet.

'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,' he added.

A staggering three more teens from Myrtle Beach were charged in connection with Wrights heinous murder - including 18-year-old Hunter Kendall (pictured), who is being held without bond

Four additional teens were taken into custody for involvement in the deadly romantic rivalry, but authorities have not released their identities or any further information, as they are minors (pictured: Wright)

Sydney Kearns (left), 17, and Corrinne Belviso (right), 18, are among those charged with Wright's murder. They both posted their $20,000 bonds last week and are now awaiting trial

Nunn said one final suspect is still expected to turn themselves in, adding that the decision to charge so many teens with murder was made carefully and in close consultation with prosecutors, according to WBTW.

'All this court hearing and bond court and stuff is driving me crazy,' Ashley Lindsey, Wright's mother, told Fox News Digital.

'I don't even have time to sit down and think half the time, on top of losing my precious baby.'

Nunn said the case stands out as rare and highly unusual, according to Post and Courier.

'Every case is different,' Nunn told the outlet. 'I cant say that Ive ever seen one identical to this. This case would be unusual anywhere.'

Rapers next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, while Kendall and Belviso are set to appear in Florence County Circuit Court on September 17.
A New Zealand woman and her six-year-old son who were subjected to 'horrible' conditions during a three-week detention at a US immigration centre have been released.

Sarah Shaw, 33, who has lived in Washington State for three years, was detained along with her son Isaac while making a routine border crossing on July 24.

Friend Victoria Besancon, who organised a GoFundMe campaign to support the family, wrote the pair had finally been released on Saturday.

'Thanks to all of your support and advocating Sarah and her son have been released!' Ms Besancon wrote on the fundraiser page.

'While her lawyer's words were the war is not over and there are still legal battles to be had, this portion has been won!

'Thank you to everyone who supported, donated, and reached out. We will continue to update the story as it unfolds. But they are home safe and sound.'

The pair were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 24 before being transported to the Dilley Immigration Processing Centre in South Texas.

They had driven north to drop Ms Shaw's two eldest children at an airport in Vancouver to fly home to New Zealand and were detained on the return trip.

Kiwi mum Sarah Shaw (pictured) was detained in the US along with her youngest son for more than three weeks after a minor administrative issue with her visa

Ms Shaw was forced to endure 'horrific' conditions with limited communication, her friend said

Her father, Rod Price, told Radio New Zealand Ms Shaw managed to call him in the frantic moments before was locked up.

'She went to go back across into the US and then I got a frantic call to say that shes being detained and "theyre about to take my phone off me" and "theyre locking me up for the night",' Mr Price said.

A New Zealand citizen, Ms Shaw lives in the US on a 'combo card' visa - which combines a work permit with an I-360 visa, available to survivors of domestic violence committed by a citizen.

Ms Shaw, who works as a youth counsellor at a juvenile detention facility, legally obtained I-360 visas for all three of her children, including Isaac.

Before making the journey, she received a letter confirming her work visa had been renewed, but didn't realise the I-360 visa approval was still pending.

Ms Shaw requested humanitarian parole, an emergency pass into the US, but was told she wasn't eligible.

'Not only was she denied that right, but agents lied to her stating they had already requested it and she was denied. It was later confirmed that was a lie and no parole was filed or requested on her behalf,' Ms Besancon said.

US Customs and Border Protection advises without both elements of the 'combo card', a person may face deportation as reentry is not guaranteed.

Friend Victoria Besancon said the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement needed to be 'held accountable' for the treatment Ms Shaw and other families have been subjected to

Ms Besancon said the Kiwi mum was subjected to 'horrible, isolated conditions' in detention with 'extremely limited' access to communication.

She said Ms Shaw was 'heartbroken' at the way other families were treated in the detention facility and hoped to work to assist them upon release.

'ICE needs to be held accountable and Sarah's rights, along with her children's well-being, needs to be protected.

Ms Shaw's is only the latest case in a string of foreigners facing tough conditions at the US border, including Aussie Nikki Saroukos, 25, who told the Daily Mail she was detained, stripped and held overnight in Hawaii for 'having too much luggage'.

A representative for the Washington Federation of State Employees, Ms Shaw's union, said she and her son had suffered a trauma that 'may never be healed'.

Ms Besancon said she will continue to provide updates as the young family recovers and continues to engage with its lawyers.

The GoFundMe campaign was arranged to fund the family's legal costs and living expenses while Ms Shaw is unable to work. It has so far raised more than AU$90,000.

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We have been advised that the two New Zealanders have been released.

'For privacy reasons no further information will be provided.'
An Alabama town has been rocked by the murder-suicide of a family of four that police describe 'as tragic as it comes'.

The family of four, including two children, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their home on Thursday morning, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, and her two kids, Khristian Smith, 15, and Kinsley Smith, 11, were shot dead by her husband, 44-year-old Kenneth O'Neil Smith Jr.

Officers arrived at the scene in Daphne, located across the bay from Mobile, in the early morning hours after they received a 'welfare concern' call from a family member.

Sheriff Anthony Lowery said the children's cell phones were ringing as authorities investigated the scene, reported AL.com.

'You know that was their friends,' Lowery said. 'I've been doing this for 29 years. It's only the second time I've had to work a case where the whole family has been killed.

'It looks like some type of domestic issue that escalated into this. It's as tragic as it comes.'

Police identified Kenneth as the shooter using forensic and circumstantial evidence found at the scene, including a recovered handgun, according to WALA.

Investigators believe Larrica Gaines Smith (center), 41, and her two kids, Khristian Smith (left), 15, and Kinsley Smith (right), 11, were shot dead by her husband, 44-year-old Kenneth O'Neil Smith Jr

'We will absolutely work this like any other homicide investigation. There is no reason to believe anything happened anywhere else but inside the house,' Lowery said.

'The neighbors are really hurting. This is a quiet neighborhood. They are proud of where they live here.'

The sheriff said his department will continue to investigate the crime, but believes it stemmed from a 'domestic issue.'

'We may never get all of the answers because there wont be a suspect to interview or anything along those lines so well have to use our forensic techniques as best we can to piece it back together and well rely on [that] information,' he said.

'Well talk to friends and family and coworkers and all those things to try and find out as much as we can.'

Crisis response teams have been made available at Daphne High School and Daphne East Elementary School, where the children attended.

Neighbor Shannon Brannon told the local news that she is in shock and described the Smiths' as 'just the nicest, sweetest family'.

'Their kids were so sweet. They babysat my daughter. Just good people. She just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don't understand. I don't understand how this could happen,' she said.

Larrica worked as a realtor and neighbors described the family as the 'nicest' and 'sweetest' people

The family of four were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their home on Thursday morning

Larrica worked as a realtor and her former colleague Sue Lyon, owner of Exit Realty Lyon, told the outlet she was stunned by the news.

'You'd just kind of imagine it would be a certain type of family that would happen to and you'd never think something like that would happen to them because she was always so quiet and polite and everything, but I meanit's horrible,' Lyon said.

Larrica stopped working at the agency is 2018, but Lyon said she was a talented realtor and unforgettable.

'She was so sweet, she was very quiet,' she said. 'She was the kind of person that you just thought, man she's gonna work so great in real estate.'
READ MORE: Father forgives drunk driver who killed three of his kids

Sits down with father of three children he killed

A Sydney man who killed four children while driving drunk has claimed the one thing he most looks forward to doing when freed from jail is opening a door by himself.

In February 2020, Samuel William Davidson mowed down seven children after his out-of-control ute mounted a footpath in Oatlands, in Sydney's west.

Four of the children - siblings Siennah, 8, Angelina, 12 and Antony Abdallah, 12 and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11 - were killed instantly while another, Charbel Kassas, 11, was badly injured and spent two months in a coma.

They were on their way to buy ice-cream when Davidson mowed them down en route to a nearby service station.

Davidson had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit and had cocaine and MDMA in his system at the time of the crash.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of manslaughter among other charges and is serving 20 years behind bars having had his sentence reduced from 28 years on appeal.

For the first time since the incident, Davidson, now 34, has spoken on camera about the events leading up to the incident in an interview with Seven News' Spotlight.

The events of the day were 'blurry', he said, but he recalled waiting 'forever' for a light to turn green before running the red and losing control of the vehicle.

Samuel Davidson (pictured) has opened up about life behind bars in his first public interview since the fatal crash in February 2020

Mr Abdallah said he has forgiven Davidson, not only because of his faith, but for the sake of his marriage and the couple's surviving children

'I had no control because of the intoxication Ive taken the corner so fast, not even a race car driver could have pulled that off in a professional car,' he added, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

'When I got out it was horrible, there were dead bodies It was horrible.'

In the interview, which will air on Sunday, Davidson meets with Danny Abdallah, the father of three of the children he killed, inside Cessnock jail maximum security.

While the pair speak regularly and Mr Abdallah and his wife Leila have been open about their decision to forgive Davidson, this is the first time the public will see the two men interact.

Mr Abdallah said he wanted to tell Davidson about his children and deliver 'an important message'.

Davidson also opened up about his hard-drinking lifestyle before the incident, pledging those days were behind him.

'Its a shame that I had to enjoy life under the influence of alcohol or anything like that to enjoy it, because I can tell you my thoughts about that are completely different now,' he told the program.

Davidson, who spends up to 17 hours a day inside his cell, said it was important to him to keep a clean cell, the way he would at home.

Davidson is pictured after the horror crash during which he was drunk and intoxicated

Danny and Leila Abdallah's daughters, Sienna, 8, and Angelina, 12, their son Anthony, 13, and niece Veronique Sakr, 11, were killed in the crash (pictured)

'I do try and keep it that way because I just think it looks better and yeah, it just makes it more homely. Yeah, I was like that on the outside too,' he told the program.

With a decade still to serve, Davidson said he longed to be able to open and close a door for himself when he is finally freed from custody.

'I've had a dream where I was waiting for a door to open at home. At home you just open a door, you know what I mean?' he told the program.

'Here youve got to wait for a door  freely opening it  I cant wait,' he said.

Mr Abdallah has attributed his decision to forgive Davidson to his Christian faith but added it was necessary for the sake of his marriage and surviving children.

'At the end of the day, I've still got three other kids. I need to be a father too and I need to be a husband to my wife, and it's already hard enough,' he told KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O on Friday.

As for his own family, Davidson said his parents visit him most weekends, but he struggles with the possibility they may no longer be around when he is released.

'I love every second I get with them,' he said.

The Spotlight segment will air on Channel Seven at 8.40pm tonight.
A man and a four-year-old boy have died after being hit by a ute south of Brisbane.

The 33-year-old man and boy, both from Crestmead, were struck by a white LDC dual cab utility on Green Road in Regents Park, about 11.15am on Sunday.

Queensland Police confirmed the two pedestrians suffered life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.

Footage from the scene of the crash showed a broken children's bike lying on the footpath.

The man and the boy were known to each other.

Police confirmed the driver, a 41-year-old man from Regents Park, was taken into custody at the scene and is assisting officers with their investigation.

No charges have been laid and the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident.

A 33-year-old man and four-year-old boy have died after being hit by a ute on Green Road in Regents Park, about 11.15am on Sunday (pictured)

The haunting scene following the crash as the young boy's bike lies smashed on the sidewalk

The driver, a 41-year-old man from Regents Park, was taken into custody at the scene

Green Road remains closed in both directions just eat of the Mount Lindesay Highway, following the crash.

Police have asked anyone with relevant information or vision of the ute prior to the incident to come forward.
A British woman who was allegedly raped by the fugitive Nicholas Rossi has accused the CPS of victim blaming after it refused to prosecute him.

The US man, 38, is facing life in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in 2008 last week.

He had been charged with rape in 2020 and a warrant for his arrest was issued, before he allegedly faked his own death and fled to Scotland.

It can now be revealed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ruled there is not enough evidence to prosecute him for a similar case in Essex, The Times first reported.

Alleged victim Michelle insisted Rossi raped her weeks after moving into her home in Chelmsford in 2017.

He is said to have bombarded her with messages and suggested starting a new life together, after connecting via dating app OkCupid.

Rossi introduced himself as Nick Alahverdian and said he was Harvard educated with an interest in literature, the woman claimed.

However, after welcoming him into her home, Michelle claimed he soon revealed he had no money, and ordered her to buy him an iPhone among other flashy gifts.

'He wanted cash. Lots of it,' she claimed.

Nicholas Rossi (pictured), who was accused of faking his death and fleeing to Scotland to evade rape charges, was found guilty of sexually assaulting an ex-girlfriend

Rossi (pictured), also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, was extradited from Scotland following a lengthy process in early 2022

Rossi allegedly became controlling of Michelle, dictating where she went and ordering her to wear dresses and skirts.

He even inserted a tracking device into her phone, before raping her in her bedroom, Michelle claims.

She added that she threw him out and reported him to the authorities. Essex police launched an investigation, but the CPS concluded there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Discussing the contrasting response to similar allegations heard last week in the US court, Michelle said: 'I am shocked, distressed and angered that no action will be taken in my case in the UK. It feels to me like the CPS are blaming the victim rather than doing their job.

'I am deeply concerned for other rape survivors in England who are fighting for justice and are reliant on receiving support from the CPS.'

Rossi, whose legal name is Nicholas Alahverdian, was found guilty of a 2008 rape after a three-day trial in Utah in which his accuser and her parents took the stand.

He will be sentenced in the case on October 20 and is set to stand trial in September for another rape charge in Utah County.

Rossi was charged with rape in 2020 and a warrant for his arrest was issued later that year. But months later an online obituary claimed Rossi had died on February 29, 2020 of late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Despite his supposed death, Rossi was arrested in Scotland in December 2021 while being treated for Covid-19 after hospital staff in Glasgow recognised his distinctive tattoos from an Interpol notice.

Rossi departs Edinburgh Sheriff Court after his extradition hearing on July 12, 2023

Rossi said he was the victim of mistaken identity, claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight who was being framed. But, after a Scottish judge ruled that they were the same people, he was finally extradited to the US in January 2024.

He appeared in court this week in a wheelchair, wearing a suit and tie and using an oxygen tank.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: 'Our prosecutors take the greatest care when examining allegations of rape  looking at the facts of each case in detail.

'After a careful review of all the materials in this case, we concluded there was not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of securing a conviction.

'A request to review this decision led to a second prosecutor reviewing the case, who reached the same conclusion, and we wrote to [Michelle] to explain our decision-making.

'We consistently charge around 7 in 10 of the rape cases passed to us by police, but we recognise there is more we can do in partnership with police to build the strongest possible cases from the outset.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of 'complicating' efforts to end the war by refusing a ceasefire as he prepares to meet Donald Trump.

Mr Zelensky will visit the White House tomorrow for a one-on-one which the US President believes could pave the way for a three-way meeting with Vladimir Putin.

The Russian and American leaders shook hands on Friday at a military base at Anchorage in Alaska for a superpower summit to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

But Ukraine's future as a sovereign nation is now hanging in the balance following the crunch talks, with critics warning other world leaders were powerless to prevent Mr Zelensky from being caught 'with his head in a vice' by Mr Trump and Mr Putin.

It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold a coalition of the willing meeting today.

President Zelensky wrote on X last night: 'We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing.

'This complicates the situation. If they lack the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater - peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades.

'But together we are working for peace and security. Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.'

He also said he was 'grateful for the invitation' from Mr Trump, and it was 'important that everyone agrees there needs to be a conversation at the level of leaders to clarify all the details and determine which steps are necessary and will work'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday

Damaged cars and buildings after a reported Ukrainian strike in Kursk, Russia, on Friday

Mr Zelensky additionally welcomed the 'principled statement' and 'very significant assistance' of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8)  a regional co-operation group made up of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

The NB8 had issued a statement saying Mr Putin 'cannot be trusted' and it remained 'steadfast in our support to Ukraine', adding that it would 'continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressures on Russia's war economy'.

Diplomatic sources have said Friday's summit in Alaska paved the way for a deal in which Ukraine would be expected to surrender large swathes of the Donbas region in the east of the country, including areas currently controlled by Kyiv.

In return, President Zelensky would receive 'Nato-style' protection from Western countries for what remained of his territory.

He is preparing to fly to Washington for a showdown with Mr Trump, at which he is expected to be told to retreat from the battlegrounds.

Mr Zelensky is understood to have said that he will refuse to surrender Donetsk, which has been at the centre of conflict with Moscow since 2014, but is more broadly 'open to discussing the issue of territory'.

Last night, Boris Johnson called for Sir Keir to lead international efforts to protect Ukraine from being carved up as a result of what he described as a 'vomit-inducing' meeting in Alaska.

Mr Trump has told Mr Zelensky and EU leaders that as part of the negotiations they would have to drop their demands for a ceasefire: it means Putin can continue his attacks on the country until a deal is signed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted the above statement on X last night

Mr Zelensky reposted this statement by the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8)  a regional co-operation group made up of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden

Sir Keir will hold a so-called 'coalition of the willing' telephone meeting with Mr Macron and Mr Merz this afternoon to discuss the role of European peacekeepers in a post-conflict Ukraine.

Yesterday, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: 'The best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.

'President Zelensky will be coming to [Washington] DC, the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin.'

And in an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump signalled that he and Mr Putin had discussed land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, and had 'largely agreed'.

'I think we're pretty close to a deal,' he said, adding: 'Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they'll say 'no'.'

Asked what he would advise Mr Zelensky to do, Trump said: 'Gotta make a deal.'

'Look, Russia is a very big power, and they're not,' he added.

Last night, former British defence minister Tobias Ellwood told The Mail on Sunday that he feared Mr Zelensky was walking into a trap in the White House.

He said: 'He will be asked to put his head in a vice, with Vladimir Putin pushing from one side and Donald Trump from the other.

A Russian tank at a practice on a training ground in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addresses senior officials t the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday

A Russian soldier carries an ammunition during a practice at a location in Ukraine on Friday

'The Ukrainian president will be presented with a 'take it or leave it' deal: surrender territory to Russia or face the blame for wrecking peace.

'And if Mr Zelensky refuses, Trump will walk away, declaring that America is done with the talks. It's the classic gangster deal  one you can't refuse. Except he must.'

Mr Johnson, writing in today's Mail on Sunday, describes the summit as 'the most vomit-inducing episode in all the tawdry history of international diplomacy'.

He says: 'Imagine how it felt to be one of those embattled heroes in a dug-out near Pokrovsk, fighting for your country's freedom, and to hear the President of the United States  the ex officio team captain of the Free World  refer to Vladimir Putin as 'the boss'. Retch.

'Think of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian widows and orphans.

'Think of the maimed and mutilated; think of the Ukrainian civilians living in daily and nightly terror of Putin's bombs and missiles still raining down, even though the so-called negotiations were taking place in Alaska.'

But he adds: 'Like so many of the most objectionable pieces of historic diplomacy, that meeting was also, of course, justifiable and even essential.

Donald Trump meets Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday

President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday

'Puke-making though it was, Trump was right to try. He was right to meet Putin, because if millions of Ukrainians were watching with horror at the red-carpet rehabilitation of the Russian tyrant, they were also watching with hope...

'One day this war will end with a peace that protects Ukrainian freedom; but as Trump said in Alaska, the Europeans  led by Britain  will have to step up.'

The proposed deal was greeted with dismay in Ukraine. Volodymyr Dubovyk, a professor of international relations in Odesa, described it as 'a nothing-burger with a sour aftertaste'.

He said: 'As a Ukrainian, it was pretty disgusting to see what was going on, all this red carpet, all this clapping and smiles and being chummy.'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a long-time ally of Mr Trump, said of the US President: 'At least he is trying to find peace.'

But former Tory defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out at the 1980s-style 'pantomime' of the summit between the two leaders.

He said: 'Putin got what he wanted and I think President Trump got a trip to Alaska.'

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been gradually advancing for months.

The war - the deadliest in Europe for 80 years - has killed or wounded well over a million people from both sides, including thousands of mostly Ukrainian civilians, according to analysts.
BrewDog's beers have been axed by almost 2,000 pubs across Britain as the embattled brewers' popularity continues to wane.

The company's range of draught beers have disappeared entirely from around 1,860 pubs in the last two years, according to private industry data.

The blow means BrewDog's UK distribution has been cut by more than a third.

It also shows that its best-known beer, Punk IPA, has suffered the worst loss after being removed from 1,980 pubs  a 52 per cent decline in distribution.

Pubs are now reducing their offerings or opting for rival beers such as Camden Town and Beavertown instead.

The data, which was seen by the Telegraph, revealed most of the pubs scrapping BrewDog beers are part of large chains, removing a key source of revenue for the brewer at the same time as it struggles to revive its fortunes.

The collapse in BrewDog's UK distribution comes as CEO James Taylor recently told investors that its financials did not make for 'happy reading'.

BrewDog has recorded losses of 59m in 2023 and 30.5m in 2022. Mr Taylor admitted in a recent interview that the company would be making another loss this year.

Self-described 'punk' Mr Watt married Made In Chelsea star and socialite Georgia Toffolo in March. The Sunday Times estimated their wealth to be a staggering 425 million earlier this year

BrewDog's beers have been axed by almost 2,000 pubs across Britain as the embattled brewers' popularity wanes

BrewDog co-founder James Watt stepped back as CEO in May 2024, months after a complaint over a BBC documentary outlining allegations against him was dropped

Mr Taylor is the second new CEO to take over since founder and face of the company James Watt stepped back in May 2024 amidst a flurry of accusations of improper conduct.

An industry insider believes the pub retrenchment will make BrewDog ever more reliant on JD Wetherspoon, whose 794 pubs now make up a significant chunk of its remaining distribution.

Lauren Caroll, BrewDog's chief operating officer, said: 'Independent brewers across the board have felt the squeeze from the economic pressures hitting the pub trade.

'With costs rising and consumers watching their spend, pub groups have been narrowing their ranges, and brewery-owned pubs are putting more emphasis on their own brands.

'It's not just us  every independent brewer has been affected. We saw the trend coming, which is why we've shifted focus to high-impact channels like festivals, stadiums, and independent [pubs].'

Last month, the company announced the closure of 10 of its own branded bars across the UK, including its flagship site in Aberdeen, after deciding they were not 'commercially viable'.

And the chain had started the year by closing six pubs across the world, including two in England, three in Europe and one in England.

BrewDog has weathered a number of publicity storms in recent years as its reputation has taken a hammering.

James Watt began dating Georgia Toffolo in 2023, before tying the knot in a low-key ceremony in March 2025

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The collapse in BrewDog's UK distribution comes as CEO James Taylor (pictured) recently told investors that its financials did not make for 'happy reading'.

James Watt launched the brewery with Martin Dickie (left) amid a flurry of publicity stunts including the launch of a 41 per cent beer (above)

BrewDog's first standalone bar in Aberdeen's Gallowgate (pictured) is earmarked for closure

But it has also faced stiff competition from new entrants into the 'craft beer' market.

It was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, rising to prominence in the 2010s amid a surge in demand for independent beers and hoppy IPAs.

Which UK BrewDog pubs are closing? Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate)

Brighton

Camden

Dundee

Leeds North Street

Oxford

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Shepherds Bush

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Watt showed a knack for marketing and drove up the brand's popularity with stunts such as driving a tank through London and brewing what it claimed was the world's strongest beer.

Mr Watt then married Made In Chelsea media personality Georgia Toffolo earlier this year, and has become a frequent critic of the Labour government on LinkedIn.

In May, it was revealed that the newlyweds are worth a staggering 425 million, according to The Sunday Times, overtaking the likes of Ed Sheeran, Lord Sainsburys, Harry Styles and Lewis Hamilton.

However in recent years, the company's fortunes have started to turn after it emerged staff reported being unhappy working there.

But Mr Watt's tenure has been marred by controversy in recent years, with the firm accused by former workers in an open letter in 2021 of having a 'culture of fear' within the business, with 'toxic attitudes' towards junior staff.

BrewDog apologised and promised to 'listen, learn and act'.

Mr Watt later admitted to being 'too intense and demanding' amid a workplace culture row where he was accused of inappropriate behaviour and abusing his power.

Speaking with Steven Bartlett on the Diary of a CEO podcast about his leadership at the company, he admitted to previously pushing people 'too far' because of his 'high standards.'

BrewDog announced last month that it will close 10 bars across the UK, including its Camden branch (pictured)

Mr Watt and Mr Dickie grew up as best friends and became flatmates in Edinburgh

James Watt pictured at his company brewery and office headquarters in Ellon, Scotland

Mr Watt drew criticism in December 2024 when he made a Linkedin post that proposed delaying his marriage to Georgia Toffolo to avoid tax

Who is BrewDog founder James Watt? When James Watt first set up a brewery in his humble Aberdeen garage in 2007, even he may have struggled to believe how much it would change his life. Mr Watt comes from a family of fishermen and used to help his father on his fishing boat in the North Sea. On his LinkedIn profile he claims to be a 'fully qualified deep sea captain'. He graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in law and economics. After landing a job as a trainee solicitor he quit after two weeks - branding 'conforming' as 'painful at best - and, three years later, started BrewDog with Martin Dickie. They decided on the name because Mr Watt's father Jim had recently got a puppy. The business struggled at first but took off when, after around six months, Tesco placed an order to sell its beer across the country. In 2008 his plea for investment was turned down by Dragons' Den, but in 2021 he said it would have turned into 360m - the best deal in the programme's history. Needless to say the success of the company has brought him enormous wealth, and upgraded his social status, to the point where he now dates Georgia Toffolo - a certified Queen of the Jungle. Mr Watt, who is divorced with two daughters, has very much been the face of the company since its inception. In 2023, it was reported he sought specialist help after he was described as 'semi-autistic' in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards staff. He was diagnosed with ADHD - which causes people to be restless and impulsive - and Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Mr Watt drew criticism in December 2024 when he made a Linkedin post that proposed delaying his marriage to Georgia Toffolo to avoid tax. Advertisement

But Mr Watt - whose company has been accused of having a 'rotten culture' - said that his actions were done with '100 per cent good intentions.'

BrewDog is now on its third CEO in just over a year after Watt stepped back from the role in May 2024, three months after Ofcom rejected a complaint he had lodged against the BBC after it made a documentary outlining misconduct allegations.

He denied claims that he made female bartenders feel 'uncomfortable' and 'powerless' and that he would take intoxicated women on private late-night tours of the brewery.

The self-described BrewDog 'Captain' faced a number of improper conduct allegations in 2021 concerning female staff, and was revealed to have invested in Heineken, contrasting with his brewery's anti-establishment 'punk' image.

Months before he quit, he announced that the firm would pay staff the 'real' Living Wage as calculated by the Resolution Foundation as it struggled to turn a profit.

The firm is continuing to weather accusations of an image problem after ditching its claim to be 'carbon negative' after it ditched offsetting schemes that it claimed were both too expensive and not efficient enough to justify the label.

It had already been criticised for using the label by advertising watchdogs, and was slammed by environmentalists for its claim of creating a carbon-negative forest in Scotland after it was revealed that half of the 500,000 saplings had already died.

Despite this, CEO James Taylor told the Grocer in June that he did not believe the firm had an image problem.

He said: 'It's boring to focus on data, but the data says consumers think of us as a business that produces really high-quality beer. That's how we're perceived by the vast majority of the public.'

Further criticism has been heaped on BrewDog's decision to sell a stake in the company to the American private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners in 2017, which minted Watt and Dickie as millionaires.

The unorthodox deal forced BrewDog to deliver an 18 per cent compounding return to TSG, which rapidly increases the interest on TSG's shares every year.

It is believed to threaten the shareholdings of thousands of 'Equity Punk' retail investors who poured their money into the brewer as it grew.

In July the Financial Times reported that the terms of that transaction 'turned what was long regarded as the poster child for crowd funding success into a cautionary tale'.

All the shares sold to retail investors, known as the 130,000 so-called 'Equity Punks', will probably be worthless unless a generous buyer suddenly wants to purchase the lossmaking BrewDog.

Mr Watt (left) spoke about the issues he has dealt with at the company on Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast in July 2022

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been blamed for pushing restaurants and pubs into 'survival mode' as two venues have shut per day for the first half of 2025

BrewDog's latest blow comes as a political storm continues to rumble over the Government's lack of support for the pub trade.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been blamed for pushing restaurants and pubs into 'survival mode' as two venues have shut per day for the first half of 2025.

Data shows 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.

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 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'.
Scores of Palestinians have been killed and thousands forced to flee following nearly a week of relentless Israeli bombardment.

The Hamas-run municipality of Gaza City's southern Zeitoun district described the situation as 'catastrophic', with residents enduring almost constant explosions from Israeli air strikes, tank shelling and demolition operations.

Zeitoun, once home to around 50,000 people, has been left without food, water, or functioning infrastructure, following six days of strikes.

At least 40 Palestinians were killed on Saturday alone, Gaza's civil defence agency confirmed, as Israel pushed forward with its controversial plan to drive more than a million people from the city into sprawling tent camps in the south.

The UN Security Council has already condemned Israel's vote last week to seize the city, describing the mass displacement of its residents as unlawful.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to want Gaza City under complete Israeli control from October 7  the anniversary of Hamas's bloody incursion that killed 1,200 people and left 251 hostage.

In an extraordinary admission, the Israeli military announced it would begin allowing aid agencies to bring in tents again - despite accusations from the UN that Tel Aviv has deliberately choked humanitarian access.

'As part of the preparations to move the population from combat zones to the southern Gaza Strip for their protection, the supply of tents and shelter equipment to Gaza will resume,' the Israeli military body COGAT said.

Israeli military vehicles operate, near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel, August 16, 2025

Smoke rises in Gaza after an explosion, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, August 16, 2025

The Hamas-run municipality of Gaza City's southern Zeitoun district described the situation as 'catastrophic', with residents enduring almost constant explosions over the past six days

Tires are set on fire to block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, August 17, 2025

The military said it had no comment on when the mass movement of Palestinians would begin, but Defense Minister Israel Katz said on social media that 'we are now in the stage of discussions to finalise the plan to defeat Hamas in Gaza.'

It comes after a coalition of more than 100 organisations last week revealed that not a single aid truck has entered Gaza since March 2.

Israel continues to insist that there is 'no starvation' in Gaza, instead accusing UN agencies of failing to distribute aid.

But the UN's own figures paint a starkly different picture - at least 1,760 Palestinians have been killed since May while seeking food, most shot dead by Israeli troops near distribution sites.

Ghassan Kashko, 40, who is sheltering with his family at a school building in the neighbourhood, told news agency AFP that air strikes and tank shelling were causing 'explosions... that don't stop'.

'We don't know the taste of sleep,' he said.

The humanitarian picture is worsening by the day. Gaza's four remaining hospitals are operating at less than 20 per cent of capacity, starved of medicine and supplies.

The UN estimates that 1.9million Gazans  90 per cent of the population  have now been displaced, while aid groups warn that famine is no longer a looming threat but an unfolding reality.

On Saturday, hospitals reported another 11 deaths from malnutrition, including a child, bringing the grim toll to 251 starvation deaths - 108 of them children.

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a baby girl and her parents on Saturday, Nasser hospital officials and witnesses said.

Motasem al-Batta, his wife and the girl were killed in their tent in the crowded Muwasi area.

'Two and a half months, what has she done?' neighbour Fathi Shubeir asked, as temperatures in the shattered territory soared above 32C. 'They are civilians in an area designated safe.'

Israel's military said it couldn't comment on the strike without more details. It said it is dismantling Hamas' military capabilities and takes precautions not to harm civilians.

Fourteen-month-old Hazar Arfa, receiving treatment at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, is in critical condition due to severe malnutrition, on August 15, 2025

Palestinians, including children gather as a charity distributes food in Gaza City, where residents face difficulties accessing basic supplies amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and attacks, on August 16, 2025

Palestinian watch as a plume of smoke rises during an Israeli strike on Gaza City's southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood on August 8, 2025

In a tragedy that shocked Italy, 20-year-old Marah Abu Zuhri, who had been airlifted to Pisa for emergency treatment after being evacuated from Gaza, died less than 48 hours after arrival.

Doctors said she was skeletal, suffering a fatal cardiac arrest brought on by extreme muscle and weight loss.

Elsewhere, an official at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said it received the bodies of six people who were killed in the Zikim area of northern Gaza, as well as four people killed in shelling.

The war, now stretching towards its second year, has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry, which the UN says are broadly reliable.

For the people of Zeitoun, the immediate concern is survival.

With 80 per cent of Gaza City's infrastructure already destroyed, and bombardments showing no sign of stopping, thousands more are expected to join the exodus south - into camps that international observers warn are already on the brink of collapse.

The United Nations is warning that levels of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at their highest since the war began.

Palestinians are drinking contaminated water as diseases spread, while some Israeli leaders continue to talk openly about the mass relocation of people from Gaza.

Meanwhile in Israel, families of hostages joined calls for a one-day general strike on Sunday, accusing Netanyahu of recklessly endangering their loved ones with his push to occupy Gaza City in full.

Anxious families gathered for a 'nationwide day of stoppage' to express their growing frustrations over 22 months of war.

Demonstrators block a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, near Jerusalem, Israel, August 17, 2025

Protesters block the main road connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel, 17 August 2025

Families and supporters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, hold placards and national flags during a protest calling for government action to secure their release in Jerusalem on August 17, 2025

Israeli police officers try to move the demonstrators blocking a road during a protest, after families of hostages called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, in Jerusalem, August 17, 2025

Smoke rises from tyres burnt by demonstrators as people block Israel's main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip

Demonstrators block Israel's main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after families of hostages have called for a nationwide strike to demand the return of all hostages and an end to the war in Gaza, in Latrun Israel August 17,2025

Families of hostages fear the coming offensive further endangers the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, just 20 of them thought to still be alive.

They and other Israelis were horrified by the recent release of videos showing emaciated hostages speaking under duress and pleading for help and food.

The families and supporters have pressed the government for a deal to stop the war - a call that some former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs have made as well in recent weeks.

A group representing the families urged Israelis into the streets on Sunday.

'Across the country, hundreds of citizen-led initiatives will pause daily life and join the most just and moral struggle: the struggle to bring all 50 hostages home,' it said in a statement.

'I want to believe that there is hope, and it will not come from above, it will come only from us,' said Dana Silberman Sitton, sister of Shiri Bibas and aunt of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were killed in captivity.

The US State Department on Saturday said all visitor visas for people from Gaza are being stopped while a review is carried out of how 'a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas' were issued in recent days.
Child killer Lucy Letby was a 'broken person' but now has a 'new hope', her barrister has said as he revealed they are speaking once every one to two weeks.

Mark McDonald said in an interview how Letby's parents contacted almost a year ago and requested he take over from her previous lawyer and free her from prison.

A week later he met the killer, who is serving 15 whole-life orders after murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims, between June 2015 and June 2016.

Mr McDonald said he is submitting 'new evidence' to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, and has also spent the past year working to boost public criticism of her convictions.

He gathered a panel of 14 neonatal and paediatric experts, shared the babies' medical notes with them, and held a press conference casting doubt on the prosecution's case.

Lawyers for the families of Letby's victims previously rubbished the panel's findings as 'full of analytical holes' and 'a rehash' of the defence case heard at trial.

In July, Cheshire Police passed evidence of further allegations related to baby deaths and collapses at the hospitals where Letby, 35, worked.

Mr McDonald, who is known for making high-profile appeals, told the Sunday Times: 'Remember, 12 months ago, she'd lost every argument. She had been saying that she was not guilty right from the beginning and nobody believed her.

Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court

Mark McDonald is representing Letby and claims she is the victim of a miscarriage of justice

'She went through a whole trial and she was convicted. She went to the Court of Appeal and she was convicted.

'She had a retrial; she was convicted. She went to the Court of Appeal again; she was convicted. And that was it.

'There, you have a broken person. But today, after everything that has happened in the last 12 months, she's got new hope.'

McDonald, 59, estimated he has spent thousands of hours on Letby's case and spoke to the newspaper while on holiday with his two children, aged three and four.

He said he speaks to the killer at least once a week or every two weeks and visits her each month at Bronzefield prison, in Ashford, Surrey.

'I'm on holiday in Devon and I'm working on (the case). I had a telephone conference with Lucy yesterday. I won't stop. I will not stop until she is out,' he said.

It is important to 'win the public narrative' of a potential miscarriage of justice case before taking on the legal narrative, because 'the Court of Appeal will know that the country is going to be looking at them', he added.

The barrister claimed he has never submitted this much evidence to the CCRC and 'if this is not referred back to the Court of Appeal then one has to question the purpose of the CCRC'.

Bodyworn camera footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of Lucy Letby's arrest in 2018

The defendant worked as a nurse on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital

The possible potential offences against Letby are now being considered by lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The news emerged hours after police confirmed three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects, who occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) between 2015 and 2016, were arrested and later bailed pending further inquiries.

Police said corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter probes are continuing.

Mr McDonald previously said the police's announcement about potential new charges against Letby came at a 'very sensitive time' and that a proper and full public inquiry into failings by the hospital is needed.

In the latest interview, Mr McDonald told the Sunday Times: 'I'm not naive; I'm a criminal defence barrister - I've represented many people over the years who are guilty.

'But I'm also able to see very clearly where this has gone wrong. There's no forensic evidence. There's no CCTV. There's no eyewitness evidence.

'There's just a theory by a man called Dewi Evans,' he said, referring to the person who was the lead prosecution medical expert in her trial.

A photo taken in July 2018 of Lucy Letby's bedroom in Chester, which was shown in court

Police investigate at Lucy Letby's home in Chester in June 2019, with a tent erected outside

An artist's drawing of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court in June 2024

Meanwhile the BBC has been forced to correct and re-edit a Panorama programme on Lucy Letby after being accused of sloppy and amateurish journalism and producing false statistics.

The documentary repeated discredited claims that when Letby worked as a nurse at Liverpool Womens Hospital between 2012 and 2015, the dislodgement of breathing tubes occurred at a rate 40 times higher than normal during her shifts.

The claims had first been aired by Richard Baker KC, who represented the victims families at the Thirlwall Inquiry, but were heavily contested by Jane Hutton, a professor of statistics at Warwick University, who wrote to the inquiry to express her concern at your very poor presentation of statistics relating to accidental dislodgement of endotracheal tubes.

Professor Hutton wrote: Your statements implied that an evaluation of shifts shows a substantial increase in events when Letby was on shift. This is a fine example of statistical illiteracy which can mislead juries and the general public.

However, Mondays Panorama, presented by Judith Moritz and Jonathan Coffey, described the figures as empirical and suggested they damaged Letbys claims of innocence.

The presenters are this month publishing an updated paperback version of their book, Unmasking Lucy Letby, which partly back-peddles on the original versions presumption of Letbys guilt.

After several experts, including Professor Hutton, complained to the BBC about the segment, the corporation has now retracted the figure and edited the version of the programme available on iPlayer.
In Guadalajara, the Mexican Silicon Valley  where 80% of the countrys semiconductor industry is concentrated  the most sought-after raw material isnt silicon: its human talent. Mexico is betting on its proximity to the United States and its manufacturing tradition to become a key link in the integrated circuit value chain, currently dominated by Asia.

But this ambitious plan requires aligning the private and public sectors to modernize educational programs, create incentives, update legal frameworks, and attract investment to scale up the project. It also calls for close coordination with both diplomacy and industry on the other side of the northern border, at a time of high trade uncertainty.

Mexico has all the necessary conditions when it comes to the quality of talent required for a highly competitive industry. What we are missing  and we are working on this  is the quantity of that talent. We have to be aggressively generating the largest number of specialists every year to be able to capitalize on this opportunity, explains Rodrigo Jaramillo, CEO and co-founder of Circufy, a Mexican start-up that specializes in the advanced design of integrated circuits, speaking from the companys Guadalajara offices.

Circufy has started to recruit engineers directly from universities, offering them last mile training at its facilities. Some of them work with technologies that probably only exist in the hundreds, worldwide, adds Jaramillo.

Even amid concerns over the Trump administrations harsh criticism of the CHIPS Act, which was enacted by the presidents predecessor Joe Biden to drive manufacturing in the United States with help from the countrys allies such as Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica, Mexico has faith that its semiconductors master plan will be shielded from the vagaries of its primary trading partner. Recently, Intel and Qorvo announced the imminent closure of their plants in Costa Rica, in part due to Trumps reluctance to move forward with Bidens plan.

We are looking for signs and incentives to the industry, like consistent dialogue with the United States which, despite the high-level disruptions that could take place, remains focused at the technical level, says Diego Flores, head of the Mexican Ministry of the Economys semiconductor plan.

Mexico has decided to get into the ATP segment of semiconductors [assembly, testing, and packaging] because of its integration with the United States, the development already present in the automotive and aerospace industries, and because its something U.S. fabs [semiconductor factories] will need. Given how advanced they are, they will stop doing certain processes, which will then have to be carried out here, he adds.

The Mexican government began conversations in 2022 with the Semiconductor Industry Association  the coalition of 99% of the sectors major companies, such as Samsung and Nvidia  and with the U.S. embassy in the hopes of developing and connecting the two counties through four large supply routes: from California to Oregon; from Arizona to Idaho, where Micron is expanding operations; from Ciudad Juarez to throughout the Midwest up to Ohio, where part of Intels production will be located; and lastly, from Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas to the Silicon Valley of Texas.

We are identifying our potentialities based on where these factories are located, or where they will be located, says Flores.

However, the official did not announce any new investments for 2025, emphasizing that they are maintaining ongoing talks with key companies in the sector. In October, Taiwans Foxconn, the worlds largest electronics assembler, said it is building a second factory in Guadalajara to manufacture Nvidias next-generation super-chips.

Joining the race

The manufacturing of semiconductors is divided into stages, beginning with research and development. Then comes design and manufacturing and finally, the process known as ATP, in which silicon semiconductors are assembled, tested and prepared for use in electronic devices. This last stage is precisely where Mexico wishes to insert itself.

There is further segmentation in the sector according to the size of transistors, which is measured in nanometers. One chip contains millions, or even billions, of diminutive transistors. Smaller and smaller transistors are needed to produce smaller but efficient chips, key to developing compact but powerful devices like those that can process artificial intelligence in a smartphone  a process dominated by industry leaders.

Mexico has identified an opportunity in manufacturing chips from older generations, meaning those greater than 30 nanometers that are typically found in switches, lighting and Mexico City subway doors.

For context, the Circufy design center, which is principally employed by businesses located in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in Texas and Arizona, is focused on advanced technology below five nanometers, a highly specialized area that requires large injections of capital for research and training.

Like many countries, Mexico is facing a growing dearth of trained technicians, especially in areas like computing, robotics, nanotechnology and AI. According to a 2024 survey carried out by ManpowerGroup, a multinational that specializes in human resources, staff deficits among computing technology businesses in Mexico have reached a surprising 79%.

The Mexican Ministry of the Economy acknowledges that updating academic programs is a priority. They have invited industrial associations  from auto mechanics to mining, as well as aerospace and electronics  to their headquarters to gather suggestions and needs, which will be incorporated into the new curriculum.

Four priorities have been identified with a focus on secondary and higher education: AI, electromobility, cybersecurity and semiconductors, says Flores.

Need for invention (and patience)

In parallel, Claudia Sheinbaums government is promoting the Kutsari semiconductor research and design centerits name, of Purepecha origin, means sand, a reference to silicon, the abundant material that is essential both to the human body and to digital progress. Kutsari is focused on integrated circuit design, a complex process that typically takes about a decade of research and testing before it can enter production.

And precisely because this is an industry with long-term returns on investment, entrepreneurs say it is difficult to secure capital. Ernesto Conde, co-founder of Circufy, welcomes Mexicos plans to grow its innovation ecosystem, though he stresses the need for tangible actions. He also calls on venture capital investors to take a closer look at the sector.

For instance, he points to initiatives like those in Malaysia, which in March announced a $250 million investment over 10 years to acquire intellectual property from British firm Arm Holdings, whose semiconductor designs power much of the worlds smartphones  part of a strategy to become a titan in a market that consulting firm McKinsey estimates could reach $1 trillion by 2030.

In this industry, we need capital, but we also need patience and time for things to incubate, says Conde. Like I always say, we are in Jalisco, where to make tequila one must wait for at least five years for ones plants to mature. There are successful examples in this industry. We just need that kind of mindset.

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A British backpacker has revealed how she was struck down with a deadly disease which she had initally mistaken for a bad hangover.

Alysha Pyrgotis, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was left vomiting and suffering 'extreme diarrhoea' after catching typhoid fever on the remote Indonesian party island of Gili Trawangan in June this year.

She had initially thought her symptoms of the bacterial infection, which can kill one in five of those infected if they don't seek treatment, was a result of having one too many drinks the night before.

But when she became physically unable to get out of bed due to feelings of being 'delirious' combined with deep muscle and bone pain, the 27-year-old knew she was in a lot more bother than first assumed.

She said: 'I couldn't concentrate at all, that's when I started to panic. The guy I was travelling with at the time started to realise I was quite poorly, I wasn't hungover.

'He spoke to the person at the hostel and we had a look online, there weren't any hospitals. I was on a very small island, there wasn't really healthcare, it was really unlucky that I was there at the time.

'It was just like my body didn't want anything inside it, it was trying to get rid of everything. I didn't eat anything for the whole time I was really ill.

'Even water, I would sip water and it would come straight back up. It was a very, very extreme sickness.'

Alysha Pyrgotis was left vomiting and suffering 'extreme diarrhoea' after catching typhoid fever on the remote Indonesian party island of Gili Trawangan in June this year

She had initially thought her symptoms of the bacterial infection was a result of having one too many drinks the night before

When physically unable to get out of bed due to feelings of being 'delirious' combined with deep muscle and bone pain, Ms Pyrgotis knew she was in a lot more bother than first assumed

Fortunately, Ms Pyrgotis managed to seek the help of a local doctor who confirmed her positive test for the disease - meaning it was caught before the symptoms worsened to the point of being fatal.

But that was little consolation at the time for the tourist, who said the extremity of the sickness left her feeling like it could kill her.

She added: 'I thought I was going to die, to be honest. It was that bad, I literally thought "this is it".

'I was really worried about telling my family - I didn't tell them until after I'd been poorly because they were having a lot of stress at work at the time.

'I thought it was not going to end well for me. I was panicking as I knew I had to leave the country soon. I was really, really scared.'

The backpacker, who had spent time in south Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines before heading to Indonesia, then spent her final days abroad in a small, cramped medical shack hooked up to an IV drip.

Despite still feeling 'very sick', Ms Pyrgotis received a negative typhoid test and promptly had to get on a 'horrific' flight to Bangkok due to her visa approaching its expiry date.

She said the lasting effects of the disease took a few weeks to get out of her system, and has now called on holidaymakers to take care where she admitted she may not have.

Ms Pyrgotis managed to seek the help of a local doctor who confirmed her positive test for the disease - meaning it was caught before the symptoms worsened to the point of being fatal

The backpacker spent her final days abroad in a small and cramped medical shack hooked up to an IV drip as she recovered

The 27-year-old said the extremity of the sickness caused by the disease left her feeling like it could kill her

Ms Pyrgotis continued: 'I'm not going to say "nobody pet the stray animals" because that's one of my favourite parts of travelling, but I think washing your hands is really important afterwards, because that's something I really didn't do.

'I was in the middle of nowhere petting stray animals and then going about my day for hours without access to water to wash my hands with. I didn't bring any sanitiser either.

'I think general handwashing and being careful with what you eat out there. A lot of street food you eat isn't kept in clean conditions, it's in a hot country on the street.

'Chicken is sat out for hours and the cleaning utensils are probably not cleaned to the standard you would in the west.

'I just wasn't careful where I ordered my food from. I was just eating everything that looked good and smelled good at the time - and that's probably not the wisest thing to do.'
At least eight people have lost their lives in devastating flash flooding that has ravaged parts of China, with four others still missing after two died at a recent beer festival.

The banks of a river running through the grasslands of Inner Mongolia burst at around 10pm on Saturday, washing away 13 campers on the outskirts of Bayannur, a key agricultural hub.

A search and rescue operation involving more than 700 people is underway, according to state news agency Xinhua. One person has been rescued.

Bayannur is an important national grain and oil production base, as well as a sheep breeding and processing centre.

China has faced weeks of extreme weather since July, with heavier-than-usual monsoon downpours stalling over the north and south of the country.

In the southwestern province of Sichuan, 'severe weather' on Friday killed two people and injured three others at a beer festival in the city of Mianzhu, after a truss fell on them, according to a local police report issued on Saturday.

At the other end of the country, a three-and-a-half-month fishing suspension in the southern province of Hainan ended on Saturday, state media reported, after agricultural affairs officials ordered ships to shelter in port owing to persistent, heavy rain.

The deluge in Inner Mongolia follows a deadly downpour in Beijing - just under 1,000km away - late last month which killed at least 44 people and forced the evacuation of more than 70,000 residents.

At least eight people have lost their lives in devastating flash flooding that has ravaged parts of China

A search and rescue operation involving more than 700 people is underway, according to state news agency Xinhua

In the southwestern province of Sichuan, 'severe weather' on Friday killed two people and injured three others at a beer festival in the city of Mianzhu

The deluge in Inner Mongolia follows a deadly downpour in Beijing - just under 1,000km away - late last month which killed at least 44 people and forced the evacuation of more than 70,000 residents

China has faced weeks of extreme weather since July, with heavier-than-usual monsoon downpours stalling over the north and south of the country

Northern China has also seen several instances of flash flooding and landslides in recent weeks.

Deluges in the northwestern Gansu province earlier this month left at least 10 people dead and 33 missing.

Heavy rains have also battered other parts of the country, with Hong Kong seeing historic downpours.

The central government announced last week 44million in fresh funding for disaster relief, taking the total allocated since April to at least 596million.

It comes after last weekend at least 15 people died after flash floods devastated parts of China.

The floods destroyed homes and roads, and left dozens of people missing.

Aerial footage from Yuzhong County in China's northwestern Gansu province showed the extent of the devastation.

Workers were called in to try and repair towns where the infrastructure had been ruined.

Some of the men were seen slipping in the mud that as they walk through piles of huge stones moved by the huge flow of water.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out rescue and flood prevention efforts.

The villages of Maliantan and Xinyaowanshe were nearly obliterated by the huge power of the water.

One witness likened the floods to 'a train roaring through the mountains' as the sound of crashing boulders came through their village, 24 Brussels reported.

The area of Xinglongshan, popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts was also covered by one metre of mud, cutting off access to walking routes.

Aerial videos showed the devastation caused by flooding in northern China last weekend

Villages in the Gansu region of China were destroyed by the water which came crashing through

Some areas were turned into fast flowing rivers after a huge volume of water passed through

Rescue workers conducted a search and rescue operation after heavy rainfall caused flash floods near Xinglongshan village

Entire communities were reportedly cut off after more than 100km of road became impassible and five bridges were destroyed.

Some 37 villages were plunged into darkness after around seven power lines were damaged.

More than 2,500 homes were left damaged or destroyed as a result of the flooding

Rescuers told local media they were working 'around the clock' to support some of the most isolated communities, adding 'every hour counts when lives are at stake'.

Local media also reported that workers manage to rescue a dog which had been trapped under mud for over 30 hours.

Owing to the 'frequent occurrence of extreme weather,' Xi ordered all regions to 'resolutely overcome complacency' while increasing efforts to identify risks.

Weather experts link the shifting pattern to climate change, testing officials as flash floods displace thousands and threaten billions of dollars in economic losses.
The BBC has been forced to correct and re-edit a Panorama programme on Lucy Letby after being accused of 'sloppy and amateurish' journalism and producing 'false statistics'.

The documentary repeated discredited claims that when Letby worked as a nurse at Liverpool Women's Hospital between 2012 and 2015, the dislodgement of breathing tubes occurred at a rate 40 times higher than normal during her shifts.

The claims had first been aired by Richard Baker KC, who represented the victims' families at the Thirlwall Inquiry, but were heavily contested by Jane Hutton, a professor of statistics at Warwick University, who wrote to the inquiry to express her 'concern at your very poor presentation of statistics relating to accidental dislodgement of endotracheal tubes'.

Professor Hutton wrote: 'Your statements implied that an evaluation of shifts shows a substantial increase in events when Letby was on shift. This is a fine example of statistical illiteracy which can mislead juries and the general public.'

However, Monday's Panorama, presented by Judith Moritz and Jonathan Coffey, described the figures as 'empirical' and suggested they damaged Letby's claims of innocence.

The Lucy Letby Panorama documentary was presented by Judith Moritz and Jonathan Coffey

Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court

The presenters are this month publishing an updated paperback version of their book, Unmasking Lucy Letby, which partly back-peddles on the original version's presumption of Letby's guilt.

After several experts, including Professor Hutton, complained to the BBC about the segment, the corporation has now retracted the figure and edited the version of the programme available on iPlayer.

In a statement released in response to an inquiry from The Mail on Sunday, the BBC said: 'We stated that babies' breathing tubes came out 40 times more often than normal when Lucy Letby was on shift.

'We have now removed that line from the programme and some associated commentary. We have also made clear that Lucy Letby was in training during both periods at the Liverpool Women's Hospital.

'We originally stated that her supporters questioned the review's findings around Liverpool Women's Hospital, and this has now been changed to say that critics say the hospital's findings are not credible and that there are any number of reasons why breathing tubes could become dislodged more often.'

The BBC added: 'The film did not conflate working shifts with ventilated shifts, although we accept our language could have been clearer at times. The programme reported the findings of the review carried out by the Liverpool Women's Hospital.

'The review compared ventilated shifts where Lucy Letby wasn't involved in the care of a baby with ventilated shifts where Lucy Letby was involved in the care of a baby.'

A spokeperson for the broadcaster also said: 'The Panorama documentary - Lucy Letby: Who to believe? - looks into flaws in both the prosecution case and evidence put forward by a panel of international experts assembled by Letby's defence. It speaks to a range of experts and people with differing views and interpretations of the evidence.

'Since broadcast we've learned that one set of figures relating to Letby's time at Liverpool Women's Hospital is inaccurate. The documentary has been corrected on iPlayer and edited to reflect the changes.'

Dr Amy Wilson, a lecturer in statistics at Edinburgh University, described the segment as 'very concerning'.

Letby's lawyer Mark McDonald said the programme was 'sloppy, amateurish and full of errors'

An artist's drawing of Lucy Letby giving evidence at Manchester Crown Court in June 2024

She told the corporation in a formal complaint: 'You state that the 1 per cent background rate is per ventilated baby per shift (a 'ventilation shift') and yet you compare this to a 40 per cent 'per shift' rate for Letby.

'This comparison is incorrect  Letby's rate should also be calculated as per ventilated baby per shift. Using the assumptions in your programme of ten ventilated babies per shift and 50 shifts, this would mean Letby was present for 500 ventilation shifts with 20 dislodgements.

'She would then have a rate of 4 per cent per ventilated baby per shift, not 40 per cent. The assumptions used also need to be checked  for example, if there were more than ten ventilated babies per shift, Letby's rate would be lower still.'

Mark McDonald, Letby's lawyer  who says he was rebuffed by the BBC when he warned them not to air the statistic  said: 'The documentary was sloppy, amateurish and full of errors.

'It made mistakes on statistics and failed on basic maths when it came to incidents at the hospital. This may have gone down well at a literary festival to sell the presenters' new book but when it comes to journalism it was grossly misleading.

'The most egregious failing yet again was in producing false statistics which were used to implicate Lucy in further invented crimes. The statistics weren't just false, they were internally illogical.'
Do you know more? Email charlotte.mcintyre@dailymail.com.au

One person has died and another is in a critical condition after gunmen opened fire in front of a busy Sydney pub during the dinner rush.

Gunshots rang outside The Harold at Forest Lodge, in the city's inner west, about 6.35pm on Sunday.

NSW Police confirmed in a statement that 'two people had been shot multiple times by unknown people before they left the scene in a car'.

Police launched a manhunt with the gunmen still on the run on Monday.

Paramedics were called to the scene and performed CPR on one of the victims, a man.

However, he could not be saved and died at the scene.

Another man was treated for gunshot wounds and taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Witnesses saw a man lying on the ground bleeding on the corner of Ross Street while officers cordoned off Wigram Road.

One person has dies and another is in a critical condition after gunman opened fire in Sydney's inner west

The shooting took place outside The Harold at Forest Lodge, about 6.35pm on Sunday

Eyewitnesses reported seeing several assailants flee the scene on foot following the shooting

A man standing near the victim could be heard on the phone shouting, 'he's my best friend'.

The gastropub was packed with patrons for the dinner rush on Sunday.

Staff locked the entrance as people sheltered under tables as dozens of shots were fired outside.

A car parked outside the venue, which opened in 1880, on Ross Street was hit by several bullets.

Police evacuated the pub when it was safe to do so following the shooting.

Local residents were reportedly told to stay inside their homes and wait for officers to take statements.

A crime scene has been established and Leichhardt detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.

State Crime Command's Homicide Squad is providing assistance with the investigation.
Ireland's notorious Kinahan drugs cartel has introduced a fast-food-style franchise system in its efforts to continue dominating the cocaine trade.

The drugs syndicate has muscled its way back to being the dominant force in the Irish cocaine scene in recent months, reasserting itself as the main supplier to almost all major criminal organisations across the country again.

Such is their stranglehold on the trade, that many of the gangs who filled some of the holes left by the mobsters when they fled to Dubai in the mid-2010s to exploit the lack of extradition agreement between the UAE and the EU, are also now back on board.

Representatives from narcotics networks in Dublin and beyond are believed to have travelled to Dubai to meet high-ranking members of the Kinahan cartel to arrange future shipments directly from them.

Those said to have travelled to the Middle East are a Clondalkin gang known as 'The Family' as well as another group who operate from Cabra, who have long been involved in major drug trafficking operations, according to The Times.

It is reported that this power play by the Kinahans will now see them operate like a franchise, flooding cocaine to gangs through the streets of Ireland akin to how fast-food suppliers deliver produce to stores in an attempt to eliminate competition.

The move may explain the recent decrease in gangland feuds and murders across Ireland, with the street price of the Class A drug also remaining at a stable level after a sharp increase last year.

The Kinahan's new network structure is believed to be a repeat - or is at least similar - to how the cartel bulked itself up during its original network before a series of global law enforcement operations targeted its leadership.

Ireland's notorious Kinahan drugs cartel has introduced a fast-food-style franchise system in its efforts to continue dominating the cocaine trade (Stock Image)

Representatives from narcotics groups in Ireland are believed to have travelled to Dubai to meet high-ranking members of the Kinahan cartel (Stock Image)

Drugs kingpin Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh (above) is one of the gang's major players to be brought down in recent times

Drugs kingpin Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh, who ran the UK arm of the Kinahan catrel, is one of the major players to be brought down in recent times.

He was jailed for 21 years at Ipswich Crown Court in March 2022 after pleading guilty to conspiring to import class A and B drugs and money laundering offences in July 2020.

Fearing the same fate, the cartel's leader Christy 'Dapper Don' Kinahan, 68, and his two sons Daniel, 48, and Christopher Jr, 44, have already devised a contingency plan should the gardai attempt to extradite them from their base in Dubai.

The Irish government signed two treaties with UAE representatives which allowed them to extradite suspected organised crime accomplices last October - a move which now has the Kinahans on red alert.

Security sources also told The Times that 'Dapper Don' now travels with a bodyguard when in public, such is his paranoia about being snared.

Author Mark Galeotti, an expert on multi-country crime, told the publication that the cartel's move to seemingly become a drugs conglomerate made sense - for them.

The Kinahan drugs cartel is said to be run by Christy 'Dapper Don' Kinahan (centre) and his two sons Daniel (left) and Christopher Jr (right) - the US department of State placed $5million rewards for information that leads to each of their arrests and prosecution in April 2022

The three are said to have already devised a contingency plan should the gardai attempt to extradite them from their base in Dubai

He said: 'If you've got all the architecture, the pipeline, the infrastructure in order to move the drugs and you know where the markets are, why would you abandon that? Isn't it better to trade that out to others who are going to be your proxies in effect?'

The Kinahan's global clients are said to include Mexican cartels, Hezbollah and Iran's intelligence services.

It is believed that the gang have assets worth around $1.5billion hidden in offshore accounts and in hidden international investments.

The cartel was previously headed-up by Liam Byrne, who relocated to Dubai when Garda drug teams began closing in. He was arrested in June 2023 while holidaying in Mallorca and was later extradited to the UK.

Byrne, a close friend of 'Dapper Don', was convicted of firearms offences by Britain's National Crime Agency and was released on licence in January.

In April 2022, the US Department of State placed up to $5million in rewards for information that leads to each of the arrests and prosecution of 'Dapper Don' and his two sons, branding them the heads of a major international drugs cartel.
A furious council has discovered hundreds of asylum seekers were shipped into its city despite telling the Home Office it could not take any more.

Portsmouth City Council found that 55 private rental properties were being used to house a minimum of three asylum seekers each last week.

The migrants have been staying in homes of multiple occupation (HMO) - not council housing.

It comes just two years after James Hill, Portsmouth's director of housing, told the Home Office that the 'system's capacity was such that we couldn't support additional asylum seekers'.

But when a public meeting was hosted in July by Amanda Martin, the Labour MP for Portsmouth North, figures showed the number of private rentals being used to house migrants had increased from 10 at the end of 2019 to 58 in April 2024, The Times first reported.

The council confirmed with the Home Office last week that the number is now at 55, according to the newspaper.

The data was uncovered by Ms Martin after Clearsprings Ready Homes wrote to a parliamentary committee this year amid an inquiry into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Portsmouth City Council said it was never notified about the use of the properties to house migrants.

When a public meeting was hosted in July by Amanda Martin (left), the Labour MP for Portsmouth North, figures showed the number of private rentals being used to house migrants had increased from 10 at the end of 2019 to 58 in April 2024

Groups of protestors clash outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Portsmouth, last month

In Portsmouth, more than 40 antiimmigration demonstrators confronted almost 30 activists holding Stand Up to Racism placards outside the Royal Beach Hotel last month

A spokesperson said: 'We were previously not aware of the number of properties being used in the city.

'We have made it clear that the processes [the Home Office] has are not adequate and they should be formally notifying a senior officer.'

The issue was uncovered by Councillor George Madgwick, leader of ReformUK group in Portsmouth.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are continuing to expand the use of dispersal accommodation as part of our strategy to reduce reliance on costly hotels and deliver a more sustainable and cost-effective asylum system.

'This approach is being implemented in close consultation with local authorities across the UK to ensure dispersal is balanced and community needs and concerns are taken into account.

'This Government inherited an asylum system in chaos, with tens of thousands of asylum seekers stuck in the backlog being housed by the taxpayer. At its peak, less than two years ago, there were 400 asylum hotels in use at a cost of almost 9million a day.

'We have taken urgent action to fix the system  more than doubling asylum decisions and cutting the backlog by 41 per cent.

'The cost of asylum hotels was reduced by almost a billion pounds in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, and we have put in place the major reforms which will allow us to end the use of asylum hotels entirely by the end of this Parliament.'

The news comes amid nationwide protests against the housing of illegal immigrants.

Last month, demonstrations escalated with tense standoffs in cities including Portsmouth.

More than 40 antiimmigration demonstrators confronted almost 30 activists holding Stand Up to Racism placards outside the Royal Beach Hotel. Some on the antiimmigration side hung a banner which said 'protect our children' outside the hotel.

Hundreds of Scots descended on a hotel accommodating migrants in Falkirk on Saturday

A large police presence separated two rival protests from those opposed to the asylum hotel and anti-racist demonstrators in Falkirk yesterday

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure over the issue last night after 700 people were involved in angry clashes outside a migrant hotel in a Scots town

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure over the issue last night after 700 people were involved in angry clashes outside a migrant hotel in a Scots town.

Police had to call in reinforcements as local residents and anti-racism groups clashed in angry scenes that saw bottles and other objects thrown outside the hotel in Falkirk which can hold more than 50 asylum seekers.

Community tensions had reached fever pitch after Afghan asylum seeker Sadeq Nikzad, 29,  a former resident in the hotel  was jailed in June for raping a local 15-year-old schoolgirl.

Yesterday, one of Sir Keir's own Labour MPs said he believed that migrants should be removed from Falkirk's Cladhan Hotel.

Euan Stainbank, the MP for Falkirk, said: 'These hotels don't work for host communities or those who stay there and their use will be ended by this government.'
At least three people were killed and nine more were wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire inside a Brooklyn restaurant.

The horror unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning at Taste of the City Lounge in the Crown Heights neighborhood.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference that the victims were identified as three men aged 19, 27, and 35. She did not reveal their names.

The nine injured were all raced to nearby hospitals in unknown condition shortly after the shooting occurred at approximately 3:27am. The total of 12 victims included eight men and three women.

No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.

Cops say as many as four shooters may have been involved, however it is unclear at this time how many may have opened fire.

Tisch said 36 shell casings were recovered from the scene at 903 Franklin Avenue, and 9mm and 45-caliber weapons were used.

A separate firearm was discovered at the corner of Eastern Parkway, which investigators say may have been one used in the shooting spree.

Surveillance footage showed three men sprinting from the scene shortly after the brutal triple slaying occurred.

At least three people were killed and nine more were wounded when multiple gunmen opened fire inside a Brooklyn restaurant in the early hours of Sunday morning

A gun seen at the scene of the horror shooting at Taste of the City Lounge in the Crown Heights neighborhood. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made

Surveillance footage showed three men sprinting from the scene shortly after the brutal triple slaying occurred

Tisch said at her press conference that the shooting was 'terrible' but stressed that it was an anomaly amid New York's falling crime stats.

'We have the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims seven months into the year weve seen on record in the city of New York,' she said.

'Something like this is, of course, thank god, an anomaly and its a terrible thing thats happened this morning.'

Murder and shooting statistics are at near historic lows in the Big Apple, however major felonies are still well above pre-pandemic levels, per stats from Vital City.

The Taste of the City Lounge where the shooting unfolded specializes in Carribean cuisine and offers a hookah bar and DJs.

It is less than half a mile from the historic Brooklyn Museum, and closed at 2am on Sunday - an hour and a half before the shooting - according to its website.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch (pictured) said at a press conference that the victims were identified as three men aged 27, 35 and an unknown age. She did not reveal their names

Officers are seen outside the Taste of the City Lounge where the shooting unfolded overnight

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement: 'Gun violence of this magnitude really scars a city.'

'We are praying for the families and the victims, and ask for all New Yorkers to join us in prayer as we lift these families up,' he said.

Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo added on X: 'Another horrific mass shooting in NYC last night, as three lives were lost and eight wounded in a senseless, deadly attack. My heart goes out to the victims and to their loved ones.

'Public safety is, and always has been, Job 1. This isnt the time to defund or dismantle the police. We need more officers, not less, to keep our communities safe.'
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin appeared to recreate an iconic Cold War photo six decades later during their superpower summit in Alaska this week.

The US President animatedly pointed his finger at the Russian leader as a translator stood between them during their talks at a military facility in Anchorage.

The official White House X account tweeted a black and white picture of the exchange on Friday, with the simple caption: 'The goal is always peace.'

And a striking similarity has been noticed between the photo and that of the famous 'Kitchen Debate' between Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev in July 1959.

That exchange between the then-US vice president and Soviet leader took place at the opening ceremony of the American National Exhibition in Moscow.

The two men had a heated debate about capitalism and communism in the middle of a model kitchen at the fair, in one of the most famous moments of the Cold War.

Observers noted similarities between the photo and Friday's picture of Mr Trump and Mr Putin, who had been meeting to try to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

Experts have warned the face-to-face summit has risked legitimising the Russian leader, who has been made a pariah by the global community for invading Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin before a news conference following their meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

The 'Kitchen Debate' between then-US vice president Richard Nixon (right) and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev (left) at Sokolniki Park in Moscow in July 1959

Richard Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev had a heated debate about capitalism and communism in the middle of a model kitchen at the fair at the American National Exhibition in Moscow in 1959

Resemblances between the photos included the finger pointed by the American towards the Russian and an anxious-looking man stood in the middle of them.

Before the 'Kitchen Debate', the US and Soviet Union had agreed to set up national exhibitions in each other's countries as part of an emphasis on cultural exchanges.

The Soviet exhibition opened at the New York Coliseum in June 1959, one month before the US exhibition opened at Sokolniki Park in Moscow that July.

Mr Nixon hosted a visit by Mr Khrushchev before the Moscow exhibition was officially opened, and showed the Soviet leader some new American colour televisions.

But Mr Khrushchev attacked the 'Captive Nations Resolution' passed by US Congress days earlier, which condemned Soviet control of 'captive' people in eastern Europe.

Mr Khrushchev then sneered at some of the American technology on display, claiming that the Soviets would have similar gadgets within a few years.

Mr Nixon told Mr Khrushchev that he should 'not be afraid of ideas. After all, you don't know everything'.

Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev (centre) and US vice president Richard Nixon (right) share a laugh during a lighter moment touring the American National Exhibition in Moscow in 1959

Richard Nixon cuts the ribbon at the opening of the American National Exhibition in 1959

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday

But the Soviet leader told him: 'You don't know anything about communismexcept fear of it.'

Mr Nixon hit back, saying Mr Khrushchev's constant threats of nuclear missiles could lead to war, and also criticised him for constantly interrupting him while speaking.

Mr Khrushchev warned of 'very bad consequences' before clarifying that he simply wanted 'peace with all other nations, especially America'.

Mr Nixon, who became president of the US in 1969, then put his arm around Mr Khrushchev's shoulder and said: 'I'm afraid I haven't been a good host.'
Australians are more afraid of Donald Trump's tariffs than the increasing Chinese military threat, according to a shocking new poll.

The Newspoll, conducted between Monday and Thursday last week, revealed greater concern among voters about the US President's unpredictable trade penalties than there was about his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping's westward push.

When 1283 Australians were asked to prioritise the two, 42 per cent of voters said US tariffs were more of a concern, while just 37 per cent stated Beijing's military build-up in the Indo-Pacific region was the more pressing situation.

Voters who were neutral on the two global issues stood at 21 per cent, the poll published in The Australian revealed.

However, the polling analysis also showed a partisan effect was at play, with Labor and the Greens viewing Trump's tariffs as the bigger threat, while the Coalition and minor party voters saw China as the more dangerous issue.

Trumps tariffs triggered 55 per cent of Labor voters and 60 per cent of Greens voters, but just 29 per cent of Coalition and minor party voters.

On the other hand, China's military muscle worried 50 per cent of Coalition supporters and 49 per cent of minor party supporters, but just 26 per cent and 22 per cent of Labor and Greens voters respectively.

The poll also revealed that, for the first time since September 2023, more Australians are satisfied with Anthony Albanese's performance than not.

Australians are more concerned about Donald Trump's (left) tariffs than Xi Jinping's (right) military threat

Anthony Albanese (pictured) has found himself in positive territory in the polls for the first time since September 2023

The primary votes of the Coalition and One Nation improved by one point to 30 and nine per cent, respectively, since last month's first post-election Newspoll.

Labor remained at 36 per cent and holds a two-party-preferred vote over the Coalition at 56 to 44 per cent.

The Prime Minister's personal popularity has returned to levels not seen since the cost-of-living crisis and voice referendum led to a slump in his approval ratings.

Albanese now has a net approval rating of plus-three, with 49 per cent of voters satisfied with the Labor leader's performance and 46 per cent dissatisfied.

He has not been in positive territory since September 2023, when he recorded 47 per cent and 44 per cent satisfaction and dissatisfaction ratings.

The Prime Minister's current rating is the highest it's been since July 2023, when 52 per cent of voters rated his performance positively.

Sussan Ley, who took over as leader of the Coalition following Peter Dutton's departure, has seen her performance ratings drop since last month's poll.

She had a net approval rating of minus-seven last month, similar to Dutton's levels following the 2022 election.

However, Ley has seen the gap widen to minus-nine.

Half of Coalition voters were more concerned about China's military threat while 55 per cent of Labor voters were more worried about Trump's tariffs

After the election, the Coalition experienced its worst result for the Liberal/Nationals parties since Newspoll first compared primary vote levels in November 1985.

The first post-election poll had Labor at 36 per cent compared with the Coalition's 29 per cent.

Labor won the May 3 election after securing 34.6 per cent of the primary vote.

Support for the opposition remains below the 31.8 per cent primary vote won by the Coalition in May.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation rose a point to nine per cent while the Greens remained steady at 12 per cent.

Others, including independents and minor parties, fell from 15 to 13 per cent.
The father of three children tragically killed when a drunk driver ploughed into them in the Sydney suburb of Oatlands has met their killer behind bars.

Danny Abdallah embraced Samuel William Davidson - a man who was drunk, high on drugs and speeding when he hit a group of seven children out getting ice cream - as they met inside Cessnock Correctional Centre for a Seven News Spotlight interview.

Abdallah siblings Sienna, 8, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13, along with their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11, were killed instantly in the crash, while another child in the group, Charbel Kassas, 11, was badly injured and spent two months in a coma.

Danny and his wife Leila have previously explained how they forgave Davidson so as not to 'hold onto hate' for the the sake of their remaining children, but just how deep that goes was revealed in the extraordinary meeting.

Davidson, 34, had been sentenced to 20 years in prison with a non-parole period of 15 years, but Danny revealed that, if it were up to him, he would see him released tomorrow.

'Whether it's 100 years or one day, it's not going to make me feel any different,' Danny said.

He explained his focus was on his children and that whether Davidson was in jail or not made no difference, but he understood that 'justice was more for the community, to see that this type of behaviour is punished'.

The two also prayed together during the visit. Davidson previously revealed how he converted to become a Maronite Catholic, the same religion Danny and his family follow, largely due to how they had forgiven him.

Danny Abdallah (left) met the man who crashed his ute into three of his young children while they walked to get ice cream and killed them, Samuel Davidson (right)

Davidson is pictured after the horror crash during which he was drunk, on drugs and speeding

Davidson also apologised to Danny, his family, emergency service workers who attended the scene, neighbours who witnessed the crash and the wider community, before he shared a warning to not get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

In the interview, Davidson also opened up about his hard-drinking lifestyle before the incident, pledging those days were behind him.

'It's a shame that I had to enjoy life under the influence of alcohol or anything like that to enjoy it, because I can tell you my thoughts about that are completely different now,' he told the program.

Davidson, who spends up to 17 hours a day inside his cell, said it was important to him to keep a clean cell, the way he would at home.

'I do try and keep it that way because I just think it looks better and yeah, it just makes it more homely. Yeah, I was like that on the outside too,' he said.

With a decade still to serve, Davidson said he longed to be able to open and close a door for himself when he is finally freed from custody.

Davidson (pictured) said he spent many of his weekends getting drunk before the crash

Danny Abdallah prayed with Davidson when he visited him inside Cessnock Correctional Centre

Mr Abdallah said he and his wife have already forgiven Davidson and speak to him regularly

Anthony, 13, Angelina, 12, Sienna, eight, (pictured) were killed instantly in the crash along with their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11

'I've had a dream where I was waiting for a door to open at home. At home you just open a door, you know?' he said.

'Here you've got to wait for a door  freely opening it  I can't wait,' he said.

Danny has attributed his decision to forgive Davidson to his Christian faith, but he added it was also necessary for the sake of his marriage and surviving children.

'At the end of the day, I've still got three other kids. I need to be a father too and I need to be a husband to my wife, and it's already hard enough,' he said.

Initially, he began speaking with Davidson because he 'needed closure'.

But he said he also liked 'confrontation' and needed Davidson to know who he was and the hurt he had caused the family and why they had chosen to forgive him.

The Abdallah and Sakr families in 2024 unveiled a permanent memorial to their children at the crash site outside Oatlands Golf Club.

Danny and Leila also founded i4give day on February 1 each year.
The Behesht Zahra cemetery (Tehran) houses thousands of victims of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), and hundreds of victims of the recent conflict with the U.S. and Israel.

After the bombs and with the initial shock now subsiding, Iran is trying to return to normal life while still burying victims of the conflict with the United States and Israel. If it were legitimate to assassinate nuclear scientists, they would have killed Oppenheimer. People here were just working; we have nothing to do with the war. Why are they attacking us? cries Shirin, standing among the rubble of one of more than 400 buildings destroyed in Tehran during what is now called the 12-Day War. This housewife lived in an apartment blown open by the bombing.

In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a series of attacks against the leadership of the Iranian regime, which was followed days later by U.S. bombings. They struck nuclear and military facilities and also hit residential buildings that, they claimed, housed scientists from the national nuclear program. In the days that followed, the crossfire killed 28 people in Israel  most of them civilians  and 1,060 in Iran, of whom more than 600 were civilians, according to the Iranian government and Hrana, an independent U.S.-based NGO.

My sister was a cleaner; she died in the prison attack. What did she have to do with the war? laments Mehdi Panah beside the grave of Mariam, buried in Behesht Zahra cemetery, the same resting place for many who fought in the 1980s war with Iraq. I come to pray every day. As soon as I heard the missile had hit, I went to look for her. She never married so she could care for our parents. I found her body myself, the man says through tears.

At the entrance to Evin Prisons health clinic, a sign commemorates some of the 71 victims of the attack, including a five-year-old boy who died while visiting his father  who also perished. Rubble lies alongside inmates medical records, many belonging to political prisoners, journalists, and activists jailed by the regime.

Suddenly, a womans voice rings out: I want to speak! She is shouting from a damaged apartment tower. The prison officials appear uneasy and hurry the group along, but Suri manages to reach them: We need psychological help! This street was filled with the bodies of whole families in their cars. We cant sleep  we saw the planes overhead and they started attacking What if it happens again?

Two months later, Iranians are still reeling from a war that, apparently, failed to achieve any of its stated goals: ending the nuclear program, eliminating the missile stockpile, or overthrowing the ayatollahs regime. Yet the population fears the horror could return at any moment.

Women chat after prayers in a mosque where photos of several commanders killed by U.S. and Israeli bombings have been posted. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

The Tehran bazaar, the city's commercial epicenter and one of the places that most quickly recovered economic activity after the war. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

During the 12-Day War, Israel wiped out a large part of the Iranian regime's military leadership, demonstrating the extent of Mossad's infiltration in Iran. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

The burial of one of the 71 victims of the Evin prison bombing. In the first hours of the U.S. attack, Iranian air defenses failed to operate, resulting in significant casualties.

In Tehran alone, more than 8,000 buildings have been damaged by the war with Israel and the U.S., and 400 have been destroyed. The residents have been relocated to hotels, relatives' homes, and public buildings. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

The war with the U.S. and Israel has raised the prices of basic goods and devalued the local currency. Because of this and the fears of further bombing, most businesses reopened as soon as the ceasefire was declared. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

Israel bombed the headquarters of Iranian Radio and Television, killing three journalists. Its management placed a banner in the center of the building depicting journalist Sahar Emami, who became famous for continuing to present the news while the missiles fell. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

Three years on from the assault on Mahsa Amini by the morality police for an improperly worn veil  and her subsequent death in detention  Tehrans streets are lined with women who do not cover their heads with a veil. Ricardo Garcia Vilanova

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Reporters who attended the Alaska summit have claimed there were no proper beds and no phone signal after an arduous journey to make it to the crunch talks.

Members of the media travelled thousands of miles to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for just 12 minutes of speeches from Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Journalists had initially been told that talks between the US President and Russian leader about brokering an end to the war in Ukraine could last up to seven hours.

But three hours in, the media waiting under a large tent were informed that a press conference had been called and wider bilateral talks were no longer taking place.

Mr Trump and Mr Putin were on stage in Anchorage for 12 minutes, with no questions taken from the hundreds of gathered journalists and no ceasefire announced.

One American journalist was quoted to have exclaimed at the end of the press conference: 'What the f*** was that? Is that all?'

Among the British reporters who travelled to Alaska with high expectations was former Daily Mail journalist Connor Stringer, now the Telegraph's deputy US editor.

Writing about the press conference finishing so quickly, he said: 'The press pack, who had flown more than 2,000 miles in the hopes of witnessing history, were left shouting into the abyss. Colleagues looked around in bewilderment.

Journalists gather in a press tent at a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Friday

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin hold a press conference following their meeting on Friday

Broadcast journalists and camera crews near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Thursday

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after the joint press conference on Friday

Members of the military and journalists outside Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Thursday

Members of the media set up with their cameras ahead of the summit in Alaska on Friday

'Almost immediately, chatter between journalists turned from astonishment to frustration, as we realised that the pair had spoken for a twentieth of the painstaking time that it took for us to each be individually screened by the Secret Service that morning.

'In the few days before the highly-anticipated summit, we had scrambled to secure hire cars and accommodation in Anchorage, which turned out to be as scarce as details of what the two leaders agreed in their talks.'

With just a week to prepare after Mr Trump announced the summit, Anchorage was already strained to capacity with hotels full of prebooked tourists on fishing trips and coastal cruises.

Russian journalists, unable to secure accommodation, posted disapproving pictures of staying inside a sporting arena, where they slept on cots partitioned off from one another by black curtains.

The Russians also found that their mobile data roaming was not working, and instead had to connect to a wifi network provided by the US Air Force.

The US hosts served the Russian journalists a selection of familiar foods - shashlik meat skewers, grilled fish and even chicken Kiev.

Mr Trump did not secure a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine after nearly three hours of talks with his Russian counterpart.

Reporters at a hub at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage on Thursday

Journalists speak before Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's joint press conference on Friday

A worker carries a table at a press centre at Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center on Thursday

Staff members make preparations at the press room ahead of the meeting on Friday

Members of the media watch as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin arrive on Friday

A spot reserved for a member of the Russian press before Vladimir Putin arrived on Friday

Members of the media outside Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Thursday

After the negotiations, which took place alongside senior officials, the two presidents refused to answer questions from reporters.

However, both made statements, with Mr Trump saying 'some great progress' was made with 'many points' agreed and 'very few' remaining.

After the summit, Mr Trump suggested there were only a few major stumbling blocks holding up the prospect of a peace deal.

Speaking to Fox News, he said it was now up to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to 'make a deal' to end the war.

Tomorrow, Sir Keir Starmer will join Mr Zelensky and European leaders for a meeting with Mr Trump at the White House.

The Prime Minister and a host of European leaders will travel to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian leader, whose last visit to the Oval Office ended in a tumultuous spat with Mr Trump.
A judge who controversially permitted a knife-wielding drug dealer to remain in Britain was once on the board of a pro-asylum charity.

Fiona Beach found that Christian Quadjovie, 26, was not a threat to the public despite a string of convictions including for sexual assault, carrying a knife and repeat drug offences.

The French-born criminal has spent a total of 963 days in prison since arriving in the UK in 2009 at the age of ten.

But he was granted a reprieve by the judge, who is a former director at Asylum Aid and represented migrants for free on behalf of the Bail for Immigration Detainees charity, the Sun on Sunday reported.

The judgement has since been overturned after Government lawyers claimed it was made against the weight of evidence.

And shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has made a formal request to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office to investigate whether Judge Beach, 54, had declared her previous roles.

He said that the judges apparent conflict of interest undermined confidence in the courts.

This is the latest example of an immigration judge with open borders views, he told the Sun on Sunday.

The similarity between her decisions and the political views she has broadcast totally undermines confidence in the system. Judges must be independent.

Judge Beach was listed in the 2007 annual report from Bail in Immigration among the barristers who had volunteered their time to represent its clients in court.

And records show she was a director of Asylum Aid between September 2004 and February 2007.

Judge Beach first heard Quadjovies case last April.

He had first been convicted aged just 12 after sexually assaulting a girl under 13, then was given a nine-month referral order for carrying a knife in public in 2016.

Later that same year he was convicted of drug offences, was detained for 30 months then caught with more drugs after he was released.

The Home Office attempted to deport Quadjovie but he argued that he would not be able to reintegrate in France.

A judiciary spokesman said all judges took an oath to remain impartial.

They added: In each case, judges make decisions based on the evidence and arguments presented, and apply the law as it stands.
Shopkeepers should deploy greeters to say hello to customers to deter shoplifting, a police force has said.

Lancashire Constabulary issued the advice to business owners amid a surge in thefts, with nearly three a minute reported in England and Wales.

The guidance comes as the total thefts reached 530,643 in the year to March, at an estimated cost of 1.8bn to retailers.

And a policing chief has said there is little deterrent for thieves because they are so often freed by courts to steal again.

Katy Bourne, the national lead for shoplifting at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: People have got to know that theyre going to get caught and that theres a meaningful deterrent when they do it. There is no point arresting shoplifters if there is no effective deterrent.

Lancashire Police launched Operation Vulture last year, which encouraged businesses to use customer greeters to cut down on crime.

In an online guide called How to Deter a Shoplifter, the force advised: By greeting genuine shoppers, not only does this provide a positive impression of your store, it also deters potential shoplifters.

An offender is less likely to shoplift if they sense that they are to be seen and noticed by staff.

Police and crime commissioner for Sussex Katy Bourne said it was 'madness' how many times repeat shoplifters had to be arrested before they were jailed

The total thefts reached 530,643 in the year to March, at an estimated cost of 1.8bn to retailers

The force also advised shopworkers to offer assistance to customers who were acting suspiciously, and install warning signs reminding thieves that they would be reported to police.

A shoplifter is not always creeping round like in the movies, the force said in separate guidance.

They can sometimes be trying to keep a low profile, and avoiding attention. They might look anxious or flushed, looking around the shop constantly to see if they are being watched.

The guidance added: Their clothing might also give them away. For example, if they are wearing heavy, baggy clothing in warm weather this might indicate they are using this baggy clothing to hide stolen items. If the person has a large bag, this might also be an indication.

Workers who witnessed anyone taking goods without paying for them should ask them to replace the items in a calm and neutral tone, the guidance states.

Always be sure theyve taken something before you speak to them  and only if you feel its safe to do so, it added.

The force also acknowledged that tough economic factors meant that for some residents in Lancashire, stealing may feel like their only choice.

Highlighting a cost of living guide made by the local council, the guidance continues: All offenders will be dealt with appropriately and while tackling crime we must also address the underlying problems which may lead to these negative behaviours.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has warned shopkeepers not to display products such as bottles of alcohol at the front of stores because they will be targeted by thieves.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson (right) with Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, leaving a Tesco store during a visit to Cosham. Dame Diana warned shops not to store products like alcohol near the front of the store because they will be targeted by thieves

She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: That is an issue in some stores, that they put bottles of alcohol at the front of the store which obviously people will nick. If they are going to steal to resell, they will nick items like that.

She also rejected the notion that the public had a duty to tackle shoplifters rather than rely on police, which was put forward last week by Conservative police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber.

Meanwhile, the Government is developing a Minority Report-style AI system to predict crime before it happens. Science and technology secretary Peter Kyle announced the system will use real-time data to create an interactive crime map of England and Wales to detect, track and predict where crime will occur. The 4million project is expected to go live by 2030.
'Pink Lady' anti-migrant protesters have clashed with police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in London today.

Photos show the women dressed in pink marching outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf which is being used to accommodate hundreds of migrants.

The group, which is a faction within the wider anti-migrant movement, was seeking to highlight the perceived danger to women and girls by those seeking asylum.

Today's protest comes after a man, who was living in the hotel, was arrested on suspicion of common assault after he allegedly burst into a blind woman's flat.

He was said to have entered the house on Wednesday night after being followed by a group of men on the street who told him to 'go back to the hotel'.

Videos shared on social media show the protesters arguing with police officers after they were prevented from moving down a road close to the site.

The Met Police said six arrests were made for breaching Section 14 Public Order conditions, possession of Class B drugs, and assaulting an emergency worker.

A spokesperson for the force said: 'The group protesting against the use of the hotel by asylum seekers have been instructed to remain on the pavement opposite the Britannia Hotel.

'Officers are currently deployed around the area being used to accommodate asylum seekers near Canary Wharf where a protest is taking place outside.'

'Pink Lady' anti-migrant protesters have clashed with police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Canary Wharf today in the latest wave of demonstrations

Masked protesters with flares demonstrate their opposition to the housing of asylum seekers in the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, east London, today

The Pink Ladies group march to demonstrate their opposition to the housing of asylum seekers

Today, police officers were deployed around the Britannia International Hotel as the protest kicked off outside.

The Pink Lady demonstrators were joined by groups of men in balaclavas, who were carrying England flags, signs reading 'stop the boats' and coloured smoke flares.

They were ordered by police to remain on the pavement opposite the hotel.

Several men - one of them masked and topless - were seen being detained by police.

The Britannia International Hotel has been the target of a series of protests in recent weeks after it was used for migrants arriving into Britain.

And the unrest come to a head this week after a man in his 20s was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly entered the blind woman's flat.

Channay Augustus, 22, whose house he allegedly entered was also detained on the same evening.

Her lawyer claimed when she appeared in court that she found a man in her mother's flat 'moving his hands over his groin'.

The Britannia International Hotel in London is being used to accommodate hundreds of asylum seekers. Pictured: A 'Pink Lady protester

Protesters march with flags and signs outside a hotel in Norwich

Several men - one of them masked and topless - were seen being detained by police following a string of arrests made in recent weeks

Photos from the London event today show demonstrators carrying England flags

After chasing him away, she is alleged to have gone to the hotel at around 6pm where she confronted a security guard who was trying her calm her down.

She returned with a meat cleaver and started banging it on a metal barrier outside the hotel and shouted 'f****** asylum seekers', the court heard.

Ms Augustus is accused of being part of a group of around 20 people who tried to barge into the Britannia Hotel.

She has since been charged with a number of offences including possession of an offensive weapon, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis.

Augustus, from Tower Hamlets, was remanded into custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 12.

Today, hundreds of people also gathered in the Northumberland town of Ashington to protest against 'illegal immigrants' in the area.

The demonstration was shared by the Facebook page 'British Unity', with organisers claiming the aim was to have their concerns about safety in the town recognised by the Government.

Protesters who met at 12pm called for the removal of 'illegal-immigrants' in the area, and demanded a stop to 'housing them for our children's future'.

A police presence was in attendance at the protest as demonstrators also called for 'mass deportations' and to 'stop the boats'.

A man wearing an England football shirt chants outside a hotel in Norwich

Several men were seen being detained by police after a string of arrests were made in recent weeks

A protester covered in flags argues with police officers outside the Brook Hotel

Protesters with flags and signs protest outside the Brook Hotel during the rally on August 17

Britannia International Hotel has been housing asylum seekers and has seen protests in recent weeks

Protesters with flags and signs protest outside the Brook Hotel in Norwich

MP for Blyth and Ashington Ian Lavery spoke ahead of the demonstration: 'Anyone attending protests this weekend should behave responsibly and remember: actions have consequences.

'You might think you'll know everyone in attendance, but sadly these kinds of events are often infiltrated by people from outside the area with their own agendas.'

He added: 'In recent months, hysteria has been whipped up by national and local figures. Sadly, few are telling the truth.

'Too many across all parties have echoed divisive rhetoric rather than standing up for truth and fairness. If you do attend a meeting or protest, you should know the facts.'

The MP continued: 'The anger out there is real - and justified. People in our communities live shorter, less healthy lives.

'Children are growing up in poverty. Schools are underfunded and crumbling. The NHS is under strain. People have less money in their pockets than at any time in a generation.

'But let's be clear: the people responsible for this decline are not those fleeing war or persecution. They are not the vulnerable seeking sanctuary.'

Organisers asked for those in attendance to wear 'no face coverings' and display 'no violence.'

Crowds have since dispersed from the area.
A girl asked her mom a devastating question after being mauled by more than 10 dogs while jogging in a quiet California neighborhood, leaving her nearly 'unrecognizable.'

Tracy Azpeitia, 17, managed to speak to her mother through the pain of the attack, asking her: 'Mom, am I still pretty?'

The teen girl was out jogging near her home in Newberry Springs on July 17 when she was surrounded and violently attacked by at least 10 dogs, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Nearly a month later, 61-year-old Craig Arthur Simmons was arrested on suspicion of being the owner of an animal causing serious injury or death, authorities announced.

After conducting surveillance in the area, officers spotted Craig riding his bike down his driveway, where he was taken into custody in connection with the dog mauling.

Following an interview at the police station, he was booked into the High Desert Detention Center without incident.

Tracy's nightmare unfolded just after 8am, as she was jogging to a workout facility near the community center along the 30000 block of Newberry Road - a remote, desert area in Southern California.

Moments later, she was suddenly attacked by '10 or more large-breed dogs,' prompting a nearby resident who heard her screams to call 911.

Tracy Azpeitia (pictured), 17, was out jogging near her home in Newberry Springs on July 17 when she was surrounded and violently attacked by at least 10 dogs

According to officials, Tracy was bit 'several times on her legs and arm,' causing 'large lacerations, abrasions, and removed flesh (pictured: Tracy's injuries)

Tracy's mother Maria Azpeitia said her daughter, left nearly unrecognizable after the dog mauling, asked her through the pain: 'Mom, am I still pretty?'

'The dogs bit the victim several times on her legs and arms. The bites caused large lacerations, abrasions, and removed flesh,' the sheriff's office said in a written statement.

A total of 16 dogs were seized from the area by San Bernardino County Animal Control following the attack, with investigators noting the animals were neither leashed nor fenced.

Carlos Ramirez, Tracy's stepfather, said the teen suffered hundreds of bites across her body, requiring more than 500 stitches to close lacerations and wounds from the attack.

'It was not one dog or two dogs, it was a lot,' Ramirez told ABC 7 News. 'I mean, they bit every part of her body you could think of except for her ankles.'

A good Samaritan ultimately intervened, bringing the brutal attack to an end and preventing even more serious injuries.

The attack left the teenage girl so severely injured that her own mother said she was unrecognizable when she arrived at the scene.

'I didn't know who she was,' Tracy's mother, Maria Azpeitia, told the outlet. 'She was so dirty, covered in dirt, so I couldn't recognize my daughter. I recognized her bra, that's what I recognized.'

'I thought they ripped her arms off,' she tearfully added. 'That's what it looked like.'

'I got close to her and [she asked me] 'Mom, am I still pretty?' and I said, 'Yeah, you're beautiful.'

A good Samaritan ultimately intervened, bringing the brutal attack to an end and preventing even more serious injuries (pictured: Tracy's injuries)

Carlos Ramirez, Tracy's stepfather, said the teen suffered hundreds of bites across her body, requiring more than 500 stitches to close lacerations and wounds from the attack (pictured: Tracy's injuries)

Nearly a month later, 61-year-old Craig Arthur Simmons was arrested on suspicion of being the owner of an animal causing serious injury or death, authorities announced

Tracy was jogging to a workout facility just after 8am - a remote, desert area in Southern California (pictured: Craig's residence circled in yellow, attack site area circled in red)

According to officials, Tracy was bit 'several times on her legs and arm,' causing 'large lacerations, abrasions, and removed flesh (pictured: Tracy's injuries)

A total of 16 dogs were seized from the area by San Bernardino County Animal Control following the attack, with investigators noting the animals were neither leashed nor fenced (pictured)

A GoFundMe page launched by Tracy's family to support her recovery and ongoing medical care has raised over $33,000 as of Sunday morning.

'She was getting ready to do her senior year of high school this year,' the description read. 'Now, because of this, she has to stay home and go to several doctor's appointments and rehab.'

'Due to the trauma, she cannot sleep at night; she's having nightmares,' it added.

Local residents have since raised growing concerns about the ongoing presence of stray and unrestrained dogs in the area.

'We have been in situations where we're out walking, and all of a sudden dogs rush out from a fence, or out of nowhere, and start circling around us,' Kristine Watson, a Newberry Springs resident, told ABC7.

The dogs are currently being housed at the Barstow Humane Society, about 17 miles from the attack site.

Craig's bail was set at $30,000.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin were due to dine on halibut and steak in Alaska before their lunch was cancelled, sensitive documents revealed today.

The US President and Russian leader held crunch talks at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Friday and were expected to eat together.

The menu - revealed among papers relating to the summit found in a hotel printer - shows they would have had a starter of 'green salad with champagne vinaigrette'.

The main course was a 'duet of filet mignon with brady peppercorn sauce and halibut Olympia served with buttery whipped potatoes and roasted asparagus'.

But the summit ended early and the lunch at the US military base - which would have concluded with a dessert of 'creme brulee' - never took place.

The document found at Hotel Captain Cook also stated that the meal was 'in honour of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation'.

Halibut Olympia is a local dish where halibut fillets are smothered in a creamy sauce then topped with buttery breadcrumbs on top of a base of caramelised onions.

Donald Trump greets Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska on Friday

Sensitive documents revealed Mr Trump and Mr Putin were due to dine on halibut and steak

President Trump's chief of protocol Monica Crowley created the programme for Mr Putin's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley in Anchorage on Friday, in a pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik

Jeremy Pataky, an editor of Edible Alaska magazine, told the New York Times: 'It has the vibe of being homey and comforting and mildly retro, but palatable.

'I would not characterise it as haute cuisine. To see that on the menu for an extremely high-level state dinner felt a bit surprising.'

He added: 'In our culinary Venn diagram of what's possible to harvest at sea between Alaska and Russia, I mean certainly we have halibut, so there's that.'

President Trump's chief of protocol has been facing questions after the menu was among sensitive documents relating to the Russia-US summit that were discovered.

Monica Crowley, who was in charge of creating the programme for Russian leader Vladimir Putin's visit, was left red-faced after eight pages including precise locations, meeting times and private phone numbers of government employees were found.

The documents also told US officials how to pronounce their Russian counterparts' names, including, 'Mr President POO-tihn'.

Hotel Captain Cook is 20 minutes from the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where the historic meeting took place.

The documents, which were produced by the Office of the Chief of Protocol in the US, revealed the precise locations and times of the meetings between American and Russian officials

Phone numbers of three US government employees were listed on one of the document pages

The documents told US officials how to pronounce names, including, 'Mr President POO-tihn'

The documents were found at Hotel Captain Cook, 20 minutes from the Anchorage base

Ms Crowley, 56, is a former Fox news presenter who is said to be 'extremely close' to Mr Trump and his wife Melania.

She was photographed on Friday warmly greeting President Putin when he arrived at the military base and again at the airport as he prepared to fly home to Russia.

The documents were given to US public broadcaster NPR which has seen its funding slashed by Mr Trump.

The broadcaster claimed the papers were found in a printer on Friday morning by three hotel guests.

Jon Michaels, a professor of law at UCLA and national security expert, said that the documents revealed 'a lapse in professional judgement'.

He said: 'It strikes me as further evidence of the sloppiness and the incompetence of the administration. You just don't leave things in printers. It's that simple.'

But White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the papers as 'a multi-page lunch menu' and claimed that no security breach had occurred.

She told the Daily Mail: 'It's hilarious that NPR is publishing a multi-page lunch menu and calling it a 'security breach'.

'This type of self-proclaimed 'investigative journalism' is why no one takes them seriously and they are no longer taxpayer-funded thanks to President Trump.'
A steak restaurant worker said she has been left heartbroken after her fiance was abruptly arrested by ICE at a mall where they worked.

Andres Paredes Morales, 23, was set to marry his coworker, Amanda Souza, who he met at the Fogo de Chao steakhouse in King of Prussia mall in Pennsylvania.

But while working his other job at the District Taco restaurant at the same mall, Souza said that Morales was detained by four plainclothes immigration agents on July 31.

Footage taken by one of Morales' coworkers showed him waving back to his kitchen as he was being escorted out by the agents, who told him that they wanted to question him outside after receiving a complaint that he was involved in a crime.

According to Souza, the agents would not show a warrant or provide any details to her about the complaint, and said Morales called her to help because he does not speak English.

She said she raced to the scene, but was five minutes away when an agent told her over the phone that Morales was already being detained.

Souza said she has been left in limbo waiting for her fiance after he was moved to the U.S. and Customs Enforcement facility in central Pennsylvania, and insisted he does not belong there.

Morales, a Venezuelan migrant who moved to the US in 2024, obtained a work authorization permit to stay in the country via humanitarian parole, and has no criminal record in the US or in Venezuela, Souza told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Andres Paredes Morales, 23, was set to marry his coworker Amanda Souza (pictured together) before he was abruptly detained by ICE agents in a mall where they worked on July 31, despite him having a work permit and no criminal record

Footage taken by one of Morales' coworkers showed him wave back to his kitchen as he was being escorted out by the agents, who told him that they wanted to question him outside after receiving a complaint that he was involved in a crime

Morales has an immigration court hearing scheduled for May 2026 for an extended work visa, and was carrying his permit at the time he was detained, his fiance said.

'Hes always working,' she told the Inquirer. 'I live with him. Theres no crime.'

She said that Morales moved to the US to escape rampant crime in Venezuela, and proposed marriage just months after they started working together at the mall.

'He told me many times, In the future were gonna be OK, and Im gonna help you,' Souza recalled.

He worked both restaurant jobs to make extra cash to send home to his mother, and his work permit was not set to expire until May 21, 2026.

Morales' attorney Alexis Price told the Inquirer that she is unsure why he was detained by ICE and why he has not yet been released, and said to her knowledge there is no pending criminal case against him.

Price added that Montgomery County has recently become a hotbed for ICE activity, and said she has seen many similar cases where agents coax a migrant from their workplace to ask them a question outside before detaining them.

'Its a bit like the Wild West here,' she said.

'Every day theres something new we havent seen before.'

Souza said that she feels her partner was swept up unfairly, and argued that 'just because you're from Venezuela, they associate you with a gang'

Souza said that Morales moved to the US to escape rampant crime in Venezuela, and proposed marriage just months after they met. 'He told me many times, In the future were gonna be OK, and Im gonna help you,' Souza recalled

Souza tearfully said that she has been left in limbo waiting for her fiance's immigration case to be settled, and has only been able to talk to him over the phone

Souza said that she feels her partner was swept up unfairly, and argued that 'just because you're from Venezuela, they associate you with a gang.'

She said she has only been able to talk to Morales over the phone as he languishes in Philadelphias Federal Detention Center, and he expects to be transferred to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center soon.

The center, four hours away from their home in Norristown, has been reportedly plagued with issues including a lack of medical access and mistreatment from staff, according to a 2024 report by the Social Justice Lawyering Clinic at Temple University.

Souza said the abrupt arrest has upended their life, and they went from planning their wedding to fighting through the complex immigration system.

In a GoFundMe to pay for his case, Souza wrote that he 'deserves to be home, not behind bars.'

'He deserves justice, and I need him back. We need each other,' she wrote.

Souza's nationality is unclear.
Volodymyr Zelensky has said giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'.

Speaking in Brussels today, the Ukrainian president insisted that his country's constitution made it 'impossible to give up territory or trade land'.

But he went on to say: 'Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting.'

'We need real negotiations, which means we can start where the front line is now,' Zelensky said, adding that European leaders supported this.

It comes as US president Donald Trump appears poised to urge the Ukrainian leader to agree to a Russian land grab of his country's territory.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk - two occupied Ukrainian regions - as a condition for ending the war.

Zelensky was speaking ahead of a virtual meeting with European leaders and before he travels to Washington to meet with Donald Trump following the US leader's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

He reiterated his position that it was necessary to establish a ceasefire in order to then negotiate a final deal.

Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Brussels today, has said giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'

Russian president Vladimir Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk - two occupied Ukrainian regions - as a condition for ending the war when he met Trump on Friday

(From left) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Palace in Kyiv after a 'coalition of the willing' meeting on May 10

European leaders president Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington tomorrow for peace talks at the White House.

'It's important that Washington is with us,' the Ukrainian leader said. He will be accompanied by several European allies, including Keir Starmer, for Monday's talks with Trump.

Zelensky said that Ukraine did not yet know all the demands made by Putin at the meeting with Trump on Friday, adding that it would take a long time to go over them - and that this was not possible under 'the pressure of weapons'.

Meanwhile, the world is still reeling from Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, where he rolled out the red carpet for the war-mongering tyrant.

Most international commentators believe the negotiations were a win for Putin, with the media noticing he appeared energetic and satisfied by how the summit had gone.

Trump, on the other hand, appeared uncharacteristically deflated and seemed disheartened that the famed deal-maker was not able to get an agreement together.

But the US President has hit back at his critics, posting on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday morning: 'It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me.

'There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Biden's stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!'

Only minutes later, he posted: 'If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kiev yesterday during a conference call with Donald Trump and European partners after the Alaska summit

Vladimir Putin reportedly told the US president during the Alaska summit Friday that Ukrainian frontlines in Donetsk were on the verge of collapse

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

Trump hit back at his critics of the Putin meeting, posting a 'fake news' rant on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday morning

'That's why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA.'

It comes as Trump envoy Steve Witkoff gave an interview with CNN where he discussed the issue of territory - and specifically of the five regions he described as always having been the 'crux of the deal'.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 while the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson were annexed after referendums internationally viewed as shams in 2022.

'The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions,' Witkoff said today.

He added that the Donetsk region constitutes an 'important discussion' - and one which he said will happen tomorrow.

The Donbas is predominantly Russian-speaking, and after Russia snatched Crimea in 2014, its proxy forces have gained a foothold there in a long-running war.

Zelensky, who has rejected Putin's demands that Kyiv withdraw from the remaining 30 per cent of Donetsk that it still controls, played down the Russian advances, saying on X that his forces were 'countering' and 'increasing the pressure' on the 'occupier'.

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A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prior to a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 17 August 2025

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to number 10 Downing Street, London, August 14, 2025

'The Russian army continues to suffer significant losses in its attempts to secure more favourable political positions for the Russian leadership at the meeting in Alaska. We understand this plan and are informing our partners about the real situation,' he said.

Zelensky's statement comes as negotiations to end the war continue to mount.

Sir Keir Starmer, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington tomorrow for peace talks at the White House.

Ms Von der Leyen said 'at the request of President Zelensky, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.'

Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

Mr Zelensky's Oval Office rendezvous follows Western allies holding a 'coalition of the willing' video call at 2pm earlier today, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.

Mr Trump is said to be inclined to support the plan, and will speak to Mr Zelensky about it when they meet in the Oval Office.

The European leaders may also fear a repeat of Mr Zelensky's last visit to the White House at the end of February.

Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February

President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today ahead of a meeting with European leaders

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the EU headquarters in Brussels today

The tumultuous spat resulted in a souring of relations between the US and Ukraine, including a temporary cut off of American aid for the war effort.

Downing Street insisted Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war.

A statement from No 10 said: 'At the meeting that will take place at the White House tomorrow, the Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.'

Yesterday, Sir Keir commended Mr Trump for bringing the conflict 'closer than ever' to an end.

Mr Trump appeared to change his position on how to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with the Russian president on Friday.

Following the Alaska summit, the American leader suggested he wants to move straight to a full peace deal, rather than negotiating a ceasefire first.

The shift appears to echo the Russians' refusal to agree to ceasefire before engaging in peace talks.

Meanwhile Zelensky on Sunday rejected the idea of Russia offering his country security guarantees, after US and EU officials promoted the possibility.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference this afternoon with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the Fort de Bregancon in Bormes-les-Mimosas, southern France

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky meets European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels today

White House envoy Steve Witkoff earlier said Trump and his Russian counterpart Putin agreed to 'robust security guarantees' for Ukraine during a meeting in Alaska on Friday.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday hailed the proposal as an offer of NATO-style security guarantees from the United States.

'We welcome President Trump's willingness to contribute to (NATO) Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine, and the coalition of the willing, including the European Union, is ready to do its share,' von der Leyen said.

Zelensky also welcomed the idea of US security guarantees - but was less positive about Russia's intentions.

'What President Trump said about security guarantees is much more important to me than Putin's thoughts, because Putin will not give any security guarantees,' he told a press conference in Brussels alongside von der Leyen.

'Security means a strong army, which only Ukraine can provide. I believe that only Europe can finance this army.'

Von der Leyen and Zelensky also shared their thoughts on a possible meeting between Trump, Putin and the Ukrainian leader.

'So far, Russia gives no sign that the trilateral will happen and if Russia refuses, then new sanctions must follow,' Zelensky said.

Von der Leyen had said she wanted to see the three-way meeting happen 'as soon as possible'.
British actor Terence Stamp, who played the arch-villain General Zod in the 'Superman' and 'Superman II' movies, died today aged 87.

The Oscar-nominated actor starred in films ranging from Pier Paolo Pasolini's 'Theorem' in 1968 and 'A Season in Hell' in 1971 to 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' in 1994 in which he played a transgender woman.

His family said in a statement this afternoon: 'He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.'

Stamp, who made his name as an actor in 1960s London, died this morning but his cause of death was not immediately known.

Born in London's East End in 1938, the son of a tugboat stoker, he endured the bombing of the city during the Second World War before leaving school to work initially in advertising, eventually winning a scholarship to go to drama school.

Famous for his good looks and impeccable dress sense, he formed one of Britain's most glamorous couples with Julie Christie, with whom he starred in 'Far From the Madding Crowd' in 1967.

Stamp - who is also remembered for his role in 1999 movie The Limey - dated the model Jean Shrimpton and was chosen as a muse by photographer David Bailey.

After failing to land the role of James Bond to succeed Sean Connery, he appeared in Italian films and worked with Federico Fellini in the late 1960s.

Terence Stamp at the premiere of 'Valkyrie' in Los Angeles on December 18, 2008

(From left) Sarah Douglas, Terence Stamp and Jack O'Halloran in Superman II in 1980

Terence Stamp and Julie Christie in the 1967 film Far From The Madding Crowd

Terence Stamp and his wife Elizabeth O'Rourke in Marrakesh in 2005. They divorced in 2008

Actor Terence Stamp is pictured before he played the lead in the 1962 film Billy Budd

Stamp dropped out of the limelight and studied yoga in India before landing his most high-profile role - as General Zod, the megalomaniacal leader of the Kryptonians, in 'Superman' in 1978 and its sequel in 1980.

He went on to appear in a string of other films, including 'Valkyrie' with Tom Cruise in 2008, 'The Adjustment Bureau' with Matt Damon in 2011 and movies directed by Tim Burton.

Stamp liked to recall how he was on the verge of becoming a tantric sex teacher at an ashram in India when, in 1977, he received a telegram from his London agent with news that he was being considered for the 'Superman' film.

'I was on the night flight the next day,' Stamp said in an interview with his publisher Watkins Books in 2015.

After eight years largely out of work, getting the role of the arch-villain General Zod in 'Superman' and 'Superman II' turned the full glare of Hollywood's limelight on the Londoner.

Buoyed by his new role, Stamp said he would respond to curious looks from passers-by with a command of: 'Kneel before Zod, you b*****ds,' which usually went down a storm.

Speaking about his early years, Stamp previously said: 'The great blessing of my life is that I had the really hard bit at the beginning because we were really poor.'

He left school to work initially as a messenger boy for an advertising firm and quickly moved up the ranks before he won a scholarship to go to drama school.

Terence Stamp and Gemma Arterton at the Marrakech Film Festival on December 6, 2012

(From left) Sarah Douglas, Terence Stamp and Jack O'Halloran in Superman II in 1980

Terence Stamp and Julie Christie in the 1967 film Far From The Madding Crowd

Terence Stamp at the Marrakech Film Festival in Morocco on November 12, 2005

Terence Stamp and Julie Christie in the 1967 film Far From The Madding Crowd

Until then he had kept his acting ambitions secret from his family for fear of disapproval.

'I couldn't tell anyone I wanted to be an actor because it was out of the question. I would have been laughed at,' he said.

He shared a flat with another young London actor, Michael Caine, and landed the lead role in director Peter Ustinov's 1962 adaptation of 'Billy Budd', a story of brutality in the British navy in the 18th century.

That role earned him an Academy Award nomination and filled him with pride.

'To be cast by somebody like Ustinov was something that gave me a great deal of self-confidence in my film career,' Stamp told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in 2019. 'During the shooting, I just thought, 'Wow! This is it'.'

He also said the love of his life was the model Jean Shrimpton, adding: 'When I lost her, then that also coincided with my career taking a dip.'

After failing to land the role of Bond to succeed Connery, Stamp appeared in Italian films and worked with Fellini in the late 1960s.

'I view my life really as before and after Fellini,' he said. 'Being cast by him was the greatest compliment an actor like myself could get.'

It was while working in Rome  where he appeared in Pier Paolo Pasolini's 'Theorem' in 1968 and 'A Season in Hell' in 1971 - that Stamp met Indian spiritual speaker and writer Jiddu Krishnamurti in 1968.

Actor Terence Stamp poses for a portrait photo during the 2005 Cannes Film Festival in France

Terence Stamp and Julie Christie in the 1967 film Far From The Madding Crowd

Terence Stamp with Shirley Henderson at the Marrakesh Film Festival on November 19, 2005

Peter Fonda, Terence Stamp and Steven Soderbergh promote 'The Limey' on May 15, 1999

Terence Stamp during the filming of 'The Mind of Mr Soames' at Shepperton Studios in 1969

Krishnamurti taught the Englishman how to pause his thoughts and meditate, prompting Stamp to study yoga in India.

Mumbai was his base but he spent long periods at the ashram in Pune, dressed in orange robes and growing his hair long, while learning the teachings of his yogi, including tantric sex.

'There was a rumour around the ashram that he was preparing me to teach the tantric group,' he said in the 2015 interview with Watkins Books. 'There was a lot of action going on.'

After landing the role of General Zod in 'Superman' and its sequel, both times opposite Christopher Reeve, he went on to appear in a string of other films.

He counted Princess Diana among his friends.

'It wasn't a formal thing, we'd just meet up for a cup of tea, or sometimes we'd have a long chat for an hour. Sometimes it would be very quick,' he told the Daily Express in 2017. 'The time I spent with her was a good time.'

In 2002, Stamp married for the first time at the age of 64 - to Elizabeth O'Rourke, a pharmacist, who was 35 years his junior. They divorced in 2008.

Asked by the Stage 32 website how he got film directors to believe in his talent, Stamp said: 'I believed in myself.

'Originally, when I didn't get cast I told myself there was a lack of discernment in them. This could be considered conceit. I look at it differently. Cherishing that divine spark in myself.'
A missing dog that was found terrified and covered in ticks on a highway 1,000 miles away from his family has finally returned home.

Rusty is a 'smart' Australian Shepherd who went missing when his owner was sent to prison and he was left under the supervision of her friend.

The owner is a woman who had been living in Cheyenne, Colorado, prior to being incarcerated. Her friend disappeared and Rusty was left alone, Cowboy State Daily reported.

How the dog somehow ended up walking 270 miles from Cheyenne to Shoshoni, Wyoming, remains a mystery, but he was found on the side of the road looking 'really scared'.

Rusty first arrived on Lander Pet Connection Director Hannah MacGregor's radar in May after a friend spotted the dog 'out in the middle of nowhere'.

'A bunch of people had left bowls of food and water,' MacGregor said. 'When they initially reached out to me about the dog being out there, I had already seen it on Facebook.'

'Someone had posted, but they couldn't get close to him, and they were just trying to find out where he belonged.'

MacGregor's friend spent hours trying to rescue Rusty and finally, with the help of another family, was able to coax the pup into her vehicle.

Rusty is a 'smart' Australian Shepherd who went missing when his owner was sent to prison and he was left under the supervision of her friend (Pictured: Rusty with his new family. Addison, left, Allen, and Aiden Miller)

How the dog somehow ended up walking 270 miles from Cheyenne to Shoshoni, Wyoming, remains a mystery, but he was spotted on the side of the road looking 'really scared'

The friend kept Rusty overnight and then delivered him to the shelter, where workers found a microchip on the dog.

There were two phone numbers and an emergency number listed on the chip - but the first two lines had been disconnected.

Luckily, the emergency number worked and they were able to locate the mother of Rusty's owner in Oklahoma.

To form a plan for Rusty's care, the shelter had to wait to speak with his owner - who was still incarcerated.

Workers neutered Rusty at the request of his owner's mom.

After discussion with the owner's mother and son, it became clear that the family members would not be able to pick Rusty up.

The dog was placed under the care of a foster family in Afton, Wyoming, who volunteered to take care of Rusty short-term.

The dog was placed under the care of a foster family (pictured) in Afton, Wyoming, who volunteered to take care of Rusty short-term

'At that time, it sounded like the owner was going to get out of jail soon,' MacGregor said. But that did not pan out, and the owner's incarceration was expected to continue until January.

Rusty was bonding with the family, so he stayed with them until the owner's other son became involved and agreed to take the dog.

Addison Miller said her husband, Allen, and their son, Aiden, will host Allen's mom when she completes her time in a treatment facility for her addiction issues.

They were happy to add Rusty to the family - which already includes two dogs and a puppy, who Rusty has become fast friends with.

Addison has experience in dog training, 'He is a purebred Australian Shepherd. Both his parents are papered,' she said. 'He is the most beautiful brown boy ever and he is so sweet and so smart.'

Addison has experience in dog training, 'He is a purebred Australian Shepherd. Both his parents are papered,' she said. 'He is the most beautiful brown boy ever and he is so sweet and so smart'

The Millers were happy to add Rusty to the family - which already includes two more dogs and a puppy, who Rusty has become fast friends with

To collect Rusty, the family drove to Rock Springs from their home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma - a 1,021-mile journey.

Addison shared that Rusty once saved her husband's mother from overdosing on drugs.

Just over a year ago, Rusty's owner passed out in bed from an overdose in a locked room. Rusty somehow knew 'I need to go check on mom,' Addison said.

Rusty attempted to chew through the door and when he couldn't get through, went to her roommate's door and jumped on it until the roommate opened it.

'Rusty pulls her roommate down to her room and is barking and scratching at the door and the roommate is mad because my door is all messed up now,' she said. 'But (the woman) is not answering so he busts through the door and there she is blue on the bed, and the roommate saved her.'

The owner is in recovery from her addiction issues and when she gets out will stay with them, continue her sobriety journey and be reunited with her 'baby.'

Miller said her husband's mom calls every day and when Rusty hears her voice he becomes 'all excited wagging his little nub tail.'
Sahra and Samias story begins on a farm in Somalia that no longer exists. Things were going well for them: Sahra, a 55-year-old mother, successfully ran a small livestock and crop business. That is, until her brother  the only adult man in the family  devastated everything.

They say that he used drugs, stole from them and tried to force his 15-year-old niece  Samia  to marry an unknown man. He burned down the house while they were sleeping. He tore off one of his siblings legs with a chainsaw. He shot Sahra. He was a powerful man: the police treated his behavior as a domestic problem, so no one arrested him.

The mother and daughter fled, but he eventually found them.

Everyone loves their country; theres always a very strong reason to leave it, Sahra begins, four months after arriving in Mallorca, Spain, on a small boat. Mother and daughter now live in a shelter, the only one on the Balearic Islands. Its a pleasant place, surrounded by pine trees. From midday onwards, hundreds of tourists fill their bellies with beer.

On a Monday in early-July, cicadas are chirping in the shade. Its 98.6F. The mother speaks and her daughter translates, while adjusting her black-framed glasses.

Sahra  with bullet shrapnel still embedded in her right leg  left the rest of her children with a friend. She planned to retrieve them later, after fleeing to a safe country. But Samia made the life-changing decision to go with her. I couldnt leave [my mother] alone. She only speaks Somali: no Arabic, no English. How could she get there? And so began the journey of a mother and daughter across four countries  almost 3,700 miles  during which they survived kidnappings, mafias, prisons, exiles and the sea.

The two women are part of an unexpected influx. Since last year, hundreds of Somalis have been arriving in Spain via a previously untraveled route: the one connecting Algeria with the Balearic Islands. Compared to the 22 people who ended up (likely by mistake) on the islands in 2016, in 2024, there were almost 6,000 new arrivals. This year  in just over six months  there are already more than 3,300 migrants. The majority are Somalis, who have displaced Algerians as the main nationality making this journey.

Like others arriving from Mali, Burkina Faso, or Sudan, the Somalis have a clear refugee profile. Their country has been at war for more than three decades, plagued by fighting between armed clans, the advance of the terrorist group Al-Shabab, climate disasters, a collapsed state and, today, even less international aid.

It took Sahra and Samia more than a year-and-a-half to board the boat that took them from Algeria to Europe. Before that, they traveled through Uganda, Sudan, Libya and Tunisia. We suffered a lot; we spent an entire winter sleeping on the streets, says the mother. Before all this, we were middle-class, but we had to beg to get here, her daughter explains.

With their skin color and headscarves, they were seen as a source of income for all the middlemen and criminals they encountered. At the border between Sudan and Libya, they were kidnapped. They were taken to Kufra, an illegal Libyan prison. Its run by human traffickers, who torture migrants while trying to extort money from their families. The kidnappers demanded $6,000 in exchange for their freedom.

They extorted us, but we didnt have the money, her daughter explains. Their fate could have been the same as that of the 28 bodies found in a mass grave near the detention center last February. But they managed to get away. The militia was attacked and we managed to escape.

The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR has focused its attention on the Balearic Islands. And interviews conducted by the UNHCR reveal a pattern: the women  all victims of female genital mutilation  fled Somalia due to widespread violence, persecution by armed groups and sexual abuse.

Some mentioned sexual violence, detention, forced labor and other abuses en route to Spain, said Paula Barrachina, a spokesperson for the agency. The men  aged between 18 and 45  cited conflict, persecution and ethnic discrimination as the reasons for their escape. Their journeys lasted between five months and a year, crossing high-risk countries for migrants, such as Libya and Algeria, said the spokesperson.

Spain grants asylum to 97% of Somalis who apply. It recognizes the danger they face if they return. But the country isnt prepared to receive them. Refugee care requires specific measures, but Somalis  like Malians, who previously reached the Canary Islands  quickly come up against an immigration system that lacks interpreters, information, or sufficient appointments to apply for asylum.

In the Balearic Islands, many have slept on the streets while waiting to board a ferry to Spain, with no food or water other than what local residents give them. The only space to house them is where Sahra and Samia now live and the shelter only has 44 beds, reserved for the most vulnerable migrants. The majority are mothers and daughters, who must wait months on end for a DNA test, so that the authorities can confirm they are related.

Ibrahim, left, with his Somali companions on the ferry that took them from Mallorca to Barcelona. Francisco Ubilla

Ibrahim, 29, owned two small supermarkets in Beledweyne, located about 200 miles from the Somali capital of Mogadishu. The city is a strategic location in the war against Al-Shabaab terrorists, who have been carrying out attacks on its streets for years.

On the ferry from Mallorca to Barcelona, he says that, back in 2000, his father was killed in an attack perpetrated by terrorists. And, in 2021 they came after him. Threatening Ibrahim with death, they began demanding payment if he wanted to keep his businesses open. He refused to be extorted.

They burned all the shops in the village that didnt want to pay, he recalls. Subsequently, he fled. I was clear that I wanted to get to Europe. I wanted peace. I have a mother, Im the eldest of the siblings, I have a responsibility He speaks with EL PAIS after having crossed Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Benin, Niger and Algeria.

The Somalis survive in groups. Faced with the brutal violence in Libya, Tunisia and Algeria, they try to protect each other. The Somalis are the ones who protected us, says Samia. In Algeria, the final stage of the journey, many women  and men, too  spend months in hiding to avoid being arrested by the police and deported to the desert.

We saw too much in Algeria. Tunisia is a paradise compared to how Black people are treated in Algeria. As soon as [the authorities] see you, they grab you and expel you to the desert. You cant go out to buy groceries, you cant make a life for yourself. Everyone tries to get money from you. We spent 10 days in jail, Samia recalls.

Many migrants say that they lived in train tunnels, taking turns risking their lives in order to find food. They shared the remittances sent by their relatives. We didnt see the light of day for five months, Aisha notes. She fled Somalia, leaving her two children with her ex-husband. She did so while knowing that perhaps she would never see them again.

Theres no easy route. And, if they finally reach a reception center, many of the after-effects that these people suffer from are the result of the time they spent in Libyan prisons, or during their stay in Algeria. Many are expelled from the North African countries again and again, until they take to the sea.

Representatives of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Assistance (CEAR)  which welcomes many of these Somali citizens to its centers  detail two of the most common routes. The first  which is more expensive, costing around 5,000 ($5,800) per person  includes a flight from Ethiopia to Benin, followed by a bus to Nigeria, or directly to Niger and Algeria.

The second  more dangerous  costs half the price and makes stops in Ethiopia, Sudan, Libya and Algeria. The entire journey from Somalia can take between one and three years. The final leg, at sea, takes about 14 hours. By then, the refugees are severely physically weak and in poor health, CEAR representatives explain.

A group of Somalis who slept in front of the port of Palma de Mallorca communicate with their families. Francisco Ubilla

Sahra and Samia spent five months in Algeria, locked in a house with 40 other Somalis. One after another, everyone left but we still didnt have enough money to pay for the trip, the teenager explains. Until, one day, she says, they were allowed to board. It was a 16-hour journey. And, for once  aboard a precarious boat in a sea that claims hundreds of lives each year  they felt safe. It was sunny and the sea was calm, she remembers.

Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani.

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A man has been accused of luring his Grindr date to his home for a massage before stabbing him in the back of the neck with a kitchen knife.

The date 'miraculously' survived Reggie Florence's alleged stabbing frenzy by fighting back, but lost an eye and suffered numerous wounds.

Florence, 28, was interrupted by police after a neighbor allegedly saw him standing over the victim during the vicious attack.

The pair met on Grindr on August 3 and Florence persuaded the man to drive all the way from Long Island to his home in Middletown, New York.

After he arrived, Florence offered to give him a massage and told him to lay on the floor. He began as expected, but suddenly grabbed a hidden knife.

Florence allegedly stabbed him several times in the back of the neck with the kitchen knife before the victim rolled over and grabbed him.

'As the victim attempted to fight back, Florence continued to stab the victim about the body, including the eyes and torso,' prosecutors alleged.

'As a result, the victim sustained critical injuries including the loss of an eye.

Reggie Florence, 28, convinced a man to drive from Long Island to Middletown, New York, and allegedly stabbed him

Florence was charged with attempted murder, assault with intention to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to cause disfigurement

'A concerned neighbor called the police who, upon arriving at the scene, found the defendant standing over the victim struggling with the knife.'

The victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening wounds and a punctured lung. Florence suffered minor injuries during the struggle for the knife.

Police allegedly found 12 knives strategically hidden around the house and a new mop, bucket, and a bottle of bleach near where the man was stabbed.

'It is a miracle that the haunting allegations in this case did not result in the death of the victim,' Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said.

'While the victim continues to recover from life-altering injuries, we will seek to hold this defendant accountable for his unspeakable crimes.'

Florence was charged with attempted murder, assault with intention to cause serious injury, and assault with intent to cause disfigurement.

He pleaded not guilty and was held at the Orange County Jail after failing to post a $500,000 cash bail until his next court date on August 28.
This is the moment a flustered Putin winced as he was bombarded with questions from the free press who asked whether he would 'stop killing civilians' in Ukraine.

Sat alongside Donald Trump ahead of their meeting in Alaska on Friday, Vladimir Putin looked visibly uncomfortable as he was queried about a possible ceasefire.

As members of the free press were ushered out of the room, Putin found himself surrounded by US journalists that were seeking accountability for the Russian leader.

While President Trump appeared to be appreciative of the press' questions, remarking: 'Thank you very much, thank you', Putin, however, seemed somewhat out of his depth.

Indeed, his slight smile quickly fell as one reporter shouted out: 'Mr Putin, will you break ceasefire?', before another journalist asked: 'Will you commit to not killing any more civilians?'

In response, he then appeared to put his hands to his mouth and say something inaudible before making another face of confusion as another journalist queried: 'President Putin, why should President Trump trust your word now?'

However, before Mr Putin had an opportunity to respond further, the press were ushered out of the room.

Following Mr Putin's run-in with the crowd of passionate reporters, both him and Mr Trump began their historic crunch talks.

Sat alongside Donald Trump ahead of their meeting in Alaska on Friday, Vladimir Putin looked visibly uncomfortable as he was queried about a possible ceasefire in Ukraine

As members of the free press were ushered out of the room, Putin found himself surrounded by US journalists that were seeking accountability for the Russian leader. His slight smile quickly fell as one reporter shouted out: 'Mr Putin, will you break ceasefire?'

He then appeared to put his hands to his mouth and say something inaudible in response before making another face of confusion as another journalist queried: 'President Putin, why should President Trump trust your word now?'

During their two-and-a-half-hour summit, the two were understood to have failed to reach an agreed deal on Ukraine, with President Trump declaring in a press conference afterwards: 'There's no deal until there's a deal.'

Despite failing to yield an immediate result, the US President appeared upbeat, saying that there were 'many, many points' that the pair 'agreed on' but that there was one issue - 'the most significant' - that they had not cracked.

'We didn't get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,' he added, without divulging any specifics.

Referring to the Ukrainians, he said that 'ultimately, it's up to them' who have to 'agree with' what his administration think.

He finished it off by thanking Putin once more and saying: 'We'll speak to you very soon, and probably see you again very soon. Thank you very much, Vladimir.'

Putin then seemed to catch the President by surprise as he responded in English by asking, 'Next time in Moscow?'

A visibly stunned Mr Trump said: 'Oh, that's an interesting one...

During their two-and-a-half-hour summit, the two were understood to have failed to reach an agreed deal on Ukraine, with President Trump declaring in a press conference afterwards: 'There's no deal until there's a deal'

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin shake hands after a joint press conference following the US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

Prior to the near three-hour meeting, Putin had praised Mr Trump as his 'dear neighbour', thanking his administration for his 'strive to get to the crux of the matter' as the two nations 'pave the path towards peace'

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev told Interfax news agency that the Trump-Putin meeting had gone 'incredibly well'. However, Ukrainian politician Oleksandr Merezhko slammed the summit as a 'failure'

'I'll get a little heat on that one, but I can see it possibly happening. Thank you very much. Thank you all.'

There was no mention of a ceasefire during the 12-minute press conference, with zero questions taken before both presidents shook hands, briefly posed for pictures and then sauntered out of the room.

Prior to the near-three-hour meeting, Putin had praised Mr Trump as his 'dear neighbour', thanking his administration for his 'strive to get to the crux of the matter' as the two nations 'pave the path towards peace'.

Mr Putin also revealed that he had greeted Mr Trump by telling him: 'Good afternoon, dear neighbour. Very good to see you in good health and to see you alive.'

Making reference to Mr Trump's frequent blaming of the war on Biden, Putin said: 'When President Trump said that if he was the president back then, there would have been no war, I'm quite sure that it would indeed be. So I can confirm that.'

He also added that he has 'always considered the Ukrainian nation a brotherly nation'.

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev told Interfax news agency that the Trump-Putin meeting had gone 'incredibly well'.

However, Ukrainian politician Oleksandr Merezhko slammed the summit as a 'failure'.

He said: 'I think it's a failure because Putin was again talking about security concerns and used his usual rhetoric,' he told The New York Times. 'I don't see any changes.'

It comes as Volodymyr Zelensky has said that giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'. Speaking in Brussels today, the Ukrainian president insisted that his country's constitution made it 'impossible to give up territory or trade land'

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On Sunday morning, the US President hit back at his critics, posting on his social media platform Truth Social

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On Sunday morning, the US President hit back at his critics, posting on his social media platform Truth Social: 'It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me.

'There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me. I had a great meeting in Alaska on Biden's stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!'

Only minutes later, he posted: 'If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal.

'That's why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA.'

It comes as Volodymyr Zelensky has said that giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'.

Speaking in Brussels today, the Ukrainian president insisted that his country's constitution made it 'impossible to give up territory or trade land'.

He added: 'Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting.'

'We need real negotiations, which means we can start where the front line is now.'

Speaking in Brussels today, the Ukrainian president insisted that his country's constitution made it 'impossible to give up territory or trade land'. He added: 'Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia'

Pictured: President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels today. Zelensky was speaking ahead of a virtual meeting with European leaders and before he travels to Washington to meet with Donald Trump

Downing Street has insisted that Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war. Pictured: Sir Keir and Zelensky at No 10 on August 17

Zelensky was speaking ahead of a virtual meeting with European leaders and before he travels to Washington to meet with Donald Trump.

The Ukranian leader will be accompanied by several European allies, including Sir Keir Starmer, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron.

Other European leaders confirming they will go tomorrow included Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

Zelensky reiterated his position that it was necessary to establish a ceasefire in order to then negotiate a final deal.

He also said that Ukraine did not yet know all the demands made by Putin at the meeting with Trump on Friday, adding that it would take a long time to go over them - and that this was not possible under 'the pressure of weapons'.

Downing Street has insisted that Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war.

A statement from No 10 said: 'At the meeting that will take place at the White House tomorrow, the Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.'

Yesterday, Sir Keir commended Mr Trump for bringing the conflict 'closer than ever' to an end.
Three men have been arrested in a murder probe after a woman in her 20s was fatally assaulted near a care home.

The horrifying attack happened early on Saturday morning on Chadwell Heath Lane in east London, near the town of Romford.

Metropolitan Police officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were called at around 5.30am to reports of an assault.

The emergency services worked to help her - but despite their best efforts, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, near the town of Romford.

The brutal attack took place in a leafy residential area just outside the Chadwell House Residential Care Home, which provides residential, dementia and respite care.

The Met has now said a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and two men, aged 21 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

'Early enquiries by detectives indicate this is an isolated incident and those involved are believed to be known to each other', the force added.

A cordon is in place and a white evidence tent was erected in the driveway to the care home. Officers continue to appeal for information and witnesses.

The horrifying attack happened early on Saturday morning on Chadwell Heath Lane (pictured on Saturday) in the Chadwell Heath area of east London

Metropolitan Police officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were called at around 5.30am to reports of an assault. Pictured: The scene on Saturday

The force has now said a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and two men, aged 21 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Pictured: The scene on Saturday

The woman has not yet been formally identified but it is believed she was in her 20s. A post-mortem will soon be carried out.

The victim's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Pictures of the scene on Saturday showed parts of nearby park Little Heath cordoned off with police tape, with the tent up while police investigated.

Officers in hazmat suits appeared to be examining a vehicle with large clear plastic bags of unknown items in them.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: 'Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

'Although we have now made arrests, local residents will continue to see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out.

'I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to speak to us.'

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The emergency services worked to help the woman - but despite their best efforts, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene (pictured on Saturday), near the town of Romford

The brutal stabbing took place in a leafy residential area just outside the Chadwell House Residential Care Home (pictured on Saturday), which provides residential, dementia and respite care

'Early enquiries by detectives indicate this is an isolated incident and those involved are believed to be known to each other', the force added. Pictured: The scene on Saturday
A police officer who starred in a Channel 5 series has been banned from the force over 'inappropriate, sexist, and racist' texts.

PC Andrew Doran, of Cheshire Police, featured on documentary TV programme Motorway Cops: Catching Britain's Speeders, which has been running since 2021.

The roads policing officer received, sent and kept more than 20 of the shocking messages on his personal mobile between 2015 and 2018.

This included a video which was a criminal offence to possess, as well as a clip he was sent 'depicting extreme pornography'.

He did not delete, challenge or report any of the horrifying texts - and has not since provided any explanation for his behaviour.

The constable resigned in July ahead of his accelerated misconduct hearing this month, a special kind of fast-track proceedings.

They are used in the police when there is 'incontrovertible' evidence of gross misconduct and it is in the public interest an officer is dismissed 'straight away'.

PC Doran was found to have 'undoubtedly' committed this most serious of standards breaches and would have been dismissed without notice had he not already quit.

PC Andrew Doran (pictured in Motorway Cops), of Cheshire Police, featured on documentary TV programme Motorway Cops: Catching Britain's Speeders, which has been running since 2021

The roads policing officer (pictured for Motorway Cops) received, sent and kept more than 20 of the shocking messages on his personal mobile between 2018 and 2015

The ex-constable (pictured in Motorway Cops) resigned in July ahead of his accelerated misconduct hearing this month, a special kind of fast-track proceedings

It means he has been placed on the banned list and will never again work as a police officer.

The programme description for Motorway Cops: Catching Britain's Speeders reads: 'Ride along with the officers risking their lives policing Britain's most dangerous roads.'

PC Doran is featured prominently in the series, with several episode summaries focussing solely on his policing work.

An episode description from series one, for example, simply reads: 'PC Andy Doran hunts for a suspected car thief on a housing estate.'

Other policing work sees the officer pull a driver over for using his phone behind the wheel and respond to a collision after a driver fell asleep on the motorway.

He is also variously seen on the show supporting those in a broken-down car, chasing fleeing thieves after a shop robbery, and, bizarrely, pursuing a suspect in a tractor.

The 'unprofessional messages and material' he had on his phone included 17 sexist images he sent and nine he received.

On top of this, he sent three racist pictures and two discriminatory ones, also receiving 11 of the former and four of the latter.

PC Doran (pictured in Motorway Cops) is featured prominently in the series, with several episode summaries focussing solely on his policing work

PC Doran also sent one 'improper or offensive' image and received three.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said at the disciplinary hearing the officer had 'shown a clear lack of integrity' and 'discriminatory views and behaviour which shows a lack of respect and courtesy towards others'.

He added: 'You have behaved in such a manner as to discredit Cheshire Police, and the police service as a whole, thereby impacting public trust and confidence in policing.'

The senior officer noted as particularly concerning the extreme pornographic material PC Doran was sent, on February 12, 2021.

'He failed to challenge or report this accordingly', he said, adding the former officer also did not delete it from his phone.

CC Roberts continued: 'No explanation for his behaviour has been provided, in particular as to why he did not challenge or report the messages received, no doubt because there is no explanation or excuse for this behaviour.

'The messages were offensive, improper and discriminatory and are therefore totally unacceptable in policing and in Cheshire Police.

'I therefore stress that the force will not tolerate such conduct from any serving police officer, nor any staff member.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said at the disciplinary hearing the officer had 'shown a clear lack of integrity' and 'discriminatory views and behaviour which shows a lack of respect and courtesy towards others'. Pictured: File photo

'The only appropriate disciplinary outcome in this case is dismissal without notice, had the former officer not previously resigned.

'A lesser sanction than dismissal would not serve to uphold the high standards and deter such conduct in the future.'

The first four series of Motorway Cops - half the show's entire run to date - focus on Cheshire Police, with Northumbria Police taking over for seasons five to seven.

The force is then replaced by Humberside Police for the latest instalment, series eight.

Superintendent Simon Parsonage, Head of the Professional Standards Department, said: 'I welcome the outcome of this accelerated hearing, which shows that we treat all allegations we receive extremely seriously and that we will not tolerate any such behaviours from our officers or staff.

'It is essential that the people we serve have the highest level of trust and confidence in the service we deliver.

'Unfortunately, in this case PC Doran's behaviour fell well below the level expected of a serving officer. He grossly undermined the privileged position he held with Cheshire Police and the high standards we expect, as a result, he will no longer be able to undertake any role within Policing in the future.'

The Daily Mail has approached Channel 5 for comment.
A New York teenager has said she was left traumatized after allegedly being hit over the head with a metal Stanley Cup by another girl's mom at her school.

Madison Evans, 14, said she is now 'shaking all the time' after the attack left her with 17 stitches - and admits she may never use the brand again because of the distress.

'I cant even look at those cups anymore. Every time I see one, it just brings it all back,' she told the New York Post.

The teen said the incident unfolded around 11am Tuesday as she was leaving Brentwood High School in Long Island and was approached by two girls who had issues with her cousin, but who she has never met before.

She said the girls began bullying her because of her association with her cousin, and footage from outside the school showed the girls arguing back-and-forth.

As one of the girls was held back by a security guard, Toni Monroe, 35, the mother of one of the girls, entered the spat.

Monroe was heard telling her daughter to 'give me your Stanley', taking the large metal cup from her hands and confronting Madison with it.

The footage allegedly showed Monroe bashing the 14-year-old over the head with the cup multiple times as her daughter also joined in.

New York teenager Madison Evans, 14, says she has been left traumatized after allegedly being hit over the head with a metal Stanley cup by another girl's mom at her school

The incident unfolded around 11am Tuesday as the teen was leaving Brentwood High School in Long Island, with footage showing two teens confronting Madison before Toni Monroe, 35, the mother of one of the girls, entered the spat

Witnesses told the Post that Monroe then tried to run away after allegedly attacking the teen, but was stopped by a security guard.

Monroe was arrested by the police in the parking lot and charged with assault.

She was released without bail but was ordered to be fitted with an ankle monitor and barred from contacting Madison.

Madison said the attack left her with blood streaming down her face, and said she was so shaken from the incident she 'thought (she) was going to die.'

The teen said she initially thought Monroe was another girl at the school, admitting she was 'shocked' to find out it was allegedly a mother at the school.

'I thought it was another student, but then when I looked at her, she had a tattoo,' she continued.

'Then I just kept trying to defend myself.'

The teen said she is now 'shaking all the time' after the attack left her with 17 stitches - and admits she may never use the cup brand again because of the distress

Monroe was arrested by the police in the parking lot and charged with assault. She was released without bail but was ordered to be fitted with an ankle monitor and barred from contacting Madison

Shameakca Forney, Madison's guardian, said the video was hard to believe as she condemned Monroe's alleged attack.

'If youre going to let the kids fight, then let the kids fight  kids will be kids, weve all done it growing up  but you dont jump in and fight kids,' Forney said.

Monroe claimed in court that she was at the school to complain about her own daughter being bullied.

But Madison's family told the Post that there was no excuse for the adult to have allegedly attacked the teen.

'As a mom youre supposed to diffuse the situation and take your daughter away to see whats going on instead of attacking a kid with a cup,' said Madisons cousin, Tyleen Smith.

Brentwood schools Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera said in a statement after the footage circulated across social media that the incident was 'unacceptable.'

'The safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority,' she said.

'This type of behavior will not be tolerated in our schools.'
A trio of Mexican citizens, all of whom were forced to leave the United States, have become social media sensations by documenting their lives after deportation.

Through the viral success of their videos on TikTok, Annie Garcia, Francisco Hernandez-Corona, and Olga Mijangos are now eligible for the app's Creator Rewards Program.

The three regularly meet to create content together, blending personal stories with candid portrayals of the difficulties they face.

Annie Garcia

Garcia, 35, was deported from the U.S. in 2017. She arrived in Mexico with just $40, a criminal record for financial crimes committed in her 20s, and the trauma of being separated from her five children.

She has since rebuilt her life in Puerto Vallarta, where she posts content under hashtags like #LifeAfterDeportation to more than 574,000 followers. Her videos mix lifestyle clips - such as boat rides on the Pacific - with candid accounts of detention and survival.

Annie Garcia, 35, was deported in 2017 with just $40 in her pocket - today she shares her new life in Puerto Vallarta with more than 574,000 followers on TikTok

Garcia rebuilt her life in Puerto Vallarta, where she shares content under the hashtag #LifeAfterDeportation (Pictured: Annie practicing her law degree which she is currently pursuing in Mexico)

Deportees in Mexico began forming an in-real-life community of deportees-turned-influencers and others who left the U.S. (Pictured: Olga (left), Francisco (to the right of Olga), and Annie (at the end of the table in a green dress) with other content creators)

She tells her audience that deportation gave her a second chance: 'Your criminal record doesn't follow you here You can pursue higher education. Any debts you had in the U.S. do not follow you here.'

Garcia has also spoken openly about her turbulent childhood: 'I was taken from my mother at the age of 12 because I had behavioral issues. I was separated from my family, and I grew up with other juveniles with behavior (problems),' she told USA Today.

While she says deportation has given her a clean slate, the trauma remains: 'It's very, very triggering to me to see what's going on up there. It's a bittersweet feeling. I feel safe. I feel relief. We're here. It doesn't affect us any more. But it feels heartbreaking to see other families living through it.'

She has explained her motivation for speaking out: 'When I first started sharing my story my idea was, 'Maybe if I talk about this, things will change.'  This is what is going to change things one day: us putting our stories out there.'

Garcia is currently conducting research on reintegration for an American university and pursuing a law degree in Mexico.

Hernandez-Corona (left) now lives in Puerto Vallarta with his husband (right), where his videos regularly draw thousands of views

Francisco Hernandez-Corona

Hernandez-Corona, a counselor with a clinical psychology degree from Harvard University, graduated in 2013 after a childhood marked by trauma. He testified against his abusive father in court, lost his mother to medical negligence while in high school, and was later adopted by a teacher.

At age 12, he crossed the desert on foot alone to be smuggled into the U.S., not with his family, and not by choice. He later received temporary protection under DACA, which allowed him to study and work legally.

Despite being married to a U.S. citizen, his immigration case stalled for more than a decade. Because of his illegal entry as a minor, he was permanently barred from adjusting his status inside the U.S.

In 2025, fearing detention during Donald Trump's deportation campaign, Hernandez-Corona chose to self-deport with his husband. He moved to Puerto Vallarta and began posting on TikTok under the handle @ciscoinmx, where he now has 31,400 followers.

Most of his videos draw 4,00020,000 views, but one three-part series about leaving the U.S. went viral with 2.5 million views.

In his posts, he stresses the emotional cost of starting over: 'Self-deporting isn't always freedom and joy and new adventures. Sometimes it's pain and nostalgia and anger and sadness. Sometimes you just miss the home that was.'

He also reflects on his conflicted identity: 'I'm very proud to be Mexican, and I'm learning to love a country I didn't get to grow up in, but I shouldn't have had to leave the home I knew to find peace and freedom. This isn't a blessing. It's resilience.'

Olga Mijangos, 33, was deported from Las Vegas on Christmas Eve 2024 and began filming her new life in Oaxaca before relocating to Puerto Vallarta

Her TikTok following of more than 80,000 grew rapidly after a viral post about her son's first day at school in Mexico

Olga Mijangos

Mijangos, 33, was deported from Las Vegas on December 24, 2024, after being charged with a DUI. She returned to the small town in Oaxaca she had left at age five.

There, she began sharing clips of rural life - goats in the streets, rodeos, and traditional food preparation - while working her first job in Mexico harvesting cucumbers for 300 pesos a day (about $15).

'I clearly understand why my mother decided to take us when we were little. Life in the pueblo is not easy,' she told followers in a video of her harvesting cucumbers. 'There is hard-living. There is poverty.'

She has also described the judgment she faced on her return: 'Did I feel a lot of judgment? Absolutely. Even though it's my roots, I basically came from a different world. I have tattoos. I lived my life a certain way that they don't. I could feel people talking.'

Her videos quickly gained traction. A post about sending her U.S.-born son to school in Mexico went viral with 14 million views and 2 million likes.

The success led TikTok to invite her into its Creator Rewards Program.

She has since moved to Puerto Vallarta, where she lives with two of her children.
When it announced its ban on Kate Forbes, which it now says isnt a ban, Summerhall Arts promised robust, proactive inclusion and wellbeing policies that prevent this from happening again.

The happening in question was an on-stage chinwag with the Deputy First Minister during the Edinburgh Fringe.

Summerhall explained that it was concerned about attracting those who share Kate Forbess views. I thought the Edinburgh Fringe was nothing but people who share Forbess views, but Summerhall was not talking about the Highlands MSPs support for the national impoverishment plan more commonly known as independence.

No, they were referring to her

gender-critical views. Summerhall said: We do not believe LGBTQ+ rights, nor their existence, is up for debate.

It cited concerns for the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ artists, staff and audiences and said a designated relaxed space would be available for anyone affected.

Anyone affected by Kate Forbes? Are we talking about the same Kate Forbes?

5ft 2in? Likes the Bible? So young she makes Ross Greer look middle-aged?

Artists potentially triggered by the presence of Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes were offered a safe space at Summerhall Arts in Edinburgh

Its hard to imagine a functioning adult who would require a safe space to protect them from Forbes. Summerhall was going on like it was hosting Hannibal Lecter rather than the most senior woman in Scottish politics.

This is the sort of fankle you get into when you believe, or pretend to believe, that political speech  and mainstream political speech at that  is violence and oppression and literally genocide.

There are people who feared Scotland would become McGilead if Forbes, a practising Christian, was elected First Minister, who also think women should be shunned for wilful disbelief in the doctrine of self-identification. That is what this is ultimately about: heresy.

Forbes does not accept that the material reality of sex is transformed by the assertion of an invisible inner essence called gender identity.

For that, anathema is pronounced upon her and she is to be excommunicated from polite society. Kate Forbes is not the fundamentalist here. One would have thought even that clanjamfrie of self-regarding midwits, the Edinburgh arts world, would have learned its lesson from the Joanna Cherry incident.

Two years ago, the Stand Comedy Club tried to cancel a Fringe event

featuring the former Nationalist MP, blaming staff disquiet over her views on womens sex-based rights.

Cherry, an advocate of some standing, gently suggested the club seek some legal advice since what it was proposing amounted to unlawful discrimination.

The National Library of Scotland is also at the centre of a row after staff demanded a gender critical book be removed from an exhibition

The Stand duly consulted a Rumpole or two, only to be told Cherry was right.

The ferret not only reversed but did so while reading a grovelling letter of apology. Talk of cowards who would rather placate crybully censors than stand up for free expression brings us inevitably to Amina Shah, the chief executive of the National Library of Scotland (NLS).

NLS was originally intending to include The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht in its Dear Library exhibition.

Edited by journalist Susan Dalgety and civil service insider Lucy Hunter Blackburn, its a collection of essays penned by the women who fought against Nicola Sturgeons Gender Recognition Reform Bill.

The authors include people with sharply contrasting political views. If you want the definitive, behind-the-scenes account of what the Scottish Government tried to do and how they were stopped, The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht is it. I heartily recommend it.

Amina Shah seems less enamoured. Upon learning the book would be part of the exhibition, some LGBT+ activists on the NLS staff allegedly demanded it be removed as it contained hate speech and its display would pose severe harm to library employees.

We have library employees in Scotland who are afraid books might hurt them.

Every day, it becomes less and less baffling that we burned so many witches in this country. Rather than suggest these people seek help, or at least alternative employment, Shah dropped the book from the exhibition.

Its not so much that Scotlands chief librarian caved into censors, its that she did so with a book whose authors risked everything rather than shut up when they were told to.

You cant always judge a book by its cover, but when the cover reads The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht, you can probably judge the authors.

They kicked up a fuss  rightly so  and Shah has been hit with criticism and, it is said, a donor boycott.

That these women were bolshie is commendable but what matters above all else is that they were right. The most powerful people in every sector of public life, enterprise, academia and the arts insisted they were wrong, and not just wrong but cruel, and not just cruel but bigoted. Their meetings were disrupted, their events cancelled, their jobs threatened, and their reputations tarnished on social media. They were exaggerating and misrepresenting.

They didnt understand the law and should be disregarded. But they were right. The Supreme Court ruling in favour of For Women Scotland didnt make them right, it merely confirmed they had been all along.

I happen to broadly agree with the books authors, but even if I didnt  and especially if I didnt  I would want to learn exactly what they believe, and how they went about turning those beliefs into one of the most successful political campaigns in modern British history.

Instead, there is a pronounced incuriosity, not only an intolerance towards ideas but a total indifference. Ideas are interactive; thats the point of them.

One idea meets another and you take the best from both to form an even better idea. Not any more.

Now, there are good ideas and bad ideas, and the bad ideas should not be considered. In fact they must be suppressed, because they have the power to harm and to corrupt.

Orthodoxy is back, baby. Only its no longer forbidding clerics or moral

crusaders demanding filthy, dirty books be put on high shelves, its people who imagine themselves to be enlightened and rational and liberal.

For dark comedy, nothing at the Fringe can compete with the spectacle of social progressives inadvertently forming a Mary Whitehouse tribute act.

Summerhall Arts relies heavily, and the National Library almost exclusively, on taxpayer subvention. Arts funding can be controversial. Some think it subsidises the cultural pursuits of affluent and otherwise privileged people.

The search for truth, beauty and humanity should not belong to any one class or sector. It is the hallmark of a liberal society, a society in which liberty is used not only for transient gratification but to better understand the human, the ideal and the transcendental.

Unfortunately, our cultural sector seems to be overrun with leaders who believe themselves already in possession of the truth, and uninterested, if not instinctively opposed, to the exploration of other ideas. An arts sector so ideologically prescriptive that it will not countenance wrongthink in its venues or on its bookshelves is one that has forfeited any claim to public funds.

Institutions like Summerhall Arts and the National Library of Scotland should not benefit from the spoils of liberal society while having at its load-bearing walls with doctrinal sledgehammers.

Defund them, let them close, and invest in new institutions that value free minds and free expression.
A jealous lover has been jailed for life after a fire he lit to cover up a woman's murder grew to a massive wildfire that killed two more people.

Victor Serriteno, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and arson charges and must stay behind bars at least 73 years.

He met Priscilla Castro, 22, online and she came to visit him in Vacaville, California, on August 16, 2020, and was last seen at 5.49pm in her car.

The next time anyone saw her was on September 2 in Putah Creek Wildlife Area, ground zero for one of the worst wildfires in the region's history.

Castro's body was burned beyond recognition, but her angel pendant survived and led to her body being identified and Serriteno arrested.

Serriteno never explained how and why he killed Castro, but admitted to setting fire to her body on August 18 to destroy the evidence.

The fire spread and became the Markley Fire, which merged with other wildfires in the LNU Lightning Complex and claimed six lives and destroyed 1,500 buildings.

Douglas Mai, 82, and Leon 'James' Bone, 64, were found dead in their homes in Solano County, unable to escape the blaze traced back to Serriteno's arson.

Victor Serriteno, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and arson charges and must stay behind bars at least 73 years, likely dying in prison

Serriteno murdered Priscilla Castro, 22, and set fire to her body on August 18, 2020. The fire spread to become a massive wildfire

The Markley Fire merged with other blazes to become the LNU Lightning Complex, which caused six deaths and destroyed 1,500 homes and buildings

A staggering aerial view of the fire shows how the LNU Lightning fire is razing the mountains of Vacaville and Napa County

An eight-month investigation pinned their deaths on him, and he was slapped with two more murder charges and two counts of arson.

Serriteno's sentencing in Solano County Superior Court followed emotional testimony from Castro's family, Mai and Bone's loved ones, and residents who barely escaped the fire and lost everything.

'She wanted to own her own hair salon, own a family business and maybe even get married and settle down one day,' Castro's mother Lisa Phelps told the court.

'I know without a doubt where she is. She is in heaven in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Do you know where you are going?'

'You will have time now, to get right with the Lord. The fire you set was blazing but it's nothing compared to hell.'

Castro's close friend Emelina Corona said Serriteno 'tore a hole through every single person who knew and loved her'.

'Your prison time will never equal the pain you caused. But she will live on - long after you are forgotten,' she said.

Mai's neighbor Jeff Shamrock added: 'There is no place in civil society for a cold, calculated killer. And that's what he is.'

Castro's body was burned beyond recognition, but her angel pendant survived and led to her body being identified and Serriteno arrested

In this long exposure photograph, flames consumes both sides of a segment of Lake Berryessa during the Hennessey fire in the Spanish Flat area of Napa, California

Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires jump Interstate 80 in Vacaville as cars flee the area

Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams said Serriteno 'almost got away with it' when he burned Castro's body to cover up his crime.

'This was one of the most catastrophic fires in the history of Solano County. Lives of those impacted have been changed forever,' she said.

'We cannot undo these vicious, brutal, and senseless acts by Serriteno, but the one saving grace with this plea and sentence is that it provides some sense of closure for all of the victims and their loved ones.

'This defendant will be locked up for the remainder of his life to keep him from harming anyone else.'

The LNU Lightning Complex was one of the largest wildfires in the state's history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The other fires were sparked after nearly 11,000 lightning strikes hit the northern part of the state as it endured a historic heatwave.

Collectively, the fire complex scorched over 363,000 acres across California's famed wine country and burned down almost 1,500 structures after forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

The massive inferno tore through the area north of San Francisco for two months and killed six people.
Alex Salmonds widow is to pick up her late husbands 3million compensation claim that he raised against SNP ministers.

Moira Salmond is pursuing the legal action started almost two years ago over a flawed sexual misconduct investigation by the Scottish Government.

The case concerns possible wrongdoing by officials while Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. Reporting the development, the Sunday Mail said the reclusive 88-year-old had been galvanised by attacks on Mr Salmond in Ms Sturgeons memoirs, Frankly.

A family friend said Mrs Salmond was upset and angered by the continued attempts to smear Alex in the book with ridiculous and inaccurate allegations.

It has only strengthened her resolve to make sure the full truth comes out and Alexs name is cleared, they told the paper.

Now executor of Mr Salmonds estate, his widow has assembled a legal team including a KC and two junior counsel in readiness for a court battle.

The friend added: Her case against the government is now live, the legal team is in place, the finance in place and this will be going ahead, no question of that.

Alex may not be here to defend himself but his family are determined to stand up to those who continue to attack him.

Moira Salmond with her late husband Alex

Ms Sturgeons book includes disputed claims Mr Salmond had consensual affairs, opposed gay marriage and failed to read the 650-page independence white paper.

The MSP also denied there had been any conspiracy to ruin Mr Salmonds reputation  a claim the former Alba Party leader maintained until his death at the age of 69 last October.

Ms Sturgeon said her former mentor would have rather destroyed the SNP than see it succeed without him.

She also claimed he impugned the integrity of the institutions at the heart of Scottish democracy  government, police, Crown Office, adding: He was prepared to traumatise, time and again, the women at the centre of it all.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond fell out spectacularly in 2018 after it emerged her government had investigated misconduct complaints made against him by two female civil servants.

Mr Salmond had the probe struck down at the Court of Session within months as unfair, unlawful and tainted by apparent bias, and was awarded 512,000 in legal costs.

He was later cleared of 13 sexual assault charges at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2020. He launched the Alba Party as a rival to the SNP a year later.

The former First Minister, who admitted he could have behaved better towards women on occasions, had always denied any criminality.

He sued the Scottish Government in November 2023 alleging there had been misfeasance  a knowing abuse of power to harm others  by various civil servants under Ms Sturgeon and sought damages of around 3million.

Promising a day of reckoning, he said at the time: Not one person has been held accountable. With this court action that evasion of responsibility ends.

In a Court of Session hearing last August, Mr Salmonds lawyer said the police were probing whether one senior civil servant gave a false statement under oath to a Holyrood inquiry that was probing how the sexual harassment claims were handled.

The action was frozen when Mr Salmond suffered a fatal heart attack in North Macedonia. But Mrs Salmonds legal team is now reactivating proceedings.

A Scottish Tory spokesman said: Its hardly surprising Moira Salmond is deeply disappointed that her previous calls for privacy to grieve have been ignored by Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Sturgeons spokesman declined to comment. The Scottish Government said: It would not be appropriate to comment on live litigation.
One of Scotlands top police officers is the subject of a complaint from a senior civilian worker.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs, who has responsibility for upholding professionalism, is alleged to have made a remark which the person found upsetting.

The alleged incident is said to have happened in front of other people at Tulliallan, the forces corporate headquarters in Fife.

Mr Speirs, who earns 213,394 a year, is said to have put his arm around the member of staff with a source claiming he apologised for any offence that may have been caused. However, the civilian worker complained about his behaviour and later went off sick.

The Mail understands the grievance was sent to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), the civilian oversight body for the force, which deals with complaints about top officers.

The complaint was sent to the SPA which assessed it and later notified Police Scotland that it did not meet the threshold for further investigation

The source said the allegation was that the person was upset and Mr Speirs put his arm around [them] and said he was sorry  his intention was to comfort or reassure. He added: The expectation was that this would be the end of the matter but [they] then lodged a complaint.

A second insider said: An inappropriate or derisory remark was allegedly made which was felt to be patronising, in front of other people. This caused upset and unfortunately the [person] concerned has now gone off sick.

Alan Speirs has has responsibility for upholding professionalism in Police Scotland

If these situations can be rapidly resolved, with an apology offered and accepted, thats the best way to deal with it. But it will be difficult to manage the relationship with [them]  because [the staff member] isnt at work.

The source added: It does raise issues about the SPAs level of scrutiny  that it bounced the matter back to the force to deal with rather than making their own inquiries.

A third source said: Mr Speirs is essentially the man in charge of handling complaints within the force in his professionalism brief.

So it has been sent back to the force  and normally he would be the person who would deal with these issues.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell, as Mr Speirs line manager, may have to get involved to resolve the situation.

Asked for Mr Speirss comments on the allegations, a Police Scotland spokesman said any inquiries about executive officers should be directed to the SPA.

An SPA spokesman said: The Authority does not comment on individual complaint and conduct matters.
The avalanche of scooters and mopeds that flooded Miami was as fleeting as Joe Bidens temporary protective immigration programs. The small vehicles were trending after the arrival of hundreds of thousands of foreigners from Latin American countries, where in large metropolitan areas like Caracas, Bogota and Mexico City, mopeds are a popular form of transportation. Many of those individuals settled in southern Florida. In Miami, where public transportation is not up to the task of transporting all residents, these new arrivals saw in the scooters an economic and familiar option.

The moped boom of 2022 and 2023 changed the face of the city. Mopeds are able to dodge between cars, making it easier to navigate the streets and main thoroughfares heavy traffic. Their numbers appeared to grow every day.

But now, its rare to spot a scooter. The boom went up in smoke at the beginning of the year following the crackdown on immigrants led by Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations and a quota of 3,000 arrests per day.

The Trump administration has canceled the visas of hundreds of thousands of people who arrived through the humanitarian parole program enacted for Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans (known by the initials of the nationalities, CHNV) and CBP One. As a result, many were thrust into limbo from one day to the next.

Driving a moped in Miami is like having a tattoo on your face. Authorities say, Hey stop, if youre driving a moped, you probably dont have papers, says Yonathan Rodriguez, a 40-year-old Venezuelan who has sold parts for the vehicles to local shops for 20 years. You can see the fear of deportation in the street. You saw so many more mopeds before than you do now.

Roberto Fernandez, on August 7, in Miami. Eva Marie UZCATEGUI

According to Rodriguez, many recently arrived immigrants who didnt have the money to buy a car took advantage of the fact that you can get a moped without a credit score and pay for it on an installation plan, in order to have a way of getting around. But now, driving a moped means exposing oneself to the risk of being detained by immigration officials, who are carrying out raids in workplaces, farms and on highways around the state of Florida.

You have to commit a violation for them to stop you in a car, but the police assume that if youre getting around on a moped, its likely that you dont have papers, he says.

Sales plummet

Boris Pedraza, owner of a store called El Rey de las Motos (The King of the Mopeds), tells EL PAIS that sales have plummeted. A lot of people have been deported and others are in hiding, because if they catch them on the moped, if they get stopped for any reason, and they dont have papers, theyre going to jail, he says. This scooter, for example, he adds, pointing to a small black model, belonged to a girl who was leasing it. They deported her.

Pedrazas business has managed to survive because he has had the store for 20 years, and has a level of seniority that exempts him from occupational licenses. He pays $1,500 a month in rent for the space, which is located in a small shopping plaza next to a veterinary clinic, a parcel delivery business and a store called Lo Mas Barato Para Cuba (The Cheapest for Cuba). It stands west of Flagler Street, one of the citys main thoroughfares, which divides Miami between north and south. When he opened, the rent was $700. If I close here, I cant open up anywhere else, he says.

With the rise in demand, new moped shops sprang up, but many have since closed, according to Pedraza. Some people opened up a little shop, they said, This is whats in style. Lets sell scooters. But thats all over.

During a period of time between 2022 and up until the beginning of 2024, Pedraza estimates that he sold some $5 million worth of vehicles  more than 10 mopeds a day. He had six employees, between mechanics, salespeople and assemblers. We were non-stop, he says. But now, hes lucky to sell one or two mopeds a week, between new and used models. Many of those he does sell are sent by his clients to Cuba via shipping services.

Employees perform maintenance on a scooter inside the store. Eva Marie UZCATEGUI

Due to plummeting sales, one of the newer stores, located on the corner next to Pedrazas business, has squeezed a jeweler, a small market and a kind of cafeteria into the same storefront, alongside the mopeds, which now take up less than a third of the space. An employee who asked not to be identified because they werent authorized to talk about the business says that they have had to close two of their locations. Another entrepreneur in the Miami neighborhood of Hialeah says they have had to close two shops.

Pedraza doesnt know how much longer he can last. Right now, were back to basics. Plus, the price of parts have gone up because of tariffs. A piece of rubber that once cost $15 now costs $57. His son opened a shop in Orlando, but has since had to shut it down and come to work with his father.

Rodriguez, who sells parts wholesale, says that the mass deportations that have taken place during the last six months have affected all the shops specializing in mopeds. Many have had to restructure to stay afloat. In two years, the business has really changed, he says.

There are also difficulties when it comes to financing new mopeds, according to Pedraza. Many people have stopped using the scooters, out of fear of being in the street or because they were deported, couldnt keep up with payments, or couldnt get a loan from the bank, he says.

Firms that lease mopeds only require a piece of identification, which can be a foreign passport. Thats in contrast with the banks that lease cars that ask for a Social Security number, drivers license and other requirements. Moped payment plans tend to last for three months, during which clients pay $500 to $600 a month, with no collateral. In exchange, they get the scooter and its title, which makes it difficult for shops to get the vehicle back if they fall behind on payments.

Boris Pedraza serves a customer at the Miami store. Eva Marie UZCATEGUI

Pedraza only knows of one bank that is still financing mopeds up to $1,500, but that sum doesnt cover the more expensive 150 and 200 cubic centimeter models. To drive a vehicle of 150cc and up, the state of Florida requires a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license. Smaller motorcycles do not require an endorsement. Smaller vehicles dont require that endorsement, making them the more popular models among recent arrivals, according to Pedraza.

Diosday Monzon, a 49-year-old Cuban who drives a 150cc scooter, says that it is an economic alternative to a car, even more so now that he has lost his job as a security guard. His moped doesnt require insurance, and he can fill its tank with less than $5 to drive 93 miles. Ive been driving for four days on $5 worth of gasoline. After three or four months on a moped, youre up, youre saving money, he says. Before, he had a 2005 Toyota Camry, but he was paying $200 a month for insurance.

The jobs that are letting people go arent hiring anyone, says Monzon. With Trump, everythings gone like this, he continues, flashing a thumbs-down. Right now its like people are in survival mode, says the Cuban, who has lived for many years in Miami and, he says, has all my papers. Thats why hes still using his moped, despite the fact hes a target for authorities.

Pedraza sits down while fixing a brake light. A few months ago, before this administration began, when there werent so many problems with the immigrants, people came in, they bought a moped off you, and everything turned out, he says. Now, those people are out on their moped, they stop them, the tow comes and they deport them.

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Novelist Sally Rooney has vowed to fund the proscribed terror group Palestine Action.

The Normal People author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to the organisation, adding: If this makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it.

Funding terrorism carries up to 14 years imprisonment under the Terrorism Act 2000  the same piece of legislation used to ban Palestine Action last month.

Ms Rooney, 34, wrote in an article for The Irish Times: My books, at least for now, are still published in Britain, and are widely available in bookshops and even supermarkets.

In recent years the UKs state broadcaster has also televised two fine adaptations of my novels, and therefore regularly pays me residual fees.

I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.

'If the British state considers this terrorism, then perhaps it should investigate the shady organisations that continue to promote my work and fund my activities, such as WHSmith and the BBC.

The Irish writer added that to ensure the British public is made aware of my position, I would happily publish this statement in a UK newspaper  but that would now be illegal.

Sally Rooney, author of Normal People, said she will use earnings from her book sales to support Palestine Action

Palestine Action has been proscribed as a terrorist group but protesters have continued to hold demonstrations under its name

The author said she would also use money from her BBC royalties to fund the group, with adaptations of two of her books used by the broadcaster

The BBC adaptation of Normal People, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, was one of the corporations biggest hits of 2020, and it has also adapted Ms Rooneys book Conversations With Friends.

Palestine Action was banned last month after it admitted breaking into RAF Brize Norton in June, when 7 million of damage was caused to two Voyager aircraft.

The action, approved by both Houses of Parliament, made it a proscribed organisation, meaning it is now a crime to offer it support or be a member.

Ms Rooney was referred to during a hearing at the High Court in London last month, when the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, unsuccessfully sought to block the proscription.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh KC, representing Ms Ammori, told the court the ban would create far-reaching harm and cause people to self-censor.

She said that Ms Rooney fears the ramifications for her, for her work, for her books, for her programmes if she showed support for Palestine Action.

Ms Ni Ghralaigh asked: Is the Prime Minister going to denounce her, an Irish artist, as a supporter of a proscribed organisation? Will that have ramifications for her with the BBC?

More than 700 people have been arrested since the ban came into force, including hundreds who held up placards which read I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action at a demonstration in Parliament Square on August 9.

Police officers arrest an 89-year-old protester at a 'Lift The Ban' demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action

A supporter of Palestine Action pictured being detained by police after taking part in a mass action in Parliament Square

The Metropolitan Police said on Friday a further 60 people will be prosecuted for supporting Palestine Action, in addition to three charges announced previously in relation to a protest on July 5. And on Saturday, Norfolk Police said 13 people were arrested at a protest in Norwich.

It comes after Sir Jonathon Porritt, a former environmental adviser to the King, last week condemned the ban on Palestine Action as absolutely standard authoritarian tactics.

Ms Rooneys British publisher Faber & Faber was approached for comment.
A man has been charged with killing a father and his four-year-old son when his ute crashed into them while they were on their way to buy ice cream.

The 33-year-old dad and his son were heading to a 7-Eleven service station in Regents Park, a suburb in the city of Logan, south of Brisbane, on Sunday.

The pair were walking along Green Road when a white dual cab utility struck them at 11.15am.

Queensland Police confirmed the father and son suffered life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.

Footage from the crash site showed a broken children's bike lying on the footpath.

Distraught family members were escorted to the scene by police and were seen sobbing near the bike.

Two police officers surrounded a male relative who was doubled over in grief, while two women held each other and cried nearby.

The driver of the utility was taken into custody at the scene.

A 33-year-old father and his four-year-old boy have died after being hit by a white LDC dual cab ute on Green Road in Regents Park, south of Brisbane (pictured)

The haunting scene following the crash as the young boy's bike lies smashed on the sidewalk

The driver, a 41-year-old man from Regents Park, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter

Police charged the driver, a 41-year-old man from Regents Park, on Sunday night with two counts of manslaughter.

The man is set to face Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday.

Authorities closed Green Road for hours on Sunday while investigators from the forensic crash unit attended and inspected the scene.

Anyone with information about the crash, or dashcam or CCTV footage of the utility prior to the incident, is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000.
Sir Keir Starmer will join EU and Nato leaders to bolster Volodymyr Zelensky in his crunch White House meeting with Donald Trump on Monday.

They will present a united front in the hope of moderating Mr Trump's treatment of the Ukrainian leader, whom he humiliated at the Oval Office in February.

European ministers fear that Mr Zelensky is walking into a trap laid by Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian leader said on Sunday that the 'coalition of the willing'  the UK and other nations that have pledged to support Kyiv  held a 'useful' two-hour video conference on Sunday.

He revealed that they had a 'common view on what a peace agreement should be' and insisted it did not include changing state borders by force.

In a sign of EU leaders' bullishness, French president Emmanuel Macron said afterwards: 'If we're not strong today, we'll pay dearly tomorrow.'

It came after Boris Johnson called on Sir Keir to lead global efforts to protect Ukraine from being carved up following Friday's 'vomit-inducing' meeting between Mr Trump and Putin.

Writing in The Mail on Sunday, the former prime minister insisted that although the summit made him 'retch', it was 'justifiable and even essential'.

Sir Keir Starmer will join EU and Nato leaders to bolster Volodymyr Zelensky in his crunch White House meeting with Donald Trump on Monday. They will present a united front in the hope of moderating Mr Trump's treatment of the Ukrainian leader

European ministers fear that Mr Zelensky is walking into a trap laid by Vladimir Putin . The Ukrainian leader said on Sunday that the 'coalition of the willing'  the UK and other nations that have pledged to support Kyiv  held a 'useful' two-hour video conference on Sunday

It came after Boris Johnson called on Sir Keir to lead global efforts to protect Ukraine from being carved up following Friday's 'vomit-inducing' meeting between Mr Trump and Putin

He said it offered hope that 'one day this war will end with a peace that protects Ukrainian freedom'  but to make that happen 'the Europeans, led by Britain, will have to step up'.

Sunday's meeting of Europe's heads of state came after Putin was widely regarded to have gained the upper hand at Friday's summit in Anchorage, Alaska.

He was welcomed back on to the world stage from pariah status with red carpets and a ride in the US presidential limo before reportedly persuading Mr Trump to drop calls for a ceasefire 'within two hours'.

Washington was also said to have agreed to the Kremlin proposition that Kyiv cede the whole Donbas region after Putin presented faked pictures that made it appear Ukrainian lines there were about to collapse.

But the President hit back on Sunday, slamming 'fake news' as he described the Alaskan summit as a 'great meeting' and told the world to 'STAY TUNED' for 'BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA'.

His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, also said the US delegation had forced Putin to accept 'robust', US backed, Nato-like security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, which he described as 'game-changing'.

Mr Zelensky has appealed to Sir Keir and other European leaders to join him for 'moral support and solidarity'.

Those answering the call include Mr Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer, Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Friedrich Merz and Poland's Donald Tusk in Kyiv in May

Sunday's meeting of Europe's heads of state came after Putin was widely regarded to have gained the upper hand at Friday's summit in Anchorage, Alaska. He was welcomed back on to the world stage from pariah status with red carpets and a ride in the US presidential limo

Washington was also said to have agreed to the Kremlin proposition that Kyiv cede the whole Donbas region after Putin presented faked pictures that made it appear Ukrainian lines there were about to collapse

But the President hit back on Sunday, slamming 'fake news' as he described the Alaskan summit as a 'great meeting' and told the world to 'STAY TUNED' for 'BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA'

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Ahead of another dramatic day of global diplomacy over the future of Europe, No 10 said on Sunday that the PM 'stands ready to support this next phase of further talks'.

Sir Keir will 'reaffirm his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes', and 'the path to peace cannot be decided without president Zelensky'.

Keen to keep Washington onside, Sir Keir also commended 'President Trump's efforts to end Russia's illegal war in Ukraine'.

On Sunday, Mr Trump's former vice-president, Mike Pence, insisted that Putin was 'the bad guy' and should be treated as such during negotiations.

He said he knew Mr Trump liked to use a 'velvet glove' style in dealing with dictators, but he added: 'The hammer needs to come and it needs to come immediately.'

Mr Pence told CNN that as well as meeting Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump should call for another sanctions bill against Russia to be passed 'immediately' in the Senate.

He also gave Mr Trump credit for pursuing his earlier ceasefire deal despite 'many voices in and around the administration that would have cut Ukraine loose months ago'.

All eyes will be on the Oval Office on Monday where Mr Trump will try to persuade Mr Zelensky to agree to meet Putin and 'make a deal'.

Mr Zelensky has appealed to Sir Keir and other European leaders to join him for 'moral support and solidarity'

Sir Keir will 'reaffirm his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes', and 'the path to peace cannot be decided without president Zelensky'. Keen to keep Washington onside, Sir Keir also commended 'President Trump's efforts to end Russia's illegal war in Ukraine'. Pictured: Sir Keir and Zelensky at No 10 on August 17

Flanked by Ms von der Leyen (pictured) in Brussels, Zelensky said that 'real negotiations' must 'start where the front line is now'

In a worrying development, Putin reportedly convinced Washington that Ukraine must cede the Donbas  the collective name for Donetsk and Luhansk  as a condition for peace.

While Russia has taken most of Luhansk, it only holds about 75 per cent of Donetsk, which is both vital for the nation's defence and also home to many of the rare-earth minerals Putin craves.

He has also taken about 74 per cent of the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

It is feared Mr Zelensky could be strong-armed by the President on Monday into accepting these terms or risk losing American support.

As he attempted to sidestep Moscow's ambush, Mr Zelensky said on Sunday that the territorial issue 'should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia'.

Flanked by Ms von der Leyen in Brussels, he said that 'real negotiations' must 'start where the front line is now'.

He pointed out that Putin had been unable to take Donetsk 'for 12 years'. Mr Zelensky also sought to bring back calls for a ceasefire at the outset of negotiations  a subject Russia apparently succeeded in removing from the summit on Friday.

He said: 'We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation.'

On Sunday night, Mr Trump's former vice-president, Mike Pence (pictured), insisted that Putin was 'the bad guy' and should be treated as such during negotiations. He said he knew Mr Trump liked to use a 'velvet glove' style in dealing with dictators

It is feared Mr Zelensky could be strong-armed by the President on Monday into accepting these terms or risk losing American support. Pictured: Zelensky and President Trump meet at the Oval Office in February

'As he attempted to sidestep Moscow's ambush, Mr Zelensky said on Sunday that the territorial issue 'should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia'

Before going to Anchorage, Mr Trump said forcing Russia to agree to a ceasefire was his priority, but he dropped the demand 'two hours into his meeting', the New York Post reported.

'Figuratively, the President sort of threw up his hands and said, 'I'm not interested in a ceasefire any more',' a source told the paper.

In exchange, Mr Trump allegedly got Putin to say: 'I will not attack a European country.'

On social media on Sundayty, Mr Trump said he 'had a great meeting in Alaska' and complained that 'if I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake'.

Mr Witkoff, the US special envoy who has flitted between Moscow and Washington for months to pave the way for the current talks without once visiting Kyiv, defended the Trump administration's performance on Friday.

He told CNN on Sunday: 'We were able to win the following concession  that the US could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in Nato'.

Nato's Article 5 states that an armed attack on one member country would be considered an attack on all members.

Mr Zelensky described the US commitment to a security guarantee as 'a historic decision' but called on it to be 'very practical' in 'delivering protection on land, in the air, and at sea'.

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President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, also said the US delegation had forced Putin to accept 'robust', US backed, Nato-like security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, which he described as 'game-changing'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ideas were discussed in Alaska that 'we know the Ukrainians could be very supportive of'. But he warned it may be that 'peace is not going to be possible'

Mr Witkoff added that Russia said it would make a legislative commitment not to go after any additional territory in Ukraine.

He said: 'There is an important discussion with regard to Donetsk and what would happen there.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ideas were discussed in Alaska that 'we know the Ukrainians could be very supportive of'. But he warned it may be that 'peace is not going to be possible'.

Mr Zelensky said on Sunday night that if talks fail 'then new sanctions must follow', which Mr Rubio agreed with.

On Sunday night, the UK and the rest of the coalition of the willing 're-emphasised the readiness to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased'.
European leaders are rushing to Washington to stand side-by-side with President Zelensky as he faces Donald Trump in crunch talks at the White House on Monday.

The meeting comes after Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the US had forced Vladimir Putin to agree a 'Nato-style' security agreement protecting Ukraine.

Mr Witkoff made the comments to CNN on Sunday amid reports the Russian leader had gained the upper hand at the summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday.

In the bombshell interview, he said offering Ukraine 'Article 5-like protections' was the real prize and described the proposed security guarantees as 'game-changing'.

'We didn't think that we were anywhere close to agreeing to Article 5 protection from the United States in legislative enshrinement within the Russian Federation, not to go after any other territory when the peace deal is codified,' Witkoff said.

He added: 'We got to an agreement that the United States and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language to cover a security guarantee.'

Sir Keir Starmer is among the EU and Nato leaders travelling to the US in the hope of preventing a repeat of Zelensky's humiliation in the Oval Office in February.

There are fears Zelenksy may walk into a trap laid by Putin - with Trump appearing poised to urge him to agree to a Russian land grab of his country's territory.

Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the US has forced Vladimir Putin to agree a 'Nato-style' security agreement protecting Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin meets Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday

Zelensky, speaking in Brussels on Sunday, has said giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'

Putin is said to have demanded full control of Donetsk and Luhansk - two occupied Ukrainian regions - as a condition for ending the three-year war.

Zelensky, meanwhile, has said giving up land for peace in a future agreement with Russia could be 'impossible'.

Speaking in Brussels on Sunday, the Ukrainian president insisted that his country's constitution made it 'impossible to give up territory or trade land'.

But he went on to say: 'Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at a trilateral meeting.

'We need real negotiations, which means we can start where the front line is now,' Zelensky said, adding that European leaders supported this.

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his position that it was necessary to establish a ceasefire in order to then negotiate a final deal.

'It's important that Washington is with us,' the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelensky added that Ukraine did not yet know all the demands made by Putin at the meeting with Trump on Friday.

Volodymyr Zelensky faced a heated encounter when he met Donald Trump in February

Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington tomorrow for peace talks at the White House.

European leaders are seen following a so-called 'coalition of the willing' meeting in May

Meanwhile, the world is still reeling from Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, where he rolled out the red carpet for the war-mongering tyrant.

Most international commentators believe the negotiations were a win for Putin, with the media noticing he appeared energetic and satisfied by how the summit had gone.

Trump, on the other hand, appeared uncharacteristically deflated and seemed disheartened that the famed deal-maker was not able to get an agreement together.

But the US President has hit back at his critics.

He posted on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday morning: 'It's incredible how the Fake News violently distorts the TRUTH when it comes to me.

'There is NOTHING I can say or do that would lead them to write or report honestly about me.

'I had a great meeting in Alaska on Biden's stupid War, a war that should have never happened!!!'

Only minutes later, he posted: 'If I got Russia to give up Moscow as part of the Deal, the Fake News, and their PARTNER, the Radical Left Democrats, would say I made a terrible mistake and a very bad deal.

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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin as they meet for talks about Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday

Vladimir Putin reportedly told the US president during the Alaska summit Friday that Ukrainian frontlines in Donetsk were on the verge of collapse

'That's why they are the FAKE NEWS! Also, they should talk about the 6 WARS, etc., I JUST STOPPED!!! MAGA.'

In his interview with CNN, Witkoff also discussed the issue of territory - and specifically of the five regions he described as always having been the 'crux of the deal'.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 while the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson were annexed after referendums internationally viewed as shams in 2022.

'The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions,' Witkoff said today.

He added that the Donetsk region constitutes an 'important discussion' - and one which he said will happen tomorrow.

The Donbas is predominantly Russian-speaking, and after Russia snatched Crimea in 2014, its proxy forces have gained a foothold there in a long-running war.

Zelensky, who has rejected Putin's demands that Kyiv withdraw from the remaining 30 per cent of Donetsk that it still controls, played down the Russian advances, saying on X that his forces were 'countering' and 'increasing the pressure' on the 'occupier'.

'The Russian army continues to suffer significant losses in its attempts to secure more favourable political positions for the Russian leadership at the meeting in Alaska.

'We understand this plan and are informing our partners about the real situation,' he said.

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A Russian tank fires during a practice session at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on Friday

President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcomed to Melsbroek Air Base near Brussels on Sunday

Sir Keir Starmer is set to be joined by Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron at the talks in Washington on Monday.

Other European leaders who have confirmed they will go include Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

Zelensky's Oval Office rendezvous follows a 'coalition of the willing' video call held by Western allies at 2pm on Sunday, hosted by Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Merz.

Downing Street has insisted Sir Keir and other allies stand ready to support the next phase of talks to end the war.

A statement from No 10 said: 'At the meeting that will take place at the White House tomorrow, the Prime Minister, with other European partners, stands ready to support this next phase of further talks and will reaffirm that his backing for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.'
Supporters of an anti-immigration rally are being warned not to attend the massive protest, with politicians branding the movement as having 'no place' in Australia.

March for Australia is organising the protests that will take place on August 31 in several capital cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.

The organisers, who described themselves as a 'grassroots coalition of nationalists, patriots and everyday Australians', have the aim of gathering likeminded people to demand an end to mass immigration.

'For years, Australia's unity and shared values have been eroded by policies and movements that divide us,' the March for Australia website states.

'Our streets have seen growing displays of anti-Australian hatred, foreign conflicts, and disintegrating trust, whilst mass migration has torn at the bonds that held our communities together.'

Much of the March for Australia website touts anti-migrant rhetoric, which has drawn the support of people with far-right political views who are promoting the rally on social media.

'Australia is changing in ways most of us never agreed to. People are waking up to a country they barely recognise,' the website reads.

'Endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice have brought us here, and it's time to put a stop to it.'

A group called March for Australia is organising the protest on August 31 across Australia's major capital cities

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly claimed the protest had 'no place in modern Australia'.

Dr Aly, who was born in Egypt and migrated to Australia when she was two years old, warned the rally would not intimidate the multicultural communities in the country.

'Multiculturalism is an integral and valued part of our national identity,' Dr Aly told Newswire.

'We stand with all Australians, no matter where they were born, against those who seek to divide us and who seek to intimidate migrant communities. We will not be intimidated.

'This brand of far-right activism grounded in racism and ethnocentrism has no place in modern Australia.'

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke branded the protest as un-Australian, saying it would only 'undermine' the country's unity.

'There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion,' Burke said.

'We stand with modern Australia against these rallies - nothing could be less Australian.'

The rally has been criticised as being un-Australian and having 'no place' in the country's multicultural society (stock image)

The march has drawn support from far-right groups, however, the organisers have denied being affiliated with neo-Nazis

Locations for the protests have yet to be confirmed, however, the rallies are being promoted across social media.

Supporters have shared a flyer online saying 'it's time to take our country back', 'defend our culture' and 'stop mass migration now'.

Daily Mail contacted state and territory police forces about the March for Australia rallies and were told most were yet to be informed about the protests.

NSW and Queensland Police said they had not received a Notice of Intention to hold a public assembly, while WA and Victoria have also asked organisers to engage with officers.

An SA Police spokesman said they are liaising with the people behind the protests to ensure a peaceful march, and ACT Police said the force is aware of planned protest activity later this month and will respond to any activity appropriately.

A March for Australia spokesman told Daily Mail it has not finalised locations and so filing permits is not yet workable.

'Locations are to be finalised on the 15th of August, at which point permits will be able to be organised. Submission time requirements for most permits are incredibly short, ranging from one week to a couple of days before the event.'

Little is known about the people behind the group, but they have been forced to clarify that they are not affiliated with neo-Nazis.

It comes just weeks after a 90,000-strong pro-Palestinian crowd shut down the Harbour Bridge and brought the CBD to a standstill in a 'March for Humanity'

Thomas Sewell, an alleged member of neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN), posted on Telegram about a similar event, seemingly claiming to be behind it.

In the image for the post, it promised a protest on August 31 at midday in the same cities with the declaration: 'It's time to take our country back.'

While still remaining relatively anonymous, March for Australia made it clear they are 'not members of, nor acting on behalf of, any other group', they told Daily Mail.

'We are not associated with their organisation.

'Additional claims that we are associated with Israeli, Jewish, or Palestinian movements or organisations are also unfounded and untrue.'

In a lengthy post shared on Instagram, March for Australia organisers also rejected any association with the alt-right 'National Socialist Network, White Australia, or Thomas Sewell Uncensored'.

The organisers added those behind the rally come from a 'diverse range of political backgrounds'.

It comes just three weeks after a pro-Palestine rally shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge and brought the CBD to a standstill.

NSW Police admitted they were caught off guard when the 90,000-strong crowd turned out for the 'March for Humanity' rally on August 3.

Authorities said if there had been a crowd crush, the event might have been 'catastrophic'.

The demonstrators highlighted what the United Nations has described as 'worsening famine conditions' in Gaza and called for peace between Palestine and Israel, increased sanctions on Israel and the delivery of urgent aid to Gaza.
Two firefighters have been killed and three are fighting for their lives after their truck crashed into a ravine.

The tragic incident occurred in Portugal around 7pm on Sunday in the village of Sao Francisco de Assis as the crew rushed to tackle a blaze in Quinta do Campo, Fundao.

The vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the steep valley.

One injured firefighter was airlifted by a helicopter.

A total of 26 operators rushed to the scene and were supported by nine vehicles and an aircraft, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).

Teams from the Covilha and Fundao Volunteer Firefighters, the National Republican Guard and the National Institute of Medical Emergency were also deployed.

AENPC paid tribute to the firefighters: 'It is never enough to emphasize the commitment, altruism and professionalism with which, every day, thousands of firefighters across the country dedicate themselves, with courage and dedication, to defending the population and the forest against fires.'

They also offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a speedy recovery to the injured.

Two firefighters have been killed and three are fighting for their lives after their truck crashed into a ravine

The tragic incident occurred in Portugal around 7pm on Sunday in the village of Sao Francisco de Assis as the crew rushed to tackle a blaze in Quinta do Campo, Fundao

For numerous days now, several thousand firefighters have been battling fires in various parts of the country. Pictured: A forest fire in Vila da Ponte, Sernancelhe, Viseu, Portugal

Firefighters battle a forest fire that broke out in the Cualedro region of the province of Ourense, Spain

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also spoke of on 'the tragic death' of the firefighters 'while serving the community'.

For numerous days now, several thousand firefighters have been battling fires in various parts of the country.

Carlos Damaso, the former mayor of the Portuguese town Guarda, died this week after trying to fight dramatic wildfires which have ravaged Europe including Spain and Greece.

Nearly 4,000 firefighters are battling seven major fires across the country, in Tabuaco, Trancos, Sirarelhos, Satao, Arganil, Vilarinho do Monte and Ermidas do Sado.

Apocalyptic scenes show the countryside bathed in sickly red and orange.

One horrifying photo taken in the Sernancelhe district of Viseu, Portugal, shows a raging inferno and dark clouds of smoke threatening to completely submerge a house in flames.

Firefighters in Spain and Greece continued to battle Friday on a public holiday in all three countries as persistent hot, dry conditions challenged efforts to contain the blazes.
White pupils are the least likely group to get into a top university for the third year running, analysis suggests.

Official data from the Department for Education (DfE) shows only 11.7 per cent of white pupils are attending the highest-ranking third of universities by age 19.

This compares with 12.1 per cent of black pupils, 15.5 per cent of those who are mixed race and 18.6 per cent of Asians.

The underperformance of white students is partly driven by British pupils from low-income families  one of the lowest-achieving sub-categories.

Only 3 per cent of these pupils made it into high-tariff universities  defined as the top for entry requirements.

It comes after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pledged last week to make raising standards for white working-class pupils a priority.

She said it was a national disgrace that so many were written off at school and failed to achieve their potential in exams.

Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, said: It is striking how well young people from the ethnic minorities do in education in this country.

Official DfE data shows only 11.7 per cent of white pupils are attending the highest-ranking third of universities by age 19. It comes after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) pledged to make raising standards for white working-class pupils a priority

This compares with 12.1 per cent of black pupils, 15.5 per cent of those who are mixed race and 18.6 per cent of Asians. The underperformance of white students is partly driven by British pupils from low-income families  one of the lowest-achieving sub-categories (file image)

The underperformance of white students is partly driven by British pupils from low-income families  one of the lowest-achieving sub-categories. Only 3 per cent of these pupils made it into high-tariff universities  defined as the top for entry requirements (file image)

Some of those who were born abroad come from countries where if you dont earn, you dont eat.

'They understand the crucial role that education plays in living the good life, whereas young people in this country have grown used to being supported by the state.

The rate of entering university was also lower for British-born pupils than for those who had a migrant background.

Entry for native English-speakers was 42.8 per cent, while for those whose first language is not English it was 60.9 per cent.

Professor Smithers said the data suggested universities were welcoming to ethnic minorities, following claims from some campaigners that they are institutionally racist.

He added: The myth of university racism comes from the US and has been taken up by sociology departments in this country, which can become training grounds for activists who spend their years on campus seeking out every small sign that can be interpreted as racism.

Alan Smithers, professor of education at Buckingham University, said the data suggested universities were welcoming to ethnic minorities, following claims from some campaigners that they are institutionally racist

The rate of entering university was also lower for British-born pupils than for those who had a migrant background. Entry for native English-speakers was 42.8 per cent, while for those whose first language is not English it was 60.9 per cent

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A DfE spokesman said: This Government is committed to supporting the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to go to university  regardless of their background.

We know baked-in inequalities remain in our education system, which is why universities must do more to expand opportunity and improve outcomes for disadvantaged students.

The analysis of 2023/24 data  the latest available  covers pupils who attended English state schools, not those in private schools or Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com.au

An underworld figure with links to a street gang who arrived back in Australia days ago has been identified among those shot outside a busy Sydney pub, leaving his mate dead.

Up to 15 gunshots rang out outside The Harold at Forest Lodge, in the city's inner-west, about 6.35pm on Sunday.

Two men were shot multiple times before the gunmen fled the scene.

Maradona Yalda, 31, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, which has been downgraded to stable.

His friend Gilbert Shino, 39, died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics and an off-duty doctor.

Police sources told the Daily Telegraph that Mr Yalda flew back into Australia four days ago, despite knowing there was a contract on his head.

Mr Yalda is understood to have links with an Assyrian street gang called DLASTHR, along with former Comanchero bikie Andre Kallita, who has since left the club.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Mr Yalda.

Maradona Yalda and Gilbert Shino were shot after a gunman opened fire outside a pub in Sydney's inner-west

Police tape remained at the scene outside The Harold on Monday morning

The gunman behind the 'outrageous, brazen, callous attack' remains on the run on Monday. No arrests have been made.

Police are investigating a number of motives, including whether the shooting is related to an internal dispute among Assyrian gang members.

They're also looking at potential links to a recent firebombing in Sydney's west.

Police also revealed that Mr Yalda and his friend had just left the pub when they were ambushed.

'They were making their way to the car, which was parked about 100m up the road,' Leichhardt Superintendent Alf Sergi told 2GB's Ben Fordham on Monday.

'As they got closer to the vehicle, they appear to have been ambushed. Shots fired.

'The 39-year-old male, he suffered gunshot wounds and fell to the ground.

'Police were nearby they treated the man with the help of a doctor that was a resident nearby, and also paramedics, but unfortunately he succumbed to his wounds.'

The gunman behind the 'an outrageous, brazen, callous attack' remains on the run on Monday. Pictured are police at the crime scene

Gilbert Shino, 39, was shot outside The Harold at Forest Lodge shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday night. His friend Maradona Yalda, 31, survived the shooting

Mr Yalda was chased by the gunman before shots were fired.

A man standing near Mr Shino could be heard on the phone shouting, 'he's my best friend'.

The gastropub was packed with patrons enjoying dinner at the time.

Staff locked the entrance as people sheltered under tables while dozens of shots were fired outside.

A car parked outside the venue, which opened in 1880, on Ross Street was hit by several bullets.

Innocent patrons and staff almost got caught up in the terrifying ordeal.

'A bullet did hit a window and narrowly missed a female staff member its a narrow street there, and also the pub nearby, obviously the bullets were flying in that direction. It would have been very, very frightening for them,' Superintendent Sergi said.

'We believe its a targeted attack, yes, based on one of the victims backgrounds with possible links to organised criminal networks.'

Police haven't ruled out more than one gunman being involved.

'At this stage it is not clear, so were working on the principle thats this stage one gunman, but theres possibly more,' Superintendent Sergi said.

The two men had just left the pub and were returning to their car when they were ambushed. Pictured is the crime scene

Eyewitnesses reported seeing several assailants flee the scene on foot following the shooting

'Were looking for a vehicle, a dark-coloured vehicle were really looking forward to the public giving us information, especially dashcam, to help put the pieces of the puzzle together.'

Police are expected to provide a further update later on Monday.

Local residents were reportedly told to stay inside their homes and wait for police to take statements.

The crime scene remained cordoned off on Monday.

State Crime Command's Homicide Squad is assisting detectives with the investigation.

It is the 13th public shooting - and the fourth fatal attack across Sydney in the last eight months.

Not all victims have had underworld links - plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in Condell Park in a case of mistaken identity.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
In an effort to quash Thomas Markle's public attacks on the Royal Family, the Queen suggested Meghan Markle should visit her father in Mexico.

But almost as quickly as the subject was broached, Meghan shut it down according to a royal author.

Tom Bower wrote about the relationship between the estranged father and daughter in his 2022 book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors.

Thomas, 81, became embroiled in controversy before the royal wedding after it was revealed he staged paparazzi photos of himself preparing for the event.

The staged photos, which included him getting measured for a suit and looking at pictures of Meghan and Harry, were reportedly done to improve his public image.

While he initially claimed he would attend the wedding, he later stated he would not due to health concerns and the staged photos incident, which he deeply regretted.

Bower wrote: 'Meghan's father remained a problem. Ever since their previous conversations three days before the wedding, Thomas Markle's attempts to re-establish contact with his daughter had failed.

'Gradually, Thomas Markle believed he was the victim of Meghan's blame-shifting and scapegoating.'

The Queen suggested Meghan Markle should visit her father in Mexico. But almost as quickly as the subject was broached Meghan shut it down according to a royal author

A young Meghan and her father Thomas are pictured. While Meghan was a child, Thomas worked gruelling hours on shows such as General Hospital to send her to elite private schools

Tom Bower wrote about the relationship between the estranged father and daughter in his 2022 book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors

And then came his first appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain.

According to Bower, he was paid around 15,000 for the interview and said: 'I'm a footnote in one of the great moments of history, rather than Dad walking her down the aisle.'

Writing in his tell-all memoir Spare, Harry lifted the curtain on the drama revolving around Thomas, which engulfed the Royal Family just days before the ceremony.

The Prince said that Meghan had spent months trying to 'soothe' her father, who had been left upset by his media coverage.

'His pride was constantly wounded,' Harry wrote. 'Every day there was another humiliating photo in the paper.'

Considering Thomas's previous unease with his coverage in the papers, Harry and Meghan were surprised when they got word that he had staged a candid photoshoot working with the paparazzi.

Asked point-blank if the story was true, Thomas said no.

Thomas speaks to Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid on June 18, 2018, in his first live TV interview

Thomas is pictured speaking on Good Morning Britain again in March 2021 after Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah

Harry said: 'He swore he'd never staged any photos, that he hadn't taken part in any such charade, that he didn't know the pap in question. Meg whispered to me: "I believe him".'

But then the next morning, the story broke, and it was proved that Thomas had indeed lied.

'A week before the wedding, this now became the story... Soon after the story broke, Thomas Markle sent us a text: "I'm so ashamed",' Harry wrote.

The story then took another dramatic turn when Thomas had a heart attack, which finally ended any prospect of him attending the wedding.

Despite his absence, Thomas still continued to cause 'chaos' for the bride and groom.

But Meghan and her father were not always adrift.

While Meghan was a child, he worked gruelling hours on shows such as General Hospital and Married... with Children to send her to elite private schools.

Writing in his tell-all biography Spare, Harry lifted the curtain on the drama revolving around Thomas that engulfed the Royal Family just days before the ceremony

Harry said that Meghan had spent months trying to 'soothe' her father, who had been left upset by his media coverage

When she started high school, Thomas got into a daily routine of dropping Meghan off at school and either collecting her himself or sending a limousine to bring her to his studio or her friend's house while he finished work, according to Bower.

He wrote that Meghan was 'utterly indulged' by her father, with Thomas admitting he 'spoiled her'.

Thomas said his efforts caused Meghan to change. 'She became controlling at school, the master of ceremonies, and controlling at home too,' he said.

Bower added: 'He hoped the interview would be seen as a peace offering.

'"Friends" of Meghan told the media that Thomas Markle's surprise appearance was "beyond disgraceful".'

But instead of being silenced, as Meghan hoped her father would be by ignoring his calls, he continued to speak to the world's media.

'He decided to give interviews until Meghan talked to him,' Bower wrote.

'Rather than resting his case, the spurned father lashed out at the Royal Family.'

Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is pictured with Charles on the Sussexes' wedding day, which Thomas did not attend

Then, during Meghan's one-week visit to the Castle of Mey beginning on July 28, Charles's irritation about Thomas Markle's TV appearances and criticisms of the Royal Family came to a head.

'Can't she just go and see him and make this stop?' Charles reportedly said.

Bower wrote: 'Charles berated Harry. His son, according to Meghan, was endlessly explaining the situation about Thomas Markle's behaviour to Charles and Camilla, but the "family seem to forget the context... they fundamentally don't understand".

'The inconsistencies of Meghan's excuses not only irritated Charles but also the Queen.

'The monarch did not believe that Meghan could not resolve her differences with Thomas Markle. To persuade her to make an effort, she joined Charles in a conference call with Meghan and Harry.

'At the outset, Charles and his mother urged Meghan to fly to America for a reconciliation. Meghan rejected the Queen's suggestion.'

She apparently said: 'It was completely unrealistic to think I could fly discreetly to Mexico, arrive unannounced at his doorstep as I had no means of secure communication with my father, to a location and residence I had never visited or known, in a small border town... and somehow hope to speak privately to my father without causing a frenzy of media attention and intrusion that could bring more embarrassment to the Royal Family.'

Bower wrote: 'Her argument avoided the truth. Both Charles and the Queen realised that Meghan's excuse was far-fetched.

'They fundamentally don't understand,' Meghan apparently complained during her visit to Castle Mey. 'They' included Camilla, Bower wrote

'The inconsistencies of Meghan's excuses not only irritated Charles but also the Queen.' Pictured: Prince Philip, Harry, the Queen and Doria meet baby Archie in May 2019 at Windsor Castle

'Puzzled by her attitude, neither Charles nor the Queen had heard Thomas Markle's explanation for Meghan's stubborn refusal to meet him.

'The conference call ended with both the senior royals perplexed by Meghan's conduct.

'They fundamentally don't understand,' Meghan apparently complained during her visit to Castle Mey.

'They' included Camilla, Bower wrote.

He added: 'With nothing in common, Camilla was apprehensive about Harry's future'

This is not the only time Meghan has raised eyebrows within the Firm for her apparent lack of respect for the Queen as matriarch.

Journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared behind-the-scenes details of the Sussexes' relationship with the Queen on her Substack Royal Extras, based on her conversations with Her Majesty's late cousin Lady Elizabeth Anson.

The late Queen Elizabeth allegedly 'saw through' Meghan Markle, and claimed her romance with Harry had become a 'complete catastrophe', just weeks before her death in September 2022.

Lady Eliza, as she was known to friends, told Ms Bedell Smith that Harry had been 'rude' to his grandmother for 10 minutes during a meeting about his wedding and Meghan refused to disclose details of her dress, leaving the monarch 'saddened'.

According to the royal author, Charles and the Queen urged Meghan to fly to America for a reconciliation with Thomas. Meghan rejected the Queen's suggestion

Her comments echo claims made previously in the Spectator magazine that relations between Meghan, Harry and his grandmother were rather more complicated than the Sussexes have made out.

According to a source, the Queen made some strongly worded remarks about Meghan and Harry's union to guests at Balmoral just a month before she died.

The source said: 'It was out of character for the Queen...but she saw straight through Meghan.'

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'.

As for the Sussexes' relationship with her father, Thomas has never met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

His whole side of the family, for the most part, now has nothing to do with the Duchess.

In July 2018, during an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Thomas claimed his daughter would be 'nothing without me'.

Queen Elizabeth allegedly 'saw through' Meghan Markle, and claimed her romance with Harry had become a 'complete catastrophe', just weeks before her death in September 2022

In July 2018, during an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Thomas claimed his daughter would be 'nothing without me'

'I made her the Duchess she is today.'

The Duchess's father had been living in Mexico before he relocated to the Philippines earlier this year.

Thomas, along with his son, Thomas Jr, is now living on the tropical island of Cebu.

Speaking about his move to south-east Asia, Thomas told the Daily Mail: 'I am ready for a change.

'I have felt stuck in a rut for some time, and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness.'

He said: 'At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence.

'Mostly I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful with none of the awful drama of recent years.'

But with the rift between father and daughter still as wide as ever, it seems unlikely Thomas will be making the 7,000-mile journey to reunite with Meghan any time soon.
As her first major event on behalf of the Royal Family, the spotlight was shining firmly on the former actress.

Just a month before the royal wedding, Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry to meet youth delegates taking part in the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

It marked an important step in introducing Harry's bride-to-be to the world stage and came as a surprise to royal observers, as it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the Royal Family to be involved in such a high-profile occasion.

But according to body language expert Judi James, the couple's dynamic showed 'green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life'.

One moment in particular showed Meghan attempting to walk in front of Harry, which goes against royal protocol.

Harry also takes a step forward to shake hands with a man opposite him, causing the two to bump into each other.

The Prince promptly stepped back, before apologising and allowing Meghan to take the lead.

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail: 'At the time this seemed like nothing more than a small body language reset for Harry, who had taken protocol as the norm all his life but who had chosen a US actress and self-proclaimed feminist as his wife, suggesting a desire for change.

Just a month before the royal wedding, Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry to meet youth delegates taking part in the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London

According to body language expert Judi James, the couple's dynamic showed 'green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life'

The event marked an important step in introducing Harry's bride-to-be to the world stage and came as a surprise to royal observers, as it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the Royal Family to be involved in such a high-profile occasion

'Harry had been the star of his own show for decades, and his personal brand was about military strength and daring laced with a cheeky sense of humour.

'The traditional royal role would be for him to induct his bride into the complicated and archaic choreography of royal life, but what we saw here was the green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life.'

At the time, etiquette expert William Hanson said: 'From a protocol point of view, Harry should have gone first as Meghan is the consort.

'But from a chivalry point of view, it is always preferable to let your spouse or girlfriend go first. So he wasn't wrong, but he wasn't right either.'

Judi continued: 'Even in these few moments of prancing wobbles and redirection, we can see Meghan's social confidence glow while Harry's insecurities rise closer to the surface.

'He is the one having to learn to synchronise with another person. Meghan has already been married, and her TV career will have allowed her to know all about moving smoothly and competently with someone else by her side, either on set or in real life.

'When there's a misstep, it's Harry who leaps into correction mode, while Meghan always sees her movements through to the end.

'Her trait of mirroring Harry's animated gesticulation on two occasions here shows she is taking some cues from him in terms of royal chats, but she seems to pick up on his emphatic and illustrated gesticulation to ensure he doesn't upstage her socially.

A screengrab from the video clip shows the moment before Harry and Meghan both step forward to shake hands with a man opposite them

The split-second moment shows, according to the body language expert, Meghan's social confidence glow while Harry's insecurities rise closer to the surface

The Prince can be seen promptly stepping back, before apologising and allowing Meghan to take the lead

'Once she has a group's attention, we can see her very naturally and elegantly retain it.

'At that point, Harry even stands back and puts one hand in his pocket as he sees her natural ability and charisma begin to kick in.'

Coming off the back of her role as Rachel Zane in Suits, Meghan was used to the spotlight.

Judi continued: 'When they say farewell to the first group, Meghan moves in closer than Harry to display her talent for more immersive chats.

'Harry moves towards the man at the end of the line but it's he who notices that would put him ahead of Meghan and instead he hops back obediently to follow her round instead, even miming a crossing movement with his arms and raising a finger in what looks like a mock telling off to apparently make a joke about avoiding any clashing.

'Harry seems to show signs of anxiety in some of the close-ups here.

'His blink rate is rapid, and he shows his tongue between his teeth and his lips. As he walks to the second group, he even clasps his left wrist in his right hand as though unsure about how and when to shake hands.

'It's Meghan who takes the decision for him now, bending her knees to duck in and step quietly in front to get in first with the second group.

At the time, etiquette expert William Hanson said: 'From a protocol point of view, Harry should have gone first as Meghan is the consort'

Judi said: 'When there's a misstep, it's Harry who leaps into correction mode, while Meghan always sees her movements through to the end'

The body language expert continued: 'Meghan's group chat here shows her early skills in terms of earning attention and genuine interest'

Meghan is pictured shaking hands with delegates at the reception for the Commonwealth Youth Forum

'Harry makes a similar decision, possibly based on protocol-led assumption but he is given what looks like a swift example of modern etiquette as Meghan puts a splayed hand out in a non-verbal tie-sign to stop him.

'Harry dutifully steps back to usher Meghan through, using a rather old-fashioned gallant steering gesture to do so.

'She finishes chatting to the group first and waits for him and as he spots her he seems to speed up his greetings to avoid leaving her standing.

'Meghan's group chat here shows her early skills in terms of earning attention and genuine interest.

'Her raised brows signal engagement and authority: this is the gesture of someone you would listen to, and her animated gestures show interest and engagement rather than small talk.'

A similar dynamic occurred in July 2018 when Harry and Meghan undertook a two-day visit to Dublin, shortly after their wedding.

Judi told the Daily Mail: 'Meghan and Harry's first overseas visit soon after their wedding was a relatively "soft" one, but this trip still provided a clear showcase for their body language dynamic as a royal couple.

'When it comes to analysing their choreography and their power signals, hindsight really is a strong benefit here because at the time we were led by assumption.

At the event, the bride-to-be takes the lead, which reflects a pattern later emerging in Harry and Meghan's relationship dynamic

Meghan is pictured as Rachel Zane in the Netflix series Suits

Even before Meghan officially became a Duchess, Harry - pictured earlier this year - allowed his wife to take centre stage at events while he followed her lead

'We assumed we were seeing new bride Meghan nervously learning the ropes, being ushered and protected by her confident and experienced new husband.

'But in fact, looking at the less than subtle signals now, the opposite appears to have been true.'

As recently as April this year, Meghan took centre stage at the Time 100 Summit in New York, leaving Harry to assume the role of 'spare'.

While some considered Harry to be merely adopting the role of doting husband, the body language expert told the Daily Mail that Harry was displaying some 'awkward-looking body language poses while a more assured Meghan takes the starring role'.

Meghan's half-brother, Tom Junior, told the Express that his sister was 'always the centre of attention, so that never stopped', adding that she has 'star quality'.

It is clear to see that Meghan is most at ease in the spotlight and performing on stage.

This translates into their body language dynamic, meaning even before she officially became a Duchess, Harry allowed his wife to take centre stage at events while he followed her lead.
Brits spend about four hours a week dreaming about their perfect holiday home, whether it be a stone's throw from the sea or a quiet cottage in the countryside.

Everyone has a different vision of their perfect house, whether it be a place to stay long term or a holiday home to escape the stress of the nine-to-five.

Increasingly the thought of getting the keys to that dream home is distracting more and more people at work, with a third saying it interferes with their jobs.

Nearly 50 per cent also said they cannot help but have a peek in estate agent's windows whenever visiting somewhere new.

The most important factor on the wish list was having a sea view, with 63 per cent of people asked saying they dream of looking out and seeing the waves from their window.

In this age of social media and Artificial Intelligence, it should come of no surprise that 'good Wi-Fi' was named as the second most important thing for people considering their dream home.

For those who cannot see the sea, being near to it seems to suffice, as 46 per cent of people said they would want to be a short stroll away from the beach.

No one wants nightmare neighbours, and 44 per cent wished for a friendly village nearby their ideal abode.

Sixty-three per cent of Brits said that sea views is their must-have for their dream holiday home

Despite the allure of moving abroad, a country cottage was favoured by most Brits as a second home (file image)

Four in 10 people said they would like a swimming pool, while 38 per cent said they wouldn't even consider buying a holiday home without air conditioning.

Despite the allure of a holiday home overseas, it was a country cottage in the UK which was the favoured choice for most Brits, with 53 per cent saying it was their dream home.

The next most popular destinations were all places in the sun, including Spain (22 per cent), Italy (15 per cent), Greece (14 per cent) or the USA (13 per cent).

Despite the dream, 27 per cent don't think they'll ever be able to own a home in the UK or abroad.

The future of holiday home ownership report, commissioned by property co-ownership platform, MYNE, looked into the barriers of buying a dream place in the sun.

Unsurprisingly, cost (41 per cent) is the main factor, along with taxes and fees (38 per cent) especially with the threat of 100 per cent property taxes in Spain, maintenance costs (33 per cent) and dealing with local bureaucracy (28 per cent).

Among some of the other factors on the wishlist for the hypothetical home buyers were having a Smart TV (35 per cent), a home cinema (23 per cent) and an outdoor kitchen (16 per cent).

Amazingly, Brits' hatred of wasps may also influence their decision on a home abroad, with 24 per cent saying they would need a home without the pesky pollinators or mosquitos.

People valued either being able to see the sea, or being a short distance from a beach. Pictured: Swanage Beach

Four in 10 people said they would like a swimming pool in their ideal holiday home

Meanwhile, not looking to learn the lingo, 16 per cent said having British neighbours was a must have when getting a second home abroad.

Nikolaus Thomale, property expert and Founder of MYNE, said: 'Over the last few years owning a property abroad has become more complex. Especially for British people post-Brexit.

'However, the world has changed significantly in the last few years with more people craving flexibility in the way they work and live, looking for more sustainable options, and being smarter with their money.

'So, whilst British people still crave the benefits of a holiday home, the traditional holiday home model doesn't suit the majority anymore.'

'In business, the concept of a "shared economy" is nothing new, but its potential in the holiday home space remains largely untapped.

'Much like shared ownership in the UK, this is an investment into a property, but you share that investment with other people who are also looking for a dream holiday home.

'Purchasing a portion of a MYNE property can start from as little as 99,000 and ranges depending on the location and features of the property.

'Say you use this for the average period of six to eight weeks a year, the average customer could save at least 10,000 a year in comparison to renting similar properties of this premium calibre.

'We're often asked how we make this work for multiple owners.

'To put it simply, we thoughtfully select suitable co-owners - including retirees, affluent couples, and families - whose lifestyles present as little disruption to each other as possible, so everyone gets to enjoy the property for at least six weeks.'
Americans are now looking across the pond for homes in London's richest neighborhoods - and there are certain aspects they can't do without.

Over the past eight to 12 months, there has been a 25 percent increase in US homebuyers snatching up properties in the United Kingdom, Camilla Dell, the managing partner and founder of Black Brick Property Solutions LLC told Daily Mail.

Dell, whose firm frequently helps Americans find their dream London homes, said many buyers are after period architecture and modern homes.

Similarly, US buyers are also in search of the 'quintessential English life', Ugo Arinzeh, the founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants, told Daily Mail.

Dell also noted that while many people are drawn to the historic properties, there is a 'real mixture' of US buyers looking for modern homes as well.

Arinzeh said she has also noticed American clients looking for a key feature that is not all too common in Europe - air conditioning.

The amenity has become such a common interest among American buyers that a lot of homes in England have been adding units to appeal to them, Arinzeh said.

Both experts said US buyers have been flocking to specific areas in London, including Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, Hampstead and Knightsbridge.

Arinzeh added that many American families have shown interest in St. John's Wood.

Americans are ditching the states for home in England in a bid to get their hands on cheaper living, historic architecture and quaint communities. (Pictured: Stock image of Notting Hill)

A quintessential English building in the streets of Notting Hill is seen above

Ugo Arinzeh, the founder and Managing Director of Onyx Property Consultants, said many Americans are looking for air conditioning in their England homes

Although some US buyers pay attention to the home's amenities, they are specifically drawn to places that have shops and parks nearby, according to Dell.

Americans are 'much more about the neighborhood' than other aspects, she said.

For Arinzeh, her clients have been interested in the area, but that has not been their main focus.

She noted that many of the popular neighborhoods all have public locations within about 10 minutes.

Americans have also moved to the UK because they don't have to pay annual taxes on their home there.

In the US, homeowners have to pay hefty yearly taxes for their properties, but in the UK there is a stamp duty - a one-time tax that is paid when the property is bought.

Arinzeh said her American clients 'really appreciate that', especially the ones from high-taxed states like California, New Jersey and New York.

US buyers have gravitated to London for homes for several different reasons, according to the realtors.

Camilla Dell, the managing partner and founder of Black Brick Property Solutions LLC, told Daily Mail many Americans are moving to England in search of period architecture and modern homes

A 5,950,000 ($8,076,411 USD) apartment currently listed by Dell in Mayfair

A 7,950,000 ($10,790,177 USD) six-bedroom home listed by Arinzeh that sits between South Kensington and Knightsbridge

People walking along Portobello Road heading towards the market in Notting Hill

According to Dell, many of her clients have shown interest in secondary or vacation homes while still keeping a property in the states.

Meanwhile, Arinzeh said she has seen a lot of Americans permanently move to the UK for immigration and political reasons, and also for work.

Her clients often search for their 'base home' in England when they have to travel there for work and travel.

Overall, Arinzeh said it's 'a good time to buy' as five to 20 percent of homes are being bought below asking price in London.

These luxury neighborhoods are not the only England locations Americans have their eyes on, as many have opted for hunting for properties in the Cotswolds - a charming countryside region that's a scenic 90-minute train ride from London.

Cotswolds Council leader Joe Harris said Yankees are now 'all over' the area.

'We have an American member on our council,' he previously told Daily Mail.

'Most people in our area know an American or have an American neighbor.'

This is reflected in the footfall at D'Ambrosi's Fine Foods store, which sells classic American snacks it's hard to find anywhere else in the UK.
Here's a home where the Buffalo roam  but you're going to need about $80 million of you want to join them.

A giant Western ranch four times bigger than New York City and twice the size of London has hit the market.

Central Wyoming's sprawling Pathfinder Ranches totals over 916,000 acres and includes fully working cattle ranches, a main lodge, and a church.

The main home has original hardwood floors, stone and wood walls, and beamed ceilings, and is for sale with local luxury realtor Michael Swan from Swan Land Company.

The price tag is a cool $79.5 million.

'The sale of Pathfinder Ranches represents an unprecedented opportunity to own and operate one of few remaining large cattle operations in the American West,' Ryan Lance, President of Pathfinder Ranches, told the Daily Mail.

'Pathfinder represents a piece of our country's pioneering spirit and a chance to make a real contribution to both modern ranching practices and conservation.'

The ranches span four counties and cover around 1 percent of Wyoming.

A giant Western ranch four times bigger than New York City and twice the size of London has hit the market

Pathfinder Ranches totals over 916,000 acres and includes fully working cattle ranches, a main lodge, and a church

The cattle ranch is a vast expanse of high plains, foothills, and river valleys

The land is nestled between the Ferris, Pedro and Green mountain ranges, and it counts the Pathfinder Reservoir and a section of the Sweetwater River as part of its property.

The property is one of the largest working ranches in the Rocky Mountains.

The ranch is also home to the nation's first habitat conservation bank for sage-grouse  the largest ever approved by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.

The nine-bedroom, 7.5-bath lodge was designed with an open layout, a full bar, a game room, gourmet kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Ferris and Pedro Mountains.

The land hosts 12 ranches in total, hosting approximately 3,400 cows, 180 bulls and 130 saddle horses.

The listing reads: 'Pathfinder Ranches is a testament to stewardship.

'Past stewards have worked this ground, building healthy soil, nurturing wildlife habitats, and protecting fragile species such as the greater sage-grouse through thoughtful grazing practices and regenerative efforts.

'This property is a true king maker.'

The ranch was designed with an open layout, with a full bar and a game room with a pool table

The land is two times the size of London and hosts fully working cattle ranches

Pathfinder is larger even than the fictional 'Yellowstone' Dutton Ranch from Taylor Sheridan's famous television series, which is somewhere between 775,000 to 825,000 acres

The land hosts 12 ranches in total, hosting approximately 3,400 cows, 180 bulls and 130 saddle horses

The nine-bedroom, 7.5-bath lodge was designed with an open layout

The Oregon Trail crosses the ranch, the Pony Express, the California and the Mormon trails

A ranch like this is not built overnight, but 'takes generations of grit, vision, and dedication'

The listing continues: 'The next owner will inherit a legacy, with the chance to make a lasting impact on the land, the industry, the culture, and the state of Wyoming; to experience the simple wealth of clean air and wide-open spaces; and to immediately take their place among the major players in the cattle world.'

The ranch's broker, Scott Williams, said a ranch like this is not built overnight, but 'takes generations of grit, vision, and dedication.'

'This legacy property is about impact on the land, the industry, the culture, and the state of Wyoming,' he said.

Pathfinder is larger even than the fictional 'Yellowstone' Dutton Ranch from Taylor Sheridan's famous television series, which is somewhere between 775,000 to 825,000 acres.

Meanwhile, another Wyoming ranch with ties to Ernest Hemingway listed in early June.

Set against the stunning Bighorn Mountains, the ranch Hemingway used as a writer's retreat was listed for $29 million.

The historic Spear Ranch, which dates back to the 1800s, is celebrated for its tranquil seclusion, breathtaking vistas and deep ties to both literary and Western heritage.

It spans over 300 acres of pristine landscape and includes a 7,500-square-foot New Englandstyle main residence, multiple guest cabins and a collection of rustic outbuildings.

A nearby guest retreat is where Hemingway sought solitude and completed the first draft of A Farewell to Arms in 1928.

Ranches are all the rage in recent months.

In New Mexico, a ranch more than half the size of the state of Rhode Island recently sold after being listed for a nine-figure sum.

The 540,000-acre Great Western Ranch was put on the market for $142 million in 2024 by the Horton family, the development dynasty that spent the last decade building the mammoth property.

In July, the asking price had dropped to $115 million, but the actual selling price remains unclear.
The American dream may be about owning a modest family home with a white picket fence, but some have grander ambitions.

For those with dreams of owning their own mansion - defined as a home of at least 5,000 square feet - four cities have emerged as the best place to bag a deal this year.

Across the country the median mansion will set you back $1.4 million, but in Buffalo, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Memphis, it could cost less than $1 million, according to a new report from Zillow.

In Buffalo, New York, median mansions are available for $825,500, and in Indianapolis, similar-sized homes are on the market for an average price of $965,500.

In Cleveland, Ohio, and Memphis, Tennessee, buyers can bag a palatial pad for an average price of $995,200 and $996,700, respectively.

Home prices have surged more than 50 percent in the years following the pandemic, and this is notable in the mansion market too.

In June 2021, nearly half of all US mansions were valued at less than $1 million, according to Zillow. Today, just 30 percent are under the million-dollar threshold.

'Home prices surged during the pandemic, pushing even starter homes into milliondollar territory in hundreds of cities,' Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow, said.

The average mansion in the US will set you back $1.4 million

She continued: 'Especially on the coasts, champagne tastes require champagne budgets, but in some parts of the country, a million dollars still buys serious square footage.

'More room to roam, including outdoor space, became a must-have during the pandemic, and those preferences have held true.'

By contrast, buyers would need a cool $4.5 million for the average mansion in four of California's major metros.

The median mansion in San Jose is currently valued at $6.5 million, according to Zillow figures.

San Francisco's averagely-priced mansions are listed at $4.9 million, mansions in Los Angeles are $4.7 million and in San Diego they are only slightly cheaper at $4.6 million.

Experts at Zillow warned those looking to purchase such a large home should also keep in mind the costs of maintaining it.

Larger properties can come with higher property taxes, utility bills and insurance premiums.

In addition, Zillow recommends budgeting for annual upkeep of somewhere between 1 to 4 percent of the home's value.

The median mansion in Cleveland, Ohio, costs less than $1 million, according to Zillow figures

Mansions in Memphis, Tennessee, are also more affordable than the rest of the country

It comes as the US housing market is cooling overall with 33 out of the 50 largest metro areas seeing price cuts, and some falling more rapidly than others.

The pace and severity of the slowdown varied in July, according to new data from Realtor.com.

In particular, the South and West shifted decisively in favor of buyers due to rising inventory, deeper price cuts, and homes spending longer on the market.

The housing market in the Northeast and Midwest remains steadier.

'The housing market has cooled modestly in 2025, prompting our lowered outlook for home sales and price growth,' said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.

'But the extent and persistence of rebalancing really varies across the country, and, regionally, homebuyers and sellers are likely to experience a very different market.'
One of the world's greatest genetic mysteries is how a DNA marker present in Europe reached North America, leaving no clear trail through Siberia or Alaska.

Scientists have been baffled by how Haplogroup X arrived more than 12,000 years ago, raising new questions about how the Americas were first populated.

Haplogroup X is a rare maternal DNA lineage, passed down from mother to child, found in both Europe and North America.

Its unusual presence suggests that early Americans may have arrived in multiple waves, challenging the traditional view that all Native American maternal lineages came solely from Siberia via the Bering Land Bridge.

Today, the X2a branch of Haplogroup X is found in several Indigenous groups across North America, including the Ojibwe, Sioux, Nuu-chah-nulth, Navajo, and Yakama.

It is also found in Europe and Western Asia, hinting at a far more complex migration history than previously thought.

Dr Krista Kostroman, a genetic medicine specialist and Chief Science Officer at The DNA Company, told the Daily Mail: Haplogroups are like family seals.

'They are distinctive genetic marks passed down over thousands of years, connecting us to ancestors who lived in entirely different landscapes, climates, and cultures. Because they rarely change, they serve as identifiers for tracing ancient migrations.'

X1 is found primarily in North Africa, the Near East and parts of the Mediterranean (Twitter)

Haplogroups A, B, C, and D are the most common maternal lineages among Native American populations.

They each have distinct genetic signatures that trace back to different regions of East Asia and reflect separate waves of migration into the Americas during the late Ice Age.

For example, haplogroup A is widespread among populations in North, Central, and South America, while B is more frequent in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Central and South America.

Haplogroup C is concentrated in northern and western Indigenous groups, and D is found across North and South America but is particularly common in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.

Together, these haplogroups provide a clear picture of the Asian origins of most Native American maternal lineages, which makes Haplogroup Xs unusual distribution all the more striking.

X2a appears among Indigenous groups in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, while X1 is found primarily in North Africa, the Near East, and parts of the Mediterranean, though it remains rare even there.

'That rarity makes it a powerful clue for tracing human history,' Kostroman said. 'When an uncommon marker appears in distant, disconnected regions, it signals a shared connection in the deep past.'

Despite speculation, Haplogroup X does not prove Native American ancestry nor a direct European migration.

The mysterious DNA marker's unusual presence suggests that early Americans may have arrived in multiple waves, challenging the traditional view that all Native American maternal lineages came solely from Siberia via the Bering Land Bridge (pictured)

Haplogroup X is rare in Siberia and Alaska, with some researchers suggesting that it represents an earlier migration, possibly via a coastal route.

The most widely accepted theory is that X2a arrived in North America during the late Ice Age as part of migrations across the Bering Land Bridge from Northeast Asia, arriving alongside other maternal lineages.

'Other possibilities are more speculative,' Kostroman noted. 'Small groups carrying Haplogroup X may have arrived earlier, or it may have entered the Americas in multiple waves alongside other lineages.'

When Haplogroup X was first identified in the 1990s, its presence in Europe and among some Indigenous North Americans sparked controversy.

Some researchers proposed a direct Atlantic crossing, known as the Solutrean hypothesis, though this has largely been dismissed. The X2a lineage differs from European and Near Eastern branches, reflecting a more complex migration history.

Parallels with other rare haplogroups further illustrate the complexity of human migration.

Haplogroup X hints that an unknown ancient migration may have brought people to the Americas

Haplogroup C1b, found in North and South America but rare in Asia, provides clues about secondary migration waves.

Haplogroup B2a, present in some Amazonian populations, shows deep diversification within the Americas.

And Haplogroup U5, a rare European maternal lineage dating to the Ice Age, demonstrates how rare lineages can survive in isolated populations, much like X2a did in North America.

Some groups have speculated that Haplogroup X supports religious or pseudoscientific claims, including theories linking Native Americans to Hebrew ancestry or the Book of Mormon.

Others suggest Europeans may have crossed the Atlantic during the last Ice Age. Kostroman cautions against overinterpretation: 'Over the past two decades, Haplogroup X has shifted from being the centerpiece of bold trans-Atlantic theories to a subtle but powerful clue in understanding human prehistory.

'It tells us that human migration was complex, involving multiple waves, exploratory groups, and connections across Eurasia long before people reached the New World.'
Storm Erin became the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2025 season, but the name was previously used during one of the darkest days in American history.

Satellites of the previous Erin have resurfaced, showing it was poised off the coast of New York City on the same morning as the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

As terrorist attacks were unfolding in New York City, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, a high-pressure system dominated New York City's skies, leaving them bright and clear while Hurricane Erin churned off the eastern coast.

Weather satellite images captured both the hurricane and the smoke rising from Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood.

Prevailing north-to-south winds carried the smoke downward, linking the two events in a haunting snapshot.

Forecasters predict the current Hurricane Erin, which formed on Friday, will stay well offshore as it passes the Bahamas early next week, with South Florida expected to see no direct impact.

Erin, which has been gathering strength in the Atlantic all week, is projected to become a Category 4 storm by Monday at the latest as it approaches Bermuda.

The hurricane is expected to turn northward before approaching the US coastline.

Satellites of the previous Erin have resurfaced, showing it was poised off the coast of New York City on the same morning as the 9/11 terrorist attacks (left)

Hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center and explodes at 9:03am on September 11, 2001 in New York City

The current storms path offers a striking echo of history, recalling how the original Hurricane Erin lingered offshore during one of the nations darkest mornings.

A trough in the upper atmosphere steered the previous Hurricane Erin, which was advancing toward the East Coast, out to sea.

By 5:00am on September 11, the storm was located roughly 500 miles off the coast of New York City.

With the storm so far out at sea, it was the perfect, cloudless sky over the East Coast.

There were no weather delays at Boston, Newark and Dulles airports where the hijacked planes took off.

September 11 is discussed in Dr Joel N. Myers' book 'Invisible Iceberg: When Climate and Weather Changed History,' where he writes: 'There was a hurricane out in the Atlantic and a cold front had just gone through, it forced the hurricane to not come into New York, but out to sea... it makes you wonder if the attackers... studied the weather pattern.

'The weather played a role... It was clear where all 4 planes took off... so there was nothing that would cause... hours of delays.'

Hurricane Erin never posed a landfall threat to the East Coast, as a cold front and stronger westerly winds aloft pushed the storm east and then northeast.

Hurricane Erin in 2001 was too far off the coast to trigger any weather delays at Boston, Newark and Dulles airports, where the hijacked planes took off.

Forecasters predict the current Hurricane Erin, which formed on Friday, will stay well offshore as it passes the Bahamas early next week, with South Florida expected to see no direct impact

Erin, which has been gathering strength in the Atlantic all week, is projected to become a Category 4 storm by Monday at the latest as it approaches Bermuda

However, Erin did generate large swells that eventually reached the coastline, which is what meteorologists have predicted with the current hurricane.

The current storm is set to reach a Category 4 by Monday at the latest as it approaches Bermuda, which is when the US East Coast should start feeling its effects.

Meteorologists said the first states Erin would likely hit are North Carolina and Virginia, where beachfront properties could be at risk.

Rough surf, rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion are all expected to be issues for residents and vacationers in the area as soon as Monday or Tuesday.

As the storm moves over cooler ocean waters and encounters stronger wind shears, Erin is expected to drop to Category 2 strength as it travels along the New England coast next Thursday and Friday, with winds between 96 and 110 mph.

Cooler water provides less energy for hurricanes, and wind shear can disrupt their structure, reducing their overall strength.

However, states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are still projected to see heavy rain and wind later next week.

'North Carolina's Outer Banks, Long Island, New York, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts face a higher risk of direct and potentially severe tropical storm or hurricane conditions than much of the southern Atlantic, mid-Atlantic and northern New England coasts,' AccuWeather meteorologists said.
Scott Wolf has released an astonishing statement alleging that his estranged wife, Kelley, plotted to falsely accuse him of abuse.

She announced her split from Scott on June 10, and three days later, she was detained by police and taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.

When the cops apprehended her on June 13 - in an incident she inadvertently captured on Instagram Live - she sensationally alleged Scott had been 'abusing' her.

False accusations: Scott Wolf has released an astonishing statement accusing his estranged wife of plotting to falsely accuse him of abuse

On July 25, Scott filed for a temporary restraining order against Kelley that was granted, but it was later dissolved after the pair arrived at an agreement on various subjects, including visitation of their three children, of whom Scott has sole custody.

Now he has claimed Kelley texted him about her plans to 'make claims' against him 'such as psychological abuse, child abuse, child endangerment, stealing passports,' according to People magazine.

He provided alleged text messages from Kelley in which she discussed being 'advised to make claims that are possible, even though I do not believe they're true nor would I ever say them to anyone,' and in which she explained that she hoped to 'create more urgency to get the kids back. Or at least get back joint custody'.

Daily Mail contacted Scott's representatives and Kelley for further comment.

Scott said in his statement that his 'continued hope is to have this most difficult chapter of our familys lives remain as private as possible, however, the well-being of my children is at stake, and that will always be my priority'.

He added: 'There are some significant challenges that are making our situation incredibly difficult and contentious, and it is tragic for all involved.

'I was informed of some deeply disturbing and entirely false allegations that were made about me by my estranged wife.'

Baseless: Scott dubbed the claims 'baseless' and 'traumatic for our children'

Kelley's apparent text messages to Scott, in which she allegedly referred to allegations 'such as psychological abuse, child abuse, child endangerment, stealing passports,' have been seen by People magazine.

A 911 call she made in which she repeated these allegations on July 26, one day after Scott requested his restraining order, was also heard.

In his new statement, Scott said: 'I am now choosing to come forward and share that she has described to me her plans to "make claims" about me, although she also admitted, "I do not believe theyre true," in order to gain an advantage in what she sees as a "battle" in court, and in the court of public opinion.

'In order to protect my kids, I am providing the text messages she sent to me where she describes this plan, so there are no questions about her intentions, or the malicious intent behind her false allegations made and/or planned for the future.

'Although her claims are completely baseless and incredibly dangerous, the worst part is that they are traumatic for our children.

'I hope that anyone who might speak publicly or report on such things, will consider this before spreading any further information from a clearly unreliable and completely compromised source.

'I continue to ask for privacy and respect for our family, and give thanks all those who have shown their love and support.'

Messages: Scott has shared messages from his ex-wife, detailing how she believed the abuse claims were part of a plot

The purported texts provided by Scott appear to show Kelley explaining that she had been 'advised to make claims that are possible, even though I do not believe they're true nor would I ever say them to anyone'.

She is said to have argued that 'when you accused me of all the things you put in the restraining order, you made me into a villain.

'The only way I can fight back is to produce claims that are either the same as yours or greater.'

Kelley also supposedly texted Scott that her aim was to 'create more urgency to get the kids back. Or at least get back joint custody'.

When she was asked for comment on Scott's new statement, Kelley responded: 'I will be very clear when I say this: I dont believe that Scott would [abuse our children].'

'Ive lost my career, my reputation, my children, my integrity, my honor, my devotion to my marriage.

'As a parent, I have literally lost everything except my life. Ive done everything strategic, and Im hopeful for my children.'

Belief: Asked about Scott's new statement, she said she did not think he would abuse their kids

The statement comes weeks after Kelley shared a lengthy video of her unsuccessfully attempting to retrieve her items from the family home.

The footage sparked a reaction from Scott and Kelley's teenage son Jackson, who commented on the post: 'This is insane mom what are you doing.'

Police officers were present to escort Kelley around the property, and even watched her as she unsuccessfully attempt to enter the home through two different windows, one of them being Jackson's bedroom window.

While she was able to access the garage, she was unable to enter the property.

It's not entirely clear if any of the family were at home, though at one point Kelley mused 'it seems like they're here'.

Kelley also made multiple attempts to call her ex but he did not pick up and officers were also unable to reach Scott.

The video began with Kelley en route to the residence in her car as she claimed she now only had $6 to her name and had been sleeping in her vehicle.

'I am under the impression that I have done everything humanly possible to retrieve some basic items from my home,' she said, claiming she had been sleeping in her car as the Sundance Mountain Resort had 'banned' her.

'I'm currently about to meet up with a deputy,' she said, adding they were going to 'escort me into my home so I can get some money that I have saved because I now have only $6 to my name, however I have options'.

Custody: Wolf has also been granted sole custody of their three kids: Jackson, 16, Miller, 12, and Lucy, 11 (pictured in 2024)

She continued: 'My family has supported my legal fees, I can say thank you to quite a few people for being very kind to not only take care of me but to respect the fact that woman should never be treated the way I'm being treated.'

She also claimed she has been dating someone that she likes 'a lot'.

'I have just had enough,' she said. 'Im sick of sleeping in my car, Im sick of being treated like Im crazy.'

Once she arrived to the house, she asked the police to remain and claimed her husband told her she was not allowed to be at the house.

'Just stay here because the last time I was here I got chased down the road,' she told the police.

'Am I allowed to go in here?' she wondered aloud with a chuckle before adding: 'I've been told I'm not.'

'By who?' the officer asked. Kelley remained silent before the police officer guessed, 'Your husband?'

'Correct,' she replied before clarifying, 'Ex.'

'Ive been kicked out of it, havent seen my kids in six months, restraining order, you name it,' she told officers. 'Two involuntary holds that I have to now prove myself and did nothing except ask for a divorce.'

The code to the front door appeared to have been changed, and while the garage door opened, she was still unable to access the inside of the home.

She even attempted to enter through two windows (one of them being Jackson's), but those efforts proved unsuccessful as well.

'I did say at 6AM that I'd be here... I let them know but I didn't hear back,' she said.

In a statement about Kelley's visit with People, police said 'it appeared that the locks on the house had been changed'.

Officials said that Kelley 'made some phone calls to family, had some conversations with family [but] still wasn't able to gain access into the house and ultimately left'.

'We didnt have any contact with anyone [who might have been at the residence]. But we were never inside either,' a spokesperson said.

'We wouldnt know definitively, but we have no reason to believe that there was anyone there.'

They added of Kelley: 'The complainant did mention that there was a court order in place.

'As a standard procedure in these types of cases, our deputy did search for any types of orders that would bar or prohibit the complainant from being at the residence, and they were unable to locate any existing orders.'

On June 10, it was revealed that the actor had filed for divorce from Kelley after 21 years.

However only days later, Kelley was detained by police, which had been accidentally caught on camera, and taken to a Utah hospital for a mental health evaluation.

She later claimed that she was placed under an involuntary mental health hold 'again' by police earlier this month.
A six-pack of beers for nearly $80 has shed a shameful light on the tanking tourism industry in Las Vegas.

A horrified visitor posted the staggering $76.99 bill for a bucket of six Coors Light while partying at the Flamingo pool in the middle of the city's famed Strip

For 24 cold ones the bill was an extortionate $290.00 - a markup of nearly 15 times its usual $20.

A bitter brew: The bill for a case of 24 beers is nearly $300 as Las Vegas prices skyrocket

Feeling queasy: A large Bloody Mary was selling for nearly $40

'I can't keep going here,' the partier who filmed his menu said as he listed off the pricey options.

Cases of Topo Chico or Truly hard seltzers, which typically cost around $30 to $35, were also sold for almost $300.

For drinkers who want a mixed cocktail, a large Bloody Mary would set them back $40 per drink.

And six shots, a total of just nine fluid ounces, costs $99.99 in the party hub on the Vegas strip.

Food options at the pool weren't any more reasonable, with a chicken tender platter or a cheeseburger slider plate running up to $89.99.

'Get ready to spend if you want to go to the Go Pool,' the shocked partier added.

It comes after a new report to Las Vegas's Convention and Visitors Authority warned the number of airline passengers arriving at the city will continue to plummet in the coming months.

The tourism body was told in the report by Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting that capacity rates at the gambling hotspot's Harry Reid International Airport are forecast to drop dramatically in the second half of 2025.

They warned the number of inbound passengers will plunge to around 95,000 seats per day for the rest of the year - a worrying prediction that represents a 2.3 per cent fall from 2024 numbers.

The decline is largely fueled by an 18.5 per cent drop in traffic from Canada, which typically provides the largest share of international visitors to the Nevada city, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Sticker shock: The stunned partier filmed drinks prices at the Flamingo pool on the Las Vegas strip (pictured)

The loss of Canadian tourists has canceled out gains from other continents, including a 31.7 per cent increase in airline capacity from Asia and a 21.6 per cent increase jump from Europe excluding the United Kingdom.

The report cemented a steep decline in tourism to Las Vegas, with previous statistics from April showing it was losing upwards of 300,000 visitors per month since the start of 2025.

The number of Canadian passengers flying to Las Vegas fell to an average of 2,412 per day this year, according to the report.

This has been blamed by some on the election in January of Donald Trump and his threats to make Canada the 51st state.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president and chief executive Steve Hill told the Journal he was hearing from many angry Canadians about the president.

'There's an awful lot of the anecdotal conversation around Canadians being angry and upset about tariffs and talk around annexing the country,' he said.

'Weve seen consumer confidence numbers drop pretty significantly over the past couple of months.'

In May, the World Travel & Tourism Council reported that the U.S. was set to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year.

'While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the "closed" sign,' Julia Simpson, the councils president and chief executive, said in a news release at the time.

Another reason for the recent drop in Las Vegas is due to a maintenance issue with Spirit Airlines, the second busiest carrier at Reid International Airport.

Slump: Harry Reid International Airport reports a continuing fall in passenger numbers amid Las Vegas' tourism decline

The maintenance issues have grounded 50 planes in Spirit's fleet, which has significantly reduced its capacity, according to Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting senior director Joel Van Over.

'They have an issue with their (jet) engines,' Van Over said.

'They have to pull that engine off the plane, fix the cracks, put it back on the plane, and that whole process takes about 300 days.

'So obviously they cant just do a plane a year because it would take them 100 years to get that done.'

Maple meltdown: Donald Trump angered Canadians, a large part of the Vegas visitor mix, when he suggested making Canada the 51st state
Starbucks is making a bold promise to tackle customers' biggest gripe - no order will take longer than four minutes to make.

America's biggest coffee chain has lost millions of customers in the past year, many fed up with high prices or shoddy stores.

But, by Starbucks' own admission, most had grown weary of waiting 20 minutes for a drink.

New plan: Former Chipotle boss Brian Niccol has been hired to revive Starbuck's ailing fortunes

CEO Brian Niccol, poached from Chipotle in the fall, is rolling out a new 'Green Apron Service' to tackle this and other customers moans.

Baristas now have a target that no custom drink should take more than four minutes.

The key to cutting wait times is Starbucks' biggest hiring spree in history - which will add as many as 85,000 workers across its 17,000 U.S. locations.

When Niccol's announced the recruitment blitz at a huge Starbucks convention in Las Vegas in June, the 14,000 stores managers in attendance roared their approval.

Five years ago, Starbucks stores averaged 23 employees. Cost-cutting has since trimmed that number down to 18 to 19 - four to five fewer workers per location.

Niccol said: 'Its centered on putting enough partners on the roster in the stores and then deployed correctly so they can provide that customer connection, that experience, that frankly Starbucks really was founded on.'

Restoring pre-Covid staffing levels would mean hiring between 68,000 and 85,000 people across all U.S. stores.

Even focusing solely on the 11,000 company-owned locations, the increase would still be a massive 44,000 to 55,000 hires.

The new hires are expected to support Starbucks' efforts to bring back a more personal touch - including a new policy asking baristas to handwrite notes on customers' cups.

The former Chipotle boss has embarked on a series of plans to return Starbucks to its original 'third place between home and work' concept.

Coffee drinkers have turned away from the chain in recent years, put off by high beverage prices, long wait times, and impersonal experiences.

Niccol has set about axing complicated drinks from Starbucks menus and instead asking staff to put messages on customer's coffee cups and scaling back promotions.

The plan will help address the major customer pet peeve of long wait times.

It will also likely be popular with front of house employees who have complained of chronic issues with understaffing, which compounds the backlogs.

Restoring pre-Covid staffing levels would mean hiring between 68,000 and 85,000 people across all US stores.

Even focusing solely on the 11,000 company-owned locations, the increase would still be a massive 44,000 to 55,000 hires.

The new hires are also expected to support Starbucks' efforts to bring back a more personal touch  including a new policy asking baristas to handwrite notes on customers' cups.

The former Chipotle boss has embarked on a series of plans to return Starbucks to its original 'third place between home and work' concept.

Coffee drinkers have turned away from the chain in recent years, put off by high beverage prices, long wait times and impersonal experiences.

Niccol has set about axing complicated drinks from Starbucks menus, asking staff to put messages on customer's coffee cups and scaling back promotions.

The plan will help address the major customer pet peeve of long wait times before getting their hands on a coffee.

It will also likely be popular with front of house employees who have complained of chronic issues with understaffing, which compounds the backlogs.

New aim: Starbucks baristas are now required to make drinks in four minutes or less

Another change is Starbucks' decision to axe mobile and pickup-only stores.

All 80-90 locations will either shutter or be converted to traditional coffeehouses by next year.

Other changes include removing new uniform rules which have previously resulted in baristas threatening to quit.

However, the changes were not enough to improve Starbucks' sales, which declined for its sixth straight quarter.

Both its global and North American sales dipped by two per cent - higher than price drops anticipated by Wall Street.
An Alabama town has been rocked by a murder-suicide that police describe 'as tragic as it comes'.

A family of four, including two children, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in their home on Thursday morning, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators believe Larrica Gaines Smith, 41, and her two kids, Khristian Smith, 15, and Kinsley Smith, 11, were shot dead by her husband, 44-year-old Kenneth O'Neil Smith Jr before he turned the gun on himself.

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Heartbreaking: Larrica Gaines Smith (center) and her two kids Khristian and Kinsley were shot dead by husband and father Kenneth O'Neil Smith Jr before he killed himself, officers alleged

Officers arrived at the scene in Daphne, located across the bay from Mobile, after they received a 'welfare concern' call from a family member.

Sheriff Anthony Lowery said the children's cell phones were ringing as authorities investigated the scene. He said: 'You know that was their friends. I've been doing this for 29 years. It's only the second time I've had to work a case where the whole family has been killed.

'It looks like some type of domestic issue that escalated into this. It's as tragic as it comes.'

Police identified Kenneth as the shooter using forensic and circumstantial evidence found at the scene, including a recovered handgun.

Lowery added: 'We will absolutely work this like any other homicide investigation. There is no reason to believe anything happened anywhere else but inside the house The neighbors are really hurting. This is a quiet neighborhood. They are proud of where they live here.'

Crime said: The sheriff said his department will continue to investigate the crime, but believes it stemmed from a 'domestic issue'

He added: 'We may never get all of the answers because there wont be a suspect to interview or anything along those lines so well have to use our forensic techniques as best we can to piece it back together and well rely on [that] information.

'Well talk to friends and family and coworkers and all those things to try and find out as much as we can.'

Crisis response teams have been made available at Daphne High School and Daphne East Elementary School, where the children attended.

Neighbor Shannon Brannon told the local news that she is in shock and described the Smiths' as 'just the nicest, sweetest family', adding: 'Their kids were so sweet. They babysat my daughter. Just good people.

'She just told me they celebrated their wedding anniversary two weeks ago and was happy about it, so I just don't understand. I don't understand how this could happen.'

Gone too soon: Larrica worked as a realtor and neighbors described the family as the 'nicest' and 'sweetest' people

Larrica's former colleague Sue Lyon, owner of Exit Realty Lyon, said: 'You'd just kind of imagine it would be a certain type of family that would happen to and you'd never think something like that would happen to them because she was always so quiet and polite and everything, but I meanit's horrible.'

Larrica stopped working at the agency is 2018, but Lyon said she was a talented realtor and unforgettable.

'She was so sweet, she was very quiet,' Lyon added. 'She was the kind of person that you just thought, man she's gonna work so great in real estate.'
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing speaks at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, on Friday.

The week-long exhibition is hosted by the Zambia Council for Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification of China, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia, and with the guidance of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia.

It showcases historical photos documenting the 14-year invasion of China by Japan and the Chinese people's resistance efforts during that period.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, Permanent Secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, along with members of the Chinese community and local guests, attended the official opening ceremony.

Han said World War II was an unprecedented catastrophe in human history, and the Chinese battlefield was one of the main fronts, with the longest duration and the greatest number of lives lost.

"The World Anti-Fascist War caused over 100 million casualties globally, with more than 35 million Chinese victims," he said, adding that during the war, Japanese fascists committed inhumane atrocities against the Chinese people, including massacres, torture, enslavement, and human experimentation.

He emphasized the importance of remembering history to guide the future, saying the exhibition captures critical moments that reflect the resilience and unity of the Chinese people during the struggle against aggression.

On her part, Gundersen said the exhibition is both a tribute to history and a reminder of shared values that unite nations.

She paid tribute to Chinese martyrs who fought for peace, dignity, and freedom not only in China but globally and said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who defended humanity.

Zambia, she added, recognizes and commends China's ongoing contributions to global peace and security, noting the country's role as a responsible and strategic player on the global stage. 
When British rail travel fan Steve Calladine got the call to say that his decades of criss-crossing the globe via rail had earned him an unusual accolade, he assumed it was a scam.

The 67-year-old Liverpudlian, who now lives in Teignmouth, Devon, is digital booking platform Trainline's most faithful customer - having made his first trip with the company in 1999, 'when you had to ring up and tickets were sent in the post'.

After enduring a spate of frustrating junk emails, he assumed the news that he'd had a room named after him at the company's London HQ - thanks to booking thousands of trips over 26 years - was a wind-up.

He explained to the Daily Mail: 'I'd had a whole series of scam emails. When this one came in, I just assumed it was another. And then I thought, "hang on, I have been with them a long time, there might be something in this!"'

The travel brand certainly wasn't pulling the retired business studies teacher's leg though. In a bid to put passengers front and centre of the business, Trainline decided that Steve's name should take pride of place in a meeting room.

It's an honour he's worthy of. In his most prolific Trainline era, Steve, who travels with his wife Shirley, booked 400 rail tickets - including some more pedestrian journeys - in 2002.

He could certainly persuade anyone who's fed up with airport stress that trains are the superior transport mode, having tried-and-tested almost every kind of holiday by rail - from Japan's 200mph Shinkansen bullet train to the London to Edinburgh sleeper and Swiss connections that marry efficiency with scenic drama.

The latter, Switzerland, has ended up being one of his favourite rail destinations - he says he's often in awe of the landscapes flicking past the window.

'The first time I travelled through the Alps, I went from Basel across Switzerland and then I found myself in Innsbruck, in Austria, and then I went all the way through to Vienna. That was a stunning journey.'

Retired teacher Steve Calladine's life long love affair with rail journeys has seen him honoured by booking platform Trainline

Steve has been all over the world on rail holidays - once booking some 400 trips in one year via Trainline

Swiss bliss: The famously efficient trains in Switzerland combine scenic splendour with slick service, says Steve

Has he had any major disasters? He's never missed a connection in Europe, he says proudly, but he did almost watch his leg almost embark on a journey without him, after his lower limb got stuck in the door en route to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

'I lifted my case on, stepped on - and the doors closed. I managed to pull my case out but my ankle was still trapped.

'I was left thinking "This is going to move off any second". People were trying to alert the guard - thankfully, eventually the doors opened.'

He concedes that sometimes things go wrong - he once got stuck on a train, without a seat, for 24 hours, in Serbia, which sounds hellish, and might have pushed less resilient travellers over the edge...but he's never strayed from the idea that a journey is just as exciting as an arrival.

How does he pass the hours? 'You have conversations, you talk about things that you've seen. You read a book, you have a snooze, something to eat...it's about relishing the journey.'

There's fun too, he says, in plotting trips; he loves working out connections and price cuts - including how fare prices can be shaved via some canny split ticketing.

And Steve says he's always surprised by how far you can get in just one day of rail travel, saying the idea that he can step off the platform in Devon in the morning and be somewhere in the balmy South of France at the day's end never gets old.

His passion for rail travel stems back to his childhood in Liverpool he says - 'I'm old enough to remember steam trains', which was then further cemented with trips across the Pennines while he was a student in Sheffield.

Japan's Shinkansen trains - aka the bullet trains - have also impressed the rail journey fan

The avid rail passenger, who travels with his wife, Shirley says booking three months in advance to get the cheapest deals is his top tip (Pictured at his local station in Devon)

Say my name! The newly minted Steve Calladine room at Trainline's HQ in London

He remembers the night too in 2014, when the railway tracks in Dawlish, 12 miles south of Exeter, were hit by violent storms, leaving a section suspended in mid-air.

Huge waves whipped up by high winds smashed a 100ft section of the sea wall causing the collapse of the main coastal railway line linking London and Cornwall.

He says: 'I went through that in the morning by train but I had to come home on the bus - and then the following morning the rail wasn't there at all.'

Who makes the worst passengers? He's pretty tolerant of his fellow carriage-sharers but admits he's wished for ear plugs at times.

'I'm a family guy but wailing babies on trains aren't great. When you're traveling, it can sometimes be annoying, particularly when they're not yours...'

When it comes to his top tips for saving money on rail fares, he says his mantra is 'book early'.

'If I can book three months in advance, that's what I prefer to do. And I accept that sometimes, if we want to go at the nicest times of day, you do have to pay more for it.'

It still beats airport travel hands down when it comes to stress, he maintains, saying: 'I just walk down the road to my local station and the holiday starts there.'

Where's next? 'Next year, we're hoping to travel up to Scandinavia on the train.

'We're not sure of the exact route yet but we definitely want to see Copenhagen and then go across to to Norway - we'll probably just see how far north we can get.'
Its 8 oclock on a sunny August Sunday morning and my 12-year-old daughter Georgie is playing tug of war. With a pair of giraffes.

Shes gripping onto a leafy acacia tree branch as tightly as she can as Tula and Millie  two 15ft-high giraffes peer down at her with their huge doe eyes, tugging enthusiastically on the branches as they scrape them bare.

We are not however in the wilds of the African savannahs, in case you were wondering.

Our giraffe feeding activity is just one of several VIP experiences at The Reserve - a brand new enclave of 51 deluxe lodges at Chester Zoo, just half an hours drive south of Liverpool.

We had first met the giraffes the previous evening on arrival at our VIP lodge and although Ive been fortunate enough to stay in hotel rooms with spectacular views in the past - from oceans to mountains - I have never stayed anywhere quite like this.

As we walk into our spacious, two-bedroom lodge, Tula and Millie are taking a graceful stroll around a large, oval-shaped paddock right outside our veranda.

A short while later they are joined by a zebra and a bunch of roan antelopes.

With the animals providing the ultimate, scene-stealing backdrop, we barely register the decor in the lodge.

Eddi Fiegel and her daughter Georgie, 12, visit Chester Zoo's new safari lodges, The Reserve, and reveal what it was like

Georgie plays tug of war with Tula and Millie  two 15ft-high giraffes peering down at her with their huge doe eyes, tugging enthusiastically on the branches as they scrape them bare

Our giraffe feeding activity is just one of several VIP experiences at The Reserve - a brand new enclave of 51 deluxe lodges at Chester Zoo, just half an hours drive south of Liverpool

But later I notice it has a high-end safari feel, with velvet scatter cushions in shades of sage green and faun, and wooden, designer lampshades that look like theyve been carved out of an African tree.

The double walk-in shower, which comes complete with multicoloured light effects, is large enough to hold a small party, but the star of the show (apart from the giraffes, obviously) is a free-standing, copper, roll top bath, tucked away in a corner of the veranda so you can take a soak whilst observing the animals.

Leaving our lodge, we walk along the elegant pathway, lined with flower beds, to a private gate which takes us directly into the main part of the zoo.

One of the giraffe keepers, Hannah, takes us into the giraffe kitchen, a large warehouse-like building, where we help fill the large hexagonal pots which are hung high up on poles for the giraffes to feed on during the day.

Hannah explains how the giraffes are looked after and also how the profits from The Reserve will directly fund Chester Zoos projects working with partners in Uganda and Kenya to prevent the extinction of different animals, including the Northern (aka Rothschild) giraffes, as well as the black rhino and giant pangolin.

Later on, after a barbecue dinner at The Reserves smart Amboseli restaurant overlooking a lake, were taken on a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the zoos Heart of Africa area.

Along with the chance to see African wild dogs without having to peer over the heads of the usual crowds, we learn fascinating facts about including how they communicate with each other by sneezing.

We are also shown several species not currently on show to the public.

We had first met the giraffes the previous evening on arrival at our VIP lodge

Although Ive been fortunate enough to stay in hotel rooms with spectacular views in the past - from oceans to mountains - I have never stayed anywhere quite like this

As we walk into our spacious, two-bedroom lodge, Tula and Millie are taking a graceful stroll around a large, oval-shaped paddock right outside our veranda. A short while later they are joined by a zebra and a bunch of roan antelopes

As we look into a glass case full of what look like dark rocks, suddenly, Scott, another of the rangers, shines an infra-red torch into the case, and we see a mini village of dark grey naked mole rats.

The next day, after an excellent nights sleep cocooned in silky soft, high thread count, cotton bedding, were woken up by what sounds like a cross between a horse neighing and an elephants fanfare.

It is in fact our neighbour, the zebra.

For our final activity, Conservation in Action, we meet lead Ranger Fraser who takes us to a small, pretend lab near the African wild dogs.

Information panels on the wall detail the conservation work carried out in the zoo, as Fraser explains how they analyse the giraffes poo in order to check for infections or hormones so they know when its time for them to breed.

Then its our turn, as we don white coats and get play conservationists for the morning, and Fraser shows us how to take the samples ourselves with syringes and pipettes, albeit using pretend poo and water.

The poo-ssibilities are endless, quips Fraser, whose arm-waving enthusiasm must surely qualify him for a job as a Blue Peter presenter sometime soon.

We spend the rest of the day visiting some of the 500 species on view in the main zoo including waddling penguins, sleeping Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhinos, orangutans and flamingos.

After an excellent nights sleep cocooned in silky soft, high thread count, cotton bedding, were woken up by what sounds like a cross between a horse neighing and an elephants fanfare. It is in fact our neighbour, the zebra

Leaving our lodge, we walk along the elegant pathway, lined with flower beds, to a private gate which takes us directly into the main part of the zoo

For Georgie, it has been our time with the giraffes that has made this much more than just a smart staycation. This is one of my favourite places that weve ever stayed, she says as we leave

The zoo is impressive but, for Georgie, it has been our time with the giraffes that has made this much more than just a smart staycation.

This is one of my favourite places that weve ever stayed, she says as we leave.

And as for Henry and me, taking part in our own game of giraffe tug of war has certainly made this a trip to remember.
Most of Europe's capital cities are full of tourists wanting to come and see the beautiful scenery and architecture.

But only one can say it's the highest in the continent.

High up in the Pyrenees mountains, 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level, is Andorra la Vella, in Andorra.

The capital city - also one of the smallest in Europe - spans just five square miles, making London more than 120 times bigger than it.

And it's very hard to get to - due to the fact that no airport or train station can be found throughout the entire country of Andorra.

But that hasn't stopped 8 to 10 million people visiting the tiny place every year.

The best way of getting to Andorra is by flying to Barcelona, Girona or Lleida, in Spain, or Toulouse, France, and driving from any of them.

And while there, you can take advantage of Avinguda Meritxell, the Shopping Mile, filled with huge department stores and duty-free shopping, as Andorra has one of the lowest VATs in Europe.

Most of Europe's capital cities are full of tourists wanting to come and see the beautiful scenery and architecture. But only one can say it's the highest in the continent

High up in the Pyrenees mountains, 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level, is Andorra la Vella, in Andorra. The capital city - also one of the smallest in Europe - spans just five square miles

No airport or train station can be found throughout the entire country of Andorra, but that hasn't stopped 8 to 10 million people visiting the tiny place every year

One person on Tripadvisor described: 'It is a giant duty free shopping haven.

'Selling cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes and, more cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes, and even more clothes, shoes and the likes.

'Very good for local economy, very boring.'

Another draw for tourists to Andorra is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe - designed in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region.

Here, you'll find indoor saunas, hammams and various types of baths, as well as an outdoor lagoon, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views.

The basic package for three hours access starts from 30.50.

One person on Tripadvisor said: 'Fantastic spa with hydro massage pools and overlapping pools with futuristic design.'

Another visitor, who booked the basic entry, added: 'Very clean, very nicely designed and enjoyable. Absolutely worth it, 3 hours is more than enough.'

One draw for tourists to Andorra is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe - designed in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region

For the historians, Andorra's Old Town has a pre-Roman church, called Sant Esteve, dating back to the 9th century

For the historians, Andorra's Old Town has a pre-Roman church, called Sant Esteve, dating back to the 9th century.

And Andorra La Vella is also an excellent place to stay if you want to head into the Pyrenees mountains, according to Visit Andorra.

When it comes to the weather, don't expect too much sun in Andorra.

In the mountains, the highs are as little as 8C in January and February, with the country having an average annual snowfall of 228cm.

Meanwhile, temperatures peak at 24C in July and August.
The stars of ITV's Loose Women have reportedly been left 'disappointed' at a major change to the show.

The panelists are said to be facing a tight squeeze in a new 'broom cupboard' studio following recent cuts.

The imminent move to London's Celebro from White City comes as the all-female talk show will air on ITVX in a brand new schedule shake-up.

According to insiders, once ITV's budget cuts come into effect in January, Loose Women will no longer have A-list guests in the studio, and the broadcast has planned to only consist of the panel debating newsworthy topics from the week.

It is switching to 30 weeks from 52, meaning the 100-strong studio audience will go too.

An ITV source told Daily Mail: 'We have always said that when the changes to our daytime schedule take place in 2026 that Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will broadcast from a new central London location.

The stars of ITV's Loose Women have reportedly been left 'disappointed' at a major change to the show

'The new studio is not yet confirmed and when it is we will obviously communicate that news to our staff first'

A separate source told The Sun: 'Cast and crew are crestfallen. It feels like a broom cupboard. It's going to be very cramped.

'It feels like the show they've fought so long and hard to create is slowly being decimated. It's heartbreaking.'

Show bosses are also said to be keen on nurturing new host Olivia Attwood, who has 250 million viewers across her streams.

But the rotational panel is also expected to remain, with ITV claiming it has no desire to freshen it with new faces.

A spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'We are not planning any changes to the panel. All of our Loose Women are hugely valued and we celebrate each and every one and the experience and opinions they bring to the show every day.'

Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards in London recently, Linda said: 'We are all rallying together. It will be very sad if we can't have guests.

'Its a shame people are losing their jobs. Were all like a family. Weve been together through births, marriages, deaths. Its been very hard. Everyone's worried about the show.

Show bosses are reportedly keen to capitalise on new host Olivia Attwood, who has 250million viewers across her streams

Loose Women's Linda Robson has shared her fears as she 'prays' for the future of the ITV programme after huge budget cuts (pictured in January)

'Were just trying to stay positive and hope for the best. But hopefully it's not going be as bad as it already is,' The Mirror reports.

Recently Loose lady Janet Street-Porter revealed to the publication which stars are at risk from brutal cost-saving cuts by ITV - and which panelists are safe.

The 78-year-old has shed light on the reality behind the looming cuts proposed by the broadcaster, which are set to impact several daytime shows.

Janet appears certain that the 'older' Loose Women stars are not likely to be cut, given they appeal more directly to the show's target demographic.

But she warns that newcomers, younger stars or those with less experience could be at risk.

'There are no plans to get rid of the older women despite what some people have said,' Janet said.

The Brentford-born writer said the panel programme has gained the trust of female viewers as a place where important female-centred topics are discussed.

Janet added: 'I think Loose Women has become a programme that is trusted by a lot of women because we talk about the issues that they are concerned about - whether it's female health, domestic violence or how politicians don't really understand working women.'

'I think the show has managed to connect women who wouldn't otherwise have a voice. 'And it's delivered with a lot of laughs because we don't take ourselves too seriously.'
The Block's bathroom week came to a jaw-dropping end on Sunday night - and for one couple, it was an absolute bloodbath.

Britt and Taz Etto, a married pair of cops from House 3, were left humiliated during Room Reveals when their bathroom was savaged by the judges.

In a brutal spray, Marty Fox compared it to an 'upmarket abattoir' and referenced American Psycho.

The couple had endured a chaotic week riddled with construction disasters, tile mishaps and last-minute panics.

But nothing could prepare them for what was to come.

Upon stepping into the finished space, real estate expert Marty didn't mince words.

The Block's bathroom week came to a jaw-dropping end on Sunday night - and for one couple, it was an absolute bloodbath. Pictured: Britt and Taz

Britt and Taz Etto, a married pair of cops from House 3, were left humiliated during Room Reveals when their bathroom was savaged by the judges, with Marty Fox comparing it to an 'upmarket abattoir' and referencing American Psycho in a brutal spray

'This looks like something out of American Psycho,' he said, stunned by the stark and clinical design choices.

'It's an upmarket abattoir.'

The savage critique stunned viewers and left Britt and Taz visibly shaken.

Their attempt at a modern, luxe aesthetic backfired spectacularly, with the judges describing the space as cold, uninviting and unsettling.

Things had already gone off the rails early in the week for the House 3 couple.

Their stone vanity arrived without pre-drilled holes for the tapware, sending Taz scrambling for help.

Enter the Cursio brothers from next door.

Adrian Cursio, not technically assigned to their house, offered to drill the 40mm stone - but not before shouting, 'This is at your own risk, no responsibility is taken just for the record!'

Remarkably, the risky manoeuvre paid off.

But then came another disaster - timber was missing from their shower screen frame, forcing the couple to rip into the freshly plastered wall to reinforce it before installing their curved glass door.

Upon stepping into the finished space, real estate expert Marty didn't mince words. 'This looks like something out of American Psycho,' he said, stunned by the stark design choices

Despite the producers repeatedly playing footage of shattered shower screens from previous seasons, Britt and Taz managed to install their custom fluted glass without a hitch

Despite the producers repeatedly playing footage of shattered shower screens from previous seasons, Britt and Taz managed to install their custom fluted glass without a hitch.

Meanwhile, House 1's Emma and Ben took a bold swing with a maroon-hued bathroom that was immediately embraced by the judges.

'This is bold but not tacky. It's rich,' Darren Palmer said, calling the look 'mid-century western'.

Marty praised the design as 'sophisticated and interesting', while Shaynna Blaze gave the space a mostly positive review - only criticising the bathrobes hung on the back of the door.

'They have nailed the look and the brief of high-end Daylesford. This is stunning,' Marty added.

Over in House 2, Han and Can - assisted by Tommy for the week - stunned the judges with their daring orange resin bath and luxurious layout.

'Holy f**k,' Marty exclaimed upon entry.

'It's a punch in the face with a velvet glove,' Darren joked, loving the details and planning throughout the space.

While Shaynna questioned the colour of the wall panelling and towel placement, the judges were otherwise blown away.

'You needed to find your direction, and in this room, you have,' she said.

The Block continues Monday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.
An art collector is set to cause some 'high drama' on BBC show Fake Or Fortune? as he turns down a huge sum of money for his 'lost masterpiece painting'.

Artist David Taylor originally purchased the oil canvas for 2000 for its appearance alone before experts later identified it as the missing artwork by 20th century Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll.

However, David raises plenty of eyebrows when he rejects the whopping offer of 300,000 from a private collector and instead decides to take a gamble at auction, reports The Mirror.

The painting in question, called The Bean Harvest, had been 'missing' for 110 years, having last been spotted at an exhibition at London's Royal Academy in 1915.

David appeared on the BBC programme last year, where presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould helped him prove the painting's authenticity.

Helen McNicoll's signature was only discovered when David removed the artwork - which depicts a woman picking beans in a field - from the frame, with art dealer Phillip then estimating it to be worth between 150,000-200,000.

An art collector is set to cause some 'high drama' on BBC show Fake Or Fortune? as he turns down a huge sum of money for his 'lost masterpiece painting' [Hosts Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould with the painting last year]

Artist David Taylor [right] originally purchased the oil canvas for 2000 for its appearance alone before experts later identified it as the missing artwork by 20th century Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll

Helen McNicoll, who went deaf from the age of two, is one of Canada's most celebrated artists and known for her impressionist representations of rural landscapes.

Her flourishing career was cut short in 1915 when she died aged 35 following complications from diabetes.

When the hosts later revisited David, he was keen to sell, with billionaire philanthropist and private collector Pierre Lassonde - who is a major collector of McNicoll's work - showing a keen interest in the art.

Canadian Pierre flew to London to see the painting in person before going on to offer David 300k for the masterpiece.

He said of the work: 'For a painting that has been missing for 110 years, I think it's fantastic... I wouldn't mind adding one more piece to my collection.'

However, David went on to reject the offer and decided to try his luck at Sotheby's auction house in London, with the hopes that the cash from the sale would help fund the purchase of a bungalow which he needed for health reasons.

The results of this auction is set to be seen in an upcoming episode of Fake Or Fortune.

Commenting on David's actions, host Fiona remarked: 'There's some high drama with this picture', states the publication.

The painting in question, called The Bean Harvest [pictured], had been 'missing' for 110 years, having last been spotted at an exhibition at London's Royal Academy in 1915

The Bean Harvest artwork went on view at London's Sotheby's in November 2024, with viewers set to see in an upcoming episode whether David's gamble has paid off

While Lincoln-based artist David noted: 'I needed to sell it. I couldn't insure a 300,000 painting so I had to do something with it.

'Sotheby's were there and they said: "we have got a sale coming up", so I thought that tis was perfect. I am hoping for a record price.'

A source told The Mirror: 'Who'd guessed that Fake Or Fortune? would end up like David Dickenson's Real Deal? Owner rejects a huge offer and tries his luck at auction, it's gripping stuff.'

An insider added: 'Viewers are left waiting until the very last minutes of the show to find out whether he is a big winner - or a big loser.'

The results of the auction will be aired on Fake Or Fortune: What Happened Next on Monday 25 August at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Imagine the typical brothel dweller. It's a middle-aged man in an overcoat, shuffling through the red-lit doorway with his head bowed in shame. Right?

But what about the women who dip their toes into the world of transactional sex?

Catherine De Noire, a PhD student who manages a legal brothel in Western Europe, reveals sex workers see more female clients than many would expect.

De Noire, 31, welcomes about ten female customers on an average night at her 'Amsterdam-style' club. Most visit as part of a couple, though solo female customers are not uncommon.

'Our club doesn't restrict women from entering as clients, though 99 per cent of visitors are male,' she says.

'On an average night, we might have up to 10 female customers - compared to about 500 men.

Catherine De Noire, who manages a brothel in Western Europe, says sex workers book more female clients than you might think

'Women usually arrive with male partners - boyfriends, husbands, lovers - typically seeking a threesome with one of the girls.'

In these instances, De Noire says it's common for the man to 'watch' his partner with another woman, 'or vice versa'.

'Lately, we've received inquiries from couples asking if they can also hire a male gigolo,' she adds.

'But unfortunately, we don't currently have any male sex workers - although we're open to the idea.'

De Noire, who began managing brothels at the age of 22, goes on to say women who hire sex workers for themselves are 'rare', but they do exist.

'Most have never had a sexual experience with another woman but are curious to try,' she says, adding that women are more likely to hire an escort than visit a brothel.

'In the sex industry, "escort" typically refers to sex workers - male or female - who are booked to meet a client at a hotel or the client's home,' she explains.

'And yes, when women pay for sex, they usually prefer booking escorts - either female sex workers or gigolos - rather than visiting brothels or clubs.'

De Noire, 31, gets about 10 female customers on an average night at her 'Amsterdam-style' mega club. Most are part of a couple, but solo customers come, too

But De Noire has certainly seen her fair share of women walk through the doors of her club.

'I remember one very specific group of girls visiting our club many years ago,' she recalls.

'They looked like Arabian princesses - or perhaps one princess with her entourage.'

De Noire says these women 'sat in the club for a while' before they each chose a female sex worker and went into a room to pay for their services.

'Later, I found out they were aristocratic young women from a particular culture,' she explains.

'I can't remember the country, but in their tradition, a young girl is supposed to be introduced to the mysteries of eroticism by an experienced woman.

'So they came to Europe to learn something about sex from professionals.'

De Noire says she also had a pair of Italian women in their late 50s who came into the club and paid for a strip show performed by a mother-daughter duo.

'After ten years of managing this club, very little can surprise me anymore - but that definitely did,' she adds.

'Women usually arrive with male partners - boyfriends, husbands, lovers - typically seeking a threesome with one of the girls,' she explains

While her brothel deals with vastly more male customers, De Noire says female clients still come with their own unique set of challenges.

'It's worth mentioning that not every sex worker offers this type of experience,' she says, explaining she doesn't know of any brothels which specifically cater to women.

'Those acts often present more challenges in terms of safety and hygiene than heterosexual acts with condoms.'

She adds: 'The biggest barrier is often the woman's ego. Many see themselves as the ones who shouldn't need to pay for sexual experiences.

'Paying for sex can make them feel desperate, or even ashamed.

'But once they overcome that feeling, they often enjoy it just as men do - being in control, paying someone to bring them pleasure and satisfaction.

'And, most importantly, staying safe.'

De Noire says that, personally, she 'feels much safer' paying for the services of a gigolo than picking up a 'random guy' at a bar who could turn out to be 'dangerous'.

When she isn't managing sex workers, De Noire studies for a PhD in organisational psychology

On a typical night, De Noire says she 'welcomes more than 500 customers' into her venue, and 'it's nearly impossible to define a "typical" visitor'.

'You'll see a construction worker chatting with a university student next to a surgeon, wealthy business guy, professor, taxi driver, or professional athlete,' she says.

'Same with age - from 18 to 80. Motivations are equally diverse.

'Some people come to explore sexual fantasies they can't or don't want to pursue with their partners - BDSM, threesomes, male anal play, squirting, and so on.

'Others simply want standard sex but don't have a partner and find brothels a safer, cheaper option than chasing one-night stands in bars or on Tinder.'

De Noire says she manages an 'Amsterdam-style' club called a Laufhaus, which is 'popular in Western European countries'.

Customers walk through 'a labyrinth-like space' with about 100 rooms occupied by a sex worker.

De Noire, who clocks in at 7.00pm to work the night shift, is one of about 60 full-time employees at her club.

She revealed in a column in June that she earns about 6,000 (AU$10,500) a month.

Meanwhile, the brothel rakes in about 700,000 per month (about AU$1.2million).

Like any other company, the club has an HR department, accounting division, marketing unit, maintenance and customer service.

When she isn't managing the sex workers who make a living - or a little extra cash - at the venue, De Noire studies for her PhD in organisational psychology.
It was Michael Flatley, the man who famously insured his own legs for 25 million, who once declared he would be a dancer until the day he died.

Naturally, no one doubted it. The fleet-footed Irish-American choreographer was riding the crest of a very large wave after finding fame as creative director and principal star of spectacular stage shows Lord Of The Dance and the iconic Riverdance.

Flatley's innovations in movement and rhythm had already turned him into a household name synonymous with the modernisation of traditional Irish dance, and it was he alone who endeared his craft to a new legion of significantly younger fans.

But time can be as unpredictable as it is cruel, and these days Flatley, 67, is attempting an unexpected and rather more perilous dance - to Dublin, and the highest seat of Irish political power.

Indeed, the retired performer has announced somewhat unlikely plans to run for the Irish Presidency this October, a move that may well see him compete against MMA fighter Conor McGregor, another surprise candidate who announced his own bid in a recent Instagram post.

Flatley's desire to replace outgoing President Michael D. Higgins was revealed in July during a High Court planning battle regarding his sprawling Castlehyde mansion in County Cork.

Michael Flatley endeared himself millions as the creator of hit stage shows Lord Of The Dance and Riverdance - but he's now back in the spotlight for rather different reasons

The retired performer has announced somewhat unlikely plans to run for the Irish Presidency this October, a move that may well see him compete against MMA fighter Conor McGregor

Inevitably, the incredible prospect of Flatley, his wife Niamh O'Brien and son Michael Jr, taking residence at Aras an Uachtarain has once more turned the spotlight his way - some nine years after persistent pain in his spine, knees and feet forced him to retire.

A pioneering choreographer, Flatley shot to fame in Riverdance, first performed as a seven-minute interval during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest and watched by more than 300 million viewers.

It resulted in a standing ovation from the 4,000 strong audience, evidently mesmerised by the then unknown dance troupe's undeniable talent as they completed the performance at Dublin's Point Theatre.

Buoyed by its success, Flatley turned the show into a full-length spectacle that opened to acclaim at the same venue the following year.

Discussing the show's impact in his 2006 biography Lord of the Dance: My Story, he explained: 'It was a really, really important moment in modern Irish culture which extended far beyond Eurovision.

'It completely eclipsed the event that it was part of and became a phenomenon.'

Following Riverdance, which he abruptly left within a year after a bitter royalties dispute, Flatley created the equally successful Lord Of The Dance in 1996.

As the show's principal star he would tour the world, playing to 60 million people in 60 countries and tuning his passion project into one of the most successful - and lucrative - dance shows of all time.

Flatley's innovations in movement and rhythm turned him into a household name synonymous with the modernisation of traditional Irish dance

It was Flatley who single-handedly endeared his craft to a new legion of significantly younger fans (pictured onstage at the London Coliseum)

But decades of high-intensity choreography had taken its toll, and the injury ravaged performer was only involved in two of the various numbers featured in his farewell show, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, during its Broadway run in 2015.

Discussing the injuries he sustained with BBC Radio 2, he said: 'I am always in pain. Agony. I have wrecked my body with dance. I cant say I wasnt warned.

'The value of friends - the value of loved ones - all of a sudden, material things faded away into the past.'

He added: 'I've been warned for years and years but it's increasingly more difficult now to do what I need to do properly and I always said if I'm not dancing in prime time then I don't want to do it anymore.'

Retirement marked the end of an exceptional career for Flatley, and the Irish-American star - now worth an estimated 250 million - could be forgiven for enjoying its considerable spoils as he exited stage right, hung up those battered tap shoes and retreated to his lavish estate in rural County Cork.

But the man who still holds the Guinness World Record for tap dancing 35 times per second had other ideas, and the ensuing nine years have seen him step out of his comfort zone on more than one occasion.

Indeed, Flatley had only just entered retirement when he surprised fans by reinventing himself as an actor in his self-financed, self-produced and self-written thriller, Blackbird.

Here, Flatley cast himself as the embattled Victor Blackley, an ex-secret agent who attempts to 'escape his past' by opening a nightclub in the Caribbean, only for a troublesome former lover to follow in hot pursuit.

With an exotic backdrop, boatloads of bullets and action aplenty, it bore all the hallmarks of a jet-setting James Bond adventure, and the pistol-wielding Flatley certainly looked the part in his blood spattered tuxedo as filming commenced in Barbados.

But time can be as unpredictable as it is cruel, and these days Flatley is attempting a rather more perilous dance - to Dublin, and the highest seat of Irish political power

Flatley had only just entered retirement when he surprised fans by reinventing himself as an actor in his self-financed, self-produced and self-written thriller, Blackbird (pictured)

But hard-to-please critics were not convinced and the film was mercilessly savaged upon release, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian comparing the acting to 'unsexy bits of a mid-80s porn film'.

Elsewhere, The Telegraph instantly dismissed it an 'awful 007 rip-off', while the Irish Examiner, embracing a similar theme, claimed it 'will leave you rather more shaken than stirred'.

For one so used to glowing reviews it was a chastening experience, and Blackbird would be his only foray into the world of contemporary cinema.

But Flatley was already dipping his toes into a diverse range of metaphorical pies, notably art, having put his retired feet to lucratively good use in the creation of numerous paintings.

His unorthodox creative process - developing artworks by dancing on paint splattered canvas - would lead to unprecedented success, and Flatley soon became one of Ireland's most expensive living artists.

'It's not only my feet, I throw paint, I use different instruments - I use boards - I would never use the brush - it's abstract expression - that's the best way to describe it', Flatley told Daily Mail Australia.

'We've been very blessed and very lucky that people seem to have taken to it.'

And take to it they did. By 2015, he was second only to to Jack B Yeats in the list of top prices for paintings sold at auction, with artworks such as The Power and Flight of the Quetzal being snapped up for a respective 77,500 (66,704) and 44,000 (37,870) each.

Since retiring from dance, Flatley has became one of Ireland's most expensive living artists and has sold numerous paintings at auction (pictured with one such creation, Firedance, in 2015)

Flatley's signature whiskey The Dreamer was released last year, and he admitted the distinctive bottle's family crest was a poignant tribute to his late father, Michael Sr,

Elsewhere Flatley was making his mark on food and beverages, having launched his own company, Castlehyde - named after his County Cork estate - in 2021.

Signature whiskey The Dreamer was released last year, and Flatley admitted the distinctive bottle's family crest was a poignant tribute to his late father, Michael Sr, an Irish plumber who immigrated to the United States in 1947.

'Irish whiskey was a favourite of my fathers,' he told Hospitality Ireland at the time.

'It was through his passion that I came to appreciate its complex flavours, so its a very proud moment to launch Flatley Irish Whiskey, as I know he will be smiling down on me.'

He added: 'For me, Irish whiskey, much like Irish dance, embodies the essence of Ireland - its history, its spirit, and its ability to bring people together in celebration.'

It was a special moment for the dancer, then in the early stages of remission after being diagnosed with a malignant melanoma little more than a year earlier.

Confirming the diagnosis with his Instagram followers in January 2023, a post read: 'Dear friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

'He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors. No further comments will be made at this time. We ask only for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you.'

Flatley announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer in an Instagram post shared with followers in 2024

Flatley with wife Niamh and son Michael in November 2015. The dancer admitted their support helped him deal his subsequent ordeal as he prepared for surgery

Flatley later insisted the support of his family, notably wife Niamh, had helped him deal with the shock of a second diagnosis and his subsequent ordeal as he prepared for surgery.

'I feel great but I think having positive mental attitude always helps. Im not going to lie, it wasnt easy,' he said during an appearance on RTE's Late Late Show.

'Getting the news that you have cancer is tough, its not easy to take in but Im married to the greatest girl in the world who looks after me and believe in me and stood beside me.

'I had prepared myself for the whole ordeal but I really wasnt 100% prepared when the time came.'

He added: 'My family is everything to me. What if I didnt come out the other side? I felt confident and my surgeon was great but theres a chance I wont come out of this.

'I cant explain the love I have for my wife and son and the love I have for Ireland and the Irish people and the love I have for life.'

Michael pictured in 1994 during his Eurovision performance. The seven-minute performance was extended into a full-length spectacle and opened at Dublin's Point Theatre in 1995

After being sacked from Riverdance, Michael developed his own show Lord Of The Dance, which opened in Dublin in 1996 and was seen by over 60 million people

Now, Flatley is preparing for a rather different challenge after throwing his hat into the ring for the Irish Presidency alongside MMA fighter McGregor.

His political ambitions were revealed during a High Court planning battle concerning his Castlehyde mansion after he notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances'.

Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a team of advisers.

Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the American said he is stopped on the street everywhere he goes and asked if he will run.

The choreographer and dancer said: 'I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision... I have a huge business to run, I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living.

'I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with. If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and  maybe more importantly  if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people.'

Decades of high-intensity choreography took a physical toll, and the injury ravaged performer was only involved in two of the various numbers featured in his farewell show, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, following its Broadway launch in 2015 (pictured)

Now, Flatley is preparing for a rather different challenge after throwing his hat into the ring for the Irish Presidency

He added: 'Right now, I dont think they have a voice  not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.'

Flatley said he hears they concerns of average person on the street and they are not happy right now, adding: Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.

He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture.

He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some people in the know.

'Its certainly not something that Ive made any decision on, but it does get frustrating when you see the hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.'

Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.'

Candidates need to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.

The next election has to happen 60 days before the current President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11.
When ITV signed Cat Deeley as a replacement for Holly Willoughby, hoping she would be the saviour of This Morning, her accomplished skills as a broadcaster and gorgeous glossy gleam were, of course, seen as particularly valuable attributes.

But what also impressed the channel's bosses about Cat was her status as a happily married mother of two.

Even more appealing was that her husband was endearing Irish TV star Patrick Kielty.

Together, the couple seemed to have that elusive X-factor of being down-to-earth and yet glamorous enough for the programme's female viewers.

Indeed, there was even hope that Patrick could also be coaxed into joining her on the famous sofa  in a bid to recreate the magic of the show's first ever married hosts, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

That idea failed to get off the ground due to Patrick's lucrative job hosting The Late Late Show in Ireland.

Still, though, ITV's management felt content with their new hire, believing Cat's domestic life with her husband and their two sons James, then six, and Milo, eight, would help make her a hit.

In many ways, the bosses have been proved right: it's undeniable that Cat, 48, along with co-host Ben Shephard, have turned This Morning's fortunes around.

Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty announced they had separated last month after nearly 13 years of marriage

It's undeniable that Cat, 48, along with co-host Ben Shephard, have turned This Morning's fortunes around, writes Katie Hind

The wholesome Brummie, who's never lost her accent despite years working in the United States, has done wonders for the show's reputation after it was embroiled in the grubby Phillip Schofield affair saga.

But there's also little doubt that she landed one of the most sought-after roles on British television in part because of her seemingly stable marriage  for which she has a rather unlikely person to thank: Gabby Logan.

It was the new Match Of The Day host who encouraged Patrick to reignite his romance with Cat.

Cat and Patrick worked together in 2002 when they hosted BBC One talent show Fame Academy, and neither had much luck with love after that.

Fast forward to 2012, when Patrick was mentoring Gabby to take part in a stand-up show for Comic Relief, which saw her tease him for being a bachelor.

After they parted ways, Gabby sent him a gift to thank him for his help on the project  and enclosed in it some advice that he should reach out to Cat, who was then living in America hosting So You Think You Can Dance, alongside 'Nasty' Nigel Lythgoe.

Writing in her autobiography, Gabby said: 'He clearly adored her. After the event, I sent him a box of wine to thank him for all his help. On the note, I wrote, "Thanks for all the help making me funny, now go marry Cat," or something helpful and glib like that.

'A few months later, the tabloids reported they were dating.'

The former couple have two sons together. The family pictured in London, where they relocated after previously living in Los Angeles

Patrick, 54, was pictured last weekend on a trip to the shops near the former couple's home in north London

Gabby, who is married to former rugby star Kenny Logan, did also light-heartedly discuss how she wasn't invited to the couple's wedding, held at St Isidore's College Church in Rome in September 2012  just six months after she sent the gift.

'Now I like to feel I might have given him the nudge he needed, but I wasn't invited to their wedding and I am not a godmother to his kids, so maybe he doesn't quite see it that way.'

But shortly after Gabby's message, Patrick flew all the way from Belfast to Los Angeles on a whim. Cat said: 'It was my birthday... he was at a pub in Ireland and he'd rung me from the pub.

'Bear in mind it was probably about 2 o'clock in the morning because they'd had a lock-in.'

When Cat told him she was having a birthday brunch at Beverly Hills Hotel with a few friends, she recalled: 'He said, "I'll see you there!" I was like, there's no way!'

Yet despite her doubts, he was there as promised. She said: 'He went home, set his alarm for five, got up, went to the airport, flew from Belfast to London, then jumped on the first plane from London to LA, got in a cab, told the cabbie on his way from the airport what he was doing, and the driver was literally like, "Do you want me to wait for you?"

'He walked in, dropped his bags at the concierge, [then] walked in [the restaurant] and came and sat down for lunch!

'It knocked my socks off a little bit!'

Despite this grand gesture, there were nasty rumours surrounding Cat and Patrick's union in the early days.

Some rather cruelly suggested that they had both reached ages where they wanted to settle down and got back together for convenience's sake  a theory that was perhaps not helped by their speedy wedding.

One source tells me: 'By then, Cat was living the most glamorous life in Hollywood as one of the only Britons to succeed where so many failed.

'She was at the top of her game  and then she settled for the pasty guy from Ireland who she had worked with at the beginning of her career.

'There were some nasty comments made. But the relationship worked.'

In two weeks' time, Cat will return to This Morning, rejoining Ben as the new season begins.

Sources on the show have told me it didn't go unnoticed that Cat made the announcement of her split from Patrick while she was on holiday. They speculate that the timing was so that she didn't have to be in the limelight when the news broke.

It is said to have been a strategy put together by her publicist Ciara Gregory at London-based PR firm Public Eye  whose other A-list clients include actor Hugh Laurie.

On July 29 the pair said in a joint statement: 'We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated.

'There is no other party involved. We will continue to be united as loving parents to our children and would therefore kindly ask for our family privacy to be respected.'

They added: 'There will be no further comment.'

Some at This Morning would have preferred a ratings-boosting exclusive.

'There will be literally six weeks between Cat's break-up announcement and her returning to work,' says one ITV insider.

'Clearly she is hoping her viewers will have forgotten about her dumping Patrick.

'Imagine if she had been on screen when it broke? I guess she didn't want to have to deal with that. It was easier to go on holiday.'

And Cat has been enjoying a lavish summer.

Just days after the statement, she was snapped  minus her wedding ring  at Chiringuito de Garraf restaurant, in the Spanish town of Sitges.

She was with her hairdresser friend Ben Skervin, who documented the trip on Instagram. According to his personal website, he has previously worked with the Spice Girls, Keira Knightley, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Hugh Jackman.

He has also collaborated with the designer Karl Lagerfeld and top fashion magazines American Vogue and Vanity Fair, among others.

It is not thought that they are in a romantic relationship, but Ben has still been a shoulder to cry on for her.

By contrast, Cat's estranged husband Patrick, 54, was pictured last weekend on a trip to the shops near the former couple's home in north London. He was buying a bottle of red wine, looking very sombre indeed.

Some have wondered what will happen to the family home, which Cat and Patrick bought to be their 'forever home' in 2023.

The property  which was a derelict 1950s house in the affluent north London suburb of Hampstead, popular with many celebrities  set them back 5 million and required a huge renovation.

This, combined with both of their busy careers, left Cat feeling 'shocked' by the magnitude of what they had committed to.

But it is likely she will remain in situ there.

I first met Cat during her CD:UK days back in 2001, and she was nothing but polite and funny. Since then, I haven't heard a bad word about her within the British or US showbusiness industry.

Yet some expect that the marital split could affect her reputation as one of the UK's most loved female celebrities.

This won't be helped by the fact that Cat was a no-show at the funeral of Patrick's beloved late mother Mary in March  something which, as the Daily Mail revealed last week, left members of his close-knit family 'seething'.

A spokesman for Cat told the Daily Mail at the time: 'Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.'

But her surprise absence shocked members of Patrick's family, also prompting chatter that relations between the couple have been strained for some time.

Cat is now hoping that she can put her summer of turmoil behind her when she gets back in front of the camera.

One source said: 'This Morning is looking forward to welcoming Cat back to the sofa, she's loved by her colleagues and has fitted in so well.

'Now it's the start of a new era for her  one she can share with the viewers that she cares about so much.'
Walking through the restaurant of a hotel in Istanbul, Katie Price posed for the paparazzi to show off her latest cosmetic surgery  a facelift.

The glamour model was wearing surgical bandages and stitching tape following the procedure in photographs that were published on the same day as her daughter Princess's new fly-on-the-wall documentary series dropped on ITV.

Katie's pictures were clearly set up as she would otherwise have had an expectation of privacy inside the Turkish hotel, a move that I can reveal has once again irked those close to her ex  and Princess's father  Peter Andre.

It was yet another example of Katie desperately grabbing the limelight when it should have been focused on her 18-year-old daughter's face as she released her new four-part series, The Princess Diaries on ITV2.

As I revealed some months ago, Katie, 46, was banned from appearing in it as the series was made by Peter's management team, with whom she fell out catastrophically following the couple's 2009 divorce after four years of marriage.

One associate said: 'Katie would have known exactly when those pictures were going to be published.

'She has form for setting picture opportunities up with the paparazzi and this appears to be no exception. She will have got a cut of the sale but also been involved in when they would go out. They went out at 1.21pm on the same day of Princess launching her show.

'What a sad, horrible attempt to take some of the attention away from her own daughter.'

Katie Price and Peter Andre divorced in 2009 after being married for four years

Peter's management team banned Katie from appearing in their daughter Princess's new reality series The Princess Diaries on ITV2

It was this kind of behaviour - together with Katie's claims that she had been excluded from Princess's rising career, and that their children lived equally between them - that forced him to respond with a blistering statement on social media.

The main catalyst, however, was the torment that Princess has endured thanks to her mother's refusal to publicly support her.

'Katie has gone on and on about it and just won't stop. At every opportunity she's made up lies and slagged off her own daughter's show.

'She even said she wouldn't be watching it. Imagine the hurt for Princess. Peter knew Katie would have something to say but nobody thought it would be this bad.'

Last Thursday, Katie urged Peter to take part in peace talks - claiming Princess has been 'unfairly' dragged into their feud after there were rumours of a family rift because she didn't appear in Princess' show.

Hours later, Peter, 52, shared his side of the story, explaining: 'For 16 years, I have stayed silent in the face of repeated lies from my ex-wife and her family, out of respect for my children and loved ones, but staying silent has been incredibly frustrating. That ends today.

'The latest comments about my children's welfare and living arrangements compel me to set the record straight. For well-documented reasons, and for their safety, Junior and Princess came into my care in 2018 and remained with me until they reached adulthood.

'In 2019, the family courts issued a legally binding order to enforce this arrangement. I have never made this public before, out of respect for my children.

Katie and Princess are rumoured to have fallen out - with Katie's exclusion from the show said to have sent her into a 'full-on rage'

Princess with her brother Junior Andre ahead of the show's launch

'Unfortunately there are many more lies and baseless accusations I have yet to address. Those will now be dealt with in the coming months.'

While for those who have followed the saga it might have been the next entertaining twist, for Peter, wife Emily and their management team, Katie's interference in her own daughter's shining moment has 'caused them nothing but aggravation,' I'm told.

And now it is understood that he is considering calling in lawyers to deal with Katie's false claims that she has made  something that could potentially cost Katie a fortune to fight.

'Pete is a really, really calm man and he will always do what is best for his children,' says one friend of the star. 'And he has always remained silent despite Katie's public goading, for the sake of his kids.

'But you can't even begin to imagine how upset he has been for his beloved daughter in the last fortnight so unfortunately he had to do it, it was the time. Pete has always kept his mouth shut, in fact, he vowed never to speak of Katie in public again but with her spouting off whatever she wanted on her podcast it was becoming dangerous and offensive and he had to put a stop to that.

'He will always protect his children and if that means getting lawyers involved then he will. He has always tried to navigate Katie in a way so not to affect the children but that's over now, the gloves are off.'

I can also reveal that one of the major factors that has riled Katie is that Peter's doctor wife Emily is shown on The Princess Diaries and appears to have a close relationship with her stepdaughter.

She is seen putting up childhood pictures of Princess in the run up to her birthday party  a role that a mother might usually do. She also gave Princess advice on clothes.

'Emily is a lovely woman who has embraced having Princess and Junior in her life,' said one source close to the family.

'She took them in full-time when Princess was about 11 and she has been like a mother to her. Emily herself was only in her late 20s but she adored the role she had. She and Pete made Princess and Junior what they are today and that must be a horrible feeling for Katie but it's the truth.'

While the siblings have always maintained a relationship with their mother, it was at times infrequent and also chaotic.

Princess and Junior are also aware, as I am, of other issues with Katie and her domestic life, which for legal reasons I am unable to divulge. Suffice to say, they have had to endure a lot in their short lives.

'Princess and Junior are also loving older siblings to their little sister Bunny and brother Jett [Katie's children with ex-husband Kieran Hayler],' said one friend. 'But it all feels such a mess at the moment. We have no idea how this will all end but what Pete will always make sure of is that the kids are his top priority.

'Unlike Katie, who seems more interested in flying to Turkey for more surgery and to elevate her own profile.' In more than one sense, and whatever the cost, it seems.
Drake Bell has filed for divorce from his wife Janet Von Schmeling - three years after they split.

Drake Bell has filed for divorce from estranged wife Janet Von Schmeling

The 39-year-old star is said to have filed a petition to end the marriage in Florida on Thursday (14.08.25).

The development comes after Von Schmeling had filed for divorce in Los Angeles back in April 2023, with the date of separation revealed as September 2022.

Court documents at the time stated that the actress was seeking legal and physical custody of the couple's four-year-old son Wyatt, while asking for Bell to be granted visitation rights.

Janet has since started a relationship with Jim Perez and the couple are expecting their first child together.

Drake has suggested that he and his estranged wife now have a strong co-parenting relationship and spoke of the love they have for each other recently.

The Drake and Josh star told The Unplanned Podcast with Matt and Abby: "I don't care if I'm angry at my ex-wife. All my son knows that me and his mom love each other.

"We're not together, but we love each other. We respect each other and we love him unconditionally. And whenever he's with me, 'His mama loves him, mama's amazing.'"

Bell explained that didn't always have a strong relationship with his parents and was desperate to be the best father possible to his son.

He said: "We love our parents, but my God, did they teach us how and what not to do as a parent.

"I hope that I'm able to recognise certain behaviours and certain things that - I'll just take one thing for example. I feel like my generation or my parents' generation, divorce was rampant, and the kids were used a lot in divorce."

The former Nickelodeon star described how he believed that his parents - who divorced when he was five years of age - talking badly of each other was a reflection of himself.

Drake said: "Basically, you guys are just telling me that I suck because, if he's got no good qualities and you got no good qualities and you guys hate each other, then what do you dig me for?

"I'm literally what you guys hate, you know? And that's being instilled in my brain and creates tension. It's like, 'That's my mom. Stop talking about my mom that way.'"
TEHRAN, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The forces of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have smashed two "terrorist" teams in separate operations in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Sunday.

The forces managed to identify and attack two houses belonging to the "terrorists" in the northern and southern parts of the province, killing six of them and detaining some others, the report said, without specifying the date of the operations and the detainees' number.

The report said the "terrorists," who had been armed and trained, sought to perpetrate "acts of sabotage and terror" in the province.

It added that among the items seized from the "terrorists," were 25 kg of explosive materials, a number of bombs, detonators and two-way radios.

Sistan and Baluchestan, a province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, has suffered several terrorist attacks targeting both civilians and security forces in recent years. 
Gabriel Jakob has made headlines recently following his high-profile split from BondiBoost founder Alexandra Jakob.

Now, it seems the Swedish-born businessman has found a new love, appearing in pictures posted by stylist and wardrobe curator Anjelica Margaritis.

Despite Jakob's, 43, shyness towards the camera and tendency to hide his face in pictures, he was instantly recognisable in the 27-year-old's snaps thanks to his slick haircut, strong build and designer clothes.

In the photographs, Anjelica could be seen posing for the camera while her beau turned his head.

Gabriel similarly shielded his face from the camera in his controversial profile piece with the Australian Financial Review last August.

The story described Gabriel building a $550 million business empire without making any direct reference to him.

Gabriel Jakob has made headlines recently following his high profile split from BondiBoost founder Alexandra Jakob (pictured)

The Swedish-born businessman (left) has found a new love, appearing in pictures posted by stylist and wardrobe curator Anjelica Margaritis (right)

Gabriel's ex wife Alexandra, who grew up in poverty and dropped out of school in Year 10, founded a chain of childcare centres and launched the hugely popular haircare brand BondiBoost.

She met her second husband Gabriel four years after buying her first childcare centre. At the time, Mr Jakob was a brand manager for the courier and freight company Pack & Send.

The Sydney couple's 12-year relationship ended in separation in May 2023 and their acrimonious divorce in May 2024 has been followed by ongoing, extreme bitterness.

She is now alleging that he falsely claimed credit for her phenomenal success, a claim he vehemently denies.

Alexandra has launched legal action against her former husband in the Federal Court.

The 42-year-old filed a statement of claim in June listing Gabriel and his company Hyper Capital Pty Ltd as respondents. She will be represented by Sue Chrysanthou SC, one of Australia's most in-demand barristers.

Gabriel told Daily Mail Australia he would be strenuously defending the allegations.

Gabriel married Alexandra in March 2017, they separated in May 2023 and divorced in May 2024. They are pictured here on their wedding day

It is understood Alexandra will allege Gabriel made a series of false statements in the AFR article, with Mr Jakob denying the allegations being made by his ex-wife against him.

The AFR and the journalist who wrote the piece, Rich List editor Yolanda Redrup, are not parties to the legal action, and Alexandra is not accusing them of defamation.

The article in question - which described Gabriel in fawning terms as an 'immigrant' success story and 'one of the most active Australian entrepreneurs... you've never heard of' - is still online.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Gabriel has misrepresented his role in the businesses, only that Alexandra will assert he has.
Jade Thirlwall has revealed she faces a 'daily battle' not to turn to Ozempic after years of struggling with eating disorders.

The Little Mix star, 32, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2011, says she is now the healthiest she has ever been - but still receives constant comments about her weight online.

Talking to The Guardian, she revealed: 'I have a daily battle with myself not to go on Ozempic.

'I don't judge people that do, but because I have a history of eating disorders, I don't know where taking something like that would end for me.'

She added that the trolling is a sad consequence of stepping into the spotlight as a solo star: 'Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look.

'Now I'm in my 30s and the healthiest I've ever been, but every time I post a picture, there are comments saying, "She must be pregnant."'

Jade Thirlwall, 32, has revealed she faces a 'daily battle' not to turn to Ozempic after years of struggling with anorexia

The Little Mix star, 32, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2011, says she is now the healthiest she has ever been - but still receives constant comments about her weight online (pictured in 2011)

She added: 'The sad thing is that it's usually women. But people are used to seeing me in a group environment five or 10 years ago when I was stick-thin because I was in my early 20s with an eating disorder.'

Jade - who is preparing to release her debut solo album - has spoken openly that her struggles with food began as a young teenager, when she developed anorexia following the loss of her beloved grandad.

By the time she auditioned for The X Factor, she had only just been discharged from hospital.

She now admits that the ITV talent show should never have allowed her to compete in such a fragile state.

Despite her health battles, Jade thrived with Little Mix, alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson.

Together, they sold more than 75million records, topped charts worldwide and won a Brit Award for Best British Group.

But the relentless pace, industry pressure and constant scrutiny took their toll.

Whilst Jade said she didn't think she had relapsed at the time, she admitted that looking back at old photos she can see she was 'very very thin'.

Jade admitted she faces a 'daily battle' over the temptation to take Ozempic and added that the trolling is a sad consequence of stepping into the spotlight as a solo star

Jade has spoken openly that her struggles with food began as a young teenager, when she developed anorexia following the loss of her beloved grandad

Despite her health battles, Jade thrived with Little Mix, alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson where they went on to sell more than 75 million records and top the charts worldwide

She credits boyfriend Jordan Stephens from Rizzle Kicks for helping her focus on her health and happiness and earlier this year described him as 'The One'

She explained: 'Historically, if I've ever felt that something is out of my control, then restricting food has been a means of controlling my life in a very toxic way.'

Now, as she prepares for the release of her debut solo album, Jade says she is focused on her health, happiness and music.

At home in south-east London, she shares a house with boyfriend Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks and her best friend Holly.

Jade has been dating Jordan for five years and earlier this year revealed on Louis Theroux's podcast that she realised he was 'the one' when he bought her a pasty from Greggs to lift her spirits after Jesy left the band.

Reflecting on the shock exit from Little Mix in 2020, Jade said that she 'broke down in tears,' after hearing the news and Jordan's response was to fetch her a treat from the bakery chain.

She said: 'We were driving up North to see my family. I just wailed and wailed for an hour or something.

'We parked up at services and he was like, ''do you want some peace?''. And I was like, ''yes''.'

'That's when I knew he was a keeper because he was like, ''are you alright on your own for a little bit?''. I mean, I couldn't actually speak. So I was screaming.

'And then he went out into the shops and he came back with a pasty from Greggs and I thought, ''that's the one''.'
Channel Seven star Natalie Barr has given fans a rare glimpse into her very private marriage to Andrew Thompson.

The Sunrise host, who is Australia's longest-serving breakfast presenter after 23 years on the screen, admitted that she and film editor Andrew prefer to keep their relationship away from the cameras.

'It was something we decided years ago,' she told Stellar magazine adding that her husband was never interested in being in the media.

'I share lots of my private life on air. I talk a lot about me and what Im doing and what I think about things, and I have for many years, but you need to draw the line somewhere.'

Despite keeping their romance private, Natalie admitted her relationship with Andrew is 'a real gift' after recently celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary.

'We had started our relationship as best friends and we still are. I couldnt have done any of this without him. Not one day,' she said.

Channel Seven star Natalie Barr has given fans a rare glimpse into her very private marriage to Andrew Thompson

'You live through each others successes and not such good times. You raise a family, youre a team.'

The couple share two sons together, Lachlan, 23, and Hunter, 19, who also avoid photoshoots and media coverage.

Natalie has become a prominent voice on Australia's screens, with many calling her the 'Queen of breakfast TV'.

Natalie starts her day at 3.30am, preparing for nearly four hours of live television.

Her mornings are packed with high-pressure interviews, including grilling politicians -often with just minutes to prepare.

After 35 years in journalism, Natalie said she has gained the confidence needed to handle even the toughest interviews.

'I've had to go with my gut many, many times. I don't think I could've done this years ago because I would've been too scared,' she said.

Despite her incredible TV career, the news reporter recently reflected on a behind-the-scenes challenge: the difficulty of receiving genuine, constructive feedback.

The couple share two sons together, Lachlan, 23, and Hunter, 19, who steer away from media coverage. Pictured Natalie, husband Andrew Thompson and their son LachlanShe said

She told Stellar that she and film editor Andrew prefer to keep their relationship away from the cameras

Barr, who has been a familiar face on Australian morning television since 2008, told The Nightly that despite her ongoing efforts to improve, honest critiques are hard to come by in the industry.

'Its so hard to get feedback in this business, very few people will tell you that,' she said.

'In my experience, very few people will tell you the truth.

'If you ask most people, "How was that?", they'll say, "Yeah, it was great". That's not what you need.

'Maybe I'm too harsh (on myself), maybe that's just my personality, but I find there's hardly anyone who will give me honest feedback.'
Bella Thorne pulled a bizarre stunt on her fiance Mark Emms that had her fans flooding the comments section of her social media page with mixed reactions.

Fans of the 27-year-old actress seemed wholly divided when she shared an Instagram post proposing to her partner  one year after he had already proposed to her.

She got down on one knee in the living room of their home, which was decorated with flowers and lit candles.

In her caption, she commemorated their anniversary and wrote: '3 years ago we met, 1 year later he proposed, now 1 year later so did I.'

The Disney child star  who claimed a major male pop star made up a 'lie' about her after she refused to sleep with him  included photos and videos from different angles of her low-key, at-home proposal.

Many of her fans took to the comments section to share their opinions on her popping the question again  as some gushed with praise and others harshly criticized her.

Bella Thorne pulled a bizarre stunt on her fiance Mark Emms that had her fans flooding the comments section of her social media page with mixed reactions

During her proposal, the film producer also got down on his knees so that they were eye level.

After she concluded her speech, the couple kissed and wrapped their arms around each other as they embraced.

In addition to the clips of her proposal, she also included several snapshots of the romantic setting with red and white flowers around the room.

Thorne also snapped a photo of her future husband with a wide-eyed, smiling expression and his arms in the air as he posed underneath dozens of red heart balloons.

She also shared a selfie of him kissing her cheek as well as a mirror selfie with Emms hugging her from behind.

The pair were first romantically linked in August 2022 after meeting at Cara Delevingne's birthday party that year.

He asked her to marry him nine months after they started dating.

In May 2023, she announced that Emms had proposed to her the day before Mother's Day at her house, popping the question to her with a massive, emerald-cut diamond ring.

Fans of the 27-year-old actress seemed wholly divided when she shared an Instagram post proposing to her partner  one year after he had already proposed to her

She got down on one knee in the living room of their home, which was decorated with flowers and lit candles

Thorne also snapped a photo of her future husband with a wide-eyed, smiling expression and his arms in the air as he posed underneath dozens of red heart balloons

In May 2023, she announced that Emms had proposed to her the day before Mother's Day at her house, popping the question with a massive, emerald-cut diamond ring

The pair were first romantically linked in August 2022 after meeting at Cara Delevingne's birthday party that year. He asked her to marry him nine months after they started dating; pictured July 2024 in San Diego

The pair were said to have immediately started planning their wedding, envisioning a countryside ceremony in Emm's native U.K.

In response to their second proposal, many fans were divided and were vocal about their opinions in the comments section of Thorne's Instagram post.

'If he already proposed why did you do it lol I'm confused,' one person commented in response to her post.

Another fan commented a crying emoji and added: 'Girl stand up.'

'Girls in 2024: he said yeeesss,' a social media user wrote with sarcasm alongside a teary-eyed, smiling emoji as well as a wedding ring and a man with a mustache in bridal wear.

Many other people left memes and GIFs with shocked or concerned expressions in her comments section too.

Another person wrote: 'Ok ladies let's not normalize this, okay?'

While many were critical of Thorne's choice to get down on one knee, there were also a slew of fans voicing their support.

The Disney child star included photos and videos from different angles of her low-key, at-home proposal. In her caption, she commemorated their anniversary and wrote: '3 years ago we met, 1 year later he proposed, now 1 year later so did I'

During her proposal, the film producer also got down on his knees so that they were eye level. After she concluded her speech, the couple kissed and wrapped their arms around each other as they embraced

In addition to the clips of her proposal, she also included several snapshots of the romantic setting with red and white flowers around the room

She also set up many candles of the same color scheme around the room to set the mood

Many of her fans took to the comments section to share their opinions on her popping the question again  as some gushed with praise and others harshly criticized her

Another fan commented a crying emoji and added: 'Girl stand up'

'Girls in 2024: he said yeeesss,' a social media user wrote with sarcasm alongside a teary-eyed, smiling emoji as well as a wedding ring and a man with a mustache in bridal wear

Many other people left memes and GIFs with shocked or concerned expressions in her comments section too

Another person wrote: 'Ok ladies let's not normalize this, okay?'

While many were critical of Thorne's choice to get down on one knee, there were also a slew of fans voicing their support. 'Why are people hating?! This is so sweet,' one social media user commented

'Cuties,' another fan added alongside a red heart emoji. 'So happy for you'

'There's absolutely nothing wrong with this! Congratulations,' one Instagram user wrote

Another fan gushed that her proposal was 'the cutest thing I saw today!'

'[I don't care] what [people] say this is cute! My fiance proposed to me January '24. I proposed to her this month. Your partner needs to experience these things too,' one comment read

'Why [is] everyone saying let's not normalize this? THIS IS ADORABLE,' another person wrote

'Why are people hating?! This is so sweet,' one social media user commented.

'Cuties,' another fan added alongside a red heart emoji. 'So happy for you.'

'There's absolutely nothing wrong with this! Congratulations,' one Instagram user wrote.

Another fan gushed that her proposal was 'the cutest thing I saw today!'

'[I don't care] what [people] say this is cute! My fiance proposed to me January '24. I proposed to her this month. Your partner needs to experience these things too,' one comment read.

'Why [is] everyone saying let's not normalize this? THIS IS ADORABLE,' another person wrote.

'I say to my soulmate everyday that if he didn't [propose] when he did I was [already] planning on doing it the month after,' the fan continued.
Australia has a dazzling new pageant queen.

Lexie Brant, a 21-year-old occupational therapy student and model from Brisbane, has officially taken out the title of Miss Universe Australia 2025 in a glamorous ceremony held in Perth on Friday night.

The blonde beauty wowed judges as she beat out 28 other hopefuls from across the country to claim the crown, earning her place as the nation's representative at the international Miss Universe competition in Thailand later this year.

Brant was handed the crown by outgoing titleholder Zoe Creed, who competed in last year's global finals in Mexico.

Wearing a glittering silver gown and radiant smile, Lexie looked every bit the winner as she took centre stage during the highly anticipated finale.

She'll now begin preparations for the world stage, where she's tipped to be a strong contender when she flies to Bangkok this November.

Lexie Brant (pictured), a 21-year-old occupational therapy student and model from Brisbane, has officially taken out the title of Miss Universe Australia 2025 on Friday night

Ivy Prempeh was named first runner-up, while Cara Mooney, Bianca Black and Ash Donner rounded out the prestigious top five.

Finalists also included Nadia Delis, Georgia Dewstow-Smith, Chloe Hardy and Asha Cooper, who all delivered standout performances throughout the competition.

Speaking to Gold Coast Magazine, Brant revealed her decision to enter the national pageant came from a desire to step outside her comfort zone and embrace a new personal challenge.

'For me, entering Miss Universe Australia was about doing something original and intentionally outside my comfort zone,' she explained.

'I wanted to challenge myself, not only in how I present myself physically, but also in how I carry myself emotionally and mentally.

It's been just as much about inner confidence as it has been about outer presentation.'

The stunner explained that she was 'the quiet girl' growing up and tended to watch life go by 'from the sidelines.'

'I was never the first to raise her hand or speak up. I think shed be proud that I stopped shrinking myself to fit into spaces and finally started stepping into the ones I was meant for,' she said.

The blonde beauty wowed judges as she beat out 28 other hopefuls from across the country to claim the crown , earning her place as the nation's representative at the international Miss Universe competition in Thailand later this year

'For me, entering Miss Universe Australia was about doing something original and intentionally outside my comfort zone,' she explained

Lexie now joins a long list of Aussie beauty queens who've gone on to forge careers in fashion.

These models include Laura Dundovic, Erin McNaught, Monika Radulovic and Maria Thattil.

The glamorous annual competition is known for launching the next generation of It-girls.

Lexie's win has already sparked major buzz in the modelling and influencer space, with fans flooding social media to congratulate the rising star.

'Amazing. Stunning. Perfect,' commented one person.

'So, so SOOOOO STUNNING!!' raved another fan, while one more said, 'Thank god they crowned the right one!'
A well-known pop duo have been forced to cancel a string of gigs after one of their band members dramatically collapsed on stage.

Royel Otis - an Australian guitar-pop duo from Sydney - will no longer perform their upcoming shows after member Royel became 'unwell with a virus'.

The band was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic and this week they had been performing in Germany at the MS Dockville festival.

Video circulating on TikTok appeared to show the worrying moment Royel collapses in the middle of their set.

He was then helped by the rest of the band on stage. The band have not directly addressed the collapsing incident but did release a statement this weekend.

They said: 'We are really sorry to say that we need to cancel our set at Lowlands + Pukkelpop festival as Roy has been unwell with a virus since last night's show in Hamburg.

A well-known pop duo have been forced to cancel a string of gigs after one of their band members dramatically collapsed onstage

Royel Otis - an Australian guitar-pop duo from Sydney - will no longer perform their upcoming shows after member Royel (seen) became 'unwell with a virus'

'We were really looking forward to playing for you and hope we can see you at one of our other shows soon.

'Thank you for all your support always [pink heart emoji] Roy + Otis.'

It comes as this week it was announced that Harvest Rock Festival will return this year after suffering a cancellation last year - and Royel Otis are down to play.

The iconic Adelaide music event announced its 2025 lineup in an Instagram post on Thursday, revealing that iconic rock band The Strokes would be headlining the event in October.

Bragging 14.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a platinum album and numerous awards - including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2021 - the band are a huge addition to the festival's program.

Also on the stacked list of performers is The War On Drugs, M.I.A and Jelly Roll, as well as beloved Aussie favourites Vance Joy, Wolfmother, Lime Cordiale, Royel Otis and The Jungle Giants.

Taking place at Rymill Park and King Rodney Park in the heart of Adelaide on October 25 and 26, the festival's return has sent waves through the live music circuit.

They said: 'We are really sorry to say that we need to cancel our set at Lowlands + Pukkelpop festival as Roy has been unwell with a virus since last night's show in Hamburg'

The band was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic and this week they had been performing in Germany at the MS Dockville festival when Royel collapsed

Presale tickets will be available for purchase on August 19, and general sale will be open to the public on August 20.

Last year fans were left heartbroken after the festival was scrapped just months before it was set to take place.

In August 2024, Harvest Rock organisers announced on Instagram that the show would not go on, marking the first time it had been cancelled since its inception in 2011.

'We've been working hard to make Harvest Rock III another incredible event, however we have made the difficult decision to not hold the festival in 2024,' the post read.

'We appreciate the ongoing support of the South Australian Government and we look forward to Harvest Rock in the future.'

Secret Sounds, the promoter of the event, is understood to have been unable to book a headline act for the 2024 event, the Adelaide Advertiser reported.

However, the exact reason for the cancellation was not indicated by either Harvest Rock music festival or Secret Sounds.
Chris Hemsworth's wellness empire is slimming down - but not in the way subscribers hoped.

The Thor star's fitness app Centr has officially closed its Melbourne headquarters and axed 15 Australian workers, as the company shifts the bulk of its operations to the United States.

The drastic move comes just over a year after Hemsworth, 41, sold the app for a reported $100 million to HighPost Capital, a private equity firm co-founded by Mark Bezos - the brother of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.

A spokesperson for Centr confirmed to 9News this week that the Melbourne office will no longer operate, and only a few Aussie employees will remain on board in remote roles.

'As Centr continues to scale globally, we've made the strategic decision to consolidate operations in the US to improve operational and geographic efficiency,' they said.

'This transition affects 15 roles, with a few team members continuing remotely as part of the USbased team.

Chris Hemsworth's wellness empire is slimming down - but not in the way subscribers hoped. Hemsworth is pictured

Centr remains focused on continued growth across its digital platform, performancegrade equipment, and global partnerships.'

Nick Robinson, Centr's digital general manager, added that the company plans to 'continue to drive towards business goals' through 'streamlining operations' and hiring top talent in the US.

It's the second wave of job cuts to hit the Aussie team in just over a year, after a previous round of layoffs saw around 20 roles slashed.

Until recently, the Melbourne office served as Centr's hub for content creation, customer service, and sales and marketing for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Daily Mail understands all 23 remaining staff in the Melbourne office were summoned to a meeting on Monday and informed it would be their final day with the company.

One senior creative, who is currently five months pregnant, took to LinkedIn and claimed she was given no warning before being told her role was being terminated immediately.

The brutal timing of the layoffs also raised eyebrows given Hemsworth has been spotted holidaying in Spain and Ibiza with wife Elsa Pataky and their children in recent weeks, soaking up the European summer while his Aussie staff were shown the door.

It comes just a month after former Centr CEO Zsofi Paterson departed the company and announced she had taken up a new role with children's photosharing startup Tinybeans.

Centr was bought out by a private equity firm owned by the brother of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos in March last year - but Hemsworth still features prominently in the app and on its website (pictured) and in most of its workouts and promos

Hemsworth launched Centr in 2019, leveraging his global fame and shredded physique to attract subscribers to the platform, which offers high-intensity workouts, meal plans, meditation routines, and wellness tips.

The app charges $119 annually or $20 per month and still prominently features Hemsworth in marketing campaigns, despite his reduced involvement in the day-to-day running of the business.

When it was acquired by HighPost Capital, owned by David Moross and Mark Bezos, the company moved its headquarters to Los Angeles but kept a team in Melbourne.

In April 2022, Hemsworth told his 54 million social media followers that he was 'thrilled' Centr had been acquired by Mark Bezos.

The Thor star's massive deal with the younger brother of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos was touted to make Mark 'even richer'.

Mark Bezos is the co-leader of New York-based investment group HighPost Capital.

At the time of the sale, a Centr representative said Hemsworth would keep an active role in the company and that he was still a major shareholder.

The company's website retains Chris Hemsworth's image as founder and carries his endorsement.

Hemsworth, 39, and Pataky, 46, have posted a series of photos and video to Instagram over the last week showing their family partying aboard a boat off Spain. Both pictured

'As one of Hollywood's leading men, Chris is known for diverse roles that require serious physical transformations,' the website reads.

'He attributes much of his success to his team of world-class experts in fitness, nutrition and wellness. With Centr, his team is now your team.'

Hemsworth, 39, and Pataky, 46, have posted a series of photos and video to Instagram over the last week showing their family partying aboard a boat off Spain.

'A little fun in the sun in Spain,' Hemsworth wrote in the caption alongside photos of the pair dressed in swimwear on Tuesday.

The family earlier travelled to Ibiza after celebrating Hemsworth's father Craig's 68th birthday in Greece.

The Thor star also partied alongside his parents and friend Matt Damon last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.

Daily Mail has contacted Centr for comment.
Myleene Klass has sparked confusion by putting her engagement ring back on, just days after being seen without it.

The presenter, 47, had been pictured heading to work at Smooth FM earlier this week, with her black diamond noticeably absent from her ring finger.

But while arriving at Global Studios in the Capital just two days later, Myleene appeared to have reunited with the engagement ring, as she went braless in an eye-catching all-white look.

The former Hear'Say star has been engaged to PR guru Simon Motson for five years, and they share son Apollo, six.

Myleene hit headlines earlier this month when she publicly addressed ex-husband Graham Quinn's cheating scandal.

Graham, 47, started dating Myleene in 2001, having met when he worked as security guard for her pop group Hear'Say.

Myleene Klass has sparked confusion by putting her engagement ring back on for an outing on Saturday (left), just days after being seen without it (right on Thursday)

The couple went on to welcome daughters Ava, 17, and Hero, 14, and tied the knot in 2011 after a decade together - only to separate six months later.

Speaking on Paul Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, the mother-of-three, who is also a mother to son Apollo, five, said: 'I walked in on him with a famous person on my birthday on a balcony.'

Turning her thoughts towards the other woman, Myleene said: 'I've made peace with that situation now, but for a long time, it was very difficult to see their life.

'My life literally just broke apart very, very publicly and their life, they've managed to continue building a family brand on it. I have to take some accountability.

'Look, you know, first and foremost to my children. My children have asked enough questions and it's never been a case of laying out my stall now.

'It's got to be as and when. But here's the funny thing - school mums, people who just want to gossip, will go to your children before anybody else.'

According to the TV presenter, the pair tried to claim that it wasn't what it looked like and she continued: 'I'm in my house, it's my party. They weren't having sex, but they were unzipping each other.

'It's not what you think'. But I'm like, 'It is what I think'.

The presenter had been pictured heading to work at Smooth FM earlier this week, with her black diamond noticeably absent from her ring finger

But while arriving at Global Studios in the capital just two days later, Myleene appeared to have reunited with the sparkling ring, as she went braless in an eye-catching all-white look

The former Hear'Say star has been engaged to PR guru Simon Motson for five years, and they share son Apollo, six

'It's the first thing they both said. I kicked everyone out of the party, including his mum and dad. They went back to Ireland and his dad said: 'He doesn't get it from me'.

'I remember thinking that was quite a weird thing to say,' she told the love expert. Graham tried to blame the affair on being drunk.

Myleene admitted the whole ordeal was a 'pretty big red flag' but still went through with their wedding in October 2011.

Myleene is also said to be at loggerheads with TV personalities Frankie Bridge and Rochelle Humes - both former clients of her bodyguard ex-husband.

The trio all used to hang out together, with Loose Women hosts Myleene and Frankie attending Rochelle's hen do in 2012.

According to new claims, ITV have been forced to step in to help smooth things in the decade-long feud, which is just now coming to light.

Yet the following year, Myleene is said to have believed she was being 'blanked' by Frankie and confronted her at the 2013 Glamour Women of the Year awards - which is when the pair requested not to work together.

Meanwhile Myleene's feud with Rochelle is said to have been sparked after The Saturdays star recently shared a picture of herself on holiday in Ibiza with husband Marvin and Myleene's ex-husband Graham Quinn.

Graham used to work as JLS' tour manager and earlier this month Myleene accused him of cheating on her with an unknown star.

According to insiders close to the situation, Rochelle sharing the photo on Instagram the same week she made the revelation was 'game over' for Myleene.

It's the latest twist as it's been reported that there has been an underlying conflict between Myleene, Rochelle and Frankie, who all work at ITV.

Myleene hit headlines earlier this month when she publicly addressed ex-husband Graham Quinn's cheating scandal

Frankie's representatives have told Daily Mail that there is 'absolutely no feud' between the pair, while those close to Rochelle insist there is 'no feud'.

Myleene's representative declined to comment on the situation when the Daily Mail previously reached out for comment.

Frankie posted a cryptic social media post on Monday that was captioned: 'You're so quiet Thanks, you said something five years ago and I've just realised you're actually dead to me.'

The TikTok video showed Frankie sipping on a glass of wine and was set to the music of Avril Lavigne's What The Hell.

Frankie then added below: 'Takes me a while, but once you're dead you're dead.'

She didn't specify who or what incident she was talking about in the post.
Natalie Cassidy appeared to be in the shape of her life while showcasing her slender frame during a lavish family holiday to Crete on Sunday.

The actress, 41, best known for her role as the trumpet playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her latest trip.

Natalie looked incredible as she sunbathed in a green and cream two piece bikini during the idyllic summer break.

In another snap, the actress can be seen enjoying some personal time in the pool with her fiance, cameraman Marc Humphreys.

She appeared to be in top spirits during her sunny trip as she shared a smiley selfie while wearing a pair of tinted sunglasses and a white beach dress.

Natalie appeared smitten in her post as she lovingly gazed at Marc while they enjoyed an Aperol Spritz.

Natalie Cassidy appeared to be in the shape of her life while showcasing her slender frame during a lavish family holiday to Crete on Sunday

The actress best known for her role as the trumpet playing Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her latest trip

Alongside her album, she penned: ' Crete. 10 days of pure family time. UNO, clear seas, gorgeous people and beautiful food.

'I love you all so much and feel so blessed. NOT AN AD AT ALL NO DISCOUNTS NO NOTHING but thank you to @_oliverstravels_ as the villa and everything about this break were fabulous. Would recommend them for a trip.'

Natalie has recently bagged herself a brand new job at Virgin Radio, ahead of her long-awaited exit from EastEnders after three decades.

She has starred as Sonia Fowler on the popular BBC One soap for 32 years, first appearing in 1993 when she was just 10 years old.

However, she announced she would be bidding goodbye to Albert Square for good in January after returning last year for the 40th anniversary, with her final scenes set to air on the show on Thursday's episode.

But it seems she's already made huge strides with her post-EastEnders career, taking to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal she's taking to the airwaves with her own Easter show.

Speaking from the Virgin Radio studios, Natalie told fans that she would be hosting a special one-off show on Easter Monday from 1pm until 4pm.

She already has won many fans with her foray into the podcast world with Off The Telly, which she hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page.

In one snap, Natalie can be seen enjoying some personal time in the pool with her fiance, cameraman Marc Humphreys

Natalie appeared smitten in her post as she lovingly gazed at Marc while they enjoyed an Aperol Spritz

Natalie has recently bagged herself a brand new job at Virgin Radio, ahead of her long-awaited exit from EastEnders after three decade

Natalie has starred as Sonia Fowler on the popular BBC One soap for 32 years, first appearing in 1993 when she was just 10 years old (pictured on show last week)

It seems she's already made huge strides with her post-EastEnders career, taking to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal she's taking to the airwaves with her own Easter show on Virgin

Ahead of the show, the soap star explained that she was trying to 'branch out' this year and be 'brave', as she gushed she was 'honoured' to get the opportunity.

Natalie said: 'Im very excited. This year Im trying to branch out and do brave things, and this is one of them.

'I feel very honoured to have been given a chance on Virgin Radio. Im a very big fan of the station and music in general.

'So to actually come in and do my own show feels very daunting, but theres a first time for everything.'

She added: 'I would love to play Oasis for my first show, just a track, because I love them to pieces. Amy Winehouse is always a good one as well. Valerie, its a karaoke family classic.'

While Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting said: 'Its an honour to welcome national treasure Natalie Cassidy to Virgin Radio for this special show  and Im delighted shes such a big fan of the station.'

The exciting news comes just one day before EastEnders viewers will have to say farewell to Sonia, with her exit from Walford being shown in the next episode.

It will see her father Terry Cant (Glen Davies), return to the Square to invite her and her newborn daughter Julia to go live with him in Bali.

She already has won many fans with her foray into the podcast world with Off The Telly, which she hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page (pictured)

The exciting news comes just one day before EastEnders viewers will have to say farewell to Sonia, with her exit from Walford being shown in the next episode (seen with Patsy Palmer)

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 and remained on the show until 2007, but made returns in 2010 and again last year.

It's not the first time she has branched out beyond Albert Square in her career, previously using her breaks from the show to star in theatre productions of The Vagina Monologues and Bedroom Farce.

She also released a fitness DVD Natalie Cassidy's Then and Now Workout in 2007 and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.

After announcing her departure, she admitted she was 'extremely sad' about the decision to move on and that she would 'never forget' the show.

In a statement given to The Sun, she said: 'I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new.

'EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show.

'Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary  it's an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten.'

However, she admitted in March that the door has not been permanently closed for Sonia, with the writers allowing the possibility of her making a return.

Natalie first joined EastEnders in 1993 at just 10 years old (pictured in 1999) and remained on the show until 2007, but made returns in 2010 and again last year

During an appearance on Saturday Kitchen, Natalie confirmed she had not been written out permanently, adding: 'I'm very, very grateful that the door's been left open. You never know. But it's nice to rest characters as well.'

Reflecting on her long association with the soap, she said: 'Sonia's been around since 1993. People have grown up with her. It's nice to have a rest.'

Referencing her previous eight-year break from the show, she quipped: 'Who knows, maybe another eight years now'.

She also spoke about life in the public eye, saying fame was never something she actively pursued, but has become her normal after landing the role of Sonia at 10.

Natalie said: 'I've never known any different. Can't remember really not being recognised or being chatted to  it just sort of is what it is'
One of the UK's most beloved radio stations has been axed after 21 years, with one of its hosts revealing he 'didn't even get to say goodbye' to listeners.

Time 107.5FM, which began operating in 2004 and broadcast to the east London and west Essex area, ceased broadcasting earlier this month after being taken over Nation Broadcasting, and has since been rebranded as Nation Radio London.

It's thought that the new station will not have the same focus on the Havering area where Time was based, with plans for its replacement to appeal to a wider audience across London.

The news came as a shock to both listeners and its presenting team, with Neil Andrews, who hosted the breakfast show for 18 years, learning his show had been axed after he'd presented his final show.

Speaking to The Romford Recorder, Neil revealed he was robbed of a farewell to his listeners, with the station 'abruptly' halting broadcast just hours after he finished hosting his show.

He told the publication: 'Nobody had any idea it was happening.

Beloved radio station Time 107.5FM has been axed after 21 years, with one of its hosts revealing he 'didn't even get to say goodbye' to his listeners

'I finished my breakfast show at 10am on August 1, came off air and was told that was it  it's over and the programmes were coming to an end at 2pm that afternoon. It was as abrupt as that.

'What hurt me more than anything else was that I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye. I've worked in radio for almost 30 years and I know everything comes to an end.'

'But it would have been nice to have said goodbye to the loyal listeners who rung us up on a daily basis.'

Neil added that all of Time's presenting team were freelancers, and so were never direct staff of the station's former owners Lyca Media II Ltd.

He claimed that the station was 'shockingly run' by the company before the takeover by Nation Broadcasting.

Since the axe, many of Time's presenting team have joined forces to launch a new independant radio station, All Hit Radio.

The rebrand sparked concern from both Time fans, and Romford-based MP Andrew Rosindell, who has written to Ofcom to express his concerns that local content has been 'significantly reduced' since the takeover.

He said: 'Its locally produced content and community-focused broadcasting has been an essential part of its public value for many years.

The station ceased broadcasting earlier this month before being rebranded as Nation Radio London, sparking concern it will no longer appeal to the same local area

'The station now primarily broadcasts networked content from other Nation broadcasting outlets.'

Lyca chief executive Raj Badhan previously said: 'Whilst we continue investing in our south Asian radio stations, our time as owners of 107.5 is ending.

'We wish the station's employees and clients well as it becomes part of the Nation Broadcasting Group.'

Nation Broadcasting were previously asked if local programming would remain after the takeover but they did not answer.

Its founder Jason Bryant said: 'London is an increasingly important market for Nation and holds significant growth potential.

'The ability to launch Nation Radio on FM to a large part of the capital alongside DAB, presents an attractive opportunity to increase the reach of the station and to market our wider range of services, including the Nation Player app, to London.'

Daily Mail has contacted Nation Broadcasting and Lyca Media II Ltd for comment.
VLADIVOSTOK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to launch its Venera-D interplanetary mission to revisit Venus before 2036, and preparations are already underway, local media reported on Sunday.

The mission is now part of the country's new national space program, and the preliminary design work on the mission will begin in January 2026, coinciding with the start of the national space project, Oleg Korablev, head of the Department of Planetary Physics at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

The draft design phase is expected to take two years and preparations have commenced in collaboration with the Lavochkin Association, a Russian space industry enterprise, including multiple coordination meetings to streamline progress, said Korablev.

The scientist noted that the mission's launch date will be determined after the design stage is complete. "But it will definitely take place within the current planning period, no later than 2036," he said.

The Venera-D mission is planned to include a lander, a balloon probe, and an orbital spacecraft. Earlier this year, IKI's scientific director and academician Lev Zeleny said the launch is unlikely before 2034 or 2035. 
Jenna Ortega is heading back home after a whirlwind trip Down Under.

The American actress jetted out of Sydney on Sunday, and she dressed casually for the long flight after donning an array of Gothic ensembles during her visit.

The 22-year-old showed off her trim pins in a pair of denim short shorts, while staying warm in a black leather coat from Gimaguas.

Jenna added a chunky pair of black, leather biker boots from Dior and carried a Hammitt handbag.

The natural beauty appeared to have on minimal makeup and shielded her eyes with a pair of oval sunglasses.

The actress appeared to be busy taking a call while speaking into the microphone on her wired headphones.

Jenna Ortega (pictured) is heading back home after a whirlwind trip Down Under

The American actress jetted out of Sydney on Sunday

She dressed casually for the long flight after donning an array of Gothic ensembles during her visit

The casually chic ensemble was much more subdued than the elaborate, edgy looks Jenna donned during her promotional tour in Australia last week.

While in Sydney, Jenna and the cast of the Netflix hit series Wednesday dropped a major spoiler for the upcoming part two of the second season.

Jenna was joined by her co-star Emma Myers for the event, held on Sydney's Cockatoo Island.

Also on hand was Hollywood director Tim Burton, who also serves as executive producer for the cult series.

But the heart-stopping moment came when Gwendoline Christie emerged from behind a moon backdrop.

Gwendoline announced to the shocked crowd that her villain character, Nevermore Academy headmistress Larissa Weems, would be back from the dead in the second part of season two.

'Did you really think Nevermore would let me go so easily! I was never gone. You just stopped looking,' Gwendoline told the audience while in character.

Meanwhile, Jenna wowed onlookers in a daring ensemble which featured a hairy black and white overcoat, a matching shirt, and lace-up high boots.

The 22-year-old showed off her trim pins in a pair of denim short shorts

She stayed warm in a black leather coat from Gimaguas

Jenna added a chunky pair of black, leather biker boots from Dior and carried a Hammitt handbag

The natural beauty appeared to have on minimal makeup

She shielded her eyes with a pair of oval sunglasses

Sporting her signature 'Goth' look for the event, held on Cockatoo Island, Jenna wore her long dark locks out in a 'messy' chic style.

'It's such an honour,' Jenna said about the role, which has brought her global attention.

'Oftentimes, you don't get to revisit your character, so to be able to do it with someone like Wednesday. I feel very, very lucky.'

During the promotional event, Burton, 66, revealed how closely he identified with the character of Wednesday, who has her origins in The Addams Family cartoons from the 1930s.

'I love the character,' the director of Beetlejuice and Ed Wood said.

'I agree with everything she says, everything she feels about family, school, psychiatry and society, so that's why we're here in this beautiful place. It's something I really identify with.'

Also at the launch were Wednesday's creators and showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.

Wednesday dropped on Netflix with four episodes on August 6, while part II of the series will premiere on September 3.

The actress appeared to be busy taking a call while speaking into the microphone on her wired headphones

While in Sydney, Jenna and the cast of the Netflix hit series Wednesday dropped a major spoiler for the upcoming part two of the second season

The first four episodes of Wednesday's second season debuted to critical acclaim at the beginning of the month

The show, a spin-off from hit comic series The Addams Family, made headlines in 2022 after its first season nabbed the number one most popular English-language TV title ever on Netflix , according to Variety

Jenna was earlier living up to her Gothic character as she went for a quick wade at Bondi Beach on Wednesday.

The star, who flew into Sydney this week, stopped by the iconic seaside location on Wednesday and couldn't resist a dip.

Dropping by in between promotional duties for the hit Netflix series, Jenna was clad head-to-toe in black leather - but that didn't stop her from experiencing the ocean.

Jenna slipped off her boots but kept her long, leather trench coat and her sunglasses on as she took advantage of the sunny weather and soaked her feet.

The first four episodes of Wednesday's second season debuted to critical acclaim at the beginning of the month.

The show, a spin-off from hit comic series The Addams Family, made headlines in 2022 after its first season nabbed the number one most popular English-language TV title ever on Netflix, according to Variety.
A 70's film legend and Golden Globe nominee looks unrecognisable.

The actor is known for his depiction of Jesus in an iconic 70s film which was produced as an adaption of a series of rock gigs.

The role was so well performed that he was nominated for two Golden Globes - one for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy and one for Most Promising Newcomer.

The rockstar started out as a drummer and soon turned into a rockstar and then award nominated actor.

Known for his dream thick blonde bob and goatie, this actor looks very different with his thinner locks, oval glasses and bushy mustache.

But can you guess who it is?

A 70's film legend and Golden Globe nominee looks unrecognisable. The actor is known for his depiction of Jesus in a 70s film. But can you guess who it is?

That's right, it is Ted Neeley. Sharing a clip to Instagram, Ted looked worlds away from his heyday self as he posted a clip to Instagram to share he latest tour dates

That's right, it is Jesus Christ Superstar actor Ted Neeley.

Sharing a clip to Instagram, Ted looked worlds away from his heyday self as he posted a clip to Instagram to share he latest tour dates.

Alongside the video he penned: CHICAGO!!! Im returning One Last Time to Woodridge, IL at the @hollywoodblvdcinema to introduce Jesus Christ Superstar on the big screen!!

'3 dates, Sept 26 & 27 at 7pm and Sunday, Sept 28 for a 3pm Matinee!! VIP reception & General Admission reserved seats now on sale at my home page at: tedneeley.com'

Ted was born on 20 September 1943 in Ranger, Texas, USA and has been married to Leeyan Granger since 1 May 1981. They have two children.

The performer and his group, The Teddy Neeley Five, recorded an album titled Teddy Neeley.

They played the club circuit for years, and their name (on a marquee) appeared in the pilot episode of Dragnet 1967.

Unfortunately for Ted when he was nominated for his Golden Globes, he was pipped to the Best Actor gong by George Segal, who won for his turn in A Touch of Class.

Ted was born on 20 September 1943 in Ranger, Texas, USA and has been married to Leeyan Granger since 1 May 1981. They have two children

And he also lost out in the Best Newcomer category as that taken home by American Graffiti actor Paul Le Mat.

While Ted may have gone home empty handed on the night, his star-making turn had a big impact on fans.

Ted has reprised his role from the musical many times over the years, and has launched his own highly successful touring company in the 1990s.

More recently, Ted also embarked on a tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film.

This involved a screening of the biblical- based musical followed by a meet-and-greet sessions with him afterwards.

He also had a small role in the Quentin Tarantino movie Django Unchained.
A Richard Madeley lookalike competition baffled Stockport locals this weekend - and the winner of the contest was very unexpected indeed.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 69, might not have been too pleased that it was won by a dog - Larry the pug.

Just 16 people officially entered the competition which was organised by a 'Mrs Jones' with around 200 in attendance at Stockport's Alexandra Park on Sunday to watch proceedings.

Larry the pug proudly wore a wig as he posed for his winning pictures with his family including nine-year-old Molly Glover and her mother Louise.

Finalists also included locals Arthur Hassall, Paul Lockitt and Kate Trevor who all posed for a picture together at the end of the afternoon.

Earlier this month mystery engulfed the local area as mystery flyers advertising the competition popped up.

A Richard Madeley lookalike competition baffled Stockport locals this weekend - and the winner of the contest was very unexpected indeed

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 69, might not have been too pleased that it was won by a dog - Larry the pug (seen with owner Molly Glover, nine)

Social media speculation began after they appeared as it was revealed there would be prizes on offer for the top three lookalikes

Nicci Owen, who owns a coffee shop in the park, said the flyers were 'dotted across notice boards' but then mysteriously disappeared.

She told BBC Radio Manchester: 'No one saw who put them up but, obviously as soon as anyone saw it they were just so excited. But, is it real?'

In May, it was claimed Richard reportedly faced the axe from Good Morning Britain amid ITV's 'bloodbath' as the channel makes sweeping cuts to its daytime programming.

The broadcaster, who is reportedly paid a whopping 300K a year, was said to be left furious but managed to negotiate a new part time contract with bosses, which would see his hours and pay significant cut.

Meanwhile, according to the The Sun, Lorraine Kelly, 65, whose own show has been cut down to 30 minutes, was 'asked to retire' but she declined, opting instead to see out her reported 500K contact before leaving ITV for good at the end of next year.

A source told the publication: 'This one has really rocked the ITV corridors because Richard is such a big name and a legend of daytime telly.

'On Wednesday, word started to spread he'd been axed. But, by Friday, it became apparent Richard had a meeting with the network's most senior bosses and he's now being kept on in a more part-time role.

The finalists with their prizes (L to R) Arthur Hassall, Paul Lockitt, Molly Glover and Pug Larry and Kate Trevor

Larry the pug proudly wore a wig as he posed for his winning pictures with his family including nine-year-old Molly Glover and her mother Louise

Molly proudly posed with Larry the pug who won the competition

Nicci Owen, who owns a coffee shop in the park, said the flyers were 'dotted across notice boards' but then mysteriously disappeared (Richard seen on GMB)

Earlier this month mystery engulfed the local area as mystery flyers advertising the competition popped up

Social media speculation began after flyers appeared as it was revealed there would be prizes on offer for the top three lookalike

Contestants line up at the start of the posing and voting

Contestant Paul Lockitt does his best Richard pose

contestant does their Richard pose watched on by other contestants

Just 16 people officially entered the competition which was organised by a 'Mrs Jones'

'He's got himself back on the show - but his hours are significantly cut.'

It comes as in recent months Richard has been suffering from a painful injury and sporting a wrist strap.

Richard opened up about his ailment during an appearance on GMB recently as he revealed he fell over on holiday.

As Susanna Reid pointed out his wrist guard and remarked it looked 'sore', Richard explained: 'It is a double fracture of the wrist. I was walking quite quickly down a steep pavement, in France actually.'

Richard continued: 'It was loose and it flipped up. It flipped me forward and I thought... 'Am I going to win or is gravity going to win?'

'Gravity won. I hit the ground hard. I've got a double fracture. We'll see how it goes.'

Susanna asked: 'Is it sore at the moment?'

Around 200 people were in attendance at Stockport's Alexandra Park on Sunday to watch proceedings

Contestants Louise Westall & Steve Perrin

One posed with a Tesco bag with one of his quotes on it

The signs were set up early in the morning

In 1994, Richard was arrested for shoplifting a bottle of champagne from a Tesco store in Greater Manchester

The pink bag referred to the incident

A contestant with her Richard pose watched on by other hopefuls

Crowds and press gathered to watch

An early entrant registers with organiser 'Mrs Jones' and receives a wristband

She handed out wristbands for the contestants

Contestant Paul Lockitt was an early favourite and posed with his wristband

The event drew huge crowds

Winner Larry the pug and owner Molly Glover with her mum Louise

Many of the contestants gave interviews to the press

Contestants pose up before the event

To which Richard replied: 'I'm not discussing the pain threshold. We don't think about pain.'

This wasn't the end of Richard's health woes as he then suffered through another show days later with a sore threat.

Opening the show, Susanna quipped: 'I'm a bit concerned we might lose you through the programme...'

A croaky-voiced Richard pointed at his throat and asked: 'This thing? I think it'll get stronger throughout the programme. That's my prediction.'
One of MasterChef's most successful winners has hit out at BBC bosses for axing star John Torode, after he was sacked over allegations he used a racist slur.

Thomasina Miers was crowned the winner of the first series of the show to be hosted by John and Gregg Wallace back in 2005, and is now the owner of restaurant chain Wahaca.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Thomasina said she 'didn't get' the decision to axe John from the show, after the complaint was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour.

She said: 'I cannot believe that John got hung out to dry like that. Twenty years of his life of dedicated service. John is like the least racist person I've ever met  I just don't get it.'

Thomasina did not feel compelled to comment on Gregg's sacking by BBC bosses, but noted that 'smutty' kitchen jokes have been been commonplace for her.

She added: 'I have a really smutty sense of humour so God knows what the BBC would make of some of the banter we have. I don't think they'd approve but we have a lot of fun in the kitchens.

One of MasterChef's most successful winners has hit out at BBC bosses for axing star John Torode , after he was sacked over allegations he used a racist slur

Thomasina Miers (seen far right) was crowned the winner of the first series of the show to be hosted by John and Gregg Wallace back in 2005

'Obviously you can't be making other people feel uncomfortable, but equally I think you have to have fun and be able to have a joke The kitchen is notoriously full of innuendo and double meanings.'

John was reportedly singing the rapper's hit Gold Digger when he was allegedly 'caught using the racist term during after work drinks six or seven years ago'.

But, BBC News has since reported this was not the incident which led to the complaint upheld by the report.

This instead related to another incident a year earlier, when he allegedly used the same word on set after filming an episode of MasterChef and it was directed at a member of staff.

The news site added that the upheld allegation of racist language was one of nine complaints made against Torode in the report, which also related to allegations of abusive language towards junior production staff and sexual language, and which were not upheld.

These allegations were not upheld as they were unsubstantiated due to a lack of evidence or witnesses.

The Sun claims Torode used the word again whilst chatting to a friend on the MasterChef production team, who didn't take offence.

The Australian-born chef has insisted 'he had absolutely no recollection' of using a racist term while drinking with colleagues seven years ago.

Thomasina said she 'didn't get' the decision to axe John from the show, after the complaint was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour

The person who raised the complaint is understood to have 'overheard the conversation'.

The production pal allegedly backed Torode and said he only used the racial slur as an 'example' and 'apologised afterwards'.

A witness told investigators he had apologised immediately, 'was mortified' and 'didn't use the term as a slur' in 2018.

The BBC said earlier this month that Torode's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term'.

The corporation has refused to say what the racist term was - as has Torode, who has claimed he did 'not believe that it happened'.

But it was then described as the 'worst racial slur there is' by Richard Osman, who added of the investigation: 'They found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with - that that was true'.

Torode said after his sacking, in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay  I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of.'

The complaint against Torode was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg Wallace's inappropriate behaviour.

Wallace, 60, was sacked after dozens of complaints against him were upheld.

Torode identified himself as an unnamed person in the report who was accused of using 'racist language'.

ITV have continued to host the disgraced presenter on his show he shares with his wife, Lisa; John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen.

The BBC have since gone ahead with broadcasting the amateur series of MasterChef filmed last year, before allegations against Gregg and John were upheld, though their screentime has been reduced to a minimum.

The BBC also said it had not yet taken a decision on the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, filmed with Torode and food critic Grace Dent.
Binky Felstead flaunted her washboard abs in a bikini as she enjoyed a lavish trip to France with partner Max Darnton.

The former Made in Chelsea star, 35, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a glimpse of her sizzling holiday style.

She looked incredible in the blue two-piece as she danced under the sun while travelling around the the country in a yacht.

Binky and Max, who have been married since 2021, looked happier than ever as they were joined by friends for their luxurious trip.

In one snap, the former TV personality could be seen dancing in a little black dress while waving the England flag.

Alongside her album of snaps, Binky penned: 'A day of salt water therapy & a lot of fun with a glorious crew'

Binky Felstead flaunted her washboard abs in a bikini as she enjoyed a lavish trip to France with partner Max Darnton

The former Made in Chelsea star, 35, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a glimpse of her sizzling holiday style

The trip comes after Binky opened up about a post-birth health issue which left her 'freaking out' and convinced she would lose her teeth.

She was diagnosed with gum disease recently, which was beginning to destroy her bones and needed urgent attention.

Binky is a proud mother-of-three and last gave birth in 2023 to a son named Wilder, who is now one.

Following her diagnosis, Binky decided to share her story online with her Instagram followers, to spread awareness with other mums.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I was really worried about it and I actually only learnt through social media. By the way, hundreds of messages I got from other parents, other women, saying they've got the same.

'I think the old wives tale is that you lose a tooth per child. I don't know, I'm freaking out, I'm not going to have a tooth in ten years.'

She added that there's 'lots of not so glamorous things' that happen after giving birth and having children.

Binky said she has started having to do her greys, admitting that 'the good outweighs the bad'.

She looked incredible in the blue two-piece as she danced under the sun while travelling around the the country in a yacht

In one snap, the former TV personality could be seen dancing in a little black dress while waving the England flag

The trip comes after Binky opened up about a post-birth health issue which left her 'freaking out' and convinced she would lose her teeth (pictured with her two of her three children and husband)

She said it's 'important' to have these conversations on social media to normalise it, and that the fact it is common made her feel a lot better about it.

Eight years after leaving MIC, Binky says she is 'kind of getting her MOJO back'.

Binky is super relatable online with her fans, and always keeps it real.

In recent weeks, she made a 'revolting' confession that she hasn't washed her make-up brush in 10 years during a mother-daughter makeover clip.

India can be seen unleashing her creative spark as she layered on the bronzer and lined her mother's lips with a pencil.

In the clip Binky confessed: 'Do you know your godfather, Ollie Locke? This was his makeup brush from about ten years ago and I have never washed it since. How revolting is that and I still use it?'

India appeared unphased by the revelation and continued to layer on the bronzer until the TV personality persuaded her to stop.

Motherhood is a vital part of Binky's life now and along with husband Max she appears to have the perfect fairytale family.

She started dating her husband Max Fin January 2019 after they met at Soho Farmhouse and the couple later married in September 2021.
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill has revealed that he once considered leaving the United States following the election of former President Donald Trump.

The 73-year-old actor, best known for playing Luke Skywalker, told The Times that he briefly weighed a move overseas, narrowing his options to two English-speaking European countries: England or Ireland.

He even left the final decision up to his wife, Marilou York.

'She's very clever,' Hamill said. 'She didn't respond right away but a week later she said, 'I'm surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country.' That son of a b*tch, I thought. I'm not leaving.'

Hamill credits York with changing his perspective and ultimately keeping him in the U.S. Despite his frustrations with the political climate, the Life of Chuck star says he remains optimistic.

Star Wars icon Mark Hamill said he considered leaving the US after the election of President Donald Trump in November 2024

'I still believe there are more honest, decent people than there are the MAGA crowd,' Hamill explained. 'If I didn't, I'd move back to England.'

The BAFTA winner remains as outspoken about politics, but has abandoned Facebook and Twitter for the social media platform BlueSky.

'The bullying, the incompetence, the people in place,' he said.

'The only way I can deal with it without going crazy and wanting to open my veins in a warm tub is to look at it like a thick, sprawling political novel, The Book of Boba Fett actor explained.

'It's entertaining in a way because this could actually be the end. Our status in the world has been crippled and that will reverberate for decades. Making Canada a 51st state? Do you know how offensive that is? And then taking over Greenland and renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The distractions are hilarious.'

Hamill is not the the only celebrity to consider relocating to another country in the wake of the 2024 election.

Angelina Jolie, 50, is reportedly looking to make the move, according to Page Six.

The outlet claimed she was prepping the six bedroom/10 bathroom estate once owned by famed director Cecil B. DeMille for sale.

The Oscar winner told British Vogue in 2021 she choose the sprawling two acre property for her and her kids because 'I wanted it to be close to their dad, who is only five minutes away,' referring to her ex-husband Brad Pitt.

The actor, 73, said he intended to move to either Ireland or England and wanted his wife to choose which she liked best

'She didn't respond right away but a week later she said, 'I'm surprised you would allow him to force you out of your own country.'' he said of the conversation with wife Marilou York. 'That son of a b*tch, I thought. I'm not leaving'; Pictured in Los Angeles in November 2024

A source told People the Maria star plans to relocate as soon as her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18 in July 2026.

'She's eyeing several locations abroad. She'll be very happy when she's able to leave Los Angeles,' they contended.

Rosie O'Donnell, 63, has moved to Ireland with her youngest child who is non-binary and has autism.

Angelina Jolie, 50, is reportedly getting her house ready for sale so she can move out of the US when her youngest children turn 18 in July 2026, according to Page Six; Pictured in Cannes in May

Rosie O'Donnell, 63, has moved to Ireland with her youngest child who is non-binary and has autism; Pictured in London in July

Ellen DeGeneres, 67, and her wife Portia de Rossi, 52, have moved to England permanently and are concerned the US might reverse the rights of gay couples to marry

'It was something I needed to do for myself and for my child, and for my own sanity,' she told People.

Ellen DeGeneres, 67, and her wife Portia de Rossi, 52, have moved to England permanently.

The couple are concerned about efforts to reverse the rights of same-sex couples to marry. 'Portia and I are already looking into it, and if they do that, we're going to get married here,' according to the BBC.

CNN has reported a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship in the first quarter of 2025. However who want to leave have found it's not feasible due to work and financial constraints.
Kristen Bell said her husband, Dax Shepard, couldn't get enough of her on-screen kiss with Adam Brody  and even celebrated it with his friends.

While speaking at the inaugural Televerse event in Los Angeles on Friday, the actress, 45, revealed that her spouse, 50, was on an off-roading trip when Netflix dropped season one of her hit series Nobody Wants This.

Even miles away, he still found a way to show his support by sending her a voice memo.

Over background music from the scene  and 'screaming' of 'Oh my god!'  Bell said she got to hear Shepard and his buddies cheering as her character, Joanne, finally locked lips with Noah (Brody).

Looking back on it, the mom-of-two said his excitement 'says a lot' about how invested he was in the fictional couple's romance.

In the scene, Noah and Joanne are talking on the street when he tells her to put down her ice cream and bag so he can kiss her.

Kristen Bell said her husband, Dax Shepard, couldn't get enough of her on-screen kiss with Adam Brody; seen on Friday

Both Brody and Bell revealed that the script described it as 'the world's greatest kiss,' which only raised the stakes and their nerves.

Bell joked that the scene came with 'max pressure' and that she and Brody were determined to do it justice.

'In the [first kiss] moment, it is meant to give the audience the passion of these two people and their comfort together, because comfort can be incredibly passionate,' Bell explained. 'It's a deep, beautiful emotion, and we don't associate it with kissing very much.'

After each take, she recalls running over to Foster and asking: 'Was it cute? Was it hot? Did you like it?'

When asked why she scripted it as 'the world's greatest kiss' without any further instructions, Foster admitted that she gets self conscious writing 'sexy moments' and using 'romance novel lingo.'

'I don't know how to say, he sweeps his hands in her hair and she locks eyes... that just weirds me out!' she confessed. 'I think that was more laziness on my part. But there was definitely some strategy behind the kiss.'

She went on to say that the kiss was designed to anchor the story.

'I think that sometimes as women, there's sort of a universal language that we all know with each other. We have a responsibility when we're creating something that we are telling the narrative of romance to young women,' she told the audience. 'And a lot of it is, have you know their habits that you sort of don't want to emulate, and the idea of showing women a healthy relationship.'

While speaking at the inaugural Televerse event in Los Angeles on Friday, the actress, 45, revealed that her spouse, 50, was on an off-roading trip when Netflix dropped season one of her hit series Nobody Wants This

Even miles away, he still found a way to show his support by sending her a voice memo, which recorded him 'screaming' with joy for her character (pictured with Shepard)

Bell's show explores the unconventional love story of Bell's character - a sex podcaster named Joanne - unexpectedly falling for a charming rabbi named Noah

She continued: 'Sometimes as a woman, we want men to talk to us like we're a little delicate and strong, and to support us.'

As the series prepares to return for season two, she explained that Joanne and Noah's relationship will move into more mature territory, facing questions about family and cohabitation.

'Joanne and Noah are now at a place in their relationship for season two where they're asking each other different questions,' Foster shared. 'Everyone's been in the first couple months of a relationship, and everyone's past the threshold where you ask if you and your partner are going to dinner with each other's families or if you are going to cohabitate with one another. There's all of these teeny, tiny things that link you closer to someone else.'

Jackie Tohn, who plays Esther  married to Noah's older brother Sasha (Timothy Simons)  also teased that her character is realizing she wants to embrace joy like Joanne and Noah instead of creating 'self-imposed bad times.'

The show, created by Foster, follows Joanne, an agnostic podcast host, and Noah, an unconventional rabbi, as they navigate love and faith.

Their first kiss, which went viral, resonated with viewers for blending passion and comfort  a balance Bell and Foster both say is at the heart of the series.

Nobody Wants This returns for season two on October 23, 2025.
Glee star Dianna Agron says she still feels close to her late co-stars.

The actress, 39, who starred as Quinn Fabray on the hit show from 2009-2015 made rare comments about her castmates during an appearance on the And Thats What You REALLY Missed podcast on Wednesday.

'Its hard to think of our loved ones from the show not being present with us anymore because they feel so present in my heart, body, mind, soul, all of it,' she told host and former co-star Jenna Ushkowitz.

'I think that tenderness I feel and the memories that I have [of] who Cory, Naya and Mark were as people, as cast members, as our friends and family [are] just so vivid.'

'That will never dissipate for me, ever,' she asserted. 'I think theres beauty in that. I could replay memory after memory after memory.'

Cory Monteith, who starred as series hunk Finn Hudson, died of an accidental drug overdose at age 31 in July 2013.

Glee star Dianna Agron, 39, says she still feels close to her late co-stars; Pictured in New York City in February

Mark Salling who played Noah 'Puck' Puckerman in the show, died by suicide at age 35 in 2018 while awaiting sentencing for possessing child sex abuse images.

Naya Rivera lost her life in a drowning incident in Lake Piru, CA, after saving her young son Josey. She was 33.

Speaking of Monteith, she called the 6'1" star a 'teddy bear. I mean that in a way of his kindness and groundedness in himself was so perfect,' she recalled. 'He was this tall, big brotherly presence in all of our lives.'

'[Cory} just felt so safe and equally excited about what he was getting to experience with his character.

'His character had a leadership position in the show, as well, and there was not an ungenerous bone in his body.'

'I remember this one time that he was having people swim in his backyard,,' she said, sharing a sweet story about the Canadian actor.

'My brother had come down and [Cory] said, "Oh, youre squinting a lot. Do you not have a pair of sunglasses?" He was like, "Oh, no, I dont," and [Cory] took him into his room. Hes, like, "These are all my sunglasses. Just take a pair."  Thats who he was always. It was so amazing to have.'

Agron and pal Darren Criss, who played Blaine Anderson on Glee, recently reconciled with former co-star Lea Michele, who has been labeled as a 'bully' by many of her former castmates.

Agron starred as Quinn Fabray on the hit show from 2009-2015

Cory Monteith died from an accidental drug overdose in 2013 at age 31. ''He was this tall, big brotherly presence in all of our lives' she said on Wednesday's episode of the And Thats What You REALLY Missed podcast

'His character had a leadership position in the show, as well, and there was not an ungenerous bone in his body,' she said of the actor who played Finn Hudson; Pictured with Lea Michele, 39 in West Hollywood, CA in January 2010

Mark Salling who played Noah 'Puck' Puckerman in the show, died by suicide at age 35 in 2018 while awaiting sentencing for possessing child sex abuse images

Naya Rivera lost her life in a drowning incident in Lake Piru, CA, after saving her young son Josey. She was 33; Pictured in Los Angeles in February 2011

'I think that tenderness I feel and the memories that I have [of] who Cory, Naya and Mark were as people, as cast members, as our friends and family [are] just so vivid,' she said

Agron and pal Darren Criss, recently reunited backstage at Criss' Maybe Happy Ending with former co-star Lea Michele, who has been labeled as a 'bully' by many of her former castmates

Criss, 38, won a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Maybe Happy Ending. He was the first Asian-American actor to do so; Pictured in New York City in June

Michele, 38, posted a photo of the three of them in her Instagram Stories in April, after seeing Criss, 38, perform in Maybe Happy Ending.

'Night out with my beautiful friend from high school to see our former classmate perform on Broadway,' she captioned the snap in April.

Criss won the Tony award as Best Actor in a Musical, making him the first Asian-American actor to receive that honor. He earned another Tony as a producer for the Best Musical winner.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Tasha Ghouri set pulses racing on Sunday as she shared a series of racy bikini pics from her 'Italian summer'.

The Love Island alumni - who has just turned 27 - spent last week partying in Barcelona for her birthday, as she welcomed in her next chapter after quitting Channel 4's Celeb SAS.

It was filmed last year but aired on screens in recent weeks, with stars such as presenter Chloe Burrows and dancer Louis Spence also dropping out.

After catching a flight from Spain to Italy, Tasha has been enjoying the sunshine following a few days of celebrations.

She was glowing in her latest Instagram post as she showed off her natural tan in her swimwear.

The reality star went make-up free for the photos, embracing her natural features as she let her hair down.

Tasha Ghouri set pulses racing on Sunday as she shared a series of racy bikini pics from her birthday celebrations in Spain

The dancer was glowing in her latest Instagram post as she showed off her natural tan in her swimwear

She had a large glass of Whispering Angel wine in her hand as she posed for some stunning selfies, which included gorgeous scenery from the idyllic getaway in what appeared to be dreamy Sorrento.

Other snaps showed Tasha tucking into a bowl of mouth-watering pasta, as well as views of the city.

Her holiday seemed to be a mixture of relaxation, yummy food and plenty of wine.

Tasha has recently been at the centre of headlines after Daily Mail revealed that her new boyfriend Cam was in a long-term relationship just weeks before going public with the Strictly star.

The TV personality celebrated her birthday on Monday after a turbulent year - from splitting from ex Andrew Le Page - to dating new man Cam.

She appeared to have a fun trip surrounded by her nearest and dearest, confirming she flew home on Tuesday with an Instagram snap from the plane.

On Instagram, alongside a series of stunning photos, Tasha reflected on the ups and downs, writing: 'Goodbye 26.. dancing my way into 27!!

'Feeling incredibly grateful for everything this past year has brought, the growth, the love, the lessons and special moments! 26 was good to me, here's to 27 and everything this next chapter holds!! Have a feeling it's going to be magical. So much love to all of you, my friends & family who have been by my side through it all, going into this year with a full heart.'

Other snaps showed Tasha tucking into a bowl of mouth-watering pasta, as well as views of the city

Her holiday seemed to be a mixture of relaxation, yummy food and plenty of wine

The TV personality celebrated her birthday on Monday after a turbulent year - from splitting from ex Andrew Le Page - to dating new man Cam

After catching a flight from Spain to Italy, Tasha has been enjoying the sunshine following a few days of celebrations

Her YouTuber boyfriend Cam stars in CBBC series One Zoo Three and BBC show OZT Goes Wild alongside his brothers Ty and Aaron.

His family run Hertfordshire Zoo and he is the managing director of a non-profit charity, The Big Cat Sanctuary, which rescues wild cats and protects species at risk of extinction.

Cam was previously dating stunning wildlife photographer Felicity Sutton, 34, for a year and together they shared a love of animals, with pals convinced at the time that 'nothing' could break the pair up.

A source told The Sun: 'It came as a surprise to everyone to see Cam with Tasha. He was so loved up with Felicity before'.

'This time last year, he was with Felicity on his birthday, and it really looked like nothing would break them, but a year on, he's in Tuscany with Tasha for his big day. Everyone is bemused.

'Felicity doesn't have any hard feelings towards him as such, and she will always cherish their time together, it's just a lot to see your ex in the limelight suddenly.'

Meanwhile Tasha's ex, Andrew Le Page, launched into an explosive rant about her being on a dating app during their relationship.

Andrew claimed on that Tasha was using the celebrity dating app Raya while still in a relationship with him and insisted he wanted to speak out after she had appeared on 'one too many podcasts' to speak about him.

She shared photos of food and wine on her social media

The reality star went make-up free for the photos, embracing her natural features as she let her hair down

Daily Mail revealed that her new boyfriend Cam Whitnall was in a long-term relationship just weeks before going public with the Strictly star

Soon after, they released a shock joint statement.

In the statement shared with Daily Mail, the former couple who met on Love Island in 2022, came together to address 'hurtful comments' in a move that took place after Andrew accused Tasha of not being able to 'keep his name out of her mouth'.

The exes quickly put Andrew's rant aside and came together to address the 'noise' around their relationship as Tasha admitted to 'making mistakes' during their romance.

Both parties expressed their wish to 'move on' from the relationship after suffering 'judgement and cruelty' from online trolls.
They met on the set of Friends three decades ago, but Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox are proving their bond has never been stronger.

The duo delighted fans on Sunday after sharing a sweet selfie together on Instagram, instantly sparking comments about how alike they look.

In the image, Aniston, 56, wore a sleeveless black top and her signature golden-blonde locks, while Cox, 61, kept it casual in a button-down shirt, with her dark waves framing her face.

The pair leaned in close to the camera with matching soft, demure closed-lip smiles  their striking blue eyes only adding to the uncanny sister-like resemblance.

'We look so cute next to each other so do they,' the pair captioned the joint post, which quickly drew thousands of likes.

That playful caption wasn't just about their own resemblance.

Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox shared a sweet selfie together on Instagram, instantly sparking comments about how alike they look

The second photo in the carousel displayed their respective business ventures  Aniston's LolaVie haircare line and Cox's Homecourt lifestyle collection  side by side, echoing their own enduring friendship.

Fans couldn't get enough, flooding the comments with both nostalgia and admiration. 'MONICA & RACHEL,' one user wrote.

Another commented: ''On screen best friends to in real life best friends, is something so beautiful. look at you two!!!'

Even actress Michelle Monaghan joined in, calling them 'This duo' with heart emojis as fans declared they were 'glowing.'

The lookalike moment comes as no surprise to their devoted fanbase.

The actresses have been inseparable since Friends catapulted them to global stardom in the 1990s.

Over the years, they've supported each other through marriages, milestones and Hollywood's ups and downs.

In 2021, Aniston launched her own haircare line, LolaVie, taking inspiration from her own nickname, Lola, which her friends affectionately gave her when she first moved to California.

The second photo in the carousel displayed their respective business ventures  Aniston's LolaVie haircare line and Cox's Homecourt lifestyle collection  side by side, echoing their own enduring friendship

The nickname was inspired by her love of the song Whatever Lola Wants.

Aniston was inspired to work on haircare brand LolaVie after she collaborated with the wildly popular label Living Proof, which she co-founded in 2012, before parting ways when it was sold to Unilever in 2016.

Last month, the star launched her brand's newest product, which could help her fans perfect her iconic Rachel chop from her Friends heyday.

While Aniston previously admitted she 'was not a fan' of the iconic Rachel chop, telling Allure in 2011 she thought it was the 'ugliest hair cut she had ever seen,' it quickly caught on with fans who were desperate to recreate the layers and bouncy blowout at home.

Cox launched her popular range of luxury home care products, Homecourt, in 2022.

Her company was inspired by her love for interior design and organization.

The the longtime pals met in 1994 on the set of their hit NBC sitcom, Friends; the pair seen with their costar Lisa Kudrow

Earlier this month, Aniston told People that most of their conversations are unrelated to their businesses

The products range from hand wash and hand cream to room deodorant, dish soap and surface cleaner.

Earlier this month, Aniston told People that most of their conversations are unrelated to their businesses.

'We usually talk interior design,' she told the publication. 'It kind of bores people to tears when we get into a room together. But it's what we love. It's our love language.'

She continued: 'It kind of bores people to tears when we get into a room together. But it's what we love. It's our love language.'

The the longtime pals met in 1994 on the set of their hit NBC sitcom, Friends.
Participants pose for a group photo during the 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, Aug. 17, 2025. The 45th Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government opened in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Sunday, with regional leaders urging stronger industrial capacity and modernized agriculture to drive integration. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

ANTANANARIVO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The 45th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government opened in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on Sunday, with regional leaders urging stronger industrial capacity and modernized agriculture to drive integration.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi noted that agriculture contributes 33 percent of the region's gross domestic product and provides income for 62 percent of its population, yet nearly 60 million people remain food insecure in 2024.

"This challenge highlights the urgency of transforming agriculture to ensure food security and stimulate growth," Magosi said, while emphasising the region's potential in renewable energies, particularly solar and wind power.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, who assumed the rotating SADC chairmanship from Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, called the summit "historic," marking Madagascar's first time hosting since joining the bloc 20 years ago.

Pledging to "carry the torch with fervour and determination" for the entire regional community, Rajoelina stressed the need to accelerate industrialisation and expand intra-regional trade.

The Madagascan president also called for member states to show unity and boldness in defending their commercial interests globally. "I am committed to strengthening political and economic cohesion so that the SADC speaks with one voice, particularly when dealing with the major powers, in defending our commercial interests," he said.

Held under the theme "Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC," the summit centres on accelerating regional integration through strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernizing agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition. 
IKEA has voluntarily recalled thousands of garlic presses after discovering small metal pieces could detach.

Around 43,830 IKEA 365+ VARDEFULL garlic presses were recalled on July 31 due to the malfunction, which poses a laceration or ingestion hazard.

The products were sold in stores and online in the US and Canada between March 2024 and May 2025 for about $8.

They each have a black rubber handle and a zinc-coated garlic chamber. All the affected products have the IKEA logo on the upper part of the handle.

IKEA has received 10 incident reports, including three reports of lacerations and finger splinters. As of now, no injuries or deaths have been reported in the US.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises the product owners to stop using them and return them to IKEA immediately.

All shoppers with the affected products will receive a full refund and are not required to provide proof of purchase.

Customers who cannot return the item to stores can contact IKEA for instructions on how to dispose of them and be refunded.

Around 43,830 IKEA 365+ VARDEFULL garlic presses were recalled on July 31

All recalled pressers have the IKEA logo on the upper part of the handle

Kitchen utensils, toys and summer essentials have been a prime focus of recalls this season  including KidKraft Farm to Table play kitchens.

Backyard Kids urgently recalled 192,000 play kitchens last month after the death of a 23-month-old child who became entangled on one of its parts.

The company found that metal hooks meant to hold toy pots and pans can snag a child's clothing  posing a serious strangulation hazard.

Over 300,000 kitchen step stools were also recalled on July 31 after a malfunction resulted in at least 34 injury reports.

More than 3.6 million hoses sold at retailers including Amazon, Target and Walmart were also recalled last month.

The recall came after Winston Products received 222 reports of HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses bursting, causing 29 injuries  including bruises, two sprained bones and five cases of temporary hearing loss.

Automobiles have also been a concern after thousands of vehicles were recalled over the past few months.

Ford broke the record for the number of recalls this year after initiating its 89th recall in July. Others include 13,719 Nissan Frontiers and 62,468 GM vehicles.
Ethos Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 684.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 24,671 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 21,526 shares during the period. Ethos Financial Group LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $1,460,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MO. GQG Partners LLC raised its holdings in Altria Group by 8,146.4% in the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 18,698,594 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,122,290,000 after acquiring an additional 18,471,846 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in Altria Group in the first quarter valued at $219,141,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Altria Group by 5.8% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 63,288,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,798,592,000 after acquiring an additional 3,483,487 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Altria Group by 40.0% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,961,220 shares of the companys stock valued at $717,913,000 after acquiring an additional 3,415,237 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its holdings in Altria Group by 111.3% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 5,558,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $333,606,000 after acquiring an additional 2,928,006 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have weighed in on MO shares. UBS Group upgraded shares of Altria Group from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the company from $47.00 to $59.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 2nd. Needham & Company LLC upgraded shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $63.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $59.13.

Altria Group Stock Performance

Altria Group stock opened at $65.82 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $60.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $110.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.73, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $48.86 and a one year high of $66.29.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.44 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $5.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.21 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 37.24% and a negative return on equity of 295.26%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.31 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year.

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Cresset Asset Management LLC decreased its position in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 1.7% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 44,310 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 778 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $11,056,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITW. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. von Borstel & Associates Inc. bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Park Square Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter worth $35,000. Olde Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter valued at $49,000. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 167.1% in the 1st quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 211 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. 79.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Illinois Tool Works Stock Down 1.5%

Illinois Tool Works stock opened at $258.43 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $75.33 billion, a PE ratio of 22.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.58 and a beta of 1.09. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $214.66 and a twelve month high of $279.13. The company has a 50 day moving average of $253.84 and a 200-day moving average of $250.10. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40.

Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend

Illinois Tool Works ( NYSE:ITW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.56 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.01 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 90.89% and a net margin of 21.31%. Illinois Tool Workss quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.54 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th will be given a $1.61 dividend. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. This is an increase from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 30th. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 56.44%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on ITW shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $255.00 to $261.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $240.00 to $243.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $239.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Finally, Truist Financial downgraded shares of Illinois Tool Works from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $283.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Illinois Tool Works presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $259.33.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Illinois Tool Works news, Director David Byron Smith, Jr. purchased 872 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $241.16 per share, with a total value of $210,291.52. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 122,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,634,705.44. This represents a 0.71% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

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Ethos Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison Inc (NYSE:ED  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 15,648 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $1,731,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of ED. Deutsche Bank AG increased its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 130.6% during the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 3,926,814 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $434,266,000 after buying an additional 2,223,959 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 106.9% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,790,876 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $308,643,000 after purchasing an additional 1,441,785 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of Consolidated Edison in the first quarter worth $146,073,000. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 15,937.5% in the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,022,073 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $113,031,000 after purchasing an additional 1,015,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Consolidated Edison by 1.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 43,117,094 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,768,319,000 after purchasing an additional 661,432 shares during the last quarter. 66.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently weighed in on ED. KeyCorp reissued an overweight rating on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Bank of America reissued an underperform rating and issued a $101.00 price objective (down previously from $112.00) on shares of Consolidated Edison in a research note on Friday. Guggenheim boosted their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $96.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $93.00 to $92.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $107.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $105.82.

Consolidated Edison Stock Performance

Shares of ED opened at $100.86 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 0.24. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $101.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $103.54. Consolidated Edison Inc has a 12 month low of $87.28 and a 12 month high of $114.87.

Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.66 by $0.01. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 11.98% and a return on equity of 8.56%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.39 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.59 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Consolidated Edison Inc will post 5.62 EPS for the current year.

Consolidated Edison Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.85 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 13th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio is currently 61.71%.

Consolidated Edison Profile

(Free Report)

Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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Cambiar Investors LLC lessened its position in shares of Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT  Free Report) by 0.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 649,070 shares of the medical technology companys stock after selling 5,729 shares during the quarter. Medtronic accounts for 2.5% of Cambiar Investors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Cambiar Investors LLC owned approximately 0.05% of Medtronic worth $58,325,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its stake in Medtronic by 10.1% during the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 251,680 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $22,616,000 after purchasing an additional 23,120 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its stake in Medtronic by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 10,838,702 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $973,966,000 after purchasing an additional 163,536 shares during the last quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in Medtronic by 10.7% during the 1st quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. now owns 212,597 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $19,104,000 after purchasing an additional 20,466 shares during the last quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 2.9% in the first quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 8,114 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $729,000 after buying an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ethic Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Medtronic by 35.4% in the first quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 139,693 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $12,361,000 after buying an additional 36,520 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.06% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Leerink Partnrs upgraded Medtronic to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 16th. William Blair upgraded Medtronic to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Wolfe Research upgraded Medtronic from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Monday, June 30th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $107.00 target price (up previously from $98.00) on shares of Medtronic in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Leerink Partners assumed coverage on Medtronic in a research note on Monday, June 16th. They issued an outperform rating and a $110.00 target price on the stock. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $98.19.

Medtronic Stock Performance

Shares of MDT stock opened at $92.98 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $119.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.80. The businesss 50 day moving average is $89.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $87.98. The company has a current ratio of 1.85, a quick ratio of 1.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Medtronic PLC has a 12-month low of $79.29 and a 12-month high of $96.25.

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 21st. The medical technology company reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.04. Medtronic had a return on equity of 14.54% and a net margin of 13.90%. The business had revenue of $8.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.81 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.46 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Medtronic PLC will post 5.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Medtronic Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 26th will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 26th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Medtronics dividend payout ratio is presently 78.45%.

Medtronic Company Profile

(Free Report)

Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software.

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Shares of NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Buy from the seven analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company.

NXE has been the subject of a number of research reports. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of NexGen Energy in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Desjardins began coverage on shares of NexGen Energy in a research report on Tuesday, June 10th. They set a buy rating for the company.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NexGen Energy

Hedge Funds Weigh In On NexGen Energy

NexGen Energy Stock Up 0.6%

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its stake in shares of NexGen Energy by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 35,018,623 shares of the companys stock worth $230,828,000 after purchasing an additional 501,952 shares during the period. L1 Capital Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in NexGen Energy by 11.8% in the 1st quarter. L1 Capital Pty Ltd now owns 30,644,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,372,000 after purchasing an additional 3,226,055 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in NexGen Energy by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 20,956,792 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,928,000 after purchasing an additional 520,279 shares in the last quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in NexGen Energy by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 17,045,672 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,535,000 after purchasing an additional 1,299,255 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC lifted its holdings in NexGen Energy by 18.0% in the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 9,219,454 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,918,000 after purchasing an additional 1,407,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.43% of the companys stock.

NexGen Energy stock opened at $6.82 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $3.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -27.28 and a beta of 1.45. The firms fifty day moving average is $6.82 and its 200 day moving average is $5.87. NexGen Energy has a 52-week low of $3.91 and a 52-week high of $8.96.

NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 5th. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by ($0.08). On average, equities research analysts anticipate that NexGen Energy will post -0.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About NexGen Energy

(Get Free Report)

NexGen Energy Ltd., an exploration and development stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation and development of uranium properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Rook I project that consists of 32 contiguous mineral claims totaling an area of 35,065 hectares located in the southwestern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan.

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Foyston Gordon & Payne Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 9.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 197,331 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,400 shares during the period. Philip Morris International comprises approximately 7.7% of Foyston Gordon & Payne Incs holdings, making the stock its largest holding. Foyston Gordon & Payne Incs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $31,322,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 0.9% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 140,621,675 shares of the companys stock worth $22,320,878,000 after buying an additional 1,189,283 shares during the period. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 122,584,210 shares of the companys stock worth $14,752,926,000 after acquiring an additional 4,216,586 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 11.0% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 13,630,177 shares of the companys stock worth $1,640,392,000 after acquiring an additional 1,347,503 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,712,994,000. Finally, Fayez Sarofim & Co lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 7.1% in the 4th quarter. Fayez Sarofim & Co now owns 10,313,383 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,241,216,000 after purchasing an additional 685,431 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group upped their price target on Philip Morris International from $170.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Citigroup restated an overweight rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price target (up from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $186.27.

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PM opened at $166.19 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $174.84 and its 200-day moving average price is $164.79. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $116.12 and a 52-week high of $186.69. The company has a market cap of $258.69 billion, a PE ratio of 31.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.48.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 22nd. The company reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.03% and a negative return on equity of 120.86%. The company had revenue of $10.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.33 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.59 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Friday, June 27th were given a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 102.66%.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Seven Mile Advisory bought a new position in Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 2,413 shares of the transportation companys stock, valued at approximately $223,000.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CPA. Ethic Inc. boosted its position in shares of Copa by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 57,715 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $5,266,000 after acquiring an additional 403 shares during the last quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Copa by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC now owns 120,510 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $11,142,000 after acquiring an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Copa by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,184,278 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $109,501,000 after acquiring an additional 99,955 shares during the last quarter. Fox Run Management L.L.C. bought a new stake in shares of Copa during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,476,000. Finally, FCA Corp TX bought a new stake in shares of Copa during the 1st quarter valued at about $277,000. Institutional investors own 70.09% of the companys stock.

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Copa Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CPA opened at $117.27 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.62, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. Copa Holdings, S.A. has a 1-year low of $82.54 and a 1-year high of $121.63. The stocks 50-day moving average is $109.75 and its 200 day moving average is $100.17.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Copa ( NYSE:CPA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The transportation company reported $3.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.25 by $0.36. The company had revenue of $842.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $833.12 million. Copa had a return on equity of 26.22% and a net margin of 18.36%. Copas revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.88 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Copa Holdings, S.A. will post 15.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

CPA has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Copa in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $145.00 price target (up previously from $125.00) on shares of Copa in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating on shares of Copa in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Copa from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, June 14th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on Copa from $144.00 to $147.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Copa has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $159.40.

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Copa Company Profile

(Free Report)

Copa Holdings, SA, through its subsidiaries, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company offers approximately 375 daily scheduled flights to 82 destinations in 32 countries in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean from its Panama City hub. As of December 31, 2023, it operated a fleet of 106 aircraft comprising 76 Boeing 737-Next Generation aircraft, 29 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, and one Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D decreased its position in MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI  Free Report) by 10.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 25,711 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,940 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in MSCI were worth $14,540,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of MSCI by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,008,778 shares of the technology companys stock worth $570,464,000 after purchasing an additional 19,846 shares during the last quarter. Ethic Inc. grew its holdings in shares of MSCI by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 7,541 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,278,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of MSCI by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 270,795 shares of the technology companys stock worth $153,113,000 after purchasing an additional 3,746 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of MSCI by 11.2% in the 1st quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 1,357 shares of the technology companys stock worth $767,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of MSCI by 14.1% in the 1st quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC now owns 1,456 shares of the technology companys stock worth $824,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.97% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MSCI shares. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of MSCI from $655.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of MSCI from $578.00 to $533.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of MSCI from $673.00 to $631.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Oppenheimer reissued a market perform rating on shares of MSCI in a report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of MSCI from $650.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $654.73.

MSCI Trading Down 1.6%

MSCI stock opened at $556.92 on Friday. MSCI Inc has a 1 year low of $486.73 and a 1 year high of $642.45. The company has a market cap of $43.09 billion, a PE ratio of 36.88, a PEG ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 1.29. The companys 50-day moving average is $561.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $560.97.

MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The technology company reported $4.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.12 by $0.05. MSCI had a net margin of 39.46% and a negative return on equity of 143.13%. The company had revenue of $772.68 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $763.06 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.64 EPS. The companys revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current year.

MSCI Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 29th. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.68%.

Insider Buying and Selling at MSCI

In other news, CEO Henry A. Fernandez purchased 84 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 25th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $548.69 per share, for a total transaction of $46,089.96. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,279,951 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $702,296,314.19. The trade was a 0.01% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 12,400 shares of company stock valued at $6,731,599. Company insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock.

MSCI Company Profile

(Free Report)

MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct.

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Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 0.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 72,468 shares of the credit services providers stock after purchasing an additional 606 shares during the quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $39,721,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MA. Knuff & Co LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Knuff & Co LLC now owns 2,137 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,171,000 after acquiring an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Bowie Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Mastercard by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Bowie Capital Management LLC now owns 181,883 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $99,694,000 after buying an additional 2,380 shares during the period. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV grew its position in Mastercard by 641.9% in the 1st quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 3,027 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,659,000 after acquiring an additional 2,619 shares during the last quarter. Redmond Asset Management LLC grew its position in Mastercard by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Redmond Asset Management LLC now owns 6,606 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,621,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ethic Inc. grew its position in Mastercard by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 90,844 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $49,829,000 after acquiring an additional 4,810 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Mastercard Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:MA opened at $582.06 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $563.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $554.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $526.19 billion, a PE ratio of 39.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 1.03. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1 year low of $461.90 and a 1 year high of $594.71.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The credit services provider reported $4.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.05 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $8.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.95 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%. The businesss revenue was up 16.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.50 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 9th were paid a dividend of $0.76 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 9th. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. Mastercards payout ratio is 20.50%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Mastercard news, insider Linda Pistecchia Kirkpatrick sold 959 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction on Friday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $572.86, for a total value of $549,372.74. Following the sale, the insider owned 25,540 shares in the company, valued at $14,630,844.40. The trade was a 3.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Julius Genachowski sold 312 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $570.67, for a total value of $178,049.04. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 8,469 shares in the company, valued at $4,833,004.23. This represents a 3.55% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 38,453 shares of company stock worth $20,178,667. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on MA. Citigroup upped their target price on Mastercard from $650.00 to $652.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 5th. Seaport Res Ptn upgraded Mastercard from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Macquarie decreased their price objective on Mastercard from $645.00 to $610.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Finally, KeyCorp upped their price objective on Mastercard from $635.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-five have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $617.93.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on MA

Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions.

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People work at the Chinese-invested Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, Aug.15, 2025. DISCO, a subsidiary of China's Tsingshan Holding Group, commenced construction of the steel plant in Midlands Province in 2022 and aims to make Zimbabwe a major regional player in steel production.(Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)

HARARE, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere has said the Chinese-invested Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) has boosted the country's industrialization efforts.

Speaking during a media tour on Friday, Muswere hailed the project as one of the success stories under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, noting that it reflects Zimbabwe's quest to attain industrial sovereignty.

"For many decades, Zimbabwe has been importing steel worth billions of dollars, but with the coming on board of Dinson, the country is now benefiting from import substitution," Muswere said.

He said the steel plant, which was granted a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) certificate, as well as the developer and operator permits by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency last week, will enhance mineral beneficiation and value addition, thereby boosting employment creation and contributing to Zimbabwe's economic growth.

Xu Kemin, chief executive officer of Dinson Group, said the SEZ status will help unlock Zimbabwe's industrialization potential and contribute to the country's economic growth.

"We will be available to host new investment into the industrial park, especially in the zone. We believe that the zone is going to be the most successful, most vibrant zone in the country," Xu said, adding that the steel plant will be the anchor project in the industrial zone where upstream and downstream businesses are welcome to invest.

DISCO, a subsidiary of China's Tsingshan Holding Group, commenced construction of the steel plant in Midlands Province in 2022 and aims to make Zimbabwe a major regional player in steel production. 

People work at the Chinese-invested Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe, Aug.15, 2025. DISCO, a subsidiary of China's Tsingshan Holding Group, commenced construction of the steel plant in Midlands Province in 2022 and aims to make Zimbabwe a major regional player in steel production.(Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG  Free Report) by 4.2% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,894 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 437 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in MGIC Investment were worth $270,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in MTG. LSV Asset Management boosted its stake in MGIC Investment by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 10,888,437 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $269,815,000 after purchasing an additional 310,095 shares in the last quarter. EagleClaw Capital Managment LLC boosted its stake in MGIC Investment by 15.8% during the 1st quarter. EagleClaw Capital Managment LLC now owns 66,950 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,659,000 after purchasing an additional 9,150 shares in the last quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in MGIC Investment during the 1st quarter valued at $4,065,000. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 5.3% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 10,797 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 548 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foster & Motley Inc. grew its holdings in shares of MGIC Investment by 12.3% in the 1st quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. now owns 264,836 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $6,563,000 after acquiring an additional 29,001 shares during the last quarter. 95.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, COO Salvatore A. Miosi sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.22, for a total transaction of $786,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 249,401 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,539,294.22. This trade represents a 10.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Timothy J. Mattke sold 139,203 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.54, for a total value of $3,694,447.62. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,100,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $29,220,380.76. This represents a 11.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 189,203 shares of company stock worth $5,010,848. Corporate insiders own 1.05% of the companys stock.

MGIC Investment Stock Performance

Shares of MGIC Investment stock opened at $27.52 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $6.34 billion, a PE ratio of 9.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.90. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $26.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.43. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. MGIC Investment Corporation has a 12 month low of $21.94 and a 12 month high of $28.67.

MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The insurance provider reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.12. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 14.73% and a net margin of 62.58%. The business had revenue of $304.25 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $306.25 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.77 earnings per share. MGIC Investments quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that MGIC Investment Corporation will post 2.71 EPS for the current fiscal year.

MGIC Investment declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Thursday, April 24th that authorizes the company to buyback $750.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the insurance provider to repurchase up to 12.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

MGIC Investment Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, August 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This is a positive change from MGIC Investments previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 7th. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio is 19.67%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Compass Point reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $28.00 target price (up from $27.00) on shares of MGIC Investment in a report on Friday, May 23rd. Barclays boosted their price objective on MGIC Investment from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on shares of MGIC Investment from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, July 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $26.67.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MTG

About MGIC Investment

(Free Report)

MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG  Free Report).

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BERLIN, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington on Monday, joining Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, the German government announced on Sunday.

According to a statement, the visit is for an "exchange of information" with Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the U.S. state of Alaska on Friday.

After the Alaska summit, Zelensky announced that he will meet Trump in Washington on Monday.

Merz is expected to discuss the current state of peace efforts, the statement said, adding that security guarantees, territorial issues, and continued support for Ukraine will be addressed. 
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its price objective increased by equities research analysts at National Bankshares from C$98.00 to C$99.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. National Bankshares price target points to a potential downside of 3.27% from the companys current price.

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Several other brokerages have also commented on TD. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$101.00 price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$103.00 to C$117.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$91.00 to C$95.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Desjardins upgraded shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from C$97.00 to C$107.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, CIBC upped their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$99.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$95.31.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance

Insider Transactions at Toronto-Dominion Bank

Shares of TD opened at C$102.35 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of C$179.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.28, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.82. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of C$73.22 and a 1 year high of C$103.11. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$100.15 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$91.22.

In other news, Senior Officer Paul Martyn Clark sold 16,936 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$94.87, for a total transaction of C$1,606,718.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 260 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$24,666.20. The trade was a 98.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, Senior Officer Melanie Burns sold 6,272 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$97.46, for a total value of C$611,269.12. Insiders sold a total of 81,612 shares of company stock worth $7,748,610 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

About Toronto-Dominion Bank

(Get Free Report)

Toronto-Dominion is one of Canadas two largest banks and operates three business segments: Canadian retail banking, U.S. retail banking, and wholesale banking. The banks U.S. operations span from Maine to Florida, with a strong presence in the Northeast. It also has a 13% ownership stake in Charles Schwab.

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Advanced Care, a local care company, providing innovative bespoke care packages to clients in the northwest, celebrated the opening of their new offices at Elagh business park last week.

The official opening was attended by the new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, Deputy Mayor Niree McMorris, local MLAs and the special guest, the Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.

Advanced was founded by local man Niall Smyth, who, having 30 years experience in nursing, set up the business in 2012 and has watched it grow and go from strength to strength, providing specialist care to a range of clients across the province and creating employment for almost 300 people.

Niall explained that the bespoke service that he has set up and managed in Derry has been the most rewarding aspect of his 40-year career to date. He says, As a passionate Derry man, I am delighted that we have a service in the city that is unmatched across the province.

Minister Nesbitt in his speech to the guests at the opening complimented the company not only on its growth, but on its approach to real personal-centred care.

Niall explained what makes Advanced unique, Whilst we are a fully regulated care company, we can also provide a broader service delivering health care tasks alongside social care activities. Were guided by our clients and the needs of their families.

They tell us what they want, and we do our best to deliver. We have done the shopping, fed the dog, gone for walks, danced in the kitchens, reminisced, watched old movies and we have listened to Daniel ODonnell a lot!

When asked to summarise the key values of the business, Niall said with characteristic modesty, We like to keep it simple. It is about the clients and putting their needs first.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with Mayor Ruairi McHugh meeting staff and service users.

 It is about our staff who are highly experienced and suitably qualified, and it is about providing value for money services for our partners.

Niall is quick to acknowledge the contribution made by the staff over the years whose dedication and commitment has been inspirational.

Given the continuing expansion, Advanced are now recruiting additional staff across a number of roles including Care workers, Support workers and other Health Care Professionals.

The company will be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to join this exciting local company. Niall says, The most important values that we look for are people who are kind, compassionate, empathetic and positive we can teach you the rest.

When asked about plans for the future, Niall says We are planning continued expansion across the island of Ireland.

Niall Smyth, managing director, Advanced Care Services.

To ensure that we preserve the professional quality of our services and, most importantly the personal touch, we have strengthened our management team recently and taken on board a new partner, a local business family who also have a deep tradition in healthcare.

We are extremely grateful to our clients, our staff and our partners that have enabled us to thrive. We are a company run by health care professionals with a focus on the personal touch.

We are looking forward to growing the business, creating more employment and providing first class care to those who need it.

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU ... OUR STAFF

In house staff promotion and career development opportunities  three senior managers started their careers as care/support workers

Over 80 staff have completed QCF Qualifications, many received their awards at the Guildhall yesterday

Staff can avail of over 80 training modules via our online portal

Staff love the longer calls as it allows them to build relationships with their clients, and it allows them to really get to know their clients not just their needs

Staff know there is 24/7 support - they all have a direct line to management when required

OUR CLIENTS

No Rushing  we dont do 15/30-minute calls

Our clients are not part of a run  all calls are stand-alone time specific calls

We try to allocate our clients set teams of carers so that staff and clients can develop meaningful relationships

Our clients really are central to everything we do. We dont tell them what times their calls will be, we ask them what times they want and 95% of the time we can deliver

Most importantly we dont just complete the basic care calls, we combine health care tasks with household and social care requirements and create real person centered care plans.

INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT A CARE PACKAGE FOR A LOVED ONE? Contact niall.smyth@advancedcareni.com or ring 71 253 140.

INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR ADVANCED? Advanced are holding a 2 day recruitment fair in the City Hotel (9am-5pm) on Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20.

To apply or for further details email careers@advancedcareni.com or Tel: (028) 71 253 140.
The bravery of a submariner from west Belfast awarded the Victoria Cross was marked at a special event in the city to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

Leading Seaman James Magennis was awarded the prestigious military honour for valour for his actions on July 31, 1945, when he exited his midget submarine in Singapore harbour to attach mines to the hull of a Japanese cruiser vessel, the Takao.

A memorial to him stands in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

It was the scene of a poignant wreath-laying ceremony on Friday to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan Day.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly placed the wreath at the foot of the memorial, before the Last Post was played by bugler Louise Bell from the First Old Boys Silver Band.

Those in attendance bowed their heads for a two-minute silence.

The wreath-laying came after a reflective event inside City Hall that included historical discussions about the conflict in the Far East and music from the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra.

One of those gathered at the memorial on Friday was Norman Leslie, 84, from Bangor, Co Down.

Mr Leslie, who served as a submariner in the Royal Navy during the Cold War, said he felt it was important to honour the memory of James Magennis.

He said the event acted as a timely reminder to younger generations.

To me it was just to let all the young ones know that there was stuff happening that probably their father or grandfather did during the war, and to let them know what was happening, because some maybe just dont know anything whatsoever about what happened, he said.

Ms Kelly said it was a special occasion.

It is important to keep on doing these things because its something we should never forget, and especially the younger generation today, hopefully they will never go through what people in those days went through, she said.

But its important to have a service of reflection, a service of remembrance.

And to me, its something that if you have people who are going to fight in a war, who are going to sacrifice and lose their life, and we dont know where some of those bodies went, theres no graves for quite a few people, to remember that and reflect on that, especially for the younger generation today, is very, very important.
Union flags and poppy wreaths were among items burned on a blazing bonfire in Londonderry on Friday.

Earlier, Northern Irelands First Minister said there was no place for the burning of flags or emblems in the region.

Michelle ONeill said the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland want a better future for their children and grandchildren, free from sectarianism and hate.

Her comments, on social media, came ahead of the burning of the two bonfires in the Bogside and Creggan areas of Derry.

There is no place for illegal, unregulated bonfires or the burning of flags, whether thats today in Derry or what we witnessed in July. pic.twitter.com/M7pBf4ZhOh  Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) August 15, 2025

The towering pyres were adorned with Union flags, Israel flags, poppy wreaths and other emblems.

At the Meenan Square bonfire in the Bogside, organisers also placed a Parachute Regiment flag, as well as flags with the images of the King and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Crowds began to gather as Friday evening progressed, ahead of the expected ignition at about 11pm.

Bonfires are traditionally lit in some nationalist areas of Derry in August, historically associated with the anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles and other significant events.

It follows the lighting of hundreds of bonfires during festivities in loyalist areas of Northern Ireland in July, which also saw the burning of flags, symbols and effigies.

Ms ONeill, who is the leader of Sinn Fein in Northern Irelands Executive, said: There is no place for illegal, unregulated bonfires or the burning of flags and emblems, whether thats today in Derry or what we witnessed across the North in July.

She added: Derry is a city undergoing significant transformation, with the largest investment in its history agreed, totalling 300m.

This investment will create new jobs, transform community facilities, build more homes, support local businesses and deliver the expansion of Magee University.

Derry is moving forward. Our island is moving forward.

Alliance Deputy Leader @EoinTennyson has condemned those who have placed poppy wreaths and flags on a bonfire in Derry-Londonderry, and has called for regulation to put an end to these hateful displays.https://t.co/djKrxV0hB0  Alliance Party (@allianceparty) August 15, 2025

And I will continue to do everything I can to keep us moving forward to a future where every person and every community can thrive free from sectarianism.

Those behind the bonfires were condemned by Alliance deputy leader Eoin Tennyson, who called for regulation to end these hateful displays.

He said: Each year, we witness a repeated cycle of sectarianism, hate, and bigotry during bonfire season.

The placing of flags and offensive materials on bonfires is utterly unacceptable. Those responsible only seek to intimidate and sow division in our communities.
A man has been taken to hospital after being beaten by several masked men armed with weapons inside his home.

Detectives are appealing for information following the assault in east Belfast in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The victim was treated in hospital for his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: At approximately 12.20am, it was reported that approximately eight masked men, armed with what is believed to have been bats and hammers, called to a property in Loopland Park.

The men forced their way inside and assaulted the resident, causing injuries to their head and body.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have noticed the men in the area to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 25 17/08/25.

They are also looking anyone with CCTV, doorbell camera or other footage that could assist the investigation.
The AI assistant market has exploded. Every few months, we hear about another breakthrough model that promises to revolutionize how we work, create, and solve problems. But as someone who likes to see how AI is evolving, I found myself facing a fundamental question: Which of these models actually delivers when it matters?

Rather than relying on abstract benchmarks or marketing claims, I decided to conduct my own comprehensive evaluation. I tested five of the most prominent large language models  Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT, Grok, and Perplexity  across five critical areas that reflect how most of us actually use AI in our daily lives. To maintain neutrality, I used the free basic versions of these  Claude Sonnet 4, Gemini 2.5 Flash, Grok on Auto mode, ChatGPT 5 and Perplexity using the free pro prompts.

I designed five tests that mirror real-world scenarios:

Mathematical and logical reasoning  Basic problem-solving capabilities Code generation and programming  Technical implementation skills Image generation  Visual content creation abilities Creative writing  Content creation and storytelling Real-time information retrieval  Live data access and processing

Each test was designed to reveal not just accuracy, but also depth of understanding, practical utility, and response quality that everyday users would experience.

Also read: Sam Altman vs Elon Musk: Quiet tech war reshaping our future

Mathematical and logical reasoning

For the first test, I presented a straightforward algebraic equation: 5.9 = x + 5.11

The results immediately separated the field:

Perfect Performance: Claude and Gemini both solved this correctly, showing solid mathematical reasoning capabilities. Their responses were quick and accurate, demonstrating reliable computational skills for basic mathematical operations.

Concerning Failures: ChatGPT, Grok, and Perplexity all provided incorrect answers to this elementary algebra problem. This was particularly surprising given that mathematical reasoning is considered a fundamental capability for AI systems. The failures here raised immediate concerns about reliability for even basic computational tasks that should be well within their capabilities.

Code generation and programming

I challenged each model to Build a tool that solves puzzles like Sudoku  a complex programming task that requires algorithmic thinking, code structure, and problem-solving logic.

The Clear Winner: ChatGPT excelled in this category, delivering functional code. The implementation was not only correct but also well-structured and efficiently written. More importantly, ChatGPT completed this task significantly faster than the competition.

Strong Second Place: Claude also produced quality code and the logic was sound and the approach was methodical, but the execution was slower compared to ChatGPT and had some minor implementation issues that prevented it from achieving full marks.

Also read: GPT-5 update: Altman explains three new changes to ChatGPT, after backlash

The Rest of the Field: Gemini, instead of doing the code, explained how the logic behind the code works but is useless if you are not already a coder. Grok wrote a code using python where it had a pre-written puzzle and showed the solved state with minimal helpful context or explanation. Most importantly, you could not input anything as a user and thus it didnt really do what was asked. Perplexity disappointed as it only gave me the logic and how to code that logic in python but that didnt fully address the rest of the site where I can input a puzzle into a 99 grid.

This test revealed ChatGPTs continued dominance in programming tasks, though Claude proved to be a capable alternative for users who prioritize code quality over speed.

Image generation capabilities

Heres where the field narrowed significantly. I requested a complex visual scene: Generate an image in 16:9 ratio of a young Indian woman purchasing vegetables in the evening on the streets of Delhi in the month of December. The streets are crowded with buyers, and the lady is bargaining with the vendor for 1 kg of apples.

Claude does not support image generation capabilities, automatically eliminating it from this category.

Image from Gemini

The visual champion: Gemini dominated this round, generating the image in just 17.6 seconds with exceptional quality (8.5/10). The output captured the winter atmosphere of Delhi perfectly, complete with appropriate lighting, fog effects, and authentic street scene details. The only minor flaw was that the bargaining aspect wasnt clearly depicted, as both figures appeared content rather than engaged in negotiation.

Solid Performers: Perplexity delivered good results (7.5/10) in 35.74 seconds, with accurate background elements, though it also struggled to convey the bargaining dynamic effectively. ChatGPT produced a decent image (6.5/10) in 1 minute 30 seconds, but several elements felt out of place  the lighting bulb was just there out of no where, faces appeared less natural than Geminis output, and while it attempted to show bargaining, the overall scene lacked authenticity.

The Struggle: Grok managed only 5/10 in 14.4 seconds. The image failed to convey winter conditions, featured unnatural-looking faces, and completely missed the bargaining element that was central to the prompt.

Image from Grok

Geminis superiority in image generation was clear, combining speed, quality, and scene comprehension in ways that set it apart from the competition.

Also read: Altman vs Musk battle turns funny with ChatGPT vs Grok fight: Whom to trust?

Creative writing and content creation

I assigned a challenging creative task: Write a script for a 5-minute film that needs to be made in 50 hours with the theme The missing piece.'

The Creative Master: Claude dominated this category with a score of 4.5/5. Its script included proper formatting, detailed character development, comprehensive production notes, location suggestions, and thematic depth. Claude understood both the creative requirements and the practical constraints of the 50-hour production timeline, providing actionable guidance for actual implementation.

Competent Competition: Gemini achieved 3/5 with a well-structured script that followed proper formatting conventions. While it lacked Claudes depth in character development and production insight, it delivered a workable foundation. Grok also scored 3/5, providing a concise script with adequate production notes, though with less creative flair.

Underwhelming Efforts: ChatGPT and Perplexity both scored 2/5. ChatGPTs script was notably shorter than required for a 5-minute film, lacking sufficient dialogue and exposition. Perplexitys effort was overly conversational and under-developed, with minimal production guidance that wouldnt be helpful for actual filmmakers.

This round clearly established Claude as the superior choice for creative writing tasks, offering not just content creation but strategic thinking about implementation and production realities.

Real-time information and data retrieval

The final test focused on practical utility: I am travelling to Delhi tomorrow, what is the weather going to be like there?

The Information Powerhouse: Grok excelled in this category, responding within 10 seconds with comprehensive weather data including temperatures, precipitation forecasts, cloud cover, wind speed, sunrise/sunset times, and UV index readings. Most importantly, it provided practical travel advice tailored to the conditions.

Strong Performers: Claude impressed with detailed forecasting that included temperature ranges, rain predictions, weather warnings, and travel tips. It even included contextual advice for travelers coming from Mumbai, noting Delhis typically warmer climate and similar monsoon patterns. Gemini and ChatGPT both delivered comprehensive weather information with helpful travel suggestions, though ChatGPT oddly provided temperatures in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius for an Indian destination.

The Minimalist: Perplexity provided only basic temperature information and general rain possibility without specific percentages or detailed travel advice. While functional, it lacked the depth and practical utility offered by the other models.

Also read: Sam Altman admits killing GPT-4o after GPT-5 launch was a mistake: Heres why

Performance analysis

Beyond content quality, I observed significant differences in processing speeds and user experience:

Fastest Response Times : Gemini consistently delivered quick results, particularly impressive in image generation

: Gemini consistently delivered quick results, particularly impressive in image generation Most Comprehensive Output : Grok and Claude provided the most detailed and actionable information

: Grok and Claude provided the most detailed and actionable information Best User Interface : ChatGPT offered the smoothest interaction experience, particularly for iterative tasks

: ChatGPT offered the smoothest interaction experience, particularly for iterative tasks Most Reliable: Claude demonstrated consistent quality across multiple categories, even when not winning individual rounds

After extensive testing, one thing became clear: there is no single best AI model for all use cases. Each platform has developed distinct strengths that serve different user needs:

Claude emerges as the most well-rounded performer, excelling in creative writing and logical reasoning while maintaining solid performance across other categories. However, its lack of image generation capabilities is a significant limitation for users requiring visual content creation.

ChatGPT remains the programming powerhouse, delivering superior code generation with impressive speed. Its established ecosystem and polished user experience make it an excellent choice for technical users.

Gemini dominates visual content creation while maintaining strong mathematical reasoning capabilities. For users requiring high-quality image generation, its the clear leader.

Grok shows particular strength in real-time information retrieval and weather forecasting, making it valuable for practical, immediate needs.

Also read: 5 coding projects that I built with GPT-5: From Minesweeper to classic literature

Perplexity, while functional across categories, consistently underperformed compared to its competitors, offering basic functionality without the depth or quality that distinguishes the leading models.

Selecting AI assistants

Based on this comprehensive testing, heres how I would recommend approaching AI model selection:

For Content Creators: Claudes superior creative writing capabilities make it ideal for scripts, articles, and narrative content. However, pair it with Gemini for visual assets.

For Developers: ChatGPTs coding superiority and speed make it the logical choice for programming tasks, though Claude can serve as a quality alternative when speed isnt critical.

For Visual Projects: Gemini is currently unmatched in image generation quality and speed, making it essential for any visual content needs.

For Information Research: Groks comprehensive data retrieval and contextual awareness make it valuable for research and planning tasks.

For General Use: Gemini emerges as the best choice for general use since Claudes lack of image generation capabilities is a significant limitation for everyday users who need visual content creation alongside text-based tasks. While Claude excels in creative writing, Geminis combination of strong mathematical reasoning, excellent image generation (8.5/10), and solid performance across coding and writing makes it the most well-rounded option for users seeking one AI assistant to handle diverse needs.

This testing revealed that were entering an era of specialized AI excellence rather than universal AI dominance. Rather than searching for one perfect AI assistant, users are better served by understanding each models strengths and building a toolkit approach.

The AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with each platform pushing boundaries in different directions. Whats clear is that the question isnt which AI is best? but rather which AI is best for this specific task?

As these models continue to improve and new competitors enter the market, the key for users will be staying informed about each platforms evolving capabilities and understanding how to leverage their unique strengths effectively.

The AI revolution isnt about replacing human capability with artificial intelligence, its about augmenting human potential with the right AI tool for each specific challenge we face.

Also read: Early reactions to ChatGPT-5 are all bad: What went wrong for OpenAI?
International borders must not be changed by force, the Taoiseach has said, ahead of a meeting between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine.

Micheal Martin attended a virtual leaders meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine on Sunday.

The call was convened by Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine. We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskyy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington. pic.twitter.com/0tI5AXikOB  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 17, 2025

On Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting Donald Trump with several EU leaders, including Sir Keir, also travelling to Washington DC in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president.

Mr Martin, who will not be in Washington, said he had assured Mr Zelensky on Sunday that Ireland will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine.

EU leaders have agreed that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia continues its military action.

The Taoiseach also said that he believes Ukraine needs long-term security guarantees.

Speaking after Sundays online conference, Mr Martin said: I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine.

We had a very useful engagement with President Zelensky as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.

I welcome the initiative by President Trump to seek the ending of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland, together with our European partners, continues to contribute to these efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

The meeting of European leaders follows the US presidents summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

Mr Martin said it is essential that Ukraine is a full participant in any discussions regarding its future.

He said: I therefore welcome that President Zelensky will meet with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, together with other European leaders.

Mr Martin said he stressed that international law and principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected for security in the region.

It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

I fully agree that Ukraine needs strong, credible, long-term security guarantees. This will mean sustained support from Europe, the United States and other partners.

Ireland stands ready to play our part. Earlier this year we committed to providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine and we will look to do more.

At todays meeting, I also reiterated Irelands readiness to contribute to any peacekeeping force that is in line with the UN Charter.

The Taoiseach said Ireland will also continue to support Ukraines EU membership ambitions, adding that Russia cannot have a veto on the matter.

Our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace.

We agreed today that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia does not stop the killing.

The human dimension and accountability must also be at the centre of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Russia must urgently return Ukrainian children who they have abducted as well as prisoners of war and civilians being held unlawfully.
GAZA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 42 Palestinians were killed Sunday in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, Gaza's Civil Defense said.

Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua that seven people were killed in Israeli shelling near the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, and at least one person was killed in an Israeli shelling of a house in the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of the city.

Four people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing displaced persons in west of Khan Younis, Basal said.

Twelve Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on various areas of Khan Younis, while two separate airstrikes killed three people in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, according to Basal.

At least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire while waiting for aid in the central and southern Gaza Strip, he said.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents.

Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 10,400 Palestinians have been killed and 43,845 injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 61,944, with a total of 155,886 people injured, according to data released by health authorities in Gaza on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Gaza health authorities said that the hospitals in Gaza registered seven new deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, including two children. That brought the total number of deaths from starvation and malnutrition to 258, including 110 children, since October 2023. 
The Louth branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) are set to welcome the display of a 40m long quilt marking 23,000 children killed in Gaza, which will be displayed at the Market Square in Dundalk on Wednesday, August 20th at 7pm.

Created by Craftivism for Palestine, the Granny Squares for Gaza quilt was made by a collective of women and allies from all 32 counties and further afield.

Each of the quilts 2,300 hand-crocheted squares, stretching more than 40 metres in length, represents ten children killed by Israel in Palestine since October 2023. That is 23,000 children killed by genocide, a Louth IPSC spokesperson explained.

Louth IPSC have urged that the people of Louth come out on Wednesday 20th August and call out the ongoing genocide and deliberate starvation of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel and show that Louth stands firmly for justice and humanity.

Bring your flags, banners, placards and voices, a spokesperson for the Louth IPSC said.

We all have a responsibility to keep what is happening in Gaza in the public eye and show

our unwavering solidarity.

Do not stay silent. Stand up. Speak out. Be counted.
A Cork Labour senator has called for capital investment in affordable student housing and a rent index, as recent figures show University College Cork (UCC) accommodation costs up to 8,585 a year.

A single en-suite bedroom in UCCs University Hall accommodation will cost 6,305 for an academic year, with an additional 650 utility charge. A double en-suite bedroom in Crows Nest will cost 8,585, with a 650 utilities charge added on.

The cheapest option at UCC is a twin non-ensuite bedroom in Castlewhite Apartments, for 3,816, as well as a 650 utilities charge.

The Labour senator, Laura Harmon, who is the partys further-and-higher-education spokesperson, said the news is a stark reminder that the housing crisis is cutting off access to education.

Ms Harmon said: Every year, we hear the same heartbreaking stories: Young people sleeping on couches, travelling hours to and from campus, or deferring their education altogether, because they simply cant find or afford somewhere to live. This is not access to education: It is exclusion by neglect.

Much of the student accommodation coming on stream is luxury-priced and entirely out of reach for most students.

"Its not solving the problem: Its making it worse. Unless government steps in with real solutions, we are condemning a generation to stress and debt.

She added: Meanwhile, students dont have clarity on the student contribution fee. The fee must not be increased. Students are at the hard edge of the housing crisis, and they need a government that understands the urgency of their situation. She called for a substantial increase in capital investment in purpose-built student accommodation, to ensure affordable options.

Relying on private developers to meet demand will only lead to more luxury blocks that ordinary students cannot afford, said the senator.

We also need a rent index for student accommodation, so students and their families are protected from unfair, unregulated rent hikes.

"A year-to-year spike of 100 or 150 a month is simply not sustainable. Without this safeguard, students will continue to face crippling costs.

Ms Harmon said: The longer they delay, the more students will be priced out, and the more our society will lose the talent, ambition, and energy that higher education should be nurturing. Its time for decisive action.
An event to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day will be held on August 24 at The Carraig Centre in Ballincollig from 2-4pm.

Organised by the Cork-based Ukrainian Community Hub KALYNA, the event aims to showcase Ukrainian traditions through music, storytelling and community engagement.

It's now 34 years since Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

To commemorate the Declaration of Independence, the Independence Day is celebrated on August 24 every year in Ukraine.

Speaking to The Echo, Victoria Tymoshchuk, facilitator of Ukrainian Community in Cork and director of the Ukrainian Hub KALYNA, said: This is a free event open for all people and for all communities.

"More than just a cultural gathering, this event is a living tribute to the identity and soul of a nation. It weaves together the vibrancy of folk traditions, the power of artistic expression and the strength of community spirit, all on Irish soil.

Together, attendees honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire hope for a peaceful, sovereign future for Ukraine.
The Kinsale & District Lions Club has announced the return of its flagship fundraising event, the Budget Breakfast Briefing 2026, on Thursday, October 9.

The event, at the Kinsale Hotel and Spa, will take place two days after Budget 2026 is presented in the Dail. Held in partnership with Chartered Accountants Ireland Cork Society, it will bring together local businesses, community groups, organisations, and civic leaders.

Last years briefing sold out, with strong local participation and record-breaking fundraising for good causes.

Funds raised this year will support the paediatric emergency and childhood cancer unit at Cork University Hospital (CUH), as well as local charities, families in need, and community projects.

Keynote speakers will include Fianna Fails Jack Chambers, the public expenditure and public service reform minister.

Joining him will be economist, author, and broadcaster Jim Power. He has served as a treasury economist at AIB Group, chief economist at Bank of Ireland Group Treasury and Friends First Group, and has advised parliamentary committees.

Cormac Fitzgerald, president of Kinsale Lions Club, said:

To have top experts such as Jim Power and minister Jack Chambers give their overview and analysis of Budget 2026 in the same week it is announced makes this years event extra special.

We sincerely thank all members of Kinsale Lions Club, our organising committee, and everyone who has already booked in for their support. Tickets are 50 per person or 600 for a table of 12, and you can book online now at www.kinsalelionsonline.com.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin attended a leaders meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine today.

The online meeting was convened by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz. It met ahead of President Zelenskyys meeting with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach said:

I welcomed the opportunity to join other European leaders today to discuss developments on ending the war in Ukraine. We had a very useful engagement with President Zelenskyy as he prepares to meet with President Trump tomorrow in Washington.

I welcome the initiative by President Trump to seek the ending of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Ireland, together with our European partners, continues to contribute to these efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

It is essential that Ukraine is a full participant in any discussions regarding its future. I therefore welcome that President Zelenskyy will meet with President Trump in Washington tomorrow, together with other European leaders.

At todays meeting, I stressed the need to recommit ourselves to the primacy of the UN Charter. For all our security, there must be respect for international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

I fully agree that Ukraine needs strong, credible, long-term security guarantees. This will mean sustained support from Europe, the United States and other partners. Ireland stands ready to play our part. Earlier this year we committed to providing non-lethal military support to Ukraine and we will look to do more.

At todays meeting, I also reiterated Irelands readiness to contribute to any peacekeeping force that is in line with the UN Charter.

EU membership for Ukraine must be part of these comprehensive security guarantees. Russia cannot have a veto on Ukraines path towards EU membership. Ireland will continue to strongly support Ukraines EU membership ambitions.

Our joint efforts for peace should be combined with firm and co-ordinated pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and engage seriously with negotiations on a just and lasting peace. We agreed today that sanctions and wider economic measures will be reinforced if Russia does not stop the killing.

The human dimension and accountability must also be at the centre of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Russia must urgently return Ukrainian children who they have abducted as well as prisoners of war and civilians being held unlawfully.

I assured President Zelenskyy again today that Ireland will continue to steadfastly support Ukraine.
BERLIN, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Saturday that a trilateral meeting is expected to follow Monday's meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

In an interview with public broadcaster ARD, Merz said a subsequent trilateral talk involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky, and Trump is likely to take place soon, though uncertainties remain.

On Saturday, German newspaper Bild reported that the German, British, and French governments will decide on Sunday whether, and at what level, to send representatives to the United States to join Monday's meeting.

Commenting on the Alaska summit on Friday, Merz said on social media platform X that it was "good news" that there were no territorial negotiations between Putin and Trump conducted over the heads of Ukraine and the European Union.

Merz said the talks will continue and the Europeans will play a role in the process. 
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Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride.

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The prime minister has personally assured the NFU that Britains high farming and food standards will not be sacrificed on the altar of trade.

The union has been in close discussions with ministers during negotiations on trade agreements with the US and India, as well as during the governments reset of its relationship with the EU.

However, concerns arose following reports that the proposed trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could allow member countries uncapped poultry export access to the UK, provided hygiene requirements are met.

The NFU said greater market access should not be given for food imports which have been produced in ways that are illegal here.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, the NFU President Tom Bradshaw stressed that the GCC deal would serve as a key test of government promises. Hygiene standards are distinct from welfare standards, he wrote.

The GCC trading bloc has general animal welfare provisions in place, but these fall well short of the standards expected of the UK poultry sector in areas such as housing requirements.

British poultry farmers are proud to produce to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards in the world.

"It is unreasonable for the agricultural sector to be continually expected to make sacrifices on behalf of other sectors of the economy  the burden must be shared.

In a personal response to Mr Bradshaw, the prime minister wrote: I can assure you that we will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and the impact this may have.

"Where necessary, we will be prepared to use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors.

Any agricultural imports coming into the UK will always have to meet our high sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Nothing we agree with the GCC, or any other trade partner, will alter this.

Responding to the assurances, Mr Bradshaw emphasised that the NFU would continue to press government to ensure trade agreements are fair and beneficial to British farming.

The NFU will always fight to make sure the government only signs balanced and mutually beneficial trade deals, he said.

He noted that after ethanol was included in the US trade deal, he sought direct guarantees from the prime minister regarding the GCC agreement  and hes given them.

Mr Bradshaw reiterated that UK farmers cannot be expected to bear further sacrifices for the sake of other industries.

I have been clear that the UK farming sector can shoulder no more pain on behalf of other sectors of the economy, he said, stressing that while the prime ministers reply is encouraging, as in every trade deal, the details agreed will be important.

Greater market access should not be given for food imports which have been produced in ways that are illegal here, Mr Bradshaw added, warning that the cumulative impact of all trade deals needs to be a critical consideration.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) recently sought clarification from the US government on the formula for calculating US raw-material usage, and expressed interest in importing man-made fibres (MMF) from the United States.

While meeting a delegation from the US Embassy in Dhaka, the trade body requested mechanisms to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain to qualify for the recently-announced duty waiver on use of American raw materials.

Bangladesh's BGMEA has sought clarification from the US on calculating US raw-material usage, and is keen on importing man-made fibres from there. It requested mechanisms to ensure supply chain transparency and traceability to qualify for the duty waiver on use of US raw materials. The scope of setting up a warehouse near Chattogram Port to expedite cotton imports from the US was also discussed.

The scope of setting up a warehouse near Chattogram Port to expedite cotton imports from the United States was discussed at the meeting between the delegation and BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan.

The meeting discussed a recent US executive order that allows garments exported from Bangladesh to be proportionately exempt from a newly imposed additional 20-per cent duty, provided that at least 20 per cent of the raw materials used in these garments are sourced from the United States, domestic media outlets reported.

Khan said that the Bangladesh apparel industry is quite interested in utilising this facility.

The meeting also discussed potential collaboration between BGMEA and the US Cotton Council.

The US delegation reiterated the importance of aligning Bangladesh's labour laws with international standardsan expectation shared by the International Labour Organisation, the European Union and other development partners.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
President Donald Trump recently dropped a hint that the United States may not go ahead with additional secondary tariffs on countries that continue to purchase crude oil from Russia.

The hint came following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska that ended without any deal to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.

Following President Donald Trump's recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska , the former dropped a hint that the US may not go ahead with additional secondary tariffs on countries that continue to purchase crude oil from Russia. "If I have to do it, I'll do it. Maybe I won't have to do it," Trump told a US TV channel. He brushed aside questions about similar penalties for China.

"Well, he [Putin] lost an oil client, so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40 per cent of the oil. China, as you know, is doing a lot. And if I did what's called a secondary sanction, or a secondary tariff, it would be very devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I'll do it. Maybe I won't have to do it," Trump told a US TV channel.

This might be a relief for India as there had been worries that the country could face fresh penalties if Washington enforced penalty sanctions.

A 25-per cent duty on Indian imports took effect on August 7. Trump later announced an additional 25-per cent levy due to Indian oil purchases from Russia, bringing the total tariff burden on Indian goods exported to the United States to 50 per cent. The second round of duties will start from August 27.

Trump also brushed aside questions about similar penalties for China, saying, I dont have to think about that now.

Before the Trump-Putin talks, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent had cautioned that if the discussions failed, Washington could raise secondary sanctions on India for purchasing Russian oil.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Veteran actor Saira Banu welcomed Hema Malini to her Mumbai home after a long gap. She shared the moment on Instagram and looked back at their bond that began in the 1960s. As Saira put it, Hema and I had been wishing to meet each other for a very long time Not so long ago, she called me, and before I knew it, she was at my doorstep.













They spent hours talking about the past. We spent a beautiful few hours together, immersed in memories, reliving those golden days, and sharing laughter over stories that time can never erase, Saira wrote. Saira first met Hema in 1966 on the sets of Deewana by Raj Kapoor, I remember being instantly impressed by her lovely looks. Soon, they were shooting at the Krishna Raj Sagar Dam. Our rooms were adjoining, and in the evenings my mother, Hema, her mother and I would sit together in the large verandahs, exchanging beauty secrets. I reminded her how Amma would put lobaan in her hair for freshness and khushboo.

She also recalled how she and Dilip Kumar introduced Hema to the press in Madras. Dilip Sahab was so kind and gracious to be the main person to introduce her, and Hema was visibly touched by that memory. Years later, Saira loved seeing Hema and Dharmendra dance together on TV. The love and comfort between them was such a joy to watch.





A Janmashtami story tied the memories together. During that conversation with Hema, I told her another Janmashtami story The picturisation of the Kanha song in Shagird happened to fall exactly on Janmashtami. That night, at Filmistan Studios, Saira shared a playful message through Nazir Hussain for Dilip Kumar: Please tell him that Saira is dying to work with him and if he refuses, then ask him to marry me!





Take a look at her post here:





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saira Banu Khan (@sairabanu)







Soon after, the joke turned real. The next morning, he dutifully carried my playful message to Dilip Sahab within days, he walked into my life, looked into my eyes, and asked my grandmother and mother for my hand in marriage.




u-blox AG / Key word(s): Takeover

Advent, via its indirect subsidiary ZI Zenith S.a r.l., announces public tender offer for u-blox



17-Aug-2025 / 21:26 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

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



ZI Zenith S.a r.l. ("ZI Zenith"), a European indirect subsidiary of funds managed and/or advised by Advent International, L.P. ("Advent"), a leading global private equity investor, today published the pre-announcement of a public tender offer to acquire all publicly held shares of u-blox Holding AG ("u-blox") for CHF 135.00 per share in cash.

The offer represents a 53% premium to the undisturbed volume-weighted average share price of the last 6 months until August 14, 2025, and a 32% premium to the undisturbed volume-weighted average share price of the last 60 trading days of u-blox shares until August 14, 2025.

The offer values u-blox's equity, on a fully diluted basis, at approximately CHF 1,050 million.

u-blox's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders accept the offer, supported by an independent fairness opinion.

u-blox's largest individual shareholder, SEO Master Fund LP, owning a stake of approximately 9%, is undertaking to irrevocably tender all of its shares as part of this offer. Thalwil, Switzerland - August 17, 2025 - u-blox Holding AG ("u-blox") (SIX: UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and short-range communication technologies and services, today announced that it has entered into a binding transaction agreement with ZI Zenith. Under this agreement, ZI Zenith will launch a public tender offer to acquire all publicly held registered shares of u-blox at a price of CHF 135.00 per share in cash. The offer represents a 53% premium to the undisturbed volume-weighted average share price of the last 6 months until August 14, 2025, and a 32% premium to the undisturbed volume-weighted average share price of the last 60 trading days of u-blox shares until August 14, 2025, before the media first reported on a potential transaction. "u-blox is a recognized leader in high-performance positioning and short-range communication technology solutions. We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the u-blox management team and co-founders, and support this innovative technology champion through its next chapter of growth," said Ronald Ayles, Managing Partner at Advent. "We are deeply committed to invest in the long-term success of u-blox, using our extensive experience and resources in automotive and industrial end-markets to accelerate innovation and expand its global reach. Advent has a long and successful track record of partnering with founders and management teams to deliver sustainable value creation." Andre Muller, Chairman of u-blox, and Stephan Zizala, CEO of u-blox, jointly stated: "We believe this transaction represents a highly attractive opportunity for our shareholders, customers and employees because it enables u-blox to pursue its long-term strategic objectives with greater flexibility, backed by a strong and experienced financial partner. Advent shares our vision for the company's future, and we are excited about its intention to support and accelerate our growth and innovation pipeline." u-blox's Board of Directors has unanimously concluded that the transaction is in the best interests of the company, its shareholders and other stakeholders. It therefore recommends that shareholders accept the offer and has committed, along with the Management team, to tender all their shares. The Board's recommendation is supported by an independent fairness opinion stating that the offer price is fair from a financial point of view. In addition, u-blox's largest individual shareholder, SEO Master Fund LP, holding approximately 9% of the outstanding shares, has committed to tender all of its shares. The tender offer is subject to terms and conditions as well as regulatory approvals customary for this type of transaction and is expected to be settled within the next 6 months. The intention is to then delist u-blox shares from the SIX Swiss Exchange. The pre-announcement of the offer, which has been published today, is available at www.takeover.ch and www.zenith-offer.com and includes the material terms and conditions of the public tender offer. Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc acted as exclusive financial advisor and Walder Wyss as legal counsel to u-blox, and IFBC provided the fairness opinion. UBS is acting as financial advisor and public offer manager to Advent, Bar & Karrer is acting as its legal advisor. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of u-blox. Complete terms and conditions of the offer will be set forth in the offer prospectus (the "Offer Prospectus") which is expected to be published on or around 27 August 2025 and which will be available free of charge at www.zenith-offer.com . Holders of shares in u-blox are urged to carefully read the Offer Prospectus because it contains important information about the offer. This announcement is not for publication, release or distribution in or into or from any jurisdiction where it would otherwise be prohibited. Please also refer to "Legal Disclaimers" below. ENDS About Advent

Advent is a leading global private equity investor committed to working in partnership with management teams, entrepreneurs, and founders to help transform businesses. With 16 offices across five continents, we oversee more than USD $94 billion in assets under management* and have made over 430 investments across 44 countries. Since our founding in 1984, we have developed specialist industry expertise across our five core sectors: industrials, technology, business & financial services, consumer, and healthcare. This approach is bolstered by our deep sub-sector knowledge, which informs every aspect of our investment strategy, from sourcing opportunities to working in partnership with management to execute value creation plans. We bring hands-on operational expertise to enhance and accelerate businesses. As one of the largest privately-owned partnerships, our 660+ colleagues leverage the full ecosystem of Advent's global resources, including our Portfolio Support Group, insights provided by industry expert Operating Partners and Operations Advisors, as well as bespoke tools to support and guide our portfolio companies as they seek to achieve their strategic goals. Advent has been active in the DACH region since 1988, establishing its office there in 1991. We are considered as one of the region's leading investors, and our current portfolio in the DACH region generates total annual revenues of around 18 billion and employs approximately 79,000 employees. To learn more, visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn . *Assets under management (AUM) as of March 31, 2025. AUM includes assets attributable to Advent advisory clients as well as employee and third-party co-investment vehicles. About u-blox

u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, driving innovation through our cutting-edge positioning and short-range communication technologies. We are the pioneers behind high-precision technologies, providing smart and reliable solutions that enable people, vehicles, and machines to determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly. With headquarters in Thalwil (Zurich), Switzerland, and offices across Europe, Asia, and the USA, we are making a global impact. To learn more, visit our website or follow us on social media - X , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram - for an even more precise future. Disclaimer

This release contains certain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. u-blox and Advent are providing the information in this release as of this date and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Legal Disclaimers

This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any registered shares or other equity securities in u-blox, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract therefor. This release is not part of the offer documentation relating to the tender offer. Main terms and conditions of the tender offer have been published in today's pre-announcement of the tender offer, and full details including terms and conditions will be published in the tender offer prospectus. Shareholders of u-blox are urged to read the tender offer documents, which are or will be available at www.zenith-offer.com . Certain Offer Restrictions

The tender offer will not be made, directly or indirectly, in any country or jurisdiction in which the tender offer would be considered unlawful or otherwise violate any applicable laws or regulations, or which would require Advent or any of its subsidiaries to change or amend the terms or conditions of the tender offer in any way, to make an additional filing with any governmental, regulatory or other authority or take additional action in relation to the tender offer. It is not intended to extend the tender offer to any such country or jurisdiction. Any such document relating to the tender offer must neither be distributed in any such country or jurisdiction nor be sent into such country or jurisdiction and must not be used for the purpose of soliciting the purchase of securities of u-blox by any person or entity resident or incorporated in any such country or jurisdiction. The communication is not being made by, and has not been approved by, an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 in the United Kingdom. Reference is made to the pre-announcement of the tender offer published today for full offer restrictions and an overview of certain key differences with U.S. tender offer procedures and laws. Notice to U.S. Holders

Shareholders of u-blox in the United States ("U.S. Holders") are advised that the registered shares of u-blox are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and that u-blox is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The tender offer will be made for the registered shares of u-blox, a Swiss company whose shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd., and is subject to Swiss disclosure and procedural requirements, which are different from those of the United States. The tender offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) of, and Regulation 14E under, the Exchange Act, subject to the exemption provided under Rule 14d-1(c) under the Exchange Act for a tier 1 tender offer (the "Tier 1 Exemption"), and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Swiss law. Accordingly, the tender offer will be subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, settlement procedures, waiver of conditions and timing of payments that are different from those applicable under U.S. tender offer procedures and laws. U.S. Holders are urged to consult with their own legal financial and tax advisors (including with respect to Swiss law) regarding the Offer. As permitted under the Tier I Exemption, the settlement of the tender offer will be based on the applicable Swiss law provisions, which differ from the settlement procedures customary in the United States, particularly as regards to the time when payment of the consideration is rendered. The Offer, which will be subject to Swiss law, will be made to U.S. Holders in accordance with the applicable U.S. securities laws, and applicable exemptions thereunder, in particular the Tier I Exemption. To the extent the tender offer is subject to U.S. securities laws, those laws only apply to U.S. Holders of u-blox shares and will not give rise to claims on the part of any other person. It may be difficult for U.S. Holders to enforce their rights and any claim they may have arisen under the of U.S. federal securities laws, since u-blox is located in a non-U.S. jurisdiction, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. Holders may not be able to sue u-blox or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel u-blox and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's judgment. Neither the SEC nor any securities commission of any State of the U.S. has (a) approved or disapproved of the tender offer; (b) passed upon the merits or fairness of the tender offer; or (c) passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in the pre-announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the U.S. For further information, please contact: u-blox Advent Rafael Duarte Knut Engelmann Head of Investor Relations Partner, Kekst CNC Phone: +41 43 547 06 93 Phone: +49 174 234 2808 rafael.duarte@u-blox.com knut.engelmann@kekstcnc.com

End of Inside Information
In China, adult pacifiers priced between 10 and 500 yuan are selling in the thousands each month, according to local media. Made from silicone or rubber, these oversized dummies are marketed for anxiety relief, smoking cessation, and improved sleep. Dentists warn of risks such as misaligned teeth, jaw pain, and breathing difficulties with prolonged use

Some online shops claim they sell more than 2,000 adult pacifiers a month. Representational Image/AI-generated via Perplexity by Firstpost

Adult pacifiers, once unimaginable outside of infant care, have become a surprising consumer phenomenon in China.

Marketed for purposes ranging from easing stress to aiding sleep, these oversized silicone and rubber products have sparked a wave of online purchases.

While many consumers swear by their benefits, health experts warn of possible physical harm and question whether these pacifiers address deeper emotional needs, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

From baby aisles to adult shopping carts

In recent months, e-commerce platforms such as Taobao and JD.com have seen a surge in listings for adult pacifiers.

These products, designed to fit the mouths of grown-ups, are considerably larger than their infant counterparts.

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The nipple is generally transparent, while the shield can be found in a range of colours.

Prices vary widely  some sell for as little as 10 yuan (approximately US$1.40), while premium versions are listed at up to 500 yuan (about US$70).

According to figures reported in Chinese media, certain online shops are now selling thousands of these pacifiers every month. Some distributors have stated they move more than 2,000 units in that period.

Promotional materials often highlight benefits such as promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, providing psychological comfort, assisting in quitting smoking, and even encouraging proper breathing techniques.

Why people are buying them

The appeal of these products is evident in customer feedback. One reviewer wrote, It is high quality, soft, and I feel comfortable sucking it. It does not impede my breathing.

Another shared, It is amazing in helping me quit smoking. It gives me psychological comfort and makes me not so fidgety during my smoke cessation periods.

A third consumer commented, When I am under pressure at work, I suck on the dummy. I feel I am indulged in a sense of safety from childhood.

For some users, the pacifier functions as a tool for relaxation in stressful work environments, while others incorporate it into nighttime routines to aid in falling asleep, reported SCMP.

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Several buyers have linked its use to managing anxiety or coping with feelings of burnout.

A number of people attempting to quit smoking say the pacifier serves as a substitute oral fixation, helping them endure cravings without lighting a cigarette.

The psychological explanation

Mental health professionals say the practice may be tied to what is known as the regression phenomenon, a psychological response in which adults revert to behaviours or objects associated with childhood comfort when faced with high stress or emotional strain.

This behaviour, they note, can temporarily provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety.

Zhang Mo, a psychologist in Chengdu, told SCMP, The real solution is not to treat themselves as a child, but to face the challenge directly and to solve it.

She explained that while these pacifiers might offer short-term relief, they could also prevent individuals from confronting underlying issues. Instead of addressing the root causes of stress or anxiety, the object may serve as an avoidance mechanism.

Concerns from the medical community

While consumer enthusiasm continues to grow, dental and medical professionals have raised multiple red flags about prolonged use.

Tang Caomin, a dentist based in Chengdu, cautioned that extended use  particularly more than three hours per day  could lead to structural changes in the mouth.

By sucking the dummy for more than three hours a day, the position of your teeth might change after a year, he told SCMP. He also noted that frequent pacifier use could reduce jaw mobility and cause pain while chewing.

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Tang expressed additional safety concerns, especially when the pacifier is used during sleep. If components become loose, there is a risk that parts could be inhaled or swallowed, potentially causing choking or suffocation.

Other possible complications include oral infections from continuous contact with the device, and breathing difficulties if airflow is obstructed. The potential damage to customers mouths by the pacifiers is intentionally played down by their sellers, Tang remarked.

Health experts also warn that relying on a pacifier to cope with stress could mask existing emotional or psychological conditions.

Without proper treatment, these issues might worsen over time, even if the user experiences temporary comfort.

Social media buzz divided

The unusual sight of adults openly using pacifiers has generated intense discussion on Chinese social media. A topic related to the trend reportedly amassed more than 60 million views on one platform.

Reactions have ranged from disbelief to humour. This world has become so mad that adults are using pacifiers, one online user commented.

Another quipped, Is this not a kind of stupid tax?

Some defend the practice as a harmless and personal choice, arguing that in an increasingly stressful society, adults should be free to seek comfort in any safe form they choose.

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Others see it as a symptom of growing emotional fragility, particularly among younger generations.

Short videos on platforms like TikTok show adults in the United States and South Korea using pacifiers in various scenarios  during traffic jams, in the middle of high-pressure workdays, or as a means to unwind before bed.

In many cases, the users cite similar reasons to those given by Chinese buyers: reducing anxiety, relieving stress, and achieving better sleep.

Not a long term solution

However, medical and psychological professionals outside China echo the same concerns as their Chinese counterparts, stressing that while the pacifier may provide temporary relief, it is not a substitute for long-term mental health strategies or proper medical care.

The popularity of adult pacifiers sheds light on the increasing need for accessible coping mechanisms in societies where stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise.

Unlike structured interventions such as therapy, exercise routines, or mindfulness training, pacifiers offer a quick, low-effort form of relief that does not require significant lifestyle changes.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
On August 17, 1945, Indonesia proclaimed its independence from the Netherlands. However, the fight for freedom continued. Sukarno, the leader of the independence movement and president of the fragile new republic, led resistance against the Dutch. Four years later, the Netherlands officially transferred sovereignty to Asian nation

Sukarno was Indonesia's first president when the country was granted independence. AFP/File Photo

On August 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands. However, the fight for freedom went on until 1949, when the Dutch formally accepted Indonesia as a sovereign nation.

Before independence, Indonesia was known as the Dutch East Indies, or the Netherlands East Indies.

Also on this day in 1999, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Turkeys Kocaeli Province, killing over 17,000 people.

Further, on this day in 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair came to a close after more than three days of peace, love and rock n roll in upstate New York.

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As part of Firstpost Explainers History Today series, heres a look at what happened on August 17:

Indonesia declares independence

On August 17, 1945, Sukarno, leader of Indonesias independence movement, announced the countrys freedom from the Netherlands. Four years later, after the Dutch formally handed over sovereignty, he became Indonesias first president, serving from 1949 to 1967.

During the Second World War, the Japanese placed Sukarno in a position of influence, making him their chief adviser, propagandist, and recruiter of workers, soldiers, and prostitutes.

Sukarno pushed the Japanese to allow Indonesia to become independent and, on June 1, 1945, delivered one of his most well-known speeches.

On August 17, 1945, Sukarno announced the countrys freedom from the Netherlands. Image: Wikimedia Commons

As Japans defeat became certain, Sukarno initially hesitated. However, after being kidnapped, pressured, and persuaded by a group of young activists, he went on to proclaim independence.

The struggle for freedom did not end there. As president of the fragile new republic, Sukarno led resistance against the Dutch.

Following two unsuccessful police actions aimed at regaining control, the Dutch officially transferred sovereignty on December 27, 1949.

It was only in 1969, when the United Nations recognised the western part of New Guinea as belonging to Indonesia, that the nation reached its current form.

1999 Turkey earthquake

On this day in 1999, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck near Izmit, Turkey. The disaster claimed more than 17,000 lives and left about 500,000 people without homes.

The main tremor lasted less than a minute and was followed by two moderate aftershocks on August 19, roughly 80 kilometres west of the original epicentre.

Entire sections of several towns and cities were reduced to rubble. The worst-hit areas included Golcuk, Derince, Darca, and Sakarya (Adapazari). Even Istanbul suffered hundreds of deaths and extensive damage.

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Two men search the ruins of a building where they lived in Yalova, south of Istanbul. AFP/File Photo

Most casualties were caused by the collapse of poorly built residential blocks. Anger grew towards private builders accused of poor workmanship and using substandard materials. While some faced criminal charges, only a small number were convicted.

Officials were also criticised for failing to enforce safety regulations on earthquake-resistant construction.

Woodstocks all-night finale

On this day in 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair drew to a close after more than three days of peace, love and rock n roll in upstate New York.

Heavy rain and delays stretched the festival, which was meant to end before midnight, into an all-night music session that went on until after sunrise.

Promoted as Three Days of Peace and Music, Woodstock was organised by John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfield and Michael Lang. Their aim was to raise enough money to build a recording studio near the artistic town of Woodstock in New York.

In the lead-up to the weekend, 186,000 tickets had been sold, with organisers expecting a crowd of no more than 200,000. But by Friday night, thousands had already gathered at the gates.

People rest at the campground of the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. AFP/File Photo

Worried about crowd control, the organisers decided to make the event free. Nearly half a million people came, filling the roads around Bethel and creating eight miles of traffic jams.

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This Day, That Year

1947: The Radcliffe Line, marking the final border between India and Pakistan, was officially published.

1978: The first successful transatlantic balloon flight ended when Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman landed the Double Eagle II near Paris.

1988: Pakistani President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq and US Ambassador Arnold Raphel died in a plane crash under mysterious circumstances.

1998: US President Bill Clinton gave testimony to a grand jury from the White House through closed-circuit television about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
BISHKEK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The alignment of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) reflects the demands of the times, demonstrates the consistency of cooperation concepts between China and Eurasian countries, and creates valuable opportunities for regional development, officials and experts have said.

"Russia, together with its partners in the union, is working with China within the framework of aligning the EAEU development plans with the Belt and Road Initiative," Alexey Fadeev, deputy director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a briefing earlier this week.

Johnny Melikyan, a senior expert at the Orbeli Analytical Research Center, gave a positive assessment of the current interaction between the union and the initiative, saying that it has already entered the stage of practical implementation of joint infrastructure, transport and digital projects.

"The coordinated work on market integration, in particular in the field of forming common markets for gas, oil and oil products, as well as digitalization of freight rail transportation, is directly linked to the initiative, creating conditions for increasing trade flows and increasing mutual competitiveness," he added.

A meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council was held in the Kyrgyz resort town of Cholpon-Ata on Thursday and Friday. The agenda included strengthening the economic potential of the union's member states, boosting mutual trade, improving living standards, and removing barriers in the union's common market.

"Speaking about the results of the conjugation of the EAEU and the Belt and Road, the most important thing is improving the quality of life of our citizens," Aliaksei Egorov, rector of the Belarus State University of Economics, told Xinhua. "We see the results of the colossal improvement of the Chinese economic system. This model should be studied and adapted to the conditions of the Eurasian space."

The Eurasian Economic Commission also highlighted the growing importance of cooperation with China.

"The comprehensive development of trade and economic relations with the People's Republic of China is one of the priorities of the EAEU trade policy," the commission told Xinhua. "A promising direction is the alignment of strategic documents of the EAEU and China in areas of mutual interest, including transport, logistics and digitalization."

"We consider the link between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EAEU as an important component of the strategic partnership between our countries," Fadeev emphasized, adding that the initiative is in line with Russian ideas to create an open integration circuit on the Eurasian continent, where free trade and labor mobility will be ensured and modern infrastructure established.

Kyrgyz economist Iskender Sharsheev emphasized that the alignment offers the union's countries an opportunity to strengthen their role as a transit hub, diversify sales markets and expand technological cooperation.

"In practice, it has accelerated land corridors from China to Europe across Eurasia, boosted container and refrigerated logistics, and made border crossings more predictable," Sharsheev said. 
United States President Donald Trump held talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska in a momentous summit in Alaska. After the meeting, Trump hinted that he may not impose additional secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude oil, which includes India. All this and more in our weekly roundup from around the globe

US President Donald Trump looks on next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference following their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska. Reuters

The world witnessed the much-awaited summit between United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. All eyes, including Indias, were on the meeting as the two leaders discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Pakistan has ramped up its nuclear threats against India. After the countrys Army Chief Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto warned New Delhi over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

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Trumps announcement of additional 25 per cent tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil stands in stark contrast to his handling of China, which is among the top buyers of crude from Russia. What explains the different treatment?

Heres all this and much more in our weekly wrap from the world.

1. US President Trump hosted his Russian counterpart at the American militarys Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. This was Putins first visit to the US in a decade, as well as the first-ever visit of a Russian leader to Alaska.

Ahead of the high-stakes summit, Trump had described it as a feel-out meeting and threatened Moscow with serious consequences if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. The two leaders met to find common ground to ensure a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after a three-year-long war, albeit in the absence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. So what came out of it? This story explains.

2. The world was glued to the high-stakes summit, which held a special interest for India. On Friday, Donald Trump claimed that Russia lost India as one of its oil clients. But after meeting Putin, the US president indicated that he may not impose secondary tariffs on countries like India that procure crude oil from Russia. Here is what this could mean for New Delhi.

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US President Donald Trump walks to shake the hand of Russias Vladimir Putin during a joint press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on Friday. After a three-hour meeting, Trump said we didnt get there on a Ukraine deal. AP

3. Pakistan is back at its war rhetoric against India. After Pakistan Army chief Munirs nuclear threat to India on US soil, PM Sharif and politician Bilawal Bhutto also issued warnings to New Delhi.

Targeting India for pausing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Sharif said that Pakistan will teach a lesson to the enemy that you will never forget. Bilawal Bhutto also threatened India with war if New Delhi continues making changes to the decades-old pact with Islamabad.

Do these threats hold weight, or are they hollow? Read our story to know more.

4. Trump has earlier publicly hit out at India for buying Russian crude oil even as trade talks continue between Washington and New Delhi. He has also imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports to the US, while threatening an additional 25 per cent levy (which he says he may now reconsider). The discussions to reach a bilateral trade agreement have hit a stalemate over Indias reluctance to open its markets to US agriculture and dairy products.

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Moreover, the US president has not attacked China, similarly, for purchasing Russian oil. Instead, this week, he granted a 90-day extension to the existing tariff pause between Washington and Beijing. Whats behind Trumps starkly different approaches toward two of Americas largest trading partners? We explain here.

5. Israel killed Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, along with four other journalists, while they were resting inside a tent for the press outside Al-Shifa Hospitals main gate in Gaza.

Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif was killed by a targeted Israeli airstrike. Image Courtesy: Al Jazeera/X

After the strike, the Israeli military claimed Anas was a terrorist and served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas. Al Jazeera vehemently rejected these claims, calling their reporter one of Gazas bravest journalists. So, was he a terrorist or a journalist? Heres our story.

6. The young, unemployed people in China are paying to pretend to have jobs. Like any regular worker, they get up in the morning, dress up and leave for their offices. However, no one is paying them, and they dont have to produce any results.

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There has been a rise in companies offering a pretend to work service in China. Some say they prefer this popular trend to being stuck at home until they get a job. However, others have called it escapism. Why are the young, jobless Chinese paying to pretend to be employed? We take a look here.

7. A video has gone viral on social media of a killer whale purportedly attacking and killing a marine trainer named Jessica Radcliffe during a live show. The incident sparked a flood of reactions online, with netizens expressing shock, outrage, and grief.

I have jessica radcliffe video orca, jessica radcliffe orca attack video, video jessica accident orque!!

6 minutes video  https://t.co/4DBCKycyxT pic.twitter.com/PgXYavYSgp  Burhan Khizer (@MeerKp20450) August 11, 2025

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However, heres the twist: none of it was real. The video was all an elaborate hoax. Read our story to find out the truth behind the viral clip.

This is all we have for you this week. If you like how we explain the news, you can bookmark this page to stay informed.
Australia is set to recognise the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this year, joining the UK, Canada and France. While recognising a Palestinian state is symbolic, the formation of a future Palestinian state consisting of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem is far more difficult to achieve. Heres why

Palestinians see East Jerusalem as an indispensable part of any future state. File image/AP

Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly meeting in September, joining the United Kingdom, Canada and France in taking the historic step.

Recognising a Palestinian state is, at one level, symbolic  it signals a growing global consensus behind the rights of Palestinians to have their own state. In the short term, it wont impact the situation on the ground in Gaza.

Practically speaking, the formation of a future Palestinian state consisting of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem is far more difficult to achieve.

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The Israeli government has ruled out a two-state solution and reacted with fury to the moves by the four G20 members to recognise Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision  shameful.

So, what are the political issues that need to be resolved before a Palestinian state becomes a reality? And what is the point of recognition if it doesnt overcome these seemingly intractable obstacles?

Settlements have exploded

The first problem is what to do about Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice has declared are illegal.

Since 1967, Israel has constructed these settlements with two goals in mind: to prevent any future division of Jerusalem and expropriate sufficient territory to make a Palestinian state impossible. There are now more than 500,000 settlers in the West Bank and 233,000 in East Jerusalem.

Palestinians see East Jerusalem as an indispensable part of any future state. They will never countenance a state without it as their capital.

In May, the Israeli government announced it would also build 22 new settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem  the largest settler expansion in decades. Defence Minister Israel Katz described this as a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel.

The Israeli government has also moved closer to fully annexing the West Bank in recent months.

Geographical complexities of a future state

Second is the issue of a future border between a Palestinian state and Israel.

The demarcations of the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem are not internationally recognised borders. Rather, they are the ceasefire lines, known as the Green Line, from the 1948 War that saw the creation of Israel.

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However, in the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured and occupied the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, Egypts Sinai Peninsula (since returned), and Syrias Golan Heights. And successive Israeli governments have used the construction of settlements in the occupied territories, alongside expansive infrastructure, to create new facts on the ground.

https://youtu.be/GR-embMmMQc?si=kArB0iHgUSjf4V14

Israel solidifies its hold on this territory by designating it as  state land, meaning it no longer recognises Palestinian ownership, further inhibiting the possibility of a future Palestinian state.

For example, according to research by Israeli professor Neve Gordon, Jerusalems municipal boundaries covered approximately seven square kilometres before 1967. Since then, Israeli settlement construction has expanded its eastern boundaries, so it now covers about 70 square km.

Israel also uses its Separation Wall or Barrier, which runs for around 700km through the West Bank and East Jerusalem, to further expropriate Palestinian territory.

According to a 2013 book by researchers Ariella Azoulay and Adi Ophir, the wall is part of the Israeli governments policy of cleansing Israeli space of any Palestinian presence. It breaks up contiguous Palestinian urban and rural spaces, cutting off some 150 Palestinian communities from their farmland and pastureland.

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The barrier is reinforced by other methods of separation, such as checkpoints, earth mounds, roadblocks, trenches, road gates and barriers, and earth walls.

Then there is the complex geography of Israels occupation in the West Bank.

Under the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, the West Bank was divided into three areas, labelled Area A, Area B and Area C.

In Area A, which consists of 18 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority exercises majority control. Area B is under joint Israeli-Palestinian authority. Area C, which comprises 60 per cent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control.

Administrative control was meant to be gradually transferred to Palestinian control under the Oslo Accords, but this never happened.

Areas A and B are today separated into many small divisions that remain isolated from one another due to Israeli control over Area C. This deliberate ghettoisation creates separate rules, laws and norms in the West Bank that are intended to prevent freedom of movement between the Palestinian zones and inhibit the realisation of a Palestinian state.

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Who will govern a future state?

Finally, there are the conditions that Western governments have placed on recognition of a Palestinian state, which rob Palestinians of their agency.

Chief among these is the stipulation that Hamas will not play a role in the governance of a future Palestinian state. This has been backed by the Arab League, which has also called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish power in Gaza.

Fatah and Hamas are currently the only two movements in Palestinian politics capable of forming a government. In a May poll, 32 per cent of respondents in both Gaza and the West Bank said they preferred Hamas, compared with 21 per cent support for Fatah. One-third did not support either or had no opinion.

Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, is deeply unpopular, with 80 per cent of Palestinians wanting him to resign.

A reformed Palestinian Authority is the Wests preferred option to govern a future Palestinian state. But if Western powers deny Palestinians the opportunity to elect a government of their choosing by dictating who can participate, the new government would likely be seen as illegitimate.

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This risks repeating the mistakes of Western attempts to install governments of their choosing in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also plays into the hands of Hamas hardliners, who mistrust democracy and see it as a tool to impose puppet governments in Palestine, as well as Israels narrative that Palestinians are incapable of governing themselves.

Redressing these issues and the myriad others will take time, money and considerable effort. The question is, how much political capital are the leaders of France, the UK, Canada and Australia (and others) willing to expend to ensure their recognition of Palestine results in an actual state?

What if Israel refuses to dismantle its settlements and the Separation Wall, and moves ahead with annexing the West Bank? What are these Western leaders willing or able to do? In the past, they have been unwilling to do more than issue strongly worded statements in the face of Israeli refusals to advance the two-state solution.

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Given these doubts around the political will and actual power of Western states to compel Israel to agree to the two-state solution, it begs the question: what and who is recognition for?

Martin Kear, Sessional Lecturer, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan after he was named the NDAs candidate for the Vice Presidential election, scheduled for September 9. Hailing his decades of service and grassroots work in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi praised Radhakrishnans humility and intellect

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday after he was selected as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the Vice Presidential elections which is scheduled for September 9.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated that Radhakrishnan had distinguished himself in public life with his commitment, humility, and intelligence.

In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at pic.twitter.com/WrbKl4LB9S  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2025

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In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance, the Prime Minister read.

Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan is presently the 24th Governor of Maharashtra, having sworn office on July 31, 2024. He formerly served as Governor of Jharkhand, from February 2023 until July 2024. From March to July 2024, he served as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader, was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore thrice and earlier served as Tamil Nadu BJP State President.

Earlier in the day, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda stated that the party is going to hold talks with opposition parties to secure an uncontested election for the Vice Presidential post.

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Speaking at a press conference, Nadda said, We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of Vice President. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well and even now, we will remain in touch with them and all our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDAs candidate for Vice President.

The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, with both polling and counting of votes to be held on the same day.

Candidates have until August 21 to file their nominations, and withdrawals will be accepted up to August 25.

The post became vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns.
Geopolitics has revived the crypto wars of the 1990s, yet today the struggle is continental rather than computational. On one flank stand the United States and much of the West, treating digital tokens as just another volatile asset class to be tamed by markets and tolerated by regulators. On the other side stand China and India, unlikely fellows whose shared suspicion of borderless money has inspired a twin assault on private cryptocurrencies. Whether laissez-faire zeal or dirigiste caution proves the surer guide will shape global finance.

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Beijing fired the latest salvo on May 31, when it imposed a blanket ban on mining, trading and even private ownership of coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The decree capped a decade-long squeeze that began with banking curbs in 2013, hardened into an ICO prohibition in 2017 and outlawed onshore transactions in 2021. Three concerns drove the final kill switch. First, capital flight: analysts reckon more than $50 billion seeped out of China via crypto in 2019-20. Second, financial stability: untamed price swings threaten household savings and could undermine the countrys highly leveraged property developers and shadow banks. Third, political control: decentralised ledgers collide with the Communist Partys quest for digital sovereignty and jeopardise the e-CNY, a central-bank token Beijing insists must sit on the throne.

New Delhi has not gone so far, yet it has tightened the fiscal tourniquet. Gains on any coin attract a punitive 30 per cent tax and a one-percent tax deducted at source on every trade. The Reserve Bank of India, which once likened Bitcoin to a Ponzi scheme, still campaigns for an outright ban, warning that borderless money could drain rupee sovereignty and turbocharge illicit flows.

Across the Pacific the mood is giddier. Roughly one in six American adults already owns some crypto. Wall Street hawks spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds; North America now processes more on-chain value than any other region. Donald Trump, sensing populist resonance, is pouring accelerant on the bonfire. His media firm is floating America First crypto ETFs, seeking a 2.5-billion-dollar Bitcoin treasury and trumpeting the Genius Act, a law that offers legitimacy to dollar-pegged stablecoins. Meanwhile, a meme coin dubbed Trump has vaulted from obscurity to multibillion-dollar heft, with scant disclosure and most of the supply parked in entities the former president ultimately controls. Oversight, like taxes on Mar-a-Lago tips, looks optional.

The divergence is rooted in history as much as ideology. The West has few capital controls and long experience of volatile assets; the Global South has spent decades fencing off foreign-exchange reserves. Washington views crypto much as it once viewed biotech or cannabis: speculative, risky, but ultimately containable. Beijing and New Delhi see an escape hatch through which wealth, tax and ultimately sovereignty might vanish. Studies of money laundering reinforce their fears. Forensic firms report that criminals cherish the virtually instant cross-border hop of tokens, and European police agencies warn that professional crypto-launderers now pose a systemic threat. Officials fret that a mere string of private keys could spirit fortunes abroad faster than regulators can draft circulars.

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Yet the prize is hardly stable. Bitcoin has crashed by more than 50 per cent five times: from 1,200 dollars to 200 in 2013, from 20,000 to 3,000 in 2018, and from 69,000 to 20,000 in 2022, before roaring past six figures in late 2024. Still, adoption creeps upward. Roughly 560 million peoplealmost seven per cent of humanitynow hold a sliver of crypto. Millennials dominate in America; in Vietnam and Nigeria grass-roots users are even younger. The genie is out, but it still rides a roller coaster.

Proponents trumpet three virtues. Crypto, they say, slashes payment friction, crossing borders in minutes rather than banking days. It extends financial inclusion because a smartphone is cheaper than a branch network. And it offers censorship resistance, letting dissidents raise funds under repressive regimes. Each claim carries a sting. Congestion fees can rival bank wire costs, and proof-of-work remains an energy glutton. Volatile balances can evaporate faster than payday-loan interest, leaving the poorest with no recourse. The same cloak that shields activists also hides ransomware gangs and narco-cartels, frustrating police armed only with subpoenas.

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Meanwhile, the stand-off sharpens. Chinas e-CNY pilots are courting Belt-and-Road creditors; Indias digital-rupee sandbox is under way. The United States toys with a central-bank dollar yet seems happier letting private stablecoins bloom so long as they stay green-backed and vaguely regulated. The conflict is no longer merely regulatory; it is philosophical. Must money remain an instrument of the state, or can code and consensus dethrone the decree? Cryptos architecture answers yes; its history of scams answers not yet.

The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Firstpost.
Donald Trump went to Alaska hoping for a breakthrough he could tout to his domestic audience and impress upon the Nobel committee. Instead, he was bulldozed by the Russian president

Westerners often struggle to grasp Russian psychology. As biographer Richard Lourie observes in his book Putin: Americas experts know Russia, they just dont know Russians. That gap becomes sharper when the subject is Vladimir Putin, a former KGB spy trained to mask his fragility and exploit the vulnerabilities of his opponents.

This ignorance was on full display in Alaska, where US President Donald Trump hosted Putin for peace talks on Ukraine. The summit was choreographed as a display of American might: B-2 bombers thundered overhead and F-22s lined the runway as Trump clasped Putins hand with a practised tug meant to project dominanceas though optics alone could substitute for substance.

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But for Putinan intelligence veteran skilled in reading and exploiting weaknessthe theatrics must have bordered on the absurd. Each flyover, each staged handshake, and each show of strength would have highlighted Washingtons insecurity. True strength does not need to be advertisedit imposes itself. Trumps show of power revealed the innate American anxiety, and his pompous vanity showcased the inner decay.

Behind closed doors, the optics gave way to reality. For nearly three hours the two men spoke, but when they emerged, Trump appeared like a surrendered general, admitting, We didnt get there. His self-proclaimed reputation as master dealmaker was punctured, and he conceded, Theres no deal till there is a deal.

Putin, by contrast, walked away without ceding an inch. Moscow gained everything it sought: An end to Putins diplomatic isolation in the Western world, the optics of equality with the president of the worlds sole superpower, and the widening of cracks in transatlantic relations, besides Ukraine being pushed further into despairexcluded from the talks and left alone to lick its wounds.

The meeting vindicated what everyone knew except, of course, Trump: That tariffs dont stop war; it didnt during Operation Sindoor, and it wont in Ukraine. More importantly, it showed the American dispensation that it was left with fewer cards, especially after the initiation of the tariff war, more so amidst the rebellions led by Bharat and China, along with other Brics nations such as Brazil and South Africa.

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Know Your Enemy

Coming back to the Alaska summit, had Trump studied Putin more closely, he might have avoided such puerile missteps. He would have known that the Russian President is at his best when pushed to a corner, thanks to his street-fighting experience during his childhood in Leningrad. As Lourie writes: The lesson that the streets of Leningrad taught was simple, and it stayed with Putin his whole life: The weak get beaten. Weakness is both disgrace and danger.

That street code shaped Putins worldview and his political tactics. The streets of Leningrad taught me one thing: if a fight is unavoidable, throw the first punch, the Russian president would concede much later in an interview. Putin thrives on others aggression, and in Alaska, Trump provided him just that.

However, Putins drive is not just personal psychology. As historian Orlando Figes writes in The Story of Russia, Ukraine is an existential war for himhe will fight until he can claim a credible victory.

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Ukraine being non-negotiable for Russia makes Putin doubly lethaland an almost impossible war for the West to win. Ukraines importance comes from the fact that it has always been central to Russias identity, both historically and strategically. All Russian history flowed from Kiev. Every schoolchild learned: Kiev is the mother of Russian cities, Ukraine is Russias breadbasket, Lourie notes. During the Soviet Unions 75 years, Ukrainian leadersincluding Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Chernenkoruled for three decades.

A Missed Opportunity

At the heart of the Ukraine conflict lies Russias enduring apprehension of encirclement by the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). Lourie recalls how, in 1990, US Secretary of State James Baker promised Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that if Moscow pulled its forces from East Germany and allowed reunification, Nato would not move one inch east. In the three decades since, Nato has expanded not by inches but by hundreds of kilometres.

The policy was so fundamentally flawed that it had even drawn criticism from George Kennan, Americas foremost Russia strategist and author of the Cold War containment doctrine. Kennan called Natos enlargement the most fateful error of American policy in the post-Cold-War era, predicting it would revive nationalistic, anti-Western and militaristic tendencies in Russian opinion.

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The Ukraine war is a making of the Wests own folly, envy, and ambition. In his first presidential term, Putin actually sought integration with the West. He frequently emphasised that Russia was part of European culture and even entertained the idea of joining Nato or the EU. But the Western European nations rebuffed himrepeatedly.

Orlando Figes describes this rejection as part of a recurring pattern running right through Russian history since at least the eighteenth century. Russia sought respect and recognition as part of Europe, but when humiliated, it turned inward, rebuilt, and armed itself against the West.

Putin soon realised Russias destiny couldnt lie with the West, possibly inspired by thinkers like Nikolai Danilevsky. Figes writes, His (Putins) thinking here was possibly derived from Danilevskys Russia and Europe, written in the wake of the Crimean War, in which the Pan-Slav thinker had maintained that Russia was a distinctive multicultural civilisation, neither understood nor recognised by Europe, which saw it only as an aggressor state and wanted to diminish it.

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Western condescensionrooted in a sense of cultural and even racial superioritypushed Russia to reposition itself, not as European but as a Eurasian power. It started looking afresh at its Asian roots and allies.

Conclusion

Theres no solution to Ukraine without understanding these moot points and differences. Peace comes through negotiations, understanding and fair play, sometimes imposed through the barrel of a gun. It just cannot happen because a leader is in a hurry to gain Nobel nominations or even impress his domestic audience.

Trump went to Alaska hoping for a breakthrough he could tout to his domestic audience and impress upon the Nobel committee. Instead, he was steamrolled. For Putin, it was a win-win situation. He secured global legitimacy, widened Western divisions, and strengthened the impression that Russia dictates terms on the Ukrainian issue while Washington scrambles to catch up.

However, we are yet to hear the last word on Ukraineand of course, the Trump-Putin saga.

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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
For countless women, Pakistan is no longer a country to live in, but a graveyard that buries their voices, their dignity, and their very existence

Every year, between 300 and 1,000 women are executed by their own families in Pakistan under the pretext of honour. Image: X/@iMaryammm

The recent brutal murders of Arak and Sheetal are not isolated tragedies; they are the latest entries in Pakistans long catalogue of bloodletting carried out in the name of honour. While governments in Islamabad posture about morality and sovereignty, the reality is this: Pakistan has become a slaughterhouse for women, where patriarchal violence is not only tolerated but embedded in the fabric of society and shielded by state institutions.

Every year, between 300 and 1,000 women are executed by their own families in Pakistan under the pretext of honour. These are not crimes of passion; they are premeditated executions. And they happen with such frequency, such brazenness, that they expose Pakistan for what it is: a state incapable of protecting half its population and unwilling to confront the barbarity it shelters.

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The killings of Arak and Sheetal are horrifying, but they are also predictable. They happened in a country where misogyny is weaponized, where women who dare to love, marry, or simply make choices of their own are punished with death. Pakistan has normalized this slaughter to such an extent that it barely registers as shocking anymore inside its borders. Instead, honour killings are treated as family matters, excused by police, and whitewashed by local media using euphemisms like tragedy or dispute. Murder is softened into culture. Violence is disguised as tradition.

Pakistan likes to paint itself as a victim on the world stage, forever crying about conspiracies from India, America, or foreign lobbies. But the real enemy of Pakistan is Pakistan itself. No outside force orders fathers, brothers, or husbands to strangle, burn, or shoot their daughters and sisters. No foreign conspiracy instructs police to look the other way, or courts to allow murderers to walk free under so-called forgiveness laws. These are Pakistani crimes, born of Pakistani traditions, sanctioned by Pakistani cowardice.

The much-celebrated 2016 legal reforms supposedly closed loopholes that allowed killers to escape punishment. Yet years later, nothing has changed. Families still shield perpetrators. Jirgas and tribal councils still bless honour killings as acceptable justice. Politicians still play to the misogynistic gallery, afraid to challenge the same patriarchal structures that keep them in power. Laws in Pakistan are theatre; the stage props look modern, but the blood on the floor is real.

Murder Disguised as Tradition

The deaths of Arak and Sheetal make clear what Pakistans rulers refuse to admit: women in this country live in a permanent state of siege. Their bodies are not their own. Their choices are treated as threats. Their existence is conditional upon obedience to a code that sees them as property. To step outside that line is to sign ones own death warrant. And when that death comes, the killers are rarely punished. Pakistans honour killing crisis is not a side issue or a cultural quirk. It is central to how the state operatesthrough fear, violence, and the crushing of dissent, whether political or personal.

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Just as Baloch voices are silenced by enforced disappearances, just as journalists are intimidated into submission, women are murdered to enforce obedience. Honour killings are not random crimes but instruments of control. Yet Pakistan has the audacity to call itself a democracy, a land of values, a country of pride. Where is the pride in the corpses of women dumped in shallow graves? Where is the honour in strangling daughters because they chose whom to love? Where is the morality in a state that passes laws it never enforces, that pretends progress while presiding over medieval brutality?

A Graveyard for Women

The truth is harsh but undeniable: Pakistan is not merely failing its womenit is destroying them. A nation where hundreds of women are killed every year with impunity cannot be called a civilised state. It is a patriarchal fortress built on blood and silence. And yet, Pakistans rulers still try to deceive the world. They hold up reforms, quote statistics selectively, and tell the international community that things are improving.

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Meanwhile, women like Arak and Sheetal are being executed behind closed doors. For every case that surfaces in the media, dozens more are buried, literally and figuratively, in the darkness of rural villages or urban slums. The global community must stop indulging Pakistans excuses. Enough of the handshakes, the aid packages, the polite acceptance of empty promises. Every dollar given to Islamabad, every speech that praises its progress, is complicity in this violence.

Arak and Sheetal will soon be replaced by other namesdifferent women, same story. The killings will go on. The police will shrug. The politicians will preen. The mullahs will remain silent. And Pakistan will continue to bleed its daughters, one by one, while claiming to defend honour. But there is no honour in murder. There is only shame, and it belongs entirely to Pakistan. Pakistan has reached its lowest depths.

A state that cannot protect its women inside their own homes offers them no place of safety anywhere. In this land, every wall becomes a prison, and every street a threat. For countless women, Pakistan is no longer a country to live in, but a graveyard that buries their voices, their dignity, and their very existence. As the late scholar Nawal El Saadawi once said, The home, the family, and the state are often the most dangerous places for women.

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Nowhere does that ring truer than in Pakistan.

Tehmeena Rizvi is a Policy Analyst and PhD scholar at Bennett University. Her areas of work include Women, Peace, and Security (South Asia), focusing on the intersection of gender, conflict, and religion, with a research emphasis on the Kashmir region, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Germanys foreign minister on Sunday criticised what he called the aggressive behaviour of China in the Taiwan Strait ahead of a trip to Japan and Indonesia, and stressed the need to strengthen internationally binding rules.

Germanys Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Sunday condemned Chinas increasingly aggressive activities in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, ahead of his visit to Japan and Indonesia. He stressed the importance of upholding internationally binding rules to maintain global stability.

Speaking to reporters before boarding his flight, Wadephul praised Japan for its solidarity with Europe on the Ukraine conflict and highlighted the economic and strategic significance of both Japan and Indonesia.

In a statement released by his ministry, Wadephul expressed concern over Chinas behaviour, saying it threatens fundamental principles of our global co-existence and underscores the need for a rules-based international order.

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Tensions have been rising in the Asia-Pacific over territorial disputes. Earlier this week, Chinas military claimed it had monitored and driven away a U.S. destroyer near the contested Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, an action the U.S. Navy said was in line with international law.

Chinas increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also affects us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global co-existence are at stake here, the minister said.

We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order, which is supported by the strength of the law and binding rules for all.

Tensions have simmered between China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific region over territorial claims.

Earlier this week the Chinese military said it monitored and drove away a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy said its action was in line with international law.

Wadephuls criticism of China comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington that aims to work towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

China, a major trading partner but also rival of Germany, has stood by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, causing friction with Western powers over the conflict. Beijing says it is not helping Russias military and is not a party to the war.

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With inputs from agencies
Amid the brewing tensions in the Indian subcontinent, reports are emerging that China has delivered the third of the eight new advanced Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan

Amid the brewing tensions in the Indian subcontinent, reports are emerging that China has delivered the third of the eight new advanced Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan. With these deliveries, China has been aiming to upgrade Islamabads naval strength to support its growing presence in the Indian Ocean, Indias backyard.

According to the Chinese state-run Global Times, the launching ceremony of the third Hangor-class submarine was held in Wuhan, Central Chinas Hubei province, on Thursday. It is pertinent to note that the second of the eight submarines China is building for Pakistan was handed over to the country in March this year.

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Additionally, China has supplied four modern naval frigates to Pakistan in the last few years. The deliveries from China are coming at a time when Beijing is aiming for a steady expansion in the Arabian Sea, where it is developing the Gwadar port in Balochistan, as well as in the Indian Ocean.

Pakistan lauds the move

While speaking at the launch ceremony of the third submarine, Pakistans Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Project-2 Vice Admiral Abdul Samad said the Hangor-class submarines cutting-edge weaponry and advanced sensors would be instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability.

According to a recent report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China supplied over 81 per cent of Pakistans military hardware. Some of Pakistans main orders in the past five years include the countrys first spy ship, the Rizwan; more than 600 VT-4 battle tanks, and 36 J-10CE 4.5-generation fighters.

China delivered the first of the multi-role J-10CE fighter jets to the Pakistan Air Force in 2022, adding to its JF-17 fighters jointly manufactured by both countries.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told The Global Times that the Hangor-class submarine is characterised by its strong underwater combat capabilities, including comprehensive sensor systems, excellent stealth characteristics, high mobility, long endurance and formidable firepower.

New Delhi will be looking at these deliveries closely since it is coming weeks after India and Pakistan engaged in a 4-day military escalation.

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With inputs from PTI.
Israel will begin providing tents and other shelter supplies to Gaza residents from Sunday as part of plans to relocate civilians from combat zones to the south of the enclave, the military announced, days after declaring a new offensive to seize northern Gaza City.

Gaza residents will begin receiving tents and other shelter supplies from Sunday as part of plans to move them from combat zones to the south of the enclave to ensure their safety, the Israeli military said on Saturday.

The announcement comes days after Israel declared its intention to launch a new offensive to seize control of northern Gaza City, the enclaves largest urban centre, a move that has sparked international concern over the fate of the war-ravaged territory, home to about 2.2 million people.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last Sunday that civilians would be evacuated to safe zones before the offensive, describing Gaza City as Hamas last stronghold.

According to the military, the shelter equipment will be transported through the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza by the United Nations and other international aid groups, following inspection by defence ministry personnel.

A spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs voiced concern over Israels relocation plans, warning it would deepen the suffering of civilians. Still, the UN welcomed Israels decision to allow tents and other shelter items into the enclave. The UN and its partners will seize the opportunity this opens, the spokesperson said.

The UN has repeatedly cautioned that thousands of families already living in dire conditions could face further catastrophe if Israel proceeds with its Gaza City operation. Both Palestinian and UN officials stress that no part of Gaza is truly safe, including southern areas where Israel has directed people to move.

The Israeli military declined to clarify whether the shelter equipment was meant for Gaza Citys roughly one million residents, or if those displaced would be relocated to Rafah, on the border with Egypt.
As the tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, reports are emerging that the Israeli Navy struck a site in Yemens capital, Sanaa, on Sunday.

As the tensions in continue to escalate, reports are emerging that the Israeli Navy struck a site in Yemens capital, Sanaa, on Sunday. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) said that the strikes were aimed at a terrorist infrastructure site serving the Houthi regime.

Meanwhile, local Yemeni media and Reuters reported that at least two explosions occurred near a power plant in the city. Yemeni sources claimed that the blast struck the Haziz power plant in the southern part of Sanaa.

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Soon after the strikes. Mashal al-Rifi, CEO of the Sanaa Electric Corporation, told local media the facility was under attack, causing a temporary power outage.

Amid the chaos, Houthi political bureau member Hazam al-Asad slammed the strike on his social media platform X, alleging that a criminal enemy targets only civilian service facilities  electricity and water.

A civil defence source speaking to Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV said the attack struck the plants generators in the Sanhan area south of Sanaa, forcing operations to halt. Our teams are working to extinguish the fire caused by the incident, the source furthered.

What is IDF saying?

Meanwhile, the IDF issued a statment stating that the strikes were conducted from a distance of 2,000 kilometres, deep inside Yemen, targeting an energy infrastructure site used by the Houthi terrorist regime. The Israeli military said that they were in response to repeated attacks on Israel, including the launching of surface-to-surface missiles and UAVs toward Israeli territory.

The Houthi terrorist regime operates under the direction and funding of the Iranian regime to harm the State of Israel and its allies, the IDF said. It exploits the maritime domain to project force and carry out terror activity against global shipping and trade routes. The IDF will continue operating against the ongoing and repeated attacks and remains determined to remove any threat to the State of Israel wherever required," it furthered.

It is important to note that the last reported Israeli airstrikes in Yemen occurred about a month ago, when the Israeli Air Force launched Operation Long Shadow against Houthi positions at the port of Hodeidah. The strikes targeted military infrastructure, fuel tanks and vessels used in the operation against Israel.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another eight injured in an overnight shooting at a club in Brooklyn, New York, NBC News reported early Sunday, citing the city's police.

The shooting took place at the "Taste Of The City Lounge" in the Crown Heights neighborhood, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference, adding that officers responded to calls of the shooting just before 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time (0830 GMT).

The three people killed were all men, and all were pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

The shooting was reportedly sparked by a dispute inside the crowded venue. At least 36 shell casings were found at the scene.

Tisch said there were multiple shooters involved, adding that police were still investigating and nobody was in custody.

Five men and three women are being treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries, she said.

"It's a terrible shooting that occurred in the city of New York," Tisch said. 
Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen has called Netanyahu a problem and said she will press the EU to consider Russia-style sanctions on Israel, arguing that immediate recognition of a Palestinian state would not ease the Gaza crisis.

Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become a problem and vowed to push the European Union to consider Russia-style sanctions on Israel to help bring the Gaza war to an end amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

She also made clear that immediate recognition of a Palestinian state would not ease the conflict, even as she reaffirmed Copenhagens support for a two-state solution.

In a Facebook post, Frederiksen wrote, Recognising Palestine here and now is not going to help the thousands of children who are currently fighting for their survival, no matter how much you want it. Instead, we need to increase the pressure on both Israel and Hamas.

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Why Denmark opposes immediate recognition

Frederiksen, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, told Jyllands-Posten that Denmark is weighing sanctions just as with Russia, designed to have the greatest effect. Options under consideration include targeting individual settlers and ministers as well as broader trade and research ties. We are not ruling anything out in advance, she said, adding that Denmark is pressing for stronger EU measures but has not yet secured consensus.

The prime minister stressed that Denmark supports the eventual creation of a Palestinian state, but only when conditions allow for what she called a sustainable and democratic government free of Hamas influence. Recognition, she added, must also come with mutual recognition of Israel.

Criticism of Netanyahu and Israeli policy

A long-time supporter of Israel, Frederiksen argued the country would be better off without Netanyahu, accusing his government of acting against Israels own interests. She condemned the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war as absolutely appalling and catastrophic and criticised settlement expansion and settler violence, including plans for more than 3,000 housing units in the West Banks sensitive E1 area.

Reiterating her stance, Frederiksen said Denmark will not join other European states in recognising Palestine here and now. In her Facebook post, she stressed that such recognition will not help the thousands of children currently fighting for their survival, and warned that Denmark does not wish to reward Hamas. Recognition, she insisted, should come only when it truly advances a two-state solution,when a sustainable and democratic state in Palestine can be secured without the influence of Hamas, and with mutual recognition of Israel.
Russias Vladimir Putin agreed at his summit with President Donald Trump to allow the United States and its European allies to offer Ukraine a security guarantee resembling NATOs collective defence mandate as part of an eventual deal to end the 3 1/2year war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle to allow the United States and its European partners to extend Ukraine a form of collective security guarantee modelled on NATOs Article 5, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Speaking on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, Witkoff described the concession as game-changing, noting that this was the first time Moscow had accepted the possibility of such protections. We were able to win the following concession: that the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons Ukraine wants to be in NATO, he said.

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Read Also:

A non-NATO pact for Ukraine? US floats Western alliance-style security guarantees for Kyiv

Article 5 of NATO stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. While details remain scarce, the offer could provide a pathway around Putins longstanding opposition to Ukraine joining the Western military alliance.

Witkoff, who attended Fridays talks in Alaska alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also said Russia agreed to legislate against infringing the sovereignty of other European nations. There was plenty more, he added, without giving specifics.

Outlining some of the details about the private discussions, Witkoff also said Russia had agreed to enact a law that it would not go after any other European countries and violate their sovereignty. And there was plenty more.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at a news conference in Brussels with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, applauded the move. We welcome President Trumps willingness to contribute to Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine and the Coalition of the willing  including the European Union  is ready to do its share, she said.

Zelenskyy thanked the United States for recent signals that Washington was willing to support such guarantees, but that much was unclear.

It is important that America agrees to work with Europe to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, he said, But there are no details how it will work, and what Americas role will be, Europes role will be and what the EU can do, and this is our main task, we need security to work in practice like Article 5 of NATO, and we consider EU accession to be part of the security guarantees, he said.

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Witkoff defended Trumps decision to abandon his push that Russian agree to an immediate ceasefire, which Trump had set as a benchmark going into the meeting. Witkoff said the Republican president had pivoted toward a peace deal because so much progress was made.

We covered almost all the other issues necessary for a peace deal, Witkoff said, without elaborating. We began to see some moderation in the way theyre thinking about getting to a final peace deal.

Rubio, who appeared on three Sunday news shows, said there was not going to be any kind of truce reached because Ukraine was not at the summit.

Now, ultimately, if there isnt a peace agreement, if there isnt an end of this war, the presidents been clear, there are going to be consequences, Rubio said on ABCs This Week. But were trying to avoid that.

Rubio, who is also Trumps national security adviser, said he did not believe imposing new U.S. sanctions on Russia would force Putin to accept a ceasefire.

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The minute you issue new sanctions, your ability to get them to the table, our ability to get them to table will be severely diminished, Rubio told NBCs Meet the Press.

He also said were not at the precipice of a peace agreement and that getting there would not be easy and would take a lot of work.

We made progress in the sense that we identified potential areas of agreement, but there remains some big areas of disagreement. So were still a long ways off, Rubio said.

Zelenskyy and Europeans leaders, who heard from Trump after the summit, are scheduled to meet with him at the White House on Monday.

I think everybody agreed that we had made progress. Maybe not enough for a peace deal, but we are on the path for the first time, Witkoff said.

He added: The fundamental issue, which is some sort of land swap, which is obviously ultimately in the control of the Ukrainians  that could not have been discussed at this meeting with Putin. We intend to discuss it on Monday. Hopefully we have some clarity on it and hopefully that ends up in a peace deal very, very soon."

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With inputs from agencies
President Vladimir Putin spoke to the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan on Sunday to update them on the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump which the Kremlin has cast as a potentially significant stepping stone towards peace in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday spoke with the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan to share details of his meeting with US President Donald Trump, which Moscow has described as an important step toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

The Alaska summit, the first US-Russia meeting at this level in more than four years, was followed by consultations with senior Russian officials in the Kremlin on Saturday. Putin called the discussions timely and very useful, saying both sides explored the possibility of ending the war on what he termed a fair basis while addressing its underlying causes.

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We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time. I repeat once again: there was an opportunity to calmly and in detail once again set out our position, Putin told Russian officials.

We, of course, respect the position of the American administration, which sees the need for a speedy end to military action. Well, we would also like this and would like to move on to resolving all issues by peaceful means.

The press service of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Putin had discussed the talks in Alaska.

Putin informed his Belarusian counterpart in detail about the results of the last Russia-US summit, the Lukashenkos press service said.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs press service said that Russia-U.S. talks contributed to a better understanding of the American side of the Russian position on Ukraine.
At their Alaska summit, Trump and Putin discussed a peace framework in which Russia would return small occupied areas of Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv ceding larger eastern territories, halting Nato ambitions, and recognising Crimea. While Trump claimed the two leaders were close to a deal, Ukraine and its allies remain firm on rejecting land-for-peace concessions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump pose on a podium on the tarmac after they arrived to attend a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, US. Reuters

Under peace offers discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump at their Alaska meeting, Russia would give up small areas of occupied Ukraine and Kyiv would give up large areas of its eastern territory that Moscow has been unable to seize, according to sources briefed on Moscows thinking said.

The account emerged the day after Trump and Putin met at an Alaskan air force station, the first meeting between a US president and the Kremlin top since before the Ukraine crisis began.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday to explore a possible resolution to Putins full-scale war, which began in February 2022.

Although the summit failed to secure the ceasefire he said he had wanted, Trump said in an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity that he and Putin had discussed land transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine, and had largely agreed.

I think were pretty close to a deal, he said, adding: Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe theyll say no.

The two sources, who sought anonymity to discuss issues that are sensitive, said their understanding of Putins suggestions was mostly based on talks among leaders in Europe, the United States, and Ukraine, and that it was incomplete.

Trump briefed Zelenskyy and European leaders on his summit talks early Saturday.

It was unclear if Putins recommendations were intended to serve as a starting point for discussions or as a final offer that was not open to reconsideration.

Ukrainian land for peace

At face value, at least some of the demands would present huge challenges for Ukraines leadership to accept.

Putins offer ruled out a ceasefire until a comprehensive deal is reached, blocking a key demand of Zelenskyy, whose country is hit daily by Russian drones and ballistic missiles.

Under the proposed Russian deal, Kyiv would fully withdraw from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions in return for a Russian pledge to freeze the front lines in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, the sources said.

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Ukraine has already rejected any retreat from Ukrainian land such as the Donetsk region, where its troops are dug in and which Kyiv says serves as a crucial defensive structure to prevent Russian attacks deeper into its territory.

Russia would be prepared to return comparatively small tracts of Ukrainian land it has occupied in the northern Sumy and northeastern Kharkiv regions, the sources said.

Russia holds pockets of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions that total around 440 square km, according to Ukraines Deep State battlefield mapping project. Ukraine controls around 6,600 square km of Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and is claimed by Russia.

Although the Americans have not spelled this out, the sources said they knew Russias leader was also seeking - at the very least - formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

It was not clear if that meant recognition by the US government or, for instance, all Western powers and Ukraine. Kyiv and its European allies reject formal recognition of Moscows rule in the peninsula.

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They said Putin would also expect the lifting of at least some of the array of sanctions on Russia. However, they could not say if this applied to US as well as European sanctions.

Trump said on Friday he did not immediately need to consider retaliatory tariffs on countries such as China for buying Russian oil - which is subject to a range of Western sanctions - but might have to in two or three weeks.

Ukraine would also be barred from joining the Nato military alliance, though Putin seemed to be open to Ukraine receiving some kind of security guarantees, the sources said.

However, they added that it was unclear what this meant in practice. European leaders said Trump had discussed security guarantees for Ukraine during their conversation on Saturday and also broached an idea for an Article 5-style guarantee outside the Nato military alliance.

Nato regards any attack launched on one of its 32 members as an attack on all under its Article 5 clause.

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Joining the Atlantic alliance is a strategic objective for Kyiv that is enshrined in the countrys constitution.

Russia would also demand official status for the Russian language inside parts of, or across, Ukraine, as well as the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely, the sources said.

Ukraines security agency accuses the Moscow-linked church of abetting Russias war on Ukraine by spreading pro-Russian propaganda and housing spies, something denied by the church which says it has cut canonical ties with Moscow.

Ukraine has passed a law banning Russia-linked religious organisations, of which it considers the church to be one. However, it has not yet started enforcing the ban.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS the US will keep trying to end Russias war in Ukraine, but peace might not be possible.

The United States will continue efforts to create conditions for ending Russias war in Ukraine, though a breakthrough may not be possible, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday.

Speaking to CBSs Face the Nation, Rubio warned that if no path to peace emerges, people will continue to die by the thousands, though Washington still hopes to avoid that outcome.

His remarks come as European leaders prepare to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump. The meeting follows Trumps discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, where potential outlines of a settlement were floated.

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If peace is not going to be possible here and this is just going to continue on as a war, people will continue to die by the thousands  we may unfortunately wind up there, but we dont want to wind up there, he said.

There are things that were discussed as part of this meeting that are potentials for breakthroughs, that are potential for progress, said Rubio, adding that topics for discussion would include security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump and Putin discussed proposals for Russia to relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine ceding a swathe of fortified land in the east and freezing the front lines elsewhere, Reuters reported citing sources as saying.

Rubio said both sides would need to make concessions if a peace deal were to be concluded.

With inputs from agencies
At least seven people were killed in Ecuador when gunmen opened fire at a bar in Santo Domingo, about 150 kilometers west of Quito, amid rising gang violence, police.

At least seven people were killed in Ecuador on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on a bar, police said, as the South American nation struggles with soaring gang violence.

Seven people died from gunshot wounds at a pool hall in the nightlife district of Santo Domingo, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the capital Quito, national police told a press briefing, as purported security camera footage of the massacre circulated online.

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Last month, least 17 people were gunned down when armed attackers opened fire inside a bar in Ecuadors Guayas province, authorities said, marking the latest in a string of deadly shootings linked to the countrys deepening drug war.

The attack comes just a week after nine people were killed while playing pool in another bar in the coastal resort town of Playas, also in Guayas. Police later said the victims of that incident were not the intended targets but collateral casualties.

Ecuador has faced a surge in violence since President Daniel Noboa launched a crackdown on organised crime last year. The countrys homicide rate has since soared to 38 per 100,000 people in 2024, placing it among the most violent in Latin America.

Between January and May 2025 alone, Ecuador registered 4,051 homicides, according to government figures. Officials estimate that nearly three-quarters of the worlds cocaine output transits through the country, fuelling the deadly turf wars between criminal groups.

With inputs from agencies
Zelensky on Saturday accused Russia of obstructing peace efforts by rejecting calls for a ceasefire, saying President Vladimir Putin was complicating the situation."

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy said he told Donald Trump and European leaders that the Vladimir Putin doesn't "want peace"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday accused Russia of blocking peace efforts by refusing to agree to a ceasefire, more than three years into the war, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is complicating the situation.

We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation, Zelensky wrote in a post on X.

Slamming Moscow for lacking the will to carry out a simple order to stop the strikes, he added, it may take a lot of effort to get Russia to have the will to implement far greater  peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades. He stressed that Stopping the killing is a key element of stopping the war.

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His remarks were accompanied by a joint document from the leaders of eight Nordic-Baltic nations  Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden  reaffirming their support for Kyiv and backing US President Donald Trumps mediation efforts.

We welcome President Trumps statement that the U.S. is prepared to participate in security guarantees. No limitations should be placed on Ukraines armed forces or on its cooperation with other countries, the statement said.

Zelenskys Washington visit

Zelensky confirmed he will meet President Trump on Monday (Aug 18), calling it an important opportunity to clarify all the details and determine which steps are necessary and will work.

The announcement followed Trumps summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday (Aug 15). Despite the high stakes, the three-hour meeting failed to secure a ceasefire. At a press conference afterwards, Trump summed it up bluntly: No deal until theres a deal.

Although the summit ended without an agreement, both leaders described their talks as very productive. Their joint press conference concluded without taking questions from reporters.
A day after the Alaska Summit, reports are emerging that US President Donald Trump wants to arrange trilateral talks with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Putin & Zelenskyy, by August 22

As more details about the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin emerge, a report suggests that Trump said he wants to arrange a trilateral meeting with the Russian leader and the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 22.

According to a report by Axios, Trump told Zelenskyy and European leaders in a phone call that he wants to hold the trilateral summit fast and as early as next Friday, August 22. While two sources close to the matter told Axios about Trumps plan, it is unclear if Putin will join the meeting.

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After the 3-hour discussion in Alaska, the Russian leader proposed to Trump that the next talks should be held in Moscow. A hesitant Trump admitted that he would receive flak for accepting such an invitation but noted that a meeting in Moscow is possible. However, if talks happen in the Russian capital, it would pose a major security threat to Zelenskyy, whose country has been locked in a war with Russia for the past three years.

Putins maximalist claims to Ukraines east

The sources told Axios that during the talks, Putin said that Ukraine would have to withdraw entirely from two of its eastern regions, which Russia claims as its own. The source noted that based on Putins approach in the Friday meeting, a major breakthrough appears to be unlikely.

The sources noted that Putin demanded that Ukraine cede two of the four regions to which Russia has laid claim (Donetsk and Luhansk), and freeze the front lines in the other two (Kherson and Zaporizhzhia). Russia controls nearly all of Luhansk, but only about three-quarters of Donetsk.

According to Axios, Putin expressed willingness to stop pushing forward in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as a concession, and in exchange, Ukraine should completely withdraw from Donetsk. It is important to note that Russia has not made progress in any of those areas for some time.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian source said that the US side had the impression Putin was willing to negotiate over the small slivers of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions under Russian control. But overall, Putins proposal reportedly calls for significantly more territory to shift from Ukrainian to Russian control than vice versa.
An adviser used by the UKs Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, along with other politicians from the party to boost their social media popularity, has suggested that Britain would be better off had it stayed neutral during the Second World War instead of fighting against Nazi Germany

An adviser used by the UK's Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, along with other politicians from the party to boost their social media popularity, has suggested that Britain would be better off had it stayed neutral during the Second World War instead of fighting against Nazi Germany.

Jack Anderton, who ran Farages hugely successful TikTok account and went on to help Luke Campbell become the Reform mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, also noted that the United Kingdom should not support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. In a post on his blog about the UKs foreign policy, Anderton suggested that the UK could regain former colonies such as Australia, Canada and South Africa.

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He went on to state that the UK should copy the policy of mass incarceration carried out by El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, which has been widely condemned as a violation of human rights all around the world.

Why it matters

It is pertinent to note that Anderson has never been employed by the Reform Party. However, the 23-year-old established Farage on TikTok, where he now has 1.3 million followers, before working closely on Campbells election campaign. After his victory, Anderson continues to remain a central part of Campbells circle.

According to The Guardian, the newly-elected mayor is known to have made efforts to get him on his roster of staff, which have been thwarted because he cannot have political appointees. In his latest personal blog titled Britain Needs Change, Anderson included an entry from last year about what he called a self-interested British foreign policy.

He insisted that the only conflict of the last century that was in the UKs interest was the Falklands War. Trillions of pounds of British taxes have been spent in foreign lands in the pursuit of democracy, human rights and doing what is right, the post said. More than a million British lives have been lost since WW1 in wars and battles that have never once been fought by British men, on this island," it added.

UK should not have fought in WW2: Anderson

In the post, Anderson argued that both world wars ensured that the UK was no longer a great power in the international arena. We impoverished ourselves for decades; we didnt finish paying the loans off to America until 2006. Our economy stagnated, we lost an empire, and we are pushed around by America. And Germany, a country we beat, has been richer than us since the 1970s," he wrote.

Alternative history is interesting; if Britain had not fought in WW1 and WW2, it would not have had to rely on America for economic support, and it would have had the independence to act accordingly. Britain could have developed India, Cyprus, Fiji, Malta, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, the Bahamas, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. In the coming meritocracy, perhaps Britain could regain some of these nations.

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In the same post, he also opposed London providing support for Ukraine after Russias invasion: We are sending billions of pounds (that we cannot afford) to prop up a country that we have no allegiance to. Russia is not our enemy; they have not attacked Britain.

Andersons radical rant also included a call for a shake-up of the Foreign Office so that all decisions are made purely based on whether or not they benefit Britain: Instead, what we have are people who should be working for the UN or a charity rather than working in the British Foreign Office. When asked about the matter, Reform UK told The Guardian that Anderson is neither employed by the party nor the mayor.
Talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have created enough momentum for a follow-up meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed progress on key issues, including borders, security guarantees, and Ukraines military alliances, though he warned significant compromises would be required from both Russia and Ukraine.

Talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sparked enough momentum to warrant a meeting with Ukrainian and European leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS on Sunday.

Rubio also stated that both Russia and Ukraine would have to make compromises to stop the war, and that the US may be unable to create a situation that ensures peace.

European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington on Monday, hoping to buttress him as Trump urges Ukraine to accept a speedy peace accord following his meeting with Putin on Friday.

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Im not saying were on the verge of a peace deal, but I am saying that we saw movement, enough movement to justify a follow-up meeting with Zelenskyy and the Europeans, Rubio told the Face the Nation show.

Rubios comments were among the first by senior US officials present at the talks with Putin.

In a social media post, Trump wrote, BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED! he gave no details

Speaking separately to Fox News Sunday Morning Futures program, Rubio said the talks had narrowed down the key issues. These included drawing borders, long-term security guarantees for Kyiv, and which military alliances Ukraine could have, he said, adding theres a lot of work that remains.

Putin has ruled out Ukraine becoming a member of NATO. Article 5 of the alliances charter is a mutual defence pact obliging allies to defend a member from attacks.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy to Russia, told CNN that the US side had won the concession that the United States could offer Article Five-like protection.

Pressed for details, he said, the United States is potentially prepared to be able to give Article Five security guarantees, but not from NATO, directly from the United States, and other European countries. This would be one of the topics for discussion on Monday, he said.

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According to sources, Trump and Putin discussed proposals for Russia to relinquish tiny pockets of occupied Ukraine in exchange for Ukraine ceding a swathe of fortified land in the east and freezing the front lines elsewhere.

We may not like it, it may not be pleasant, it may be distasteful, but in order for there to be an end of the war, there are things Russia wants that it cannot get, and there are things Ukraine wants that its not going to get, said Rubio.

In a separate interview with ABC, Rubio said if a deal could not be reached to end the war, existing US sanctions on Russia would continue, and more could be added.

When Zelenskyy visited the White House in February, the meeting ended in a shouting match. Rubio, speaking to CBS, dismissed the idea that the European leaders were coming to Washington to protect Zelenskyy.

Theyre not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelenskyy from being bullied. Theyre coming here tomorrow because weve been working with the Europeans, he said.

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We invited them to come.
This combo photo shows Zhonghe Market (above, a file photo taken on April 25, 2014) and a plaza of the New Actuation Fintech Center built on the former site of Zhonghe Market (below, taken by Xinhua photographer Zhang Chenlin on Feb. 1, 2024) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Li Rong, a 37-year-old Beijinger, has just opened a bakery in the city's Fintech New Zone, a hub buzzing with startups. Her warm, buttery pastries are already a hit among young entrepreneurs and fresh graduates in the area.

"Many people working here might not realize that it used to be northern China's largest garment distribution center," she said. "Who would have thought it could transform so dramatically into today's hub of innovation?"

Over a decade ago, Li used to spend weekends here hunting for the latest jeans, trench coats and leather jackets -- trendy yet affordable. She remembered the market teeming with shoppers hauling sacks or dragging carts, stocking up for resale. "It was lively and budget-friendly," she said, "but also a little chaotic."

MARKET'S FAREWELL, CITY'S LEAP FORWARD

In the 1980s, vendors began to gather around areas near the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Exhibition Center, the Beijing Planetarium and a public transport hub. As the variety of goods increased, these informal roadside stalls gradually evolved into indoor shops, eventually forming a sprawling wholesale market cluster specializing in clothing and small commodities.

However, as time went on, its limitations became evident: overcrowding, traffic congestion, and mounting pressure for environmental improvement and industrial upgrading.

In its heyday, the market attracted 100,000 customers daily. Despite contributing 60 million yuan (8.36 million U.S. dollars) in annual revenue to Xicheng District, it costs the government some 100 million yuan (13.9 million dollars) each year to handle its transportation and environmental issues.

Beginning in 2015, the malls surrounding the Beijing Zoo have been shut down one by one, as the capital started purging itself of non-essential businesses to reduce traffic congestion and population density, while paving the way for high-end industries. This marked a breakthrough in the long-standing effort to phase out the wholesale markets.

While exploring new development strategies, the district put forward a preliminary proposal in early 2018 to transform the former Beijing Zoo wholesale market into a pilot zone for fintech innovation.

ANCHORING INNOVATION IN THE PAST

The corridors, once packed with noisy crowds and overflowing garment racks, are now adorned with lights and rotating art installations.

"Now it's different," said the bakery owner. "Cleaner, quieter, yet buzzing with a kind of new energy."

That "new energy" is more than just a vibe -- it reflects the city's drive to foster new quality productive forces.

Located just north of Financial Street and south of Zhongguancun, the area enjoys convenient transportation, as well as strategic and resource advantages in developing the fintech industry.

The New Actuation Fintech Center serves as a core building within the Fintech New Zone. Transformed into a "next-generation smart city complex," the center showcases the vision and vitality of the Fintech New Zone, offering innovative design and professional operational services that reflect a forward-thinking approach.

Beyond fintech, the district's rebirth also represents a broader rebalancing of economic modernization and cultural confidence.

At JK FUN, an underground mall transformed from a wholesale market, a special exhibition has been set up to showcase this remarkable shift. With the push of a button, visitors can hear recordings of the past -- the familiar voices of buyers and sellers bargaining over prices.

HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT MODEL

Today, the former Beijing Zoo wholesale market area has embarked on a new path of high-quality development. While the number of workers, daily foot traffic, individual vendors and businesses has declined, tax revenue has grown.

"We are now building a service-oriented platform for the industry -- a window that not only provides support for enterprises, but also hosts a variety of ongoing activities. It serves as a permanent exhibition hall and scenario-based showcase for fintech innovation," said Li Qian, general manager of Beijing New Actuation Fintech Asset Operation and Management Co., Ltd.

"Our focus is on how to better serve the industry. Every enterprise we work with brings its own application scenarios to drive the development of emerging industries and new technologies," she added.

Gao Yi, general manager of Beijing Hua Rong Jin Ke Technology Development Co., Ltd, believes the transformation of this area has a positive ripple effect on the neighborhoods.

As China pursues new quality productive forces and high-quality development, the capital is leading its way in transformation. Projects like the New Actuation Fintech Center are now springing up across the country.

Small eateries have popped up as more companies settle in the zone. "Sometimes I reminisce about the hustle and bustle of the old wholesale market here when I was young," said Li.

"But I prefer today's atmosphere. With the smell of fresh bread in the air and so many talented young people working hard, the future feels full of endless possibilities," she added. 

This combo photo shows Sida Building (above, a file photo taken on April 25, 2014) and the New Actuation Fintech Center renovated from the former Sida Building (below, taken by Xinhua photographer Zhang Chenlin on Feb. 1, 2024) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua)
Just two hours before the talks between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, a US State Department document containing sensitive government information was discovered on a public printer at an Alaska hotel

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley after the Russian leader met with U.S. President Donald Trump. AFP

Just two hours before the talks between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, a US State Department document containing sensitive government information was discovered on a public printer at an Alaska hotel. According to NPR, the eight pages of the document contained a schedule, several phone numbers of government employees, and a luncheon menu.

As per the report, the document was found on a public hotel printer at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. The hotel is a 20-minute drive away from the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where the two world leaders met on Friday to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine.

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Three guests staying at the same hotel found pages around 9 am on Friday, two hours before the summit commenced, NPR reported. However, it remains unclear exactly who left the paper. The images obtained by NPR noted that seven of the pages were produced by the Office of the Chief of Protocol." The hotel, which has 550 rooms, declined to comment on the location of the printers.

In a statement to The Independent, Tommy Pigott, the State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, slammed the publication for reporting on the matter. Instead of covering the historic steps towards peace achieved at Fridays summit, NPR is trying to make a story out of a lunch menu. Ridiculous," he said.

Not a security breach

A White House spokesperson told NPR that abandoning the documents in a public printer was not considered a security breach. As per the report, the first five pages of the state department document contain the sequence of the days events, including the participants, locations, and times.

Below the names of Putin and his Russian aides were the pronunciations for each name. Under the Russian presidents name, the file suggests: POO-tihn."

Apart from this, the pages also comprised phone numbers of government employees along with a gift Trump planned to give to Putin. According to NPR, the gift to the Russian leader was American Bald Eagle Desk Statue. Meanwhile, the sixth page showed a lunch seating chart.

The two world leaders were seated at the centre of the table, flanked on both sides by their respective officials, six for Trump and five for Putin. The seating chart mentioned where Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff will be sitting for the lunch.

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Meanwhile, Putins group included his Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, his Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, and Minister of Defence Andrey Belousov. The seventh page of the document included the menu for lunch, which ended up being cancelled on Friday.

As per the photograph obtained by NPR, the two world leaders and their teams were supposed to be offered a green salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing and sourdough bread with rosemary lemon butter. For the main course, there wouldve been a choice of either filet mignon with brandy peppercorn sauce or halibut Olympia.

Buttery whipped potatoes and roasted asparagus were supposed to be ordered on the sides, while the planned dessert was creme brule with ice cream. Finally, the last page showed what appeared to be a stylised copy of the menu. At the top read: Luncheon in honour of his excellency Vladimir Putin.

White House brushes off the matter

While speaking to NPR, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly brushed off the discovery as a multi-page lunch menu and suggested leaving the documents on a public printer was not a security breach. However, other lawmakers and security experts lambasted the administration over the latest incident in Alaska.

How many more headlines are we going to read about INCOMPETENT security breaches by the Trump Admin??? Florida Democratic Congressman Darren Soto posted on X Saturday.

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Jon Michaels, a UCLA law professor, told NPR that the incident strikes me as further evidence of the sloppiness and the incompetence of the administration." You just dont leave things in printers. Its that simple, he added.
The US has suspended visitor visas for people from Gaza following criticism from far-right influencer Laura Loomer over the admission of wounded Palestinians for medical treatment.

Palestinians carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters

The United States government announced on Saturday that it is suspending visitor visas for people from Gaza, after a far-right influencer with close ties to President Donald Trump criticised the admission of wounded Palestinians for medical treatment.

The move followed a series of angry social media posts by Laura Loomer, who has previously promoted racist conspiracy theories and falsely claimed the 9/11 attacks were an inside job.

All visitor visas for individuals from Gaza are being stopped while we conduct a full and thorough review of the process and procedures used to issue a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas in recent days, the State Department, led by Marco Rubio, posted on X.

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On Friday, Loomer had urged the department to halt visas for Palestinians from Gaza, alleging they were pro-HAMAS affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and funded by Qatar, though she offered no evidence.

Her criticism was directed at the US-based charity HEAL Palestine, which last week said it had facilitated the arrival of 11 severely injured children from Gaza, along with their caregivers and siblings, for treatment in American hospitals.

The charity described it as the largest single medical evacuation of injured children from Gaza to the US.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space and the first to visit the International Space Station, returned to India on Sunday after completing Nasas Axiom-4 mission.

Group Captain Shukla is the first Indian to go to the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian to go to space. (Photo: Nasa/PTI)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space, returned home in the early hours of Sunday after completing his mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Nasas Axiom-4 program. He was received at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport by his wife Kamna, Union minister Jitendra Singh, and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta.

A moment of pride for India! A moment of glory for #ISRO! A moment of gratitude to the dispensation that facilitated this under the leadership of PM @narendramodi.



Indias Space glory touches the Indian soil as the iconic son of Mother India, #Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla pic.twitter.com/0QJsYHpTuS  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) August 16, 2025

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The Indian Air Force test pilot, who splashed down off the California coast on July 15 after an 18-day stay aboard the ISS, is the first Indian in 41 yearssince Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984to travel to space, and the first ever to visit the ISS. The mission had lifted off from Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25.

Senior officials from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were also present to welcome him.

Next, Shukla will now travel to Lucknow to reunite with his family and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming days. He is set to resume training for the Gaganyaan Mission, due to launch in October.

Ahead of his return, Shukla shared an emotional message about his journey, As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past one year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is  everything all at once.

The Ax-4 mission, part of Axiom Spaces commercial spaceflight programme, carried out critical research, international outreach, and operational work aimed at advancing next-generation space technologies. Shuklas participation marked another milestone in Indias growing presence in global space exploration.
Trumps cordial treatment of Putin at the Alaska summit has unsettled Europe, where leaders fear Zelenskyy may not receive the same reception when he meets Trump in Washington on Monday. To bolster Kyivs position, European allies are now pushing for Finnish President Stubb and possibly NATO chief Rutte to join Zelenskyy for the talks.

After his call with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Donald Trump said there will likely be a second meeting with Putin that includes Zelenskyy. File image/AFP

US President Donald Trumps warm approach to Russias Vladimir Putin on Friday at the Alaska summit has unsettled European leaders, who fear Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may not receive the same treatment.

In response, European leaders are scrambling to strengthen Kyivs position ahead of the crucial meeting in Washington on Monday.

According to a Politico report citing two European diplomats and a person familiar with the matter, plans are under way for Finnish President Alexander Stubb to accompany Zelenskyy when he meets Trump in Washington. Stubb, seen as one of Trumps preferred interlocutors, is expected to help ease tensions and press Trump to involve Europe in future negotiations.

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Putin was warmly greeted by the US president, with American troops rolling out a red carpet for him as Trump extended every courtesy.

Trumps meeting with Putin in Alaska ended without any agreement, leaving the road ahead uncertain.

Now, Trump is set to host Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday, putting the spotlight on the Ukrainian leader. Afterwards, Trump plans to attempt bringing Zelenskyy and Putin for a meet up to pursue a peace deal.

For Europe and Ukraine, Mondays talks are crucial to ensuring Trump does not concede to Moscows demands, such as handing over Ukrainian territory Russia only partially controls. European allies also want to avoid a repeat of the rocky White House encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy in February, which strained ties for months.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who has developed close ties with Trump, may also join the Washington trip, one person familiar with the discussions said.

The outcome of the Alaska summit has raised concerns in Europe, as Trump seems to have bought a large portion of Putins argument, said Camille Grand, a former senior NATO official now at the European Council on Foreign Relations. The meeting is not viewed as a total disaster, but Europeans are definitely worried about the direction of travel. Hence the effort to avoid another drama during Zelenskyys upcoming visit.

Trump has already softened his stance, dropping the threat of immediate sanctions on Moscow if no breakthrough was reached and shifting away from pressing for an immediate ceasefire. Instead, he has spoken of a comprehensive deal in terms that echo Putin.

Behind the scenes, officials in Europe and Ukraine are alarmed at the welcome Putin received in Alaska, which they believe handed him international legitimacy without meaningful steps toward peace.

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Worries have been there all the way this year, and yesterdays meeting did not really help, said one European official.

Trumps position on the war has shifted in recent weeks. While he long accused Ukraine of fuelling the conflict, he was more critical of Russia ahead of the Alaska summit, even warning Putin of severe consequences if he did not agree to stop the war. But after hours of talks, Trump abandoned the demand for a ceasefire, again saying it was up to Ukraine to end the fighting and urging Kyiv to take the deal, without clarifying what Putin had proposed.
European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington on Monday seeking an end of war.

European leaders will accompany Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his critical meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Sunday.

A ceasefire in Ukraine had been one of Trumps central demands ahead of his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a meeting to which Ukraine and its European allies were not invited.

The summit produced no breakthrough and Trump has ruled out an immediate truce. Leaders attending the Washington talks alongside Zelenskyy include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and von der Leyen herself to press the US president on the urgency of halting hostilities.

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The European leaders presence at Zelenskyys side, demonstrating Europes support for Ukraine, could potentially help ease concerns in Kyiv and in other European capitals that Zelenskyy risks being railroaded into a peace deal that Trump says he wants to broker with Russia.

Von der Leyen, head of the European Unions executive branch, posted on X that at the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow.

The Ukrainian presidents last Oval Office visit in February ended in an extraordinary shouting match, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berating Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for US aid.

In an interview with broadcaster Fox News after his sit-down with Putin, Trump had suggested that the onus was now on Zelensky to secure a peace deal as they work towards an eventual trilateral summit with Putin.

Its really up to President Zelensky to get it done, Trump said.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine rages on, with both Kyiv and Moscow launching attack drones at each other Sunday.

With inputs from agencies
Pete Davidson feels "so guilty and horrible" that Elsie Hewitt is unable to go through an "ideal" pregnancy.

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt are expecting their first child

The former Saturday Night Live star and his girlfriend announced last month that they are expecting their first child together but despite their happiness, the 31-year-old comic has admitted he feels bad that the model faces so much scrutiny from the public that impacts on her "beautiful experience".

Speaking on The Breakfast Club, he said: I feel bad for my girl because I bring a lot of s***.

Anything I do or she does now is gonna be a thing.

Shes a very private person and shes the one doing all the work. Its supposed to be a beautiful experience.

Shes never made me feel this way or said anything, but I feel so guilty and horrible that I could not allow her to have the ideal pregnancy that almost every woman gets to have and enjoy.

Pete admitted he and Elsie held off as long as we could before announcing they were expecting a baby.

The Bupkis star recently claimed that his impending fatherhood has given him a new perspective on life.

He told People magazine: I'm just excited to take care of the little one. The second I found out the news, I was like, Oh wow, what I do is just a job.

"I realised I was kind of basing my happiness on work, which is ridiculously unhealthy. So it gave me this weird sense of calmness, where this is just a job and now I have someone to do it for."

The King of Staten Island actor is already looking forward to his child enjoying playdates with four-month-old Saga, the daughter of his friend Machine Gun Kelly and his former partner Megan Fox.

He said: "We're going to have awesome play dates. Yeah, that's [going to be] a cool play date."

And Pete has never been more excited for anything than he is for fatherhood.

He said: Im stoked. I cant wait. Lets go.

Im so excited. Ive never been more excited for anything.
MOSCOW, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces launched strikes on depots of Ukrainian missiles, ammunition, and drones as well as deployment sites, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday.

The strikes targeted "a storage site for Sapsan operational-tactical missiles and their components, ammunition and long-range drone depots, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 142 areas," the ministry said in a statement.

Russian air defense shot down four guided aerial bombs and 300 drones over the past day, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force said Sunday that Russia's attack involved an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 60 combat and decoy drones overnight. 
Staff members load humanitarian aid for Gaza into an aircraft at a military base in Zaraq, Jordan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Jordan on Sunday carried out a new airdrop of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. About 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM/AMMAN, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 161 packages containing food were airdropped over the Gaza Strip on Sunday during an aid operation carried out by nine countries, the Israeli military said, as famine continues to spread in the enclave after nearly two years of war.

Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark and Indonesia joined the airdrop operation, the military said.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian Armed Forces said in a statement that about 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation.

Israel's army said the operation was coordinated "in accordance with the directives from the political echelon," while rejecting accusations of deliberate starvation.

The military began coordinating the airdrop of food packages in late July, under mounting international pressure as famine deepened in the enclave.

Experts and aid groups have called the drops inadequate, unsafe and ineffective in preventing the spread of famine, urging Israel to allow more aid trucks in and to enable the rebuilding of Gaza's health system, which has been largely destroyed by Israeli strikes.

Gaza-based health authorities said famine is spreading, with hospitals reporting seven deaths in the past 24 hours, including two children, from hunger and malnutrition. That brought the total deaths from starvation to 258, among them 110 children. 

Relief supplies are airdropped to Gaza by a plane from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, on Aug. 17, 2025. Jordan on Sunday carried out a new airdrop of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. About 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Relief supplies for airdropping to Gaza are seen inside a plane from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, on Aug. 17, 2025. Jordan on Sunday carried out a new airdrop of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. About 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Staff members load humanitarian aid for Gaza into an aircraft at a military base in Zaraq, Jordan, on Aug. 17, 2025. Jordan on Sunday carried out a new airdrop of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. About 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Relief supplies are airdropped to Gaza by a plane from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, on Aug. 17, 2025. Jordan on Sunday carried out a new airdrop of relief supplies into the Gaza Strip. About 106 tonnes of food and relief supplies were dropped during the operation. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
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.
Emotions ran high in Delta District Court on Wednesday, as Luke Shelton was sentenced to nearly six decades in prison for taking John David Dave Vieira from his family in a truly evil act.

Shelton was 20 on Jan. 4 2024, when he shot Vieira multiple times while working on Vieiras Hotchkiss-area property, then buried him even as deputies who were alerted by a witness raced to the scene. Once there, the deputies frantically dug Vieira out of the makeshift grave and attempted unsuccessfully to revive him.

Shelton was ultimately charged with first-degree murder. On Wednesday, he proceeded immediately to sentencing after pleading guilty to second-degree murder as a crime of violence and class-2 felony, and to tampering with human remains as a class-3 felony.

Shelton committed cold-blooded murder, Vieiras wife told Delta District Judge Steven Schultz. Shelton, she said, had planned the murder out, enlisted help and then carried it out. Shelton even confessed, but then teamed up with his attorneys, who strategized a way out for him, plunging the family into hell, she said.

They made it sound like Dave did something to the defendant, Vieiras wife said. Although the death penalty was fitting punishment, and after that, the next best option would be life in prison, at least Sheltons plea agreement precludes an appeal that would force his family to relive everything, she said.

On Jan. 4 of last year, Shelton was working on Vieiras property planting trees with another man. An arrest affidavit said Shelton didnt get along well with Vieira and didnt think he was being paid in a timely manner. He had been working at the property for about eight months and, with another man, was staying in a truck on the premises.

In a confession his arrest affidavit describes, Shelton told an investigator that one day before the murder, he had plotted with a man to kill Vieira, bury him on the property, report him missing, wait a few months, and then split the assets from equipment titles he planned to take. Instead, he snapped the next day during an argument over the truck, and shot Vieira.

The other man, who was not charged in the case, fled and called 911 while Shelton loaded Vieira into a skid-steer, then buried him. This witness had alleged he confronted Shelton after hearing the gunshot and that Shelton then waved his gun around and demanded that he help bury Vieira, but when Shelton turned away, he left the property instead of bringing Shelton equipment to help.

Shelton told investigators Vieira had pushed me too far and I buried him in the dirt, next to that tree. The arrest affidavit also said Shelton commented: I guess it wasnt worth murdering over money; Im going away for a long time. The document further said that when deputies arrived, Shelton repeatedly stated: Im sorry.

Responders found newly disturbed soil and began digging, quickly revealing a boot. They removed the dirt as fast as they could to attempt life-saving measures, but it was too late.

Vieira, a good man, with a big heart, who was said to have given Shelton a chance when others wouldnt, was dead at 58.

His name was John David Vieira. You call him a victim. He was more than that, Vieiras brother told the court on Wednesday. Vieira, a son, brother, father, husband and grandfather, will never have the chance to welcome more family members into the world because of Shelton, the brother said. Its unfortunate the State of Colorado has done away with the death penalty, he said, condemning Sheltons evil act. His brother is gone forever, yet despite the lengthy sentence called for under the plea agreement, Shelton could conceivably walk the streets once again, he also said.

The speaker struggled to understand how Shelton managed to get a plea deal despite having admitted what he had done. The man also asked how Sheltons attorneys could sleep at night.

He then thanked the court, and, turning slightly toward the back of the room, with his hands together, also thanked Delta County Sheriffs Office detectives.

Vieiras wife in her statement also thanked Schultz and the District Attorneys Office for treating him like he mattered.

Through Assistant DA Jessica Waggoner, Vieiras sister said Shelton simply did not deserve to hear her memories of her brother, and she would keep them for herself.

Nothing is going to be the same, because nothing can bring my dad back, Vieiras daughter said, adding that she feels the need to forgive Shelton.

These cases are not easy, Waggoner said, lamenting that she never got to meet Vieira. However, she got to learn of him through the familys memories  and their strength. I cant give him back, she said, calling Vieira an amazing family man. Whats really sad is Mr. Shelton had that. He had a mentor, who gave him a chance  to change his stars by employing him when others wouldnt. And this is the thanks he gets.

Several members of the Vieira family filed out of the room when it was Sheltons public defenders time to talk, returning when it was time for the sentence to be formally passed.

Attorney Virginia Lyon detailed Sheltons unstable childhood, which was marked by being uprooted to relatives, then foster care, and home again, plus emotional and physical abuse that caused him to leave home when he was 17.

She said her client likes to make others happy; unfortunately, sometimes, its the wrong people. Despite his upbringing, Lyon said, Shelton is social and upbeat, a voracious reader and now aspiring novelist, who intends to take advantage of programs in the Department of Corrections. Despite the looming prison sentence, Shelton maintained optimism and joy, Lyon said.

Vieira family members had been critical of the defense counsel. Co-counsel Anya van Soestbergen said they have a responsibility to craft a course for their client and it is frustrating that no one other than him has been investigated, however, Shelton now as then, took responsibility. She said he was distraught after the shooting and had snapped, despite the allegations hed earlier planned the murder. If her client could go back and change things, he would, but he cannot, and so, Wednesday, he was taking responsibility and the prison term that comes with it.

Shelton declined to make a statement. No one was called forward to make a statement on his behalf, although the court did earlier receive letters.

Schultz noted Shelton had admitted his conduct immediately and that he had committed no prior acts of violence. Shelton, however, had killed a man over a disagreement that most people settle peacefully.

What you did here  was a truly evil act, the judge said. The fact you couldnt control yourself on Jan. 4, 2024, is unforgiveable.

The act cannot be made right, no matter how much remorse is shown, Schultz said. The Vieira family suffered immense loss and then, had to contend with a legal process that might seem unduly focused on the defendant. Disrespect was never the goal, and attorneys on both sides had conducted themselves professionally, the judge said. I am fully aware of how much you have lost to Mr. Sheltons unlawful actions, he told the family.

Schultz reviewed all of the case evidence and a few things stood out to him: the deputies desperate efforts to unearth Vieira with their bare hands, and attempts to revive him were captured on body cameras. So too was the heartbreak on their faces when they could not  and the horror in Sheltons own eyes, the judge said.

I believe he knows what he did was wrong, Schultz said.

The plea agreement called for specific terms, which Schultz formally accepted. Shelton received 48 years in prison for second-degree murder, the maximum in the aggravated range for the crime, for which the standard range is eight to 24 years. Shelton also received eight years for tampering with a human body, to run consecutive to the 48 years, for a total of 56 years.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in J.M. Smucker, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit.

Why Is J.M. Smucker being Investigated?

J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products. In November 2023, the company completed an acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of sweet baked goods brands. The company stated that the Hostess acquisition was highly complementary and that underlying trends in snacking and specifically sweet snacking still bode well for the category.

In truth, it appears the companys Sweet Baked Snacks segment, which includes Hostess, significantly deteriorated in the face of declining trends in sweet snacking.

The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed

On June 10, 2025, J.M. Smucker reported its Q4 2025 financial results and announced that it recognized a $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge related to the Hostess brand trademark driven by the continued underperformance of the Sweet Baked Snacks segment. On this news, the price of J.M. Smucker stock fell $17.44 per share, or more than 18%, from $111.85 per share on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 per share on June 10, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in J.M. Smucker 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/the-jm-smucker-company-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/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 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 Brands operates in the convenient nutrition category. The Companys primary brands include Premier Protein and Dymatize, which offer ready-to-drink (RTD) 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.

Then, on August 4, 2025, after market hours, BellRing announced disappointing quarterly consumption of Premier Protein RTD Shakes, which had been expected to outpace shipments by a wider margin given previously announced retailer destocking, but instead came more in line with shipments. On this news, the price of BellRing Brands stock fell $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 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.
This screenshot from a video shows fire trucks near a power plant which was targeted by Israel, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Aug. 17, 2025. Israel struck a power plant south of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Sunday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Houthi Media Center/Handout via Xinhua)

SANAA/JERUSALEM, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel struck a power plant south of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Sunday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

"The aggression targeted the electricity generators at the power station, causing them to go out of service," the report said, without specifying whether the attack was carried out by jets, missiles or drones. Hours later, it said the flames had been extinguished and no casualties were reported.

Hezam Al-Asad, a Houthi official, condemned the strike on X, calling Israel "a criminal and bankrupt enemy that only targets public service facilities and civilian objects: electricity, water..."

Residents in the area reported hearing two explosions, and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that smoke was seen rising near the facility.

The Israeli military later confirmed the attack, saying it targeted an energy infrastructure site used by the Houthis. The strike, conducted from about 2,000 km away, was in response to repeated Houthi missile and drone attacks against Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

"The IDF will continue to act against the ongoing and repeated attacks by the Houthis and remains determined to remove any threat to the State of Israel wherever required," it said.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets since November 2023 in what they call acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. 

This screenshot from a video shows fire trucks near a power plant which was targeted by Israel, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Aug. 17, 2025. Israel struck a power plant south of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Sunday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Houthi Media Center/Handout via Xinhua)

This screenshot from a video shows people standing near a power plant which was targeted by Israel, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Aug. 17, 2025. Israel struck a power plant south of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Sunday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Houthi Media Center/Handout via Xinhua)

This screenshot from a video shows smoke rising from a power plant which was targeted by Israel, in Sanaa, Yemen, on Aug. 17, 2025. Israel struck a power plant south of Yemen's capital Sanaa on Sunday morning, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported. (Houthi Media Center/Handout via Xinhua)
NEW YORK, Aug. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of WPP plc (WPP or the Company) (NYSE: WPP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether WPP and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On July 8, 2025, WPP announced that we are reducing our guidance for 2025 [like-for-like] revenue less pass-through costs to -3% to -5% and now expect a year-on-year decline in headline operating profit margin of 50 to 175 bps (excluding FX) reflecting benefits from continued action on costs. WPP said that [a]gainst a challenging economic backdrop, we have seen a deterioration in performance as Q2 has progressed and expected continued macro uncertainty weighing on client spend and weaker net new business than originally anticipated[.]

On this news, WPPs American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price fell $6.48 per ADR, or 18.09%, to close at $29.34 per ADR on July 9, 2025.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

dpeyton@pomlaw.com

646-581-9980 ext. 7980
Fort Myers, FL, Aug. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spin is now live in Fort Myers, offering residents and visitors a cleaner, faster, and more affordable way to get aroundno car needed. Downtown trips are fun and convenient for anyone aged 18 or older, with safe riding rules in place, including no sidewalk riding.

"The City of Fort Myers is excited to welcome Spin micromobility to our community, bringing a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option for residents and visitors alike, said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. This launch supports our vision for a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant downtown."

With growing tourism and peak-hour traffic, getting around downtown can be challenging. Spins electric scooters offer a nimble, reliable alternative that helps reduce traffic congestion, cut CO emissions, and make everyday trips stress-free.

Fort Myers joins other Florida cities riding Spin, including Tampa, St. Pete, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, as well as its sister brand Bird in Orlando and Coral Gables, offering riders a seamless network across the state. With cross-app integration, you can unlock Spin or Bird scooters using either app, giving flexible access to one of Floridas largest micromobility networks.

"Were proud to serve Fort Myers by making it easy and affordable for residents and visitors to get around without using motor vehiclesso they can explore the city, travel for work or pleasure, support local businesses, and feel more connected," said Stewart Lyons, CEO, Spin.

Spins launch supports Fort Myers mobility goals by enhancing pedestrian safety, providing last-mile solutions, and improving access to local destinations. Every ride contributes to a stronger, more connected, and more livable community.

Ready to ride? Download the Spin app and enjoy your first ride free with code FLYFM.

About Spin

Spin is a global leader in the micromobility industry, dedicated to transforming the way people move, one ride at a time. With a growing global network of shared e-scooters and e-bikes, Spin is making sustainable transportation accessible for allwherever they are and however they move. By partnering with cities to deliver more connected and efficient mobility options, Spin is helping shape a future of thriving communities around the world.






SAN DIEGO, Aug. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) common stock in or traceable to KinderCares October 2024 initial public offering (IPO), have until October 13, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit. Captioned Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424 (D. Or.), the KinderCare class action lawsuit charges KinderCare as well as certain of KinderCares top executives and directors, KinderCares controlling shareholder, and the underwriters of the IPO with violations of the Securities Act of 1933.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-kindercare-learning-companies-inc-class-action-lawsuit-klc.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: KinderCare provides early education and child care services in the United States. In the IPO, KinderCare sold over 27 million shares of common stock to investors at $24 per share, raising $648 million in gross offering proceeds.

The KinderCare class action lawsuit alleges that the registration statement for the IPO was false and/or misleading and/or failed to disclose that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) KinderCare did not provide the highest quality care possible at its facilities, and, indeed, in numerous instances had failed to provide even basic care, meet minimum standards in the child care industry, or comply with the laws and regulations governing the care of children; and (iii) as a result, KinderCare was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss.

Since the IPO, the price of KinderCare stock fell to lows near $9 per share.

The plaintiff is represented by Robbins Geller, which has extensive experience in prosecuting investor class actions including actions involving financial fraud. You can view a copy of the complaint by clicking here.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased KinderCare common stock in or traceable to the IPO to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the KinderCare class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the KinderCare class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the KinderCare class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world, and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

info@rgrdlaw.com
Featured

French embassy employee arrested in Mali on "unfounded" accusations, says French foreign office

Reuters International News Aug - 17 - 2025 , 09:12 1 minute read

A French man arrested in Mali is a member of the French embassy in the capital Bamako and accusations against him are "unfounded", the French foreign office said in a statement to Reuters on Saturday.

The embassy worker, named as Yann Vezilier by the Malian government in a statement on Thursday, was arrested in recent weeks alongside two generals and other military personnel and accused of participating in an alleged plot to destabilise the West African nation.

"Dialogue is underway to clear up any misunderstanding," the ministry statement said. It added that his arrest was in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

France's once close relationship with its former colonies in West Africa's Sahel region has soured in recent years since a series of military coups overthrew governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Next article: Stop using 'unearned' academic title or face us in court - GTEC writes to Chief of Staff on Deputy Minister of Health Grace Ayensu-Danquah's title

Featured

President Mahama embarks on key diplomatic mission to Japan and Singapore

GraphicOnline Aug - 17 - 2025 , 16:25 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has departed Ghana for an official two-nation visit to Japan and Singapore, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade and investment, and advancing shared development goals.

The trip underscores Ghanas commitment to fostering international partnerships under its Resetting Ghana agenda.

In Japan, President Mahama will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX), where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on Promoting Trade and Investment during a plenary session.

He will also headline the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum, showcasing the countrys economic potential to Japanese investors. High-profile bilateral meetings are planned with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, senior officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to discuss infrastructure, technical cooperation, and enhanced trade relations.

The Presidents itinerary then shifts to Singapore for a three-day state visit, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Key engagements include participation in the Africa-Singapore Business Forum and an investment-focused address to promote Ghanas reforms and private-sector opportunities. The visit aims to expand market access for Ghanaian exports while attracting Singaporean investment in technology, finance, and human capital development.

A statemnent signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President, emphasised the strategic importance of the tour: "These visits seek to attract investment, broaden market access for Ghanaian goods and services, and mobilise technical and development cooperation."

President Mahamas delegation will depart Accra on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with expectations high for tangible outcomes that could bolster Ghanas economic prospects.
Featured

Stop using 'unearned' academic title or face us in court - GTEC writes to Chief of Staff on Deputy Minister of Health Grace Ayensu-Danquah's title

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Aug - 17 - 2025 , 10:10 19 minutes read

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), currently on a national campaign to prevent the use of unearned academic titles in Ghana and enforce the law on the abuse, has concluded that the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah does not hold the academic title "Professor in any capacity".

GTEC has consequently written to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, as her employer, to ensure that she ceases presenting herself as such.

GTEC has also threatened that, should Dr Ayensu-Danquah continue who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Kentan to use the title "Professor", the Commission may be compelled to pursue legal action on grounds of public deception.

This was contained in a letter dated August 12, 2025, from GTEC, addressed to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, a copy of which has been sighted by Graphic Online. The letter was copied to Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Minister of Health, Clerk of Parliament and the Board Chairman of GTEC.

Stop using 'unearned' academic title or face us in court - GTEC writes to Chief of Staff on Deputy Minister of Health Grace Ayensu-Danquah's title https://t.co/u0EeGvR8v2 pic.twitter.com/39iyqxB39j  DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) August 17, 2025

The latest development followed an earlier engagement by GTEC with Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah for her to cease using the professor title or provide documentary evidence showing the university that appointed her to the rank of "Professor."

The first correspondence was in a letter dated August 4, 2025, from GTEC to Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, with the Chief of Staff and Clerk of Parliament copied.

In that letter, reference was made to a personal interaction between the Board Chairman of GTEC and Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah regarding her use of the academic title "Professor."

In the said letter, the Commission requested Dr Ayensu-Danquah to provide verifiable evidence of her appointment to the rank of Professor with a deadline of August 11, 2025.

Subsequently, on August 8, 2025, solicitors for Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, represented by David K. Ametefe, responded to the Commission.

In their correspondence, they stated that Dr. Ayensu-Danquah had been appointed as an Assistant Professor of Surgery by the University of Utah, USA.

They also questioned the authority of GTEC to request such evidence, given that the appointment was made outside the jurisdiction of Ghana.

According to GTEC, "instead of documentary evidence of a Professorial appointment, the solicitors submitted a letter from the University of Utah, signed by Prof. W. Bradford Rockwell, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs of the Department of Surgery, dated August 7, 2025.

And that letter, a copy of which has also been sighted by Graphic Online, indicated that Dr. Ayensu-Danquah was appointed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.

"Sir, the Commission wishes to clarify the following key points:



1. Contrary to the assertion in the letter from her solicitors, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah was not appointed as an Assistant Professor but as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, as clearly stated in the letter from the University of Utah. The omission of the word "Adjunct" by her legal representatives is both misleading and troubling.



2. According to the letter from Dr. Rockwell, the position of Adjunct Assistant Professor is not a tenure-track role. He further explains that academic position titles used by the University of Utah may not directly correspond to those within Ghana's academic framework.

3. For clarity, within the context of Ghanaian higher education, an Adjunct Assistant Professor is roughly equivalent to a Part-time Lecturer, and not even comparable to the rank of Senior Lecturer, let alone Professor," the letter stated.



GTEC indicated that it was based on the above that the Commission has concluded that Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah does not hold the title of Professor in any capacity.

"We therefore respectfully call on you, her employer, to ensure that she ceases presenting herself as such. Should Dr. Ayensu-Danquah continue to use the title "Professor", the Commission may be compelled to pursue legal action on grounds of public deception," the GTEC letter signed Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai as Director-General added

Read also: PLAYBACK: At the vetting of Deputy Health Minister-designate Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah

Attached below is an excerpt from GTEC's letter dated August 4, 2025

Dear Madam,

REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF ACADEMIC TITLE (PROFESSOR)

We refer to your recent engagement with the Chairman of the Board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), during which preliminary discussions were held concerning the basis on which you currently bear the title of "Professor."



Following this engagement, the Commission is formally requesting that you submit official documentary evidence of your appointment or promotion to the rank of Associate Professor or Professor through a recognized academic process.



For the avoidance of doubt, GTEC is deeply concerned about the inappropriate use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred by accredited academic institutions. The use of such titles - especially where they lack formal academic validation-is misleading and contrary to the established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and usage of academic ranks in Ghana.



Hon. for your information and guidance, the standard academic progression in Ghana follows this

sequence: Lecturer  Senior Lecturer  Associate Professor  Professor

It is acknowledged that in some countries, such as the United States, academic titles may be used more informally, and many teaching staff may be referred to as "Professor" regardless of their official rank.

However, such informal conventions do not align with the formal academic ranking system recognized and upheld in Ghana.

In light of the above, the Commission respectfully requests that you provide the following documentation by 11th August, 2025:

A formal letter of appointment or promotion to the rank of Associate Professor or Professor from a recognized academic institution; and

Evidence clearly indicating the awarding authority and the effective date of the title.

Should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you are required to immediately cease the use of the title "Professor."

Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence confirming the withdrawal of the title from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to:

Official documents

Institutional profiles

Letterheads

Any other public or professional representations

In accordance with GTEC's mandate to uphold academic integrity within Ghana's higher education system, please be advised that until the requested documentation is received and verified, you are not to use the title "Professor" in any institutional, professional, or public capacity.



Please note that this correspondence is being copied to your employer, through the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana.

Additionally, the Clerk of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana, in view of your role as the Member of Parliament for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency, has also been copied for appropriate action.

The Commission expects your full cooperation. Please be advised that failure to comply with this directive

may result in the application of appropriate sanctions.

Also attached below is a copy of the letter from the University of Utah, signed by Prof. W. Bradford Rockwell, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs of the Department of Surgery, dated August 7, 2025.

Dear Sir/Madam.

Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MD is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah.

Her important academic contributions are organized through the Center for Global Surgery, a component of the Surgery Department.



Being the Vice Chair for Academic Affairs for the Surgery Department, I oversee academic appointments and promotions. Being an honorary member of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the West African College of Surgeons, I have some basic knowledge of academic appointments in Ghana.



Our academic position nomenclature does not exactly translate to comparable academic positions in Ghana. The different tracks give some information on a faculty member's academic work. Tenure track applies to faculty members with clinical and significant research/administrative duties. Clinical track signifies significant clinical duties with some research/administrative/teaching duties.



Research track is for research faculty, most of whom are PhD. Adjunct track identifies faculty who work in other departments, other schools, or other countries, but contribute to the University of Utah Department of Surgery through clinical, research teaching or administrative duties. Adjunct faculty are important contributors to the academic mission.



Sincerely yours,

Attached below is a copy of the letter from the solicitors for Dr Ayensu-Danquah dated August 8, 2025, responding to the GTEC letter dated August 4, 2025

Dear Sir,

RE : REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF ACADEMIC TITLE (PROFESSOR)



Your letter titled above, dated 4th August, 2025, and referenced as AC81/0/01, has been referred to us by our client Honourable Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan and Deputy Minister of Health.



Our instructions are to respond to your said letter which we hereby do as follows:



that our client was appointed an Assistant Professor of Surgery by the University of Utah in the United States of America, evidenced by the letter dated August 7, 2025 (a copy is hereto attached for your information);

that our client has nowhere made a claim that she had earned her professorship from a university or any institution

of higher learning in Ghana, which would require your acclaimed Ghanaian criteria to apply;

that our client is not aware that a professorship conferred by a foreign institution of higher learning needs accreditation in

Ghana to be valid or used; that the law applicable to that of an academic title is the law of the place of conferment, and not Ghanaian law as you assert;

that the request to our client from GTEC is utterly without basis, and is intended only for public gallery; that it appears GTEC is overstepping its authority and appropriate functions under the law creating it, for what appears to be a purely political purpose, i.e., to cause unjustified embarrassment to Dr. Ayensu Danquah;

that the tone of your letter is inappropriately condescending toward an elected Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Health, who is a person of extraordinary academic and medical qualifications;

that it is curious that your letter, rather than focus on Dr. Ayensu Danquah's formidable credentials and experience for

her important duties in support of the Ghanian people and the Ghanian healthcare system, instead focuses on the use

of the academic title "professor," which was conferred by a highly regarded American University and has no bearing

whatsoever on Dr. Ayensu Danquah's ability to perform her public duties; that while your letter acknowledges that the use of academic titles differs by country, hopefully you are not seeking to assert that such titles require accreditation, reevaluation, or regulatory approval by your office.

In general, we find your letter to be an unjustified attempt to intimidate our client and to publicly distract others from her

accomplishments. Rather than be subjected to your criticisms and petty wordsmithing, she should be praised for voluntarily

deploying her remarkable education and professional experience in the service of her fellow citizens of Ghana.



It is our hope that you would exhibit some moderation in your future conduct towards her and in your exercise of your statutory

authority.



We hope the information provided herein by our client, through us, satisfies your request. Please note that this correspondence is being copied to each recipient of your letter of 4th August to Dr. Ayensu Danquah.

Yours faithfully,

David K. Ametepe, Esq.

Also attached below is another letter from Dr Ayensu-Danquah's lawyer reacting to the letter addressed to the Chief of Staff

13TH AUGUST, 2025.

PROFESSOR AHMED JINAPOR ABDULAI

(DIRECTOR GENERAL)

GHANA TERTIARY EDUCATION COMMISSION (GTEC)

PO BOX MB28, ACCRA

EAST LEGON -TRINITY -IPS ROAD.

Dear Sir,

RE: RESPONSE TO CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING HONOURABLE DR GRACE AYENSU DANQUAH

We act as solicitors for Honourable Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah and write in response to your recent letters regarding your purported assessment of her academic and professional credentials.

Our client is deeply displeased, not only by the conclusions you have reached, but by the manner in which your letters have been framed. The tone adopted has been abrasive, unnecessarily combative, and in parts, disparaging. The communications, in our respectful view, fall short of the standards of professionalism, impartiality, and courtesy that should characterise the actions of a statutory administrative body established under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).

We note with concern the absence of any reference to defined criteria, published guidelines, or formal standards by which her credentials were assessed. The assessment appears to have been carried out without transparency, and without clear indication of the statutory or regulatory framework relied upon. This lack of procedural clarity raises legitimate apprehension that the process was unguided and influenced by subjective or extraneous considerations.

Most troublingly, your letters have been copied to officials in Parliament and even at the Presidency, creating the impression of misconduct in connection with her tenure as a Parliamentarian and Deputy Minister. These are elective and appointive offices respectively, not positions to which she applied using her academic credentials as the basis for eligibility. It is therefore wholly improper, and potentially defamatory, to circulate such correspondence in a manner that conflates her political service with an unproven dispute over academic titles. This impropriety is further compounded by the fact that your most recent letter was addressed directly to the Chief of Staff rather than to our client, a step that is both procedurally irregular and suggestive of an attempt to escalate a matter of academic interpretation into a political controversy.

Given the posture the Commission has adopted to date, we would not be surprised if you further to place the contents of your correspondence in the public domain, as your actions thus far suggest a greater interest in publicity and theatre than in quiet rigour, fairness, and adherence to statutory mandate.

We also note with dismay the insinuation, whether by direct statement or innuendo, that our client may have used unearned or improperly obtained credentials to secure employment or commit fraud. Such allegations are grave, and in the absence of proven fact and due process, they are prejudicial to her reputation and contrary to the principles of administrative fairness.

Further, there is absolutely no legal or professional prohibition against our client addressing herself as Professor, particularly as this is consistent with her recognised academic title in the United States. Your correspondence appears to proceed on a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty positions. The Commissions apparent view that only tenure-track status entitles an academic to be addressed as Professor is erroneous, inconsistent with international academic practice, and an overreach of your mandate. In the United States, from which our clients title derives, both tenure-track and non-tenure-track appointments may confer the title Professor, and your misinterpretation on this point cannot lawfully diminish her right to be addressed accordingly.

In accordance with the duties of your office under sections 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 of Act 1023, and the requirements of procedural fairness inherent in Ghanaian administrative law, we require that the Commission:

Disclose in full the process followed in arriving at your conclusions, including the specific standards, benchmarks, and legal or regulatory provisions relied upon;

Identify the statutory or regulatory basis upon which you have assumed jurisdiction to assess the credentials of an individual who is not a current administrator or employee of a tertiary education institution;

Clarify the internal and statutory mechanisms for appeal or redress available to persons aggrieved by your determinations, including timelines, procedural requirements, and the forum of appeal;

Set out your interpretation of your mandate under Act 1023 in relation to the verification of credentials of persons outside tertiary education institutions, including whether such an interpretation has been publicly consulted upon or published; and

Provide evidence that our client was afforded the due and well outlined opportunity to be heard and to make representations before your findings and the impugned correspondences were issued.

Section 7 of Act 1023 restricts the Commissions regulatory functions to the implementation of approved regulations and standards with respect to tertiary education institutions and to the verification of the authenticity of certificates, diplomas and degrees upon request. Section 8 further provides that the recognition and determination of equivalencies of degrees must be conducted in accordance with the standards and guidelines set by the Commission.

First, at no point has our client requested that GTEC verify her academic certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Nor has the Commission at any time formally requested to review or verify those qualifications. Had such a request been made, and had the Commission confined itself to that statutory remit, it would have confirmed without difficulty that our client holds academic qualifications from institutions of the highest international repute.

Instead, the Commission appears to have embarked upon an entirely separate and unauthorised line of inquiry, focusing not on the authenticity of her qualifications but on her use of an academic title. This is a matter wholly outside the statutory scope of your verification powers. Rather than acknowledging that a respected academic institution has, in fact, appointed her to a position which confers that title, the Commission elected to issue dismissive and conclusory statements suggesting that she was no more than a part-time lecturer. This is an extremely unwarranted and unfounded conclusion, unsupported by any objective assessment or evidence.

Moreover, the Commission has no established processes, guidelines, or comparative frameworks for distinguishing and interpreting academic titles across different countries and jurisdictions. Without such tools, there is no objective or lawful basis upon which to discount or reclassify an academic appointment made by a recognised institution.

The Commission has provided no evidence of any criteria or methodology that could competently differentiate, for example, a Maitre de conferences from a Reader, a Professor of Surgery from a Clinical Professor, or a Professeur agrege (PRAG) from a Professeur certifie. In the absence of such a framework, any attempt to redefine or diminish a foreign-conferred title is speculative, subjective, and ultra vires.

The approach taken here - reacting to media commentary, and apparently even relying on Facebook monikers - is not reflective of an institution exercising its mandate with academic integrity, scholarly rigour, or institutional modesty. It gives the appearance of an ad hoc, slightly vindictive and personality-driven exercise, rather than one grounded in law, evidence, and internationally recognised academic norms. Such an approach cannot withstand scrutiny, whether in the forum of public administration or before the courts.

Internationally, the recognition and use of academic titles is governed by established comparative frameworks, not by ad hoc national reinterpretation. Instruments such as the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education (2019) and the Lisbon Recognition Convention require that national bodies respect the formal appointments and titles conferred by recognised institutions abroad, unless substantial differences can be demonstrated.

Similarly, within the European Higher Education Area under the Bologna Process, distinctions between professorial ranks (including Maitre de conferences, Reader, Professor, Clinical Professor, and Professeur agrege) are understood in their national contexts and not redefined by foreign regulators without expert comparative review. In the United States, faculty appointment policies at accredited universities confirm that both tenure-track and non-tenure-track appointments may carry the title Professor without distinction in form of address. These frameworks emphasise that recognition decisions must be evidence-based, grounded in comparative academic norms, and made with deference to the appointing institution - none of which appears to have guided the Commissions approach in this matter.

While it is acknowledged that these international instruments such as the UNESCO Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education (2019) and the Lisbon Recognition Convention focus primarily on the recognition of academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, and certificates), their underlying principles are directly relevant by analogy to academic titles.

Where a recognised higher education institution confers both a qualification and a formal academic appointment, the professional title attached to that appointment is an inseparable incident of the credential and the role. Recognition frameworks require that the qualification and its associated academic status be respected in their country of origin unless substantial differences are objectively demonstrated through a transparent and documented process. By seeking to reinterpret or diminish the professorial title conferred by a reputable foreign institution - without any comparative framework or expert basis - the Commission departs from these internationally accepted norms and substitutes personal conjecture for evidence-based evaluation.

It is also noteworthy that the principles of good administration require that statutory bodies act with due courtesy, avoid emotive or accusatory language in official correspondence, and maintain neutrality in the absence of proven misconduct. The accusatory tone of your correspondence, the circulation of these letters to political offices unconnected to the matter, and the confusion over basic academic norms give rise to the appearance of bias and undermine public confidence in the Commissions work.

We must therefore register our strong disagreement with your conclusions and characterisation of our clients credentials. Until you have provided the information requested above, the basis and propriety of your assessment remain in serious doubt.

For completeness, we note that we are copying this correspondence to the various individuals and offices to whom your prior letters were circulated, including officials in Parliament and at the Presidency. We do so not because we consider such dissemination to have been appropriate, but because those parties have now been unnecessarily drawn into the matter by the Commissions own actions. In particular, your most recent letter was addressed directly to the Chief of Staff rather than to our client, an approach that is highly irregular and inconsistent with the principles of direct engagement and procedural fairness. Having involved such high-level offices in an issue that should have been addressed with our client in a professional and discreet manner, it is now necessary that they are fully apprised of the concerns raised herein.

Finally, we request that you respond to this letter within fourteen (14) days of receipt, with full disclosure of the documents, processes, and legal provisions relied upon, failing which our client reserves all her rights to seek appropriate remedies including orders of certiorari and mandamus, as well as declaratory relief to protect her reputation and professional standing.

We trust that this matter will receive your urgent attention and that the Commission will take steps to realign its approach to ensure that its actions remain within the confines of the law and the principles of fair administrative justice.

Yours faithfully,

..

DAVID K. AMETEFE, ESQ.

CC : 1. CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,

REPUBLIC OF GHANA

2. HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, ACCRA

3. CLERK OF PARLIAMENT

4. CHAIRMAN, GTEC BOARD

5. oHON. DR. GRACE l DANQUAH (MP).

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
JERUSALEM, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the army will "soon" begin a new offensive to take over Gaza City, the Gaza Strip's largest urban center, despite international warnings about the consequences for the already devastated enclave.

Zamir made the remarks during a field tour in the strip, where he spoke with senior commanders and outlined plans for the next stage of fighting, the military said.

"Soon we will move on to the next phase of Operation Gideon's Chariots," he said, referring to Israel's resumption of its offensive in March after ending a ceasefire that had included a phased hostage release.

In the coming stage, Zamir said, the army would "continue to enhance the strikes against Hamas in Gaza City until its decisive defeat," deploying "all its capabilities on land, in the air and at sea."

He added that the military has a "moral obligation" to bring home hostages held in Gaza, both living and dead.

The remarks came a day after Israel announced plans to relocate residents from Gaza City. COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry body overseeing humanitarian operations in the enclave, said distribution of tents to civilians would begin on Sunday, as part of the preparations "to move the population from combat zones to southern Gaza."

Hamas has condemned the plan, calling it a "new wave of genocide and displacement" for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza City.

According to Gaza's health authorities, at least 61,944 Palestinians have been killed and 155,886 wounded by Israeli strikes and gunfire since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters launched a deadly attack on Israel.

Gaza's health authorities said Sunday that famine is continuing to spread, with hospitals reporting seven deaths in the past 24 hours, including two children, from hunger and malnutrition. That brought the total to 258 deaths from starvation, among them 110 children. 
An APK teardown of the Google Play Services app, version 26.32.31 beta reveals some interesting details about phone backups. It hints at a new feature that Google will likely implement in the near future that would let you choose more folders to back up.

Everyone who is using automatic online backup knows that not all data is backed up. You do get your photos and videos up in the cloud along with settings and some user data, but not everything. For instance, some apps have encrypted data and can't be backed up.

Currently, you can't back up other folders, like your "Downloads" folder. But the beta version source code for Google Play Services suggests Google is working on a solution. It will likely give you the option to back up your Downloads folder, and why not other folders as well. Of course, all your data will be uploaded to your Google Drive.

Additionally, there's a string that refers to "documents", which may suggest Google will allow backups of only certain types of files and not everything.

Either way, we can only guess for now, but it seems that Google is already working on the new backup options so that we will know for sure soon enough.

Source
The scores are in and the islands public schools have reached their highest literacy proficiency in two decades though students still lag in math, according to newly released standardized test data from the Guam Department of Education.

These are the highest scores that weve had in the last 20 years, Education Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez said. The average of the high schools at 31%, thats all the high schools together, thats the highest our high schools have ever scored. Prior to that, it was always in the low 20s.

Results from the 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium show a significant increase in English language arts proficiency across four of seven grade levels compared to 2024.

Notably, 11th-grade proficiency jumped from 45% to 61%. Third grade rose from 27% to 35%. Fifth grade moved from 29% to 33%.

Seventh grade dropped from 37% to 35%. Eighth grade decreased slightly from 39% to 36%. Fourth and sixth grades remained unchanged at 26% and 31%, respectively.

Cohort comparisons also revealed year-over-year growth in three of five grade levels. When compared to previous standardized tests, four of seven grade levels scored higher on SBAC than they did during ACT Aspire testing.

The results mark a historic achievement in literacy performance for Guams high school students, GDOE said.

Higher than some states

Data shows that schools like Okkodo High School led with a 51% proficiency rate, higher than statewide averages in California, Oregon, and Washington.

In terms of rate, thats quite a feat for Okkodo High School to score that high. And then right after them, at 41% is Simon Sanchez [High School], Sanchez said.

Graduation rates have also held steady at more than 80%.

Our target in the strategic plan was 80%...and we were able to hit that target. Now our goal is to maintain 80% or above, Sanchez said. Were really happy at the fact that more students are passing their classes and theyre moving forward. However, I dont want to paint the picture as being everythings rosy... we do have a lot of work in mathematics.

Math challenges

Math scores have not shown the same improvement. Sanchez said GDOE is prioritizing efforts to boost math proficiency and address learning gaps made worse by years of pandemic disruption.

Its one thing to graduate, but its another thing to graduate and maybe not have all the skills necessary for you to be successful in whatever you choose to do, he said.

Smarter Balanced, an online assessment adopted in 2023, allows Guam to compare performance with other states for the first time. Unlike past paper-based tests such as SAT10 and ACT Aspire, SBAC aligns with assessments in jurisdictions like California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

Were excited about that because the Smarter Balanced test is something now that is taken by multiple states, and were able to compare ourselves directly with those states, Sanchez said. The SAT 10 and the ACT Aspire...we couldnt compare ourselves directly with the states.

Gains but not hitting targets yet

Despite pandemic disruptions, school closures, and staff reassignments, Guams public schools are showing improvement but they dont necessarily hit the targets that GDOE set.

Were very optimistic, because were seeing gains, were seeing progress, but were not yet hitting our targets, Sanchez said. We know that theres a lot of work that needs to happen. But the bright side is we know what needs to be done. We have teachers and administrators who are committed to doing this work, and were going to continue to move forward.

He acknowledged that mid-year reassignments and facility disruptions may have affected test performance.

Im sure that that must be a factor and theres a lot of challenges with school closures. So from a negative side, theres a lot of obstacles that we had to overcome these last two years, Sanchez added.

Still, GDOE hopes to maintain academic momentum.

Were hoping that these same challenges wont plague us moving forward. Were hoping that there wont be any more school closures. Were hoping, knock on wood, that we wont have any major typhoons moving forward, Sanchez said. Were hoping that we wont have any major pandemic. These are all challenges that clearly affected us negatively, but despite all that, were continuing to improve.

Demographic factors

SBAC data broken down revealed the performance impact of three key demographic factorsPacific Islander identity, socioeconomic status, and English learner status, which are prominent across the islands student population.

For example, the state of California scored at 45%. That means 45% of their students are proficient. Thats how we could tell that Guam scored higher, right, at 5%, Sanchez said. When you disaggregate by Pacific Islander, it drops the score down to 34%...socioeconomic status, it drops it by another 10%...English learners, it drops it down to, I think, 30%.

Guam public schools face similar demographic challenges across the district.

According to Sanchez, 60% of students come from low-income households, and some campuses serve populations where that figure reaches 80%. English learners also make up a significant portion of the student population.

Although student demographics are broadly similar across the island, performance and needs vary from school to school. The deputy superintendent believes schools must tailor their strategies based on these differences, adjusting instruction and support to meet the unique challenges of each campus.

It doesnt mean that the students are bad, it doesnt mean that the teachers are bad. What it means is that the strategies and interventions that they utilize at those schools might have to be a little different than their counterparts a few miles down the road, he said.

He added that students from lower-income families or with language barriers may need additional support.

Their teachers and administrators are going to need additional help. Same thing with schools that have a high percentage of English learners, Sanchez said. Doesnt mean that the English learners are bad, it means that they have an additional challenge that they have to overcome, right? Because everything that is being taught is taught in English.

Sanchez said GDOE encourages schools to adopt a growth mindset, using data to continuously improve.

Always look at it towards improvement. Ask yourself, how can I improve? Were constantly telling our students that. So if youre doing well and you think youre doing really, really well, how can you still do better? Because we really want to promote that excellence, he said. If youre not doing that well, we want you to think about, okay, well, why am I not doing that well then? And how can I improve?

He pointed to successful schools that implemented strategies across entire faculties, with literacy integrated into all subjects.

We really took the Literacy Plan that we have put together. Our teachers work on a regular basis like they get together every two weeks. They looked at their data, they talked about their strategies, Sanchez said. They had literacy strategies in every content area. So it wasnt just the English language arts class... every teacher of science and social studies has a literacy activity that they have to do.

Those schools also invested time in supporting struggling students.

They talked a lot about trying to provide additional time, additional work on things. Some of the teachers even mentioned how, its hard, but we tried to make sure that as many students understood as much as possible before they moved on, Sanchez said.

During a five-day summer training, teachers and principals examined curriculum and instruction data. Confidence levels varied.

Before they even saw their scores, the schools that did well, their responses when we asked them, How well do you guys think you did? They were very humble, but they were very confident in their responses, Sanchez said.

Life after graduation

As part of GDOEs 2022 long-term plan, schools are placing greater emphasis on preparing students for life after graduation by embedding career exploration and post-secondary planning throughout the K-12 curriculum.

Students are introduced to career paths, college options, and technical training as early as middle school to ensure they can make informed decisions before finishing high school.

Career exploration now begins in elementary and middle school, with high school seen as a planning stage for adulthood.

High school is really a planning, foundational opportunity to prepare you for adult life, and then when you move into adult life, you already have an idea of what you want to do next, Sanchez said.

Curriculum decisions are also being informed by industry trends. A recent delegation attended a national workforce conference to assess what skills todays employers demand.

A lot of it really is going to be technology, right? So its, how is AI used in the business world? How is it used internationally? You know, what does that look like for employee interaction and employee requirements? he said.

GDOE is also expanding support for students with disabilities. The department recently held a training symposium and plans to train one-third of teachers on inclusive instructional strategies by next year.

A lot of them are mainstreamed into the classroom where...the majority of their time is in a regular education classroom, which is where they should be, Sanchez said.
Micronesia Mall was packed with residents on Saturday looking to get free vaccinations at a Department of Public Health and Social Services back-to-school immunization event.

Public Health offered routine childhood vaccinations, except for the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, for children aged 4 to 18 years who are enrolled with Medicaid, MIP or have no insurance.

Matthew Salas from Hagat said the free clinic is a much more convenient way for his children to receive immunizations than visiting one of the three DPHSS health centers.

We would have had to go to Inalahan [otherwise], because us being from the south, thats our location, Salas said. Having this here at the mall is more convenient.

The event started at 10 a.m. and saw strong community participation, with parents bringing their children at early as 7:30 a.m. Once families were checked in, they were given a number and asked to wait either in the center court or in the old Game Stop location, both of which were filled with chairs and tables.

Michele Leon Guerrero, DPHSS immunization program manager, said the mall was chosen for its ability to accommodate multiple families and its centralized location.

Theyre offering the services for free for us to utilize, and its pretty central, Leon Guerrero said. I know central is more like the Mangilao area, but the biggest populations are here in the north, and they can also indulge all the other services here inside the mall.

Once services began, the line progressed quickly and smoothly. Barrigada resident Eliza De Guzman said she and her daughter only needed to wait a few minutes before they were checked in.

I found out about this last night and came here for her to get free shots instead of paying, De Guzman said. The line moves fast, and its a great opportunity for us parents who dont have the time other than on weekends.

Takes time

While check-in was quick, the wait for the immunization shots was longer as seats started to fill. Waltes Harry from Dededo, although grateful for the service, said he would have preferred it if Public Health visited each village themselves instead.

Its really hard to afford insurance, so I have to bring her over here, Harry said. If they go to the villages, that would be awesome, instead of everybody coming here. Its really crowded, and it takes time to wait.

Salas added how doing something like this in each village will help the families who dont have cars or the time to travel, so if they do more like this, itll be helpful for a lot of people on the island.

Village outreach would also solve the backlog of customers at DPHSSs office locations. Yigo resident Johanes Demengil previously tried having his grandchildren immunized and vaccinated at Public Health, but it was overbooked.

Its a good thing I saw this in the newspaper; otherwise, the kids wouldnt be able to go to school, Demengil said. It would be much better, [especially] for people in southern Guam and the populous villages, Dededo and Yigo. They should hold an outreach program for senior citizens and children, so we dont have to go all the way there, and theres no parking and no place to eat.

Demengil added how the staff at the free clinic were more accommodating than the staff at the DPHSS offices.

Sometimes at Public Health, theyre not very nice and overworked, Demengil said. Its ridiculous, and Im writing a letter to the director because Im so fed up with it.

Leon Guerrero said upcoming village outreach initiatives and other health service programs are in the works, especially for seasonal vaccines like the flu shot. Some educational programs are already being offered by Public Health for chronic diseases, tobacco cessation, health education, and breastfeeding support.

We did this one because we knew it was back to school for kids, so were trying to help them catch up to get them whats needed for school, Leon Guerrero said. There are plans to go out into the community, to the different villages, hopefully at the mayors office, like weve done in the past, not just for children, but also for adults. I really cant tell you what the schedule is, but the best place to find out is through our main departments directors office.
Reports from the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority show various government agencies and departments with hundreds of thousands of dollars in past-due water bills, and past-due power bills in the millions of dollars.

One agency posted a past-due power bill balance with GPA at over $1.9 million as of July 15, while the top past-due water bill at GWA was just over $385,000 as of June 30, accounting aging reports from the utilities show.

Postpaid power customers are typically subject to disconnection when a bill is 45 days past due. GWAs policy calls for disconnections after 30 days, but utility officials have said they hold off for as long as 83 days.

But some government of Guam agencies report unpaid utility bills worth hundreds of thousands of dollars that are over 120 days, about four months, past due.

Agency heads interviewed by the Pacific Daily News provided various reasons for the past-due balances, from longstanding infrastructure issues to challenges with funding.

DPW tops unpaid power bills

The Department of Public Works tops the list of past-due power bills, with some $1.9 million in unpaid bills spread across various accounts as of July 15, GPA reports show.

GPA ledgers show two accounts for the department itself, which have a combined balance of $106,746.47 over 30 days past due.

But the bulk of the overdue payment, about $1.8 million, is spread across a series of power accounts for street lights and street signs.

Of that balance, a total of $600,363.96 is over 120 days overdue as of July 15, GPA records show.

DPW Director Vince Arriola last week told the PDN the agency was having issues processing payments through the Department of Administration, though he said he was unaware of specific billing amounts.

Asked about specific billing amounts via email, DPW Deputy Director Linda Ibanez confirmed the balances.

We are currently outlining steps to reconcile and address the issue, Ibanez told the PDN.

GMH has late power, water balances

In second place for overdue power bills is Guam Memorial Hospital, which had $1.1 million over 30 days past-due for two power accounts as of July 15, according to GPA ledgers.

The hospital also comes in second place for the largest overdue balance with GWA, having $149,945 over 30 days past due as of June 30.

For GWA, the water bill is over 30 days past due at $149,945 as of June 30.

GMH acting public information officer Melissa Quinata-Ronquillo said the hospital does not have a formal payment plan with the utilities, but makes payments when funds are available to reduce the balance as quickly as possible.

Quinata-Ronquillo pointed to the hospitals tight budget and funding that often comes in other requests.

Like other agencies, GMHA operates within a tight budget and our budget requests are not always fully funded. This requires us to make difficult decisions daily about which critical obligations to address first, she stated.

Our utilitiespower and waterare essential to our operations and are among our highest priorities for payment, Quinata-Ronquillo stated. However, when faced with limited cash flow, we must sometimes prioritize expenses that directly affect patient safety and continuity of care, such as urgent medical supplies, oxygen, staffing needs, and critical maintenance.

The hospital continues to seek ways to reduce costs, but still appeals to the Legislature and community to support the hospital during budget hearings, the GMH spokesperson stated.

Hospital leadership expects operating expenses to be more than $80 million above revenues in fiscal year 2026, the PDN has reported. Theyve appealed to lawmakers for a subsidy to fill the gap.

The Legislatures proposed 2026 budget provides $41.9 million to GMH, plus $5.2 million from excess revenue collected in 2023.

Without adequate funding, the hospital will face even greater financial strain, not just today but also for the future that will impact our ability to serve the people of Guam, Ronquillo stated. GMHA remains committed to working with our partners, including our utility providers, to ensure the continuity of hospital services while fulfilling our financial obligations.

Other power bill balances

The following agencies also showed large overdue balances, at least 90 days or more past due with GPA as of July 15:

Department of Corrections, $193,358.94

Department of Parks and Recreation, $45,454.92

Department of Administration, $45,294.72

Guam Office of Veterans Affairs, $27,827.34

Mayors Council of Guam, $14,006.24

DOC has biggest water bill

At the top of the list for overdue water bill payments is the Department of Corrections, with a balance of $385,250 over 30 days past due as of June 30, according to GWA reports.

Of that sum, $181,005 is over 120 days past due.

DOC also shows the third-highest late power bill of any agency, with GPA reports showing at $193,358.94 over 30 days past due as of July 15.

Corrections Director Fred Bordallo said DOC has an antiquated water system at the Mangilao correctional facility thats prone to leaks.

We had Guam Waterworks respond and provided us info of water leaks at various areas from the grounds and facilities. These leaks of which some are being repaired and others require additional major work that involve replacement of water lines are costly, Bordallo said.

He said leaks are detected when reviewing sudden spikes in water consumption.

As for GPA bills, power-hungry security systems have to stay on 24/7 at both the Mangilao prison and Hagatna lockup, Bordallo said.

We cant afford to shut lights and security systems down at any time, he noted.

Bordallo stressed that water leaks and high bills at the prison highlight the need to modernize DOCs facilities.

DOC: Restore $5M

Bordallo said $5 million for urgent security and facility infrastructure upgrades was cut from the fiscal 2026 budget now being reviewed by lawmakers.

That money was also supposed to set a path towards a new prison, Bordallo said.

There is no guarantee for the safety, and security of inmates and employee staff at both Mangilao, and Hagatna corrections facilities without the commitment of funding for the new prison, Bordallo said.

GDOE faces hurdles

A number of large overdue power and water bills for the Guam Department of Education were cleared up as of Aug. 1, according to GDOE public information officer Damen Michael Borja.

Borja said that as of last week, GDOEs balance was zero for bills over 30 days past due.

But department leadership has been open about issues paying utility bills in the past, and has recorded large sums due with GPA and GWA this year.

GDOEs overdue power bill topped out at $2.2 million over 30 days past due back on April 10, GPA reports show.

With GWA, the department posted a balance of $650,432 over 30 days past due of March 31, according to GWA ledgers.

Issues funding the power and water bills may continue, GDOE Superintendent Erik Swanson told senators on Friday.

Swanson told lawmakers that the departments proposed fiscal 2026 budget may have to shave $3.4 million off payments for power and water bills, if the Legislatures proposed budget for 2026 moves forward.

The budget provides the same $266 million that GDOE has for the current fiscal year.

This years budget has the school district pulling from lapsed funding, personnel, and contracts to cover utilities costs, Education Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Administration Morgan Wade Paul and his team told senators.

Other overdue water bills

The following agencies also showed large overdue balances, at least 90 days or more past due with GWA as of July 15:
Representatives from the University of Guams Global Learning and Engagement Office met with officials from Wakayama University, located in Japans Kansai region, on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9, continuing the partnership established under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two universities in September 2024.

The MOU supports student and faculty exchanges, study-abroad opportunities, and collaborative research, instructional, and cultural programs between the two institutions, a release from UOG states.

Since the MOU signing, Wakayama University has sent 40 students to Guam to participate in UOGs English Adventure Program.

Both institutions are now working to expand the partnership to include faculty research exchanges and collaboration in the field of international tourism. Wakayama University is the only university in Japan to offer bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in tourism.

Our visit to Wakayama University is about taking this partnership from paper to practice, said Carlos Taitano, GLE director, in a statement. We are identifying concrete opportunities for our students and faculty to collaborate, learn, and contribute in ways that benefit both Guam and the city of Wakayama.

GLE manages 125 MOUs with universities across Asia and the Pacific, including institutions in Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

For more information about UOGs international exchange programs, email uog.gle@triton.uog.edu.
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived on Sunday, making a port visit to U.S. Naval Base Guam. Its the ships second port call of 2025.

USS George Washington is conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet as the U.S. Navys premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, according to Naval Base Guam.

It is making a routine port visit to Guam to provide the crew time to tour the island, get some rest and relaxation, resupply the ship, and participate in various community service events, including youth mentorship and school engagements, Naval Base Guam said.

Commissioned in 1992, USS George Washington is led by Commanding Officer Capt. Timothy L. Waits and is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 5. Leading CSG-5 is Rear Adm. Eric Anduze.

Several sailors with ties to Guam are part of the ship and are excited to return to visit family and friends.
BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Sunday activated a Level-IV emergency response for flood control in the southern island province of Hainan, in anticipation of severe rainfall and potential flooding.

Heavy to torrential rains are forecast in Hainan from Aug. 17 to 19, with particularly severe downpours likely in eastern and northern areas. In the heavy rain areas, some small and medium-sized rivers may experience floods exceeding the warning levels.

The ministry has ordered local authorities to strengthen monitoring, forecasting and early-warning, and risk-prone reservoirs are required to operate empty as a precautionary measure.

Precautions to prevent mountain torrents and flooding in small and medium-sized rivers should be taken, the ministry said. It has urged local governments to ensure the complete and timely relocation of residents from danger zones.

A working group has been dispatched to Hainan to assist with flood-control efforts, according to the ministry. 




Haiti - Politic : High-level Kenyan delegation to Haiti





Kenyan Deputy National Security Adviser Joseph Boinet Kipchirchir led a delegation of six senior government officials on a three-day official visit to Haiti this week. The delegation met with key stakeholders supporting the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.



During the visit, the delegation met with Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu, the newly appointed Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti. Kenya reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the MSS Mission.



The delegation also had an exchange with Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore of the Transition Council, who praised the missions achievements and Haitis determination to work collaboratively with its partners. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya for deploying more than 750 officers, noting that the willingness to serve humanity should always be recognized.



In the diplomatic arena, the delegation met separately with Henry T. Wooster, Charge dAffaires at the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and Andre Francois Giroux, Canadas Ambassador to Haiti. Both the United States and Canada reiterated their strong support for the MSS Mission, emphasizing that challenges are being addressed with encouraging progress.



The team also paid a courtesy call to the MSS Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge, touring both LSA 1 and LSA 2. Later, they met with MSS leadership and the Kenyan contingent, where Mr. Boinet conveyed greetings from H.E. President William Samoei Ruto. He commended their resilience, professionalism, and dedication, expressing Kenyas pride in their service. He urged them to maintain close cooperation and coordination with the Haitian National Police (HNP), highlighting that such synergy would deliver stronger results. He further assured them of the Kenyan governments continued commitment to the mission, with additional resources planned to help overcome operational challenges.



The visit fostered renewed hope and optimism for the missions success, underlining a shared determination to defeat gang violence and restore stability so that Haiti can reclaim its path toward peace and prosperity.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The Meta AI chatbot has been integrated into WhatsApp since March. The AI, which can be found prominently in the app as a blue ring on the start page, cannot be removed, even though this question is apparently asked again and again. However, with the help of the "Advanced Chat Privacy" function, which was introduced in April, users can block the AI from individual and group chats so that chat participants cannot activate the AI.

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However, the fact that Meta AI can access all data in WhatsApp, as rumored in recent chain letters, is not correct  and certainly not without the user's consent.

Meta AI in WhatsApp can only be activated by the user

A panic-spreading chain letter warns of Meta AI in WhatsApp. (Image: heise medien)

The AI in WhatsApp can only access the user's data if the user interacts with it and instructs it to do so. All individual and group chats are end-to-end encrypted by default so that only the participants in a chat round have access to the information shared in it.

The AI functions integrated into WhatsApp only take effect when users actively use them. This means that there is no automatic access to content, let alone phone numbers. As a reminder, users actively provide the latter to Meta when they synchronize their address book with WhatsApp to find their contacts.

Only when Meta AI is addressed via the @Meta command in a chat window does the user open the door to the chat for Meta's AI. The AI in the chat can be used to summarize missed messages (initially only in the USA)  This function is not yet available in Germany.

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As the company explains, a session with a cloud server is established for this private AI summary  anonymized by Oblivious HTTP (OHTTP) via third-party intermediate stations. According to the explanation, the session is encrypted with a temporary key that "Meta and WhatsApp do not have access to"; only the end device and the private processing servers can use it: Meta emphasizes that "no one other than the user's device or the selected TEEs (Trusted Execution Environment)" can decrypt the request.

In addition, the "content and detailed circumstances of chats between users of telecommunications services", which include WhatsApp, are "subject to the special protection of telecommunications secrecy (Section 3 TDDDG), which is enshrined in the German Basic Law (Article 10 GG) and the violation of which is punishable by law (Section 206 of the German Criminal Code)," erklart the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI).

Enhanced data protection blocks users from using AI in chats

For even more control over the meta AI, although not really necessary, users can activate the "Extended data protection" function. However, this feature must be activated individually for each chat. This is done via the respective settings, which can be accessed by pressing the recipient of the chat or the group name (not the three-dot menu). If you now type @Meta in a chat window, you will be informed that the function is not available in the respective chat.

Enhanced chat data protection: Among other things, users can use the Meta AI function to block individual chats. (Image: heise medien)

Activating the "Extended data protection function" not only blocks Meta AI access in the chat, but more: the feature simultaneously blocks the export function for the respective chat and media access, so that images and co. are not saved in the respective media gallery of the device. As mentioned, this function is not required to prevent Meta AI from unauthorized data access. It is sufficient if none of the participants in a WhatsApp group chat use it.

According to Meta, the "Extended Privacy" function is primarily used in WhatsApp groups in which someone does not know all participants in detail, but in which more confidential matters are also discussed. The company cites conversations about health problems in support groups as an example.

(afl)

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.
No injuries were reported. There were 68 people on board the aircraft, all of whom were safely evacuated and returned to the terminal.

The Central Uusimaa Rescue Department received an alert at 10:50am and initially classified the situation as a major air traffic incident. Fifteen emergency units responded to the scene as a precaution.

Passengers were evacuated from a Finnair aircraft at Helsinki Airport on Saturday morning after a ground support vehicle collided with the planes propeller.

The aircraft was preparing for departure to Gdansk, Poland. Finavia, the company operating Helsinki Airport, confirmed that flight AY1175 was cancelled following the incident.

Photographs published by Helsingin Sanomat showed a service vehicle lodged under the wing of the aircraft, with visible damage to both the vehicle and the aircraft. Debris was scattered across the tarmac.

The collision occurred while the plane was stationary on the ground. Finavia said the airport remained operational, with other flights departing and landing as scheduled. Some minor delays affected European routes in the early afternoon.

Clean-up operations continued into the afternoon, with emergency personnel remaining at the site. Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere at the airport as calm.

Finnair has not commented on the extent of the damage or whether the aircraft will return to service.

Aviation safety at Helsinki Airport came under scrutiny last year after a worker died during an aircraft towing operation. That incident, also involving Finnair, occurred during routine maintenance.

Authorities have not yet released the findings of their investigation into Saturdays collision.

HT
JERUSALEM, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said on Sunday it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen towards central Israel, launched in apparent retaliation for an earlier Israeli strike.

The missile triggered air raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities, sending residents into shelters and safe rooms in the afternoon as tens of thousands rallied in the streets demanding the release of hostages and an end to the war in Gaza.

There were no reports of casualties or damage.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (Israel Air Force)," the military said in a statement.

Reacting to the attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on social media platform X that the Houthis "will pay dearly, with interest upon interest, for every attempt to launch missiles at Israel."

The Houthi group has not commented on the incident.

The incident came hours after an Israeli strike hit a power plant south of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Sunday morning. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said the strike knocked out electricity generators at the facility, but caused no casualties.

The Israeli military confirmed it had struck an energy infrastructure site used by the Houthis, saying the attack, launched from about 2,000 km away, was carried out "in response" to repeated missile and drone assaults on Israel.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have launched attacks on Israeli targets since November 2023 in what they say is support for Palestinians during Israel's offensive in Gaza. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. 
The US president is due to host Zelenskyi in Washington on Monday. Officials said the trilateral would only proceed if that encounter is sufficiently constructive. Trump has proposed Friday as the earliest possible date.

Donald Trump has told European leaders he wants to meet both Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Vladimir Putin together by next Friday, according to CNN and Axios .

The push comes days after Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska. No ceasefire was agreed at that meeting, though Russian demands for territory and Western concessions were outlined. According to officials briefed on the talks, Putin is seeking full control of Donetsk and Luhansk, international recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, curbs on Ukraines NATO ambitions, and the easing of sanctions.

Financial Times reported that Putin signalled limited flexibility elsewhere, suggesting Russia might freeze its lines in southern Ukraine if its core demands in the Donbas were met. Reuters said Moscow could return small occupied areas in Sumy and Kharkiv, though these amount to just a fraction of what Russia is demanding in the east.

Zelenskyi has ruled out ceding further land but is preparing for what aides describe as a difficult meeting in Washington. On Saturday, he wrote on X that peace would only be possible when Russia agreed to stop its attacks, saying, the killing must end for the war to end.

European governments are weighing how to ensure their involvement in the talks. German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said leaders would decide this weekend whether to send a representative with Zelenskyi to Washington. Politico reported that Finlands president Alexander Stubb is being considered, describing him as one of Trumps favoured counterparts. The aim would be to defuse any confrontation between Trump and Zelenskyi and to underline that Europe must be part of any settlement.

British prime minister Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted a video call on Saturday with other allies to coordinate positions. The New York Times said at least one European leader has already been invited to Mondays White House meeting.

Meanwhile, details of the Alaska summit continued to emerge. NPR reported that hotel staff in Anchorage found documents left in a printer by Trumps delegation, listing meeting rooms, schedules, and even the lunch menu. Notes included pronunciation guides for Russian officials names and a planned gift of a bald eagle statuette for Putin.

Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called Turkish and Hungarian counterparts shortly after the Alaska meeting, underlining Moscows diplomatic outreach. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban told Reuters after the summit that the world is safer today than yesterday.

Trump told European leaders on Saturday that his objective was no longer an interim ceasefire but a broader peace agreement. Zelenskyis aides said Ukraine would resist any plan that legitimised territorial losses.

HT
The State Department said on Saturday that it would conduct a full and thorough review of recent medical-humanitarian visas issued. Officials did not specify how many were affected. The decision followed a social media campaign led by far-right activist Laura Loomer , who accused the administration of allowing refugees from Gaza to enter the country through San Francisco and Houston.

The United States has suspended all visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza, cutting off a route used to bring injured and critically ill children to hospitals abroad.

Republican lawmakers including Chip Roy of Texas and Randy Fine of Florida voiced similar concerns. Loomer later claimed credit for the policy reversal, saying, Its amazing how fast we can get results from the Trump administration. She thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for halting the visas and urged further restrictions.

The move has triggered condemnation from humanitarian groups. The Palestine Childrens Relief Fund (PCRF), which coordinates medical transfers from Gaza, warned the decision will have a devastating and irreversible impact on sick and injured children. Tareq Hailat, PCRFs director of Global Patient Affairs, told Al Jazeera the suspension was extremely devastating news that stripped children of their most basic human rights.

HEAL Palestine, which has arranged treatment for 148 people including 63 children, said its work would be obstructed. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described the suspension as cruelty without bounds, noting that children injured by US-supplied weapons were now barred from entering the country for treatment.

The US issued 640 visas to holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents in May, according to Reuters. The B1/B2 category has been used for patients requiring specialised medical care overseas. PCRF reported evacuating 169 children in 2024 to destinations including the US, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East.

The visa halt coincides with intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza. At least 61,827 Palestinians have been killed during 22 months of war, with United Nations agencies warning of famine, widespread malnutrition, and disease. Journalists inside Gaza have reported facing starvation themselves.

In July, Trump acknowledged real starvation in Gaza but reiterated his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Aid organisations say Israeli restrictions imposed since March have prevented sufficient food deliveries, while Israel argues the measures stop supplies being seized by Hamas.

Netanyahu has stated his aim to take control of Gaza City and confine civilians into concentration zones, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. International agencies say the policy, combined with bombardments and the blockade, is driving up famine-related deaths.

HT
AN artist from Henley has spent five months restoring an apple sculpture donated to Henley by its German twin town.

The colourful apple, which weighs around 80kg, was first installed in Gravel Hill in 2012 after being donated by Leichlingen.

It features images of landmarks in the town, including Henley Bridge, Leander Club and Temple Island.

Heather Simpson, 57, who lives off Reading Road, Henley, a fine art restorer with 35 years of experience, took the apple to her studio in December to restore it to its original condition.

The leaf and stalk, which were first damaged not long after its installation, were held in storage while the sculpture remained on display. More recently, the sculpture had begun to deteriorate further, with paint peeling away in places.

Ms Simpson, who usually specialises in oil paintings and gilt frames, dried the apple for three months before beginning to work on it. She said: It was a huge job because it had weathered really badly and a lot of the surface was missing and there was a hole in it from where the leaf and stalk were missing, so it was filled with water. I got it just before Christmas and dried it out for two to three months before I could work on it.

She stabilised the apple by filling the hole with cement filler before sanding and attaching new metal for the leaf and the stalk, then hand-painting it to its original design.

Ms Simpson conducted tests with different types of paints and used a mural varnish to protect the design from UV light and from weathering.

She said the most challenging part of the restoration was the initial work to stabilise the sculpture.

Ms Simpson said: I had to ensure I got a couple of pieces of metal in it that wouldnt move by filling it and smoothing it all down. I didnt realise that painting it with acrylic would be quite as challenging and detailed as it was.

I had to repaint everything exactly as it was in the beginning, and a lot of it was missing. The council gave me a photo of when it was made in Germany, which included all the details.

Ms Simpson said it was great to see it complete ahead of the Henley in Bloom judging tour on July 18. She said: Im not used to doing sculptures, so it did take longer than I thought, but it was great to see it finished as I did like the challenge.

Compared to what it was like in the beginning, it was in a terrible mess, so to get it back to what it was like, the same as it was, I was really pleased with the end result.

Kellie Hinton, who chairs the Bloom committee, said: Im really pleased the apple has been restored and very grateful to Heather for her artistic work.

Its a really delicate piece of public art so we need to appropriately maintain and care for it. Its in a really nice position in town where people can sit quietly and enjoy the view of it. Its lovely to see it back to its former glory.
This photo shows a scene at the groundbreaking ceremony for a cross-border railway project linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi, in Musongati, Burundi, Aug. 16, 2025. Tanzania and Burundi on Saturday officially launched the construction of a modern standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi. According to a representative from the China Railway Group Limited, which leads the consortium building the line, the cross-border railway -- designed with a 1,435 mm international standard gauge and full electrification -- is expected to be completed around 2030. (Uvinza-Musongati SGR project of China Railway Group Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania and Burundi on Saturday officially launched the construction of a modern standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi.

Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa laid the foundation stone for the 240-km railway project, which is set to become the first cross-border SGR in East Africa.

The project, estimated to cost more than 2.15 billion U.S. dollars, is expected to be completed within five years, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's directorate of communications.

Majaliwa assured citizens of both countries that construction will commence on schedule, emphasizing the railway's potential to boost regional trade and connectivity.

"Once completed, passengers will be able to travel from Musongati to Dar es Salaam in a single day. Currently, cargo trucks take up to 96 hours to reach Bujumbura from Dar es Salaam. With the railway, that journey will be reduced to just 20 hours," he said.

He added that the railway will not only ease passenger and freight transport but also unlock new investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Tanzania and Burundi.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye hailed the project as a long-awaited dream come true.

Highlighting Burundi's rich mineral resources, especially nickel, he recalled strong investor interest in the sector. "Many asked how we would transport the minerals. This railway is the answer," he said, expressing gratitude to Tanzania for its partnership.

He also outlined future ambitions to extend the railway to Kindu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and eventually to West Africa's Atlantic coast, envisioning a pan-African corridor for development.

According to Lin Xiaotong, a representative from the China Railway Group Limited, which leads the consortium building the line, the cross-border railway -- designed with a 1,435 mm international standard gauge and full electrification -- is expected to be completed around 2030.

Serving as a vital transport corridor between Tanzania and Burundi, the railway is a key project poised to invigorate regional economic development and accelerate East African integration, he added. 

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye (L) and Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa shake hands during the groundbreaking ceremony for a cross-border railway project linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi, in Musongati, Burundi, Aug. 16, 2025.

Tanzania and Burundi on Saturday officially launched the construction of a modern standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi.

According to a representative from the China Railway Group Limited, which leads the consortium building the line, the cross-border railway -- designed with a 1,435 mm international standard gauge and full electrification -- is expected to be completed around 2030. (Uvinza-Musongati SGR project of China Railway Group Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo shows the construction equipment at the groundbreaking ceremony for a cross-border railway project linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi, in Musongati, Burundi, Aug. 16, 2025.

Tanzania and Burundi on Saturday officially launched the construction of a modern standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi.

According to a representative from the China Railway Group Limited, which leads the consortium building the line, the cross-border railway -- designed with a 1,435 mm international standard gauge and full electrification -- is expected to be completed around 2030. (Uvinza-Musongati SGR project of China Railway Group Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye (R) and Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa attend the groundbreaking ceremony for a cross-border railway project linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi, in Musongati, Burundi, Aug. 16, 2025.

Tanzania and Burundi on Saturday officially launched the construction of a modern standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in western Tanzania to Musongati in eastern Burundi.

According to a representative from the China Railway Group Limited, which leads the consortium building the line, the cross-border railway -- designed with a 1,435 mm international standard gauge and full electrification -- is expected to be completed around 2030. (Uvinza-Musongati SGR project of China Railway Group Limited/Handout via Xinhua)
LILONGWE, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Malawian president and a UN official have extended condolences over the passing of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto, known for her tireless efforts to end thousands of child marriages in the country.

Kachindamoto, the senior chief of Dedza district in central Malawi, passed away on Wednesday due to liver failure, the Malawian Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture said in a statement. She was laid to rest on Saturday in a Ngoni cultural ceremony.

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said Wednesday that Kachindamoto will be remembered as "a development-oriented leader and champion of girls' rights, whose work earned her numerous local and international awards."

"Her legacy of hard work, patriotism and dedication to the marginalised remains an inspiration," the president said in a statement, calling for unity to continue the fight against early pregnancies and marriages in Malawi.

Meanwhile, Richard Delate, the UN Population Fund's Malawi Representative, lauded Kachindamoto as "a trailblazer, a visionary and a fearless advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls."

"Her tireless efforts resulted in the annulment of thousands of child marriages and the reintegration of girls into school, transforming countless lives," the UN official said in a statement. "Her courage, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership inspired change not only in Malawi but across the world."

Kachindamoto received global awards for her campaign against child marriages and harmful cultural practices, including the 2017 Leadership in Public Life Award at the 16th Annual Vital Voices Global Partnership Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. and the 2024 African Genius Award. 
QUITO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed in a shooting that occurred in the northwestern Ecuadorian province of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas on Sunday morning, said local media.

Several gunmen in black arrived at a billiard hall early Sunday in Santo Domingo, capital of the province, and opened fire on people present, according to a media report.

Local police cordoned off the crime scene after the incident. An initial investigation showed the deceased included a retired police officer and a suspected criminal gang leader nicknamed "Rasta."

Located between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific coast and in the intersection of multiple drug trafficking routes, the province has seen frequent violent cases caused by gang conflicts. 
Railway workers from China and Kenya stand in front of locomotives and form the number "3000" to mark 3,000 days of safe operation of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway at the locomotive operation and maintenance yard of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday. Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

NAIROBI, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line.

Stretching 472 km from the port city of Mombasa to the capital Nairobi, the SGR is the first new railway built in Kenya since independence and a flagship project of China-Kenya cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Designed, built, and operated by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the line was constructed to Chinese standards using Chinese technologies, equipment, and management models. It has improved Kenya's transport efficiency and lifted the country's gross domestic product by 1.5 percent, Afristar said.

During its construction and operation, the project has created some 74,000 jobs and trained 2,800 Kenyan specialists in standard-gauge railway technology, contributing to local employment and skills development, the company said.

"The safe operation of the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR has not only provided a convenient and efficient travel method for Kenyan people, but also greatly promoted local trade development and economic growth," Afristar said. 

Workers check a locomotive at the locomotive maintenance workshop of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

Chinese engineers Zhang Wenqi (R) and Guo Xupeng (C) guide Kenyan worker David Kinoti to repair equipment at the locomotive maintenance workshop of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

Chinese engineer Chen Jun (rear) guides Kenyan locomotive inspector Dirksen at the locomotive operation and maintenance yard of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

Chinese engineer Tang Zhijian (R) and Kenyan worker Clement check the locomotive wheels to be assembled at the locomotive maintenance workshop of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

Kenyan workers Peter Langat (R) and Charles Onguti work at the locomotive maintenance workshop of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

An aerial drone photo shows locomotives serving on Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway at the locomotive operation and maintenance yard of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

A Chinese railway engineer walks in front of locomotives outside the locomotive maintenance workshop of Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya has recorded 3,000 days of safe operation as of Saturday, Africa Star Railway Operation Company Limited (Afristar) said in a press release on Sunday.

Since its launch on May 31, 2017, the railway has transported nearly 15.93 million passengers and more than 41.96 million tons of cargo, according to Afristar, which runs and maintains the line. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)